Archive for the Category ◊ Author Interviews ◊

Shining the Book Promotion Spotlight on Kim Baccellia
Sunday, August 22nd, 2010 | Author: admin

Kim Baccellia has always been a sucker for the paranormal. She blames it on her family’s love for such things such as having picnics at cemeteries, visiting psychics, and reading her mother’s copies of the daily horoscope. She even had her own horoscope column in middle school, which was a big hit!

Kim’s other works include the poem, “My Father”, which appears in the anthology Mind Mutations, published by The Sun Rising Press. Her essay about the adoption of her son, Finally, Our Turn, appeared in Adoptive Families magazine. Her YA multicultural fantasy, Earrings of Ixtumea, is published by Virtual Tales and available now at Amazon.

A member of SCBWI, Kim is currently writing the sequel to Crossed Out.  She’s also putting the finishing touches on YA fantasy No Goddesses Allowed. She lives in Southern California with her husband and son. Check out her website www.kim-baccellia.com for more info on upcoming books and other fun things.

Welcome to Book Marketing Buzz, Kim. Can we begin by having you tell us a little about your book?

Stephanie Stewart has a little extracurricular activity—she’s a rescuer—someone who helps murdered girls cross to the other side. She’s not too happy about her calling but she does it. Then one day Allison, her first rescue, reappears. She warns Stephanie of danger. Nothing will ever be the same.

What is the first thing you did to promote your book once your publisher accepted your manuscript?

I posted it on my live journal blog, Facebook, and Verla Kay’s blueboard.

If you had to pick just one book marketing tool that you’ve used to promote your book, which would you say has been the most effective?

Social Networking. I find that with small publishers it’s harder to get your book in a brick and border bookstore. You have to let people know about your book. What better way than through social networking?

Do you do more promoting online or offline and which do you prefer?

I do most of my promoting online. Later I hope to do more offline promoting.

Do you use social networks such as Twitter and Facebook to promote your books and have you had any success with it?

Yes. I found that both Twitter and Facebook help.

Do you own a blog and how often do you update it? Did you set up your blog solely to promote your book and what is its effectiveness?

I have a live journal blog that I try to update at least 3 times a week. I use my blog for not only mentioning my books but the whole writing process. I’ve also done a few YA reviews too.

Do you recommend authors getting publicists to help them promote their books? Do you have one?

I use the publicist from my publisher. I’ve been thinking of using a freelance publicist in the future.

If an author prefers to do it alone rather than hire a publicist, where should they start?

You need to get word of your book out there. I’m huge on social networking. Also tell others of your book. Join professional organization to help network with other writers. That’s how I got to be a part of a book signing.

Thank you for coming, Kim! We wish you much success!

Thanks for having me!

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Shining the Book Promotion Spotlight on Chick Lit Author Maya Jax
Sunday, August 22nd, 2010 | Author: admin

Loving spy and mystery novels, Maya Jax entertained the idea of being a secret agent and started working at an embassy overseas while doing her master’s in international relations.  During this time, she finished her first screenplay, an action/thriller about spies and nuclear weapons.  She pitched it to a friend in Hollywood, who told her she had talent, but to never – ever – show anyone the script again.  Realizing her love for writing was stronger than her desire to spy and fight crime, she attempted a second screenplay focusing on what she knew best — trying to make it as a writer.  The screenplay turned into a manuscript and the result was chick lit novel Escapades of Romantically Challenged Me.

You can read more about Maya on her website www.mayajax.com.

Welcome to Book Marketing Buzz, Maya.  Can we begin by having you tell us a little about your book?

Escapades of Romantically Challenged Me’s heroine, Lelaina Zane, graduated from law school three years ago and headed straight for LA to try making it as a screenwriter.  So far, she only has three years waitressing experience and a ton of rejection letters.  She finally thinks she’s on the verge of her big break, when she’s called back to her hometown because her dad has fallen ill.  It’s a fast and funny read about balancing life and expectations.

What is the first thing you did to promote your book once your publisher accepted your manuscript?

I organized a field marketing promotion for launch day with girls dressed as superheroes handing out emery boards imprinted with the book’s info.  Lelaina is dressed as Catwoman in the opening scene to get an agent’s attention, so I wanted to use that theme.  It was so much fun — any excuse to walk around in public dressed as a superhero!

If you had to pick just one book marketing tool that you’ve used to promote your book, which would you say has been the most effective?

Online promotional programs that market directly to readers are great, since the audience is specifically looking for new books to read.  The most effective ones for me so far have been Pump Up Your Book and AuthorBuzz.

Do you do more promoting online or offline and which do you prefer?

