Direct Marketing to Independent Bookstores
By
Theresa Chaze
Active book promotion and marketing is important to every book's success, especially when it comes to the beginning writer. Contacting independent bookstores is a direct marketing method that is not only cost effective but a successful way for the authors to bring their work to the attention of buyers. With the technological advancements of email, fax and unlimited long distance, it is easier and cheaper than ever before for authors to promote their work to brick and mortar stores.
In the past, authors used direct mailings and industry advertisements to gain the attention of independent bookstore owners. It was a costly and slow process. Not only was it expensive to print full color flyers, but the increasing postage rates made snail mail direct marketing cost prohibitive. Placing ad in trade magazines is effective only if the ad is well placed and designed. Yet even then, the message would only reach those stores that subscribed to the magazine or service.
The internet has opened the door to direct marketing to bookstores by making it cheaper, easier and quicker. Most stores have websites, which contain their contact information as well as accurate descriptions of the books they sell. It is an easy way for the author to reach their target audience by approaching only the stores who carry their genre. By searching the net, an author can find stores by state or specialty. However, compiling list of bookstores can be very time consuming and frustrating. There is no master site that lists bookstores. Instead, the search must be done by location or genre.
If an author is wise, she or he will create a list of the bookstores as they are contacted, not only to check back with them but for future use. However, there are short cuts that an author can take. There are sites that do sell lists of bookstores; however, they are very expensive and have been assembled by non writers. Valkyrie Publishing is offering the list it uses to promote their books. This list has contact information for over 2000 independent bookstores. Most of them have not only the contact information, but also details about the store itself. Below are examples of what the list contains.
Auburn University Bookstore
1360 Haley Center, Auburn, AL 36849
Phone: (334)844-1365
Fax: (334)844-1697
Type of Books Sold: Primarily New
Description: Auburn University Bookstore
Alabama Booksmith
2626 19th Place South, Birmingham, AL 35209
Phone: (205)870-4242
Fax: (205)870-4302
Type of Books Sold: Primarily New
Malcolm's Reading Room
404 17th Street, Birmingham, AL 35203
Phone: (205)563-4846
Fax: (205)802-2240
Page & Palette Inc.
32 South Section Street, Fairhope, AL 36532
Phone: (251)928-5295
Fax: (251)928-2550
Type of Books Sold: Primarily New
Description: For over 30 years we have been dedicated to enhancing the quality of life on the Eastern Shore.
Little Professor Book Center
2717 18th Street South, Homewood, AL 35209
Phone: (205)870-7461
Fax: (205)879-7563
Type of Books Sold: Primarily New
Accepts Book Sense Gift Cards
Description: Besides having an impressive assortment of books, we also have a wonderfully delicious cafe and one of the largest selections of magazines in Birmingham!
Until the end of May 2009, the list will be free by going to www.theresachaze.com and leaving your name, email address and a comment.
Showing posts with label direct marketing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label direct marketing. Show all posts
Friday, May 22, 2009
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Direct Marketing to Independent Bookstores
Direct Marketing to Independent Bookstores
By
Theresa Chaze
Active book promotion and marketing is important to every book's success, especially when it comes to the beginning writer. Contacting independent bookstores is a direct marketing method that is not only cost effective but a successful way for the authors to bring their work to the attention of buyers. With the technological advancements of email, fax and unlimited long distance, it is easier and cheaper than ever before for authors to promote their work to brick and mortar stores.
In the past, authors used direct mailings and industry advertisements to gain the attention of independent bookstore owners. It was a costly and slow process. Not only was it expensive to print full color flyers, but the increasing postage rates made snail mail direct marketing cost prohibitive. Placing ad in trade magazines is effective only if the ad is well placed and designed. Yet even then, the message would only reach those stores that subscribed to the magazine or service.
The internet has opened the door to direct marketing to bookstores by making it cheaper, easier and quicker. Most stores have websites, which contain their contact information as well as accurate descriptions of the books they sell. It is an easy way for the author to reach their target audience by approaching only the stores who carry their genre. By searching the net, an author can find stores by state or specialty. However, compiling list of bookstores can be very time consuming and frustrating. There is no master site that lists bookstores. Instead, the search must be done by location or genre.
If an author is wise, she or he will create a list of the bookstores as they are contacted, not only to check back with them but for future use. However, there are short cuts that an author can take. There are sites that do sell lists of bookstores; however, they are very expensive and have been assembled by non writers. Valkyrie Publishing is offering the list it uses to promote their books. This list has contact information for over 2000 independent bookstores. Most of them have not only the contact information, but also details about the store itself. Below are examples of what the list contains.
Auburn University Bookstore
1360 Haley Center, Auburn, AL 36849
Phone: (334)844-1365
Fax: (334)844-1697
Type of Books Sold: Primarily New
Description: Auburn University Bookstore
Alabama Booksmith
2626 19th Place South, Birmingham, AL 35209
Phone: (205)870-4242
Fax: (205)870-4302
Type of Books Sold: Primarily New
Malcolm's Reading Room
404 17th Street, Birmingham, AL 35203
Phone: (205)563-4846
Fax: (205)802-2240
Page & Palette Inc.
32 South Section Street, Fairhope, AL 36532
Phone: (251)928-5295
Fax: (251)928-2550
Type of Books Sold: Primarily New
Description: For over 30 years we have been dedicated to enhancing the quality of life on the Eastern Shore.
Little Professor Book Center
2717 18th Street South, Homewood, AL 35209
Phone: (205)870-7461
Fax: (205)879-7563
Type of Books Sold: Primarily New
Accepts Book Sense Gift Cards
Description: Besides having an impressive assortment of books, we also have a wonderfully delicious cafe and one of the largest selections of magazines in Birmingham!
The stores are organized by state with additional listings for new age and fantasy stores. The list costs $20.00 payable through paypal only. It is found at www.theresachaze.com.
Technorati Tags:
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By
Theresa Chaze
Active book promotion and marketing is important to every book's success, especially when it comes to the beginning writer. Contacting independent bookstores is a direct marketing method that is not only cost effective but a successful way for the authors to bring their work to the attention of buyers. With the technological advancements of email, fax and unlimited long distance, it is easier and cheaper than ever before for authors to promote their work to brick and mortar stores.
