Thank you WritingHood for the wonderful buzz you gave us today!

http://writinghood.com/writing/100-sites-for-fiction-writers-42-book-marketing-buzz/

Looking for a cheap place to promote your books?  Get a few author friends together and take turns running a booth at your local farmer’s market!  Divide the price into how many are coming and not only will this be fun and inexpensive but it’ll give you another place to sell your books while you’re walking about the market when it’s not your turn!

This just popped in my email a little while ago and I thought I’d pass it over to you all.  They are open to submissions now and best of all, it’s FREE!  In case you want to leave a small donation, they have a place for that, too. ;o)

Dear Author,

Since you have a book [or more than one!] that you’d like to promote, now is your opportunity to do so. The cost? FREE! 1st Author Interviews is a new site that is aimed at getting authors more attention. Whether your books are e-books or from a legacy publisher, ALL authors are welcome. Even if you’re already established, this is just another way to expand your readership base.

Here’s the link for the submissions, or use the one in the body of the email below. Oh, and please keep the excerpts free of profanity —this is a family-friendly site!

Feel free to forward this email to other authors! We want to showcase a wide variety of talented authors.

Please send ALL submissions to: 1stauthorinterviews@gmail.com

Use your BOOK TITLE in the subject line and copy and paste the information below.

Book Title:
Publisher:
Author:
Genre:
Kindle link:
B&N link:
Smashwords link:
Author’s website OR blog URL:
Brief summary: [up to 150 words]

Excerpt: [400 words maximum]

THE INTERVIEW:

Question: Why did you write this book?
Question: How did you come up with the title?
Question: How did you choose your genre?
Question: What inspired you to be a writer?
Up to 4 Bonus Questions! Here you can ask and answer whatever questions you want about your book. [300 words maximum].

Optional: You may include a small photo of yourself.

Please submit one interview per book title. Thank you!

Warm Regards,

K.J. Robinson
Site Owner

–
http://www.1stauthorinterviews.com

For Authors Seeking an Audience

1st Author Interviews is a unique website that allows you a chance to personally promote your book and allows your reading audience a chance to get to know you! You’ll attract more readers, giving them the opportunity to get to know you and your work better. You get your material out there in front of readers, literary agents, publishers and development executives from films, cable and TV. 1st Author Interviews is your first stop to getting your book promoted to that vast online audience. We offer this outlet to any traditional or self-published author, whether in e-book or print formats.

Sorry guys, this is only for chick writers!

Women Writers, Women’s Books at booksbywomen.org was launched on May 1, 2011 to highlight contemporary women writers and contemporary women readers.

“We welcome contributing writers who write about writing, who you are as writers and women (writing women), and what you are writing.”

All you have to do is click on the register link below the login box at http://www.booksbywomen.org/wp-admin and wait for your confirmation email.

Sounds like a great book promotion opportunity!

Laina Turner-Molaski is a businesswoman, mom, author, Professor, and a major supporter of shopping. She has an undying love for shoes and coffee, which is why she created her main character and alter-ego Presley Thurman.

With a lot of letters after her name and a ton of student loan debt, she is always working to pay the bills. While she enjoys her day job, her passion is writing, and she uses a lot of company time writing her fiction or working on her social website for women, Chiczofrenic.com. She is hoping to sell her book before she gets fired from her day job for goofing off.

Laina is currently living in Indiana, with her family, and is always writing something, whether it’s blogs, articles, business journals and books or ideas for her next novel. She is continuously doing what she loves which is writing or drinking coffee.

You can visit her website at www.lainaturner.com.

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

Stilettos & Scoundrels is about a young woman, Presley Thurman, who gets fired from her job and takes another as a journalist. Her first assignment turns from interviewing a Senator to investigating his untimely death.

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

I got a website up and running and started working on a social media and blogging presence.

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?

Twitter by far.

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

I do more online due to cost and reach. However, I much prefer in person book signings as I love people and talking about my book.

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

I use both and I have had great success.But I spend at least a hlaf hour daily on it. It can be time consuming.

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?

My blog promotes me as I am the brand and my book(s) the product. I try to blog at least 3 times a week and it has ben very effective in promotions.

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

I don’t have a publiscist but I have done a lot of research to find good places to network and promote. A good publicist can be a great help in this area.

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

By building an online platform, then finding places that make sense for them to spend time virtually. Get a good press kit that can be sent out electroically or email and focus on shameless self promotion.

