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Middle Grade Adventure Author Fiona Ingram Announces ‘The Secret of the Sacred Scarab Virtual Book Tour 2012′

admin — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 19:52:40 +0000

Pump Up Your Book is pleased to announce Fiona Ingram’s The Secret of the Sacred Scarab Virtual Book Tour 2012 beginning on January 3 and ending on February 29 2012. Fiona will be on hand during her worldwide tour talking about her book in candid interviews, you’ll be able to read her first ever Twitterview, and she will be giving away copies of her book along the way! Lots of fun as Fiona stops off at blogs around the world to give her fans a chance to ask her questions and to find out more about this beautiful and talented author.

About Fiona Ingram

Although Fiona Ingram has been a journalist for the last fifteen years, writing a children’s book—The Secret of the Sacred Scarab—was an unexpected step, inspired by a recent trip to Egypt. The tale of the sacred scarab began life as a little anecdotal tale for her 2 nephews (then 10 and 12), who had accompanied her on the Egyptian trip. This short story grew into an award-winning children’s book, the first in the adventure series Chronicles of the Stone. The author has already completed the next book in the series—The Search for the Stone of Excalibur—a huge treat for young King Arthur fans.

Although Fiona Ingram does not have children of her own, she has an adopted teenage foster child, from an underprivileged background who is just discovering the joys of reading for pleasure. Fiona’s experiences in teaching her daughter to read has resulted in her interest in child literacy and in creating ways to get kids more interested in reading, as well as helping parents to instil a love of reading in their children.

Naturally, Fiona is a voracious reader and has been from early childhood. Her interests include literature, art, theatre, collecting antiques, animals, music, and films. She loves travel and has been fortunate to have lived in Europe (while studying) and America (for work). She has travelled widely and fulfilled many of her travel goals.

Fiona’s latest book is the middle grade adventure novel, The Secret of the Sacred Scarab – Book 1 in the Chronicles of the Stone series.

Visit her website at www.fionaingram.com.

About The Secret of the Sacred Scarab

A 5000-year-old mystery comes to life when a scruffy peddler gives Adam and Justin Sinclair an old Egyptian scarab on their very first day in Egypt. Only when the evil Dr. Faisal Khalid shows a particular interest in the cousins and their scarab, do the boys realise they are in terrible danger. Dr. Khalid wants the relic at all costs. Justin and Adam embark upon the adventure of a lifetime, taking them down the Nile and across the harsh desert in their search for the legendary tomb of the Scarab King, an ancient Egyptian ruler. They are plunged into a whirlpool of hazardous and mysterious events when Dr. Khalid kidnaps them. They survive terrifying dangers in a hostile environment (such as a giant cobra, as well as sinking sand), pursued by enemies in their quest to solve the secret of the sacred scarab. They must translate the hieroglyphic clues on the underside of the scarab, as well as rescue the missing archaeologist James Kinnaird, and their friend, the Egyptologist Ebrahim Faza, before time runs out. They must also learn more about the ancient Seven Stones of Power and the mysterious Shemsu-Hor. With just their wits, courage, and each other, the boys manage to survive … only to find that the end of one journey is the beginning of another!

Young explorers will enjoy an interactive journey through Egypt, following Justin and Adam’s exciting adventure on www.secretofthesacredscarab.com. Readers can also browse the first chapter of the book. Those who survive the journey and manage to translate the Curse of Thoth will be able to read the first chapter in Adam and Justin’s next adventure—The Search for the Stone of Excalibur—as they hunt for the Scroll of the Ancients.

The Secret of the Sacred Scarab has received the following awards:

Book Award Nominations & Wins:
Finalist Children’s Fiction USA Next Generation 2009 Indie Book Awards
Finalist Juvenile Fiction USA National Best Books 2009 Awards
Winner Pre-Teen USA 2009 Readers’ Favorites Awards
Number 2 in the USA Children’s & Teens Book Connection Top Ten Favourite Books of 2009 for Kids, Tweens & Teens
Winner Silver Medal Teen Fiction 2010 Nautilus Book Awards
Finalist Children’s Fiction 2010 International Book Awards
Winner Bronze Medal Pre-Teen Fiction 2010 Moonbeam Book Awards
Finalist 2011 Rubery Book Awards
Winner Gold Award Mystery Pre-Teen 2011 Children’s Literary Classics Awards

You can visit her official tour page at www.pumpupyourbook.com/2011/12/12/the-secret-of-the-sacred-scarab-virtual-book-publicity-tour-januaryfebruary-2012/.

