Tagline Tag
from eatmywords.com
Just before starting on the ebook again today, I visited Naomi’s blog and read her tagline post, which led me to an archived entry where a gazillion people came up with taglines for IttyBiz. It was hilarious, to say the least. And the brainstorming was incredible.
That’s when I remembered: Shit. I don’t have a tagline yet! Oh yeah.
James has already suggested two:
EditQuest: Your quest for editing perfection has just been fulfilled.
EditQuest: Where the quest for a fantasy editor ends – and your novel begins.
I like the second one best, but I don’t want to rule out people who have other writing than novels. I have to read James’s post yet on tagline development (on Copyblogger), but I’m already thinking, after his and Kelly’s exchange on IttyBiz, that I have to keep his stashed novel in mind because he epitomizes my clients.
Kelly’s tagline was:
EditQuest: Fantasy editing. Real publishing advice. Your journey begins here.
James said that writers want the journey to end, not begin. By the time they’ve got a book written, they just want to be finished already! So “your journey ends here” is really a nice one, actually. But then, it doesn’t really. I’m just the midpoint. I have to tell them they have a ways to go yet, but at least I can guide them there. Editor and consultant, remember? Get your professional handholding here.
The other thing is, fantasy editor/ing seems to be ambiguous. For some reason, friends are thinking that I mean I’m starting the business I’ve always dreamed of, the fantasy I have for editing. Or that I’m the editor they’ve always dreamed of, their fantasy editor, rather than editor of fantasy. Mind you, being someone’s fantasy editor isn’t necessarily a bad thing…
EditQuest: Where the editor lets it all hang out. (That’s a fantasy, isn’t it?)
Kidding.
James says that when coming up with a tagline, I have to focus on the benefits of my site, or of me, I guess. The tagline needs to say what’s in it for the clients.
And because self-promotion’s always been extremely hard for me, I’m tagging you.
You’re it! What can you come up with to help me?
Filed under: freelancing | 40 Comments
Tags: taglines
Huh. Is this what I mean by saying I’m signing off for a while to focus? I should say g’bye more often!
Stop asking friends and family what they think – THEY ARE NOT YOUR TARGET MARKET. They will not give you an objective, realistic view and only their perception, WHICH IS NOT THE PERCEPTION OF YOUR TARGET MARKET.
Scenario: A writer with a short fantasy story he hopes to submit to a publication stumbles on your site.
He sees “Editing. Good stuff. Rockin’ Editor here.”
He thinks, “Well, that’s kind of what I need but not really. I want someone who knows fantasy shit.”
Result? CLICK. He’s gone. Buh-bye!
Now think of the result if he sees: “Fantasy editing done right here. Hire me.”
“Damn. That’s what I need.”
Mmm… thoughts?
Sirihnniel: Hey, welcome!
I see your point. However, that paragraph you cited stemmed from just telling people what I’m going to be doing, not asking them what they thought of my endeavour. (Frankly, I don’t really care anymore. I’m doing it, regardless!) When I said I’m going to be doing fantasy editing, they seemed to think I was saying I was finally revamping my freelancing business to what I really wanted to do. (Okay, that’s true, but not the point!)
But yes, you’re right: fantasy has to be in there, and yes, they need to know I know “fantasy shit.” For sure! It’s just that saying fantasy editing keeps making me think of ideal editing, rather than genre editing now. On the other hand, editing fantasy has the same effect: what’s your editing fantasy? LOL!
Fantasy’s kind of a bitch of a word. It’s got too many meanings!
Steph,
Darn, woman, you write fast. I’d have to think the conversation out for a week before I’d have a post, if it were me.
(I admit I’m in love with it as I originally wrote it, before I hit the backspace key. Works in your specialization, explains exactly what you do, and pinches a writer’s sensitive spot a bit with the prize—”publishing.”) So let the journey end here. Who the heck wants “Fantasy editing. Real publishing advice. You’re journey’s about halfway done, kinda.”? Too much realism!
That was a fun little break this morning. I love tagline brainstorming.