In the past, authors used direct mailings and industry advertisements to gain the attention of independent bookstore owners. It was a costly and slow process. Not only was it expensive to print full color flyers, but the increasing postage rates made snail mail direct marketing cost prohibitive. Placing ad in trade magazines is effective only if the ad is well placed and designed. Yet even then, the message would only reach those stores that subscribed to the magazine or service.
The internet has opened the door to direct marketing to bookstores by making it cheaper, easier and quicker. Most stores have websites, which contain their contact information as well as accurate descriptions of the books they sell. It is an easy way for the author to reach their target audience by approaching only the stores who carry their genre. By searching the net, an author can find stores by state or specialty. However, compiling list of bookstores can be very time consuming and frustrating. There is no master site that lists bookstores. Instead, the search must be done by location or genre.
If an author is wise, she or he will create a list of the bookstores as they are contacted, not only to check back with them but for future use. However, there are short cuts that an author can take. There are sites that do sell lists of bookstores; however, they are very expensive and have been assembled by non writers. Valkyrie Publishing is offering the list it uses to promote their books. This list has contact information for over 2000 independent bookstores. Most of them have not only the contact information, but also details about the store itself. Below are examples of what the list contains.
Auburn University Bookstore
1360 Haley Center, Auburn, AL 36849
Phone: (334)844-1365
Fax: (334)844-1697
Type of Books Sold: Primarily New
Description: Auburn University Bookstore
Alabama Booksmith
2626 19th Place South, Birmingham, AL 35209
Phone: (205)870-4242
Fax: (205)870-4302
Type of Books Sold: Primarily New
Malcolm's Reading Room
404 17th Street, Birmingham, AL 35203
Phone: (205)563-4846
Fax: (205)802-2240
Page & Palette Inc.
32 South Section Street, Fairhope, AL 36532
Phone: (251)928-5295
Fax: (251)928-2550
Type of Books Sold: Primarily New
Description: For over 30 years we have been dedicated to enhancing the quality of life on the Eastern Shore.
Little Professor Book Center
2717 18th Street South, Homewood, AL 35209
Phone: (205)870-7461
Fax: (205)879-7563
Type of Books Sold: Primarily New
Accepts Book Sense Gift Cards
Description: Besides having an impressive assortment of books, we also have a wonderfully delicious cafe and one of the largest selections of magazines in Birmingham!
The stores are organized by state with additional listings for new age and fantasy stores. The list costs $20.00 payable through paypal only. It is found at www.theresachaze.com.
Technorati Tags:
book trailer, Theresa Chaze, Oprah, Dr. Phil, marketing, desktop publshing, book promotion, writing tips, selling to bookstores, character sketches, plot development, SEO keywords, best selling, finding a publisher, print on demand, fiction, self publishing, writing press releases, best selling books, smart ass, virtual book tours, best selling novel, book marketing, book publishing, Christian fiction, creative writing, desktop publishing, e-publishing, keywords, publishing, science fiction, self publishing, SEO, book trailer, romance, book trailer romance novel novels online Jeffrey Redmond Passion lust sexual pleasure fantasy fiction, romance novels, online romance novels, Amazon Kindle, fantasy romance novels, book trailers, pulp fiction, ebook, e-publishing, adult fiction, Theresa Chaze, self publishing, book publishing, e-publishing, writing, creative writing, marketing, direct marketing, book marketing, fiction, book marketing network, book marketing consultant, online marketing book, book marketing services, book internet marketing publishing, marketing a published book, book publishing, book publishing companies, self publishing, what is desktop publishing, tips for writing a novel, tips for writing a story, creative writing tips, tips on writing a memoir, fiction writing tips, novel writing tips, tips on writing a book, romance writing tips, short story writing tips, romance writers tips on writing, tips on writing romance, good writing
Friday, December 14, 2007
Virtual Book Tour--Newest Marketing tool for Authors
Virtual book tours with Pump Up Your Book Promotion continues! All authors on tour in December will be giving away FREE copies of their books to a few lucky people who comment on their blog stops. Winners will be announced at www.virtualbooktour sforauthors. blogspot. com on December 31!
The following authors on tour and their tour stops today are:
Angela Benson, author of the christian fiction novel, THE AMEN SISTERS (Walk Worthy Press/Grand Central Publishing, Nov. ‘07), will be stopping off at Fallen Angels Reviews and Independent Book Report!
Theresa Chaze, author of the magical fantasy novel, AWAKENING THE DRAGON (Valkyrie Publishing), will be stopping off at Beyond the Books!
Holly Fretwell, author of the nonfiction children’s book, THE SKY’S NOT FALLING (Kids Ahead Publishing), will be stopping off at Write What Inspires You!
Jean Hackensmith and Kathe Birch, authors of the time travel romance, THE ULTIMATE PASSAGE (Port Town Publishing, Sept. ‘07) will be sharing her thoughts all week long at The Long and the Short of It and Fictionscribe!
Roberta Isleib, author of the psychological mystery murder novel, PREACHING TO THE CORPSE (Berkley Prime, Dec. ‘07) will be stopping off at J. Kaye’s Book Blog!
Jim Melvin, author of book one of the DEATH WIZARD CHRONICLES epic fantasy series, THE PIT (Rain Publishing, Sept. ‘07) will be stopping off at The Book Connection!
Sydney Molare, author of the christian fiction novel, DEVIL’S ORCHESTRA (Fishbowl International) will be stopping off at The Writer’s Life!
Marilyn Celeste Morris, author of the non-fiction self-help book, DIAGNOSIS: LUPUS (Publish America) will be stopping off at Dancing with Butterflies!
Cat Muldoon, author of the fantasy novel, RUE THE DAY (Wings Press, May ‘07) will be stopping off at Beyond the Books!
Nelson Pahl, author of the romantic fiction, BEE BALMS & BURGUNDY (Cafe Reverie Press, Sept. ‘07) will be stopping off at Snow’s Blog!
