Getting Past the Publishing Gatekeepers is a treasure trove of suggestions for authors on what to do and what not to do with that finished manuscript, and eventually the finished book. ~ Patricia Bradley, author of the Natchez Trace Park Rangers series
I loved it. It is filled with so much good information–for the beginner and those with many books in print. And also encouragement. That alone is worth the read. ~ Linda K. Rodante, author of Warrior
Want to position yourself to break through the barriers you face in the game of publishing? Then, Getting Past the Publishing Gatekeepers is the honest, heart-to-heart you never knew you needed.Chapter 35 by super reader Carrie Schmidt gets right to the core of the matter, so be sure to read that chapter as many times as you need to fuel your writing journey going forward. It’s gold. ~ Melony Teague, co-author of As the Ink Flows, Devotions for Writers & Speakers
Clearly written with a fresh, friendly encouraging manner, Getting Past the Publishing Gatekeepers is an important read for authors to take to heart. ~ Carrie Stuart Parks, award-winning fine artist, internationally known forensic artist, and award-winning author of the Gwen Marcey series
Seasoned and aspiring authors alike will appreciate these direct, simple answers to “who does what?” in the publishing industry. Myths, truths, and practical definitions are offered up in a conversational tone that paves a clear path for next steps, no matter where an author is in the writing/publishing process. A must-have for writers, written by people who know the industry inside out. ~ Susan Miura, author, speaker, editor
If you’re a writer or aspiring writer with questions about the gatekeepers in the industry (agents, publishers, editors, and reviewers), this book is for you. Hope Bolinger and her team have created an excellent resource that showcases the ways, the wishes, and the wisdom of these gatekeepers and what it takes to win them over. Written in an easy-to-understand way, not only is it filled with valuable tips, tidbits, and takeaways, it’s also relatable, honest, and extremely helpful. Even if you’ve been writing for years, I guarantee you’ll learn something new. I did. I wish I could have had access to this book many years ago. ~ Twila Belk, writer, conference speaker, editor
Getting Past the Publishing Gatekeepers offers truly helpful advice on how to find and connect with potential readers in an easy-to-follow format. ~ Beth Carpenter, author of the Northern Lights series
After years of producing a highly-respected blog introducing many authors and books to the public, Carrie Schmidt has written part of an important title I wish I’d owned when I began my author/publication journey. Her chapters in Getting Past the Publishing Gatekeepers discussing, “How Can Authors Find New-To-Them Readers? (and keep them) give vital information I wish I’d known years ago. Delivered in her winsome, conversational style, it’s as if your best marketing friend shares proven keys for success. This is the book we’ve all been waiting for. Thankfully it’s here in time to benefit all of us involved in the writing/authorship industry. ~ Delores Topliff, B.A., M.A., C.Ed.D., author of Wilderness Wife
I’ve known Carrie Schmidt for many years, but I’m amazed how I never stop learning from her. This book was no exception. Her chapters were brimming with practical advice on not only finding new readers, but how authors can authentically engage with them. She also shared behind-the-scenes insight into influencers, bloggers and bookstagrammers. I highly recommend this book for all authors. You’ll walk away with great insight and newfound appreciation for readers who put their hearts behind our books. ~ Dani Pettrey, award-winning author of the Coastal Guardians series
What author hasn’t wondered how to reach readers? Carrie Schmidt speaks to writers – not only the successful and accomplished author, but the introverted and overwhelmed author – giving them tools to engage readers in authentic and personal ways. From tips on participating in a successful blog tour to finding and retaining enthusiastic readers, Carrie gives the author the tools they need to reach those most important of all people – the readers they long to share their stories with. You will be putting this book on your “keeper shelf” and referring to it often! ~ Jan Drexler, award-winning author of The Sign of the Calico Quartz
Authors, you need this! Carrie delivers valuable advice on publishing, marketing, influencers, and the keys to an online presence with wit, wisdom, and a behind-the-scenes-peek into the minds of our most dedicated readers. With practical tips and useful takeaways, each chapter packs a punch. A survival guide no author should miss. ~ Stephenia H. McGee, award-winning author of The Secrets of Emberwild
When you’re a writer who wants to be a published author, the industry can look like an impenetrable fortress:
• You can’t get a publisher without an agent.