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

Every now and then, I’ll have an author ask me what they should write about when asked to write guest posts or what emphasis they should concentrate on when answering questions in interviews or just what they should do to create the most impact on their book buying public without becoming overbearing, pompous or downright horn-tooting obnoxious.

The first thing I tell them is get out of the mindset that you’ll be getting on peoples’ nerves with all this horn blowing and get on with the matter at hand. You are out to sell your book. Without you tooting or someone else you pay to toot for you, you might as well kiss your book sales goodbye.

Good publicity relies on these things:

1. Perseverance
2. Hard work
3. Dedication

I’m sure that you know this and I’m sure you’ve got all three of those qualities going on for you, but good publicity also requires this:

1. Knowing what common sense rules to follow when promoting your book
2. Realizing that researching your subject in off before, during and after it’s published leads to successful promotions later
3. Networking, schmoozing and generally getting your fans to adore you

Knowing what common sense rules to follow when promoting your book takes practice and experience. Unless you are out there noticing how other authors are promoting, you probably haven’t a clue. Are those emails coming from a certain author, publisher or publicist who has added your email to their email lists getting on your nerves by their promotional email blasts? Number One rule is never sign up anyone to your email list without their permission. I know no one is going to heed my advice but when this happens to me, I’m quick to delete and hit spam. However, if it is someone with whom you have connected in the past, they’re open bait and if they wish to unsubscribe, delete, hit spam, that’s on them but the odds are in your favor they’ll stick with you.

Researching your subject after the book has been written sounds a bit confusing, doesn’t it? Let me explain. Joe has written a book on fly fishing while Mary has written a romance novel. Both Joe and Mary have elected to promote on their own. Joe goes about the normal promotional procedures like putting up a website and/or blog and wishing for the best, but Mary decides she’s going to put her book subject in Google Alerts to find out what others are talking about relating to her book. Mary also loves to blog so she has elected to visit blogs that concentrate on her genre. Mary also has decided to pick out certain topics, locals, etc., within her book and researched them to find other like-minded people out there blogging about the same subjects in her book. Joe feels all alone in his self-promotional journey while Mary has made lots of friends, which has resulted in lots of sales.

Networking, schmoozing and generally getting your fans to adore you rounds out my third point which ties into researching your subject. Once you have found the many people out there who absolutely loves your work and loves to hear as much as they can about your book and you, treasure them like gold nuggets. These are your fans. These are the people who follow you like shadows on a moonlit night. These are the people you need to nurture. These are the very people that you must pay close attention to and never let them feel you’re just another name on another book. They are your book’s lifeline.

When you can find that happy medium between what your book buyers want to know about you and what you should know about them, book promotion gets a little bit easier.

© Dorothy Thompson All Rights Reserved

Dorothy Thompson is CEO/Founder of Pump Up Your Book, an innovative public relations agency specializing in online book promotion. Visit us at www.pumpupyourbook and let us take you to the virtual level!

Garasamo Maccagnone studied creative writing and literature under noted American writers Sam Astrachan and Stuart Dybek at Wayne State University and Western Michigan University. In the mid 90’s Maccagnone decided to fulfill the promise of his writing career, by first penning the children’s book, The Suburban Dragon and then following up with a collection of short stories and poetry entitled, The Affliction of Dreams. His literary novel, St. John of the Midfield was published in 2007, followed by his For the Love of St. Nick, which was released in 2008.

Maccagnone expanded the original version of For the Love of St. Nick and had the book illustrated for a new release in June 2009. My Dog Tim and Other Stories is a literary anthology of the author’s best work.

Garasamo “Gary” Maccagnone lives today in Shelby Township, Michigan, with his wife Vicki and three children. At this time, he is researching the location for his second novel, tentatively titled, He Lay Low.

You can visit Gary online at www.garasamomaccagnone.com.

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

My Dog Tim: and other stories is a collection of short stories and one novel. The anchor story, which is the novel, is entitled, St. John of the Midfield. It tells the story of Bobo Stoikov, a youth soccer coach who was once one of the world’s greatest soccer players. He escaped communist Bulgaria to live the American dream. Once he arrived, he had no idea what was in store for him.

Some make the mistake believing this is a typical adolescent sport’s novel. It begins that way, but then takes an unexpected turn.

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

I contacted Cheryl over at Pump up your Book. She’s my guiding hand.

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?

