I'm working on a book proposal.
I haven't had to write a proposal in upwards of six years, not since my agent (Bob Hostetler with the Steve Laube Agency) landed me at Harlequin's Love Inspired line. But I have a completed manuscript that's been gathering metaphorical dust in my desk drawer, and since it doesn't fit within the Love Inspired guidelines, my agent plans to shop it around to other publishers and see what happens. New publisher, new proposal. Bob is also in the process of negotiation my next multi-book contract with Harlequin.
The last time I wrote a proposal, Bob sent me a sample proposal and requested that I submit my information in the exact same format. The components included:
• Hook
• Summary
• Theme
• Audience
• Author
• Marketing
• Manuscript status
• Similar titles
• Other available books by author
• Synopsis
• First three chapters
As with many novice authors, a few of these categories were thin, notably the "Marketing" section, not to mention the "Other available books by author" section. In fact, I bent myself into pretzels with the Marketing section; for an explanation of why, read this blog post from March 2019 in which I was weeping with the despair of it all.
This time around, I'm following the format of my first proposal, and therein I made an interesting discovery.
Obviously I've got a stronger platform this time around, thanks to Harlequin's generosity in publishing so many of my books. But in 2019, I noted that this blog received about 1.5 million page visits per year. At first I was inclined simply to slot that same number into the current proposal – after all, 1.5 million page views is nothing to sneeze at – but then I decided to check my most recent stats. And that's what astounded me.
Here are today's stats:
The numbers are a little hard to see, so I'll list them:
• All time: 29,755,904 (this is over the 17-year span of this blog)
• Today: 118
• Yesterday: 25,545
• This month: 430,618
• Last month: 396,278
These are terrific numbers. But what really blew me out of the water was the total number of page views from the last year:
An incredible 4.37 million page views in the past 12 months! Almost three times as many as 2019!
And here's the funny thing: I never check my stats. Honestly, the last time I checked was ... well, probably back in 2019 when I was writing my last proposal. But somehow during that time, page views tripled. Go figure.
Don and I were discussing this, and he wants me to ask an honest question: Why do you, the reader, come to this blog?
And I'll ask a question of my own: What kind of information or material do you want me to cover?
I read your blog because it is always interesting. I'm 87 retired, grow up on a farm and I like to know what is happening at your homestead.
ReplyDeleteFirst, you may have had larger stats this month if you hadn't had technical difficulties.
ReplyDeleteI come because I used to read your articles on a certain conservative website. I enjoyed your perspectives. I saw your bio mentioned your blog. I've been returning for about 5 years.
I think that because your topics vary and often include real photos, I feel like you are a nice neighbor. I like being able to comment. You aren't boring even if my hobbies and chores are different. Just humble real life. I learn from you and your commentors. I'm always looking for some good news. Coming here is comfortable, like having a nice cup of tea with a friend. Thank you 🧡
I met you once at a conference. I discovered you were a kind, thoughtful person with interesting things to say. Followed you since then.
ReplyDeleteI like to read, especially about real life things, and blogs fit that. I don't read many though. I used to also read waiterrant.com and recently touched back there. It's got interesting little stories.
ReplyDeleteYour blog has a kind of serial nature, ongoing stories about the animals and such.
I am saddened by Romeo and if there were something I could edit out it would be anything to do with the slaughtering of animals regardless of how humanely it's done.
I know that Jewish people used to raise Passover lambs in their homes as pets to impress the significance of the sacrifice on their families, plus they had to be unblemished.
Here I am on the animal topic again, but they didn't sin in the garden, and they stood in for Crist as our sacrifice for thousands of years. So animals have a very special place in my heart.
I am a country girl who gardens, cans, sews, have land and animals, but I do not nor have I ever considered myself a homesteader. Prepper, yes. Self and God reliant, yes. I think that word is mostly clickbait because there have always been country people.
I also like to follow a couple of youtube channels, like Little Mountain Ranch. They just moved to downsize.
This is better than tv because the people are real, not acting. And by following those who seem to be genuine I think we are all benefitted.
I read this blog because you guys are real. I have been with you guys for years and years. I have about 3 blogs that I never miss and you guys are on that short list. I too am too soft hearted to read much about the animal situation. That is one way I can tell you guys are real though. You handle it so matter of factly with no feelings involved. I understand the why of it, I just don’t like the how of it. I love the fact that you tell the truth about things not being easy. It’s no fantasy story with you. And I love the way you post how-to-do posts. I’ve learned so many simple things that have saved me time and money. Mostly though I love your attitude. I am doing my best to adapt it to my own life but it’s hard. It feels like you are relaxed with whatever you have to do or the time to get things done. I have always been one of the ones who needs everything done before I go to bed. I have ruined my health as a result of this attitude. I’m hoping that the saying “you’re never too old to learn” is true. Also, you guys appear to have my same values, but without the political hype that goes with some of the other blogs.
