Wednesday, August 31, 2011
My 'Ah-Ha' Moment
We all have had them. Those moments when we it finally clicked on just what it was that we are supposed to do with our lives. My ‘ah-ha’ moment came very recently. As a matter of fact, it happened a few weeks ago. I have always been a person that has wanted to help people. It was this longing to help that drove me to pursue a ton of careers of which I did not enjoy. I tried nursing, but I was afraid of needles and wanted to puke at the sight of blood. I tried nursing assistant, but I didn’t like some of the things that went along with the job. I loved writing. I still do love it. I realized that writing can help people in more ways than one could imagine. Writing gets read. Words can change lives. Words are powerful. I realized that possessing the gift to write was not something to take lightly, but something to be appreciated. And, I love speaking in front of groups of people, teaching and telling about something interesting. Most people find that a bit shocking because I am somewhat of a soft spoken person. So, a few weeks ago, I discovered that I could use my gift of writing and speaking to create a job that I would not only enjoy doing, but love doing. Which brings me to my question for you. Have you had an ‘ah-ha’ moment? An epiphany? Have you been toying with a dream for so long but have been afraid to bring it to reality out of fear of what others may say about you? If you are one of those people, living like I did for so long, then guess what, it’s time to change. It’s time to step out on faith and go for your dreams. Life is too short to do anything otherwise.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Want to Know the Secrets of a Kept Woman? Meet this Month's Author Shani Greene-Dowdell
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| Author Shani Greene-Dowdell |
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| 'Secrets of a Kept Woman' |
Born and raised in Tuskegee, Alabama, I am a country girl at heart. Plainly speaking, I love the south! I have three beautiful children and a supportive husband who keep me grounded. I've written two books and compiled two anthologies, but really I'm down to earth, love to have fun, and am at my best when I'm off to my self dancing to my own beat.
When I am not promoting my literary works, producing plays, assisting new authors, or performing my motherly duties, I can be found with my ears plugged and fingers moving while performing medical transcription at my day job.
In every aspect of my life, I love what I do and am blessed to be walking on purpose.
EXCERPT:
I sent up a silent prayer as I pulled into Rhonda’s apartment complex, praying to the God above that I would not find my husband’s car on the lot. “Lord, please don’t let my husband’s car be in this parking lot. Please Lord, keep them honest, if only this once. Lord, hear my call.”
Hoping for a tiny bit of leniency from the powers up above, I prayed that neither of my husband’s cars would be in my best friend’s parking lot. This was the first time in years that I had gone out checking behind Titus. I had learned that this type of behavior only led to heartache in the past.
Unfortunately prayer wasn’t enough to stop the treachery. Sure enough, his car was not only on the lot, but it was parked directly in front of Rhonda’s apartment door as if it was his own personal parking space. They were just bold with their little fling! I thought. I knew that if Titus was comfortable enough to flaunt his affair with Rhonda at least half of the town, if not everyone in town, knew about it.
I sat in the car in a daze with my eyes fixed on Rhonda’s front door. In my mind, all I could see was Titus pinned against Rhonda’s living room wall as Rhonda gave him another Super Head job, like the one I witnessed on my security tape. Titus had the security system installed in case someone got froggy enough to want to break in and was dumb enough not to even think about erasing the video after his little indiscretion with my best friend. The video had been what verified the truth that my eyes couldn’t see. Obviously, he had forgotten all about the cameras in every room in our home, probably because they were not installed for the purpose of making sex tapes like the one he and Rhonda starred in. Men are so sloppy with their cheating.
Derrick Simmons was on point with his movie, Women Do It Better. In affairs, women damn sure don’t tend to leave a trail of bread crumbs leading their husbands right to the scene of the crime. When a woman gets caught cheating, it’s because she was ready to be caught. She doesn't care. She is ready to give up the marriage or relationship, anyway.
