tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156334464585894857.post1850964493723068228..comments2023-10-25T05:30:54.507-04:00Comments on Oh Get A Grip!: I Am NOT a HOAshe Barkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03390519279886657608noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156334464585894857.post-75591635644790034872008-08-13T23:59:00.000-04:002008-08-13T23:59:00.000-04:00I've noticed on most of the chats where other auth...I've noticed on most of the chats where other authors are involved the support is amazing. We always pump each other up. I will never again do a chat all alone. Talk about MISERY!!! <BR/><BR/>Too many isn't fun either. It's nice to find a good balance.Regina Carlyslehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06316730032624449669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156334464585894857.post-41406514347425825252008-08-13T23:53:00.000-04:002008-08-13T23:53:00.000-04:00Great blog! I do two guest blogs a month as well a...Great blog! I do two guest blogs a month as well as limited effort on my own blogs, have a fan page at Facebook and a newsletter. We try hard with the newsletter but evidence shows that it isn't being read. I think chats work if someone is there saying they like your books, maybe not so much otherwise unless you hit a nerve. That's why we have to talk about each other's books, I guess. A friend of mine has a Cerridwen book I love and I always talk about it. It continues to sell every month though it's well over a year old! I really like the avatar idea. Might have to have Delle Jacobs design me one.Heather Redmondhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13217344945585103858noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156334464585894857.post-72314088029647990492008-08-13T23:24:00.000-04:002008-08-13T23:24:00.000-04:00Yeah, COnnie...I KNOW you love the chats. LOL. We ...Yeah, COnnie...I KNOW you love the chats. LOL. We were just on one together. Fun stuff tonight. <BR/><BR/>I'm actually thinking about key chains or pens. What do you think you'd like best?Regina Carlyslehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06316730032624449669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156334464585894857.post-1692731263965022362008-08-13T23:12:00.000-04:002008-08-13T23:12:00.000-04:00I'm a reader that loves promos. I love bookmarks a...I'm a reader that loves promos. I love bookmarks and magnets (I have some magnets at work!) <BR/><BR/>Key chains would be really cool but they cost more to do.<BR/><BR/>I like to catch the chats when I can. <BR/><BR/>Newsletters can be great and I really love contests.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12947676125623585115noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156334464585894857.post-46774940249266814562008-08-13T23:07:00.000-04:002008-08-13T23:07:00.000-04:00Hi Mona! I don't know all that much about newslett...Hi Mona! I don't know all that much about newsletters but I know some who have started them lately. I'll be interested to see how those work for them. As to giveaways, I'm not really sure they work. I've done contests before and will see a bunch come and sign up or whatever and I've learned they are pretty much the same people all the time. Same names wanting a freebie. Don't know if it leads to sales though. I'm giving away less and less these days, it seems.Regina Carlyslehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06316730032624449669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156334464585894857.post-34733185133856604132008-08-13T20:26:00.000-04:002008-08-13T20:26:00.000-04:00Wow what a great blog Regina. I'm like you. I foun...Wow what a great blog Regina. I'm like you. I found out that chats are taking so much time. I did one the day my book was released. I was happy to have a bunch of you around. After three hours I was exhausted, but I know I have to do it again. I have my own blog but don't popst regularly. I posted comments on several blogs daily, but recently I was overwhelmed by too many things and couldn't continue.<BR/>Someone told me that the best promo was to give a free book. This way you hook the reader to your books to come. What is your thought on that? <BR/>I thought of starting a newsletter. Any thought about that?Mona Riskhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14923883333893160794noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156334464585894857.post-87149798562367485182008-08-13T19:34:00.000-04:002008-08-13T19:34:00.000-04:00Oh Anny...G-rated? Not a certain bathroom scene i...Oh Anny...G-rated? Not a certain bathroom scene in Honey? Hahahah...I know...gotta keep it clean for everyone:)Molly Danielshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01488325587798390008noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156334464585894857.post-4062242321080893762008-08-13T18:14:00.000-04:002008-08-13T18:14:00.000-04:00Molly -- Vistaprint doesn't have keychains, but th...Molly -- Vistaprint doesn't have keychains, but there are lots of other novelties companies. You can Google "novelties". My PR file that you have has a section on companies that do print PR materials and novelties.<BR/><BR/>Anny -- I just got an ASUS EEE mini-computer, which makes a great conversation-opener, too. Also, the digital badge I got that a number of EC/CP authors have is also a fun thing that makes people stop and ask you about it.