LDSPMA

Empowering Latter-day Saints to spread light and truth by connecting them at the intersection of faith, creativity, and professional skill

Professional Skills

Why You Don’t Want to Get Your Book Done Quickly

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As a coach, speaker, or business owner, you may have heard that being a bestselling author gives you credibility. After all, having a book helps you:

  • Get more speaking gigs
  • Have another revenue stream to support that platform (from online royalties or selling books at the back of the room after a speaking event)
  • Expand your audience tenfold through a lower-priced product (made available worldwide through online stores and libraries)
  • Increase your opportunities to pitch to media and do interviews on radio, TV, podcasts, etc.
  • Connect with clients and potential business partners by showing your expertise (and don’t forget: you can use your book as a gift!)

Strategies for Fast Book Production

So, how do you get a book out there quickly? There are lots of ways to approach this process.

  • Pick only one small, focused problem and offer the solution for it in fewer than 10,000 words.
  • Compile all of your blogs, PowerPoint presentations, etc., and roughly organize them around a few key ideas.
  • Turn your signature speech into a book.
  • Get together with other like-minded professionals and do a themed compilation book on your individual stories or on how you each solved a problem.

But stop a moment.

What Haven’t You Heard?

While I’m all for helping authors self-publish and build their platforms with quickly produced books, I have learned a thing or two coming from “behind the curtain” of traditional publishing that I think most new authors learn only in hindsight.

Traditional publishers understand the long-term results of good branding.

They won’t take a book that isn’t really compelling in each of these areas:

  • Well organized; each fresh idea builds momentum gracefully and powerfully, convincing the reader of the value and truth of the ideas being proposed (avoiding redundancy, confusing paragraphs, muddy arguments, etc.)
  • Full of emotionally impactful stories that concretely support the ideas the author is developing
  • A strong, unique hook that can get both media and a bookshelf browser’s attention despite all the competition from similar products
  • Good writing—not just mechanically clean writing (with correct grammar, punctuation, spelling, and lack of typos), but prose that captures the stories and ideas with powerful verbs, word economy, precision, and strong voice/compelling style

A publisher wants to make the deepest possible emotional impact on the broadest possible audience: impressed, moved, excited readers mean repeat buyers for future books, converted clients for the author (which means a bigger platform for future books), and excellent reviews and interview requests (which drive book sales). Publishers don’t want to rely on one-time marketing strategies to sell a single book in the short term. They are investing in something; they want long-term buying conversion to that author’s brand.

The quality of the book—from its well-edited guts to its cover to the marketing copy on the back (and even the type of paper it’s printed on)—is a publisher’s best chance to convey the brand experience that will convert readers.

Compromise for the Solution

So, yes, you can jump on the bandwagon and quickly slap your book together, have only one or two other people give you their thoughts, and hire a proofreader to find the typos (which is different from the type of editor who deals with the items in the good-branding list above, FYI).

And you can even sell a lot of books at the back of the room and pay for the kind of marketing that will make it a best seller in some Amazon category. But what’s after that? If someone attends your speech and then buys your signature-speech book, what increased value did you give them? Will they be that interested in the next thing you produce, or will they write you off as a one-hit wonder?

If you want to use your book to grow your business long-term, the smoothest path to success is to have a clear, firm, and impressive book-branding experience in place from the get-go. It will give them more value, more interest in you, and more loyalty as converted clients (and it will be more convincing to any business partners you’re courting). With a higher-quality book, you’ll truly convey the expertise you have.

Do Now

It’s never too late to up-level your branding. If you’ve already published a quick book, don’t sweat it. Let it continue to produce what results it can while you consider if you could take it to the next level. If you’re thinking maybe you should redo the cover or the marketing copy, find a professional in the book industry to help you. Find a good developmental editor (and a deep-line editor) to give you that professional edge. That’s the beauty of self-publishing, after all—you control everything.

If you’re still developing your book, how do you incorporate the lessons of traditional publishing into your plan for quickly producing your book?

  • Get your content together quickly and, by all means, team up with the marketing power of other professionals if that makes sense for you; but in traditional publishing (where quality equals long-term success), that’s called a draft. It’s not what you go to press with.
  • Get lots of feedback—not from close friends, your mom, or a single mentor. Use whatever networks you have (including social media and/or the audience for any online courses you’ve created) to refine your ideas by beta testing them to see what gets engagement and interest. (You’ll want to find readers who are actually facing the problem for which you’re providing a solution.)
  • Hire a professional developmental editor—don’t just get a copyedit or proofread; these latter services are both types of professional editing, but they are final steps. A developmental editor is trained in developing ideas, making sure your book is well organized, and in helping the audience connect with your voice—in short, his/her job is to make sure the market you want to speak to is going to understand your message and be moved by it. If you’re writing a memoir (or a narrative-driven inspirational/how-to), find out if your nonfiction editor also has extensive training in story structure, thematic through-lines, character development, and so on.
  • When you go to self-publish, hire individuals or teams that have experience in the traditional publishing industry so you can apply that experience to producing a quality book—one that will look as good as what the traditional industry produces. For instance, you want a team who knows what makes a good cover and why. Is the marketing copy actually marketable (has a good hook, covers reader pain points and desires, is well-worded), or is it just a general summary of your content? Does the vendor insist your cover, tagline, and image tell a cohesive genre story and hook your ideal target market? (Most won’t.)

Sound Like This May Take a While? 

Actually, we’re talking about adding just a couple of months to your timeline if you bring in professionals to help. In the grand scheme of things, adding two to three months to your release date isn’t much of a bump in the publish-quickly road. (If you have a pressing deadline that’s non-negotiable, just get what you have out and then up-level as soon as you can after that; you want the best version of your book available for bigger audiences as your business grows.)

If speed is your priority, or you’re really starved for time, you can even give your content to a ghostwriter who can spin gold from it, capture your voice, and have it all done within a couple of months.

Spun gold—that’s the kind of book that’ll have your readers coming back for more. That’s the kind of book a traditional publisher may consider picking up after you’ve made a self-pubbed success of it. That’s the kind of book that can be your legacy.

In short? Get it done fast, but get it done right.