All authors will be giving away free copies of their books to a few lucky readers who comment on their blog stops. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to win free books!
These virtual book tours are brought to you by Pump Up Your Book Promotion at www.pumpupyourbookp romotion. com.
The following authors on tour and their tour stops today are:
Angela Benson, author of the christian fiction novel, THE AMEN SISTERS (Walk Worthy Press/Grand Central Publishing, Nov. ‘07), will be stopping off at Fallen Angels Reviews and Independent Book Report!
Theresa Chaze, author of the magical fantasy novel, AWAKENING THE DRAGON (Valkyrie Publishing), will be stopping off at Beyond the Books!
Holly Fretwell, author of the nonfiction children’s book, THE SKY’S NOT FALLING (Kids Ahead Publishing), will be stopping off at Write What Inspires You!
Jean Hackensmith and Kathe Birch, authors of the time travel romance, THE ULTIMATE PASSAGE (Port Town Publishing, Sept. ‘07) will be sharing her thoughts all week long at The Long and the Short of It and Fictionscribe!
Roberta Isleib, author of the psychological mystery murder novel, PREACHING TO THE CORPSE (Berkley Prime, Dec. ‘07) will be stopping off at J. Kaye’s Book Blog!
Jim Melvin, author of book one of the DEATH WIZARD CHRONICLES epic fantasy series, THE PIT (Rain Publishing, Sept. ‘07) will be stopping off at The Book Connection!
Sydney Molare, author of the christian fiction novel, DEVIL’S ORCHESTRA (Fishbowl International) will be stopping off at The Writer’s Life!
Marilyn Celeste Morris, author of the non-fiction self-help book, DIAGNOSIS: LUPUS (Publish America) will be stopping off at Dancing with Butterflies!
Cat Muldoon, author of the fantasy novel, RUE THE DAY (Wings Press, May ‘07) will be stopping off at Beyond the Books!
Nelson Pahl, author of the romantic fiction, BEE BALMS & BURGUNDY (Cafe Reverie Press, Sept. ‘07) will be stopping off at Snow’s Blog!
All authors will be giving away free copies of their books to a few lucky readers who comment on their blog stops. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to win free books!
These virtual book tours are brought to you by Pump Up Your Book Promotion at www.pumpupyourbookp romotion. com.
Thursday, December 06, 2007
December 6 Virtual Book Tour
Virtual book tours with Pump Up Your Book Promotion continues! All authors on tour in December will be giving away FREE copies of their books to a few lucky people who comment on their blog stops. Winners will be announced at www.virtualbooktour sforauthors. blogspot. com on December 31!
The following authors on tour and their tour stops today are:
Angela Benson, author of the christian fiction novel, THE AMEN SISTERS (Walk Worthy Press/Grand Central Publishing, Nov. ‘07), will be stopping off at My Christian Fiction Blog!
Theresa Chaze, author of the magical fantasy novel, AWAKENING THE DRAGON (Valkyrie Publishing), will be stopping off at The Book Connection!
Holly Fretwell, author of the nonfiction children’s book, THE SKY’S NOT FALLING (Kids Ahead Publishing), will be stopping off at Paperback Writer!
Roberta Isleib, author of the psychological mystery murder novel, PREACHING TO THE CORPSE (Berkley Prime, Dec. ‘07) will be stopping off at Plug Your Book!
Jim Melvin, author of book one of the DEATH WIZARD CHRONICLES epic fantasy series, THE PIT (Rain Publishing, Sept. ‘07) will be stopping off at Acme Authors Link!
Marilyn Celeste Morris, author of the non-fiction self-help book, DIAGNOSIS: LUPUS (Publish America) will be stopping off at The Writer’s Life!
Cat Muldoon, author of the fantasy novel, RUE THE DAY (Wings Press, May ‘07) will be stopping off at Pam’s Wild Rose Blog!
Nelson Pahl, author of the romantic fiction, BEE BALMS & BURGUNDY (Cafe Reverie Press, Sept. ‘07) will be stopping off at Snow’s Blog!
All authors will be giving away free copies of their books to a few lucky readers who comment on their blog stops. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to win free books!
PUMP UP YOUR BOOK PROMOTION VIRTUAL BOOK TOURS
"Leave your tour in our hands!"
www.pumpupyourbookp romotion. com
The following authors on tour and their tour stops today are:
Angela Benson, author of the christian fiction novel, THE AMEN SISTERS (Walk Worthy Press/Grand Central Publishing, Nov. ‘07), will be stopping off at My Christian Fiction Blog!
Theresa Chaze, author of the magical fantasy novel, AWAKENING THE DRAGON (Valkyrie Publishing), will be stopping off at The Book Connection!
Holly Fretwell, author of the nonfiction children’s book, THE SKY’S NOT FALLING (Kids Ahead Publishing), will be stopping off at Paperback Writer!
Roberta Isleib, author of the psychological mystery murder novel, PREACHING TO THE CORPSE (Berkley Prime, Dec. ‘07) will be stopping off at Plug Your Book!
Jim Melvin, author of book one of the DEATH WIZARD CHRONICLES epic fantasy series, THE PIT (Rain Publishing, Sept. ‘07) will be stopping off at Acme Authors Link!
Marilyn Celeste Morris, author of the non-fiction self-help book, DIAGNOSIS: LUPUS (Publish America) will be stopping off at The Writer’s Life!
Cat Muldoon, author of the fantasy novel, RUE THE DAY (Wings Press, May ‘07) will be stopping off at Pam’s Wild Rose Blog!
Nelson Pahl, author of the romantic fiction, BEE BALMS & BURGUNDY (Cafe Reverie Press, Sept. ‘07) will be stopping off at Snow’s Blog!
All authors will be giving away free copies of their books to a few lucky readers who comment on their blog stops. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to win free books!
PUMP UP YOUR BOOK PROMOTION VIRTUAL BOOK TOURS
"Leave your tour in our hands!"
www.pumpupyourbookp romotion. com
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
Virtual Book Tour: Win Free books and meet the authors
Virtual book tours with Pump Up Your Book Promotion continues! All authors on tour in December will be giving away FREE copies of their books to a few lucky people who comment on their blog stops. Winners will be announced at www.virtualbooktour sforauthors. blogspot. com on December 1!