Knowing that Titus was so sloppy made me wonder, how did I miss all of the signs in the first place? I must have had a permanent pair of blinders on. I knew Rhonda could be scandalous, dating back to high school when she tipped under the bleachers with Carlton and thought I didn’t know about it. It wasn’t like I was in love with the boy, but it was messed up that she had sex with him and didn’t have the decency to tell me about their little escapade under the bleachers. We told each other everything, but it took a random female to tell me about Carlton. The girl had said she just wanted to give me the heads up on Rhonda.
At the time, I didn’t want to believe it was such a big deal, and so I minimized it. But like they say, what’s done in the dark always comes to light and when it does it's not a pretty sight. Since we had been friends, I noticed that when I told her that I liked a dude she would eventually catch some kind of feelings for him. Out of respect, I would leave the guy alone. But nooooo, not her. Once a snake always a snake! Sitting in the car hotter than the first round out of a shotgun, I yelled, “This should be an interesting confrontation. I hope they’re ready!”
Shani Greene-Dowdell
info@nayberrypublications.com
www.shanibooks.com and www.nayberrypublications.com
All books are available on bn.com and amazon.com
Friday, July 1, 2011
Ricardo A. Owens Shines in the Midst of Adversity
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| Poet Ricardo A. Owens |
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| His latest book, 'Abstract Beyond Vision' |
This month's featured Author is Poet Ricardo A. Owens. Owens hails from Tennessee. Ricardo uses the power of the spoken word to paint pictures. His poems deal with real topics, ranging from relationships to dealing with life's everyday storms.
Get to know Ricardo:
Hello I am Ricardo A Owens, published Author-Poet of Abstract Beyond Vizion.
In Abstract Beyond Vizion, I speak of lifes realities from many different views, from experiences; things seen and overlooked to things not talked about.
As a child at the age of four years old, I had a brain tumor and a stroke during surgery. I took physical therapy until I was sixteen years old. From the stroke and tumor, I was left partially paralyzed on my left side for the rest of my life. I experienced two more strokes at the age of nineteen and twenty three old.
Going through these things has caused me to deal with life changes and struggles, being tried, despised, and criticized.
My experiences stem from childhood and continue even until today. But I won't let anything stop me. I've learned to use these things as motivation and strength to make me who I am today. The person I am today is a reflection of things I went through and endured making me a stronger person, with ambitions and drive to overcome trial. This same strength and ambition I obtain, I share with others hoping to be an inspiration and motivation to someone else.
Hopefully that person can be you, the reader.
You can purchase the book from my website: www.ricardoaowens.com
You can email me as well: xoticafrica @ yahoo.com
Here's a sample of my work:
Matrimony
Being part of a world that we all must live in
but at the same time having ways that seem to be different
instead of living according to the ways of the world
you live by your own rules & regulations,
like an animal in it’s own habitat
living by it’s own culture
living by it’s own mannerism,
understood by few
misunderstood by many
set out to be misguided and mislead,
but proceed to make your own way instead of following
the misleading
as on with my journey I’m proceeding
obtaining strength from those against my being
Criticized
Unjustified living in a world
Expected to commit suicide
Married onto a state which can’t be escaped
Matrimony
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Are You a Top Notch Author?
Competition in the publishing industry is more fierce now than ever. New books are being released at record rates, thanks to authors being able to publish their books in seconds to the Kindle, Nook and other ebook readers. So what does that mean for you? Three words: Step It Up.
You have to be top notch in order to succeed in the publishing game. So how do you step it up? How do you get people to notice you and your book(s)?
Do more than write books! You can't just write books. You have to do other things to get your name, and your brand out in front of your potential readers. For some authors, this will mean hosting events such as workshops and seminars, and book parties. For others, it can mean doing speaking engagements. Find a creative outlet and use it to promote yourself and your book(s).
So many authors live with the misconception that all that need to do is write and people will buy their books. Why would you think that? Your goal is to set yourself apart from the rest.
Top notch authors are authors who understand that it takes more than writing to get ahead of the game. A prime example of an author that exudes top notchness is Miasha. She is not only an author, but a brand.
