It may have taken Dana Zeliff three years to get around to writing and self-publishing her travel guide about Nice, but it was worth the wait. Dana has created a image ladened travel guide aimed at families who are visiting this corner of France.
She writes about what she knows, and it’s this passion and familiarity with a travel destination topic that makes writing a travel guide such a viable passive income option. Keep reading to find out how Dana uses her Talking Suitcase travel blogging platform to build awareness of her travel guide. ~~ Jay
Author Interview: Dana Zeliff
How would you describe the type of books/genre you write?
My one and only completed book is a travel guide to Nice, France for families.
What motivated you to start writing?
I wanted a way to help visitors to Nice learn the unique history of the city and provide a fun way for kids to explore. It’s not always easy to keep kids interested when traveling, so I wanted a guide that could be both fun and informative for the entire family.
Tell us the journey you went on to get your books published (e.g. direct on your website, self-published, assisted-publishing, traditional publisher)
I decided to self-publish and sell my book directly through my website to gain more control and to keep buyers on my website instead of directing them away from it. I also have a digital version of my book that is graphic heavy making it not worth the investment to sell on Amazon or Smashwords due to the large file size. However, I have recently listed the paperback version on Amazon.
What publishing elements do you most enjoy and most like to avoid, and why? (e.g. design, marketing, formatting etc.)
I loved exploring the city more in-depth and researching the history and unique tidbits of information that you don’t normally learn when traveling to a destination. I also enjoyed taking all the photographs and creating a route for the guide. I’m terrible at design, so it was fantastic to have someone take all my information and ideas and turn it into such a beautiful book.
With the hindsight of being a published author, anything you would have done differently?
I would have done it sooner! I tossed around the idea of writing the guide for almost 3 years before I finally started the project.
What tips or advice would you give an aspiring indie author who is looking to self-publish?
Other than to just start writing, I would suggest not shying away from having a good editor, graphic designer and tech person. You don’t have to do it alone and can find professionals in each field within a budget.
What marketing or promotional tools or techniques do you use to reach your readers?
I focused on growing my email list and created an incentive for people to join. The offer is a French Rivera planner which includes some basic planning printables, itinerary ideas, foods to try in the region and more. I use this in addition to other printables and helpful travel information to warm up my list before pitching my book.
My product is mentioned throughout my most popular French Riviera blog posts, and I utilize Facebook ads.
What impact do you want your books to have on your readers?
I want to make visiting Nice a fun and education experience for kids and adults. I want the entire family to leave having a greater appreciation and understanding of one of my favorite cities.
What is your latest book about?
I’ve recently started writing a book to help first time cruisers learn what to expect and how to prepare for a cruise. It will incorporate tips and stories starting from the planning process through disembarkment and beyond.
What’s next on your writing journey?
I’ve considered writing another family guide incorporating some of the historical attractions in my home state of Virginia.
Find out how Dana from @suitcasetalks #selfpublished her #Nice #France travel guide. She shares her writing, publishing and #bookmarketing tips in this author interview. Click To Tweet
About the Author
Dana Zeliff has been living with her husband and two children in Nice, France for almost three years. During that time, they’ve traveled extensively around the French Riviera. She is the writer, photographer, social media director and visionary behind The Talking Suitcase. When not blogging, she can be found worldschooling her two children, reading or planning their next adventure. Dana has written a travel guide that helps parents keep their children entertained during their visit to Nice, and allows the entire family to learn history and facts that aren’t widely known.
- Website: www.thetalkingsuitcase.com
- Facebook: @thetalkingsuitcase
- Twitter: @suitcasetalks
- Instagram: @thetalkingsuitcase
- Pinterest: @talkingsuitcase
Pin This Image