About Pump Up Your Book

Pump Up Your Book handles all the aspects of virtual book touring from pre-buzzing your book before the tour starts to making sure buyers will find your book long after the tour is over. If you are the author of a newly published book, have an upcoming release or just want to give a previously published book new life, a virtual book tour with Pump Up Your Book is the answer. We welcome traditionally published, electronically published and self-published authors. Our esteem list of clients include Claire Cook, Caridad Pineiro, C.W. Gortner, Barbara Bretton, Cody McFayden, James Hayman, Karen White, Kathleen Willey, Lisa Daily, Lisa Jackson, Mary Burton, Nancy Thayer, Randy Sue Coburn, Ray Comfort, Sandi Kahn Shelton, Sheila Roberts, Therese Fowler, Hope Edelman, Wendy Wax, Jon Meacham, Shobhan Bantwal, Pat Williams, Jane Green, Judge Glenda Hatchett and cook show personality Paula Deen. We also represent Random House, Abingdon Press, Zumaya Publications, WND Books, Sheaf House Publishers, New Hope Publishers, Guardian Angel Publishers, Genesis Press, and Moody Publishing. Contact us to find out what we can do for you and your book!

If you’d like to contact Alexia for an interview or review her book, contact Dorothy Thompson at thewriterslife(at)gmail.com. Pump Up Your Book is an innovative public relations agency specializing in online book promotion for authors. Visit us at www.pumpupyourbook.com.

Pump Up Your Book Announces Alexia Fraser’s Memories of Mom Virtual Book Tour 2012

admin — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 01:39:31 +0000

Pump Up Your Book is pleased to announce Alexia Fraser’s Memories of Mom Virtual Book Tour 2012 beginning on January 3 and ending on January 27 2012. Alexia will be on hand during her worldwide tour talking about her book in candid interviews, you’ll be able to watch her first AuthorVid, and do stop off at Pump Up Your Book’s live chat room on January 27 where she will be giving away a copy of her book to one lucky attendee! Lots of fun along the way as Alexia stops off at blogs around the world to give her fans a chance to ask her questions and to find out more about this beautiful and talented author.

About Alexia E. Fraser

Alexia Elizabeth Smart-Fraser was born in the beautiful island of Jamaica. After marrying her high school sweetheart Edward, she migrated to the United States. She is the proud and loving mother of two children, son Sean and daughter Paige. Alexia studied acting at H.B. Studio. She worked as an extra on the set of “Cosby Mysteries” with Bill Cosby, “New York Undercover” with Malik Yubo, “Central Park West” with Lauren Hutton, and the series “Prince Street” with Mariska Hargitay. As well, Alexia Fraser has written and produced three original non-fiction one act plays both off-Broadway and off-off-Broadway. “The Ryans,” “Dope the Endeavor” and “Blind Trust.” Her fourth play “Our God is Awesome” is not yet produced, but will be in the near future. Alexia is the original founder and partner of her production company, Paige Unlimited, LLC (www.paigeunlimitedllc) of which she is the Creative Arts VP. Memories of Mom is Alexia Fraser’s first published book. She was driven to share her story after seeing her mom suffered unacceptable nursing home and hospital care. Her second book is already partially scripted. “Write what you know” is what she believes.

About Memories of Mom

Memories of Mom (M.O.M.) is a poignant story about an extraordinary mother, written by a daughter who loved and cared for her during her last lap of life. This story is written from the heart, and will inspire love and affection in millions of daughters and sons who will someday be caring for their elderly parents or loved ones. It is about undying love, unyielding sacrifices and compassionate role reversal. The circle of life.

For more information on Alexia’s blog tour, visit her official tour page at www.pumpupyourbook.com/2011/12/18/memories-of-mom-virtual-book-publicity-tour-january-2012/.

About Pump Up Your Book

If you’d like to contact Alexia for an interview or review her book, contact Dorothy Thompson at thewriterslife(at)gmail.com. Pump Up Your Book is an innovative public relations agency specializing in online book promotion for authors. Visit us at www.pumpupyourbook.com.

How to Market Your Self-Published Book on Amazon – Interesting Webinar!

admin — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 01:02:00 +0000

I thought I would pass this video on to you guys…it’s really very informative. This is a 60 minute webinar by Brent Sampson, CEO of Outskirts Press and the author of Sell Your Book on Amazon. You can’t go wrong with this kind of advice!

Legal Thriller Urban Fiction Author Chris Shella on virtual book tour in January 2012

admin — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 15:05:45 +0000

Pump Up Your Book is pleased to announce Chris Shella’s Reasonable Facsimile Virtual Book Tour 2012 beginning on January 3 and ending on January 27 2012. Chris will be on hand during his worldwide tour promoting his book and giving us candid interviews where we learn more about the author, tips on writing legal thrillers and advice on how to become a published author as well as giving his fans an opportunity to talk to him live via Pump Up Your Book’s chat room on January 27 where he will be giving away a paperback copy of his book, Reasonable Facsimile. Lots of fun along the way as Chris stops off at blogs around the world to give his fans a chance to ask him questions and to find out more about this talented legal thriller urban fiction author.