It's time to look at yourself. What kind author are you? Are you the author that sits back, doing nothing, expecting book sales to just ooze in with no effort being made on your part? Or, are you an author that makes big waves, makes major power moves and gets noticed?
That's for you to decide.
Until next time,
~Sandra~
You have to be top notch in order to succeed in the publishing game. So how do you step it up? How do you get people to notice you and your book(s)?
Do more than write books! You can't just write books. You have to do other things to get your name, and your brand out in front of your potential readers. For some authors, this will mean hosting events such as workshops and seminars, and book parties. For others, it can mean doing speaking engagements. Find a creative outlet and use it to promote yourself and your book(s).
So many authors live with the misconception that all that need to do is write and people will buy their books. Why would you think that? Your goal is to set yourself apart from the rest.
Top notch authors are authors who understand that it takes more than writing to get ahead of the game. A prime example of an author that exudes top notchness is Miasha. She is not only an author, but a brand.
It's time to look at yourself. What kind author are you? Are you the author that sits back, doing nothing, expecting book sales to just ooze in with no effort being made on your part? Or, are you an author that makes big waves, makes major power moves and gets noticed?
That's for you to decide.
Until next time,
~Sandra~
Friday, June 10, 2011
Is the Book Market Getting too Crowded?
There are millions of books being published on a monthly if not weekly basis. The advent of ebook publishing has only allowed for this number to increase dramatically. So what does this say about the book publishing industry?
I myself am a self published author. I did it because I had tried to traditional route and because at the time I didn't understand how to query properly, I was rejected. This was a process I began when I was eighteen years old. After some research, I learned that you could publish a book on your own and if you marketed it right, it could help land you a traditional book publishing deal. I wanted to be a writer. It was in my blood.
Fast forward some fifteen years later. I still am a writer. I love it. But now, I find myself not feeling as special about having this gift as I did back then. Why? Because now, many people are not writing and publishing books out of a love and a passion for the gift that is writing, instead, they are doing it all for the money.
I felt really sad the other day when I read the first few pages of a book written by a young man I had come into contact with. It was a prime example of someone who said "everybody is doing it, I will too."
What people fail to realize is that writing books is much like putting together a music cd. If you don't make good music, you will easily become a one hit wonder. Same with a book. If you only write one book, hoping to hit the big leagues, you may be in for a rude awakening.
Even if you do strike it big and score a traditional publishing deal after you self publish, the publisher will expect you to be able to write atleast two books for them, known as a two book deal. Some companies want you to write more. And you have to produce.
So, this blog post is going to ask a question: are you writing a book out of love, or are you doing it just because?
Until next time,
~Sandra~
I myself am a self published author. I did it because I had tried to traditional route and because at the time I didn't understand how to query properly, I was rejected. This was a process I began when I was eighteen years old. After some research, I learned that you could publish a book on your own and if you marketed it right, it could help land you a traditional book publishing deal. I wanted to be a writer. It was in my blood.
Fast forward some fifteen years later. I still am a writer. I love it. But now, I find myself not feeling as special about having this gift as I did back then. Why? Because now, many people are not writing and publishing books out of a love and a passion for the gift that is writing, instead, they are doing it all for the money.
I felt really sad the other day when I read the first few pages of a book written by a young man I had come into contact with. It was a prime example of someone who said "everybody is doing it, I will too."
What people fail to realize is that writing books is much like putting together a music cd. If you don't make good music, you will easily become a one hit wonder. Same with a book. If you only write one book, hoping to hit the big leagues, you may be in for a rude awakening.
Even if you do strike it big and score a traditional publishing deal after you self publish, the publisher will expect you to be able to write atleast two books for them, known as a two book deal. Some companies want you to write more. And you have to produce.
So, this blog post is going to ask a question: are you writing a book out of love, or are you doing it just because?
