Book Marketing Gazette Marketing Strategies, Tips and Reviews for Authors, Publishers and Book Marketing Experts
Volume I - Issue 10
From D’vorah’s Desk What an exciting month
lots of opportunities for continuing your
it’s been! This year’s
book marketing education and accelerat-
Book Marketing Confer-
ing your results! Enjoy our free weekly
ence Online! Attendees
Book Marketing eZine and monthly
learned, networked, were teleseminars. inspired, and took action!
D’vorah Lansky Publisher
You also have access to a wide range of
Check out our new Calendar
What inspires me is how
book marketing courses or personalized
our attendees have re-
book marketing coaching. Keep an eye
www.BookMarketingMadeEasy.
mained in contact, are
on your weekly eZine for details. Check
com/teleseminars
participating with us on
out our newest course on Virtual Book
Facebook, and are partic- Tours by scrolling down to the next arti-
ipating in our continuing education courses and coaching programs as well as our free teleseminars and events. For details of upcoming events, check out the link to the right, just below the image of the calendar. Are you wanting to take your book marketing efforts to the next level? If so,
cle on this page.
2 3
your book news!
Most Important Sentence * Lynne Klippel
Here’s to your book marketing success!
What is Indie Publishing * Kristen Eckstein
4
Create a Blog Content Plan * Roger C. Parker
5
Blog Marketing Strategies * Judy Cullins
6
Constant Drumbeat *Terry Whalin
7
How to be a Guest Blogger * Alanna Parke Kvale
8
Best Teleseminar Practices Shared by Roger C. Parker
9
Awards Are Publicity Gold * Carolyn Howard-Johnson
10
Author Interview Series * Kristen Eckstein
11
Your Marketing Platform * Jennifer S. Wilkov
12
Author Audio Promotion * Shelley Hitz
13
Promote with Postcards * Shel Horowitz
14
Keys to Blogging Success * D’vorah Lansky
15
Book Conference Recordings Now Available
16
over to our Facebook group and share
All the best, D’vorah
Virtual Book Tours Made Easy New Course by D’vorah Lansky During the last day of this year’s book confer-
will also put you ―at the front of the line‖ as
ence, it came to light that attendees were
you’ll be on the notification list for details on
ready to roll up their sleeves and apply what
the launch of this exciting course.
The most popular topic requested was ―Virtual
Inside this issue: Attract Readers to Blog * Dana Lynn Smith
We’d love to connect with you! Head on
then join us on this journey. There are
they’d been learning.
and Events page at:
For details (and an example of a type of video you can create for your book or programs)
Book Tours!‖ Being that I have conducted two, visit: www.VirtualBookToursMadeEasy.com extensive, Virtual Book Tours and that my most recent book tour had a huge impact on my book becoming an Amazon Bestseller, I’ve decided to rearrange my teaching schedule and prioritize the development of an interactive, step-by-step, course on Virtual Book Tours. Stay tuned as registration will begin soon. In the meantime, head over to get your free copy of ―7 Tips for Maximizing Your Blog Tour‖. This
www.BookMarketingGazette.com
Book Marketing Gazette
Page 2
Attract Readers to Your Author Blog with Lists By Dana Lynn Smith Looking for ideas for your author blog posts? Bulleted and numbered lists are always popular with readers. Here are some ideas to get you started:
your 10 favorite books on a particular topic. Then let the folks on the list know that they have been included and encourage them to publicize it. They will most likely link back to your blog when they announce their inclusion on your list. You can even create a graphic badge of some kind for the people on your
·
7 Ways to . . .
·
My 10 Favorite . . .
·
Do You Make These 3 Mistakes in . .
·
Top 10 Reasons to . . .
them to drive traffic to your blog or website.
·
9 Secrets to . . .
Dana Lynn Smith is a book marketing coach
·
The 15 Best . . .
·
12 Tips for Effective . . .
·
5 Steps to . . .
list to display on their website.
“Everyone loves lists, so think of ways to incorporate them into your author blog and use them to drive traffic to your blog or website.”
Everyone loves lists, so think of ways to incorporate them into your author blog and use
and author of several book marketing guides, including The Savvy Book Marketer's Guide to Blogging for Authors. For more tips, follow @BookMarketer on Twitter, visit Dana's blog at www.TheSavvyBookMarketer.com , and
At the end of your list article, invite readers
get a copy of the Top Book Marketing Tips
to share their own ideas by commenting. You
ebook when you sign up for her free newslet-
can also write a series of blog posts expand-
ter at www.BookMarketingNewsletter.com.
ing on each of the items in your list.
Savvy Book Marketer Guide to Blogging for
Another way to drive traffic to your author
Authors:
blog is to write a list article and then post it
www.bookmarketingmaven.typepad.com/
on an article site like EzineArticles.com with a
savvy_book_marketer/author-blogs.html
link in your resource box pointing back to your blog. You can create subjective lists by listing your own favorite tips or resources. Or, create more authoritative lists by conducting a sur-
Blog: www.TheSavvyBookMarketer.com Newsletter: http:// www.BookMarketingNewsletter.com
vey using a free tool such as Survey Mon-
About Dana Lynn Smith
key.com and reporting the results as a list.
Dana Lynn Smith, The Savvy Book Marketer,
For example, I surveyed 136 authors and publishers about their book promotion plans and created a press release and article about the "Top 10 Book Promotion Strategies for 2010." Then I wrote a series of other articles expanding on different items on the list and referring back to the survey. Also, consider creating lists that honor your
helps authors and indie publishers learn how to sell more books through her how-to guides, blog, newsletter, and private coaching. Get her free Top Book Marketing Tips ebooks at , visit her blog at www.SavvyBookMarketer.com. Follow @BookMarketer on Twitter, and connect on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ SavvyBookMarketer.
peers. For example, create a list of the top 25 blogs or websites in your niche or genre, or www.BookMarketingGazette.com
Book Marketing Gazette
Page 3
The Most Important Sentence in Your Book By Lynne Klippel Remember the old Peanuts Cartoon? Snoopy, a lovable beagle, wanted to be a writer. There was a recurring story line featuring Snoopy atop his
book so it should be exciting and invite readers to continue. Begin to notice how these headlines are written and see what you can learn from that style of writing.
dog house with his old manual type-
Is your first sentence boring? Read
writer, beginning his book. Snoopy
it aloud and listen. Does it sound
never got further than his opening
compelling? If not, it needs revision.
line, ―It was a dark and stormy night.‖
Next, look closely at your first sentence and see if it generates curiosi-
The first line is the most important
ty. When a reader is curious, she
sentence of any book, be it fiction or
will want to keep reading.
non-fiction. That first sentence has a big job to do. It must capture the interest of the reader and convince her to read the rest of the first page and then the rest of the book. Today’s reader is increasingly busy, distracted, and in a hurry. He will not spend time with a book that is boring, hard to read, or needs twenty-five pages to get to the point. So, what can you do to craft a compelling first sentence?