In my case, since the book is only available through online retailers, I think online marketing is more beneficial, but I find offline so much more fun.  Although, I’m starting to see the fun in online promotion.  Those Old Spice YouTube videos with the ‘Guy on the Horse’ are fantastic.

Do you use social networks such as Twitter and Facebook to promote your books and have you had any success with it?

I use Twitter regularly and I like it because you’re limited to 140 characters or less.  That takes skill!  Twitter has also helped me get interviews and reviews, so I’d say it’s been successful.  I’ve been on Facebook for less than a week, so I’m not sure about it yet.

Do you own a blog and how often do you update it?  Did you set up your blog solely to promote your book and what is its effectiveness?

I have a blog through my website and I use it once a month to update my events. My web designer is a genius and knows I don’t like having multiple things to update, so he tried to put as many as he could in one place. He set up the blog to promote my book and because it’s the one thing on my website that changes, it’s an effective way to get people revisiting my site.

Do you recommend authors getting publicists to help them promote their books?  Do you have one?

I don’t have one, but I’m sure it would help!  The more people you have on your team the better and publicists have contacts within the media, which is a big plus.  However, there are a ton of things that you can do on your own.  The internet has opened so many doors for self promotion.

If an author prefers to do it alone rather than hire a publicist, where should they  start?

Probably something I should have done, but didn’t, was talk to other authors to see what worked best for them. It’s good to learn from the experienced and then turn it into your own thing.  Maybe next time around, I’ll follow my own advice!

Thank you for coming, Maya!  We wish you much success!

Thank you!

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Shining the Book Promotion Spotlight on M.J. Rose
Thursday, August 12th, 2010 | Author: admin

M.J. Rose, is the international bestselling author of 11 novels including The Reincarnationist, The Memorist and The Hypnotist. The Reincarnationist was the inspiration for The FoxTV series, PAST LIFE . Rose is also the co-author with Doug Clegg of Buzz Your Book. She is a founding member and board member of International Thriller Writers and the founder of the first marketing company for authors: AuthorBuzz.com.

Welcome to Book Marketing Buzz, M.J. Can we begin by having you tell us a little about your book?

An FBI agent, tormented by a death he wasn’t able to prevent, a crime he’s never been able to solve and a love he’s never forgotten, discovers that his true conflict resides not in his past, but in a…Past Life.

Haunted by a twenty-year old murder of a beautiful young painter, Lucian Glass keeps his demons at bay through his fascinating work as a Special Agent with the FBI’s Art Crime Team. Currently investigating a crazed art collector who has begun destroying prized masterworks, Glass is thrust into a bizarre hostage negotiation that takes him undercover at the Phoenix Foundation—dedicated to the science of past life study—where, in order to maintain his cover, he agrees to submit to the treatment of a hypnotist.

Under hypnosis, Glass travels from ancient Greece to 19th century Persia, while the case takes him from New York to Paris and the movie capital of world. These journeys will change his very understanding of reality, lead him to question his own sanity and land him at the center of perhaps the most audacious art heist in history: the theft of a 1,500 year old sculpture from the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

An adventure, a love story, a clash of cultures, and a spiritual quest.

What is the first thing you did to promote your book once your publisher accepted your manuscript?

I don’t start promoting my book when the manuscript is accepted. Eight months before the pub date I update my website and profiles online to include the title. And I ask the publisher for a PR and marketing meeting to find out what they are doing and what they aren’t doing so I can start making plans.

If you had to pick just one book marketing tool that you’ve used to promote your book, which would you say has been the most effective?

There’s no one thing – everything works. There’s a great saying: 50% of all the advertising you do works- the problem is no one knows which 50%. I’d have to say though starting with Authorbuzz.com – my own company – and getting the word out to more than 3000 booksellers, 10,000 librarians, millions of readers, tens of millions of potential readers and members of more than 23,000 bookclubs is key!

Do you do more promoting online or offline and which do you prefer?

Both. Both and everything is the always the answer. Only problem is on line is more cost effective. But off line is also key! Not everyone is on line all the time.

Do you use social networks such as Twitter and Facebook to promote your books and have you had any success with it?

I think social networking is a fun tool for reaching out to people who are already fans but not to use to find new readers agressively – people resists and resent being marketed to in social networks – you need to be really careful.

Do you own a blog and how often do you update it? Did you set up your blog solely to promote your book and what is its effectiveness?

I have two blogs – one is for my marketing self – Buzz, Balls and Hype and The Reincarnationist for my current fiction series – its a news blog about all things related to reincarnation and tops that relate. I set that up for the books and its effective. I have a group of people attracted to the subject matter who I can promote the books too and keep informed on news about the topic and they enjoy that.

Do you recommend authors getting publicists to help them promote their books? Do you have one?