About Chris Shella

Author Chris Shella is a graduate of Morehouse College and the University of Texas Law School and started his legal career in Long Island, New York at the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office. He is admitted to the practice of law in New York, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and North Carolina. Shella is also admitted to the federal court in the Eastern District of North Carolina, the Middle District of North Carolina, U.S. District of Columbia, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, the District of Columbia Circuit Court of Appeals, the Eastern District of New York, and the Southern District of New York.He is also admitted to the Bar Of The United States Supreme Court. He and his cases have been covered on Court TV, CNN, and in the New York Times, and other media outlets across the globe. He has represented everyone from lawyers to major drug traffickers to a serial killer in Baltimore. His two most famous case are the Vegan Baby Case and his defense of the Duke Lacrosse Case accuser for the alleged murder of her boyfriend.

Chris now resides in Durham, North Carolina, with his wife and son.

His latest book is the legal thriller, Reasonable Facsimile.

You can visit his website at www.reasonablefacs.com.

About Reasonable Facsimile

Can Jasper Davis pull himself from his life of loose women, liquor, and general debauchery in enough time to win a murder case and possibly save his own hide ? Jasper Davis is a criminal trial lawyer in Baltimore who has slowly but surely become like the drug dealers and lowlifes he represents. He spends more time with hookers than clients and more time drinking Jack Daniels than studying the law books. Simply put. he is a shade of his former self. In Reasonable Facsimile, Jasper is in the middle of a first degree murder trial when he becomes the suspect in the murder of a DEA agent who was set to testify against his client. Jasper is so far gone on women and liquor he sees his trial skills deteriorate right before his eyes. Jasper is confronted by the situation is he gonna continue to be a reasonable facsimile of a human being or is he gonna become the man he once was.

Visit his official tour page at www.pumpupyourbook.com/2011/12/22/reasonable-facsimile-virtual-book-publicity-tour-january-2012. Win copies of his book, learn more about the author and be sure to join him on January 27 2012 in the Pump Up Your Book chat room.

About Pump Up Your Book

If you’d like to contact Chris for an interview or review his book, contact Dorothy Thompson at thewriterslife@gmail.com. Pump Up Your Book is an innovative public relations agency specializing in online book promotion for authors. Visit us at www.pumpupyourbook.com.

Shining the Book Promotion Spotlight on YA Paranormal Author Emlyn Chand

admin — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 18:31:55 +0000

Emlyn Chand has always loved to hear and tell stories, having emerged from the womb with a fountain pen grasped firmly in her left hand (true story). When she’s not writing, she runs a large book club in Ann Arbor and is the president of author PR firm, Novel Publicity. Emlyn loves to connect with readers and is available throughout the social media interweb. Visit www.emlynchand.com for more info. Don’t forget to say “hi” to her sun conure Ducky!

Farsighted is her latest book.

Visit her at Facebook at www.facebook.com/emlynchand and Twitter at www.twitter.com/emlynchand!

About Farsighted

Alex Kosmitoras’s life has never been easy. The only other student who will talk to him is the school bully, his parents are dead-broke and insanely overprotective, and to complicate matters even more, he’s blind. Just when he thinks he’ll never have a shot at a normal life, a new girl from India moves into town. Simmi is smart, nice, and actually wants to be friends with Alex. Plus she smells like an Almond Joy bar. Yes, sophomore year might not be so bad after all.

Unfortunately, Alex is in store for another new arrival—an unexpected and often embarrassing ability to “see” the future. Try as he may, Alex is unable to ignore his visions, especially when they begin to suggest that Simmi is in danger. With the help of the mysterious psychic next door and new friends who come bearing gifts of their own, Alex must embark on a journey to change his future.

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

I knew very early in the writing process that I planned to self-publish. When I signed with my agent for my first (unpublished) novel, a condition of our contract was that I be allowed to go indie with the Farsighted series. I actually wrote a blog post explaining my decision (that’s here). Basically, the publishing industry is not only changing – it’s changed. I’m not really sure there is any benefit to being traditionally published anymore, especially if you’re an author who has the know-how and financial/time resources to A) professionally edit your books, B) get a stellar cover designed, and C) market your work. Another reason I’m all gaga for the self-pub world is because it’s what I preach through Novel Publicity. I spend all day trying to convince writers that the indie path can work for them. By choosing that route for myself, I am showing my belief in that statement; I am practicing what I preach to gain invaluable hands-on experience. If this works out for me; I’m pretty sure I’ll stay indie forever!

