Need help sparking thoughtful, meaningful conversations in your publishing community? Leverage the wisdom of recognized experts to inspire members and drive engagement. Our expert insight templates make it easy to share authoritative viewpoints and invite rich discussion.
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Expert insight posts tap into the credibility and authority of recognized figures in publishing, sparking curiosity and thoughtful participation among members. When you share a well-chosen quote or expert opinion, you create a focal point for discussion that feels both trustworthy and relevant.
This content type works because it delivers value up front, positioning your community as a hub for credible industry knowledge. By inviting members to engage or challenge expert views, you encourage critical thinking and allow members to share their own experiences, deepening their connection to the community.
Margaret Atwood once said, 'A word after a word after a word is power.' Do you agree? Why or why not?
💡 Example: "Margaret Atwood once said, 'A word after a word after a word is power.' Do you agree? Why or why not?"
What do you think about Stephen King's advice: 'The adverb is not your friend'?
💡 Example: "What do you think about Stephen King's advice: 'The adverb is not your friend'?"
Toni Morrison emphasized writing the book you want to read. Have you ever done this?
💡 Example: "Toni Morrison emphasized writing the book you want to read. Have you ever done this?"
Neil Gaiman advocates for writing even when you do not feel inspired. How do you handle writer's block?
💡 Example: "Neil Gaiman advocates for writing even when you do not feel inspired. How do you handle writer's block?"
Malcolm Gladwell believes in the '10,000 hours' rule for mastery. Do you think this applies to publishing?
💡 Example: "Malcolm Gladwell believes in the '10,000 hours' rule for mastery. Do you think this applies to publishing?"
Jane Friedman says platform matters as much as craft. How important is author platform to you?
💡 Example: "Jane Friedman says platform matters as much as craft. How important is author platform to you?"
According to Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, stories matter because they shape perceptions. Do you agree?
💡 Example: "According to Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, stories matter because they shape perceptions. Do you agree?"
James Clear suggests tiny habits lead to big changes. How do small writing routines help you?
💡 Example: "James Clear suggests tiny habits lead to big changes. How do small writing routines help you?"
Seth Godin says 'Ship it.' How do you know when your work is ready for publication?
💡 Example: "Seth Godin says 'Ship it.' How do you know when your work is ready for publication?"
Anne Lamott advocates for 'shitty first drafts.' Do you let yourself write imperfectly at first?
💡 Example: "Anne Lamott advocates for 'shitty first drafts.' Do you let yourself write imperfectly at first?"
What is your take on Ursula K Le Guin's belief that genre labels can be limiting?
💡 Example: "What is your take on Ursula K Le Guin's belief that genre labels can be limiting?"
J K Rowling says, 'Failure is the foundation of success.' Has a failure ever fueled your writing journey?
💡 Example: "J K Rowling says, 'Failure is the foundation of success.' Has a failure ever fueled your writing journey?"
Haruki Murakami credits daily routine for his productivity. How do routines affect your creative output?
💡 Example: "Haruki Murakami credits daily routine for his productivity. How do routines affect your creative output?"
Zadie Smith suggests stepping away from drafts before editing. Do you take breaks between drafts?
💡 Example: "Zadie Smith suggests stepping away from drafts before editing. Do you take breaks between drafts?"
Roxane Gay values vulnerability in writing. Do you find it easy to be open in your work?
💡 Example: "Roxane Gay values vulnerability in writing. Do you find it easy to be open in your work?"
Maya Angelou said, 'There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.' Thoughts?
💡 Example: "Maya Angelou said, 'There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.' Thoughts?"
Elizabeth Gilbert talks about creative fear. Has fear ever stopped you from publishing?
💡 Example: "Elizabeth Gilbert talks about creative fear. Has fear ever stopped you from publishing?"
Do you agree with George Saunders that kindness is essential in literature?
💡 Example: "Do you agree with George Saunders that kindness is essential in literature?"
Austin Kleon says, 'Show your work.' How do you share your creative process with others?
💡 Example: "Austin Kleon says, 'Show your work.' How do you share your creative process with others?"
Colson Whitehead believes in learning from rejection. How do you handle rejection in publishing?
💡 Example: "Colson Whitehead believes in learning from rejection. How do you handle rejection in publishing?"
Isabel Allende says stories come from the heart. Do you write from personal experience or imagination?
💡 Example: "Isabel Allende says stories come from the heart. Do you write from personal experience or imagination?"
Salman Rushdie suggests literature should challenge the status quo. Do you agree or disagree?
💡 Example: "Salman Rushdie suggests literature should challenge the status quo. Do you agree or disagree?"
What is your opinion on Roxane Gay's advice to read widely and diversely?
💡 Example: "What is your opinion on Roxane Gay's advice to read widely and diversely?"
David Gaughran says indie publishing is about control. What do you value most about self-publishing?
💡 Example: "David Gaughran says indie publishing is about control. What do you value most about self-publishing?"
Joanna Penn emphasizes the importance of multiple income streams. Have you diversified your publishing revenue?
💡 Example: "Joanna Penn emphasizes the importance of multiple income streams. Have you diversified your publishing revenue?"