It depends on the book and the author. Media is hard to get. Just another good book by another good author will not attract news. I recommend authors really taking a good look at their finances and newsworthiness and never hire a publicist without investing an equal amount of money in marketing with a company like mine. The reason is simple – PR is effort – the publicist tries to get you articles, reviews, interviews but nothing is guaranteed. Marketing is guarantee. We buy the space and when we buy it your book is going to show up. So if you spend all your money on PR and despite the best efforts not much happens – you’re screwed when the book comes out.

If you are famous or the book is non fiction you should have a publicist. If you are writing fiction and going on tour you should have one – you can get regional press in the cities you are going to. If you are self published, I’d be really careful about hiring one. If you are published by at traditional house – talk to the in-house publicist you are assigned to see what they are doing and not doing to determine if you really need someone outside.
I do have a publicist – but my publisher hires her – their in house PR dept often goes outside for certain titles.

If an author prefers to do it alone rather than hire a publicist, where should they start?

Buy Jacqueine Deval’s Publicize your Book. And the author should understand publicity is only one part – marketing is the other. Most authors can do much more marketing on their own than PR. So the other book to buy is the one I wrote with Doug Clegg – Buzz your Book (It’s e only and at Amazon).

Thank you for coming, M.J! We wish you much success!

Thanks for having me.

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Shining the Book Promotion Spotlight on Tina Murray
Tuesday, August 03rd, 2010 | Author: admin

Romance readers will recognize Southwest Florida resident Tina Murray from her published work Dead Palm Trees in Jackie Hofer’s anthology Tree Magic and from her essays in the USF literary journal Palm Prints.

A recluse at heart, Tina has ventured her way into the publishing world after years spent in a wide range of pursuits. Insight gained, especially as an actress and artist, subsequently enhanced by degrees in art education, education, art and drama from the Florida State University and the University of Miami, has fed her imagination for her debut romance novel, A Chance to Say Yes. Now she enjoys the sunny shores of paradise as she prepares the sequel in her movie‐star dynasty.

You can find Tina Murray at www.tinamurrayauthor.com

Purchase the book at Amazon in both hardcover and kindle edition.

Welcome to Book Marketing Buzz, Tina. Can we begin by having you tell us a little about your book?

A Chance to Say Yes, my first published novel, is listed as women’s fiction, but men have liked it and told me so. The cover certainly appeals to men. The novel was published in 2008 by ArcheBooks Publishing, Inc., which is a small publishing house now based in Florida. ArcheBooks will release the second edition of A Chance to Say Yes this summer, a fact I am delighted to share.

I like to use the sentence author Sara Williams wrote to describe A Chance to Say Yes: “Poppy Talbot is overwhelmed by her suppressed love of her high school flame, now a Hollywood heart throb returned to flaunt his wealth—and hide his empty life–in the their upscale hometown, Naples, Florida.” Art dealer Poppy’s old high-school flame is a drop-dead handsome, internationally famous movie star named Heston Demming. A Chance to Say Yes is the first book in my Heston Demming trilogy.

Currently, I am completing Book Two: A Wild Dream of Love. I am writing fast-paced romantic stories that offer a window onto the nature of celebrity in our society, from various points of view, both celeb and non-celeb. The stories contain celebrity gossip, but the stars and events are make-believe, and my thrust is, ultimately, spiritual.

What is the first thing you did to promote your book once your publisher accepted your manuscript?

I had a ton of expensive bookmarks and postcards made. After stamping addressing, and posting hundreds of cards, I decided there might be a better way.

If you had to pick just one book marketing tool that you’ve used to promote your book, which would you say has been the most effective?

Word of mouth is most effective, but I have no control over that. I believe that hiring a publicist helped me a lot because I had no platform and very little time. The publicists made valuable contacts for me. Also, my publisher provided basic tools and advice, for which I am grateful.

Do you do more promoting online or offline and which do you prefer?

For me, book marketing, right now, is one giant experiment. You might even call it an adventure.

Do you use social networks such as Twitter and Facebook to promote your books and have you had any success with it?

I started out on Facebook and, eventually, Twitter, but I use them only occasionally, and I don’t strive towards network domination. I have author-friends who use both quite effectively, however. I’m sure my publisher wishes I used social networking more. Trouble is, I’m reclusive by nature. I don’t want to be socially connected all the time, just some of the time.

Probably, I will use them more because they are great tools. Finding a balance between writing and promoting actually has been the greatest professional challenge I’ve faced since the publication of A Chance to Say Yes.

Do you own a blog and how often do you update it? Did you set up your blog solely to promote your book and what is its effectiveness?