To answer your question more precisely, I started gearing up for promotion almost as soon as I started writing by building-up my social media platform. We also began production on my live action book trailer before the book was even half-written. Ditto on cover design. It’s never too early to start promoting!

After that, what happened?

After that, I continued to work on promotional techniques and prep for the long and arduous road of indie publishing. A road that also has an enjoyable scenic view when it’s not storming

What did your publisher do to promote your book?

Since I am indie, I am the author, publisher, and publicist. I did hire an outside editor and cover designer, but the rest has all fallen to me.

Besides blogging and using the social networks to promote your books, what other ways are you promoting your book?

Oh, man. Marketing Farsighted has been a full-time job on top of a full-time job. I’ve definitely devoted more man power into my campaign, because I have no limits. I’ve spent an enormous amount of time and energy recruiting bloggers for my launch. I’ve also hired 6 other blog tour companies (including Pump up Your Books, yay!) to tour my book over the next couple months—getting buzz early on is crucial. I’ve had a good amount of luck with GoodReads pay-per-click advertising and giveaways too (something I plan to blog in depth later for Novel Publicity).

What’s your opinion on blogging? Do you see that it is helping sell your book or is it not making much difference in terms of sales?

Blogging is wonderful. Why would any writer choose not to blog? My business, Novel Publicity, has grown like it has because of our Free Advice Blog. We now get over 800 hits on an average day and have become a trusted source for social media book marketing advice. Since people trust us, they’re more likely to inquire in our service offerings. And business has been going great!

I cannot report the same blissful findings for my author blog, but I do get a few sales as part of my efforts. I’m sure of it. I plan to invest much more time in this site after the new year and will even be starting a vlog—video blog—to connect more personally with my readers, er, viewers.

I understand using the social networks to promote your books is also an effective marketing tool. Do you find it is or isn’t?

Of course, it is. The wonderful thing about social media is that it can turn strangers from the other side of the world into best friends. These networking tools are also great ways to scout out and connect with your exact target audience. I can’t even begin to imagine how hard finding readers was in the days before the internet. Nor do I remember the days before 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?

Ahw, man! That’s like asking: “If you could only keep one of your bodily organs, which would it be?” I mean, all the marketing tools work together. They support one another and complete the entire organism. In this analogy, the so-called heart of marketing would be the reviewers. Get people talking about your book. Get people reading it. That is the best thing you can do for your little fledgling.

What are your experiences with offline promotions such as booksignings?

I haven’t done any offline promotion yet, other than sending out Farsighted-themed postcards via my website to anyone who requests them. I’ve also done a fair bit of internet radio. Once this hectic holiday season has passed, I plan on doing readings in libraries and book stores. I also have a speaking engagement booked with a middle school that I’m really looking forward to.

Thank you for this interview, Emlyn! We wish you much success!

Shining the Book Promotion Spotlight on Frank Zaccari

admin — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 23:32:47 +0000

A native of western New York, Frank Zaccari earned a degree in finance from California State University at Sacramento after serving as a military medic in the U.S. Air Force. He spent over 25 years in the high-tech industry holding positions from account representative to CEO, and for nearly 20 years specialized in turn-around management of companies under 100 million dollars. Upon becoming a single, custodial parent after nearly 25 years of marriage, he left an industry that he loved to buy a small business in order to be home to raise his children. He is currently the owner of an insurance agency and resides in Sacramento, California. Inside the Spaghetti Bowl is Frank Zaccari’s third book. Previous books are: When the Wife Cheats and From The Ashes: The Rise of the University of Washington Volleyball Program.

You can visit his website at www.frankzaccari.com.

Visit him on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001207722973.

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

Inside the Spaghetti Bowl will touch the heart of every reader. Every family goes through difficult times when a loved one becomes ill. Even though your parents have lived a long and meaningful life, it is never easy to see them grow old and sick. Inside the Spaghetti Bowl is the actual story of our family dealing with the failing health of our mother.

This book is a celebration of life, family, culture and tradition as we document the last eight days of our mother’s life. Inside the Spaghetti Bowl shares the tales about the memories, trials and sacrifices made by our parents and grandparents that allowed the family to live the American dream.

The book’s main theme discusses the unconditional love families share through the good and the bad. I hope the readers will see their own family as they catch a glimpse into my family, a family that is always there for each other no matter what the cost. I hope the memories make them smile.