You can elicit curiosity by leading with a surprising fact, a compelling story, a thought-provoking statistic, or by using a metaphor in unusual way.
ial authors writing non-fiction books.
that page and make that point in
Are YOU ready to write your
your first sentence.
book? Take Lynne’s FREE assess-
Pare down the number of words in your first sentence so that each word is crisp, clear, and serves a more energy.
Don’t worry about your first sen-
Continue to work on your opening
tence until you are in the editing
sentence until you feel satisfied with
phase of your book project. If you
it. When your book moves into pub-
are in writing phase, just begin your
lication, your editor will also review
book and know that you can come
this opening sentence and make
back to your first sentence to polish
additional suggestions if more revi-
it during editing. If you try to write
sions are needed.
der of the book.
2004. Her business, BusinessBuildingBooks.com, serves entrepreneur-
first sentence powerful:
never moving past it to the remain-
ghost writer, and book coach since
interesting piece of information on
purpose. Shorter sentences convey
writing phase, you run the risk of
pel has been an author, publisher,
Read your first page. Find the most
Follow these steps to make your
the perfect first sentence during the
Best-selling Author Lynne Klip-
Your first sentence is the prelude to your reader’s experience of your book. Invest time in making that sentence shine and your readers will
Pay attention to headlines in news
thank you by continuing to turn eve-
reports, on magazine covers, and on
ry page of your book.
websites. While your first sentence is not a headline, it is the very first experience your reader has of your
www.BookMarketingGazette.com
ment and find out if you have the requirements for author success at www.AmIReadytoWrite.com
Six Figure Author Secrets
Book Marketing Gazette
Page 4
What Is Indie Publishing and is it Viable? By Kristen Eckstein Some vanity companies call themselves indie publishers nowadays;
“Do not be fooled by vanity publishers who claim successful books have been "selfpublished" and that by hiring them to publish your book you can achieve the same success.”
There is only one major con to indie publishing and several pros:
be careful. Please remember the
Con: Indie is true self-publishing,
definitions of a vanity publisher in
so you as the author must front the
Way 15 in the 21 Ways to Write &
total cost to bring your book to
Publish Your Nonfiction Book. Indie
market. That cost can vary greatly
is short for "independent" and
depending on your skills and the
means just that. You, the author,
people you know who can help you.
are in charge of everything from
It can range from as little as $400,
finding an editor and book designer,
to as high as $7,000 or more.
to setting up an account with a
Pro #1: With indie publishing, you
printer and then of course, marketing.
only have your reputation to worry about, not that of another company.
Do not be fooled by vanity publishers who claim successful books have been "self-published" and that by hiring them to publish your book
Pro #2: You retain full control over every aspect, including distribution. Pro #3: The publication timeline
you can achieve the same success.
can be as short as one month to
The truth is vanity and indie are
have control over whether or not
both forms of self-publishing because the author is paying the upfront cost of the book's production.
bring your book to market. And you you want to sell to a traditional publisher down the road.
But the successful self-published
About Kristen
books vanity publishers often refer
Through the course of her publish-
to—The One Minute Manager, The
ing life, including managing a vanity
Christmas Box, Chicken Soup for
publishing company, Marketing Di-
the Soul, The Shack, Eragon—were
rector for a traditional publishing
strictly indie published. The author's
company, and running her own in-
(or the author's company's) name is
dependent publishing company,
on the back of the book—not some
Kristen Eckstein has helped dozens
vanity publishing company's name.
of authors get published since 2003.
(Visit IamPublished.com for a done-
Find out your publishing options
for-you indie publishing system that
free at www.ArtOfPublishing.com/
combines the ease of vanity with the control and benefits of indie.)
www.BookMarketingGazette.com
Book Marketing Gazette
Page 5
How to Create a Blog Content Plan for Marketing Your Book By: Roger C. Parker Topics. When creating a blog content OnlineEssentials. I’ve found 7 is Blogging is an essential book marketing tool for authors, but success requires creating an ongoing stream of relevant content. There’s nothing worse than going to an author’s blog, and noticing that it
plan, you don’t have to know the spe- enough to build anticipation and fully cific titles of upcoming blog posts. All develop a topic that can, later, bethat’s necessary is to select 4 or 5 topics, or themes, you plan to address over and over again during the coming months. These themes can be broad, i.e., ―industry challenges‖ or narrow, i.e., ―updating my book.‖ Frequency. Your blog content plan should indicate how often you
was last updated 2 or 3 months ago.
come an ebook. Look backwards. Schedule occasional blog posts drawing attention to previous posts that are still relevant and updating them with new examples, ideas, or technology. You can also create composite posts that link to multiple previous posts on topics
plan on adding new content. This like tips, new books, or current
Whenever this happens to me, I ask
depends on what’s comfortable
myself: “Why should I be interested
and feasible? Ideally, your up-
in the topic, if the author isn’t?”
dates should always appear on
trends. More consistency, less stress
Why authors need blog content
the same days of the week. So,
plans
whether you plan on posting once less work—and less stress—for you. a month, twice a month, or 4 It keeps your social media on schedtimes a month, pick a day—i.e., ule and saves you time preparing
Authors need blog content plans because, without one, it’s too easy for
Mondays--and stick to it!
everyday deadlines and pressures to get in the way of posting new con-
Deadlines. It is important you give
tent. It’s all too easy for weeks, then
yourself a deadline for each blog
months, to slip buy without posting
post a day, or 2, before it’s pub-
new content.
lished. Give yourself a Monday deadline, for example, for finish-
But, when you create a blog content
each post. Your content plan puts your subconscious mind to work. So, while you’re reading or sleeping; your mind will be constantly searching for titles and ideas that relate to your core topics and themes.
ing a post that will appear
plan—even if it’s only once a week, or
Wednesday. This gives you time
once every 2 weeks—you’re far more
to review and self-edit your blog
likely to post on a consistent basis. Consistency is the cornerstone of
Ultimately, a blog content plan means
from a fresh perspective.