According to Chuck Wendig, 'Art hard, friends.' How do you stay motivated on tough days?
💡 Example: "According to Chuck Wendig, 'Art hard, friends.' How do you stay motivated on tough days?"
Brandon Sanderson encourages experimenting with new genres. Have you tried writing outside your comfort zone?
💡 Example: "Brandon Sanderson encourages experimenting with new genres. Have you tried writing outside your comfort zone?"
What are your thoughts on Maya Angelou's belief that 'words mean more than what is set down on paper'?
💡 Example: "What are your thoughts on Maya Angelou's belief that 'words mean more than what is set down on paper'?"
Do you relate to Haruki Murakami's idea that running fuels creativity?
💡 Example: "Do you relate to Haruki Murakami's idea that running fuels creativity?"
Kristen Lamb says connecting with readers is key. How do you build reader relationships?
💡 Example: "Kristen Lamb says connecting with readers is key. How do you build reader relationships?"
What do you think of Tim Grahl's advice to focus on serving, not selling, your audience?
💡 Example: "What do you think of Tim Grahl's advice to focus on serving, not selling, your audience?"
John Green credits reading for his writing growth. How does reading influence your craft?
💡 Example: "John Green credits reading for his writing growth. How does reading influence your craft?"
Lisa Cron says story trumps beautiful prose every time. Do you focus more on story or style?
💡 Example: "Lisa Cron says story trumps beautiful prose every time. Do you focus more on story or style?"
Agatha Christie wrote daily no matter what. What is your writing schedule like?
💡 Example: "Agatha Christie wrote daily no matter what. What is your writing schedule like?"
Judy Blume believes honesty is the best writing tool. How do you stay authentic in your work?
💡 Example: "Judy Blume believes honesty is the best writing tool. How do you stay authentic in your work?"
Kurt Vonnegut said, 'Be a sadist.' Do you find it hard to challenge your characters?
💡 Example: "Kurt Vonnegut said, 'Be a sadist.' Do you find it hard to challenge your characters?"
Octavia Butler advised persistence above all. What keeps you going in tough publishing times?
💡 Example: "Octavia Butler advised persistence above all. What keeps you going in tough publishing times?"
Do you agree with Ray Bradbury that reading is just as important as writing for an author?
💡 Example: "Do you agree with Ray Bradbury that reading is just as important as writing for an author?"
Susan Orlean suggests finding the extraordinary in the ordinary. Share a small moment that inspired you.
💡 Example: "Susan Orlean suggests finding the extraordinary in the ordinary. Share a small moment that inspired you."
Tara Westover credits memoir with helping her find her voice. Has writing ever helped you discover something about yourself?
💡 Example: "Tara Westover credits memoir with helping her find her voice. Has writing ever helped you discover something about yourself?"
Do you agree with Celeste Ng that empathy is a writer's most valuable skill?
💡 Example: "Do you agree with Celeste Ng that empathy is a writer's most valuable skill?"
Rebecca Solnit believes in the power of hope in writing. Has optimism shaped your stories?
💡 Example: "Rebecca Solnit believes in the power of hope in writing. Has optimism shaped your stories?"
George Orwell said, 'If liberty means anything at all, it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear.' Thoughts?
💡 Example: "George Orwell said, 'If liberty means anything at all, it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear.' Thoughts?"
To use these templates, select an expert whose perspective matches your community's interests. Share a brief quote or summary of their viewpoint, then prompt members to respond with their thoughts or experiences. Rotate between different experts and topics to maintain variety and relevance. Encourage respectful debate and facilitate ongoing dialogue by following up with clarifying questions or additional insights.
Since these templates are designed for all platforms, adapt the format to fit your channel. On forums, create a dedicated thread for each expert insight. On social media, pair the quote with an eye-catching image or hashtag. In newsletters or email, highlight the expert insight at the top and invite replies or comments.
Focus on questions that invite experts to discuss frequent mistakes in manuscript submissions, such as improper formatting, neglecting submission guidelines, or weak query letters. This helps the audience learn from real-world examples and understand publisher expectations, making the AMA more valuable for both new and experienced writers.
Consider framing questions that explore how publishers are navigating AI-authored manuscripts, verifying originality, and updating copyright policies. This fosters dialogue on emerging legal and ethical issues, which are highly relevant to modern publishing communities.
Design questions that prompt experts to compare royalty rates, rights reversion clauses, and marketing support across publishing models. This specificity allows members to gain insight into contract negotiation and make informed decisions for their manuscripts.
Ask experts about the role of sensitivity readers in editorial processes, challenges in implementing inclusive language, and how publishers adapt to evolving standards. These discussions are unique to publishing and foster critical awareness among community members.
Phrase questions that ask experts to share behind-the-scenes insights into how slush piles are managed, what makes a pitch stand out to agents, and common reasons for rejections. This gives authors actionable advice on improving their submissions and understanding gatekeeper perspectives.
Invite experts to discuss the complexities of selling rights overseas, working with foreign publishers, and ensuring high-quality translations. These topics are exclusive to the publishing industry and help demystify global expansion for authors and editors alike.
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