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

Even before the book was released, I tried to create interest using facebook and twitter. I would post “teaser notices” every week letting friends know where the book was in the writing, editing and release process. I also contracted with a PR firm to create a press release and distribute it to over 2,900 magazines, newspapers, blogs, radio stations etc… Since I am a new author I wanted some professional help to get started rather than flounder around trying to figure out what to do by myself.

After that, what happened?

The next step was to contact Dorothy Thompson from Pump Up Your Book to schedule a virtual tour. I used Dorothy with my first book. It helped me make contact with other writers and generate exposure for my book. The third step was to send the press release to my local newspaper and my home town newspaper. Both carried a feature article about a local author raising the importance of family. This helped to create discussion about the book.

What did your publisher do to promote your book?

Since I self published the entire writing world is a new experience. Without a publisher all the marketing and promotion is up to me. The virtual book tours have been a wonderful way to make contact with other writers and many potential readers. They are also a great source for feedback.

I created a website www.frankzaccari.com as source of information. I contracted with a PR firm to help promote the book. They were able to schedule some radio interviews and professional reviews. It was fun but a little pricey. I am starting to learn the “social media” tools. Lately, I have been using facebook to keep people informed and will have a give-away promotion in December. I am learning how to effectively use twitter – still have a long way to go however. I found with twitter there are far too many posts announcing where someone is going for lunch. I haven’t found the magic formula yet, but I am going to keep trying. I am open to any all suggestions from your readers.

What’s your opinion on blogging? Do you see that it is helping sell your book or is it not making much difference in terms of sales?

I am grateful for the bloggers who have agreed to review my book and be involved in the virtual book tour. I didn’t see a big increase in sales with my first book, but with some of the pre-release promotion that’s been done for Inside the Spaghetti Bowl I hope the comments and feedback from the bloggers help to build a ground swell. In my dreams the book goes viral…hahaha.

I understand using the social networks to promote your books is also an effective marketing tool. Do you find it is or isn’t?

I am still learning how to effectively use facebook and twitter. Both still appear to be more of a “what I am doing today” medium rather than a real marketing tool. I do see the potential but I haven’t cracked the code yet.

Besides blogging and using the social networks to promote your books, what other ways are you promoting your book?

I am making phone calls and sending emails to the 2,900 outlets that received the press release. This is a slow and often tedious process but I believe it is necessary for name recognition for the book and for me as a new author.

I also am involved in an online/real time author chat room each month. This gives me an opportunity to hear how more accomplished writers are marketing and promoting their work. It is almost like a writers support group.

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 date the virtual book tours have generated the most activity and least expense. Since I have only been writing for two years, I am unknown in the literary circles. My lack of name recognition is my major challenge.

If I had the resources or was a known quantity I would run ads in the major newspapers, blogs and radio stations. Hopefully that day will come.

What are your experiences with offline promotions such as booksignings?

These events consume a great deal of time and can be fairly expensive until the book and/or the author reach critical mass or the Tipping Point. As a new and unknown author I am using every available avenue and opportunity to promote my book.

Thank you for this interview, Frank! We wish you much success!

Shining the Book Promotion Spotlight on Humor Writer Noah Baird

admin — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 04:55:54 +0000

Noah Baird wanted to attend the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Clown College, but his grades weren’t good enough (who knew?). However, his grades were good enough to fly for the U.S. Navy (again, who knew?), where he spent 14 years until the government figured out surfers don’t make the best military aviators. He has also tried to be a stand-up comedian in Hawaii for Japanese tourists where the language barrier really screwed up some great jokes. On the bright side, a sailboat was named after the punchline of one of his jokes.

He has several political satire pieces published on The Spoof under the pen name orioncrew. Noah received his bachelors in Historical and Political Sciences from Chaminade University, where he graduated magna cum laude. He knows nothing about hoaxing Bigfoot. Donations to Clarity is his first novel.

You can visit his website at www.noahbaird.com or his blog at www.noahbaird.wordpress.com.

Connect with him at Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Noah-Baird-Writer/100193913390453.

About Donations to Clarity

The plan was simple: hoax bigfoot, then sell tours to bigfoot enthusiasts. The plan wasn’t brilliant, and neither were Harry, Earl, and Patch. The three chemical-abusing friends only wanted to avoid the 9 to 5 rat race, but their antics attract the attention of a real bigfoot. When the misogynistic Earl is mistaken for a female bigfoot by the nearsighted creature and captured; it is just the beginning of their problems.

The U.S. Government has a plan to naturalize the mythical creatures living within the U.S. borders. The problem is the plan needs to be carried out carefully. You can’t just drop little green men and Sasquatch in the middle of Walmart without warning Ma and Pa Taxpayer. The naturalization program is not ready to be set into motion, and the rogue bigfoot is bringing too much attention to itself, including a feisty investigative reporter who uncovers the truth of the government conspiracy and two bigfoot researchers. No longer able to contain the situation, government agents are tasked with eliminating the bigfoot and all witnesses.