Blogs are like anything else. They work if you work them. I don’t blog often. In the future, I hope to take advantage of this venue, also, because blogs are a great tool, too. I have blog guilt because I know I should be blogging often. I know blogs are effective. That is one of the reasons I am doing a virtual book tour. To date, it has been a matter of energy conservation. I have chosen to pour my creative energy into my novels.

Do you recommend authors getting publicists to help them promote their books? Do you have one?

I recommend the practice to those who can afford it. I do not recommend it to those who cannot afford it. I used a publicist, Ascot Media Group, Inc., to launch A Chance to Say Yes. I hope to use Ascot again in the future, along with others. The publicists made valuable contacts for me, as I noted in a previous answer—so many, in fact, I was not able to take advantage of them all because of time constraints.

If an author prefers to do it alone rather than hire a publicist, where should they start?

Carolyn Howard-Johnson is the author of The Frugal Book Promoter. She also sends out a newsletter. I would track down both book and newsletter. In addition, I would network with successful authors and ask their advice and observe their actions.

Thank you for coming, Tina Murray! We wish you much success!

Thank you very much. I appreciate your interest, Book Marketing Buzz, and that of your readers.

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Shining the Book Promotion Spotlight on Jennifer Walker
Sunday, August 01st, 2010 | Author: admin

Jennifer Walker is a full-time freelance writer, editor and novelist, owner of Walker Writing Services (http://www.authorjennwalker.com), ballroom dance instructor and Arabian horse and dressage enthusiast. Her work has appeared in numerous places online and in print, including the Elements of the Soul and Ultimate Horse Lover anthologies and Arabian Horse World and Sierra Style magazines. Her debut novel, Bubba Goes National, was released in January of 2010, and she is frantically working on the sequel.

Welcome to Book Marketing Buzz, Jennifer.  Can we begin by having you tell us a little about your book?

Jennifer: Thirteen-year-old Leslie Clark has loved horses for as long as she can remember. However, her widowed father cannot afford them, so she works for a horse trainer, Helen Green, to earn lessons. She finally earns enough money to consider owning a horse of her own, and she finds a purebred Arabian horse at the livestock auction. He had been left there by his uncaring owners because he was small, but Leslie thought he was just right. He turns out to be very talented, and they go all the way to the National Championships together. Along the way, she has to deal with her rival, a bratty rich girl named Kate, and learn about love with her first crush, Alex.

What is the first thing you did to promote your book once your publisher accepted your manuscript?

Jennifer: I spend a lot of time on social networking–posting on Facebook and twitter, as well as on writing- and horse-related discussion boards. I have a page for Bubba Goes National on Facebook and invite people to it on a regular basis, including by advertising on Facebook.

If you had to pick just one book marketing tool that you’ve used to promote your book, which would you say has been the most effective?

Jennifer: Facebook is probably just about the most amazing thing, because it’s so easy to get the word out to thousands and thousands of people. By posting about Bubba Goes National on my own page and bringing people to the fan page, I’ve sold a lot of copies and found several people to review the book. I’ve also found other promotional opportunities through the site, such as landing a job as the assistant on Red River Writers live, a book club discussion where I get to mention my own work on the air.

Do you do more promoting online or offline and which do you prefer?

Jennifer: I do most of my promoting online, because I’m painfully shy. However, I have done book signings at a book store, a horse show and Horse Expo, so I’ve sold quite a few copies in person as well.

Do you use social networks such as Twitter and Facebook to promote your books and have you had any success with it?

Jennifer: See the second and third questions. :)

Do you own a blog and how often do you update it?  Did you set up your blog solely to promote your book and what is its effectiveness?

Jennifer: I have several blogs, but none are solely for Bubba Goes National. “Jennifer Gets Bloggy” http://www.jenniferlwalker.blogspot.com is my general writing blog, which I use for a variety of promotional purposes, to educate my readers on writing topics and to share other writing-related news. “A Cup of Coffee and a Good Book” http://www.jennifersbookreviews.blogspot.com is my book review blog, where I provide free promotion to other authors in the form of book reviews, author interviews and guest blogs. I generally don’t use it to promote Bubba, although I do have an ad there for it. I’m not very religious about updating either one, although the book review blog gets several posts a month since I have authors relying on my to do my job.

Do you recommend authors getting publicists to help them promote their books?  Do you have one?

Jennifer: I do not have a publicist, so I can’t really comment. I will say that no one will buy your book if they don’t know about it, so you have to publicize your book. If you’re not willing or able to do that, you might consider getting some help.

If an author prefers to do it alone rather than hire a publicist, where should they start?