************** Roger C. Parker is a 40-book author & coach. His books have launched careers and been sold in over 30
Suggestions
countries.
true today. Once you’ve linked your
Here are some quick ideas for your
Download a free proof of his latest
blog to your other social media, i.e.,
blog content plan:
workbook 99 Questions to Ask Before
marketing success. This is especially
Twitter, FaceBook, and LinkedIn, each time you update your blog, you’re automatically updating all of your social media. The process can be incredibly efficient. Elements of a blog content plan
Minimum versus maximum. Your blog content plan doesn’t limit you from writing additional posts, when appropriate. It simply specifies a minimum program to commit to and stick to.
You Write or Self-publish a Brandbuilding Book. Its pages are large enough to write in, as you address questions that need to be answered as
Your blog content plan can be as sim- Think series. Considering multi-part you plan, write, ple as a 1-page/1-sided worksheet, a blog posts, such as my 7 Essentials of promote, and mind map, or a simple spreadsheet.
Online Marketing Success for Au-
profit from your
There are just elements:
thors, http://tinyurl.com/
book.
www.BookMarketingGazette.com
Page 6
Book Marketing Gazette
Blog Marketing Strategies: Write the 500 Word How to Blog Post By Judy Cullins
Seven Steps: One. Create a benefit-driven title in less than 67 characters so readers and Google will like and read. Include appropriate key words to rank your blog page higher in Google. Hook your audience in the title, the intro, the body, and the ending. How to blog posts still reign at the top in popularity.The above title is 42 characters.
Your Outline Headings 5. Write Two to Three Short Sentences for Each Paragraph 6. Create Three to Five Paragraphs from Each Heading 7. Revise Copy Looking for Ways to Tighten Your Article Five. Write Two-Three Sentences for Each Paragraph.
Remember, each sentence must support the thesis or title.Mine is "Blog Marketing--How to Write 500 Word Posts--7 Steps. When I include the number of steps in title, my blog posts get opened by many more readers. To thank you for your effort, readers often leave a Two. Hook your target audience in question or comment on your Word the first 1-3 sentences because that may be all they read. Include benefits Press blog and if they like your style for your audience here as I did above and information, they will subscribe, giving your a chance to stay in touch in the first sentence. with them. Three. Know your article's purpose and specific audience and narrow your Break down each short paragraph into three standard-length or less sentencslant or focus your information just es (15-17 words each). For drama, for them. Write another post slanted write one or two shorter sentences. toward another audience. Fragments are OK. One paragraph contains around 100 words. Five parThis blog post's audience include readers who want information on cre- agraphs of five sentences of 20 or less words will equal close to 500 ating a better life, making a difference, or more wealth, health or busi- words. ness. I publish and post each blog URL in Twitter, Facebook and Linkedin Six. Create Three to Five Paragraphs From Your Outline group discussions. If you are a blogger, solo professional, speaker, coach, All sub points must also support the consultant, entrepreneur or author, thesis. Write concise, compelling paryou will benefit from using this blog agraphs that explain and give examstrategy. ples. Four. Write an outline, or mind map (graphic and in color) one with four to If you write over 100 words in a paragraph, tighten your copy. Shorten or six major points you want to make before you write. I've written 13 busi- leave out stories or analogies. Shortness books using mind mapping. My en examples. Cut redundant sentences, phrases, and words. Drop most outline and headings for this article "is" verb forms and "ands." They slow include the seven steps below: the copy and the reader down, a cardinal sin in writing. Bored readers will The 7 Steps Overview leave. Instead, use vital, action verbs and colorful nouns. 1. Write for Your Targeted Market. 2. Write an Outline First Seven. Revise Looking for Ways to 3. Write An Outline With Four-Six Tighten Your Article Sub Points 4. Write Each Paragraph to Support www.BookMarketingGazette.com
- Use bullets to clarify and shorten copy - Reduce or eliminate quotes and anecdotes. - Replace -ly adverbs and adjectives with picture or feeling power verbs and nouns. - Let go of superfluous words such as "that." - Use one or two-syllable words for easy-to-read, compelling copy. For your conclusion, write only a sentence or two to either sum up or add a new benefit. For example, Your blog at your business site is a solid way to increase your site's traffic, and from that, many will buy from you, because a blog builds visibility, credibility and trust. ************** Judy Cullins uses blog marketing to increase site traffic, subscription optins, book and blog coaching clients, and sales from her top 14 books on these topics. Join her site to get weekly up-to-the minute skills and resources that make you almost famous at www.bookcoaching.com/help -writing-a-book.php
Write Your eBook Fast
Book Marketing Gazette
Page 7
The Constant Drumbeat for Every Writer By Terry Whalin Twice last year at writers' conferences, I taught a continuing series of classes called The Constant Drumbeat for Every Writer. In these classes, I revealed the continual effort that I make as a writer to tell people about my books and products. I would love for someone else to beat the drum
to excellence. If you are going to put
focus each day on
out a book, make sure it is edited and how they can write well-designed. I see a great deal of
with courage. On
material that looks like it is thrown
the back of this
together and the authors probably
card, I provided
wonder why nothing happened with
a series of five
it. The craft of good storytelling will
resources to
shine in your work but it does take
write with cour-
work.
age and my personal email address. My intention was
and tell others about my books. In a
What are you doing to tell others
few cases, I do have some people
about your writing? Are you crafting a
who tell others. But at the end of the
book proposal to make the best first
day, I understand that I have the
impression on an editor or literary
greatest passion and concern about
agent? Are you writing a query letter
the value of my own books. It is my
to pitch a magazine article? Are you
responsibility to tell others about the
writing a magazine article and send-
Bestselling author Jack Canfield talks
value and benefits of my books and
ing it to an editor for consideration?
about the importance of following the
products.
