Michael Cooley interview with David Alan Binder

Post date: Mar 10, 2016 2:01:40 PM

Website: www.michaelgcooley.tateauthor.com

1. How do you pronounce your name (only answer if appropriate)?

I think this one is pretty easy COOL-E

2. Where are you currently living?

Rhode Island

3. What is the most important thing that you have learned in your writing experience, so far?

Write because you love it, because you have a story don’t plan on making money at it. If it happens, it happens but don’t plan on it.

4. What would you say is your most interesting writing, publishing, editing or illustrating quirk?

I guess from an illustration standpoint I put several drawings I did as a kid in the book, not that they are very good but I wanted the reader to relate to my escape as an abused child.

5. Tell us your insights on self-publish or use a publisher?

It is my first book so options were limited. I sent my manuscript off to several publishers and on my case the founder sent out a personal latter to say that my story needed to be told. I needed that affirmation because I didn’t know if this story should be told.

a. Who is the name of your publisher and in what city are they?

Tate Publishing in Mustang, Oklahoma

6. Any insights eBooks vs. print books and alternative vs. conventional publishing?

I think you need to offer both a lot of people want the signed copy of a printed books but many people approach me about an eBook too. So I have both. There are several ways to get your book out there I just feel fortunate that a publisher picked up mine. I don’t know that I would have had the confidence to self-publish.

7. Do you have any secret tips for writers on getting a book published? Research, Network and Volume. Send your manuscript to as many publishers as you can.

8. How did you or would you suggest acquire an agent?

Any tips for new writers on getting one?

Some people can find an agent but I hear it is harder and harder these days unless you are famous. In most cases that I saw if you find one they want you to pay something upfront and then share in the sales.

9. Do you have any suggestions or helps for new writers (please be specific and informational as possible)?

1. Write with your heart, something you are passionate about.

2. Work with a good editor, I had three different editors work with me on my book.

3. But don’t let an editor re-write your story.

4. Think ahead as to why you are writing the book and envision what they outcome will be and then go for it.

10. What was one of the most surprising things you learned your creative process with your books, editing, publishing or illustrating?

Not a lot of surprises because I thought it out and envision what it could be. I was a little surprised that since I was a first time author the publisher limited me to a certain number of words.

11. How many books have you written?

I have written and published one but I am currently working on two more. Definitely not the 250 your other author wrote. Congratulations to him!

12. Do you have any tricks or tips to help others become a better writer (please be as specific and information as you possibly can)?

Stick with it; find a time that is the best for you to schedule your writing time. For me it was spending about an hour a night after the wife and kids went to sleep. And just put it on paper, don’t worry about if it’s exactly perfect the goal is to keep writing you can always go back and fix it.

13. Do you have any suggestions for providing twists in a good story?

Build it, engage the writer with suspense and just when they think all hope is lost, then show them the light!

14. What makes your or any book stand out from the crowd?

It is full of helplessness, despair, violence, sadness then it turns to hope, success and purpose.

15. What are some ways in which you promote your work?

Speaking Engagements, I speak all over, from a few people to thousands. I have a Facebook fan page, I promote on LinkedIn. My publisher does promotions. Networking emails and from there it takes off via word of mouth.

16. What is the one thing you would do differently now (concerning writing or editing or publishing or illustrating) and why?

I paid for too many editors, I probably could have written it myself and used the publisher’s editor but I wanted to be sure it was right.

17. What would you like carved onto your tombstone? Or what saying or mantra do you live by?

REFUSE TO FAIL!

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