The following authors on tour and their tour stops today are:
For the working links click here
Angela Benson, author of the christian fiction novel, THE AMEN SISTERS (Walk Worthy Press/Grand Central Publishing, Nov. ‘07), will be stopping off at Paperback Writer!
Theresa Chaze, author of the magical fantasy novel, AWAKENING THE DRAGON (Valkyrie Publishing), will be stopping off at Valley Girl Musings!
Holly Fretwell, author of the nonfiction children’s book, THE SKY’S NOT FALLING (Kids Ahead Publishing), will be stopping off at Plug Your Book!
Jean Hackensmith and Kathe Birch, authors of the time travel romance, THE ULTIMATE PASSAGE (Port Town Publishing, Sept. ‘07) will be stopping off at Inspired Author!
Roberta Isleib, author of the psychological mystery murder novel, PREACHING TO THE CORPSE (Berkley Prime, Dec. ‘07) will be stopping off at Don’t Tell the Stones in the Road!
Jim Melvin, author of book one of the DEATH WIZARD CHRONICLES epic fantasy series, THE PIT (Rain Publishing, Sept. ‘07) will be stopping off at Beyond the Books!
Marilyn Celeste Morris, author of the non-fiction self-help book, DIAGNOSIS: LUPUS (Publish America) will be stopping off at Shop This!
Sydney Molare, author of the christian fiction novel, DEVIL’S ORCHESTRA (Fishbowl International) will be stopping off at Buzz the Book!
Nelson Pahl, author of the romantic fiction, BEE BALMS & BURGUNDY (Cafe Reverie Press, Sept. ‘07) will be stopping off at Sadie’s Storylines!
All authors will be giving away free copies of their books to a few lucky readers who comment on their blog stops. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to win free books!
These virtual book tours are brought to you by Pump Up Your Book Promotion at www.pumpupyourbookp romotion. com.
PUMP UP YOUR BOOK PROMOTION VIRTUAL BOOK TOURS
"Leave your tour in our hands!"
www.pumpupyourbookp romotion. com
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following authors on tour and their tour stops today are:
For the working links click here
Angela Benson, author of the christian fiction novel, THE AMEN SISTERS (Walk Worthy Press/Grand Central Publishing, Nov. ‘07), will be stopping off at Paperback Writer!
Theresa Chaze, author of the magical fantasy novel, AWAKENING THE DRAGON (Valkyrie Publishing), will be stopping off at Valley Girl Musings!
Holly Fretwell, author of the nonfiction children’s book, THE SKY’S NOT FALLING (Kids Ahead Publishing), will be stopping off at Plug Your Book!
Jean Hackensmith and Kathe Birch, authors of the time travel romance, THE ULTIMATE PASSAGE (Port Town Publishing, Sept. ‘07) will be stopping off at Inspired Author!
Roberta Isleib, author of the psychological mystery murder novel, PREACHING TO THE CORPSE (Berkley Prime, Dec. ‘07) will be stopping off at Don’t Tell the Stones in the Road!
Jim Melvin, author of book one of the DEATH WIZARD CHRONICLES epic fantasy series, THE PIT (Rain Publishing, Sept. ‘07) will be stopping off at Beyond the Books!
Marilyn Celeste Morris, author of the non-fiction self-help book, DIAGNOSIS: LUPUS (Publish America) will be stopping off at Shop This!
Sydney Molare, author of the christian fiction novel, DEVIL’S ORCHESTRA (Fishbowl International) will be stopping off at Buzz the Book!
Nelson Pahl, author of the romantic fiction, BEE BALMS & BURGUNDY (Cafe Reverie Press, Sept. ‘07) will be stopping off at Sadie’s Storylines!
All authors will be giving away free copies of their books to a few lucky readers who comment on their blog stops. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to win free books!
These virtual book tours are brought to you by Pump Up Your Book Promotion at www.pumpupyourbookp romotion. com.
PUMP UP YOUR BOOK PROMOTION VIRTUAL BOOK TOURS
"Leave your tour in our hands!"
www.pumpupyourbookp romotion. com
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, November 30, 2007
Not Just Another Book of Shadows: A Wiccan Priestess Shares What She Has Learned
Not Just Another Book Of Shadows: A Wiccan Priestess Shares What she has learned.
With all the published Book of Shadows out there, many of which are authored by famous Wiccans and Pagans, why should anyone buy my ebook of shadows, Out of the Shadows and Into the Light? I'm not famous--at least not yet. I don't belong to a coven or church. The training I've had hasn't been structured or formal; I didn't go into a classroom to be taught by Lord or Lady High Priestess or Priest. None of this was around when I started down the path. Back in the late 70's and early 80's, there weren't occult bookstores, at least not where I grew up. If you were lucky you could find books on Astrology--what you sun sign meant, but not much more. Books on magic taught you tricks. Witches were evil. Pagans were backward and ignorant. If you were clever, you found books on Spiritualism. Nor did my family have a long history of casting spells and stirring cauldrons, so I can't lay claim to a long magical heritage. I was raise Catholic, which in a way prepared me for doing rituals
That is what I didn't have. What I did have was so much more than could be found in books or with title honored teachers. There are so many things that can't be taught with words or demonstrations in a classroom; it can only be found by practical experience and good old fashion hard work.
On both sides of my parentage, there were abilities. My grandmother was not only able to sense the dead, but frequently see them. She also had a way of knowing with out knowing how she knew, which helped know when to play the lottery. Although, she never won big, she won frequently. Unfortunately, her Christian heritage kept her from understanding and training her gift. When she saw the other side, it frequently frightened her. Her sister, Edith had a natural intuitiveness about people. She could read them like no other, but she also didn’t understand her talent. Instead, she used alcohol to suppress her impressions. There were family rumors about their mother, but back then, children were never included in the discussions about the weirdness in the family. My grandmother would say, “little pictures have big ears.” Sometimes at night, I would pretend to be asleep so that I could listen; unfortunately, it didn’t take too long for me to stop pretending and I missed out on a lot. My mother knew how to communicate with animals and instinctively knew they needed to be healed. We had two puppies that contracted parvo that the vet had given up on. She brought them home and proved him wrong. She had a knack of seeing into other’s lives. Once she described to a woman her entire house down to the color of the walls in her bedroom; the woman’s reaction prevented her from ever doing it again. They were Christian, yet they were also spiritually gifted in ways that they didn't understand therefore never gained control over their abilities.