This article was written by Angela Eschler and was republished in this condensed form with permission from Eschler Editing. To read the full version, click here.

Time Management Skills: Creating a Life of Order

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With the new year just underway, many creatives may be thinking of how they can improve in 2025. For some, that resolution may be to manage their time better.

As a self-employed content creator, I know firsthand how hard time management can be. Time is a limited resource, and it can be easy to feel overwhelmed by the number of tasks and to-dos. But time management doesn’t have to be a mighty dragon to fear.

Here are some lessons I’ve learned on my time-management journey that can help you on your quest.

Put God First

God is in the details. He will help us know where to focus our efforts if we put Him first. This definitely isn’t easy, as distractions run rampant, but if you make time for God, He’ll help you accomplish what matters most.

I grab my scriptures first thing in the morning instead of my phone. I may not always have time for in-depth scripture study, but I try to read at least a chapter if I can, a verse at the bare minimum. I have friends who read a chapter of the Book of Mormon before they do any work. Others kneel in their offices and say a prayer. However you decide to do it, spending time with Him helps make the rest of the day easier.

As President Benson said, “Men and women who turn their lives over to God will discover that He can make a lot more out of their lives than they can. He can deepen their joys, expand their vision, quicken their minds, strengthen their muscles, lift their spirits, multiply their blessings, increase their opportunities, comfort their souls, . . . and pour out peace” (Ensign December 1988, 4)

Putting God first will ultimately help you face your day with confidence and assurance that He is with you.

Prioritize

Once you’ve sat down with the Lord, it’s time to look at your to-do list. What is the most urgent thing that needs to get done today? Is it to send one specific email? Plan a meeting? Work on that editing, writing, or creative project that’s due soon?

Brian Tracy coined the phrase “eat the frog” as a cure for procrastination. “Eat the frog” means that the thing you’re most dreading is the thing you should do first. That frog might be a sticky email you don’t want to write, a massive project that’s taking too long, or a phone call you keep putting off. These frogs might be things that take more energy, brain power, or negotiation skills, which makes them daunting. But when you eat them first, you’ll get a boost of dopamine from accomplishing a hard task that will see you through the rest of your day. Your plate will be lighter once the frog is gone.

As part of prioritizing, it is also important to identify tasks that are not urgent. Things come up—they always do. It might be a last-minute doctor’s visit, a chat with a friend, or a child needing cuddles. You’ll find that your lower priorities will get shuffled around from day to day. Every day has different needs. Eat the frog first so that if the less-urgent things need to get dropped, they can.

Do Things When You’re Motivated

Some days, you may not feel like getting out of bed, much less working. Other days, you may have mental or physical health challenges that make work appear as demanding as climbing Mt. Everest. I’ve had days when I’ve stared at my pile of to-dos and felt completely unmotivated to do any work due to the weather, my health, or my emotional state. It’s okay to take occasional break days for your mental or physical health.

But when the motivation comes fast and thick, that’s the time to work. When I’m motivated, I get more done than just the frog—I clear my inbox, send emails that I’ve been neglecting, and get more chapters written or edited. These days make up for the break days when I need to reset.

Sometimes all you have to do to get motivated is start with one small task, such as scheduling a Facebook post or drafting an email. Whatever that small task might be, if you set a timer for ten minutes and just start, you’ll often find that more motivation will come.

Use What Works for You

There are a bazillion apps, tools, and tricks that can help you manage your time. The number of available options can be intimidating. But all you need to do is find what works for you. Maybe try an online website like Asana or Zoho to help you organize your tasks. Maybe use pen-and-paper planners. Or maybe experiment with a combination of both online and offline tools.

I’ve fallen in love with sticky notes and paper planners. There’s something oddly satisfying about checking things off. While the piles of sticky notes on my desk seem excessive some days, for me, sticky notes are easy to organize. I simply keep what is necessary in a specific place, and I discard what isn’t necessary at the end of the day.

Consistency is key; you’ll use what you like, so find what works for you.

Find Accountability Partners

Another helpful resource is accountability partners. Video-calling a friend while you work can actually be tremendously motivating.

Last fall, I was struggling revising one of my books. Between my jobs and other life concerns, revising just wasn’t happening. It spiraled to the point where I wasn’t sure I’d ever finish the book. A friend suggested finding an accountability partner, so I reached out to several friends and scheduled hour-long sessions to write together. To my surprise, weekly writing sessions helped me stay motivated, and I finished up my revisions. I still meet with several of them every week to work on projects because having someone right there on a video call makes it a lot harder to procrastinate!

LDSPMA is a great way to find friends to encourage you in your pursuits. If you want to find an accountability partner, our social media is a great place to start.

Give Yourself Grace

Time management is tricky, especially when you oversee your own schedule. Trust me, I’ve been there. Procrastination is very real, and it can be difficult to overcome. Sometimes we’re going to fall short. And that’s okay.

The trick is to keep trying. And rely on the Lord when you fall short. Repentance simply means change, which includes changing our habits. None of us are perfect; we’re all trying to be a little better each day.

As you work on taming the time management dragon, remember that you can do anything you set your mind to. You may struggle from time to time, but that’s okay. Don’t give up. Time management, like anything, is a skill. And it can be mastered—one day at a time.

Headshot of KaTrina Jackson

KaTrina Jackson

KaTrina Jackson loves penguins, cross-stitching, chocolate, and piano music, and spends much of each day trying to fit those loves in around her jobs as a freelance editor and as a project manager for Eschler Editing. She graduated with a degree in editing and publishing from Brigham Young University because she couldn’t get enough stories in her life. She’s also a member of three different writing groups, attends and teaches at multiple writing conferences yearly, volunteers with LDSPMA and has since 2021, and is currently working on publishing her first novel. When she’s not writing, editing, or reading, she can be found practicing yoga, teaching piano lessons or performing with her husband, or watching Disney movies while working on a cross-stitch project. She and her husband live in Olathe, Kansas.


    Building a Skincare Business from Scratch

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    Lauren Tyson, founder of Salt City Soapworks, became seriously ill after the birth of her fourth child ten years ago. When doctors couldn’t find answers to help her, she dove into research on how food and mindset influence overall health. She began changing her eating habits and shopping choices and understanding the importance of using skincare products with all-natural ingredients. Over the next two years, Lauren steadily improved and regained good health. Lauren notes, “Our skin is the largest organ in our body, and it absorbs whatever we apply to it.”