Until next time,
~Sandra~
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Tamika Newhouse: A Self-Publishing Success Story
**Editors Note: It was hoped that I could feature all of the authors on the page 'Success Stories', however, due to a technicality, those authors will be featured as a post on the blog. The 'Success Stories' Page will simply tell how to be featured. Thank you, ~Sandra~
Tamika encompasses the fact that you can live your dreams and be successful at self-publishing.
About Tamika: Tamika Newhouse is a self-published bestselling author. Founder of Delphine Publications, at the age of 21, Tamika appeared on various bestseller lists and won Self Published Author of the Year at the 2009 African American Literary Awards. Along with Delphine Publications, Tamika is the founder and
President of African Americans on the Move Book Club (AAMBC) - an online book club and radio show catering to avid readers across the nation. With future projects in the works from short films, stage plays and much more, Tamika is a young woman on a mission. Tamika presently tours the country speaking about
overcoming her teen pregnancy to fulfill her dream, as well as teaching aspiring writers the publishing ropes. She has hosted her own internet radio show (AAMBC) for over three years and continues to expand her brand. She is currently living in San Antonio with her husband son, and daughter. She is currently working on her fourth novel Cookie: A Fort Worth Story.
Synopsis:
Born Latoya James, when starting high school, Cookie believes this is her time to stand out from underneath her sister’s shadow. Always declared the odd one, she makes it her mission to be noticed by anyone who will pay attention. Reality starts to settle in when she realizes life isn’t always peaches and cream. After witnessing the rape of her best friend, and then the death of one of her classmates, she starts to believe life isn’t what she thought it would be.
Sex, drugs, catering to her new demons, and hanging out with the older crowd become her escape and not even her high school sweetheart can steer her straight. It isn’t until she realizes everyone around her is not who they seem to be when she decides to change her life. But when she experiences an unwanted pregnancy and the death of her mother, Cookie is left to wonder if this is the way her life will always be.
Based on a true story, Cookie is a gripping tale of a teen girl who had to grow up sooner than later. Taking place in one of the fastest-growing suburbs of Fort Worth, witness the life of Cookie and her quest to be loved, appreciated, and wanted. You will soon discover life is never what it seems.
Excerpt:
Let me first introduce myself. My name is Latoya James but everyone calls me Cookie. This story I want to tell you is a personal journey of mines. Not everyone goes to High School becomes Valedictorian and goes off to a University out of state and lives happily ever after. This isn’t that type of story. I know at some point in your life when you were young and dumb you did some things you can’t believe you did. Well I can relate. I can remember as far back as seven years old when I struggled with being happy. I can remember my love for writing and my love for being alone and off to myself. That was me then. Now I am grown and living life on my own and can no one take credit for the wrong I do or the good I do in life.
Wonder why people called me cookie. I can’t remember but as far as back I can remember that was my identity. As I tell you my story I will reminisce and wish I could take it back and re do it. I wish I could take away the tears I cried or the moments I was weak and did something I would regret. I would think that after my mother taught me the word of the bible and sent me to church five days a week that I would know what not to do. But I was a kid; we do trial and error our whole child hood. It doesn’t matter what you were taught or what was told you will still make the final decision whether it’s good or bad. Did I make the right decisions in life? Could I talk to mama now and she say, Girl now you know better. It doesn’t matter who agrees with me or not as I tell this story because the fact is this is how I felt. This is what happened in my eyes. Believe it or not but I wasn’t always happy. But now I can say look at me now. Look at who I am today. But my journey here was not an easy one.
Purchase at www.delphinepublications.com
Visit author at www.tamikanewhouse.comFollow on twitter at www.twitter.com/tamikanewhouse
--
~a woman with a vision
www.tamikanewhouse.com
www.twitter.com/tamikanewhouse
Tamika Newhouse, June's Self-Publishing Success Story.
Tamika encompasses the fact that you can live your dreams and be successful at self-publishing.
