Interview with Molly McCord, Author of Cache Paris

This week we’re joined by Molly McCord. Although she writes in four different genres each one takes her readers on a journey of discovery. Like many indie authors, she started her writing and publishing career by pursuing a traditional route, but opted instead to be the mistress of her own destiny and embraced the autonomy of being independently published.

Molly extolls the virtues of collaborating and embracing lessons learnt from other indie authors. She also echoes my sentiments about book marketing being a marathon, not a sprint, and provides insights into the book marketing tools and techniques that have helped her sell more copies of her travel guide.

Keep reading, to discover how Molly approached writing and self-publishing her travel guide, so that you can benefit from her experience and expertise. ~~ Jay

Author Interview:  Molly McCord

How would you describe the type of books/genre you write?

I write non-fiction books in four main genres: self-help, memoir, spirituality, and travel. Travel books are a personal favorite of mine because I have loved reading them since I was a teenager. For example, Kuki Gallman’s “African Nights” is one of my favorite travel books, as it inspired me to open up to more of the world and get out there to have adventures that I could bring back home and share, too.

I wrote “Cache Paris: A Guidebook to Discover New Places, Hidden Spaces, and a Favorite Oasis” with the intention of opening visitors up to more of the hidden gems in Paris, while also feeling like they are visiting the city through the pages. I lived in Paris for a few years and I wanted to give visitors more than they would find on their own, or through any other travel book.

What motivated you to start writing?

I started writing in my early thirties with a sudden wave of passion. Perhaps the words and ideas had always been there – suppressed, or hidden, or lurking just below the life-is-too-crazy-busy surface. I do not think I was a good writer at first, but believe I have improved through feedback, editing, and my own desire to get better. My intention with every writing project is to connect with readers through inspiring, courageous, vulnerable messages.

Now, ten years later, I feel more motivated than ever to keep writing and sharing as it has become an integral part of my self-identity. I love experiencing a destination first hand, and then the writing process brings that place alive all over again for both myself and the reader.

Molly McCord Bright Louvre

Tell us the journey you went on to get your books published (e.g. direct on your website, self-published, assisted-publishing, traditional publisher)

Back in 2009, I had finished writing the first draft of my first book, a memoir, and I reached out to various literary agencies for representation. I experienced a lot of rejection, which is normal. Traditional publishing was still the main path to becoming an author and there was a lot of competition just to get to the gatekeepers.

I stalled out on my writing for years. Then I was invited to contribute to a traditionally published book in 2013, and that propelled me to follow a self-publishing route for my memoir. It took me over four years – from writing to self-publishing – but I am grateful for the flexibility, creative control and income I now make as an indie author. I have self-published 12 titles in the past five years, and working at that speed has been a key part of my success.

Molly McCord Louvre at dusk Polaroid v2

With the hindsight of being a published author, anything you would have done differently?

I would have researched book marketing strategies earlier to know what methods were currently effective for finding readers in my genres. It is easier to find readers in the Big 3 fiction genres – romance, mystery, crime – but much harder in the smaller niches.

I also would have increased my marketing budget to help get my book out there more when it was first launched. When you are a newly published author, you have to work twice as hard to get readers’ attention and money because they do not know your work yet.

Molly McCord Sacre Coeur Basilica

What tips or advice would you give an aspiring indie author who is looking to self-publish?

It is an exciting time to be an indie author, but know that you do not have to do it alone. Join author groups on Facebook to learn from those who have been doing this work for years (I recommend Mark Dawson’s Self-Publishing Formula community and podcast).

Research what readers in your genre want in terms of storytelling, expectations, and current trends (Chris Fox has written good guidebooks for authors). Expect to invest money in marketing your first book. Start building your author platform now as it is never too early to begin your website or social media presence.

Facebook, Twitter and Instagram are great for authors, but do not overwhelm yourself with too much too soon. Self-publishing is no longer looked down upon as it was a decade ago, so be proud of your ability to follow your passion and publish your words.

Cache Paris Hot New Release on Amazon

What marketing or promotional tools or techniques do you use to reach your readers?

Molly McCord Cache Paris Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour v2 Book marketing is definitely a marathon, so I regularly promote my titles through social media posts, targeted ads, and book newsletter services. I will offer one book for free to bring in more new readers, or limited time pricing on select titles. It is important to have an email newsletter, as well as a social media presence to stay engaged with your readership.

Audio books are growing in sales, and there is a whole new listener base that is looking for stories through their earphones. All of this takes time to build, but it is worth the effort if you want to publish multiple books.

Expect to keep marketing your book(s) for the long-term, too. If I do not keep promoting mine, sales decrease noticeably.

What’s next on your writing journey?

Another travel memoir is currently in the works. I typically have multiple books going on at the same time, and each one is in a different writing phase: brainstorming, notes, structure, or active writing. I tend to write in spurts, so I may not touch an active project for a month, and then come back to it energized and ready to go with renewed focus.

I believe writing should come from a positive place within us – not something that is a hardship or chore – so I allow that inspiration to drive me forward. It keeps me quite productive, too. I share more writing tips to publishing success over on my website.

Although Molly McCord writes in 4 different genres each one takes her readers on a journey of discovery. Find out what book marketing techniques worked for her #travelguide Cache #Paris. #travelbloggers #traveltuesday Click To Tweet

About the Author

Molly McCord, M.A., is a bestselling indie author of twelve books, intuitive business coach, radio show host, and modern consciousness teacher. With 25 years of sales, marketing, business development, and leadership experience, Molly aims to support more entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, healers, and authors build their dream business in practical, solid ways.