ReplyDeleteYou guys are living my homesteading life for me. I just live vicariously through you and your family. That trip to Italy kind of hurt my feelings though. At least I got pictures. You guys are blessed and have always been a blessing to me. Thank you.
I agree with everyone here I like itsnot a fiction, you are living the life I tried before age and bad arthritis slowed me down
DeleteSeveral years ago (about 15, I think) I was trying to locate a blog post I'd read about a milk cow that someone had potty-trained. I never did find it, but I ended up at one of your posts about milking. It was interesting, but what really caught my attention was the picture at the top of the page of a large hill that looked very familiar. It was a hill I'd driven past many times growing up on the Palouse. I bookmarked the site, and haven't missed a post since.
ReplyDeleteI am a homeschooling mom, and aspiring homesteader (chickens and a small garden), with very vague notions of being a writer some day, so your posts are usually relevant to me. You've been posting consistently for years, but not so often that I can't keep up. And your page is mostly content, not ads. That's what keeps me coming back.
I also look forward to occasional references to places I know, and it's fun to try to puzzle out where exactly you live. But don't worry - when you sold your old place, I discovered my guesses were all wrong!
BTW - why no chickens, yet?
I visit your site because of your content.
ReplyDeleteSpecifically:
-How your tasks change day-by-day
-Un-varnished descriptions of your reality
-The level of detail...you mention the variety of peach, the kind of firewood...breed of cattle
-Very minimal editorializing. You resist the urge.
-You are inspiring in terms of your frugality and you practice your faith
It's simple for me. I read to learn things. You blog to teach things.
ReplyDeleteI come here because you are genuine. The blogosphere has been over run by influencers and more generally people constantly want to sell you something so you’re blog is one of the few I read. I like reading about your ordinary life and also that you often include info on how to do things…from recipes to animal care to building projects.
ReplyDeleteI come visit for a dose of reality.
ReplyDeleteJeff
I think it was my girlfriend who first found your blog when we were looking into becoming homesteaders ourselves, in The Netherlands. We stuck around because we like your style of writing, and it gives us a view into a world very different from our own.
ReplyDeleteWe are now building our own fruit- and vegetable homestead since 2024. And enjoying it.
A fellow homesteader here. Our only animals are chickens, but we otherwise live a similar life. I'm pretty sure I began following you years ago for the gardening info you shared. I also enjoy your food preservation posts, and recipes. Also a fellow book lover, a self-employed maker, with a frugal sensibility. I just enjoy seeing what like-minded, sensible folks are up to, I guess.
ReplyDeletelike several other commenters, I come here for the variety. you don't post about just one thing, you are all over the pace, and I like that. about the only sure bet is that there will be no sports, and no politics, and that is so refreshing.
ReplyDeleteWhy do I "follow" you? I have been with you since long before your big move. All I can come up with are trite words that really don't explain it. But I will try. You are grounded. I live on a small lot in a suburb to a large Southern U. S. city. What do we have in common? We both want to make our own choices about our futures. That's an impossible goal but still a goal. You maintain the same moral standards that I try to hold. You attempt to determine the effect daily decisions make on the undependable future. Probably, the most we have in common is the attitude that things are presented as a challenge rather than a total negative. I'm 90 now and still relish the challenges presented each day. Hope you and your blog outlast me. God Bless---- Julia
ReplyDeleteit's all good in my book
ReplyDeleteBeen following since 2010 or 11. Really enjoy your posts.
ReplyDeleteLearn something new every time, I believe you have a really good eye for things like a very wise neighbor, please keep it up!
I was lead to your site by the James Rawles blog several years ago.
ReplyDeleteI read your blog because you are wholesome and have Christ honoring values and you tell the story of your very interesting homesteading lives.
I am a mini homesteader in a much less rural area than you in a much more communistic state than yours, and wish I had moved out 26 years ago when I had a chance. Too old now.
I think in these times, the more encouragement you can give to your readers to become closer to the Lord, and then to become more self sufficient, and invest in hard tangible assets as they are able.
Mark the Hairless
I read your blog because you're lifestyle is very interesting and it's a great change of pace from the rest of the craziness in the world.
