Publishing Secrets

Rayna Best: Persistence Is Key

Episode Summary

What inspired you to begin writing? And what makes you keep trying when it’s hard? This week’s Publishing Secrets guest, Rayna Best, found that the process of getting her book finished and published took longer and was more complex than she had anticipated. But she didn’t let that stop her. The “why” behind her work – the message she wanted to share with her own daughters and with other children – was strong enough to make her keep trying, even when she was rejected or feeling impatient. Along the way, Rayna has learned some valuable strategies and lessons about what it really takes to get your book published and into the hands of readers. Listen as she shares how persistence and adaptability helped her accomplish her dream.

Episode Notes

In this episode, you’ll also hear:

• How Rayna’s writing is inspired by her family and personal experiences, and how she adjusted the story’s illustrations to be more inclusive of a wider audience
• The difference between an illustrator and someone who can draw well
• Tips on hiring through Fiverr and on building anticipation ahead of your book’s release
• Rayna’s simple but effective method of getting her book placed in-store at six Barnes & Noble locations
• The impactful words Rayna heard from a book agent that encouraged her to persist and self-publish her book, even after being rejected by many other agents
• Rayna’s three-part advice for getting your book finished and sold

BIO:

Rayna Best is a wife, mother of three, author, and a former educator. During her tenure of working with inner city youth, she discovered her passion for uplifting children within the community. Now, her mission is to uplift other children around the world, while spreading awareness about their unique needs and personalities. Her very first book is called Animated Like Me, which addresses the harsh realities of struggling with inclusion, self acceptance, and having ADHD. She believes that it is her divine gift and purpose to write stories that will evoke change. 

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Website: https://rbscribes.com/

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