Amanda Jaeger, Author, Copywriter
Genre: suspense/thriller
Publishing Type: Self
Latest Book: The Fallen in Soura Heights
Upcoming Book: WIP- Amy’s Tree (working title)
Jennifer Franz Griffith: How have you been able to make your career as a full-time writer?
Amanda Jaeger: As a copywriter, I seem to never run out of work to do! There is never a shortage of businesses who need a helping hand to do the piece they don’t wanna do (writing their websites, emails, ads, etc) so they can focus on the part of their business they thrive on!
I feel like focusing on writing for others, I’m able to make it a full-time job. I just happen to be able to write for myself in the “free” time I have. (Ha! Free time. I crack myself up)
JFG: Why did you choose writing as your career path?
Amanda: In a word? Stories.
Stories are what draw people in and make connections. There's a certain magic in language and wordplay. Through novel writing, I can pull people's emotions and make them see themselves through characters. Through long-stranded metaphors and similes playing alongside my fictional characters and fictional settings, I can link a reader's experience to my views of social constructs and relationships.
In my copywriting, I'm able to do the same...only it's in someone else's voice and putting their own visions front and center. Whether it's a sales page, a series of nurturing emails, or even on ad copy... I can pull a string to tell a story that connects directly with their ideal client. The more connection there is, the more sales they're likely to see.
So maybe I used the wrong word to answer this in the beginning. Maybe I didn't choose writing because of "stories." Maybe I chose it because of "connection."
JFG: Why did you decide to write a book?
Amanda: I like to say that 2020 gave me the gift of time to write a book. But honestly, that's not why I decided to sit down and pound out 70k (ish) words and throw them between a front and back cover. Writing has always been a part of me. So has true crime.
So before 2020, I found a goldmine of true crime podcasts and spent my entire alone time listening to them - in the elementary school pickup lane, driving to and from the grocery store, during the time I was clumsily putting together dinner. The more I listened, the more I saw themes that showed up over and over. For example, Charm is a veil for evil. The more I listened, the more I collected these themes.
Pretty soon, a fictional character showed up in my thoughts and started telling me her story based on these themes. 2020 simply gave me the time to get that story down.
JFG: What would you say is an author's best marketing tool and how important is well-written content?
Amanda: Oh wow, that is a loaded question, isn't it? I think today, social media is pretty tough to beat in importance. I say that because everyone has access to it and anyone who is on there has the possibility to "accidentally" find you. It seems these happy accidents are a lot easier to come by on social media than a website.
That being said, I think there is a trifecta of necessities to make social media (or really, any marketing) work for you:
1) Consistency. There's no end to what you can share or HOW you can share it or even on WHAT platform to share it on. But you have to be consistent. Otherwise, the ever-changing algorithms aren't going to favor you, ever.
2) Authenticity. I'm big on connection. I'll never outright tell someone "Buy my book!" Because that feels sleazy and gross. But I'll comment on their post about needing a 3rd cup of coffee ("Hey, me too!") I'll ask them about their current work in progress ("This sounds amazing, I can't wait to see what happens to your main character!") and anything I share is absolutely 100% true. There's no reason to embellish or trick people into checking out your work. Have the information available and share it when appropriate, but for goodness sake, extend a little courtesy of not banging down their virtual doors like a high school selling magazines.
3) Yes, well-written content is mandatory. But, that doesn't necessarily mean it has to be pristine and perfect (I'll often say you can't chase perfectionism. It doesn't exist anyway). Well-written content goes a little deeper than that. It draws in interest and gives value. It makes your readers want to know more rather than push them off by coming off like a robot. Essentially...good content is good copywriting... it all invites connection, and without that, people aren't going to want to check out your book.
JFG: What common mistakes do authors/businesses make with their content?
Amanda: I think one of the biggest things authors struggle with is what to post in general. I know at first, I was confused as to how much information I could safely share. I was afraid I was going to give out spoilers. But the truth is, You need to give out specific details to show potential readers why your book is different from bajillion other books that exist in this universe.
Here are some ideas I've played with (Note: I'm no guru, and I don't do this perfectly, either. But hey, it might help someone get jump-started)
- A "mood" board of what your character is like. Include things like a typical outfit, something they like to do, where they might live, etc.
- A playlist of what you believe sounds like the mood of your book.
- Interesting quotes from your book.
- An "Ask me anything" post- but through the lens of a specific character.
- Behind the scenes of what it's like for you to write.
- Share whatever you're reading now- hype up another author!
- Reviews of your book (the good AND bad... laugh off the bad)
- A peek inside your life as you (vs life as an author)
Just keep in mind, these things can be done in photos, copy (words), video, memes, etc. And if you still don't get it? Follow other authors on the platforms you're on and see what they're doing. Then do that... only in your style with your own content. ;)
JFG: Anything else you would like to share?
Amanda: If you want a career in writing, look at several avenues. Your gut might say you want to be a best-seller author. And you know what? Anything is possible, but it's a difficult way to "make it." There are tons of other writing opportunities out there (such as copywriting) that can still feel fulfilling while paying the bills.
Find out more about Amanda:
If anyone would like to connect (my favorite thing ever) I'm open to conversations over on:
My website: www.amandabjaeger.com (You can also get the first 3 chapters of my book free if you sign up for my newsletter)
And you can find my book (available as paperback, ebook, and audiobook) here.