ReplyDeleteI like your blog because it is real. I was born and raised on a farm in Illinois and at 82 wish I was still there. I had a successful life and have been married for 58 years and still love her. Much like you and Don. I would like to hear about the girls lives a little more as I watched them grow up on your blog. I have read all of your stories and like the way you wright very much. You know where the story is going but the trip is still enjoyable. Thank you for keeping the blog going, I come here every day!
ReplyDeleteYour honesty.
ReplyDeleteYou make me feel secure. My life couldn't be more different from yours, except that I'm a writer too, but I can pretend to myself that if I had to, I could raise my own food and chop wood for warmth.
ReplyDeleteWe keep coming back for posts about mayonnaise jars and “Do we look poor?” You are so relatable to our life. We love that your gratitude for your life and blessings make you feel rich, even when other people may not recognize it. It reminds us so much of our own situation. Keep the frugality coming!
ReplyDeleteI first read your articles in Countryside magazine so many years ago.
ReplyDeleteOne day I googled your name and found your blog. I've been reading it ever since. I believe over 10 years now, but don't know for sure.
I love your realness (If that is a real word.). You explain how to do things and why.
At this point in time your blog is the only one I follow on a regular basis.
I have bought a few of your books and enjoyed them. I just don't read as much as I used to.
Debbie in MA
I have a lot of different reasons for reading you... the main one I would have to choose is your recipes, especially canning! I am amazed by the variety of foodstuffs that you can. I also appreciate your frugality and creativity, including your description of your husband's DIY talents. The preparedness posts are also really educational - getting ready for bad weather and changes in the seasons.
ReplyDeleteYour posts about writing are also wonderful, and I appreciate your presentation of the details that publishers require. So basically, I'm here for 85 percent of the posts although they are all interesting.
First I come to your blog because of content and writing style. I always learn and I'm always engrossed. I go way back with your blog. Thank you and Don as well as OD/YD for there contributions.
ReplyDeleteI started reading your blog shortly after you started it. I actually encountered you in a grocery store that I was working at back then, we made some small talk and you mentioned the area you lived in which is where I had happened to do USFS work in several years. You mentioned then you started a blog and I was welcome to follow it, and I have ever since. I only ever talked to you just that once, although I saw you shopping other times just I was always busy at those times. I just enjoy your brutal honesty of homestead life. Sometimes it's good, sometimes it just plain sucks, but life has to go on. Most blogs out there, especially YouTube based ones, on family homesteads are so fake and staged. My neighbor does one and it's so ridiculously fake compared to real life. Their real life is a complete trainwreck, but from the blog you'd see a perfect family on their little farm, AI in recent years has allowed so much rendering of fake pictures and videos that it makes everything exactly how you want it. You however stick with real photos and real life, so it's a nice change of pace from all the fake bloggers out there, many of which come from your same region of the US.
ReplyDeleteI've been reading you for years. I don't really like canning, and don't read Amish love stories (my tween daughters, on the other hand!...) Yet we live a frugal, country life like yours, with many of the same concerns and enticements. I feel like given proper introductions of course, Don is the sort of guy I could sit with on the porch, comfortably not talking with, and you or I could easily slot ourselves into each other's kitchen as an experienced helper. "Get some more salt, please. It's in the second row of five gallon buckets, third from the left. And while you're there, another handful of beans from the canvas bag please!" With the occasional literary reference, of course. Methinks the cow doth protest too much...
ReplyDeleteits a slice of life i wish i could live but as of right now im not able to
ReplyDeleteBecause your life is interesting and homesteading is an appealing goal. Further, like most have said, your story is genuine and inspiring. I'm living a bit of that life vicariously through you!
ReplyDeleteI like your writing style. As others have said, you are honest. You aren’t writing over anyone’s head, and don’t talk down to anyone. Your content is interesting and pertinent. I love seeing how y’all live where you live. So different from where I am. Looking forward to seeing how you get started with chickens again. Next year we are planning on raising meat birds.
ReplyDeleteYou’re like an old friend I haven’t met.
G in NM
I follow you because you are living the life I dreamed of living, but couldn't
ReplyDeleteI don't remember how I found your blog but I've read it since the early days. I am in WA and not quite young enough to be your daughter, but your life reminds me of my old fashioned upbringing and I like all the things you share so much.
ReplyDeleteAs a fellow homesteader and retired homeschooler (my youngest is headed to Marine boot camp after completing her HVAC cert at the local community college this Dec), I just enjoy reading about your trials and triumphs. And about the cows, since I have none of my own (although I am surrounded by cattle farms).