<BR/>-- Marcia ;-)Marcia Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09272232280839412488noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156334464585894857.post-70721886378430893662008-08-13T17:57:00.000-04:002008-08-13T17:57:00.000-04:00Teri... and the other shy ones... one thing I did ...Teri... and the other shy ones... one thing I did NOT see mentioned is the digital reader. I've spent more time talking about my books because people are curious about my reader than from any other ice breaker. Many of them want to "try" it... so I have a snippet (G rated) from one of my books that I allow people to read to try it out. I know of several people who later bought my books because of that chance to read them on a reader. It's a great ice-breaker.Anny Cookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05305873753916213970noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156334464585894857.post-68775805685543222672008-08-13T17:38:00.000-04:002008-08-13T17:38:00.000-04:00Never too early to start doing your promo, establi...Never too early to start doing your promo, establishing your name, etc. Good luck!Regina Carlyslehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06316730032624449669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156334464585894857.post-76125221985174865802008-08-13T17:27:00.000-04:002008-08-13T17:27:00.000-04:00I've bookmarked this entry so that I can refer to ...I've bookmarked this entry so that I can refer to it. I'm another brand new author, and I have to promo, too. So far, I've signed up for a group chat, and two stints of guest blogging, and I don't even have a release date yet. I hope I'm not getting ahead of myself.Linda Banchehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18143074276306710646noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156334464585894857.post-50777099219956847282008-08-13T17:19:00.000-04:002008-08-13T17:19:00.000-04:00If I see someone near me with a book, I'll politel...If I see someone near me with a book, I'll politely ask them what they are reading. If it's one I've read, or an author I recognize, it generally leads to a discussion on books. And then I quietly slip in the fact that I'm published, and if they seem interested, I pull a business card out of my pocket. I've learned to never leave home w/o them!<BR/><BR/>As to the signings...I've read many articles concerning the ins and outs of a successful signing, and one thing in particular jumped out. Don't sit down! I also saw this at my first signings. If I sat down and did my own thing, I might get a few people to stop at my table. But if I was standing, and activily smiling and handing out the bookmarks, more people would stop and talk to me.<BR/><BR/>Does VistaPrint do keychains? I like that idea...kids love 'em!Molly Danielshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01488325587798390008noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156334464585894857.post-42765349443473111522008-08-13T16:22:00.000-04:002008-08-13T16:22:00.000-04:00Molly -- I think your booksigning sounds great! I...Molly -- I think your booksigning sounds great! It's all about having a party that people want to join. They see you having fun and wonder what you're up to. That's one reason it's nice to stand up sometimes and not always being seated quietly behind a table.<BR/><BR/>You can help overcome your "contact shyness" by realizing that niche markets LOVE to find fiction books that include their "pet" cause or hobby or whatever. It sounds like you are writing books that feature important causes, so groups that support that type of work are going to love your books. So you are essentially doing those groups a favor by letting them know about your book. Don't think about it the other way around -- that you are asking them for a favor. You are giving them info they'd like to know about.<BR/><BR/>Teri -- As for how to bring up your books and writing at doctors' offices, etc., I find that easiest when I give away my keychains. People like to get free things -- especially cute stuff. So I say, "Would you like a free keychain?" Most say Yes, then ask about the keychain. I explain that I'm a romance author. Sometimes the conversation continues, and sometimes they just say something like, "Cool" and ask me to schedule my next doctor's appt. ;-D<BR/><BR/>By giving away the keychains, I can stay in the mindset that I'm doing something nice for people vs. asking them to buy my book. I don't expect them to buy my book in response to getting the keychain, but I do hope it will tempt them to check out my Web site.<BR/>-- Marcia ;-)Marcia Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09272232280839412488noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156334464585894857.post-54175734624509444062008-08-13T15:57:00.000-04:002008-08-13T15:57:00.000-04:00I've done group book signings and do pretty well i...I've done group book signings and do pretty well in talking to other people in those venues. But how about when you're in the grocery store or the doctor's office or wherever...how do you wind up in conversations about your books?<BR/><BR/>I'll have to give some thought to special interests within my books...Teri Thackstonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18279674725776051797noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156334464585894857.post-4056385332420951322008-08-13T15:52:00.000-04:002008-08-13T15:52:00.000-04:00When I did the first signing this year, another au...When I did the first signing this year, another author was with me, and she was great at greeting people. Pretty soon she had me doing it too, and we were laughing by the end, because we ended up doing a 'tag-team'...for instance, if I greeted someone, I'd introduce myself and my book, and then say 'and also meet BB, a first-time author who's written a fabulous fantasy adventure novel.' Also, sometimes our genres got mixed up, and she was the romance author and I had the fantasy/sci-fi! But it all worked out, and I'm still learning 'the gift of gab' from her.