Showing posts with label book publishing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label book publishing. Show all posts

Thursday, August 20, 2009

How to Write a Best Seller




From Blank Page to Book Shelves--How to Successfully Create and Market Your Book is a new ebook, which shares writing tips, and marketing strategies, which will make your publishing experience more successful. The marketing information includes how to effectively use SEO keywords in press releases, chose a publisher and low cost to free promotional options, while sharing writing tips.

From Blank Page to Book Shelves--How to Successfully Create and Market Your Book is a new ebook, which shares writing tips, and marketing strategies, which will make your publishing experience more successful. The marketing information includes how to effectively use SEO keywords in press releases, chose a publisher and low cost to free promotional options, while sharing writing tips.

Table of Contents

Introduction
The Plot Thickens
Story Structure
Creating Conflicts
Point of View
Know Your Characters
Activating Your Readers Imagination
Copyright
Choosing a Publisher
How Bookstore Choose Books
Marketing and Promotions
Search Engine Optimized Press Release
Choosing The Best Key Words
About the Author
Example of a Promotional Flyer

Available on the author's website as a pdf file at www.theresachaze.com or as an Amazon Kindle at http://www.amazon.com/Blank-Shelves-How-Successfully-Create-Market/dp/B0014JOM1O/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1250741199&sr=1-5

Sunday, May 31, 2009

Nate Hardy Discusses Online Marketing Course for Authors

Until You Walk the Path, You Won’t know where it goes will be hosting Nate Hardy on May 31, 2009 as he discusses his upcoming marketing course for writers.

With 20 years experience in marketing and publishing, Nate Hardy is the founder of Plus Sign Productions Business & Life Coaching. He works psychology, inspiration, and motivational theory into his marketing teaching. Prior to launching his company, he helped a start-up pre-IPO corporation grow to a $20+ million consultancy in 4 years. He manages several websites on subject areas he coaches--business, human behavior, inspiration, and motivation--gaining a Google PageRank of 4 in only a few short months. He will be conducting an online marketing course for writers, starting Monday June 1, 2009.

A member of the Marketing Research Association, American Marketing Association, Philadelphia area Chamber of Commerce, and other business and journalism associations, he has authored papers for the leading publications and organizations of the industry. He is a former Tribune newspaper journalist and award-winning published writer of over 100 fiction and nonfiction works, including comic strips and a weekly automotive review column. He served as an assistant editor, advertising manager, and in other capacities for various publishers.

In addition, he serves as Chair of Internet Activities for Pennwriters--a writer's organization that now spans across countries. He manages online programs and marketing for Pennwriters, including its online courses service, social networking sites, and "Pennwriters Presents"--a weekly question & answer program he hosts of Guest Star authors, editors, and agents as a free member service.


PROJECT: OPTIMIZE YOUR MARKETING: EASY NEW WAYS FOR WRITERS TO WIN SALES (Online Course fro Writers) INSTRUCTOR: Nate Hardy, Marketing Coach DATE: June 1 - 25, 2009 COST: $30  (This course is also offered FREE! See website for details)REGISTER: http://tinyurl.com/PennwritersCourse200906 http://www.PlusSignProductions.org/2008/10/free-classes.html

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/theresachaze
Until You Walk the Path, You Don't Know Where it Goes

Date / Time: 5/31/2009 5:00 PM eastern
Call-in Number: (347) 324-3745
Both the chat room and Skype phone calls will be available.

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

C. F. Jackson Shares Online Book Marketing tips



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GaLrziSwF0E

Until you walk the path, You dont know where it goes is proud to host Author and website makeover trainer C.F. Jackson on February 25 at 8 pm. Jackson launched Website Makeover Workshop with the purpose of helping fellow authors and writers achieve greater results online

Monday, February 09, 2009

Solution for the Book Marketing Conundrum



Solution for the Book Marketing Conundrum

In these challenging times, authors like everyone else are being forced to streamline their marketing campaigns. Yet the need to promote has become increasingly more important to a book’s success, creating a conundrum for authors, publishers and public relations firms alike. Every dollar spend must be maximized to its fullest in order to reach not only the specific target audience but the general reading public as well. With the increasing number of venues available for videos, book video or book trailers have become the most valuable and cost effective way to promote books of all genres.