When I was about five, I told my grandmother’s neighbor, Kate, that I saw fairies in her garden. She took me into her kitchen and poured water into an old bowl and put candlestick in the center. She lit the candle and had me watch the flame as she talked to me. Decades later I remembered in a dream how she shut down that part of my natural gifts. When I was ready, not only did the memory come back but the ability as well. Kate was a very spiritual woman, who went to church every morning at 6 am. Her faith was an active part in her life, yet she still knew how to reach the earth spirits. Although her age kept her from doing much work, her gardens were always lush and her grapevine remained fertile in spite of its age. Her home was old and run down. She was one of the last people in town to install indoor plumbing. The only source of heat for the large two story home was a wood stove in the kitchen, yet it was always warm. Her house was unique. It was two story, but the upper level could be reached both from the inside and out. The wooden stairs led to a porch and then the entrance. She had board it up, keeping whatever was in on the inside and keeping the rest of us out. When she died, so did her gardens and the house seem to collapse into itself.
Growing up, I felt safer and more at home in woods than anywhere else. My grandmother's boyfriend had an 80 acre farm. I would spend hours wandering by myself, knowing that nothing could harm me while I was among the trees. It was the place I where I was the most connected. Just before the swamp, there was a natural circular field with a single tree in the center. It was a was the place I went to hide and think.
Just out of high school, my friend, Kim and her father, Bobby taught me channeling. Kim, another friend, Lynne and myself spent the summer walking between worlds. To say we were obsessive would be an understatement. We became very good at allowing the Goddesses and Gods to speak through us and they helped us open the spiritual doors within us. We were young and felt immortal, which made us fearless of the unknown and the consequences of our actions. It was a spiritual summer that changed all of us, especially me. That fall the three of us parted ways. I wandered through life for almost a year. What I had experienced made me question everything that I had been taught. I was very confused, so I did a lot of drinking and partying to stop the thinking.
In 1977, I started community college before going on to Michigan State University. By moving away, I was able to start releasing the old negative beliefs about not only myself but also the world beyond. I started doing more research and join the Metaphysical Society that met on the MSU campus. Through this group I met a beautiful soul could have very well been an incarnated angel; Mary was an older woman, who was not only wise but also very loving. Her nurturing heart helped me have faith in my abilities. She helped me open the doors that Kate had closed. We studied Eastern philosophies, kabala, and energy healing. It was also the time I picked up my first Tarot deck and started to use them to focus my intuition. The summer of 1981 when I officially initiated, my dragon spirit awakened and reentered by soul. It was a time of great awareness and challenge. What I had received what had I asked for, but it was more than what I was emotionally prepared to deal with. It took me several years to regain balance.
That all happened before the mid eighties. It was years ahead of the spiritual awakening that was to come for others. The late 80's and the 90's when the spiritual awakenings began in mass, I had already gone through the karmic test of air, fire and had started the emotional test of water. I had learned how focus my energy into healing through Reiki and became disciplined enough to control my other gifts. When I gained control over myself, I was able to reawaken memories from the lives before, which brought forward past lessons and gave me access to old talents.
All that I have experience has given me a unique perspective not only on life, but also gave me the ability to see how we are all interconnected. None of us are really alone. Like pieces of a puzzle, we all have our own unique shape and image, but we are also part of one big picture. Out of the Shadows and Into the Light is more than a book of spells and rituals; it contains what I have learned along the way. When we lack something in our life, whether it be love, prosperity or security, the sources is always an emotional or spiritual wound. By healing the injury, the path to healing opens and you will be able to find what you seek. Oprah once said there are two emotions, love and fear. I have gone one step further by adding--if you come from fear, you can never have love; however, if you come from love, you will never lack for it. By healing ourselves, we open our hearts and souls to that which we desire the most. It is this perspective that make Out of the Shadows and Into the Light different than other Book of Shadows. It is a 114 page full color ebook with information on healing, love, prosperity and protection. There are also sections on Dragon Magic and Justice Rituals. In addition, there are articles on Kundalini, the elements and manifesting. The download costs 5.00 through paypal and is only available on my site at www.theresachaze.com.
With all the published Book of Shadows out there, many of which are authored by famous Wiccans and Pagans, why should anyone buy my ebook of shadows, Out of the Shadows and Into the Light? I'm not famous--at least not yet. I don't belong to a coven or church. The training I've had hasn't been structured or formal; I didn't go into a classroom to be taught by Lord or Lady High Priestess or Priest. None of this was around when I started down the path. Back in the late 70's and early 80's, there weren't occult bookstores, at least not where I grew up. If you were lucky you could find books on Astrology--what you sun sign meant, but not much more. Books on magic taught you tricks. Witches were evil. Pagans were backward and ignorant. If you were clever, you found books on Spiritualism. Nor did my family have a long history of casting spells and stirring cauldrons, so I can't lay claim to a long magical heritage. I was raise Catholic, which in a way prepared me for doing rituals
That is what I didn't have. What I did have was so much more than could be found in books or with title honored teachers. There are so many things that can't be taught with words or demonstrations in a classroom; it can only be found by practical experience and good old fashion hard work.