Regards,
Kelly
Kelly: LOL!
Yes, fun break…um, and now it’s 2:00 and I still haven’t done anything!!
Yes, I like your tagline too. James wrote that first you need to determine what your blog is about. Well, like you said, quality editing and publishing advice. The next step is asking myself, so what? Why does my blog matter to people? And I think that’s what sirihnniel was pointing out: it has to mention that I know fantasy shit, too. I really have to think on this one. The step after that is to “Take that ’so what’ answer and rip yourself a rockin’ new tagline.”
(Which keeps making me think of ripping myself a new a-hole!) But seriously. Yes, then I piece everything together in perfect, catchy words.
As a writer myself, I don’t think I’d get excited about an editor (no offense). I’d get excited about having a FINISHED PRODUCT. Thus, I may get excited about a tagline that talks about getting the thing done, finishing, wrapping up the loose ends, etc. I would not be excited about having someone edit for me… in fact, I would be a little uncomfortable about feeling the need to have an editor (– didn’t I write it well enough?). But if you pitched yourself as the final problem solver after I’ve done what I can do, I’d perk up my pointed little ears, especially if I was a first-time author and someone who did not fully understand the value of an editor yet.
Does that make sense?
@Beth: hmmm, yes, it totally does, very unlike my comment(s) I just left on your site!!
I have to think on that some more. You’re not the first person to say that editors don’t exactly turn their crank, for several reasons. But I am an editor, I am “selling” editing, along with the publishing advice and such. So how can I say it, as you’re saying, in a clear but more attractive way? Envision the problem and address it, yes?
Problems:
- I have a manuscript. Now what?
- My writing needs improvement. Can you help me? Can I trust you?
- I want to publish. What are my options?
- I want to know if I even have a good story. If not, can you tell me how to make it better?
Basically, I address these with my services. But what encompasses all that?
EditQuest: Turning fantasy fiction into…
Exactly. Because I’d rather spend time on your site than address the time management problems I’m having today, I am thinking through the process.
So, here I am, a fantasy writer with a new book. All my friends know that I have been writing this book for a zillion years. And I just wrote and told EVERYBODY that I finished. And now EVERYBODY wants to know when it’s coming out!
When I finish, what’s the first thing I do? Search for someone to buy it! So I don’t necessarily think of someone who can help me finish it first. I think it’s finished, of course, because I finished it!
So I’m going to spend several months sending it to this publisher and that agent to improve my collection of rejection letters.
When do I come to the realization that I need help finishing it? Does a publisher advise me in a rejection letter that I could use the help of an editor? Does an agent recommend someone? Do I learn about it in a workshop?
Ok, so I’ve come to some kind of realization that I need help editing. What are my choices? When I Google “fantasy book editor” what comes up? And how do I choose?
My best insight about your business (completely uneducated and unsolicited, of course) is to perhaps point out two times when your clients might be Googling your help and to point out two other ways you might be able to get those clients to come to you:
1. Google: When they finish and they are searching for a publisher — if you brand yourself as the step EVERY writer needs to take before a publisher will notice.
2. Google: When they have racked up rejection letters and are looking for what they *should have done* before they just sent it out there.
3. Recommendations: Network with publishing houses and agents who talk to authors who will need your help.
Again, I’m ignorant of this industry. I’m just trying to think of the writers I’ve known and what they’d do to get published.
Beth: Actually, it’s not unsolicited. I’m clearly asking for help here!
Thinking about your comment now…
Okay, I agree with what most writers will do. This is actually the struggle I’ve had in all of my freelancing years with independent clients. People walk right on by the editor. Editor schmeditor, they sniff. (They’re scared. I will rip apart their painstaking work and change everything and then charge them an arm and a leg, they think. Also, they just want to get ‘er published so they skip to the query letter. If that.)
Fine. So should the focus be on publishing then? Should I become a publishing expert, to walk people through that intimidating process, which, btw, happens to include editing (even the Idiot’s Guide says so), which btw, I happen to excel at?