    Lauren’s background in geology and passion for health led her to make her own line of skincare products. She uses a local natural resource—unrefined salt from Redmond, Utah, which is known for its high mineral content and detoxifying properties. “The salt was deposited around the time of the dinosaurs, which is really cool, and it contains over 60 essential minerals,” she says. Combining the salt with coconut oil created the foundation for her exfoliating, skin-nourishing salt soap recipes. This blend became the cornerstone of Salt City Soapworks, a family-run business rooted in community and environmental values.

    Here are some key lessons Lauren has learned for anyone looking to start a soap and skincare business.

    1. Allow Time for Research and Development

    Soapmaking is a scientific process, and Lauren emphasizes the importance of getting the chemistry right. “It took almost two years to perfect my recipes,” she says. Adding salt alters the chemical composition, making the process more complex. “The salt makes the soap brittle, making cutting or removing it from molds difficult. Even a slight mistake with timing or temperature can ruin the batch.”

    Lauren is meticulous about every step in the process. She measures everything down to the gram and keeps notes on what works and what doesn’t. “Scent development was a whole other challenge,” she admits. “I spent a lot of time experimenting to find natural and pleasing scents that appeal to many customers.”

    She stresses the importance of patience and research. “You really need time to perfect your recipes and make sure they’re exactly what you want because your passion, or lack thereof, comes through when you sell your products.”

    Lauren Tyson removing new soap from molds.

    2. Perfect Your Craft

    Lauren uses the cold-process method for soap making, which requires precise attention to detail, particularly regarding temperature control. “The first step is to mix lye with water. The mixture heats up naturally, so you have to wait for it to cool to the correct temperature,” she explains. In the meantime, she melts her oils and allows them to cool to the same temperature as the lye solution.

    Once they reach the perfect temperature, Lauren mixes the lye and oils with an immersion blender. This process starts the chemical reaction of saponification: turning the oils and lye into soap. “If the mixture is too hot, it will burn off the essential oils, which will ruin the batch,” Lauren says.

    After blending, the soap is poured into molds and allowed to set. “When the soap is firm but not too hard, I cut and stamp each bar.” Technically, the soap can be used after 24 hours, but Lauren lets the mixture cure for at least three weeks for a harder, longer-lasting bar. “It’s all about timing,” she says.

    The process is more straightforward for lotion bars and lip balms but still requires precision. “It’s a bit of a mad dash to get everything into molds before it sets,” Lauren explains. “You’ve got to work quickly to get the consistency just right.”

    3. Focus on Quality and Transparency

    Lauren is committed to using only simple, eco-friendly ingredients that are safe to wash down the drain. “I won’t use anything I can’t verify as real and natural,” she says. She colors her soaps with natural ingredients like kaolin clay, charcoal, and oxides.

    Her dedication to sourcing high-quality ingredients stems from an incident she experienced before starting her business when she ordered what was supposedly 100% organic beeswax from an online supplier. “I opened the box and was hit with a whoosh of petroleum odor. The beeswax was the same color as processed cheese,” she recalls. As a beekeeper, she immediately recognized that the product wasn’t authentic and wondered how many others would have been fooled by the imitation beeswax.

    “I went online to return it and asked about their quality control procedures for sellers. That’s when I realized there were no checks and balances,” she adds. This eye-opening realization strengthened her commitment to sourcing ingredients she can personally verify and trust. “I also make sure to source my beeswax from local suppliers.”

    She is also mindful of packaging materials. “Packaging is part of the ingredients,” she points out. “I try to minimize waste by stamping labels directly on the soap and using tin and glass containers that can be reused.” She wants to assure her customers that the ingredients in Salt City Soapworks are beneficial for their skin and safe for the environment.

    4. Launch Your Products by Starting Small

    Lauren’s marketing approach has always been organic and cost-effective. “The best thing about starting small is that you get to learn cheap and learn fast,” she explains. “It’s a low-risk way to figure out what works and what doesn’t.”

    She built Salt City Soapworks by relying on word-of-mouth, repeat customers, craft fairs, and Christmas markets. She runs her website on Shopify and engages with customers through social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. “I try to use social media to share what we’re doing, why we do it, and how our products are different.” Lauren also stays away from high-fee platforms like Etsy. “The fees eat into your margins. I’d rather keep the prices affordable for customers without compromising on quality.”

    5. Keep Learning and Adapting

    Lauren’s scientific education laid a foundation for developing her products, but she continually seeks to broaden her knowledge. She’s currently enrolled in the Master of Business Creation program at the University of Utah. “I want to learn as much as I can,” she says. “Understanding how to structure my business is just as important as the products themselves.”

    She also gathers valuable insights into her product line by engaging with her customers to learn what they love and want from her products. This feedback serves as inspiration for new ideas. She shares, “Recently, a friend mentioned how much she enjoys using our salt scrubs on her face. It got me thinking about creating an unscented charcoal salt scrub specifically for the face. I haven’t had a chance to make it yet, but I’m excited to see if it might help with acne.” Another time, a customer requested an exfoliating soap. Lauren added finely ground pumice stone and coffee grounds to her soap to create a gentle, non-abrasive exfoliant that is safe for sensitive skin. Engaging with her customers helps her refine her offerings to fit their needs.

    6. Stay True to Your Business Goals and Values

    Lauren’s values form the foundation of her business’s success. “It would be easy to churn out higher profits by using cheaper ingredients, but I’m not even tempted. That’s just not who I am,” she says. Her passion for Salt City Soapworks motivates her to stay stubbornly focused on her vision, while her commitment to remaining true to her values fosters creativity.

    She emphasizes that people should be curious about the things they put on their skin. While Lauren’s customers have come to trust her advice and judgment, she states, “I would like to take it a step further by providing documentation so they don’t have to rely on my word. I also want to educate them about the benefits of our products and raise awareness about the dangers of preservatives and chemicals used as stabilizers in commercial skincare.”