On both sides of my parentage, there were abilities. My grandmother was not only able to sense the dead, but frequently see them. She also had a way of knowing with out knowing how she knew, which helped know when to play the lottery. Although, she never won big, she won frequently. Unfortunately, her Christian heritage kept her from understanding and training her gift. When she saw the other side, it frequently frightened her. Her sister, Edith had a natural intuitiveness about people. She could read them like no other, but she also didn’t understand her talent. Instead, she used alcohol to suppress her impressions. There were family rumors about their mother, but back then, children were never included in the discussions about the weirdness in the family. My grandmother would say, “little pictures have big ears.” Sometimes at night, I would pretend to be asleep so that I could listen; unfortunately, it didn’t take too long for me to stop pretending and I missed out on a lot. My mother knew how to communicate with animals and instinctively knew they needed to be healed. We had two puppies that contracted parvo that the vet had given up on. She brought them home and proved him wrong. She had a knack of seeing into other’s lives. Once she described to a woman her entire house down to the color of the walls in her bedroom; the woman’s reaction prevented her from ever doing it again. They were Christian, yet they were also spiritually gifted in ways that they didn't understand therefore never gained control over their abilities.
When I was about five, I told my grandmother’s neighbor, Kate, that I saw fairies in her garden. She took me into her kitchen and poured water into an old bowl and put candlestick in the center. She lit the candle and had me watch the flame as she talked to me. Decades later I remembered in a dream how she shut down that part of my natural gifts. When I was ready, not only did the memory come back but the ability as well. Kate was a very spiritual woman, who went to church every morning at 6 am. Her faith was an active part in her life, yet she still knew how to reach the earth spirits. Although her age kept her from doing much work, her gardens were always lush and her grapevine remained fertile in spite of its age. Her home was old and run down. She was one of the last people in town to install indoor plumbing. The only source of heat for the large two story home was a wood stove in the kitchen, yet it was always warm. Her house was unique. It was two story, but the upper level could be reached both from the inside and out. The wooden stairs led to a porch and then the entrance. She had board it up, keeping whatever was in on the inside and keeping the rest of us out. When she died, so did her gardens and the house seem to collapse into itself.
Growing up, I felt safer and more at home in woods than anywhere else. My grandmother's boyfriend had an 80 acre farm. I would spend hours wandering by myself, knowing that nothing could harm me while I was among the trees. It was the place I where I was the most connected. Just before the swamp, there was a natural circular field with a single tree in the center. It was a was the place I went to hide and think.
Just out of high school, my friend, Kim and her father, Bobby taught me channeling. Kim, another friend, Lynne and myself spent the summer walking between worlds. To say we were obsessive would be an understatement. We became very good at allowing the Goddesses and Gods to speak through us and they helped us open the spiritual doors within us. We were young and felt immortal, which made us fearless of the unknown and the consequences of our actions. It was a spiritual summer that changed all of us, especially me. That fall the three of us parted ways. I wandered through life for almost a year. What I had experienced made me question everything that I had been taught. I was very confused, so I did a lot of drinking and partying to stop the thinking.
In 1977, I started community college before going on to Michigan State University. By moving away, I was able to start releasing the old negative beliefs about not only myself but also the world beyond. I started doing more research and join the Metaphysical Society that met on the MSU campus. Through this group I met a beautiful soul could have very well been an incarnated angel; Mary was an older woman, who was not only wise but also very loving. Her nurturing heart helped me have faith in my abilities. She helped me open the doors that Kate had closed. We studied Eastern philosophies, kabala, and energy healing. It was also the time I picked up my first Tarot deck and started to use them to focus my intuition. The summer of 1981 when I officially initiated, my dragon spirit awakened and reentered by soul. It was a time of great awareness and challenge. What I had received what had I asked for, but it was more than what I was emotionally prepared to deal with. It took me several years to regain balance.
That all happened before the mid eighties. It was years ahead of the spiritual awakening that was to come for others. The late 80's and the 90's when the spiritual awakenings began in mass, I had already gone through the karmic test of air, fire and had started the emotional test of water. I had learned how focus my energy into healing through Reiki and became disciplined enough to control my other gifts. When I gained control over myself, I was able to reawaken memories from the lives before, which brought forward past lessons and gave me access to old talents.
All that I have experience has given me a unique perspective not only on life, but also gave me the ability to see how we are all interconnected. None of us are really alone. Like pieces of a puzzle, we all have our own unique shape and image, but we are also part of one big picture. Out of the Shadows and Into the Light is more than a book of spells and rituals; it contains what I have learned along the way. When we lack something in our life, whether it be love, prosperity or security, the sources is always an emotional or spiritual wound. By healing the injury, the path to healing opens and you will be able to find what you seek. Oprah once said there are two emotions, love and fear. I have gone one step further by adding--if you come from fear, you can never have love; however, if you come from love, you will never lack for it. By healing ourselves, we open our hearts and souls to that which we desire the most. It is this perspective that make Out of the Shadows and Into the Light different than other Book of Shadows. It is a 114 page full color ebook with information on healing, love, prosperity and protection. There are also sections on Dragon Magic and Justice Rituals. In addition, there are articles on Kundalini, the elements and manifesting. The download costs 5.00 through paypal and is only available on my site at www.theresachaze.com.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Amazon Connect Blog--An Efficent Way For Authors to Promote Their Work
Authors, who have their books listed on Amazon, have a free promotional opportunity that is frequently over looked. Amazon offers a writer's page that includes a blog, and biography. Both are excellent ways to not only keep your current readership up to date with your work, but to post promotional information, articles, and personal interests.
The biography lists any information the author would like to share; in addition, the writer has an opportunity to share interests, personal views, and reviews. Your readers are able to follow your footsteps on Amazon by reading the reviews you have posted and the products you tagged.
By adding an RSS feed from your primary blog, your postings automatically list on your Amazon page. It is a simple way to share information about your work or anything else you are passionate about. Articles and graphic that are posted on the primary blog are also posted on the Amazon. Readers are able to leave comments or questions about the posts. In addition, your readers are able to create an alert for themselves when the blog is updated or set up an RSS feed to their site.
The address for Theresa Chaze's page is http://www.amazon.com/gp/pdp/profile/A2CRCFGUBNEJ6B. It is an example of what an author can do to promote their work as well as help readers know them a little better.
The biography lists any information the author would like to share; in addition, the writer has an opportunity to share interests, personal views, and reviews. Your readers are able to follow your footsteps on Amazon by reading the reviews you have posted and the products you tagged.
