"Yours are the only emails I actually open and read" - a regular reply in my inbox since 2009...and I'll bet in yours, too, once you subscribe and learn by pure, lazy osmosis to become the most compelling writer around. That said, no promises on improving your moral character.
5 years ago, this happened.
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Hey Reader, Five years ago yesterday, just as Steven and I were sitting down to lunch, my phone rang. I remember the date and setting because it was Steven’s birthday. We were staying in Hudson, NY, which we are for this birthday, too, and had driven to nearby Tivoli to try a restaurant we’d heard about from a chef friend. (The food upstate is bonkers, btw.) I’d been making an effort to stay off my phone and be, y’know, present, at least for the actual birthday itself. Steven and I do a lot of “get off your phone”-ing to each other. Followed by “I only picked up my phone because you were on your phone, I learned it from watching YOU, Dad!”* So when my phone rang, I fished for it to decline. But then I saw the caller name. It was my book agent. “What?” Steven said. “Take it! Pick it up!” “I am, I am,” I said, heading for the door and stepping outside. “Hello?” My agent asked, “Are you sitting down?” I was not, I was standing on a porch, but without waiting for an answer, she told me I’d gotten a book deal. I didn’t have to ask who from, because I’d only had one meeting, with one editor, from one publisher. The others had asked my agent if I’d be willing to write “more of a marketing or copywriting book,” and she’d told them no, as instructed. Does Tough Titties sound like a how-to title to you? This editor loved my voice and message, as well as my proposal. What helped seal the deal, though, were my emails. I’d mentioned you (my super-engaged Shrimpers) and my emails to you in the marketing section of my proposal — which you can see and model yours on if you have my course Book Launch Hero. The editor had asked to see them, since I’d talked them up so much. I sent her a hyperlinked list of some of my faves. And then, a few weeks later, on Steven’s birthday, she made the offer. So, my emails — these emails I wrote about whatever I felt like, and looked forward to writing more than I’d ever looked forward to anything called “work” — had not just earned me my first million-dollar year the year before, and become a vehicle for getting paid to be me… But now, they’d also helped me score a deal for my first book. A lifelong dream. After a round of “woohoo”s on the phone, I thanked my agent and scurried back inside to tell Steven, “It’s official. I’m going to be a published author.” We high-fived and hugged. And then we shared the gnocchi. If you dream of writing emails that serve as a creative outlet, express your true voice, and make you a handsome income, mark your calendar for two weeks from today, for my free live class… EMAILS THAT SELL How to Write Emails That Have Your List Clicking, Buying, and Drooling at Your Every Word. DATE: Wednesday, Oct 29th We’re going to have so much fun. Save your seat here. xoLaura PS - Help, I’m in a bubble and need emails! Here’s the deal: I’m updating my course Inbox Hero. Most of the emails I get and notice are from fellow email experts. Do you have subscription emails in your inbox, from any industry outside mine (online marketing), that are so good, you’ve had to buy? Great storytelling a plus. Or, if they’re your own emails and they got phenomenal engagement and/or sales, I want to see those, too. Forward them to me, and if I end up using your submission in Inbox Hero, I’ll give you access to the course for free. Already have it? You can pick something else from the Talking Shrimp shop. PPS - *GenXers: IYKYK. Psst! Since you're signed up to get my emails on a weekly basis, here's what you missed this week! Don’t let me see you using this F-word
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Thank you for reading and sharing, |
Laura Belgray (Talking Shrimp)
"Yours are the only emails I actually open and read" - a regular reply in my inbox since 2009...and I'll bet in yours, too, once you subscribe and learn by pure, lazy osmosis to become the most compelling writer around. That said, no promises on improving your moral character.
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