From Concept to Chaos

The Struggle to Build A Brand (Part 1)

I have been in the publishing world for just over three decades. You can learn more about me here if you’re interested.

For the most part, I preferred to stay behind the scenes. Then I was invited to speak on memoirs for an online writing school, only to find my interview repackaged into a workshop they sold to their members.

Continuing my quest to help writers, I found Manuscript Academy who graciously added me to their faculty, where I still reside today, three years and counting.    

Unlike many agents, you won't find me listed on platforms like Query Tracker. Instead, I build my client list through referrals, pitch events and writing conferences.

Then I did the most naïve thing: I launched an editorial website. I named my company Gryphon Quill, but my website host said, “Nobody is going to look that up, buy the domain: ReneeFountain.com.” So I did. I bought both.

We are building a nice site, if I say so myself; and, you know what happens when you Google my name? Everything elsecomes up, except my website.

My agency site comes up. An interview I did back in 1990 is there – and even random forum entries where writers ask each other if I’m a “legit agent”. Spoiler alert: I am indeed a legit agent. However, it seems they deemed me not legit because I do not appear on the aforementioned, holy grail site of Query Tracker.

So now I’ve launched myself into the chaotic world of learning SEO, building a following, creating free resources to help writers, creating and launching a newsletter.  Did I mention I’m working on creating digital courses — some free, some not— and learning all the required tech. I feel like I’m drinking from the proverbial firehose.

The journey to my newsletter providing industry insight and advice, starts with a single step—I was encouraged to just “dive in”. So, this is me diving in.

Wish me luck, and maybe even subscribe to see how this whole thing plays out — it’s all totally FREE and I plan to keep it that way. It just might be one of those scenes where you know you shouldn’t watch, but you just can’t look away.  

(to be continued)….