An effective book trailer is very much like the movie trailers in the theatres. Using graphics, music and voice-overs, book trailers create a multi-media experience that tempts the reader to seek out the book. Unlike TV commercials, these advertisements are not limited by the traditional two minute breaks in programming, nor do they require additional payment for each airing. Once produced, they can be uploaded and shared without any additional cost. In addition, the site link can be sent out in viral emails, which further increase its effectiveness and broaden its target audience.

As with all information, once a trailer is uploaded on the net, it remains there until it is physically removed. With unlimited viewing potential, this tool has become the most successful in the online book marketing and promotion toolbox. Whether it is watched once or a million times, the production and distribution costs remain the same.

Although there are an increasing number of book trailer producers, Valkyrie Publishing has become one of the front runners for not only their quality but also their creativity when it comes to scripts, production and distribution for books of all genres. Using all three elements, voice-overs, music and graphics, Valkyrie has produced trailers for authors, publishers and PR firms. Why settle for a two dimensional media experience when there is a cost effective way to have all three. To watch the trailers and videos Valkyrie has previous produced go to http://www.youtube.com/user/Tirgana. To contact Valkyrie Publishing email Theresa@theresachaze.com or go to www.theresachaze.com to see what services Valkyrie Publishing provides.

Friday, October 17, 2008

Copyright: How to Protect Your Work

Copyright: How to Protect Your Work.

Some where along the way someone started the rumor that by simply writing a piece a writer automatically has the copyright--that US Copyrights are unnecessary to protect your work. I have also heard that the process is very complicated. All three are untrue. Mailing a copy to yourself and leaving it unopened to keep the postal stamp valid is call the poor man's copyright. It is a good temporary way of protecting your work, however it is only temporary. Accidents do happen and once the seal is broken, the protection has been invalidated. The only truly safe way to legal protect your work is to get a US copyright.

First, what is a copyright? It is legal proof of when and who created an original work. Whether it literary, dramatic, musical or artistic it falls under copyright protection. Owning the copyright means you have the legal right of deciding who and when the work may be distributed, copied, or performed publicly. This doesn’t mean if you are singing to the radio or if you loan your copy of a book to someone that you will be sued. However, if you start making copies of a Harry Potter books and selling them as your own, legal representatives of JR Rowlings who will take great issue with you. Any time you represent another’s efforts as your own you are stealing from them and cheating yourself. Everyone has a creative voice--something inside them that only they can share--if you usurp someone else’s creativity, you deny yourself and cheat the world of your special perspective.

However, there are ways to refer to another’s work without violating the copyright. Always make sure you give full credit to the creator of the work. It’s usually best to keep it enclosed within quotes or only used as a reference. But footnotes are also acceptable as long as they are clearly marked and easily accessible. In one article, I compared the lyrics of a song to the spiritual journey of a generation. I immediately opened the piece by giving credit to the author. Not only did it protect me, but it gave the reader a reference point. Quotes need the proper punctuation as well as the source information. To do other would only reflect badly on you.

I don't know who started it and really don't care. The fact is that writing a piece guarantees you nothing. It can be fun. It can be healing. It can be exciting. However, putting ink to paper doesn’t give you any legal standing. Even if your work is read by others before it is sent out, doesn’t mean it will not be challenged. On the opposite site, it doesn’t mean it will be either. What it does mean is that you aren’t protected. As of September 2006, it cost 45.00 to register a literary piece. If you are the sole author and the piece hasn't been previously copyrighted you can use Short Form TX. It is a single sheet that will probably take you longer to print up than to fill out. If there are multiple authors or other copyrights involved you will need to use Form TX. It is a longer form, but just as simple to fill out. The US Copyright site address is http://www.copyright.gov/

For smaller pieces, such as short stories or articles, I don’t individually copyright; instead, I tack them on to larger pieces and make a notation on the application. However, when you get over ten thousands words you are approaching a novella and that can be worth it to spend the money for an official copyright. Most smaller pieces are written to be published either online or in a magazine format. Once they are published, you have some protection. The publication date is evidence of your claim of ownership, but it is not proof. However, most smaller works are safe. The cost to fight for them is usually greater than they are worth. In addition, once you have a track record, your style will help protect you from someone else claiming your work. Everyone has their own voice, which is very difficult to imitate. Word usage and sentence structure are individual; it what makes every writer unique.