    She says the best part of her work is hearing from satisfied customers. “There’s nothing better than someone telling me they love a product I’ve made and that they appreciate the time and care that went into it.” Through persistence, research, and staying true to her values, Lauren transformed her health and created a business that helps others.

    Headshot of Kami Pehrson.

    Kami Pehrson

    Kami Pehrson lives with her husband and five teenage children in Stansbury Park, Utah. She recently finished her master’s degree in English and creative writing and has written three novels—but is still trying to figure out what to do with them. She loves editing, reading, and playing word games on her phone. She also enjoys listening to audiobooks while half-heartedly doing Pilates in the living room.

      How to Find Your Golden Idea

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      One of my favorite quotes comes from business magnate Richard Branson: “The best businesses are built by solving a real problem that people have.” A great place to start is to ponder on this statement and let it brew in your creative mind until you’ve formed a list of problems. Then you can brainstorm potential solutions. Some solutions may ease the problem while others temporarily numb it. The idea that comes closest to completely and permanently fixing the problem is the golden foundation on which to build your business.

      I had a problem effectively keeping a journal while serving an LDS mission in the Philippines. I was having great experiences, but on some days I couldn’t find the motivation, time, or even willingness to record them in my journal. It felt like a very mundane task, so I found ways to make it more fun. I decided to break up my records into several different journals. In one I would record memories about my companions so I wouldn’t forget the small details that made them unique. In another journal, I would dedicate a few pages to each transfer, highlighting the best moments from that area. A tradition on my mission was to give notes and pictures to other missionaries when they went home. I had nowhere to store all these wonderful and creative cards, so I kept a third journal where I would glue or staple them onto the pages. Though it was a lot to store, I soon found joy in journaling. It even became something I looked forward to every day. Fast forward a few years after my mission and I had my idea: to create a journal for missionaries that would allow them to do everything I did all in a single journal.

      Identify Your (Small and Specific) Audience

      Now that you have a potential solution to a problem, you have a business idea. It’s time to figure out who this idea best serves. It may be tempting to assume that the bigger your market, the better, but there’s actually power in starting with a smaller and more specific audience. According to We Can Track, conversion rates for niche e-commerce sites are 29% higher than broad markets, and niche websites experience 53% more user engagement than general topic sites. The more specific your audience, the easier it will be to speak to them and learn from them.

      I asked, Is there real demand for my business/product idea? Before going all in, it’s important to know what the demand level looks like. I wanted to know if other returned missionaries struggled with journaling while they were in the field. How many of them even purchased a journal for their mission? How satisfied were they with their journal? What would make my audience more satisfied?

      Once Identified, Master Your Audience

      You can never know too much about your audience. The better you understand them, the better you’ll be able to serve them. Here are some strategies:

      • Create surveys. Post these surveys on social media groups and send them to friends and anyone else in your small and specific audience. Be prepared to provide an incentive for them to take these surveys. My first survey got me thirty responses. With my second survey, I offered two $10 gift cards to two random participants, and the $20 investment got me over 250 responses. The incentive drove people who took the survey to ask their friends and family to take it as well. Be sure to include questions to verify how well each respondent fits into your audience. I knew to value the answers of respondents who served missions and purchased a journal more than those who didn’t serve missions or didn’t prioritize purchasing a journal, and I couldn’t have distinguished that if I hadn’t asked.
      • Make a focus group. Once I had a sample of my product, I wanted to see my audience’s reaction. The feedback was brutal, but I knew as long as I was growing in knowledge of who my audience was and what they wanted, I was winning. This data taught me to take myself out of the equation and focus on what my audience cared about. The two focus groups I used provided me with the additional information I needed to make a more refined version of my product that my audience overwhelmingly approved. A business or product idea often begins with what you want it to be, but it should then progress and develop into what your audience wants it to be.

      Once Mastered, Build Your Audience

      You don’t have to wait for your business to be off the ground before building an audience. If your business is a landscaping service, try starting a social media page with beautiful before-and-after landscaping photos. If your business is selling a product to an LDS audience, try starting a blog centered on topics that the audience may find engaging. This way, come launch time, you’ve already built a community that you can continue to nurture—hopefully for years to come!

      Build Your Idea and Find a Supplier

      Using the data learned from your audience, begin the building process. I used tools to design journal pages and components such as Adobe, Canva, and other sites to find template inspirations.

      Do your due diligence in finding a good manufacturer. A popular platform that I prefer to use is Alibaba. After speaking with over fifty manufacturers on the app, here are some things I’d recommend you prioritize:

      • Experience. Find their profile or website and ensure they have years of experience working with sellers.
      • Verification. Find suppliers who are verified by third-party companies. This reduces the risk of anything going wrong.
      • Reviews. Find out how others who worked with the supplier felt about the service.

      Many suppliers offer good deals if you order in large quantities. I recommend starting small and then building out. I began with a modest order of 100 copies. This allowed me to test the waters and see if the demand level was accurate without being left with too many extra copies and a nonexistent audience. Once the data in our sales numbers verified the demand level, I ordered a greater quantity.

      Misconceptions That Keep You Stagnant

      • You don’t need a huge team to start. You will need to wear a couple of different hats, but it only takes one person to turn an idea into a business. With the help of services like Fiverr, it’s even easier to start without a big team.
      • You don’t need a lot of money to start. My wife and I used funds from donating plasma to start our small business, and because we started with a smaller supply quantity, it didn’t take much capital to launch.
      • You don’t have to succeed in order to win. The fear of failing or making a stupid mistake is what has previously kept me from giving any business venture a try. But I hope this quote by Henry Ford helps any reader as much as it helped me. It reads, “The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing.” Your first business idea may not be the one that brings the most revenue, but as long as you are learning something, you are winning.
      Headshot of Junior Germain.

      Junior Germain

      In addition to operating a small business with his wife, Junior works as the head of the marketing and sales department at a real estate marketing agency based in Utah. He graduated from BYU-Idaho with degrees in Marketing and Communications, and welcomed his first child a few months ago.