Between bong hits and water balloon fights, Harry and Patch come up with a plan to save Earl and the lovestruck bigfoot. Where do you hide a giant, mythical creature? In an insane asylum, because who is going to listen to them?

Along the way, the three friends learn Star Wars was a government training film for children, the truth behind Elvis meeting President Nixon, and the significance of the weight of the human turd.

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

The plan was simple: hoax Bigfoot, then sell tours to bigfoot enthusiasts. The plan wasn’t brilliant, and neither were Harry, Earl, and Patch. The three chemical-abusing friends only wanted to avoid the 9 to 5 rat race, but their antics attract the attention of a real Bigfoot. When the misogynistic Earl is mistaken for a female Bigfoot by the nearsighted creature and captured; it is just the beginning of their problems.

The U.S. Government has a plan to naturalize the mythical creatures living within the U.S. borders. The problem is the plan needs to be carried out carefully. You can’t just drop little green men and Sasquatch in the middle of Walmart without warning Ma and Pa Taxpayer. The naturalization program is not ready to be set into motion, and the rogue Bigfoot is bringing too much attention to itself, including a feisty investigative reporter who uncovers the truth of the government conspiracy and two Bigfoot researchers. No longer able to contain the situation, government agents are tasked with eliminating the Bigfoot and all witnesses.

Between bong hits and water balloon fights, Harry and Patch come up with a plan to save Earl and the lovestruck Bigfoot. Where do you hide a giant, mythical creature? In an insane asylum, because who is going to listen to them?

Along the way, the three friends learn Star Wars was a government training film for children, the truth behind Elvis meeting President Nixon, and the significance of the weight of the human turd.

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

I started researching how to promote the book. I got into the habit of keeping up to date with what was happening in the industry by reading the book section of the Huffington Post, etc.

After that, what happened?

I set out a plan on how to approach promoting the book. I set up a website, a Twitter account, a Facebook fan page, etc. I began contacting bloggers to see if they would review the book. I sent out press releases.

What did your publisher do to promote your book?

They promoted the book through their website and blogs, as well as press releases. Some of the other writers also interviewed me, etc.

What’s your opinion on blogging? Do you see that it is helping sell your book or is it not making much difference in terms of sales?

I hated the idea of blogging. My first few blogs were of me whining about blogging. Here’s part of the first blog I wrote:

I don’t want to write a blog. I want to write a book. Even the word sounds unappealing: blog. Say it out loud. Boring, right? “Buhlog”. Sounds like you’re trying to get a spider web out of your mouth. I understand the reason I should blog is to connect with a fan-base, get my name out, promote the book, etc. Blogging just seems counterintuitive to me. Any jerk-off with a keyboard can blog. An author writes books. I’m not implying I’m better than bloggers, or that all bloggers are crap, but there are plenty out there digitally converting the mundane into cyber flotsam.

My mental picture of what writers do is probably skewed. I want to do what Hemingway did: drink, fish, write. Maybe run with the bulls in Pamplona. Papa did not blog (I know there weren’t blogs then; just go with me on this). When my publisher told me I needed to start blogging, I told him I wanted to pull a Hemingway: drink, fish, write. We could negotiate on the fishing, but I was going to remain firm about the drinking and writing. Since I’m sitting here writing this blog (and drinking), we can see who won that little argument.

My other issue with blogging is I don’t know how or what to blog about. What’s the theme? Do I write about my life? My life as a writer? I’m not a good enough writer to think I could teach you anything about writing. Someone suggested I blog as Bigfoot; like a Bigfoot celebrity diary. I have to tell you: after writing a book with Bigfoot in it, I’m fucking sick of Bigfoot.

I still don’t know what the general theme of this blog should be. So, for this entry, I’m going to tell you the things I’ve learned since becoming a writer.

I learned local papers don’t review books. There’s one person in a cabin in Montana who reads books and posts reviews on the internet. Newspapers just link to those reviews.

I should’ve practiced my signature. Sharpies make crappy signatures permanent. To compensate for my poor penmanship (or should it be ‘penpersonship’ in this politically-correct America), I doodle dog turds and monkey faces. It was either that or pretend I have palsy.

If you call the newspaper in Ithaca, NY and mention ‘Bigfoot’ and ‘marijuana’ in the same sentence, you will have a long conversation with everyone in the newsroom about Bigfoot and marijuana. I couldn’t persuade them to review my book, but I did get a great brownie recipe.