About Tamika: Tamika Newhouse is a self-published bestselling author. Founder of Delphine Publications, at the age of 21, Tamika appeared on various bestseller lists and won Self Published Author of the Year at the 2009 African American Literary Awards. Along with Delphine Publications, Tamika is the founder and
President of African Americans on the Move Book Club (AAMBC) - an online book club and radio show catering to avid readers across the nation. With future projects in the works from short films, stage plays and much more, Tamika is a young woman on a mission. Tamika presently tours the country speaking about
overcoming her teen pregnancy to fulfill her dream, as well as teaching aspiring writers the publishing ropes. She has hosted her own internet radio show (AAMBC) for over three years and continues to expand her brand. She is currently living in San Antonio with her husband son, and daughter. She is currently working on her fourth novel Cookie: A Fort Worth Story.
Synopsis:
Born Latoya James, when starting high school, Cookie believes this is her time to stand out from underneath her sister’s shadow. Always declared the odd one, she makes it her mission to be noticed by anyone who will pay attention. Reality starts to settle in when she realizes life isn’t always peaches and cream. After witnessing the rape of her best friend, and then the death of one of her classmates, she starts to believe life isn’t what she thought it would be.
Sex, drugs, catering to her new demons, and hanging out with the older crowd become her escape and not even her high school sweetheart can steer her straight. It isn’t until she realizes everyone around her is not who they seem to be when she decides to change her life. But when she experiences an unwanted pregnancy and the death of her mother, Cookie is left to wonder if this is the way her life will always be.
Based on a true story, Cookie is a gripping tale of a teen girl who had to grow up sooner than later. Taking place in one of the fastest-growing suburbs of Fort Worth, witness the life of Cookie and her quest to be loved, appreciated, and wanted. You will soon discover life is never what it seems.
Excerpt:
Prologue
Let me first introduce myself. My name is Latoya James but everyone calls me Cookie. This story I want to tell you is a personal journey of mines. Not everyone goes to High School becomes Valedictorian and goes off to a University out of state and lives happily ever after. This isn’t that type of story. I know at some point in your life when you were young and dumb you did some things you can’t believe you did. Well I can relate. I can remember as far back as seven years old when I struggled with being happy. I can remember my love for writing and my love for being alone and off to myself. That was me then. Now I am grown and living life on my own and can no one take credit for the wrong I do or the good I do in life.
Wonder why people called me cookie. I can’t remember but as far as back I can remember that was my identity. As I tell you my story I will reminisce and wish I could take it back and re do it. I wish I could take away the tears I cried or the moments I was weak and did something I would regret. I would think that after my mother taught me the word of the bible and sent me to church five days a week that I would know what not to do. But I was a kid; we do trial and error our whole child hood. It doesn’t matter what you were taught or what was told you will still make the final decision whether it’s good or bad. Did I make the right decisions in life? Could I talk to mama now and she say, Girl now you know better. It doesn’t matter who agrees with me or not as I tell this story because the fact is this is how I felt. This is what happened in my eyes. Believe it or not but I wasn’t always happy. But now I can say look at me now. Look at who I am today. But my journey here was not an easy one.
Purchase at www.delphinepublications.com
Visit author at www.tamikanewhouse.comFollow on twitter at www.twitter.com/tamikanewhouse
--
~a woman with a vision
www.tamikanewhouse.com
www.twitter.com/tamikanewhouse
Friday, May 20, 2011
Are You Giving Away Too Much?
As authors, we often feel that in order to get people to read what we have written that we have to give away the whole cow. But haven't you heard the old saying, "why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free?" This doesn't just apply to relationships, it applies to your book and your business as well.
Yes, in this business you will find yourself giving away a few books in order to increase your readership. But there are other things that you can give to your readers that will be just as valuable, and will make them want to buy your book.
One thing you can give is advice. New authors are always seeking advice from those who have already published a book. You can give advice, but don't be taken advantage of. Just like you had to learn it, you should require some work to be done on behalf of the one seeking the advice. If they ask you for help, offer to give it with the stipulation that they do something in return. Have them email you their questions, or join you on facebook, or follow you on twitter. Don't just give, qualify everyone that comes to you to ensure that they are not just using you for your information. Truth be told, these people that come to you for free advice, will nine times out of ten, turn around and charge someone to give them this same advice. Be wise.