Jennifer: I’m no expert, but I think it’s important to direct most of your efforts toward your target audience where you’ll get the most bang for your buck. However, don’t spam–people hate that and it will just turn them off about your book. Facebook is a great place to find people who are interested in your subject matter. Distributing a few review copies is a good way to get some low-cost promotion–find blogs and websites that will post reviews of your book, interviews with you, etc. to spread the word.

Thank you for coming, Jennifer!  We wish you much success!

Jennifer: Thank you! I appreciate you having me.

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Shining the Book Promotion Spotlight on Steven Verrier
Tuesday, July 27th, 2010 | Author: admin

Steven Verrier, born in the United States and raised in Canada, has spent much of his adult life living and traveling abroad. Publications include Plan B (Saga Books, 2010), Tough Love, Tender Heart (Saga Books, 2008), Raising a Child to be Bilingual and Bicultural (Hira-Tai Books of Japan), and several short dramatic works (Brooklyn Publishers). Currently he is living with his wife, Motoko, and their five children in San Antonio, Texas. You can visit his website at www.stevenverrier.com.

Welcome to Book Marketing Buzz, Steve. Can we begin by having you tell us a little about your book?

It’s about a fifteen-year-old boy named Danny – a good kid who, through no fault of his own, runs into problems at school. The problems don’t concern other kids; it’s school administrators and teachers who are doing him wrong. Danny gets suspended and decides to leave school altogether when he sees a better way to get to where he wants to go in life. Hence, the title Plan B.

What is the first thing you did to promote your book once your publisher accepted your manuscript?

Actually, I was pretty busy with other projects. But I’m lining up workshops to begin later this year and through those I hope to introduce my work to some new readers. I’m also looking at bookstore events pertaining to another book coming out later this year, and I hope those appearances will lead to an increase in readership.

If you had to pick just one book marketing tool that you’ve used to promote your book, which would you say has been the most effective?

To this point, probably word of mouth. It certainly is cost effective.

Do you do more promoting online or offline and which do you prefer?

I have no preference. I do both and appreciate both.

Do you use social networks such as Twitter and Facebook to promote your books and have you had any success with it?

I may get on board but it hasn’t happened yet.

Do you own a blog and how often do you update it? Did you set up your blog solely to promote your book and what is its effectiveness?

No, I don’t keep up a blog. I update my website as necessary, but with five kids and books to write it’s hard to find time for daily or even weekly posts.

Do you recommend authors getting publicists to help them promote their books? Do you have one?

I don’t have one yet. I’ve been in contact with publicists but it can be a major investment to sign on with one. I’m still considering working with a publicist to get word out on an upcoming book. But concerning Plan B at this time, it’s not in the cards, though I would recommend a good publicist to an author swimming in money.

If an author prefers to do it alone rather than hire a publicist, where should they start?

Every little bit helps. Spread the word at work and in the community. Small-time media are looking for feel-good stories, so give them what they want. Be accessible. Let people know there’s an author in their midst.

Thank you for coming, Steve! We wish you much success!

Thanks so much. And thanks to your readers for checking out Plan B at www.stevenverrier.com.

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Shining the Book Promotion Spotlight on Claire Cook
Friday, July 23rd, 2010 | Author: admin

Claire Cook is the bestselling author of seven novels, including Must Love Dogs, which was adapted into a Warner Bros. movie starring Diane Lane and John Cusack, The Wildwater Walking Club, Life’s a Beach, and her latest, Seven Year Switch. Her reinvention workshops have been featured on The Today Show, and she has been a judge for the Thurber Humor Prize and the Family Circle fiction contest. Her books have been featured on Good Morning America and in People, Good Housekeeping, Redbook and more. She has two kids, seven brothers and sisters, and one husband. She lives in Scituate, MA.

Visit her website and find reinvention and writing tips at http://www.ClaireCook.com. Friend her on Facebook at http://facebook.com/ClaireCookbooks/. Follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/ClaireCookbooks/.

Welcome to Book Marketing Buzz, Claire.  Can we begin by having you tell us a little about your book?

Just when Jill Murray has figured out how to make it on her own, her ex-husband proves he can’t even run away reliably. After seven long years missing in action, he’s back – crashing into the man-free existence Jill and her ten-year-old daughter Anastasia have built so carefully. They say that every seven years you become a completely new person, and Seven Year Switch is the story of a woman making the leap to the next chapter of her life.

What is the first thing you did to promote your book once your publisher accepted your manuscript?

It’s my seventh novel, and my fifth with Hyperion Voice, so promotion has become an ongoing thing. I spend lots of time connecting with my readers through my website and via Facebook and Twitter.

If you had to pick just one book marketing tool that you’ve used to promote your book, which would you say has been the most effective?

