Please introduce yourself in two or three sentences.
I’m convinced that literature not only opens doors, but also helps you to discover diverse horizons and experience the world from varying interwoven perspectives. I use my passion for language and stories to explore and understand the complexity of human experience in the diversity of literature. Literature is an inexhaustible source of inspiration that reflects the diversity of our world.
What career experience do you have in your field of consultation?
I’ve been active in organizing cultural-political and literary events for over two decades, both in the independent scene and in cooperation with various institutions abroad. My clients have included the Cordts Art Foundation, Pro Quote Bühne, Into the Wild, as well as the French and Canadian Embassies, among others. I’m an advisor for future!publish and have been a mentor for the Deutscher Kulturrat and BücherFrauen (Women in Publishing). With comprehensive experience in acquisition, network-building, personal branding, community marketing, social media marketing and self-marketing for freelance professionals in the literature industry, I bring valuable insights to my advising work.
What are typical questions that participants might ask you in a consultation session?
What methods exist for building a successful network in the field of literature? What personal branding steps should I take to achieve a convincing profile as a freelancer in the field of literature? What specific approaches exist for community marketing in the literary sphere? How can I effectively use social media marketing for my literary projects? What are some established practices for marketing yourself in the literary sector? Can you give me advice on digital tools and technologies that are relevant for literary work?
What are some of your professional achievements?
I’ve organized readings and events for bookshops, institutions and foundations, as well as for BücherFrauen. I co-organized Pro Quote Film from 2018 to 2020 as part of the Berlinale and I’ve organized Power To Transform! since 2020. Since 2023 I’ve curated the salon Blaue Stunde, on the subject of decolonization, hosted by the Cordts Art Foundation. One highlight was a reading with Margot Friedländer at the Berliner Ensemble, as well as an event from last year, featuring film-makers from crisis regions – from Ukraine, Afghanistan and Iran – at the Canadian Embassy, as part of the Berlinale.
What languages do you offer consultation sessions in?
German and Spanish.
Where can you be found in the internet/on social media?
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yvonne-de-andr%C3%A9s-45b09b3/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yvonnedeandres/
Website: https://power-to-transform.org/wer-wir-sind/ and https://www.frauenrat.de/verband/vorstand/yvonne-de-andres/
Blog: https://tango-publishing.info/author/yvonne/
What piece of advice would you offer anyone interested in working in your professional field?
1. Build a strong network: meet up with other authors, editors and people involved with literature. Networking is not only inspirational; it can open doors to new professional opportunities.
2. Invest in your personal branding: develop a memorable presence as an author. Manage your online profile, design an appealing website and show your personality. Distinct personal branding will help you distinguish yourself in the literary scene.
3. Use social media strategically: platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, Goodreads, YouTube and LinkedIn provide an ideal stage for sharing your work and connecting you to readers. Utilize social media marketing purposefully, to expand your outreach.
4. Be proactive when it comes to placing your book: actively search for opportunities to present your literary projects. That can mean readings, workshops or collaborations with other creative people. Proactive placement is essential for success.
5. Invest in further education: stay informed about trends in the literature business, but also about digital tools and technologies. The ability to adapt is of great advantage in the fast-moving literary world.
6. Market yourself: develop a distinct strategy for marketing your work on your own. This can include participating in literary festivals, working together with book bloggers or using self-publishing platforms.
7. Search for support in your community: join literary associations, online forums or writing groups. The exchange with like-minded people will not only offer you emotional support, but also valuable insights and contacts.
Whoever takes these tips to heart will strengthen their literary independence and find diverse opportunities in the literary scene. Don’t let an early disappointment throw you off course. And: get organized!
What were your greatest challenges in the early years of your career?
My early years as a freelancer were marked by growth, creative evolvement and an increasing ability to work under pressure. The experiences that I gained during this time strengthened my skills and prepared me for future challenges.
A few of the most important challenges have been:
1. Digital transformation: the increased use of digital platforms was and remains a central challenge. The switch to in-person and/or online readings, as well as live streams and an increased presence on social media are indispensable for maintaining a connection to the public.
2. Financial stability: as a freelancer, maintaining financial stability is a great challenge. The uncertainty caused by cancelled events and fluctuating earnings required a careful financial plan.
3. Self-marketing: the ability to effectively market my work has been crucial in remaining visible and acquiring new projects. The challenge lies in effective communication.
4. Keeping motivated: the uncertainty and the changes require positive motivation. The challenge is to remain inspired and focused, despite the uncertainty.