• You can’t get an agent without an incredibly strong platform.
• Without a published book, it’s hard to attract and retain enough avid readers/reviewers to your platform.
• You don’t have the money to pay an editor to help you hone your work.
With keen insights from knowledgeable and experienced industry insiders, this book demystifies the “fortress.” Publishing gatekeepers are not your enemies or obstacles in your path; they’re your potential allies in achieving success as an author. To get them on your side, you need to know what makes them tick. This book tells you.~ Chris Bolinger, author, Daily Strength for Men and 52 Weeks of Strength for Men
Carrie Schmidt has turned a lifetime of experience championing authors into priceless tips for finding, engaging, and keeping readers. Within these chapters are practical, highlightable nuggets of wisdom for writers at any stage of their career. With an optimistic tone and encouraging heart, this guide will make a perfect addition to your bag of author tools – one you’ll find yourself grabbing from first draft to release day and beyond. ~ Teresa Tysinger, author of the Laurel Cove Romance Series
Who does more to nurture the author-reader connection than Carrie Schmidt? And now, our favorite book blogger, reviewer, and publicist is handing us her key to the gate that separates us from readers. With honesty and generosity, Carrie examines the nuances of the author-reader relationship, reveals mistakes that keep us locked on the other side, and shares expert insights so we can build a lasting relationship with readers that goes beyond selling books. Take the key. Open the gate. ~ Karen Sargent, author of Waiting for Butterflies
As an author it’s so hard to know how to connect with readers. Carrie Schmidt of Reading Is My SuperPower gives some insightful advice. There are suggestions that can help the novice writer as well as the multi-published author. Be prepared to take notes! ~ Toni Shiloh, author of In Search of a Prince
Carrie Schmidt is someone I’ve learned knows more about Christian fiction and how to promote it, than anyone I’ve ever known…certainly more than me. For Carrie to gather her knowledge together in one place and share it with the world is a true gift. I can’t wait to get my hands on this book and keep it close. ~ Mary Connealy, author of The Lumber Baron’s Daughters series
Carrie Schmidt offers a veritable treasure trove of insight and information that serves as a bridge between authors and the world of book influencers. Because of Carrie’s genuine warmth of spirit, brilliant mind, and breadth of experience, you’ll feel like you’ve just sat down and had coffee with a best friend who also happens to be a genius about all-things-influencing, from how to engage in social media in a healthy, relationship-building way, to how and where to connect with readers who adore books and might just be waiting to discover yours, too. If you’ve ever looked at the vast landscape of the book world and wondered, “how can my story find its way to the readers it was written for?”—this book holds practical, do-able, and exciting steps to make it not only possible, but enjoyable. And might I add … chapter 35 should be required reading for every writer. Bring a tissue, and come away with a very full heart .~ Amanda Dykes, author of novels including All the Lost Places, Yours is the Night, Set the Stars Alight, and Whose Waves These Are, the 2020 Christy Award Book of the Year
If you’ve labored under the false assumption that once your book is written, “they” will come, Getting Past the Publishing Gatekeepers: Winning the Hearts of Agents, Publishers, Editors, and Readers will kindly, yet effectively, disabuse you.
If, like me, you’ve remained clueless as to the power of email in today’s publishing arena, here’s your opportunity to learn about perhaps the most effective marketing tool to date.
If you are looking for a clearly written, experience-backed summation of the too-often painful process of becoming a published author, Gatekeepers is your book.
Linda Fulkerson, owner of Scrivenings Press, identifies with the talented hardworking unpublished author because she has been one. But she does much more than empathize and commiserate. She moves the aspiring author from the quicksand of impossibility to the likelihood of becoming published by laying out, in a step-by-step manner, how to become a reputably published author—all the while uniquely (for those of us who aren’t always able to reach to the top shelf) placing three succinct takeaways at the bottom of each chapter.
From the correct way to format a paragraph, to the importance of platform visibility, to the immutable standard of good writing, Fulkerson offers the unpublished a to-the-point guide of how to steal a publisher’s heart and hold on to it.
My regret is that I didn’t have a resource of this caliber lying next to my computer twenty years past.~ Jacqueline F. Wheelock, author of God, Send Sunday