Before sending out any larger than a novella, I send out the paperwork and wait two weeks. Once the paper work reaches the Copyright offices, it is valid; however, receiving the paperwork can take up to four months. If you send it certified return receipt, the returned postcard can temporarily valid your claim of copyright. In this way, I can start approaching publishers, agents or movie producers and honestly say I have a copyright on the piece. In another place, I will describe the dark side of publishing; not everyone in the business is ethical or honest. By protecting my work ahead of time, I insure it will be protected from the beginning. In addition, there are some places that will not even look at work without proof of copyright. People in the film industry have been burned so many times that it is necessary to either have a US Copyright or to have the work registered with the Writers Guild.

Another way to protect your work is to register it with the Writers Guild. There are offices on both the east and west coasts of the United States. As far as I know, the Guild registration only offers protection in the USA. However, the length of the protection is shorter than a US Copyright. The Guild registration is valid for five years and can be renewed for an additional fee. As of September
2006, the fee is 20.00 for non-members and 10.00 for members. They also offer the option of filing online, which is quicker than a US Copyright and offers just as much protection. Their site address is http://www.wga.org.

There are some writers who register their work with both. With screenplays and stage plays that is a good idea. The Guild is part of the industries, which makes your work more accessible. The US Copyright gives it additional protection for a longer span of time. Either path is acceptable. But to send out a large project, without protection, is just playing Russian Roulette with you hard work.


For more writing, publishing and promotional tips, please buy my ebook From Blank Page to Book Shelves. It is available on my site at www.theresachaze.com or through the Amazon Kindle program at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url/ref=ntt_athr_dp_sr_1?%5Fencoding=UTF8&search-type=ss&index=books&field-author=Theresa%20Chaze

Friday, October 03, 2008

Writing Tip: Creating Conflict




Writing Tip: Creating Conflict
By
Theresa Chaze


Conflict is the stress factor, which not only propels the character to change, but also keeps the reader turning pages. By definition in literature, conflict is plot tension: opposition between or among characters or forces in a literary work that shapes or motivates the action of the character. No matter what genre, the conflict creates the drama, which is the backbone of the story. Without the suspense it creates, there would be no reason for the reader to be drawn in to the tale.

Conflict is not limited to physical altercation, but involves any plot twist, turn or ploy that causes emotional, spiritual or physical distress. Threatening to punch someone can create fear, but so withholding love can have the same effect. One is physical the other is emotion, yet they can have the same result. It is the stressor that causes discord and confusion within and around the main character. However, story conflict involves more than a single event; it is better described as a building of scenes one on another like a staircase, until the character has limited choices. By narrowing the character's options, her or his possibilities are limited, thereby forcing the character into a crisis situation. If done correctly, the readers are further drawn into the story, as they anticipating the next plot twists and the eventual resolution.

Traditionally there are four conflict themes to both short stories and novels, however, in From Blank Page to Book Shelves, there is a fifth.

Man against himself
Man against man
Man against nature
Man against God or spirituality
Man against Fate or Karma (This is explained in From Blank Page to Book Shelves.)

Each theme is a generic conflict category, which help organize the characters and plot. They help define the roles of the characters in relation to their challenges. In this case, man is used as a generic term for person or main character; sometimes the central character isn’t human, but term would still apply. It is the focal point character to which I refer. In small pieces, such as short stories, there is only one conflict theme. However, in longer pieces such as novellas and novels, there are usually diverse characters so there can be more than one theme or a series interdependent themes that guide the reader to the central conflict.

From Blank Page to Book Shelves--How to Successfully Create and Market Your Book is a new ebook, which explain not only more about conflict, but also about character development, story plot progression and other writing tips. It will also make your publishing experience more successful by helping the author to ask the right questions. The marketing information includes how to effectively use SEO keywords in press releases and low cost to free promotional options. Currently, this ebook is available as an Amazon Kindle or on the author's website, www.theresachaze.com for $7.00. Copies bought on the author's site are accompanied by a 345 page listing of over 2000 independent bookstores.

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Effective Online Marketing Tool



Book Trailer: An Effective Promotional and Marketing Tool
By
Theresa Chaze



Book trailers are more than images set to music, nor do they just a recap of the book synopsis. In fact, they are an effect promotional tool that will create interest by going beyond the synopsis to the "heart of the book. Although, book trailers are considered promotional material, they are in reality an advertisement. The difference lies in the length and basic format.