You can share your knowledge in classes and workshops that center around the subjects of writing and publishing, but charge a small fee, or investment as it is often called in the business world. Investments often separate the real from the fake. It will let you know who is serious and who is just out to waste your time.
If you are going to give away some books, be sure that it is for a good reason. For instance, if you contact a book club, offer to send the owner a free book. This way, you have only lost money on the one book should the club decide to decline on reading the book, versus trying to butter up the group by giving free copies to every member and have them decide not to read it. I have heard of authors that have done this and have been hurt in the end when the book was not even a chosen read for the club.
You can offer free gifts with purchase, which in turn will encourage people to purchase your book. Don't just give away books for the sake of doing so. You can't make money that way. Though you may be passionate about the craft, isn't it nice to earn money while doing something you love?
The bottom line is: be wise in the information that you share with others, especially when it comes to you and the product that you sell, be it books, Avon, whatever. You have to decide when to give of yourself, and how much to give. Being wise will keep you from getting burned in the end.
Until next time,
~Sandra~
Yes, in this business you will find yourself giving away a few books in order to increase your readership. But there are other things that you can give to your readers that will be just as valuable, and will make them want to buy your book.
One thing you can give is advice. New authors are always seeking advice from those who have already published a book. You can give advice, but don't be taken advantage of. Just like you had to learn it, you should require some work to be done on behalf of the one seeking the advice. If they ask you for help, offer to give it with the stipulation that they do something in return. Have them email you their questions, or join you on facebook, or follow you on twitter. Don't just give, qualify everyone that comes to you to ensure that they are not just using you for your information. Truth be told, these people that come to you for free advice, will nine times out of ten, turn around and charge someone to give them this same advice. Be wise.
You can share your knowledge in classes and workshops that center around the subjects of writing and publishing, but charge a small fee, or investment as it is often called in the business world. Investments often separate the real from the fake. It will let you know who is serious and who is just out to waste your time.
If you are going to give away some books, be sure that it is for a good reason. For instance, if you contact a book club, offer to send the owner a free book. This way, you have only lost money on the one book should the club decide to decline on reading the book, versus trying to butter up the group by giving free copies to every member and have them decide not to read it. I have heard of authors that have done this and have been hurt in the end when the book was not even a chosen read for the club.
You can offer free gifts with purchase, which in turn will encourage people to purchase your book. Don't just give away books for the sake of doing so. You can't make money that way. Though you may be passionate about the craft, isn't it nice to earn money while doing something you love?
The bottom line is: be wise in the information that you share with others, especially when it comes to you and the product that you sell, be it books, Avon, whatever. You have to decide when to give of yourself, and how much to give. Being wise will keep you from getting burned in the end.
Until next time,
~Sandra~
Monday, May 16, 2011
Planning Your Book Promotion
By L. Cross
With more than 1 million new books published each year, every book needs help to find its market. Part of your job as an author is to market and promote your book.
Book marketing involves:
* Defining your reader
What does your book offer readers? What distinguishes your book from others on the topic? Who would read your book?
* Reaching your potential reader
Where are your potential readers? What magazines and newspapers do they read, where do they shop, which blogs do they visit, what television programs do they watch, which radio programs and podcasts do they listen to, and what social media sites do they frequent?
* Developing a strategy to convince your potential readership to buy your book
The three main components of book marketing are advertising, promotions, and publicity. Advertising is expensive and not particularly effective for selling books. Promotions - such as discounts, promotional materials (postcards, bookmarks, etc.), and co-op funds offered to booksellers - are provided by your publisher if your book is traditionally published. If you are self-published, promotions are not essential for your marketing plan. Publicity is the most effective and least expensive form of book marketing.