By adding an RSS feed from your primary blog, your postings automatically list on your Amazon page. It is a simple way to share information about your work or anything else you are passionate about. Articles and graphic that are posted on the primary blog are also posted on the Amazon. Readers are able to leave comments or questions about the posts. In addition, your readers are able to create an alert for themselves when the blog is updated or set up an RSS feed to their site.
The address for Theresa Chaze's page is http://www.amazon.com/gp/pdp/profile/A2CRCFGUBNEJ6B. It is an example of what an author can do to promote their work as well as help readers know them a little better.
Friday, November 23, 2007
Virtual Book Tours: A New Promotional Tool For Authors
Virtual Book Tours: A New Promotional Tool For Authors
By
Theresa Chaze
Virtual Book Tours are the newest marketing opportunity for authors. With traditionally book tours, authors travel from town to town doing book signings and doing interviews to publicize their books. Although the process is very effective, it also involves great expense, travel and time. Virtual book tours essentially do the same; however, instead of the authors physically traveling to bookstores, the interviews and book readings are conducted electronically through posting on blogs and IM conversations.
Although a Virtual Book Tour doesn't have the same personal touch at the traditional tour, it can be more informative and effective. From the comfort of their homes, readers can learn more about new writers and their work. By reading the interviews on the blogs, the readers not only learn more about the author’s work, but about her or his private lives. Interviews are conducted by many bloggers, each of which will give a fresh perspective on the author as a person and on the work. By following the tour, the reader will be able to get to know the author on a more personal level as well as be able to read excerpts of the book.
The internet also allows the readers to meet the authors electronically through IM messaging, conferencing and chat rooms. Many of the IM services have both audio and video features, which personalized the experience more. No longer just words on the screen, the authors can become three dimensional people who can answer questions about themselves and their work in real time. Chat rooms and conference room have the advantage over the one to one IM messaging by allowing the readers to share in on both the questions and answers. By coming together in a room, the author's answers are shared with all in the room instead of just the individual. For the readers, it gives them the opportunity to receive answers to questions they may not have thought of or were afraid to ask.
For the authors, it has the advantages of being able to reach a more diverse audience quicker and more conveniently. No longer do authors have to pack up and travel from town to town to gain the attention of their target audience. The internet has also made reaching new audiences and reconnecting with existing ones, easier and quicker. No longer bound by time and space, authors can not only make direct contact with their target market, but also expand their readership into the general audience. The proper use of key words in the blog will make the interviews more accessible by search engines. The diversification of the type of blogs involved in the tour will help the author reach a varied audience that might not have be otherwise open to the author’s work.
Virtual book tours also benefit the bloggers involved by bringing more traffic to their site. As part of the promotional process, the coordinator also promotes the hosting blog thereby temporarily giving the blog additional attention. By hosting a stop on a tour, the blogger also promotes their own message, while helping another. It is a win-win situation for all involved.
Dorothy Thompson is one to the premier Virtual Book Tour co-coordinators. Her promotional website Pump Up Your Book Promotion and her book promotion blog at Pump Up Your Online Book Promotion has helped many authors successful promote their books. In January, she will be hosting a Virtual Book Tour for Kathleen Willey's book Target: Caught In The Crosshairs Of Bill And Hillary Clinton. Currently it is ranked 79# at Amazon. She has also hosted many other authors both in the US and in Canada. Her success rate has surpassed most of the other tour coordinators. In addition, she is the author of the self-promoting e-book, The Complete Guide to Promoting & Selling Your Self-Published eBook. Her success rate has made her tours a valuable promotional asset to the authors she has represented.
By
Theresa Chaze
Virtual Book Tours are the newest marketing opportunity for authors. With traditionally book tours, authors travel from town to town doing book signings and doing interviews to publicize their books. Although the process is very effective, it also involves great expense, travel and time. Virtual book tours essentially do the same; however, instead of the authors physically traveling to bookstores, the interviews and book readings are conducted electronically through posting on blogs and IM conversations.
Although a Virtual Book Tour doesn't have the same personal touch at the traditional tour, it can be more informative and effective. From the comfort of their homes, readers can learn more about new writers and their work. By reading the interviews on the blogs, the readers not only learn more about the author’s work, but about her or his private lives. Interviews are conducted by many bloggers, each of which will give a fresh perspective on the author as a person and on the work. By following the tour, the reader will be able to get to know the author on a more personal level as well as be able to read excerpts of the book.
The internet also allows the readers to meet the authors electronically through IM messaging, conferencing and chat rooms. Many of the IM services have both audio and video features, which personalized the experience more. No longer just words on the screen, the authors can become three dimensional people who can answer questions about themselves and their work in real time. Chat rooms and conference room have the advantage over the one to one IM messaging by allowing the readers to share in on both the questions and answers. By coming together in a room, the author's answers are shared with all in the room instead of just the individual. For the readers, it gives them the opportunity to receive answers to questions they may not have thought of or were afraid to ask.
For the authors, it has the advantages of being able to reach a more diverse audience quicker and more conveniently. No longer do authors have to pack up and travel from town to town to gain the attention of their target audience. The internet has also made reaching new audiences and reconnecting with existing ones, easier and quicker. No longer bound by time and space, authors can not only make direct contact with their target market, but also expand their readership into the general audience. The proper use of key words in the blog will make the interviews more accessible by search engines. The diversification of the type of blogs involved in the tour will help the author reach a varied audience that might not have be otherwise open to the author’s work.
Virtual book tours also benefit the bloggers involved by bringing more traffic to their site. As part of the promotional process, the coordinator also promotes the hosting blog thereby temporarily giving the blog additional attention. By hosting a stop on a tour, the blogger also promotes their own message, while helping another. It is a win-win situation for all involved.