I don’t think the blogging has done much for the sales. What is interesting is I have a substantial amount of people who follow the blog. However, the people following the blog don’t seem to be purchasing the book.

I understand using the social networks to promote your books is also an effective marketing tool. Do you find it is or isn’t?

This is another one I’m not so sure about. During the first few months the book was available, I had more fans on Facebook than I had purchases. Social networking may be an effictive tool, but I haven’t figured out the combination that works for me.

Besides blogging and using the social networks to promote your books, what other ways are you promoting your book?

I’ll tell you what I did that didn’t work. I updated Wikipedia pages to include my book. For instance, my book has an Elvis impersonator in it, so I added my book to Wikipedia’s Elvis impersonator page. However, Wikipedia would drop my updates to the pages. Whoever owns each particlar page has to approve of your update. In most cases, mine were not approved.

The book also has a chapter where two characters break-up only using Pearl Jam song lyrics. I joined the fan forum through Pearl Jam’s webpage to promote the book, but that didn’t translate into sales either. I would get into these chatrooms, pretend to be someone else, and name-drop the book. I thought a bunch of fans of the band would eat this stuff up, but they weren’t having it.

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 would say nothing I’ve done has been effective enough to call a marketing tool. I posted flyers in coffee shops, read for theater groups, begged every blogger on the web to review the book.

Self-promotion has been much harder than I anticipated. I now understand why the guys in KISS and David Bowie wore make-up and 7 inch heels. I’ve considered turning writing into a performance art. I thought I could type the Star Spangled Banner, light the laptop on fire, and smash it on stage; but these laptops too expensive to trash every night.

What are your experiences with offline promotions such as booksignings?

Bookstores don’t have an open door policy for book signings. When my book was released, I checked my local booksellers to ensure they had the book in their inventory. Then I called to offer my availability to sign books in the store. Seems logical, right? Wrong. Some bookstores can be a pain-in-the-ass about letting new writers come in for signings. They either wanted to evaluate the book to see if it’s suitable for a signing, or it was a flat “No” because new writers don’t have a large fan base. Some bookstores are essentially Amazon.com showrooms. They just can’t afford to host signings. It seems counterintuitive to me; meeting the authors in your community was one of the great things about bookstores.

Thank you for this interview, Noah! We wish you much success!

Book Excerpt: Winds of Change by Carole Eglash-Kosoff

admin — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 17:28:44 +0000

WINDS OF CHANGE, by Carole Eglash-Kosoff, Valley Village Publishing, 220 pp., $14.78 (Kindle $9.99).

The racially charged love and conflict of the critically acclaimed When Stars Align become more entrenched after the Civil War and Reconstruction. Amy had taken her daughter, nephew, and a son she’d had never been able to acknowledge, born from her love with Thaddeus, her colored lover, to San Francisco, as a refuge from the intense racial scrutiny of the South.

They are forced to return to their old home, Moss Grove, a successful Mississippi River cotton plantation, as young adults. They discover facts about themselves that refute everything they believed regarding both their parents and their racial background. It changes the lives of each of them. Bess and Stephen’s love is thwarted. Josiah struggles with echoes of his past.

It is a tumultuous time in American history that includes the inventions of airplanes, automobiles, telephones and movies midst decades of lynchings and economic turmoil. It is the Spanish-American War and World War I. Racial biases complicate lives and relationships as newly arrived immigrants vie with white and Negro workers all trying to gain a piece of the American dream. Winds of Change is a soaring historic fiction novel that stands alone but follows the next generation from those we came to know in When Stars Align into the 20^th century. It is a socially relevant, historically accurate, saga of decades often overlooked in American history.

Book Excerpt:

There is a dance that accompanies the rhythm of our lives. It has a logic…a pattern…a beat. Different sections of the orchestra blending into a single melody that defines who we are. I’m a man; you’re a woman. I’m white. I’m tall. I’m a Christian. And then… wait a minute. It seems I’m not white. I have some Negro blood coursing through my veins that I’d never known about. The beat of the music suddenly changes as one section, maybe the woodwinds, puts their instruments away. The new rhythm is discordant…a rhythm with which I’m unfamiliar. It’s a different tune, a genre I don’t know how to play. I’ve lost the beat. The other orchestra members are staring at me in a different way. I’m not sure what it all means. This isn’t the South. It’s already 1883. Slavery’s been gone for nearly twenty years and the country has moved forward. I had a baby sister who was born colored. I’d never known and it’s interesting, but it happened too long ago for me to feel sad. She died, my parents are both dead, and I’m still me. But that’s the problem. In my head I suddenly feel like a different me.

