Heiress Without a Cause | Sara Ramsey | Talks at Google | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Sara Ramsey, a former Googler, has successfully transitioned into a career as an award-winning historical romance novelist.

Key Insights

• 👻 Self-publishing has become a viable option for authors, allowing them to maintain control over their work and potentially earn more than they would with a traditional publishing deal.
• 🌥️ Romance novels, particularly historical romances, have a large and dedicated readership, making it an attractive genre for aspiring authors.
• 🖐️ Online communities and networking with other authors play a crucial role in building a writer's audience and creating opportunities for collaboration and promotion.

Transcript

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Questions & Answers

Q: How did Sara initially get into writing romance novels?

Sara started writing romance novels as a hobby while working at Google. She entered her first book into a writing competition and won an award, which encouraged her to pursue writing more seriously.

Q: How did Sara make the decision to self-publish her books?

Sara initially tried to secure a traditional publishing deal, but faced challenges due to the changing market and the risk-averse nature of big publishers. She ultimately decided to self-publish after evaluating the potential earnings and control she could have over her work.

Q: What role did Sara's experience at Google play in her writing career?

Sara credits her time at Google for giving her valuable business and marketing skills. She also mentions that working at Google helped her develop discipline in her writing practice and handle the loneliness and uncertainty that can come with being a writer.

Q: What advice does Sara have for aspiring writers?

Sara advises aspiring writers to take the time to fully develop their writing skills and build a network of fellow authors. She also recommends exploring the self-publishing route, as it offers more control and flexibility in today's publishing landscape.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Sara Ramsey was a former Googler who left to pursue her passion for writing romance novels.

• She self-published her first book, which went on to win awards and receive positive reviews.

• Sara discusses the challenges of self-publishing and the changing landscape of the publishing industry.

• She emphasizes the importance of networking with other authors and being active in online reader communities.