<BR/><BR/>And speaking of niche...I was too shy to contact MADD concerning my 1st book (it deals with the issue of drinking and driving), but my later ones would certainly fit other groups...I have an emotional abuse situation, an eating disorder, drug abuse, gambling addiction, that sort of thing. Maybe by the time the fourth one gets pubbed, I'll be over my 'contact shyness'?Molly Danielshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01488325587798390008noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156334464585894857.post-35463442486083028442008-08-13T15:07:00.001-04:002008-08-13T15:07:00.001-04:00Teri -- I agree that you can learn to be more outg...Teri -- I agree that you can learn to be more outgoing and also that it helps if you aren't booksigning by yourself. But there are so many types of PR that you don't need to booksign unless you want to. Still, learning how to chat people up is a skill that will help you in all sorts of ways -- particularly since networking is a way many authors get ahead.<BR/><BR/>I wanted to add something to the comment I made above about looking for elements in your books to see if you can promote them to niche markets. Once way to find groups of people who would be particularly interested in your book is to take a book element (let's say a knitting heroine since that has worked so well for Debbie Macomber)and check ASSOCIATIONS UNLIMITED, a library reference book, for groups that like knitting. This reference book features thousands of groups for every imaginable topic. Most groups have a contact person and the info on how to mail or email him/her. You can send the person a press release or even a copy of your book to review for the group's newsletter. And you can find out if there is a local chapter of the group that you could maybe meet and chat up.<BR/><BR/>The sensuality level of your book could be a factor, though. For example, I have Chinese Crested hairless dogs in my books, and I found a "crestie" message board that I could chat with. The nice thing about the group is they're a fount of info on the dogs, which is helpful since I don't own one because I'm too allergic to have a pet! So my dog logo is my virtual pet.<BR/><BR/>Anyway, I'm a strong proponent of "growing the market" -- promoting books to people outside of the huge, voracious but finite pool of romance readers.<BR/>-- Marcia ;-)Marcia Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09272232280839412488noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156334464585894857.post-10841220805294014812008-08-13T15:07:00.000-04:002008-08-13T15:07:00.000-04:00Group ad buys are a good thing. Lots of writers ar...Group ad buys are a good thing. Lots of writers are shy, I think, Ashley. Probably explains why we write. It's easier to express ourselves that way.Regina Carlyslehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06316730032624449669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156334464585894857.post-54754265441963736182008-08-13T15:02:00.000-04:002008-08-13T15:02:00.000-04:00I can't afford to pay for promo either, so I blog ...I can't afford to pay for promo either, so I blog and do the occasional chat. When I pay for advertising, it's usually with a big group, like Dakota suggests, to pare down the costs.<BR/><BR/>PR's a necessary evil, but it cuts way into my writing. Worse, I'm shy and it's really hard to do face to face or even in chats.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03534849962517743534noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156334464585894857.post-12461965574967012042008-08-13T14:54:00.000-04:002008-08-13T14:54:00.000-04:00You know, Molly, I think doing booksignings with o...You know, Molly, I think doing booksignings with others is a good thing. Your friends can help you break the ice. I don't have a problem with shyness but I called some friends (non writers) who showed up for support and they helped with conversation. We'd initially talk to people who stopped about little thinks and then the conversation would shift to the books.<BR/><BR/>If it's IN a bookstore and someone has something in their hands, you can always say...oh, what do you have there. Oh, I love her, etc etc.Regina Carlyslehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06316730032624449669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156334464585894857.post-5373991148267468142008-08-13T14:05:00.000-04:002008-08-13T14:05:00.000-04:00I used to waitress in college. That got me over m...I used to waitress in college. That got me over my shyness pdq:) I just say hello, hold out my bookmark and simply say 'I'm signing copies of my latest release today.' Some say no thanks; others smile and come over; and yes, some totally ignore me:) I just keep a smile plastered on my face and wait for the next person to walk in.<BR/><BR/>But put me in a room full of strangers, and I freeze! I head straight for the food and pray for the courage to join a group or meet someone.Molly Danielshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01488325587798390008noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156334464585894857.post-53161413041271772952008-08-13T13:34:00.000-04:002008-08-13T13:34:00.000-04:00You all have some great ideas. I've fumbled throug...You all have some great ideas. I've fumbled through the giveaways, contests, chats, etc. and find the chats fun and the giveaways not very cost effective. But here's a question: I'm a very shy person (in person) so how do I chat up my books with a stranger? How do you all broach the subject of your books with people you don't know?Teri Thackstonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18279674725776051797noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156334464585894857.post-69693919664328333382008-08-13T12:35:00.000-04:002008-08-13T12:35:00.000-04:00That's a FANTASTIC idea:) I have had people stop b...That's a FANTASTIC idea:) I have had people stop by my booth to ask how I got started, and I've even encouraged people to write their own books. In fact, one lady I met has already published two and is working on her 3rd. <BR/><BR/>I also found out from my first year not to forget to pre-judge the men. I've had a couple who actually have read my books, and others who have bought them for their wives.