Most book trailers are much longer than most conventional ads, running 1-5 minutes long, while currently most broadcast ad are 30 seconds. It would be too costly to run longer ads in prime time on the local or national level. Even well know writers such as Stephen King, only run 15 second national ads. They are quick in-out ad, which do little more than announce a new book However, book trailers are designed for the internet, where the venues are either free or low cost. Length is not a consideration; therefore, they can be more detailed both in content and style. The quality both in the writing and production can make the trailer an asset or a major liability. Being clever and unique can create a buzz about the trailer, which will in turn increase sales. However, if the trailer is merely random images set to music, it will make the author look amateurish.

The message has to do more than recap the synopsis. It has to be in itself a creative work that creates layers of interest. Whether as text or a voiceover, the message needs to tantalize the readers into buying the book. In the case of fiction, the trailer is a vignette with a beginning and middle, but the end is left hanging as a question. Its purpose is to introduce the lead characters and plot, while building up the conflict of the story, so that the readers will want to answer the question--what happens next? In non-fiction, most books have more of a targeted audience. The text will want not only to provide the author’s credentials, but also put forth her or his thesis, while hinting why it is different from ever other expert in the field. Both formats will want to provide reviews, ordering information, and run credits back to any person or site that provided resources for the trailer.


Multi-sensory devices such as videos, still pictures and voiceovers, all coordinated with music as the video trailer create layers of information that combine into a single effective ad. The video transitions and effects have to be appropriate for the message and match the audio portion of the piece. Both can create a sense of movement in still photographs, making them look more movie like. The availability of digit cameras makes adding live action shots easy and inexpensive. In addition, there are sites on the net that inexpensively offer video clips. There are also sites that music can be download for free, if they are given credit and a link back. The music needs to create a sense of the book beyond the words. It can add drama, intensity or humor depending the style of the music. It is just one more way to enhance the feel and add depth to the trailer.

By coordinating the whole package to roll out in a logical, concise format, the trailer becomes a thought provoking, interest creating marketing tool. However, if written and produced well, it doesn’t have to be elaborate or highly technical; sometimes the simple direct approach is the most effective, if done professionally and with creative thought.

I have produced the following trailers not no only for my books, but for others authors as well. I am available for hire by emailing: Tirgana (at) yahoo (dot) com.

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Writing, Publishing, Marketing Tips Ebook: Free Listing of Independent Bookstores

Authors: A New Ebook on Writing and Marketing Your Book


From Blank Page to Book Shelves--How to Successfully Create and Market Your Book is a new ebook, which shares writing tips, and marketing strategies, which will make your publishing experience more successful. The marketing information includes how to effectively use SEO keywords in press releases, chose a publisher and low cost to free promotional options, while sharing writing tips.

The first part of the ebook gives basic writing tips. From plot organization to creating conflicts, this ebook help authors understand the basic structure of both short stories and novels. In addition, there are chapters on characterization and sensory writing, which help the authors draw in their readers into a multi-dimensional reading experience.

The second part of the book includes the importance of protecting the rights of the author, not only by copyrighting the work, but choosing the proper publishing venue. Safeguarding a work can be done easily and inexpensively; if done properly it insures that it will be legally protected. Choosing the correct publishing format and publisher can also make or break a book’s opportunities to reach the reading public.

Marketing and Promotions is explained in the third part of the ebook. It describes how the publishing venue affects how a book can be best advertised not only to readers, but also to bookstore owners. In addition, it lists low cost or free promotional ideas that can be used both on and offline. Search Engine Optimization makes press releases more effective; using the correct key words in the proper format will efficiently attract the attention of the search engines, thereby raising the article or site higher in the rankings and drawing more traffic to it.

From Blank Page to Book Shelves--How to Successfully Create and Market Your Book can’t guarantee to place an authors on the New York Times best seller‘s list; however, it will help improve their writing skills and understanding of the business end of the industry. Currently, this ebook is available at www.theresachaze.com for $7.00 or through the Amazon Kindle Program
Click here to go to Theresa Chaze's Amazon Page

Leave a comment on this posting, including your email address, and receive a free PDF copy of over 2000 independent bookstores.

Monday, August 25, 2008

Writing to Activate the Readers Imagination




Writing to Activate the Readers Imagination
By
Theresa Chaze

Although novels are written in two dimensional black and white, the story actually happens in the four dimensional realms of the reader‘s mind. Multi-sensory books are the ones that become the most successful. Capturing your reader's imagination, by helping them to be able to see, hear, smell and feel every aspect of your story draws them and helps them experience the story through the characters.

