Up Close And Personal With Marlene Caroselli.
February 13, 2012 
17 Comments
Hi Marlene Caroselli, and welcome to AuthoPublisher, it’s nice to have you with us.You are a self published author, tell us what your book is called and what is it about?
I’ve self-published numerous books, the most recent of which is an ebook titled Jesus, Jonas, and Janus: The Leadership Triumvirate. As the title suggests, the book is about leadership, as demonstrated by three historical figure.
Tell us a little bit about your writing process? What methods do you use to write and how did you make it through the grueling process of writing your book?
With my most receipt book, I accepted a challenge (at Ezine.com) to submit 100 articles in a short amount of time. I accepted and completed the challenge, which formed the basis of the book. Then, I just had to make appropriate transitions among the articles.
Explain to us the process you took to get your book published, from formatting your manuscript to preparing it for print all the way to getting an ISBN and the book cover design.
I paid someone to convert the manuscript to ebook format. (You can find people willing to do this for $5.00 at fiverr.com.) I’ve had ISBN’s since the publication of my first book in 1990. A family member had taken a photo that was perfect for the book cover; however, you can find people at fiverr.com to do covers very reasonably.
Did you use the services of a book coach or a self publishing company to help you though the process or did you do it yourself? Tell us about your experiences.
See above answer.
What would you do differently with the publishing of your next book?
The 100-article challenge worked for me. But, with my current book, I try to write several pages a day.
How did you market your book? Can you share some of your creative/non-conventional ways/secrets on how you sold your book?
I’ll share a secret I learned from a very successful author: He sent his book out, gratis, to individuals in a position to order hundreds at a time. His idea worked: He has sold hundreds of thousands of copies..
Share with us the different platforms you use to sell your book (bookstores, signing, affiliate programs, website etc.).
For me, the thrill is in the writing, not the selling. So, I’ve just placed the ebook at Amazon and Barnes and Noble (Kindle and Nook). It is not selling well, but I’m virtually retired not and not so concerned with sales.
Do you use social media in book promotion?
No.
Care to share some numbers? How many books have you sold to date?
Just a handful but I’ve not worked at marketing.
How was your book initially received? Has it been reviewed? What was your response to the reviews?
It has not been reviewed.
How do you handle negative feedback from critics?
I try to ignore it. But…..if the criticism is warranted, I take it to heart and pledge to make the next book better.
Where are some of the places where you sell your book besides through book distributors, your website, book stores etc.
In the past, publishers have done most of the selling. But, I’ve had considerable success with a few of my self-published books that were displayed at conferences.
Do have any future projects you’d like to tell us about?
My current project is one designed for people who motivate others. The audience is potentially large–parents, coaches, teachers, et alia. The book is light-hearted in tone but serious in the advice that is given.
Thank you for being on Authopublisher, Marlene, and I hope to hear from you again!
Follow me on Twitter.
You gotta hustle if you’re to make your dream happen!
I really liked the tip about fiverr. Sometimes we end up not publishing our books because of something simple like an ebook cover. There are so many people out there with different skills willing to help out if we can just think of delegating.
Great interview!
All the best,
Eren
Eren Mckay recently posted..Cupcake Baby Shower Theme
That was a great interview Ivin with Marlene, you know I love her very much she has an attitude that some of us do not have and I get inspired to her. Glad to know about her. Thanks!
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Great interview Marlene & Ivin! Marlene’s inspiring answers to Ivin’s interesting questions really moved me. Congratulations to you two!
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Thanks for visiting Nick. Glad you appreciate what we do!
Ivin recently posted..How I Connected a Brand with a Brand Ambassador in 90 Minutes Using Twitter.
I enjoy reading such interviews, as yours, with very interesting and successful people who deserve everyone’s respect
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They certainly do Melissa. Thanks for visiting.
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Very inspiring interview. A great person indeed, congratulations to her for everything she did! She trully deserves a lot of respect. Thanks for sharing!
Dan recently posted..What To Look For In A Blender
Glad we could help inspiration along Dan. Thanks for visiting.
Ivin recently posted..How I Connected a Brand with a Brand Ambassador in 90 Minutes Using Twitter.
Is it me, or there’s something wrong with her picture? Anyhow, interesting interview.
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Hi Elena,
Thank you for your comment.
This is the best pic we could find at the moment. We are currently contacting Marlene in hopes of getting something better.
I think that a book about leadership can be very interesting! I like reading such kinds of books, especially the ones that are devoted to personal development
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Glad we could be of assistance Amanda.
Ivin recently posted..How I Connected a Brand with a Brand Ambassador in 90 Minutes Using Twitter.
i handle negative feedback from critics by realising that everyone has an opinion, and its up to me whether i choose to take it personally (the comment) and get upset and dwell on it or accept and realise that everyone thinks differently and let the negative comment go over my head.
Oh, Henry, we can look at if the criticism was valid and work through it and see if we can apply some of it.
But I agree, one should never let the criticism of one (or a few) people shape our views of ourselves or our work.
I think being a celebrity is tough, ’cause you come under the scrutiny of millions on a daily basis.
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This is a very inspiring interview for any writer to read. Especially the ones who are toying with the idea of self publishing.
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That’s great Lily. I’m glad we could be of some assistance.
Ivin recently posted..Local Burger Joint, Wimpy & Virgin Active’s Viral Marketing Campaign
If I would get only positive reviews for my book, I wouldn’t change a thing when I write the next one
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