Shining the Book Promotion Spotlight on Stephen Schochet

admin — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 17:10:06 +0000

A professional tour guide in Hollywood, Stephen Schochet has researched and told thousands of entertaining anecdotes for over twenty years. He is also the author and narrator of two audiobooks Tales of Hollywood and Fascinating Walt Disney. His latest book is Hollywood Stories: Short, Entertaining Anecdotes About the Stars and Legends of the Movies.

Tim Sika, host of the radio show Celluloid Dreams on KSJS in San Jose has called Stephen,” The best storyteller about Hollywood we have ever heard.”

For more information visit http://www.hollywoodstories.com.

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

Hollywood Stories: Short, Entertaining Anecdotes About the Stars and Legends of the Movies! contains a timeless treasure trove of colorful vignettes featuring an amazing all-star cast of icons including John Wayne, Charlie Chaplin, Walt Disney, Jack Nicholson, Johnny Depp, Shirley Temple, Marilyn Monroe, Marlon Brando, Errol Flynn, and many others both past and contemporary. It has over a thousand anecdotes.

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

I started letting every body I could know about it; My Facebook friends got wind of it early on. IMO people need to let their friends know; my first customer was my landlady.

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?

For me I’d say interviews online or in the media; it gives people a chance to get a flavor for the stories.

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

About the same; I like both.

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

Facebook, yes I probably have not used Twitter enough.

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, probably something I should work on.

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

I think you should work both with a publicist and at the same time work on your own to promote the book.

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

It really depends on the subject matter of the book; But IMO you start by letting everyone in your circle of friends know about it.

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

Thank you.

Shining the Book Promotion Spotlight on C. Elizabeth

admin — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 12:56:52 +0000

C. Elizabeth lives in St. Albert, Alberta, Canada. She stumbled upon writing, it found her, she finds writing a peaceful escape and is very excited to have her characters come alive in her readers’ minds. Her contemporary romance novel, Absolute Obsession, is about 42 year old Rose Gerbaldi who by an intervention of fate unites her heart and soul with 30 year old British movie star, Michael Terrance. Please visit and blog with her at www.celizabeth.ca. Connect with her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/search/users/CElizabeth4 and Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1567713637.

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

Thank you for having me, I’ve been looking forward to this.

Absolute Obsession is about loving wife and mother, 42 year old Rose Gerbaldi, who, through a sequence of remarkable events, falls in love with 30 year old, British movie star, Michael Terrance, a man she has never met and one who she can never have. Though her decisions are made, unbeknownst to her, fate is conspiring to put her back on the path that it had so lovingly entwined for her and Michael.

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

The first thing I did was create a website and contacted book stores for in-store signings or to stock Absolute Obsession on the shelves.

After that, what happened?

Things went a little crazy. There was always so much to do to get the word out and along with my full time job and family, the hours ran out very quickly – it was time bring in the professionals. I hired Pump up Your Book to put me on a virtual book tour for a month and it was great, people got to know me and Absolute Obsession was getting some attention, not to mention giving me some free time to focus on other things.

What did your publisher do to promote your book?

Wings ePress Inc. promoted through their website as well as all the bookselling websites, such as Amazon and Fictionwise.

What’s your opinion on blogging? Do you see that it is helping sell your book or is it not making much difference in terms of sales?

I love blogging, whether it makes a difference or not I don’t know, but one thing it does do, it keeps my creative side moving along. Never stop writing, you might lose it.

I understand using the social networks to promote your books is also an effective marketing tool. Do you find it is or isn’t?

I use as many social networks as I can. Does it help? It’s too early to tell at this point.

Besides blogging and using the social networks to promote your books, what other ways are you promoting your book?

I am using two PR firms, Pump Up Your Book for my virtual online visibility and Gal-Friday Publicity out of Vancouver, BC for the personal touch, face to face interviews, etc..

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?

Up till now I’d have to say Pump Up Your Book, but the other marketing plans are just starting up, I’m certain they will have an impact as well.

What are your experiences with offline promotions such as booksignings?

The majority of my book signings have been a wonderful experience. I do love meeting the people and hearing some of their stories. So far, it has all been a great and wonderful unexpected journey thanks to everyone.

Thank you for this interview, C. Elizabeth! We wish you much success!

Thank you for having me, it was fun. Cheers!

Giveaways, Contests & Prizes!

Join C. Elizabeth at the Pump Up Your Book Live! November Author Chat / Book Giveaway Party on Friday, November 18 starting at 8 p.m. eastern!

Char will be giving away a copy of her book! You could win a beautiful copy of Absolute Obsession simply by attending the chat and asking her a question. All there is to it!

For details on chat, visit the official chat page for the November authors at Pump Up Your Book Live!