Are you writing another portion in
Rule of Five. If you follow the link,
your book to keep advancing toward
you can watch this short video and
a full manuscript? Nothing happens
understand the necessity of continual
overnight but it can happen bit by bit
focus on a goal to achieve it. Are you
Many authors live in a fantasy world about this matter of telling others about their books. They believe their publisher will do it or their friends or _______ (anyone but themselves). It taken me years to come to this conclusion but I'm the best person to tell
to do more than tell interesting stories. I wanted to become memorable so each listener would take action and move forward with their writing dreams.
or little by little. What are your priori- constantly beating the drum for your ties for your writing and how are you making choices for those priorities with your available time?
writing? W. Terry Whalin is a former magazine editor, book editor and literary agent.
other people about my book. Like
Last week at the Blue Ridge confer-
He is the author of more than 60
every author, I wanted someone else
ence, I gave a keynote talk about
books including Jumpstart Your Pub-
to carry this responsibility. Yet no one writing with courage (the theme of
lishing Dreams: Insider Secrets to
has the passion and interest in your
the conference). As I prepared my
Skyrocket Your Success and a Pub-
book like you do. It is the author's
message, I could have simply told
lisher at Intermedia Publishing
responsibility to continually use tools
stories but I decided to take it a step
Group. Get his free Ebook, Platform
like blogs, Twitter, Facebook, news-
further. I prepared a small business-
Building Ideas for Every Author.
letters and even physical items like
size card with my five key points. To-
postcards and business cards to
ward the end of my time, I gave each
spread the news about their products. member of the audience one of these As the world of Ebooks and selfpublishing grows, the competition for
cards and encouraged them to take it home, put it near their computer and
our products only increases. It is easier than ever for an a writer to push their material into the marketplace. According to this article there were at least 3.1 million books in 2010. While those numbers can be daunting, let's also recognize that you can stand out in several ways. First, be committed
www.BookMarketingGazette.com
Write a Book Proposal Program
Book Marketing Gazette
Page 8
How to Be a Successful Guest Blogger By Alanna Parke Kvale
You should announce the event in every group you belong to or forum Guest Blogging is a great way to you hang out in. Send the announcepromote your online business and in ment to your list of friends, family, the case of authors, it becomes a fans, clients, etc. If possible, ask Virtual Book Tour. This is the perfect them to forward the announcement way to let the world know about to their own lists. Word of mouth is your book, why they need it and why very important in book promotion. In they should buy it. It’s an especially my case the second invitation came good way for authors of e-books to about because of the announcepromote their work, since we must ments I sent out to groups and fodo all our marketing online. rums I participate in. So, how do you get the word out to those who need your book? Social Media is the answer, however, you can’t just set up a profile and start hawking your books to the world.
Once your post is live, check in often to see if folks are posting responses, and answer them as soon as possible. The personal touch is important. Thank them for visiting your host’s blog and responding to your guest It’s essential to join with others in post. It’s not enough to check in only your industry or niche and begin while your post is live (the day of the building relationships. Joining groups event); posting online means your on LinkedIn is a great way to words are out there forever and peostart. In an effort to promote my ple could be finding it any day. Don’t book, I joined two writer groups, a make them feel you’re ignoring social media group and a book mar- them. keting group. It’s not enough to just join, and lurking won’t get you anyAfter the event, don’t forget to send where. You need to join in the disa personal thank you email to your cussions, ask questions or answer host. It’s good business, but more questions if you can. Talk about your importantly, it’s just good manners. book everywhere you go online and If you discover, as I did, that your let it be known that you’re available host is going over and above when it for guest posting. comes to promoting you and your book, show your appreciation. Do When someone invites you to post whatever you can to help them out on their blog, don’t keep them wait- as well. ing, answer them right away, find out exactly what they need and I discovered that Virtual Book Tours make sure you get the necessary are more than just good business, materials to them asap. If you delay, they are wonderful fun too, so enjoy! they just might forget about you or At the end of the tour, you’ll need they might figure you’re not serious some downtime from the constant about the event. Make sure your cyber connectedness. When you post has been checked carefully for begin to think in sound bytes and spelling and grammatical errors. Be hot links, it’s time to step away from a professional! your computer and its virtual world and go interact with real people in Most blog hosts will provide you with the real world. Then come back rea precise link to your post, on their freshed and ready for the next problog, if they don’t, then ask for it. motional event. It’s to your advantage and theirs, since you’ll want to make announce- All the good business practices and ments all over the internet about this fun aside, the best part of the Virtual event, and they want to pull more Book Tour is making friends. In the people to their blog, using your post. process of promoting your book, www.BookMarketingGazette.com
you’ll meet people from all over the world, some who will help you and some who will need your help. That’s what it’s all about, after all.
In February of 2004, Alanna lost her husband of 35 years to a sudden heart attack and found herself alone. She decided to put that experience on paper to try and help other women going through the same painful problems. That’s how Widowhood Is Not Funny came about. It’s a guidebook for the new widow and is intended to help women make it through their grief, find their new purpose and step into their new future. This is an e-book & available for all e-readers.
************** Alanna Parke Kvale has been a writer for over 25 years, turning out fiction and non-fiction alike. She’s done business writing, ghost writing and articles, as well as short stories and novellas. www.alannaparkekvale.weebly.com Alanna can also be found at: www.widowhoodisnotfunny.blogspot. com where she welcomes your feedback. You can also find her articles on this subject at: http://www.ezinearticles.com
Book Marketing Gazette
Page 9
Best Practices for Teleseminar & Virtual Conference Success (Roger C. Parker was one of our fea-
stepped by allowing the presenter to run
Discussion forum. The event website
tured speakers at he 2nd Annual Book
with the ball.
contained a discussion forum permitting
Marketing Conference Online. I am honored and humbled to share his perceptions and experience with you. DL)
Range of topics. The 14 presenters addressed a wide range of non-competing topics. The range of topics included not
By Roger C. Parker
only the familiar topics, but new topics,
One of the best ways to learn the best
such as membership site opportunities for
practices involved
authors. Presenters included several new
in teleseminar and
resources I was unfamiliar with.
virtual (or online) conference success is to take part in events produced by those with a track record of success. As I learned during July, taking part in events like D'vorah Lansky's Book Marketing Conference Online provides an excellent opportunity to analyze the best practices of teleseminar and online conference success from both a presenter's and an attendee's point of view.