        A Step-by-Step Guide to Starting Your Online Business

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        Megan LaFrance’s journey into entrepreneurship started during the COVID-19 pandemic when she was home with her three young sons and facing a never-ending cycle of messes. She found that the towels she was using were ineffective at absorbing spills and cleaning sticky surfaces. On top of that, their boring, one-sided designs left much to be desired. These insights sparked the idea for Bloom Towels, a line of efficient microfiber dishcloths with vibrant patterns printed on both sides. Through research, hard work, and determination, Megan has grown her passion into a thriving business that supports her family and employs other moms of young children.

        Bloom Towels owner Megan LaFrance

        Here are the steps Megan recommends to start your own online business.

        Step 1: Choose Your Product

        To start, Megan had to think of a problem that needed to be solved. She first tried selling tiered trays and wall decals, but she wasn’t passionate about the products. Dish towels proved to be a perfect fit, as they are lightweight, easy to ship, always in demand, and they solve an everyday need.

        Step 2: Research Suppliers and Order Samples

        After brainstorming an idea, Megan had to source her supplies. She ordered towel samples from various suppliers and tested them at home to compare quality and functionality. She prefers to buy through Alibaba— a business-to-consumer (B2C) platform that keeps prices low by requiring a Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ). The MOQ is usually higher for custom designs and lower for items they already have in stock.

        Step 3: Design and Brand Your Product

        Megan, along with her mom and sister, comprise the design team that shapes the aesthetic of Bloom Towels. They brainstorm pattern ideas based on seasonal themes and customer feedback, drawing inspiration from places like Pinterest and other image sites. Together, they develop cohesive design themes like bright pinks for Valentine’s Day or neutral tones for autumn, creating three to five trendy towel designs for each launch.

        Step 4: Start Small and Test the Market

        Megan recommends starting small when launching an online business. Instead of committing to a large inventory, focus on a limited selection of products. Test the market and assess customer interest without overextending your finances. Selling out of your products can benefit your business, as “out-of-stock” products create a sense of urgency and exclusivity among your customers. As demand for your product grows, you can gradually increase your orders. If the product you are trying to sell isn’t successful, you can pivot to something else. However, Megan cautions against switching products too often. “I’ve seen many businesses jump from one product to another, leading them deeper into debt without becoming successful,” she says. “Make sure to sell your initial batch of products before moving on to the next.”

        Step 5: Build Your Online Presence

        Megan uses Instagram and her website as her primary marketing channels. She has also expanded to Facebook and TikTok, but she advises focusing mainly on one platform to avoid spreading yourself too thin. She says, “Put up a lot of videos and pictures on whatever social media platform you’re using because when you reach out to influencers, that’s the first place they go. If you have no images or videos to show them, they won’t want to represent your brand because they can’t see what you’re selling.” She sends samples of her towels to a professional photographer who takes “flat lay” photos for the product catalog. Her sister oversees content on her social media sites, including stop-motion animation, lifestyle videos, and slow-motion clips of people using the towels.

        Step 6: Use Influencer Marketing to Grow Your Audience

        Influencer marketing played a significant role in growing Bloom Towels. Megan markets to influencers in the cleaning and home organization niches who resonate with her target audience. She uses an outreach strategy to get influencers to notice her messages by commenting on their posts before sending direct messages to ensure her message goes to their main inboxes. She explains, “I’ll leave a message that says, ‘Hey! We have these cute towels, and we’d love for you to try some. Let us know if you’d like more details.’” She then offers influencers affiliate marketing opportunities, allowing them to earn a commission from sales generated through their posts.

        Step 7: Create a Reliable System for Affiliate Marketing

        Affiliate marketing systems help business owners facilitate partnerships with influencers who promote their products. Megan uses UpPromote to streamline her affiliate program and organize her sales data. The software tracks sales, assigns discount codes, and calculates commissions. She says, “When an influencer signs up to be an affiliate, the software will assign them a coupon code that gives their followers a 15% off discount. The system will track sales for us so when we pay our influencers, we know exactly how much we owe them.”

        Megan likes to reach out to influencers a couple of weeks before her launch days to get them on board. Influencers will share sneak peeks of the product leading up to the big launch party when the towels become available, including their unique affiliate link.

        Step 8: Engage with Your Customers

        Megan listens to customer requests and suggestions to guide her designs. She uses her email list and social media to engage with customers, build customer loyalty, and decide on new products and themes.

        Step 9: Invest in Coaching and a Support Network

        Megan credits much of her success to using a business coach and following their process. She explains, “I used the program ‘0 to 100K’ from Alison Prince. She was also a mom who started a business selling online and then taught others how to do it too.”

        As her business grew, Megan sought out different coaches who specialized in areas she wanted to improve, such as wholesaling to retail stores. Networking with other business owners also provided her with valuable advice and support that helped her when her business reached a plateau in sales. She shares, “When I started my business, it helped to have a group of other business owners I could talk to all the time who were on the same level as me because we could grow together.”

        Step 10: Adapt and Evolve Your Strategy

        Over time, Megan expanded her product line, tried out new opportunities, and fine-tuned her influencer marketing strategy. She also started selling her towels on Faire, a wholesale platform where retailers can buy products to sell in their stores. By earning a “Top Shop” ranking, Bloom Towels got a huge boost in visibility. Then a team of sales reps reached out, wanting to represent her products. Today, customers can find Bloom Towels in 180 brick-and-mortar stores.

        Step 11: Celebrate Your Progress

        Megan enjoys running a business that allows her to support her family financially, explore her creative side, and give other moms the opportunity to earn extra income. She says, “Starting out slow has been a gift. It took me five years to get to where I am now, and I’m growing steadily and doing well, which is exactly what I want. I don’t want it to be overwhelming for anyone. Don’t measure your success against others—just focus on yourself. If your business is growing even just a little bit each month, you’re doing great.”

        Headshot of Kami Pehrson.

        Kami Pehrson

        Kami Pehrson lives with her husband and five teenage children in Stansbury Park, Utah. She recently finished her master’s degree in English and creative writing and has written three novels—but is still trying to figure out what to do with them. She loves editing, reading, and playing word games on her phone. She also enjoys listening to audiobooks while half-heartedly doing Pilates in the living room.

