INTERVIEW WITH INDIE AUTHOR AND CLIENT JEN NASH
Meet Jen. I had the privilege of editing her new book, The Big Power of Tiny Connections, a fun and helpful read I’ve already referred back to for guidance in my own life.
Tell us about your book.
In life what brings us the most joy? I know for me, and for many, it tends to be the small interactions with people in our lives. In this book I use lots of fun true-life stories and scientific research to outline how we as humans listen, talk, and crave connection.
Whether you want to go to more parties, get a better job, make more money, or be a better person—I wrote this book to give anyone really insightful, practical strategies for doing it all. At the end of the day, I want everyone to live their best lives possible, and I can honestly say that I think by reading The Big Power of Tiny Connections, a happier, more successful, and more fulfilling life is within everyone’s reach.
What made you want to write a book? What impact do you want your book to have on your readers?
So like most of us, Covid threw me for a loop. I realized I was really missing a key element of my former life, and that was the magic of random connections. What I mean by that is the little connections you make at the coffee shop. On a plane. On a bus.
As a result, I started writing stories about all the people I’ve met randomly who’ve changed my life, and pretty soon I realized that these “random connections” were not random at all. They were made because I showed up with presence and agency. As I dug into how and why I connect with people, I realized I have a particular approach I could share with others. So the book began to take shape organically!
What was your writing process like?
I worked with Authors Who Lead, and they created a group of six people and we all were working on our different book projects at the same time. So once we were all ready to write, we assigned ourselves a certain number of words to write a day—and we did it. My goal was to write 2000 words a day for six days a week. I did that for six weeks and in that time managed to finish my 50,000 word book.
Why did you choose self-publishing?
Publishers today rely on authors to do a lot of their own marketing, and I couldn’t think of why else I needed a publisher since local bookstores, Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, etc. handle distribution for me. Once I interviewed a few hybrid publishers, I just decided I would figure this out. They wanted thousands and thousands of dollars and I didn’t see the value there. I worked with a Wood Dragon Books in Canada and Jeanne was great at helping me birth my book.
How did you learn about the process of self-publishing?
I read a lot, talked to hybrid publishers, and just realized that while it’s annoying because of all the hoops you have to jump through, it’s fundamentally a very basic process. Wood Dragon Books, and other companies that help authors can help anyone navigate the process with minimal pain. I can’t say it was painless though—I’m still having issues getting my cover perfect.
Tell us about each step in the process. What did you like and what not so much? Were there any surprises?
Haha. Yeah, getting the cover artwork right is SURPRISINGLY hard and I worked with a very reputable designer. But my designer, Samantha Russo, didn’t typically ever do the production aspect of the uploading, so she wasn’t really able to help me figure out why the cover and the spine art weren’t lining up correctly on the printed books. Super frustrating, as I went to art school and I am a bit of an art snob.
What was the editing phase like for you?
I loved my developmental editor, Ann Maynard of Command Z Content, she was very direct and aggressive. I totally rewrote the book at her suggestion. After working with her, I worked with you and that was also helpful. I would say the copy-editing phase was pretty simple. But I think as authors we can get a little precious with our work. I find myself second guessing if I changed enough.
Are there any resources you’d recommend to aspiring indie authors just starting out?
Reedsy.com is super helpful. Otherwise, I really didn’t do a ton of research. My goal was to publish a book and have it underscore my speaking and coaching platform. I didn’t set out to be a best-selling author.
Is there anything you know now that you wish you knew then? Do you have advice for other writers?
If you’re self-publishing hire an Ingram specific art director to get your book jacket mechanicals correct. I will definitely do that in the future.
How are you marketing the book? What techniques are you using to reach you readers?
I am looking at my friend network and seeing who knows people who might know connected humans. I am hoping someone knows Oprah, Brené Brown, or Glennon Doyle. I think I have a lead on Oprah…so crossing my fingers! I know that seems crazy but I’ve spent a night in Kensington Palace, in the room next to his former Royal Highness Prince Harry so anything is possible! Plus, I’m working with a PR company in Canada and considering hiring another to help me with my social media.
Do you plan on writing more books?
Absolutely. I have a financial self-help guide planned for next year.
About the author:
Jen Nash grew up moving around the world. By the time she was ten, she'd already moved six times, from the West Coast of Canada to Montreal then to Kingston, Canada, then back to Montreal before moving to Malaysia and Hong Kong. From ten to twenty years of age, Jen lived in Japan, Australia, Canada as well as the United States. All this globe-trotting might sound fun, but it was challenging from a friend-making perspective and it certainly gave her a sense of urgency about her need for making "instant connections."
In 2022, leveraging her understanding of how important connection was, Jen wrote The Big Power of Tiny Connections—How Small Interactions Spark Awesome Outcomes. Today she calls herself a Connector in Chief and Executive Coach. She is currently focused on supporting female clients to embrace their abundance without shame or guilt, as well as running corporate trainings which focus on improving human connection, culture, and employee retention rates.
When not traveling the globe learning new ways to say “thank you” and finding bright souls with whom to foster lifelong friendships; Jen Nash can be seen biking around New York City, Los Angeles, or striding around el Centro in San Miguel Allende, Mexico.
Connect with Jen at: www.jennash.com/contact
Find her book at: www.jennash.com/books