Sight involves more than what the characters see or don’t see. It involves the subtle shades of color, shape, dimension and distance. A writer could write about “a new green leaf” or just as easily write that the “slow unfurling of the heart shaped leaf, contrasted against the darker older foliage of the plant.” Giving details doesn’t necessarily mean a long string of adjectives or adverbs, but a creative use of description that shows instead of tells.

Hearing is the most versatile of the senses. Sound or the lack of sound can also add to the story’s dept. What the character hears can extend her or his awareness beyond the immediate environment. Sound’s ability to travel great distances, allows remote action to be brought into a scene without disrupting the point of view. A wolf howling from somewhere in the night will be heard both in and out of the cabin. The characters inside don’t have to see it to know that the wolf lurks some where outside their door.

Touch can be experienced as a caress or a punch along with everything in between. However, touch is more than skin on skin, but it also includes any contact that is important to the story. The soft fur of cat rubbing against the character’s leg feels different than a skunk brushing passed while trying to escape. In the same way, the rough scales of an alligator feel different than the bark of a tree, so are reactions the images elicit in the reader.

The sense of taste is the most personal and individual. What one person finds appealing, another could just as easily find repulsive. How the character reacts will further define her or him. Most people are aware of the more common foods and drinks. If an author introduces something out of the ordinary, it is simple to you use comparisons to give the reader a sense of the taste and texture.

The sense of smells is the most effective way to activate memories and emotions. The two areas of the brain are closely related in location and synaptic connection. Using odors, either pleasant or unpleasant, is the fastest way to get a response out of the character in such a way that the reader will be able to relate.

Perception or intuition is the sixth sense that is frequently over looked by writers. This is not a reference to ESP or psychic gifts, but how a character sees or judges her or his world and everything in it. By showing how the character perceives her/himself and others, you define her or him without long descriptive sentences. The best example is a character that is afraid of other people; she or he may be paranoid or someone might actually be out to get her or him. By contrasting the perceptions with the reactions of the other characters, the writer reveals more about the personality and the inner motivation of the character.


In addition, similes, allegories and contrasting comparisons can add texture and set the mood. Sarah was as graceful as a bird is an example of simile. Like Amazon warriors of old, she marched into the room would be an allegory. While looking dapper and smart in his new suit, Dan smelled like down wind of a pig farm would be a contrasting comparison. All three examples give added information about the character in a pro-active way that allows the reader to visualize the character.

It is unusual for one sense to be used alone. More often than not, they are combined to give layers of images and sensations. Sight and hearing are frequently combined. A character hears a noise and starts looking for the source or a character smells something wonderful and decides to taste what is in the pot. By coalescing the senses, the author creates a four dimensional world on a two dimensional medium. It makes the characters and their environment more real and relatable for the reader, which in turn makes the novel more popular.

From Blank Page to Book Shelves contains more writing tips as well as publishing and marketing strategies. To buy this informative ebook go to www.theresachaze.com

Saturday, June 21, 2008

Writing Tip: Read What you Write to Know Your Genre and Your Reader



Writing Tip: Read What you Write to Know Your Genre and Your Reader

The two biggest mistakes most authors make are not knowing their genre or their readers.

Without knowing the rules of the genre or what the readers expect when they pick up the book, the author won’t be able to be gain a following. In addition, readers have expectations when they pick up a novel. Although they require uniqueness in the characters, plot and conflict, the story structure needs to follow established genre guidelines. The author needs to tailor the characters, language and sentence structure based on the target audience of the genre; the only way for authors to successful achieve both standards is to become an expert by reading the genre.

There are many books available explaining the specific guidelines an author has to follow. Nevertheless, unless the author has read it, there is no way she or he can possibly understand the complexities or convincingly write the genre. Sci-fi has different standards than a mystery. Even though fantasy and Sci-fi share many common components, they are very different. However, unless the author not only reads but also studies them, she or he will not be able to effectively write them. Two things both genres share are that their readership is well read and not shy about pointing out mistakes. Romance novels on the surface seem to be the simplistic in their style, but in fact, they are the most complex. From the traditional romance to the soft porn, the characters, plots and conflicts have established blueprints. Unless the author has a full understanding of what is expected, there is no way she or he will be able to find a position in the marketplace, because they will not be able to meet the readership’s expectations.