Timing. Events were spaced out throughout the day, over a the course of several days. This spacing allowed participants ample time to keep current on their everyday commitments--a benefit in-person events don't offer. There was also an evening review session. One-click access to events. For the duration of her event, D'vorah created a fixed-term membership site for presenters and attendees. The "event site" simplified access to everything associated
presenters and attendees to meet before the conference began, exchange comments with other attendees, and ask presenters questions during the call and after. D'vorah did a great job of creating a virtual conference based on a locationbased event. Implementation session. One of the best parts of the conference, which I haven't seen elsewhere, was a special review/summary event the last night of the conference. This provided an opportunity to wrap-up the event with key takeaways and additional ideas from the presenters. Presenter follow-up. Personalized thank-you e-mails and physical thank-you greeting cards were sent to presenters immediately following their presentations.
with the event. Once registered, it was
Relationship building and personal
Best practices for teleseminars &
easy to create profiles, upload handouts,
branding. All of the above contributed to
conferences
participate in discussions, and--most im-
a very satisfying event for attendees and
portant--instantly access presentations
presenters, doubtless paving the way for
during the event and following the event.
future presenters.
The following are just some of the procedural best practices that I observed before, during, and after D'vorah's event.
With the system that D'vorah employed, all events were accessed through a single
I'm emphasizing procedural best practices URL. in this post because excellent marketing and promotion is assumed; let's just look at some of the details that contributed to the event's success for both presenters and attendees. Make your presenters the heroes of your event. As you can see from the graphic that branded the event, above, D'vorah Lansky put the emphasis on the 14 presenters. The simple, but tasteful, collage of presenter photographs reflected attitude displayed during the presentations. Supportive moderator. I was especially impressed by D'vorah's ability to provide a structure for each presenter, by asking appropriate questions and making followup comments, without competing with the presenters. She set the stage, and
Multiple call-in options. The technology D'vorah employed permitted presenters and attendees to listen online or use a separate telephone line. Options were clearly marked and easily accessed.
And that's probably the big takeaway from the Book Marketing Conference Online... Teleseminar and virtual conference success doesn't come from "just" the quality of the marketing and presentation content, success also comes from the intangibles and the brand image created by
Recordings and Handouts. I was espe-
the event organizers professional atti-
cially impressed with this aspect of the
tudes and attention to detail.
event. What I especially liked was the separate page for each presentation during the event, with a clearly marked link for each event's handouts. I was also very impressed by how quickly the recordings of each event were available for attendees.
**************
Roger C. Parker‘s blog contains over 1,100 ideas, title reviews, and tips for planning, writing, promoting, & profiting from a brand-building book. His latest book is #BOOK TITLE Tweet:
Presenter promotional opportunities.
140 Bite-Sized Ideas for Compel-
There were numerous opportunities for
ling Article, Book, & Event Titles
presenters to promote their services and a ―trade show‖ containing special offers from the presenters.
www.BookMarketingGazette.com
Book Marketing Gazette
Page 10
Awards Are Publicity Gold By Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author
targeted media list and Chapter
Use this information when you pitch TV
of the multi award-
Twelve to learn to write a profes-
or radio producers, editors of newslet-
winning book, The
sional media release.)
ters and newspapers. and bloggers. It
Frugal Book Promoter, now in its
Post your news on media release distribution sites.
sets you apart from others and defines you as an expert. If your book wins an
second edition.
Notify your professional organizations.
award, order embossed gold labels
It is award season
Notify bookstores where you hope to
from a company like http://labels-
once again. It’s
have a signing and those where you
usa.com/embossed-labels.htm. You or
exciting to see
have had a signing.
your distributor can apply them to your
many of my author friends’ books win,
Notify your college and high school.
books’ covers. If you win an important
place, or show. I hope they remember
Some have press offices. Most pub-
award, ask your publisher to redesign
that–way back when the first edition of
lish magazines for alumni and their
your book cover or dustcover to feature
The Frugal Book Promoter was pub-
current students.
it a la the Caldecott medal given for
lished–I told them their book doesn’t have to be a top winner for the success to be newsworthy. Nothing has changed since then. Media editors still
Add this information to the signature feature (see Chapter Twenty) of
If you don’t know this medal, visit your
your e-mail program.
local bookstore and ask to see books
Add this honor to the biography tem-
see awards as anything from a sure-fire
plate you use in future media re-
feature story to a filler. But I fear that
leases—the part that gives an editor
many authors still don’t utilize their awards to their fullest potential. A list
beautifully illustrated children’s books.
background information on you. If your book is published as an e-book
given this award. It’s one of the most famous and most beautifully designed. ************** This is just a blog-size excerpt from a
of things authors should do with their
only, ask for the contest’s official
complete chapter on awards in The Fru-
awards once they’ve won them ap-
badge or banner to use. If they
gal Book Promoter (www.budurl.com/
peared in the first edition of The Frugal
don’t have one, make one of your
FrugalBkPromo), including information
Book Promoter and, because that infor-
own using http://bannerfans.com/
on how to improve your chances of get-
mation is so important, it appears in
banner_maker.php.
ting one. Carolyn brings her experience
the just-released second edition (www.budurl.com/FrugalBkPromo), too. Here is the list authors will want to
Be sure your award is front and center
as a journalist, publicist, retailer, and
on your blog, your Web site, your
author of her own books to the how-to
Twitter wallpaper, and your social
books she writes for authors. She is
network pages.
celebrating the release of the 2nd edi-
keep for the day when they have an Your award should be evident on every- tion of this USA Book News and Irwin award they can use to help with
thing from your business card to
award-winning book. Learn more about
their branding.
your checks and invoices.
the whole series at:
I use the footer of my stationery to tout www.HowToDoItFrugally.com Add your new honor to the Awards
my major awards. Don’t forget to
page of your media kit. If it’s your
put your award in your e-mail sig-
first award, center it on a page of its
nature.
own. Oh! And celebrate! Write your media release announcing
Frame your award certificate and hang it in your office to impress visitors
this coup. (See Chapter Eleven of
and to inspire yourself to soar even
the second edition of The Frugal
higher!