Publicity - obtaining media coverage for your book - is like free advertising. It adds legitimacy by way of a third-party endorsing your book. Garnering the right media coverage can have a valuable impact on book sales. Here are seven ways to begin to effectively plan publicity for your book:
1. Stay aware of current events to determine how your topic may be relevant and think of ways to pitch print, television, radio, and online media
2. Watch talk shows and news programs to determine how your book may appeal to a show's producer
3. Research publications and newspapers you can approach to author articles or a column
4. Listen to radio programs (online and offline) and podcasts - to learn which hosts or shows may be interested in your subject or expertise
5. Locate blogs that are synergistic with your topic and begin to comment on posts and create a relationship with the blogger
6. Join LinkedIn, FaceBook, and Twitter groups that your potentials readers follow and begin to participate in the discussion and offer advice based on your expertise and subject matter
7. Make a list of print media that may be interested in excerpts (such as Top 10 lists or questionnaires) from your book
STRATEGY-IN-ACTION ASSIGNMENT
1. Develop your book publicity strategy
2. Select one item from your plan and implement it this week!
You may reprint this article as long as you include all of the following information:
Laura Cross is a business strategist, author, and professional ghostwriter. She provides business, publishing, and platform strategies to help entrepreneurs get known as the go-to experts in their field, become published authors, attract high-paying clients, garner major media, and earn more money with less effort by packaging their expertise. Grab a copy of the Free Audio CD "How to Establish Your Expertise, Become a Published Author, and Leverage Your Knowledge for More Profits, More Prospects, and Major Media" at http://www.RockYourExpertise.com.
Copyright © 2011 All Rights Reserved
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=L._Cross
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5935766
With more than 1 million new books published each year, every book needs help to find its market. Part of your job as an author is to market and promote your book.
Book marketing involves:
* Defining your reader
What does your book offer readers? What distinguishes your book from others on the topic? Who would read your book?
* Reaching your potential reader
Where are your potential readers? What magazines and newspapers do they read, where do they shop, which blogs do they visit, what television programs do they watch, which radio programs and podcasts do they listen to, and what social media sites do they frequent?
* Developing a strategy to convince your potential readership to buy your book
The three main components of book marketing are advertising, promotions, and publicity. Advertising is expensive and not particularly effective for selling books. Promotions - such as discounts, promotional materials (postcards, bookmarks, etc.), and co-op funds offered to booksellers - are provided by your publisher if your book is traditionally published. If you are self-published, promotions are not essential for your marketing plan. Publicity is the most effective and least expensive form of book marketing.
Publicity - obtaining media coverage for your book - is like free advertising. It adds legitimacy by way of a third-party endorsing your book. Garnering the right media coverage can have a valuable impact on book sales. Here are seven ways to begin to effectively plan publicity for your book:
1. Stay aware of current events to determine how your topic may be relevant and think of ways to pitch print, television, radio, and online media
2. Watch talk shows and news programs to determine how your book may appeal to a show's producer
3. Research publications and newspapers you can approach to author articles or a column
4. Listen to radio programs (online and offline) and podcasts - to learn which hosts or shows may be interested in your subject or expertise
5. Locate blogs that are synergistic with your topic and begin to comment on posts and create a relationship with the blogger
6. Join LinkedIn, FaceBook, and Twitter groups that your potentials readers follow and begin to participate in the discussion and offer advice based on your expertise and subject matter
7. Make a list of print media that may be interested in excerpts (such as Top 10 lists or questionnaires) from your book
STRATEGY-IN-ACTION ASSIGNMENT
1. Develop your book publicity strategy
2. Select one item from your plan and implement it this week!
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Laura Cross is a business strategist, author, and professional ghostwriter. She provides business, publishing, and platform strategies to help entrepreneurs get known as the go-to experts in their field, become published authors, attract high-paying clients, garner major media, and earn more money with less effort by packaging their expertise. Grab a copy of the Free Audio CD "How to Establish Your Expertise, Become a Published Author, and Leverage Your Knowledge for More Profits, More Prospects, and Major Media" at http://www.RockYourExpertise.com.