In that case:
EditQuest: Helping fantasy writers get published
EditQuest: Where good fantasy fiction gets better
EditQuest: Fantasy editing and publishing consultation
EditQuest: Getting your fantasy writing ready for publication
EditQuest: Editorial support for fantasy writers
EditQuest: Where Henry Protter becomes Harry Potter
EditQuest: Guide to The Care and Feeding of Fantasy Writers
Sorry, getting silly now. Honestly, should this be taking me all day? I haven’t written a word of my ebook today!
Of course it’s taking a while. Word choice is, after all, one of the things that really matters in your profession.
I like “Where good fantasy fiction gets better”, personally.
Hey Steph, I usually throw a ton of goofy ideas at ya when you do a call for ideas. This time, I will just offer some advice.
Instead of a tag line, I recommend you think of the WHY. Meaning, what is your purpose. If we met in an elevator and I were getting off in two floors (boy, am I lazy), what would you tell me you do? A lot of companies spend too much time on the HOW and WHAT.
So, you aren’t a writer or editor of fantasy work. Nor are you one who pays attention to detail and knows the best uses of grammar etc. But rather, WHY do you do what you do? Is it something like, reinventing fantasy novels? Or exposing a new generation to fantasy literature? Or introducing new authors to fantasy fanatics? I’m giving horrible examples, so don’t take them literally. The point is to focus on the WHY. People resonate more to something with purpose and vision than they do the tactical and technical.
Just my take on this, I’m kind of full of it too.
Hmmm…. I did ask James in the Copyblogger post what he thought of my tagline: Inspiring readers one word at a time… I thought of that immediately as I worked on my website like a year ago and it stuck. Then I doubted myself. Maybe it could have been better. Maybe I shouldn’t have written and published the first thing that came to my mind! James replied that it wasn’t bad at all BUT one word could change the entire meaning. He preferred: Inspiring YOU one word at a time… It’s still my catchy little phrase that had popped into my mind last year – but with a fresh meaning. He said that one word took the focus off of ME and made the reader/editor/client the focus. I’m inspiring them. I want them to know that. So, Inspiring YOU one word at a time… makes much more sense than by saying it using readers. I was astounded at what a huge transformation there was just by changing one word! I had honestly never thought of it that way until he mentioned it! (Thank you, James!)
I can’t think of anything great for your tagline right now, Steph, but if/when I do I’ll pop back in and share it with you.
I’m sure you’ll decide on something great, though!
*smiles*
Michele
I wonder if you should consider putting the idea of specialisation in your tagline – something along the lines of:
EditQuest: Specialist fantasy editing and publishing consultancy
A bit clumsy, I know, but you get the idea – it gets across the idea that you’re an expert in the genre you’ve chosen. I also came up with this one:
EditQuest: Turning your fantasy literature into a published reality
..which I’m rather proud of.
Hx
Ravyn: Good point! (And yes, I rather like that one too!)
Bretthead: Well, I nearly fell off my chair. Seriously? No crazy, hilarious taglines? Are you getting all professional on me? (Hmmm, I love it!) Your advice is great. It seems right to me. Which is a good thing, since you own an ad agency. I’ll think on this for sure. THANKS!
Oh, and PS: You and Beth have to stop saying these disclaimer “but I’m just a *blank* so what do I know” kind of sentences. As a writer and ad dude, neither of you is ignorant of publishing! You’re both professionals I highly respect, and you know a great deal! Don’t undercut yourselves.
Michele: I think you’re right. One word can totally make all the difference. And out of your comment I take what I can put together with Bretthead’s: focus on the clients, not me. Benefits, benefits, benefits, as James would say.
Hx: I do indeed get the idea, and I like your second one, too. At the same time I’m scared of it. Can I guarantee they will be published? I don’t think so. I can only guarantee I will help them with everything I’ve got to improve their writing, get it where it should be, and be their spotter along the way of the publishing process. But in the end, it’s the publisher who has the say. It sounds a bit more like a publisher’s tagline, I think?