          Common Publishing Terms to Know

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          If you’re jumping into the publishing world—welcome! We’re happy you’re here. We love new people, voices, and stories. As you’ve looked into writing groups, editing stages, publishers, and more, you’ve likely come across the many terms associated with the publishing industry. As with any trade, there is a plethora of jargon. 

          But there’s no need to be overwhelmed or confused as you step into your writing journey. We’ve got you covered. This publishing tip will introduce you to some of the main terms used in writing, editing, design, and publishing.

          Acquisition. When a publisher “acquires” a manuscript and sends a contract to the writer for publication.

          Advance Reader Copy (ARC). A copy of a book that is given to a select amount of readers before it is officially published. This allows readers to read the book before publication so that they can positively review the book as soon as it is published.

          Alpha Reader. A reader who looks over the first, unpolished draft of a manuscript to give feedback.

          Backlist. Books that are not newly published but are still in print.

          Back Matter. The material in the back of a book, including afterwords, addendums, appendices, author biographies, epilogues, glossaries, and indices.

          Beta Reader. A reader who gives feedback on a manuscript after it has gone through several drafts. Beta readers can be volunteer or paid and should be regular readers of the book’s genre.

          Bibliography. Section in the back of a book that cites all sources that were consulted in the book’s research. Bibliographies are commonly found in genres such as nonfiction, reference books, and historical fiction.

          Blurb. A brief description of a book that entices readers to read it. The blurb is commonly found on the back of a cover, inside a book jacket, and as the book description in an online store. Also known as cover blurb.

          Character Arc. How a character develops from their original state at the beginning of the book to their new state at the end of the book based on the events that transpire throughout the storyline.

          Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS). A style guide used in publishing that sets grammar, punctuation, and similar guidelines for publication. It is most commonly used in print publications, fiction books, and nonfiction books.

          Climax. The part of a story that has the highest tension, emotion, and action and is a major turning point for the main character.

          Comps. Published works that are similar to a writer’s own work. Comps are usually referred to when a writer is pitching their work or writing a proposal to an agent or publisher.

          Copyediting. A type of editing that corrects errors in capitalization, grammar, punctuation, spelling, and usage. This stage of editing generally comes right before the book is put into printer-ready format.

          Copyright. The right to publish, sell, and revise a work, be it written or artistic. This right generally belongs to the creator of the work automatically unless otherwise stated by the creator or sold by contract.

          Cover Blurb. A brief description found on the cover of a book that entices readers to read the book. Also known as blurb.

          Developmental Editing. A type of editing that evaluates overarching story elements, such as themes, organization, character arcs, and pacing for the manuscript as a whole. This stage of editing would be done before any other stage. Also known as substantive editing.

          Editorial Letter. A letter that most often accompanies a developmental edit and can accompany other levels of editing. This letter is written by the editor and includes actionable steps and advice for revision of a draft.

          Elevator Pitch. A short promotional description of a book that aims to sell the book as fast as possible. An elevator pitch is typically no more than 100 words and delivered vocally to agents, publishers, or potential readers.

          Endnote. A source reference or author note that is listed at the end of a book or the end of a chapter. It is marked by a superscript in the main body of text.

          Epilogue. A section at the end of a book that is found directly after the main chapter content. It can act as a conclusion for the book or give commentary on what happened in the story.

          Flash Fiction. A short fictional publication generally no more than 1,500 words. It may be a few paragraphs or even a few words long.

          Footnote. A source reference or author comment that is listed at the bottom of a printed page and marked by a superscript in the main body of text.

          Foreword. Section at the beginning of a book that briefly describes how the book came into being and why readers should read the book. Forewords are typically written by someone other than the book’s author.

          Front Matter. The material at the front of the book, including title pages, forwards, prefaces, copyrights, dedications, lists of publications by the same author, and tables of contents.

          Galley. A typeset document that authors, editors, and publishers review before the final publication. Also known as a proof.

          Hook. A sentence or paragraph that catches the reader’s attention and entices them to keep reading. Hooks can be found at the beginning of a book or chapter and even on cover material.

          Hybrid Publishing. A new publishing model that combines aspects of traditional publishing and self-publishing. There are many variations of hybrid publishers that allow for more author involvement, but it is important for authors to research any hybrid publisher in order to avoid illegitimate publishing deals.

          Imprint. The trade name a larger publisher uses to distinguish and publish a specific type and collection of books.

          International Standard Book Number (ISBN). A number used to identify a specific book. This number is needed in order to sell a book.

          Lead Time. The time between when an editor receives a book and when it is officially published.

          Line Editing. A type of editing that amends discrepancies in tone, style, plot, and characterization at the paragraph and sentence levels. This stage of editing happens after a developmental edit and before a copyedit.

          The Modern Language Association Style Manual and Guide to Scholarly Publishing (MLA). A style guide used in publishing that sets grammar, punctuation, and similar guidelines for publication. It is most commonly used in the humanities, liberal arts, and literary criticism.

          Narrative Nonfiction. A genre of books in which actual events and facts are structured and presented in a storytelling style.

          Pacing. How quickly or slowly key events in a story develop.

          Pitch. A very brief written or verbal presentation of a book that authors use to entice agents, editors, or publishers to accept their book for representation or publication. This pitch may also be found in a query letter.

          Printer. Not to be confused with a publisher, a printer is a company that prints the physical copy of a book.

          Print on Demand (POD). A printing process that prints single physical copies of a book only after they are ordered by a customer, instead of printing a large amount of books at once to sell at a later time.

          Prologue. A section at the beginning of a book that is sometimes found directly before the main storyline. It acts as an opening for the book or gives relevant information needed to understand what will happen in the story.

          Proofreading. A type of editing that catches the final errors in the typeset format of a book, including making corrections in punctuation and formatting.

          Proposal. A document sent to an agent, an editor, or a publisher to convince them to accept a manuscript for representation or publication. It may include a cover letter, an author’s bio and credentials, a query letter, comparable titles, sample chapters, an outline of the book, and marketing strategies.

          The Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA). A style guide used in publishing that sets grammar, punctuation, and similar guidelines for publication. It is most commonly used in behavioral sciences, healthcare, and social science.

          Publisher. A company that acquires, edits, designs, and markets a book. They also oversee public relations and sales.