In the case of my novel, St. John of the Midfield, I marketed heavily on a major soccer site called topdrawersoccer.com. Besides having a two or three banner ads on their site, they distributed marketing e-mails to their contacts of over twenty thousand people.

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

I like on-line marketing. I’m introverted. I’m not the type to show up for a reading.

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

Currently, I’m on Facebook. It’s been a nice tool, though I make sure I don’t overuse 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?

I don’t blog. I have a web site that is maintained by a friend of mine. She keeps the front page fresh by updating on a bi-weekly basis.

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

I don’t have a publicist. I suppose you have to earn that, or pay for it. I tend to invest mainly in my content, which, I believe, will stand the test of time.

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

Call Cheryl at Pump up Your Book. If you want viral notoriety, she’s a great person to work with.

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

Your book has just been published.  Or maybe it’s going to be published in the next month or two.  Regardless, authors are signing up for virtual book tours the moment they hear about the exciting ways they can promote their books with them.  There is no better vehicle to sell your books online so I don’t blame them.

I would like to provide a checklist of things to consider before booking your tour.  After all, you want you and your book to be in the most tip top shape, so here goes:

Book Marketing Buzz’s 28-point Checklist BEFORE Packing Your Cyber-Bags:

• Do you know which audiences you want to target?
• Are you aware the broader the scope of readers you want to target, the better the tour?
• Have you narrowed your key search words down to the most important and have figured out ways to use them in your interviews and guest posts?
• Have you compiled a list of potential blog stops for your tour along with email addresses if you are putting your tour together on your own?
• Are you making sure these particular blogs are updated frequently and have a full set of archives to make them search engine friendly?
• Can you provide author copies (unless the publisher takes care of it) to reviewers in time for them to receive the book, read the book and post the review by the given date both of you have agreed on?
• Do you have a professional author photo and can you provide your blog hosts with a jpg copy?
• Do you have a landing page (website or blog) where people can go to learn more about you and your book?
• Does your website or blog have clear enough directions on how to buy your book on the first page and are you providing a cover to entice them?
• Does your website/blog have contact information in case people want to get in touch with you?
• Are you keeping your blog updated with fresh content to keep it search engine friendly?
• Do you know how to craft a bio written in third person that includes your book’s title and website/blog url?
• Does your bio ramble or can you say most of what you have to say in one to three paragraphs?
• Are you prepared to learn more about you and your book than you did before the tour took place?
• Are you prepared for the workload that is involved when planning your tour – e.g. having to write several guest posts and fill out an umpteen amount of interviews keeping each interview fresh, different and non-boring?
• Do you have a few guest posts already written for when blog hosts ask for them?
• If not, can you come up with a few ideas beforehand so that when asked for a guest post at the last minute, you’re not pulling your hair out?
• Do you know what kind of guest posts bring in more reaction from the readers?
• Do you know what kind of guest posts bring in more sales?
• Do you know how to use the social networks such as Twitter and Facebook to promote your tour stops on a daily basis?
• Are you set up in google alerts to alert you on how well your publicity efforts are taking you?
• Do you know how to set up press releases to announce your tour or know of someone who can do it for you?
• Have you built up on your communication and organizational skills so you don’t become unglued?
• Have you built up your contact list (your followers)?
• Have you prepared yourself for negative reviews in case they happen and are you willing to accept them for what they’re worth?
• Are you willing to participate in your virtual book tour by leaving a comment at your “stops”?
• Are you willing to thank your tour host after they so kindly posted your interview, guest post, review, etc.?
• Are you prepared to SELL BOOKS?

If you have answered no to any of these, reconsider fixing those problems before you embark on an international virtual book tour.  It’s way better to be prepared and ready than winging it.

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Paul V. Stutzman grew up in a strict Amish Mennonite community that formed his views on life and God. When his wife of 32 years died of breast cancer, he gave up a job in restaurant management to walk the entire length of the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine. His book, Hiking Through: Finding Peace and Freedom on the Appalachian Trail, is the story of both his hike through the wilderness and his journey through grief. He can be reached through his website, www.hikingthrough.com.

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

The book is the story of my Appalachian Trail thru-hike after my wife Mary died of breast cancer. I’m a hiker, and I’d often dreamed of walking the entire 2,l74 miles of trail from Georgia to Maine. Trying to deal with my grief, looking for healing and some answers from God, I quit my job, strapped on a backpack, and started the hike. The book is much more than a hiker’s journal. It’s really a journal of my own life experiences, healing, and finding freedom.