Thank you so much, everyone, thus far. Your input is really helping!
*smiles*
Hi steph! As you know, I tend to overthink things. Titles, too. So, I thought you might be interested in a few taglines I dreamt up for you. ;D
“Your final draft is no longer a fantasy.”
and…
“Where the end of your fantasy novel begins.”
Steph,
Thanks for your little note.
Made me feel giddy and professional at the same time.
@ Cirellio: LOL, indeed, we sort of have the same struggle!
I love that you dreamt up a couple of lines for me, thanks! I especially like to hear from writers like you, those who are writing fantasy with the hope of being published. What would you like to see or hear, you know?
The first line you came up with makes me think of final fantasy, which is not necessarily a bad thing! The second one I would have to tweak, because there might be writers out there with ezines, short stories and fan fiction, or any other fantasy fiction that isn’t in novel form. You know? I’m willing to help them too.
I’m so happy you’re here. Thanks for the comment and the taglines! I feel I’m getting closer…
@ Beth:
You’re welcome. I meant it. You deserve a cupcake today.
Thanks for the warm welcome, Steph ^_^
You need something more all-encompassing, eh? Hmm. Maybe…
“Everything fantasy: Edited.”
LOL! But even more encompassing, because I’m not solely copyediting but also helping them with the publishing process.
EditQuest: Helping you get your words in print
No, because that doesn’t mention fantasy. hmmm…
EditQuest: Where your fantasy only gets better
A bit general, doesn’t mention either editing or publishing specifically, nor writing, even, but makes me smile!
Ha! Funny you should say that about a cupcake… I was just going to try to find some chocolate at the little liquor store around the corner!
Damn sweet tooth. Thanks for your permission.
Regarding the tag line… will every person (not just fantasy writers) know what type of fantasy you mean? Perhaps I am thinking too much about my great fiction debut in Playgirl, but…
Beth: good question. At first my heart fell. But assuming they see the tagline on the site, yes, they will figure it out right away by the design. Off the site, well, maybe not. But the Quest in EditQuest might give them a clue. Might. And if not, hell, I’ll edit stories for Playboy too. But don’t tell.
The problem, otherwise, is that we get into splitting hairs. There are too many subgenres. High fantasy, sword and sorcery, heroic, etc. Ugh. I can’t fit that all in a tagline!
Good thinking, Steph. I like the track you’re on.
I have some bad news, though. I went to the store for chocolate, and I was excited by Ski8ttles’ new Chocolate Mix. S’mores flavor, they promised… and Brownie Batter! Oh, I was so happy with the varieties of chocolate.
Now the bad news: THERE’S NO CHOCOLATE IN THEM! Why oh why did I not guess that Skittles chocolate would be the same kind of gummy, chewy bits that their regular fruit candy was? But the idea of Brownie Batter chocolate was too much for me.
I suppose it’s good news that there’s almost no fat. BUT I WASTED MY CHOCOLATE CRAVING ON FAKE CHOCOLATE!
This is so very sad.
Sigh. I was so upset I typed “Ski8ttles.”
I know. Leaving it. It’s funny.
Oh Beth. One of these days, I’ll send you the best supply of *real* chocolate. It’s called World’s Finest. Probably for a reason.
EditQuest:
Making *your* fantasy a reality.
(and then you go on to explain what you mean – I figured it’s catchy, and provocative… course, you might get a few hits from people looking for pr0n but hey, why not?)
I figured I’d better stop in to say hi (been reading the comments via RSS!), and now that I’m back from Friar’s I thought I’d throw in my 2 cents.
Kind of like what Hx wrote, or if you want to soften it, so it doesn’t promise the world, say “Help make your fantasy a reality.”
But then again, be confident – be bold!
-Brett
Hey Brett: Good to see you!
Hope you had a great time at Friar’s, though I can’t imagine otherwise.
I’m exhausted right now (page 12 of my ebook! and from racking my brains for taglines) so this has to be my last comment of the day. My eyes doth protest.