Short stories are usually limited to having one primary genre; however, longer projects such as novels and novelettes have subplots, which can cross genre boundaries. Star Wars would be considered Science Fiction, yet it also contains the romance elements with the relationship between Lela and Han and the fantasy aspect of using the "force". Romances are frequently mixed with comedy. Mystery and horror are commonly paired. Both are just two examples of the cross breeding in genres. The more complex the novel becomes, the more important it is for the author to understand the ground rules for each of the genres she or he utilizes. By breaking the formatting rules in plot, character or conflict, the author looses creditability.

Knowing the target readership of the genre is one of the most important aspects of how the author structures the characters, plot, and conflict. The reader only sees what the author shows and tells. By focusing on the wrong element, the author will not only miss the bull’s eye, but the target all together. Gender, age, education and social background are all factors the author must keep in mind when laying out the story. Even through age, education and social background are the fine tuning elements when it comes to romance, women are still the primary readership. When writing romance, the author needs to be aware of difference in how women see the world differently then men. Women don’t have breast envy--shoes, purses, hair and male companion most definitely, but they don’t look at another woman’s boobs and think I wish I had a pair of those. That is a guy thing. A western targeted for men or boys will focus on the action, the horses and the gun battles; if it was written for women, the author will talk about the handsome stranger with the seductive eyes and firm butt. In order to successfully attract and keep your target’s attention, the author has to know who they are and what they expect.


From Blank Page to Book Shelves--How to Successfully Create and Market Your Book is an ebook that contains tips on writing, publishing and marketing. It is available through the author's website at www.theresachaze.com and through the Amazon Kindle program--click here to be magically transported to Amazon.



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Saturday, May 31, 2008

Authors: A New Ebook on Writing and Marketing Your Book




Authors: A New Ebook on Writing and Marketing Your Book


From Blank Page to Book Shelves--How to Successfully Create and Market Your Book is a new ebook, which shares writing tips, and marketing strategies, which will make your publishing experience more successful. The marketing information includes how to effectively use SEO keywords in press releases, chose a publisher and low cost to free promotional options, while sharing writing tips.

The first part of the ebook gives basic writing tips. From plot organization to creating conflicts, this ebook help authors understand the basic structure of both short stories and novels. In addition, there are chapters on characterization and sensory writing, which help the authors draw in their readers into a multi-dimensional reading experience.

The second part of the book includes the importance of protecting the rights of the author, not only by copyrighting the work, but choosing the proper publishing venue. Safeguarding a work can be done easily and inexpensively; if done properly it insures that it will be legally protected. Choosing the correct publishing format and publisher can also make or break a book’s opportunities to reach the reading public.

Marketing and Promotions is explained in the third part of the ebook. It describes how the publishing venue affects how a book can be best advertised not only to readers, but also to bookstore owners. In addition, it lists low cost or free promotional ideas that can be used both on and offline. Search Engine Optimization makes press releases more effective; using the correct key words in the proper format will efficiently attract the attention of the search engines, thereby raising the article or site higher in the rankings and drawing more traffic to it.

From Blank Page to Book Shelves--How to Successfully Create and Market Your Book can’t guarantee to place an authors on the New York Times best seller‘s list; however, it will help improve their writing skills and understanding of the business end of the industry. Currently, this ebook is available at www.theresachaze.com for $7.00.


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Friday, May 16, 2008

Book Marketing Strategies





Book Marketing Strategies
By
Theresa Chaze

Whether self, subsidy or traditional, the author's work just begins when the book is finished and is sent off the printer. Promotions and marketing starts shortly before the book is released and continues until it is no longer available. Frankly, the writing is the fun, easy part of the process. Unless the author is a world leader, a world renown expert or has does something really naughty, she or he will have to work hard to draw attention to her or his book, which means the work truly begins when it goes to the printer. Even when the author hires a PR person, it doesn't absolve her or him from promoting their book at every opportunity.

Every month thousands of new books become available to the reading public with each one of them fighting for shelf space and the reader’s dollar. If the author doesn’t create a brand name for her or himself, the book will have little chance of becoming successful. Creating a brand name involves defining who your target market is and how to reach them. In many ways, marketing is like a dartboard. The inner circle is your target group and each outer ring is an expansion into the general reading population. J. K. Rowling started writing for children. Although she started out branded as a children’s writer, she rapidly spiraled out into the general reading public. Her writing was not only suitable for children, but it was also entertaining for adults. However, books that are more specific rarely go beyond their target audience. Sam is not the only one who doesn’t like green eggs and ham; Dr. Seuss wrote creative and unique books for children, but very few adults pick them up other than to read it to a child.