          Query Letter. A brief letter, typically one page or approximately 250 words, that is sent to an agent, editor, or publisher to convince them to accept your manuscript for representation or publication. A query letter includes a manuscript’s title, word count, and genre, as well as a hook, quick author bio, and synopsis of the story.

          Revisions. The changes an author makes to a work.

          Slush Pile. Unsolicited manuscripts received by an agent, editor, or publisher. These manuscripts may not be top priority and may not be read in a timely manner.

          Story Arc. The chronological structure of a plot, including a beginning, a middle, and an ending.

          Synopsis. A brief summary of a manuscript.

          Title Page. A page near the front of the book that includes the title, subtitle, edition, author name, publisher, and, when necessary, the imprint.

          Trope. A common theme or element found in a specific genre.

          Typesetting. Formatting a manuscript from a Word document, Google Doc, or similar format to an industry-standard e-book or PDF. 

          Unique Selling Proposition (USP). What makes a book stand out in the marketplace.

          Work in Progress (WIP). A manuscript that a writer is currently working on.

          You’re sure to find many more terms and acronyms in the publishing world, but this list should give you a good starting point to understanding the rich jargon used by agents, editors, designers, publishers, readers, writers, and more.

          We would like to thank Breanna Call and our friends at Ever Editing for allowing us to share segments of this article with you. To read the article in full, click here.

          The Five P’s to Pitching Your Book

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          With LDSPMA coming up this week, many of us are looking forward to the classes, keynotes, and interactive sessions—which include pitching! Pitching is an incredible opportunity to chat with an editor or agent about your work and can frequently lead to opportunities for representation and publishing.

          But pitching can also be incredibly scary and super intimidating. You’re putting yourself out there and sharing what’s in your heart that you’ve been working on for years. So many worries and fears can fill your brain: Will the agent/editor even like it? What if you say something wrong? What if you never find a home for your book? What if the fire alarm goes off in the middle of your pitch and you’ll never get to finish what you started?

          Well, I’m here to reassure you that it’s unlikely the fire alarm will go off, and while it can be scary, pitching is not the end of the world. As someone who has pitched at multiple conferences, I know it can be overwhelming, especially your first time. But there are things you can do to make pitching a positive experience—and increase your chances of landing that dream publisher! So, without further ado, here are the five P’s to pitching.

          1. Prepare

          The first thing to remember is that you need to prepare for your pitch. This awesome article gives you plenty of resources to help you prepare and walks you through how to build your pitch. As part of preparing, you need to give yourself time to focus on your story to distill it into your three-minute pitch. Write everything out (your hook, your synopsis with the stakes, your comparable titles, and your author bio) and then print it. You can just read your pitch at the conference—that’s totally acceptable. Just make sure to print off two copies—one for yourself that you can mark up, and one for the agent/editor to give them if they ask.

          2. Practice

          Once your pitch is written out and ready to go, practice saying it, and practice with a timer to make sure you’re staying within your allotted three minutes. Practice in front of the mirror, practice with your spouse or children, and practice with your dog, too. Go over it as many times as you need to so that you’re comfortable reading it in the time you have. If you need to write yourself reminders in your pitch such as “pause here for effect,” “breathe after this sentence,” or “eye contact here,” do so and then practice those cues. You want it to be well-rehearsed—but not perfect. (Notice that “perfect” is not one of these five P’s!)

          3. Presentation

          The day of your pitch, you want to dress for success. This doesn’t mean you need to be super formal like you’re going to a dance, but you should dress professionally and on-brand for your book. If you’re writing fantasy, maybe dress in something a little more whimsical, like a cute nature dress, or a fun plaid jacket with nice slacks. If you’re writing middle-grade horror, maybe don a leather jacket if that’s part of your brand. If you wear makeup regularly, then do your makeup for your pitch. If you’re someone who never wears makeup, then don’t. You want to feel professional, but you also want to feel like yourself. I’ve worn penguin earrings to pitch my book because they’re on-brand for me and my stories, and they make me feel happy and comfortable. Dress for success, but also dress comfortably to best represent yourself and your book to the agent/editor you’re pitching to.

          4. Pacing

          Because you’ve practiced your pitch, you know how long it’ll take. But here’s a little secret: we all speak way too fast when we’re nervous. Every single time I’ve pitched, I speak too fast because it’s nerve-racking and exciting to put yourself out there. That’s why practicing beforehand is so helpful. You know exactly how long it’ll take you to read your pitch, so give yourself permission to slow down. If you need to write yourself a reminder on your pitch, do that too. Slowing down also helps calm your racing heart, making it easier to say the words. And don’t worry—agents/editors are humans too, and they totally get being nervous. Many of them teach classes for their job, which can put them out of their comfort zone too.

          5. Patience

          I know, patience can stink. But here’s the thing: not every agent/editor you pitch to is going to be the best fit for you or your manuscript. You’re interviewing them just as much as they are interviewing you. If they say no, which happens, don’t give up. If they say yes, but then later reject your manuscript, that’s okay too. Publishing is constantly changing, and while your story may be pristine and polished, it may not be the right publisher or the right time. Don’t be afraid to try again and pitch at a different conference to a different agent/editor.

          That’s it! Remember to follow the five P’s by preparing, practicing, presenting yourself well, pacing yourself as you pitch, and practicing patience with both yourself and the agent/editor you’re presenting to. And remember, at the end of the day, even if they don’t accept your book, you still took a brave step forward into the unknown, and that is praiseworthy.

          Headshot of KaTrina Jackson

          KaTrina Jackson

          KaTrina Jackson loves penguins, cross-stitching, chocolate, and piano music, and spends much of each day trying to fit those loves in around her jobs as a freelance editor and as a project manager for Eschler Editing. She graduated with a degree in editing and publishing from Brigham Young University because she couldn’t get enough stories in her life. She’s also a member of three different writing groups, attends and teaches at multiple writing conferences yearly, volunteers with LDSPMA and has since 2021, and is currently working on publishing her first novel. When she’s not writing, editing, or reading, she can be found practicing yoga, teaching piano lessons or performing with her husband, or watching Disney movies while working on a cross-stitch project. She and her husband live in Olathe, Kansas.

