Interview with Diana Hoyt

Author of Formula for Fundraising

Where are you from originally and where do you reside now?

I was born in Denver, Colorado, raised in Hutchinson, Kansas, and have resided in Phoenix, Arizona my entire adult life.

If you currently reside somewhere besides where you were born, what’s the story that lead from there to here?

During the last few months of World War II, my mother took the train from Hutchinson, Kansas to San Francisco where my father was stationed with the Navy. Just outside of Denver she went into labor. As a result, I never lived in Denver, but I was born there. I grew up in Kansas and moved to Phoenix after college to teach high school mathematics. I love the desert and have made this oasis my home.

What made you decide to write and publish your first book?

I had been speaking at conferences for many years on various fundraising topics and also teaching fundraising in informal programs and online webinars. I developed a curriculum for individuals new to fundraising and the nonprofit sector. Later I took the curriculum and began creating a series of blogs. Part way through the process, I realized that the blogs would be the chapters of a book. I finished the series of blogs and then began the hard task of making them into meaningful chapters.

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

Formula for Fundraising is a primer and guide for first time nonprofit fundraisers with enough meaty reminders to interest the more seasoned professional.

Who do you feel is most likely to connect with the topics you write about?

Formula for Fundraising was written for anyone working in the nonprofit space who wants to learn how to raise more money for their organization. It is not limited to professional fundraisers. The ideas can be adapted to the needs of organization volunteers.

What unexpected or surprising thing did you learn during the process of writing and publishing?

The publishing was much more difficult than the writing. I knew the writing would be tedious, but I was ready for that and enjoyed it — most of the time. The publishing was more challenging and not fun.

If you could, what advice would you give to your past self before embarking on this journey?

I would definitely do more research in selecting a publisher.

How many people would you ideally like to reach with your books?

Ideally thousands. There is a huge nonprofit market and a lot of organizations that are not reaching their potential in regards to fundraising. Formula for Fundraising would be a great resource for them.

What has been the biggest challenge and frustration during the process to date?

The person who did the editing on my book did a horrendous job. I basically had to edit my own book and correct their mistakes. It was exhausting and frustrating. That is why I said earlier I would do more research in seeking a publisher.

What’s your biggest strengths when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

Writing was my greatest strength. I know the subject matter and have walked the talk. I had great English teachers in high school and college. That truly gave me confidence. I haven’t marketed my book the way I should have. I don’t think it is too late and hope to create more interest in the market place over the next few months.

What’s your biggest weakness when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

My greatest weakness is time management. I have a lot going on and have not found the time to promote the book successfully.

When do you think you will write your next book?

My goal is to publish 3-5 mini-books using specific topics from Formula for Fundraising. These will enable the reader to learn about one aspect of fundraising with a quick read.

Are you self published or did you use a hybrid publisher, or a traditional publisher?

I used a traditional publisher.