I think realizing that, as one of my characters says, karma is a boomerang. I share reinvention and writing tips at ClaireCook.com, I answer every reader email I get, and I never, ever think it’s all about me. My readers and I are in this together and I think the most important thing an author can do is to remember that.

Do you do more promoting online or offline and which do you prefer?

I like them both! I’m lucky enough to have a publisher who sends me on national tours, and yet I can connect with so many more readers, bloggers, and reviewers online. I’m glad I don’t have to choose!

Do you use social networks such as Twitter and Facebook to promote your books and have you had any success with it?

I’m active on both Facebook and Twitter, and I even dedicated Seven Year Switch to my Facebook friends. (Please don’t tell my Twitter followers – I’ll make it up to them!) I think initially I was a lot more comfortable on Facebook because I’m more comfortable with the idea of having friends as opposed to followers, but I’m starting to get into the Twitter groove, too! I’ve met amazing people on both.

Do you own a blog and how often do you update it?  Did you set up your blog solely to promote your book and what is its effectiveness?

I have a very active website and get lots of hits, but I probably spend more time updating the writing and reinvention pages than I do blogging. I post my e-newletters on my blog and photos of the people who come to my book tour events, and that works well for me. I’m on  a really tight writing schedule, and you just can’t do it all and still write the next book.

Do you recommend authors getting publicists to help them promote their books?  Do you have one?

I have always had wonderful inhouse publicists, both at Hyperion Voice, and before that, at Viking Penguin. That being said, never say never. Times are changing and everyone’s overloaded, so I think if it feels right and the author has the means to do it, why not?

If an author prefers to do it alone rather than hire a publicist, where should they  start?

By rolling up their sleeves and getting to work! I spend at least as much time promoting as I do actually writing. And I also think it’s important to do be authentically you. If you read my work or meet me online or in person, you’ll get a sense that I’m being who I really am. There’s great power in that. I love connecting with readers, and I think that shines through. I do my own website because it’s one more creative way of being me and of staying connected to my readers. But there are certainly other styles of being an author, and I think it’s important to spend some time thinking about which one is the best fit for you.

Thank you for coming, Claire!  We wish you much success!

Thanks for having me, Book Marketing Buzz! And keep up the good work!

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Shining the Book Promotion Spotlight on Maria Lucia
Wednesday, July 21st, 2010 | Author: admin

Born in Havana, Cuba, and having immigrated to the United States in 1960, Maria Lucia possesses a true and in-depth understanding of the power and unlimited potential of evolving and beginning again.

A University of Memphis education graduate and a professional musician and vocalist, Maria moved deeply into the study of music and launched a very successful musical career in 1984. It included experiencing music on the performance level and the educational level as well. She began her studies of the deeper aspects of music immersed in the wisdom of Stephen Halpern and the integration of the healing effects of music and sound. She developed her voice simultaneously with her ability to teach others how to create and bring out their own voice and soul through music.

In 1994 she completed a nine year position with the world renowned Howard Hanger Jazz Fantasy and left her music career to focus entirely on developing her teachings. She spent many years in private practice, facilitating her own seminars and counseling on creativity. Her experience includes programs for gifted children in the public school system and creativity seminars for musicians at the university level. She has been a musical director for church programs, composer of music, and a producer of concerts. She has traveled nationally, performing and delivering seminars for more than twenty years.

You can find out more about Maria Lucia at www.andrusianchronicles.com and watch her book video here and order a copy of her book, Liberation: Book One of the Andrusian Chronicles, at Amazon.

Welcome to Book Marketing Buzz, Maria. Can we begin by having you tell us a little about your book?

Liberation is a uniquely written fantasy novel. It’s about a woman name Amore Madre who is suddenly pulled away from her comfortable life in the mountains to Washington D.C. where she discovers that she has been chosen by an Intergalactic Supernatural intelligence Agency to help fight an evil supernatural syndicate affecting the nation and the planet. She is part of an Andrusian galactic strike force as is her soul mate Gabriel. Together they embark on a dangerous mission filled with dimensional travel, historical figures and a confrontation with the dark syndicate. Liberation ties together actual devastating current events that have happened in our nation and in our world with real historical characters, and beautiful journeys through worlds of fantasy. The novel challenges the reader and makes them think. “Could this be true?”

What is the first thing you did to promote your book once your publisher accepted your manuscript?

I didn’t want to wait to be accepted by a publisher so I created my own press to publish my own work! The first thing I did to promote Liberation was to call Reader Views and get them behind me.

If you had to pick just one book marketing tool that you’ve used to promote your book, which would you say has been the most effective?

The book trailer, people love it!

Do you do more promoting online or offline and which do you prefer?

I definitely prefer online promotion. You reach way more people than trying to physically go there and you can do it very fast.