I sent James all the comments here, and he’s not a fan of any of them, really. Kept asking: What’s in it for me, and so what?? Only in all-caps.
There were a couple similar ones to yours. He’d ask what fantasy? So what? What’s in it for me, dammit?
I’ll have to address this better tomorrow. Colin’s calling me to read before bed! [smiles]
Thanks for stopping by tonight! See ya tomorrow?
Steph,
Yes, we had a good time and as always it could have carried on into the wee hours. We’ll have to move it to Friday evenings…
James has a good point, my only counterpoint would be that the tagline will mean different things to different people, so make sure you are happy with it.
(Example: current Microsoft tagline is “Your potential. Our passion”, to which I say, “sorry guys, your software is crap and I hope they never try to embrace my potential, cause they don’t have a hope in hell of doing it…”
Never mind their old one “Where do you want to go today?”, holy crap, how could they ever take me where I want to go?
Anyway, you get the idea…)
Or you could do what MwP has done, they have a good name, and a catchy “Shooting from the hip” thing, and then another that describes what they actually do.
Oh yes, I’ll be back – have a good one.
-Brett
I like Kelly’s tagline and James’ second one best. I have to admit when I first saw Fantasy editing before this post, I was clueless but I’m not a fantasy writer so not the first thing that springs to mind. Clear, concise benefit driven not features, wins every time.
@Steph
I’m coming up with a blank for a tagline.
Probably ’cause I’ve had a few too many pints last night.
Godamm you, Brett.
@ Brett: Haha! Your comment left me thinking: What’s Apple’s tagline? Do they even need one if Microsoft sucks so badly and their products are so hot?
Macs: So pretty we don’t need a tagline
Apple OS: So not Microsoft.
Macs: They just work.
Anyway, I hear you.
And yes, I was staring at MwP’s home page last night, thinking about how they have two lines!
@ Karen: “Clear, concise benefit driven not features, wins every time. ” Yup. What James said!
@ Friar: This is unacceptable. Your performance is under par and you appear distracted from your work. Therefore, I cannot give you a positive review. I expect you to have a list of five taglines by the end of the day, keeping in mind the memo above with its specifications. And never mind blaming the other employees. This concerns only you.
@Steph
The only one I can think of righ now is “Goddam Mongorians!”
(But seeing how you’re TV-deprived, you might not get the Southpark reference).
@Friar: EditQuest: No Kitty, that’s my fantasy editor!!
EditQuest: Respect my authoritah!
EditQuest: Fantasy editors are good, mmkay?
@Steph
HAHHAHAH! Okay…I didnt’ realize you were familiar with the show!
Believe it or not: Back when we had TV, South Park, the Simpsons, and Family Guy were my fave. The only shows I didn’t get sick of. I used to never miss an episode of Stargate SG1, but then I stopped, and same with The Pretender, and the Profiler, but I think those disappeared, and then CSI Las Vegas, and then I got sick of those and they started to seem stupid.
But I do miss the cartoons!
EditQuest: No Polly PrissyPants here.
@Brett: Apple: Think different. (Oh yeah! I forgot.)
Steph,
Here’s one more.
Apple – Worship Steve or Die.
Steph,
Apple’s is Think different.
Brilliant tagline: layers of meaning—”Hey you, think about the world differently”; “Hey, you, think of getting a different machine”; “Hey, you, you’re different from the rest of the lemmings, show it off and be proud.”
Layers of meaning is what you want. See my naming series last week, and change the word “name” to tagline.” Most everything works the same.
Karen,
Thank you, thank you. Maybe I should help people with their small bizzes for a living or something.
Later,
Kelly
Kelly: That’s just it, though. When I read “think different,” I see how it totally works for Apple. But otherwise, what’s in it for me and so what?
Also, it irks me. It reminds me of “think outside the box.” And I keep reading it as a grammatical error, even though the emphasis is on different, not think. Or it would be think differently. (Sigh. I know.
There are such great and catchy and well-known taglines out there but I don’t see how they meet THE criteria. Part of me wishes I could forget the rules and just create.