            Top “Quali-tee”: Launching a T-Shirt Design and Printing Business

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            Alexa and Eric Allred are the dynamic duo behind the hip and successful Gem Rose Design Company. As a stay-at-home mother, Alexa found herself with spare time during her children’s preschool hours. She decided to use this opportunity to learn how to make personalized T-shirts for her young family. Meanwhile, her husband, Eric, began refining his art and design skills—a passion he’d developed in college but temporarily stowed away to focus on fatherhood and a demanding career in marketing. With Alexa’s eye for detail and Eric’s artistic skills, they now run a well-oiled machine. However, their journey has not been without challenges. Through years of trial and error, they learned valuable lessons they now share with creators looking to start a T-shirt design business of their own. 

            Alexa and Eric Allred

            Hone Your Digital Design Skills

            Eric transitioned from traditional markers and paper to digital graphics using the Procreate app on an iPad, teaching himself to use the program through online tutorials and YouTubevideos. Procreate uses natural media simulation, like painting with a standard paintbrush, to create pixel-based art. This step-by-step approach helped him make a smooth transition to digital design. 

            For higher-resolution designs, Eric made the switch to vector-based graphics. Vector images can be blown up without losing quality, making them ideal for signage, logos, and T-shirt design. Vector-based art involves manipulating points and curves instead of freehand sketching. He began using a limited vector software called Vectornator (now Linearity), then moved to Adobe Illustrator. To help make the switch from traditional brushstrokes to vector shapes and lines, Eric challenged himself to copy standard designs and logos to create graphics that remain sharp on any scale. 

            Understand which files to use when saving your designs. PNG files are raster files made up of pixels. They maintain high resolution while supporting transparent backgrounds, but enlarging them can stretch and blur the image. JPEG files are also pixel-based. They are often used for images on websites and digital platforms but lack the transparency feature crucial for T-shirt printing. The image will usually print on a white square background. Lastly, SVG files are preferable for T-shirt designs, as their vector-based nature means they can be enlarged without the blocky appearance of pixelated images.

            Choose a Method to Transfer Your Image

            Vinyl: Alexa began by using a Silhouette electronic vinyl cutter to create simple designs. However, cutting and weeding (removing extra material from negative spaces) was time-consuming and impractical when fulfilling large orders.

            Heat Press: heat press transfers use a thin, paint-like medium printed onto transfer paper. The flexible material melds onto the shirt upon application via heat and pressure. However, this method requires bulk orders with a minimum quantity of shirts featuring the same design to keep costs manageable.

            Sublimation: sublimation printing offers an option that doesn’t require a minimum print run. The technique involves transferring ink onto a film that remains wet until pressed onto the shirt, resulting in a vibrant and durable design. This process is limited to 100% polyester fabric, and the T-shirt must be white or light-colored.  

            DTF: Direct-to-film printing allows for more fabric and color options. Ink is printed onto a film material coated with powder and baked, creating a protected layer pressed onto the shirt. Many different designs can be printed on a single gang sheet, a long roll of film priced based on the square inch. Alexa has found this method to be ideal.

            Devise a Marketing Plan

            Alexa first began selling T-shirts at craft fairs, where she prepared thirty designs, including seasonal/holiday themes and year-round options. She brought her heat press, along with a selection of blank shirts of various sizes. Attendees could browse the designs, choose their favorite, and select a shirt color from the available options. She would then press the design onto the shirt. While a good portion of the shirts remained unsold, selling at craft fairs helped her gain visibility in the community. Handing out business cards and engaging with attendees allowed her to spread the word about the business. 

            Additionally, personal connections played a significant role in their marketing efforts. Through word of mouth, particularly from friends, family, and acquaintances, they attracted a steady stream of custom orders. Many of these orders came from people they knew through various aspects of life, such as sports teams, dance studios, or educators. Eventually, their customer base expanded beyond personal connections.

            They now advertise their designs on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook. They use a “drop” marketing technique, offering specific designs for a limited time. For instance, during their “Easter drop,” they provided various Easter/spring-themed designs. To order, customers left a comment under the picture of their preferred shirt and design combination. Customers who purchase a T-shirt during a drop must place their order within the week. This method allows the company to place one big supply order and finish all the T-shirts by a specific date.

            Provide Exceptional Customer Service

            Eric and Alexa work closely with clients to customize designs. This process often involves adjusting colors, sizes, or other elements to match the customer’s vision. For instance, team events frequently require custom logos or artwork to represent their theme. They collaborate with the customer to gather details about their requirements, such as preferred colors, imagery, or quotes, and incorporate the elements into the design. Then they share the design with the customer for feedback, making revisions until they are satisfied. Customers can also choose a premade digital design from online sellers. They most often purchase from Etsy, but several other platforms offer artwork in PNG or SVG files. 

            Always communicate with the customer if there are delays or other issues with their order. Explain the situation without making excuses and present solutions to fix problems quickly. Your customers will appreciate your honesty and professionalism. Be approachable, flexible, and consistent in your services. Establishing trust with customers will encourage repeat orders and boost business prospects. 

            Look for Opportunities to Use Your Talents to Bless Others

            Following the tragic loss of a young boy in their town, Eric and Alexa offered their services to design a few shirts for a fundraiser to raise money for the boy’s family. They initially expected to produce around 200 shirts but ended up creating over 800 and raising over $13,000. The experience reminded them that designing T-shirts is more than a hobby or business venture—it has the power to make a meaningful impact on the community.

            Help others on their journeys. While it may seem counterintuitive to share hard-earned knowledge, they are happy to help when people seek advice and believe there’s room for everyone to be successful. 

            Eric and Alexa find joy in working together and bonding over their projects. They love knowing their designs have made a difference in people’s lives, take pride in seeing them in the wild, and aim to inspire others who want to cultivate their creative gifts.

            Headshot of Kami Pehrson.

            Kami Pehrson

            Kami Pehrson lives with her husband and five teenage children in Stansbury Park, Utah. She recently finished her master’s degree in English and creative writing and has written three novels—but is still trying to figure out what to do with them. She loves editing, reading, and playing word games on her phone. She also enjoys listening to audiobooks while half-heartedly doing Pilates in the living room.