Book Promoter to learn to build a
www.BookMarketingGazette.com
Book Marketing Gazette
Page 11
Author Interview Series - Kristen Eckstein Kristen, what is the title of the book you'll be speaking about today?
book? My biggest piece of advice is to let perfectionism go out the window. Perfectionism and procrastination go hand-in-hand and
Do you have a program or product available to help authors in any phase of the writing, publishing, or marketing of their books? If so, please tell us about it.
21 Ways to Write & Pub-
are detrimental to getting your book out
lish Your Non-Fiction
of your head. It is your editor’s job to
Market My Book! – a video course with
Book
make sure what you’re saying is (near)
printable Action Guide and 4-month mar-
Book Synopsis: 21 Ways to Write & Publish Your Non-Fiction Book is a common sense, easy-to-read guide on both writing and publishing your
perfect, not yours. Do yourself a favor and keting plan checklist that shows you mulrelieve yourself of that responsibility – and tiple marketing tactics categorized as free, stress. What advice can you offer to authors
book. Heralded as ―brilliant‖ and ―no fluff,‖ wanting to sell more books? this little book is chock full of how-to’s to
low cost, mid-cost and high cost and teaches you how to create a 4-month marketing plan in less than one hour! This program is for the do-it-yourselfer who
The ability to sell more books actually
wants to invest a little to gain a ton and
starts with the publishing process. If you
wants total control over what they do
invest in a good editor and book designer
when. They just need to be shown a stra-
The first half of this book tackles many
to make your book the best it can be, you
tegic step-by-step method to creating a
ways to get your book out of your head
will have a lower rate of returns and in-
marketing schedule and overall plan.
and onto paper. Learn everything from
creased sales over time as readers discov-
compiling a book out of articles or blog
er your quality book. Then, depending on
posts to co-authoring with a ghostwriter
how you publish will determine how much
to when and where to write for the most
of the market you are able to reach. Be-
productivity and more!
lieve it or not, only about 17% of print
You can keep up with the latest in the 21
books are sold on Amazon.com, so you’re
Ways book series at 21WaysBooks.com
cutting out over 75% of your potential
and connect with me at Ultimate-
market by not being listed in worldwide
BookCoach.com where you will find tons
distribution with access to brick and mor-
of free resources for writing and publish-
tar stores. Your book has to meet certain
ing. And be sure to check out the
criteria to be stocked in bookstores and
―Writing‖ fan page on Facebook if you
get that book out of your head and into print!
The second half deals with publishing and the various forms it can take. Learn how to get traditionally published, publish an eBook, be part of an anthology and how to publish independently. What inspired you to write this book?
What is the best way for people to find out more about you, your book and your work?
listed on various retailers’ sites, and if you hang out there for tips, inspiration, moti-
sign up with a company that doesn’t meet vation and encouragement – FaceI was inspired by the increasing need for a those criteria, you are shutting the door to book.com/WritingFan. simple step-by-step how-to guide for get- massive amounts of sales – and it will be Is there anything else you'd like to ting a non-fiction book written and pubthat much harder for you to get the word share with our readers? (optional) lished fast. My specialty is breaking down out about your book. large complicated processes into easily If you enjoyed this interview and would Are you currently writing your next digestible bits, and most busy people I like a free 30-minute ―Jumpstart My book? What can you tell us about it? work with need this type of how-to book. Book!‖ session with me, check out my Who is the ideal reader for your
I just sent 21 Ways to Powerfully Network
book?
Your Business to the printer and am work- AskKristen and
Speakers, coaches, consultants and other professionals who need a non-fiction book fast for credibility for their businesses and want to do it with quality. If you do not have time to write a book, my book is for
ing on more books in that series. I have
let’s jumpstart
16 books outlined, 2 published, and the
your book!
next two to be finished are 21 Ways to Create a Creativity Space and 21 Ways to Automate Your Business.
you. If you have been in your field of ex-
Each of these simple guidebooks are
pertise for at least a year, you already
meant to be read in less than one hour
have the bulk of it finished!
and implemented throughout your life-
What advice can you offer to authors wanting to write their first or next
online calendar at www.tinyurl.com/
time. Each is on a different subject and truly are ―no-fluff pocket guides to fit your busy life.‖
www.BookMarketingGazette.com
Book Marketing Gazette
Page 12
Your Marketing Platform – Fastest Way to Becoming A Bestseller By Jennifer S. Wilkov
As authors and writers, we’re always learning about resources and industry tools that we can use to improve our book project performance and the enjoyment of our writing and marketing experiences. Today let’s talk about multiple methods of marketing.
in your project if it doesn’t have a clear substantial marketing plan associated with it. When you have a well-thought out approach and can easily explain it to someone else, you’ll find the road to being a bestseller is much smoother and a joyful one indeed.
There are many ways that you can market your book.
“Most authors don’t realize that marketing a book requires a foundational strategy and plan in order to succeed, whether you want to market it in a big way or not.”