Dorothy Thompson is one to the premier Virtual Book Tour co-coordinators. Her promotional website Pump Up Your Book Promotion and her book promotion blog at Pump Up Your Online Book Promotion has helped many authors successful promote their books. In January, she will be hosting a Virtual Book Tour for Kathleen Willey's book Target: Caught In The Crosshairs Of Bill And Hillary Clinton. Currently it is ranked 79# at Amazon. She has also hosted many other authors both in the US and in Canada. Her success rate has surpassed most of the other tour coordinators. In addition, she is the author of the self-promoting e-book, The Complete Guide to Promoting & Selling Your Self-Published eBook. Her success rate has made her tours a valuable promotional asset to the authors she has represented.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Direct Marketing to Independent Bookstores
Direct Marketing to Independent Bookstores
By
Theresa Chaze
Active book promotion and marketing is important to every book's success, especially when it comes to the beginning writer. Contacting independent bookstores is a direct marketing method that is not only cost effective but a successful way for the authors to bring their work to the attention of buyers. With the technological advancements of email, fax and unlimited long distance, it is easier and cheaper than ever before for authors to promote their work to brick and mortar stores.
In the past, authors used direct mailings and industry advertisements to gain the attention of independent bookstore owners. It was a costly and slow process. Not only was it expensive to print full color flyers, but the increasing postage rates made snail mail direct marketing cost prohibitive. Placing ad in trade magazines is effective only if the ad is well placed and designed. Yet even then, the message would only reach those stores that subscribed to the magazine or service.
The internet has opened the door to direct marketing to bookstores by making it cheaper, easier and quicker. Most stores have websites, which contain their contact information as well as accurate descriptions of the books they sell. It is an easy way for the author to reach their target audience by approaching only the stores who carry their genre. By searching the net, an author can find stores by state or specialty. However, compiling list of bookstores can be very time consuming and frustrating. There is no master site that lists bookstores. Instead, the search must be done by location or genre.
If an author is wise, she or he will create a list of the bookstores as they are contacted, not only to check back with them but for future use. However, there are short cuts that an author can take. There are sites that do sell lists of bookstores; however, they are very expensive and have been assembled by non writers. Valkyrie Publishing is offering the list it uses to promote their books. This list has contact information for over 2000 independent bookstores. Most of them have not only the contact information, but also details about the store itself. Below are examples of what the list contains.
Auburn University Bookstore
1360 Haley Center, Auburn, AL 36849
Phone: (334)844-1365
Fax: (334)844-1697
Type of Books Sold: Primarily New
Description: Auburn University Bookstore
Alabama Booksmith
2626 19th Place South, Birmingham, AL 35209
Phone: (205)870-4242
Fax: (205)870-4302
Type of Books Sold: Primarily New
Malcolm's Reading Room
404 17th Street, Birmingham, AL 35203
Phone: (205)563-4846
Fax: (205)802-2240
Page & Palette Inc.
32 South Section Street, Fairhope, AL 36532
Phone: (251)928-5295
Fax: (251)928-2550
Type of Books Sold: Primarily New
Description: For over 30 years we have been dedicated to enhancing the quality of life on the Eastern Shore.
Little Professor Book Center
2717 18th Street South, Homewood, AL 35209
Phone: (205)870-7461
Fax: (205)879-7563
Type of Books Sold: Primarily New
Accepts Book Sense Gift Cards
Description: Besides having an impressive assortment of books, we also have a wonderfully delicious cafe and one of the largest selections of magazines in Birmingham!
The stores are organized by state with additional listings for new age and fantasy stores. The list costs $20.00 payable through paypal only. It is found at www.theresachaze.com.
By
Theresa Chaze
Active book promotion and marketing is important to every book's success, especially when it comes to the beginning writer. Contacting independent bookstores is a direct marketing method that is not only cost effective but a successful way for the authors to bring their work to the attention of buyers. With the technological advancements of email, fax and unlimited long distance, it is easier and cheaper than ever before for authors to promote their work to brick and mortar stores.
In the past, authors used direct mailings and industry advertisements to gain the attention of independent bookstore owners. It was a costly and slow process. Not only was it expensive to print full color flyers, but the increasing postage rates made snail mail direct marketing cost prohibitive. Placing ad in trade magazines is effective only if the ad is well placed and designed. Yet even then, the message would only reach those stores that subscribed to the magazine or service.
The internet has opened the door to direct marketing to bookstores by making it cheaper, easier and quicker. Most stores have websites, which contain their contact information as well as accurate descriptions of the books they sell. It is an easy way for the author to reach their target audience by approaching only the stores who carry their genre. By searching the net, an author can find stores by state or specialty. However, compiling list of bookstores can be very time consuming and frustrating. There is no master site that lists bookstores. Instead, the search must be done by location or genre.
If an author is wise, she or he will create a list of the bookstores as they are contacted, not only to check back with them but for future use. However, there are short cuts that an author can take. There are sites that do sell lists of bookstores; however, they are very expensive and have been assembled by non writers. Valkyrie Publishing is offering the list it uses to promote their books. This list has contact information for over 2000 independent bookstores. Most of them have not only the contact information, but also details about the store itself. Below are examples of what the list contains.
Auburn University Bookstore
1360 Haley Center, Auburn, AL 36849
Phone: (334)844-1365
Fax: (334)844-1697
Type of Books Sold: Primarily New
Description: Auburn University Bookstore
Alabama Booksmith
2626 19th Place South, Birmingham, AL 35209
Phone: (205)870-4242
Fax: (205)870-4302
Type of Books Sold: Primarily New
Malcolm's Reading Room
404 17th Street, Birmingham, AL 35203
Phone: (205)563-4846
Fax: (205)802-2240
Page & Palette Inc.
32 South Section Street, Fairhope, AL 36532
Phone: (251)928-5295
Fax: (251)928-2550
Type of Books Sold: Primarily New
Description: For over 30 years we have been dedicated to enhancing the quality of life on the Eastern Shore.
Little Professor Book Center
2717 18th Street South, Homewood, AL 35209
Phone: (205)870-7461
Fax: (205)879-7563
Type of Books Sold: Primarily New
Accepts Book Sense Gift Cards
Description: Besides having an impressive assortment of books, we also have a wonderfully delicious cafe and one of the largest selections of magazines in Birmingham!
The stores are organized by state with additional listings for new age and fantasy stores. The list costs $20.00 payable through paypal only. It is found at www.theresachaze.com.
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