Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Rebecca Benison. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Rebecca thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We love asking folks what they would do differently if they were starting today – how they would speed up the process, etc. We’d love to hear how you would set everything up if you were to start from step 1 today.

As an author, I’ve learned so much since publishing my first book last year. The biggest lesson has been the importance of starting promotions early.

If I could go back, I would have worked with my publisher to build in more time between having proof copies available for review, and officially releasing the book. Having that time would have enabled me to pitch more reviewers, go after higher-profile reviews in the industry, and run more promotions ahead of release.

So much of a book’s success is determined before publication. If I were to do it again (and I plan to with later manuscripts), I’d make sure to get proof copies available early and get those out into the world to build up the reviews that can lead to more sales. I’d also focus more on my own community building efforts, and put some budget toward ads.

Rebecca, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m a writer in every sense. Professionally, I write, edit, and develop content and communications strategies for businesses. I’ve supported clients in a range of industries, from manufacturing, to healthcare, to retail, and beyond.

In my personal time, I’m a fiction author. I’ve always loved creating stories, but to be honest, I never saw myself writing a full-length novel. I’d written short stories and poems, and then one day the inspiration struck to just keep going and see how far I could take one story in particular. That became Harvest Cruise, my debut thriller.

I’m extremely proud to have achieved my goal of becoming a published author. I’m also proud to have built a full-time career out of writing. I think that my patience and persistence are keys to success in both areas. I will do whatever it takes to get the job done, and I make sure it’s done well. People know they can rely on me to solve problems and develop creative concepts.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

It’s funny, one of the first things people will tell you after you get published is not to read the reviews. Reviews are for readers, not authors. But I do like to check in on my reviews, and I’ve gotten several that have been absolutely lovely.

It’s extremely rewarding to see people enjoying your work. I’ve gotten some stunning reviews that have left me in awe, and I’m so grateful to those who have not only chosen to read my work, but to speak so highly of it.

Harvest Cruise has also won two awards now, and it’s validating to see these awarding bodies choose my book among so many other contenders.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

In my professional life, it’s addressing the elephant in the room — generative AI.

Non-creatives don’t understand the nuances around how AI is impacting work environments, for better and for worse. I don’t use AI in my personal writing, but am well-versed in how to use it effectively in business. It does help to optimize processes, but should never replace human employees. I’ve seen the output, and I can tell you with confidence which blogs, emails, and LinkedIn posts are copy-pasted from ChatGPT.

As a creative, it’s important to stay on top of new advances and how they can make work more efficient. But it’s crucial not to rely on new tools to do the work for you. When it comes to AI, think of it more as an intern than an expert. Fact-check everything, and don’t let it replace your own voice.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.rebeccabenison.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552271828347
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccabenison/
• Twitter: https://x.com/rbenison89
• Other: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/201507875-harvest-cruise