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MEET BOOK COACH MARY BANKS FOUNDER OF LA MUSE PRESS
1. What was your inspiration behind starting La Muse Press and have you always wanted to be an entrepreneur?
A: I was inspired to establish a publishing house that focused on celebrating works written by women of color. My first passion is creative writing, so becoming an entrepreneur was not something I initially considered, but my mission to serve aspiring authors led me to entrepreneurship.
2. Being an entrepreneur comes with wearing many hats, especially with having your own publishing firm; is there a particular hat that you like wearing better and why? Least favorite and why.
A: I love working with first-time authors and empowering them to birth their books into existence by providing editorial feedback, coaching, and mentorship. Book coaching and developmental editing are my passions. To be honest, I rather spend time serving my clients and customers than on marketing, but that is a part of running a successful business.
3. Please explain what a book coach provides to an author and why an author would benefit from having a book coach.
A: A book coach provides accountability and guidance during the book writing process. Additionally, there are book coaches, such as myself, who provide editorial support. I review my clients’ manuscripts to ensure that their work is well-written. I always say Google University can only take you so far. A book coach depending on their areas of specialties can also assist you with the self-publishing process too.
4. What day-to-day challenges do you face running La Muse Press and how do you handle them?
A: Balancing client work while running a business can be challenging at times. There is only so many hours in a day. Recently, I have hired contractors who can assist me with managing my social media and lead generation. Additionally, I am relying more heavily on scheduling my social media posts in advance to maintain consistency and keep the momentum.
5. Are there any systems/programs you use to help with time management and organization to better your business success?
A: Yes, I love to use Planoly to schedule my Instagram posts. But to be honest, time management is something that I aim to master and conquer.
6. What advice would you give authors who are new to writing, but also would like to self-publish?
A: Educate yourself on how to successfully self-publish your book. Also, you need to build your audience before your book is released. Creating a book marketing plan is a part of the self-publishing process. Additionally, set aside funds to produce a high-quality book that can compete with traditionally published books.
7. Many authors enjoy writing and think self-publishing would be the route to go, but don’t understand self-publishing is a business and you have to operate your book as a business; what advice do you have for them?
A: I would tell aspiring authors to get crystal clear on their expectations and goals for their books. If they have big goals for their books, then they should plan accordingly. They should invest in a team of professionals that can help them bring their book and vision to life.
8. What is a typical day like for you? How many hours do you spend on your business? Please breakdown by hours (7:00 am, 8:00 am etc).
A:
7:00 am – 8:00 am | Wake up, read affirmations, and journal
8:00 am – 10:30 am | Social media, administrative tasks, and client work
10:30 am – 7:00 pm | I work my 9-to-5 job.
7:00 pm – 10:30 pm | Content creation, business development, and client work
10:30 pm – 11:30 pm | Unwind and go to bed
9. How do you balance your personal life and running a business?
A: I am still trying to find the balance. I need to create office hours because I tend to work around the clock. However, I make time to attend church service on Sundays because spiritual growth is important to me.
10. Being a women entrepreneur, do you find it hard to connect with other women entrepreneurs, any competition or have been welcomed with open arms?
A: I love being around other like-minded, purpose-driven women. The women that I attract are heart-centered, so the energy has been positive and affirming. I chose to embrace an abundance mindset so there is no need for me to feel threatened by other women who are in the same industry as me. We can all win!
11. Front row and center in the publishing business for minorities; what do you see is the number one common mistake that is shared? And what advice would you give to correct it?
A: When it comes to self-publishing, marketing needs to happen before your book is published. If you do not have an audience or an email list, these are two components you should grow before your book is released. Create a lead magnet that is connected to your book topic to incentivize individuals to join your
email list. Also, begin to share your message on social media to attract your readership.
12. 2022 is among us, how do you intend to use social media to your advantage to market your business?
A: I plan to become more consistent on social media (i.e., posting daily) and use social media to establish my thought leadership and authority. Also, marketing my lead magnets to build my email list is on the agenda.
13. Authors can schedule a book breakthrough call with you today; can you share what that call would entail?
A: This is an opportunity for authors to share their book idea and gain clarity on their messaging. Typically, I ask authors a series of clarifying questions to uncover the core of their book message. I am intuitive so I have been gifted with the ability to tap into what the author is having difficulty articulating and conceptualizing. Additionally, I assist authors with expanding and shaping the vision for their books. During the call, I activate the inner Muse inside that shifts the atmosphere and illuminates clarity as she proceeds with writing her book.
14. What do you see for La Muse in the future?
A: I see La Muse Press offering live workshops, releasing a digital journal, starting a book writing boot camp, and growing my membership, Activate Your Inner Author Society.
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5 Spotlight Questions!
What is your daily self-care routine?
I love to journal and write my thoughts down for clarity. I also recite daily affirmations each morning that I wrote and created for myself.
Best advice you received…
Favorite thing to do when you have alone time…
Read, create, and imagine.
What would you tell your eighteen-year-old self?
Don’t seek external validation because you are giving away your power, sis.
What would be your natural talent if you weren’t doing this?
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To connect with Mary:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marybankswriter/
Email: marybanks@lamusepress.com