Do you use social networks such as Twitter and Facebook to promote your books and have you had any success with it?

Yes I use Facebook and I’m just beginning to expand and use it for the book. The fan page seems to really work for those that have found it.

Do you own a blog and how often do you update it? Did you set up your blog solely to promote your book and what is its effectiveness?

Yes I did set it up just to promote my book. I’m new to blogs but I really believe in the process! I won’t know its effectiveness though until later on…

Do you recommend authors getting publicists to help them promote their books? Do you have one?

I am shopping for one and yes I do recommend that they get a publicist but it doesn’t have to be at first. The book can be promoted in stages.

If an author prefers to do it alone rather than hire a publicist, where should they start?

I would begin by using the internet strongly, the social networks, and the Amazon forums to tell everybody about the book. We all have to learn to promote ourselves, from inside out and believe in our work. If we believe in our work then there is a great chance others will too.

Thank you for coming, Maria! We wish you much success!

You are very welcome and I’ll accept that wish of yours for Liberation’s success!

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Shining the Book Promotion Spotlight on Sue Provost
Monday, July 19th, 2010 | Author: admin

Sue Provost is an active spiritual director, religious education teacher for both children and adults, and author of Where is God in Your Life? Three Retreats in Christian Spirituality. Her vocation in the practice of spiritual direction supports lay men and women, as well as clergy and those in ministry formation, in discernment of God’s gifting and God’s calling. Sue has a master’s degree in Spiritual Formation from Regis University, in Denver Colorado. She is on the board of directors of Small Christian Communities Connect (SCCC), as well as being the chairperson for SCC in her local parish. She writes a daily blog about the message of Jesus on her site http://letyourlifesing.blogspot.com and has a website http://sueprovost.com. Sue’s ministry is to bring awareness of God walking with us on this earthly journey. Her desire is to share her understanding of God’s love with others, so they can experience what she found in her own relationship with God. She feels that communication with God through prayer is the essential element needed to be able to see God’s movement in their lives.

Welcome to Book Marketing Buzz, Sue. Can we begin by having you tell us a little about your book?

My book is about developing a relationship with God through using Christianity as the lens through which we define spirituality. Let me begin by saying that the spiritual quest is not just one of many things we attempt to accomplish in our lives. It is our life.

This reality, I try to present in Where is God in Your Life? Three Retreats in Christian Spirituality (published by Trafford Publishing) outlines this spiritual quest as the goal Christians have committed to that encompasses their entire being. But once the decision to commit to Christ has been made, people may not know how to begin developing that relationship with Christ. I find that quite often, people need to be given the tools necessary to develop a relationship with God and to understand how that relationship is celebrated in the community. In my three two-day workshops is a program that will show readers and participants how to recognize God in their lives and to feel His love. The workshops help people to continue their spiritual journey to a greater connection with God and to see the importance of the Christian faith as a spiritual roadmap on the path to God. My book demonstrates how Christians eventually discover that success, productivity, and the constant drive to acquire things do not fill or satisfy the soul within us. We burn out from what has become a road to spiritual death. We look for someone to convince us that we are of value for who we really are, not what we and our culture chooses to label us. We look for someone who we do not have to prove that we are worth something. We look to connect with the Creator, the Savior, and the Spirit of the God who loves us. Our soul yearns to make that connection and to feel whole, to feel significant, and to feel loved.” Where is God in Your Life will show you how to proceed on this journey to God.

What is the first thing you did to promote your book once your publisher accepted your manuscript?

The first thing I did to promote the book was to send it to religious groups that I thought would find it of value. I put the information about the book on my website at http://sueprovost.com.

I also put excerpts of it on my blog:
http://letyourlifesing.blogspot.com

If you had to pick just one book marketing tool that you’ve used to promote your book, which would you say has been the most effective?

I think that promoting it on my blog was the most effective. Since I post to my blog every day and the information on my book is attached to that blog, those who view my blog will see the book info daily.

Do you do more promoting online or offline and which do you prefer?

I seem to do more promoting online than offline. I believe that online promoting is reaching more people.

Do you use social networks such as Twitter and Facebook to promote your books and have you had any success with it?

Facebook has given me a lot of exposure. I am not really sure that the exposure on Facebook has been successful.

Do you own a blog and how often do you update it? Did you set up your blog solely to promote your book and what is its effectiveness?

As I said previously, I blog daily. The blog is not set up solely to promote my book, but it does promote the message contained in the book which is how to develop a relationship with God.

Do you recommend authors getting publicists to help them promote their books? Do you have one?

I guess that depends upon how much money you have for promotion. Publicists can be expensive.

If an author prefers to do it alone rather than hire a publicist, where should they start?