Not sure where to begin with your marketing platform? Send me an email to inquire about a free 15-minute consulWhether you want your books to grow tation or to pre-register for upcoming into major motion pictures like books by new webinar training to start creating James Patterson, John Grisham or Nich- your marketing plan and platform stratolas Sparks, or if you’d prefer to market egy. your books on the small screen or from a speaker’s platform, the world is your Jennifer’s show can be heard every oyster. You can truly market a book in week on Tuesday mornings at 9am any way you choose. when it is broadcast on WomensRadio.com and syndicated on Google News Most authors don’t realize that market- & Live365.com. Each show is archived ing a book requires a foundational strat- for replay listeners in different time egy and plan in order to succeed, zones and countries. whether you want to market it in a big way or not. Getting clear about what the top outlets are for your project will ************** support you with making decisions amidst the plethora of opportunities Jennifer S. Wilkov: Media personality, that confront the eligible author. host and producer of the #1 radio talk show ―Your Book Is Your Hook!‖ on The road to being a bestseller begins WomensRadio. Your Book Is Your with a strong strategic plan and clarity Hook! is a full service consulting pracabout what is congruent with your mar- tice that serves authors, writers & wanketing strategy – and what’s not. nabes as well as the entire book publishing industry with its endeavors. Best This clarity also helps you to make more known for her popular weekly radio informed choices about where you will show, robust resource blog, trainings & spend your resources, namely your advice, Ms. Wilkov is a private book time, energy and money. It also deterconsultant and Literary Agent Matchmines how and when you will build your maker™ as well as a best-selling, award team. -winning author, an award-winning freelance writer, and a speaker and When you can present your plan and marketing platform to a publisher, liter- trainer who focuses on supporting firsttime and seasoned writers with the esary agent or publicist, you’ll be leaps and bounds ahead of the other authors sentials to become a bestseller: a great project, a strong platform and a wellwho submit their projects without this essential information. No publishing in- polished pitch, presentation and hook for their books. dustry professional wants to take on a project these days that is not accompa- www.YourBookIsYourHook.com nied by a solid strategic plan to market www.JenniferSWilkov.com it. The investment of their time, energy and effort must also be considered carefully. They cannot afford to invest www.BookMarketingGazette.com
Book Marketing Gazette
Page 13
Why Authors Should Use Audio Promotions in their Book Marketing Efforts By Shelley Hitz Many authors are using video book trailers as part of their book marketing strategy, but have you heard of audio book trailers? An audio book trailer is simply an introduction to your book in audio format. You may consider doing it yourself, however, most people hire someone to record the audio for them. These are also referred to as "voice overs." You may think that having a professional voice over recorded is out of your budget. But, it is actually more affordable than you think! Plus, an audio voice over can be used in many ways to help promote your books. When recording an audio book trailer, the first step is writing your script. It is recommended to keep it short: 30, 60 or 90 seconds. Think of television commercials. They are usually 30 seconds or less - they choose their words and message very carefully. You should do the same when writing your audio book trailer script. Also, don't forget to include information about where po-
Once you have your audio book trailer recorded, you can embed it on your book salespage on your website or blog. You can choose to have it play only when someone clicks on it or have it play automatically. Either way, as your potential customers are scrolling down your salespage, an audio introduction can be playing in the background engaging another one of their senses through sound. Or you can post your audio book trailer in the sidebar of your blog for new visitors to listen to at any time. Include a call to action above the audio that says something like, "Find Out Why I Wrote My Book - Listen Below" or "Listen to My Audio Introduction Now." Use Audio as Part of an Amazon Best Seller Book Launch Are you planning am Amazon best seller book launch? Then, you can have an audio book trailer recorded that includes details about your book launch. Include information about
audio in so many other ways to promote your book. Consider recording an excerpt of your book and then offer the MP3 recording as a free download for your newsletter subscribers and Facebook fans. Having a MP3 download adds value and is another way to gain more exposure for your book. Or go the extra step and have your entire book recorded on audio and upload it to CDBaby.com to be distributed to iTunes and Amazon for additional exposure. Audio books are a great way to diversify your income. In Closing
the special gifts your customers will
Whatever you do, consider audio as
receive when they buy your book on
part of your book marketing promo-
launch day. You can listen to a sam-
tions and it will help you stand out
ple audio book trailer recorded for
from the rest of your competition.
Lisa Lickel's book launch here: http://selfpub.me/customvoiceover
Shelley Hitz, author and owner of Self-Publishing-Coach.com. Shelley's
tential customers can buy your book
In addition to including information
husband, CJ offers voice over ser-
in the script as well!
about your book, you can also in-
vices to authors to market their
clude short reviews, testimonials and
books through audio. CJ is a profes-
endorsements in the audio. Reviews
sional speaker and an experienced
are powerful! Make sure to choose
radio show host. His goal is to pro-
short, memorable and impactful
duce a quality product at an afforda-
quotes from your best reviews.
ble rate that you can be proud of!
Then, you'll need to record your audio. You can simply search on Google for voice overs and compare prices. For example, my husband CJ offers quality voice over services at an affordable rate. However, do your research and find the best fit for you.
More Ways to Use Audio But, you don't have to stop at an audio book trailer. You can also use
www.BookMarketingGazette.com
Listen to samples and find out his rates here: http://selfpub.me/ customvoiceover
Book Marketing Gazette
Page 14
10 Reasons to Promote Your Book with Postcards By Shel Horowitz
how much fun you were, and the
Send a PDF of the back side and a
parents order
JPG of the cover.
In many cases,
Hand them to clients and suppliers
authors can market more effectively with post-
and say, this is my new book What Should Your Postcard In-
cards than with
clude:
traditional busi-
Front side:
ness cards. Among the many possibilities, here are 10 I'd like to share with you: Visit libraries and bookstores, show your book and leave your postcard Mail postcards to your local mailing lists to announce author events Pass them out at fairs, festivals, and other public events When you talk to someone at a trade show or business networking event, give the postcard instead of
Your gorgeous book cover, in full color Back side, left
************** Which would you rather read? "Electronic Privacy Expert Releases New Book" or "It's 10 O'Clock-Do You Know Where Your Credit History Is?" People will THANK you for letting them read press releases, book jackets, sellsheets, web pages
Title and author
by Shel Horowitz (author, Grass-
Brief enticements such as a state-
roots Marketing for Authors and
ment of the benefit to the reader,
Publishers, Guerrilla Marketing
endorsements, review quotes,
Goes Green, six other books; inter-
awards, mini-synopsis
nationally syndicated columnist)
Ordering information for individuals
Bye-bye boring copy!