Placing ads in the media are costly and if not done correctly will produce the opposite effect. A bad ad is worse than no ad at all. A good graphic designer can create an effective ad, but most are very costly. A good publishing and graphics program will help the author create her or his own ad; however, the old phase from the 1970's is the best advice--KISS--keep it simple stupid. The more that is crammed into the ad, the more it will look amateurish and be counter productive. Smaller ads especially should be sleek with the graphics held to a minimum if used at all. Text should contain enough information to tease the reader into looking for the book and tell how it can be found--nothing more.

Marketing doesn't have to be grand or expensive if the author is creative and clever. The internet provides a multitude of opportunities for an author to promote her or his book. Most email services provide for a signature at the bottom of out going emails; if used properly this is a great opportunity to announce a new book or to direct potential readers to blogs or sites. Internet groups, websites, messages boards, chat rooms, and blogs are also excellent ways to not only market the book but also promote the author. The key is to create a balance between creating interest without telling to much of the story or becoming a spammer.

From Blank Page to Book Shelves--How to Successfully Write and Market Your Book has several articles on marketing and promotion, including how to correctly use SEO keywords. It is available as an Amazon Kindle book and on the Theresa Chaze’s website at www.theresachaze.com. Those that buy the ebook from the Chaze will also receive a copy of her 345 page PDF listing of over 2000 independent bookstores for free.


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Thursday, May 08, 2008

Six Common Sense Book Promotional Ideas

Six Common Sense Book Promotional Ideas
By
Theresa Chaze

Book Promotion doesn't have to be expensive or complicated in order to be effective. More often than not, it is the simple ideas that are the most successful, yet they are frequently over looked by authors.

* Talk about you work. Don’t be shy. You know it the best. You don’t need to stand on street corners with a bullhorn. Talk to people you meet waiting in line. Striking up conversations and offering a promotional bookmarker or post card are good ways to make it easier for people to remember your book and how to find it.

* Create a Blog for both on and off topic subjects. Not only is this a good venue to talk about you book but to help other authors as well. By interviewing other writers or inviting them the guest blog, you diversify your audience base. In addition, leaving clever, on-topic comments on others’ blogs could attract the attention of the host blogger and of those who comment after.

* Write articles on related topics. No book is written in a vacuum. There is always a back story to the process both in the research and the creation. Sharing the information not only is great way to promote you book, but it also gives the author additional credibility. By making the articles SEO, you will increase its rankings in the search engines. There are also many sites on the net that accept press releases and articles. Although they don’t pay for the piece, they disseminate them to a variety of sites and blogs, which makes the information available to a wider audience.

* Talk to bookstores in your area about doing reading from your book in association to a book signing. Many bookstores aren’t willing to just host a signing; however, if it can be tied into a theme they are already promoting or connected to an author event, they will be more open be becoming a host. In addition, most bookstores have a local artist section. Walking the front door may be enough for the owner to find a little room for the book.

* Ask your friends to write reviews and talk about your book. Word of mouth is still the best form of advertising. The more people who read your work, the more people who will want to read you work. The movie 6 Degrees of separation is based on the theory that everyone is with six contacts of meeting the person that they need or want to meet. By tapping into this special resources, friends and family are able to be actively supportive.

* Placing promotional material such bookmarkers, flyers and post cards in places that are easily accessible to the public can create interest if done properly. Seeding bookmarkers or post cards in genre relevant books taps into the existing readership. However, be reasonable; don’t blanket the bookshelves. The same could be said of flyers. Although they don’t necessarily have to be limited to bookstores, they do need to be presented in a responsible and professional way; blanketing a wall will only waste the paper and will not be any more effective than a single flyer properly placed. Any bulletin board can be a mini billboard especially in situations where the public is inactive for a period time such as in laundry mates, elevators, bus stops--anywhere they are kept waiting for an event, person or thing.


From Blank Page to Book Shelves--How to Successfully Write and Market Your Book contains more marketing and promotional tips, including how to correctly use SEO keywords. It is available as an Amazon Kindle book and on the Theresa Chaze’s website at www.theresachaze.com. Those that buy the ebook from the Chaze will also receive a copy of her 345 page PDF listing of over 2000 independent bookstores for free.



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