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

Living in small-town America helps tremendously in promoting a book! The community grapevine knew about my book long before it was published. I’d also done a few interviews and the local paper carried the story of my thru-hike after I got back from the Trail.

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?

Last weekend on my way to a book-signing I was stopped for speeding. The patrolman saw my box of books in the car, and he asked about them. I told him my story and a bit about the book. This week, I received an email from him telling me he’d checked out my website and he’s ordering the book. That’s probably what I’ve done the most of—talked to everyone about the book, whenever I have a chance. Pounding the pavement, doing book signings, speaking to groups when asked. Those interpersonal encounters have probably been the most effective.

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

Offline. I prefer that. But I’m really just getting started, so I may find more effective ways of promotion.

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

I’m on Facebook, but I don’t think it’s been much help in promoting the book. In fairness, I don’t use Facebook that much, haven’t tried to use it effectively.

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 do have a blog on my website, but I’ve been lax in keeping it updated. I’m sure it could be more effective if I paid more attention to it.

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

I guess if an author can afford it, then a publicist would be good. I’m guessing that for most self-published writers, it’s not financially feasible.

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

Local independent bookstores, shops, stores, anywhere people gather, talk to church groups, Boy Scouts, libraries, any group that might be interested in your subject matter. Get press releases into the local papers and set up interviews with the radio stations.

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

Thank you for the opportunity. Visit my website, and if you do read the book, I welcome all feedback.

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Sheila Roberts lives in the Pacific Northwest. She’s happily married and has three children. She has had twenty-five books published, both in fiction and nonfiction under different names and in different languages. Her novels have been optioned for book clubs and film. Her book Angel Lane was an Amazon Top Ten Romance pick for 2009. When she’s not hanging out with her girlfriends or hitting the dance floor with her husband, she can be found writing about those things dear to women’s hearts: family, friends, and chocolate.

You can visit Sheila at her website (http://www.sheilasplace.com). You can also find her on Twitter (http://twitter.com/_Sheila_Roberts) and

Facebook(http://www.facebook.com/reqs.php#/pages/Sheila-Roberts/76502579853?ref=ts)

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

Sheila Roberts: I am so excited about Small Change, my new book with St. Martin’s Press, simply because the theme is one that is near and dear to my heart: learning to live well on what you make. It’s a novel about three girlfriends helping each other conquer their financial challenges. It’s a fun read and, I hope, and inspiring one – good women’s fiction with a nice dollop of romance thrown in for good measure. I’ve also included some great money tips and even recipes for fabulous homemade gifts. Uh, did I mention I’m excited about this book? J

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

Sheila Roberts: Actually, the first thing I did was to sit down and make a promotion plan. I actually do this for every book and it includes everything from where I want to place ads to bookstores where I’ll hopefully do an event. (Of course, a budget is part of the plan, too, and I sometimes find I have to scale back just a little to stay in my budget. My ideas are often bigger than my bank account!) Tops on my to-do list is always a blog tour simply because this method of promotion is the best deal in town and you can meet so many new readers on the Internet.

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?

Sheila Roberts: I love doing book signings (mainly because I’m a big ham and I enjoy having a captive audience J ) but online promotion is probably the most effective thing I do.

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

Sheila Roberts: I do online promotion, ads, some radio and TV, book club visits, and bookstore appearances whenever I get the chance. I actually prefer meeting people in person, but I also enjoy online socializing. I’ve met a ton of great people online.

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

Sheila Roberts: I do have friends on Facebook and Tweeps on Twitter. I certainly don’t have a huge following like many people. I always joke with my web guy that I’m going to take over the world. But I’m finding that taking over the world is a slow process J

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?

Sheila Roberts: I blog on my website. I feel it’s a good way for people to get to know me as a person. I don’t blog every day but I try to keep things fresh both on the blog and the rest of the site. Visitors can find a new recipe and blog at least every month along with book excerpts and a contest, of course, as well as news of “Sheila sightings”.

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

Sheila Roberts: I think using a publicist is a great idea. Maybe not on your first book but at some point. Publicists, like agents, are experts in their field and have contacts that we writers don’t have. Yes, there are some things you can do yourself, but I think most writers reach a point where they need help.

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

Sheila Roberts: Promote on the Internet. Meet people on Facebook and Twitter. Get a blog tour going. Bottom line: word of mouth is still one of the best ways to promote your book, and the best mouth to get that rolling is yours!

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

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