Ordering information for bookstores
www.FrugalMarketing.com/
and libraries
publishers.shtml
(or in addition to) your business
Adequate whitespace and font size
card
for easy, comfortable reading
Excite people who’ve never met a
Back side, right
real live author by giving them per-
Blank space for personal or stick-
green marketing, ethical business
sonally autographed cards–one for
ered message and address (or you
success.
them and one for a friend
have the option of using the entire
Purchase Shel’s books directly from
Enclose cards with every direct order to get more business from your ―word-of-mouth army‖ Enclose when you send press re-
back side for promotion, and distributing them in other ways than mailing as a stand-alone). Where and How to Print:
Shel also speaks on book publishing/marketing, green business/
his website and receive lots of incredible bonuses! Grassroots Marketing for Au-
leases, letters of interest about
Companies like Modern Postcard,
speaking gigs, responses to inquir-
thors and Publishers (includes
Tu-Vets, and VistaPrint make this
ies about consulting, etc.
easy and cheap. Some newer com-
―the missing chapter, plus lots of
If you’re doing a flier exchange with another author, offer postcards instead of fliers to put in their packages
panies specialize in environmentally friendly postcards on recycled
other bonuses) GrassrootsMarketingForAuthors.com
stock, including Recycled Postcards, Print Responsibly, and Green Print-
Guerrilla Marketing Goes Green
er, among others (and many of the
(includes $2000 in bonuses)
Distribute to school classes if you
older companies offer recycled
do school gigs, and hope that some
stocks as an option).
show their parents and talk about
www.BookMarketingGazette.com
www.guerrillamarketinggoesgreen.c om/resources-2/bonuses
Book Marketing Gazette
Page 15
Keys to Blogging Success By D’vorah Lansky Your blog is the hub of your online empire. Create an attractive, interactive environ-
topics and lines of thought. It also induces reciprocity, as other bloggers will likely want to have you become a guest blogger.
ment where people will want to visit often.
• Become a guest blogger. Offer other
By now, you should see blogging as an
bloggers and website owners high-quality
integral part of your online book marketing articles in exchange for a link from their strategy. As with any promotional techsite to your site. nique, though, blogging is not a ―one and
you will encourage additional comments and interaction on your site. 10 Things to Blog About 1. Share an update about a recent
done‖ proposition. Instead, it will be a task
• Add a line below your email signature
you will need to invest in over and over
with a link back to your blog. Every time
again. However, that investment will pay
someone reads one of your email messag-
off in long-term dividends. Long after you
es, you’ll be advertising your blog.
participated in.
• Use quality search engine optimization
2. Comment on another blog post or com-
write the post or record the video, that little piece of you will be waiting for your readers, prospects, and customers, showing them who you are and what you have to offer.
(SEO) strategies in your blog description and in every post you write. Use your keywords in the title and throughout your post. This way, you will get better search
book reading or interview you have
ment, on your blog. 3. Comment on a news event and on how it relates to your field.
Promoting Your Blog and Generating
engine results when people search for the
Online Traffic
topic(s) you write about.
Creating a blog and writing a few posts
• Post comments on other blogs. You will
every week isn’t going to help you sell
have the opportunity to provide a link back
more books unless you also work at pro-
to your blog when you fill out the request-
6. Address common frustrations in your
moting your blog. Online blog marketing
ed information in the "comments" box.
industry.
opportunities abound, and most of them
This commenting strategy works especially
are free. Make use of every chance you
well on blogs that are frequented by your
get to find new followers and get links
target audience and the professionals who
back to your blog posts. Here are some
serve them. You will quickly become
easy ways to promote your blog:
known as an authority on your topic.
• Begin using social media outlets such as
• Respond to comments! Authors who re-
Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Automate spond to comments generally get a lot announcements of new blog posts by using more comments than those who ignore the ―Twitter Tools‖ plugin on your blog and the ―Networked Blogs‖ application on Facebook. This will automatically submit new blog posts to such sites every time you post. Doing so is an important way to gain new readers and subscribers.
ter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and other social media sites. WordPress and other blogging platforms have widgets that will automati-
The more ways you can find to promote your blog online, the more visitors, readers, subscribers, and followers you’ll get. That means the more people you’ll reach
• Seek out guest bloggers to post to your
with your message and that is the whole
blog, and when you use one of their posts,
idea of writing a blog in the first place.
ask that guest blogger to help promote it by tweeting to his followers and posting a link on his blog. This approach gives your audience exposure to a wider range of
rial on how to do something that your blog readers would benefit from. 8. Invite an expert in your field to share his or her insights and wisdom
9. Make a list of
posts. Announce your new posts on Twit-
Facebook and other sites.
on the follow button or subscribe above.‖
7. Compose a detailed, step-by-step tuto-
• Use social media to promote your blog
scribe or follow. Add a footer to your posts
when new articles are available! Just click
story, related to your topic.
with your readers.
cally tweet your new posts or post them to
―Enjoy this article? Receive email alerts
5. Tell an entertaining and educational
their readers.
• Use every post to invite readers to subthat says something to the effect of,
4. Write a how-to post.
Interact with your blog readers by encouraging comments and responding back when people leave comments. By doing so
www.BookMarketingGazette.com
FAQs (frequently asked questions) that will appeal to your target audience. What are common questions people have and what are your answers? 10. Review a book on your topic area and share your opinions on what the author has to say.
D’vorah Lansky is the author of the Amazon bestseller, Book Marketing Made Easy: Simple Strategies for Selling Your Nonfiction Book Online. Visit her blog at: www.BookMarketingMadeEasy.com
Conference Recordings Now Available www.BookMarketingConference.com/details
Third Annual Book Marketing Conference Online
Event Recordings Now Available!
ing Content To Become A Bestselling Author
www.BookMarketingConference.com/details
Listen in as the experts share their wisdom!
Take your book marketing to the next level
Listen in to four bonus workshops
Amazing speakers and powerful workshops!
Steven E Schmitt: Becoming a Bestselling Author
Felicia Slattery: How Authors Can Create a Signature Speech™ to Build Platform, Boost Credibility, and Sell More Book
Product Creation for Authors
Lynne Klippel: Going Beyond the Book: Fast, Easy
Jill Lublin: Be the News
Noah St. John: Attract More Money Blueprint: Your Hidden Power for More Wealth and Happiness
Brian Jud: Selling More Books, More Profitably To Non -Bookstore Buyers
Dana Lynn Smith: The Secrets to Planning a Profitable Virtual Book Tour
them and then use them to set your book apart from the pack
Penny Sansevieri: Fans, Friends, and Followers, how to maximize and monetize your social media
Kathleen Gage: How to Become an Online Bestselling
Carolyn Howard-Johnson: Your Awards: How to win
Marnie Pehrson: Using Social Media to Create a Buzz About Your Book
Author in Today’s Crowded Author’s Market
Connie Ragen Green: How To Repurpose Your Exist-
Denise Wakeman: The Secret to Author Blog Success: How to Dominate Your Niche with a Book Blog
Get immediate access to these powerful workshops! www.BookMarketingConference.com/details
www.BookMarketingGazette.com