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Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Do This Before You Self Publish
There is one step in preparing to become a self-published author that if avoided can end up costing you book sales, fans and credibility in the publishing industry. In fact, failure to take this step led to one author sharing her book title with that of an Essence bestselling author—and losing tons of sales in the process. This one step takes less than five minutes to perform and can save you from heartache and pain: Make sure that your book does not share a title with anyone else.
In order to research your title, it is a good idea to start with amazon.com. Type in the title you are thinking of using and see what other books come up in your search with that same title. If your book will be sharing the name of another book, you may want to consider revising the title or changing it all together. You can also do a Google search, by typing in the title you are thinking of using.
It may be difficult to find a title that no one is using, but if you are so in love with a title and your book will be sharing its name with too many other books, you are playing Russian roulette with your book sales.
- If you are thinking of using a pen name, research that as well. You don’t want to be stealing someone else’s spotlight or find yourself having to share yours.
This step is referred to as an overlooked step because it is not one that you will hear about often. While it is important to research your titles and pen names, it is also imperative that you also research your character’s occupations and actual events that occur in your story to be sure that it is accurate. Otherwise, your book will not be believable and that will defeat the purpose of writing a book in the first place. The latter of the research may take a bit longer to do, but hey, isn’t your book and your good name as an author worth every minute?
The bottom line: research is the key to success not only in the publishing industry, but in any industry. Make sure that you are putting your best foot forward. You know what they say: you never get a second chance to make a first impression. Make sure you are doing everything right the first time around and there will be no need for a second.
Be sure to get your copy of 'Foolish', the ebook from Sandra Peoples for your Nook, Pc or other reading device. (Also available for Kindle)
Want more information about the self publishing process? Get your copy of 'The Truth About Self Publishing Manual' for your Nook, PC, Kindle or other reading device.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Four Free or Inexpensive Ways to Grow Your Business
Every entrepreneur wants to know how they can gain new customers in order to grow their business. This goes double for the author trying to get their books into the hands of their readers. Customers are key components to the success of any business. Without customers, which provide much needed finances to help your business to thrive, your business is destined for failure. So the burning question on any entrepreneur`s mind would be how to grow their business in order to continue to please their current clients while consistently gaining new ones. This article will show three tools you can successfully use to grow your business.
1. Create a Facebook business or fan page. Facebook can be a very valuable tool when it comes to growing your business. Your page will allow you to reach out to not only local people, but people from all over the world.
2. Put up a website. Creating a web presence for your business allows you to be global, which with the right marketing and promotion could spell big clients for your business.
3. Start a Twitter account. You can use twitter to announce specials and discounts exclusive to followers, which will encourage people to follow you.
4. Create a newsletter or e-zine. Creating a newsletter, whether online or off, can result in an increase of customer traffic. An e-zine, which is a magazine that is published an distributed online, usually via email , could also drive customers to your door or websites to purchase your product.
In order to grow your business, it is imperative that you be creative. It may mean taking advantage of tools you may have otherwise never thought of considering. You have to be willing to do some very big things in order to achieve some very big results.
1. Create a Facebook business or fan page. Facebook can be a very valuable tool when it comes to growing your business. Your page will allow you to reach out to not only local people, but people from all over the world.
2. Put up a website. Creating a web presence for your business allows you to be global, which with the right marketing and promotion could spell big clients for your business.
3. Start a Twitter account. You can use twitter to announce specials and discounts exclusive to followers, which will encourage people to follow you.
4. Create a newsletter or e-zine. Creating a newsletter, whether online or off, can result in an increase of customer traffic. An e-zine, which is a magazine that is published an distributed online, usually via email , could also drive customers to your door or websites to purchase your product.
In order to grow your business, it is imperative that you be creative. It may mean taking advantage of tools you may have otherwise never thought of considering. You have to be willing to do some very big things in order to achieve some very big results.
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