It is probably best to set up a website and blog dedicated to their book.

Thank you for coming, Sue! We wish you much success!

Thank you!!

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Shining the Book Promotion Spotlight on Katie Salidas
Thursday, July 15th, 2010 | Author: admin

The youngest of four children, Katie Salidas has always had a desire to entertain. Since early childhood, she’s dreamed up fantastical characters and scribbled them into pages of various journals and notebooks. Taking an interest in vampires at an early age, she devoured every book, featuring those blood sucking creatures, in any genre she could find. She claims that of all the monsters out there, vampires had always been the most interesting.

It was only natural that a love of reading about vampires, and a love of writing, turned into a desire to write her stories. Thus, Immortalis Carpe Noctem was born along with House of Immortal Pleasures.

A Las Vegas native, having grown up in the famed City of Sin, Katie loves to feature it as a recurring setting for many of her stories.

You can find Katie Salidas at www.risingsignbook.com and http://myimmortalstories.blogspot.com

Welcome to Book Marketing Buzz, Katie. Can we begin by having you tell us a little about your book?

Sure thing! Here is a little teaser on House of Immortal Pleasures.

Blindfolded and kidnapped, Daphne is whisked away to the famed, House of Immortal Pleasures, a Vampire-run Brothel in Pahrump, Nevada.

Sometimes the only way to mend a broken heart is to get back in the saddle. At least that is how Daphne’s friends see it. And since Daphne isn’t showing any signs of letting that happen, they take it into their own hands. With a few shots of liquid courage, a pat on the ass, and a donated gold card, Daphne is unwillingly sent to meet her creature of the night, Connor.

It’s Connor’s job to seduce and entice Daphne to try all the expensive, sexual services on the menu. And he is prepared to do just that, until he peers into her mind and sees the damage done by her broken heart. After learning of her past pain, Connor’s plans change. No more is this a game of seduction to pad the pockets of the brothel owner. Connor decides to lavish Daphne with real attention and affection. Something she desperately needs. He will heal her heart the only way he can, by showing her she is beautiful, desirable, and sexy.

What is the first thing you did to promote your book once your publisher accepted your manuscript?

I’m an active Blogger as well as a Social Networker. I’ve got profiles on Facebook, Myspace, LinkedIn, & Twitter just to name a few. I started promoting and building an online presence while the book was still being written. Once I knew for sure it was going to be finding its way to print, I stepped up the visible online presence and started teasing chapters and images of the book.

If you had to pick just one book marketing tool that you’ve used to promote your book, which would you say has been the most effective?

Social networking is key! With the various sites out there you can reach millions from the comfort of your own home. For ebook authors it is the single best way to spread the word!

Do you do more promoting online or offline and which do you prefer?

I am definitely more comfortable with online promotion. But, (and there is always a but) it cannot be the only way an author markets. You have to find the right balance in your marketing platform. Play to your strengths but don’t forget that to reach a wide audience, you have to get out of the cave, so to speak, and do real in-person marketing too.

Do you use social networks such as Twitter and Facebook to promote your books and have you had any success with it?

Absolutely! I am very comfortable with the online format. As I said above, I am signed up with all the standard sites and I am quite active. On my Facebook fan page, for example, I run daily questions to the readers. I love the feedback and there are always some great answers people give. I occasionally run contests and offer giveaways too.

Do you own a blog and how often do you update it? Did you set up your blog solely to promote your book and what is its effectiveness?

I have a blog that is a mix of all things writing.
http://myimmortalstories.blogspot.com/
I talk about craft, stories I am working on, tips and tricks I’ve learned, etc… Each week I try to spotlight a new author or an established author with a new release. My blog is called Written in Blood, has a decent following and features books as well as links to the publishers site. It is more of a tool to interact with others in the writing community but I do think the exposure is helpful to my book too.

Do you recommend authors getting publicists to help them promote their books? Do you have one?

That’s kind of a catch 22. You have to have money to afford a publicist. And the reason you get a publicist is to get your book to make money. Sure, if you can afford it, I would say go for it. Self-Marketing is a hard thing to do and definitely takes up a lot of time that could be used for writing. But, (and there is always a but) if you cannot afford it, there is a lot that can be done on your own. I personally work off of a Ramen Noodle budget (lol) so no, I don’t have one.

If an author prefers to do it alone rather than hire a publicist, where should they start?

Virtual book tours are a wonderful resource for authors to spread the word. They help an author reach a wider audience and obtain valuable reviews without having to cost an arm and a leg. I’ve personally found them to be very helpful and cost effective.

Thank you for coming, Katie.  We wish you much success!

Thank you for having me here today! It has been a pleasure chatting with you and your readers!

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