<BR/><BR/>Thanks Marcia; I forgot I do have your promo list on my hard drive!Molly Danielshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01488325587798390008noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156334464585894857.post-83138714151868307192008-08-13T11:58:00.000-04:002008-08-13T11:58:00.000-04:00Anny -- the first five people who enter my monthly...Anny -- the first five people who enter my monthly Web site contest get a free keychain. They seem to like the keychains better than the contest prize. ;-) But postage can really add up. ;-( Boo, hiss...<BR/><BR/>I like to chat up the men who walk by my booksignings. I tell them that romance novels are filled with insider information and they can learn a lot about what women want from reading them. ;-D Of course, there's always the snarky people who turn up their noses at romances. I just shake my head sadly and tell them I'm very sorry they are missing out on such great, feel-good books.<BR/><BR/>I like booksignings more as a way to meet people -- the booksellers in particular -- than as ways to sell tons of books.<BR/><BR/>Molly -- press releases are much easier than trying to talk a reporter in person to interview you. You can learn to write press releases; they need an opening hook, just like a good book. If you check author Web sites that have online press kits (I have one on www.MarciaJames.net), you can see examples of press releases. <BR/><BR/>But the one step many authors don't do is the press release cover letter/email. It's not enough to write a great press release, you also need to send a cover note with it telling the reporter why his readers/listerners/viewers would give a damn about your press release.<BR/><BR/>One good approach is to say something like: Attached is a press release about a literary event I believe will be of interest to your audience because one out of every four people wants to write a book.<BR/><BR/>Another is to tie the press release to an event. For example, if you booksign in Nov., you can mention in your cover letter and press release that November is Nat. Novel Writing Month and you'll be available to answer questions about the publishing industry at your booksigning.<BR/><BR/>Or you can tie some element of your book to a local event. E.g. if your book has a heroine who gardens, you can mention that the book is being released the same week as a local Home & Garden Show. You can work all sorts of angles like that. You just need to look at your book and see if there are elements (hero restores vintage cars, heroine knits, there are pets featured prominantly in the book, etc) that you can work into your press release and aim towards a niche audience. This works for historical and paranormal books, too, but if the sensuality level is high, it can limit your venues for booksignings and media coverage.<BR/>-- Marcia ;-)Marcia Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09272232280839412488noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156334464585894857.post-64608149346207668382008-08-13T11:33:00.000-04:002008-08-13T11:33:00.000-04:00You know, I think FREE is the way to go when start...You know, I think FREE is the way to go when starting out. That's why I like promo like blogs and myspace and chats. It doesn't eat up too much time and the price is right. Book signings are a way to introduce yourself to the public but shouldn't be thought of as a big money-maker. Unless you're Nora, you're bound to be disappointed, I think.Regina Carlyslehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06316730032624449669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156334464585894857.post-31929377607213777362008-08-13T11:09:00.000-04:002008-08-13T11:09:00.000-04:00I enjoy talking to people, and passing out my book...I enjoy talking to people, and passing out my bookmarks:) At one of my signings, I had a couple of pre-teens asking about my books (they were slightly too young, and I suspect the M&Ms were the draw, lol!), and they gladly told me they'd go home and tell their moms about the books. I told them they would better enjoy them at 12 or 13 rather than 10!<BR/><BR/>And at my last one, I had a woman ask if they were graphic; I said yes, and also explained that the first one had an overabundance of the 'F' word, but less so in the 2nd. She then said to me that in her humble opinion, the works pre-late 70's and 80's were better, since "it takes more creativity to express things w/o using the graphic words". She then walked off w/o a bookmark, but with a smile and a 'nice talking to you. Good luck' wave and smile.<BR/><BR/>I sort of approach my signings as a game, Marcia. I call it a success if I've sold at least 2, and have handed out most of my bookmarks. I still haven't gotten up the nerve to send off a press release, but at least I'm willing to talk to more people:) Also at the last signing, the other author and myself tried to get the TV reporter to interview us, but she wasn't interested. We did talk to her about the pet and baby contests, as well as applaud her when she rode the gyroscope IN A DRESS! Still, she kept walking. Oh well. Maybe next year, when BB's got 2 books out and I've got 3 or 4?Molly Danielshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01488325587798390008noreply@blogger.com