ReplyDeleteXalynn
You are real people living an inspirational life and delighting in each other and God's creation.
ReplyDeleteAnd you write beautifully and articulately.
Bless you both!
(I go and buy your books to be supportive, too!)
All of the above, plus you have good grammar AND good spelling. One of my pet peeves is the poor quality of writing for some blogs. I will make exceptions, but if the writers can't tell the difference between its and it's or they're, their, there (you get the picture?) I don't usually return.
ReplyDeleteDitto. Plus you refer to "Older" Daughter and "Younger" Daughter. People always look at me puzzled when I tell them since they have two kids, they don't have an "oldest."
DeleteI like to read about your homesteading life. It is very interesting, especially since you americans do many things very differently from us in nordic countries (for example, nobody cans food here (because it is terrible waste of nutrients. Especially nobody would first freeze something and then can it later. Eating something like that is like not eating at all).
ReplyDeleteAlso your dehorning and castrating methods are illegal in good part of Europe. So it is really fascinating.
I have been reading you since the beginning of 2014 when I got internet service at my house in N Fl, until then I was busy with enough other things and still am. I am a single senior who lives my homesteading life through your blog.
ReplyDeleteI do have 10 acres of open land, 2 horses, 2 dogs and my older brother moved in with me several years ago with 2 dogs. And my brother says I am still in the 20th century as I do not embrace the latest and greatest, my phone is a flip phone and my computer is a laptop that has been rebuilt. Oh, and no TV.
If I need to go somewhere new I pull out maps to plan trips. And while I am retired I still work part time in a Mom and Pop style gun store, yes I sell firearms. And I have fun with my Family, my Church Family, etc.
So I just enjoy living vicariously through your life and legitimately through my own.
Thank you for allowing me to enjoy both of our lives.
There are many reasons why I’ve been reading your blog for 10+ years. Some of those reasons are things you DON’T do: talk down to us, act like a know it all, complain and moan about politics, post divisive opinions, and especially you don’t depress me with doom and gloom posts.
ReplyDeleteYou’re just so normal…but I’m talking the normal I remember from the 80’s. I echo other people who say you are comfortable. When I watch movies, I especially like the phones pre-cell phone. Reading your blog is like watching a pre-cell phone movie. It reminds me of simpler times. I love it.
ReplyDeleteI just got around to my lashes visit to your blog and saw this. I haven't even looked at the other replies so my reply would not be triggered by those in any way. I found you through, I think, Survival Blog and have followed virtually every post you ;have made since then. I just find your posts extremely fun and interesting. You are living a life that I would love to be living - even at 76 years old. I have always lived in the country and loved living in the country wherever I lived. I love being out in nature, gardening and interacting with animals and nature. Now that I live in a small Montana town I still walk to the river and parks by the river often, but miss the solitude of being in the country. Your blog is my "Country Living" fix and I am grateful to you for that. Your descriptions, pictures and love of where you are resonates deeply with me. Thank you, Patrice, from the bottom of my heart and may God Bless you and your family for many many more years.
ReplyDeleteHmmm...I am a list maker, so here is a non-exhaustive list of reasons (in no particular order) why I come visit your blog:
ReplyDelete1. As a very long-time reader, I've grown used to you and I want to know how you are doing. You are a good habit. :)
2. Also as an lifelong avid reader, to me your blog is like a book of your life, and I always want to finish a book I've started, so to speak!
3. You are fellow Christians, and I want to support and encourage you.
4. What you post about is very interesting and informative to me much of the time, and it's just like sitting down to have a chat with a neighbor about interesting tidbits and useful knowledge in life.
5. I hope to hear how your daughters are doing.
6. I share things that I learn here with my children, some of whom are able to live more of a homesteading life than we were able to live with them.
7. We are also a homeschooling family, into the second generation now.
8.I love your pictures.
9. Your blog is simple and unpolitical and straight-shooting. You are real and inspiring.
Your blog covers everyday life with beautiful pictures and useful information.
ReplyDeleteI began reading your blog after finding you when you were writing articles for WND. I miss those. So I come over here to check on you every couple weeks to catch up on how you, Don, daughters, and Mr. Darcy are doing. I don't can, but most of my relatives do, and I enjoy reading about it. Your blog is down to earth and is a good read. I always learn something from you. I echo a lot of sentiments expressed by the other people's comments.
ReplyDelete