People often times confuse book reviews with book reports. Book reports describe what happens in the book. Their focus is the retelling of facts concerning plot, characters, and the main idea. Book reviews inform readers what the book is like and whether it was enjoyable or not. Good book reviews help increase the sale of a book.
If you review books on your web site, be aware of the type of readers you have visiting and ask yourself if the subject matter will interest them. For Lori’s Book Reviews the majority of my audience is women between the ages of 20 to 60. I do have a few male readers, but it is predominately women. Therefore books I review will cover what I believe will interest them; you won’t find me reviewing book covering war stories because that is not what my readers are looking for.
When you are offered a book for review, remember that was something the author worked very hard for. Honest opinion of the book should be offered, but in a respectful manner.
Tips I found helpful when I write book reviews:
1. READ THE BOOK. I can not stress this enough, you can not offer a fair review if you only skim the book.
2. As you read the book write down themes or quotes that may interest readers.
3. While writing, tell readers about the story as if you are sitting across from them discussing the book.
4. Give the name of the author and the book several times throughout the review.
5. Since my tag line is “Reviewing Books with a Purpose” I want to share what insight I found in the book. How did the book bring readers closer to God?
6. Express your honest opinion. A review should either persuade readers to pickup the book or to avoid reading it.
7. Don’t give any surprises away in your review.
The on going debate right now is “Do Blog Book Reviews Drive Sales?” Anne Kingman and Michael Kindness, who are Random House sales representatives, reported that more than 30% of their readers at Books on the Nightstand have bought three to five books based on recommendations on the site and 14% have bought six or more, according to the 252 respondents to their recent reader survey. A recent survey of lit blog readers shows that 56% buy books primarily based on the influence of blogs. I believe publishers like Thomas Nelson, Random House and Tyndale House Publishers have realized this and now offer a blogger review program.
After you have a well written review posted on your web site, be sure to email the author or publishing house and offer a link to your review. Also post your reviews on Amazon.com or Christianbook.com to increase your exposure as a book reviewer.
If you are interested in becoming a book reviewer here are some links to get you started:
Thomas Nelson (http://brb.thomasnelson.com/)
Tyndale House (http://mediacenter.tyndale.com)
Lori's Book Reviews:
http://laurelwreathsreflections.com/lorisbookreviews/
Showing posts with label sales. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sales. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Monday, September 14, 2009
Marketing Strategy 9: Black Book of Business Contacts
In the world of business there is the coveted "book of business" that contains key contacts. Usually a list is amassed over the years of doing business. The longer you are in business and are successful the more valuable your contacts become.
A book of business would vary greatly by industry. A contractor's contact list might be different from those of an attorney. While an insurance sales person would have a contact list that was not industry specific, but based upon clients who have purchased from them in the past. Who would be in the book? This may include previous clients, contacts in the media, or people you know who are great at referrals. This list of people would be in your niche market, or those that would be the most interested in your book topic. You are not going to include your plumbers name in the list, no matter how important he may be unless you have a book that is geared to the plumbing industry.
In the world of writing and publishing your book of business may contain some of the suggestions listed below. Don't limit yourself to these categories, and by all means if you have additional suggestions, please share!
Pre-Book Publication:
Writing and Publishing Book of Business Contacts:
Agents
Publishers
Graphic Artists
Editors
Printers (for self-publishers)
Publicity
Book Club Reviewers
Speakers associations
Magazine or print editors
Valuable online contacts
Social networking websites
This list will grow as you slowly get closer to your publication date. I have a list of twelve people I use with each book I print. Does this list vary, yes...but I am so happy the major leg work is over. I know who I am going to use to layout and create the cover of each book, I know who I'll choose to edit, distribute, or help with publicity. I know who I will call to set up speaking engagements, help with promotions and share my information via speakers bureaus and networks. What a time saver!
Do you have a list of people that you will use to help you as your book project grows near completion? If not, begin today.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Marketing Strategy 6: Relationships that Count-2
Part 2
The rule books have changed somewhat. Social networking has opened the doors for relationships to be created across the miles. I have hundreds of friends on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and Plaxo that I don’t know, have never met, and will more than likely never meet in my lifetime. (Yes, go ahead and connect to me, I like making new “friends”). How do I know these people? Through relationship building. The written word is now King. If you can write, and write well, you can create relationships. Those relationships will open doors, and I mean big doors.
Learning what makes up a good relationship is the key in the real world as well as the virtual world. This year I published a lady that I “met” who has become a good friend of mine. Our first correspondence was sometime in 2008, and while we have never met face-to-face, we’ve exchanged hundreds of emails and at least several marathon phone calls.
She and I connected at the invitation of a mutual friend on Facebook. We got to know each other and when she presented me with her manuscript on teaching children to write fiction (and she is a published children’s novelist), I was interested in taking a look. I loved her work. With some additions and suggestions from me, which she quickly implemented, we had a new Media Angels product. Susan K. Marlow added another book to her ever growing list of accomplishments, "Reach for the Stars: A Young Fiction Author's Workbook." Sales have already surpassed expectations.
This took place through relationship building. Hers and mine. Relationships, the best kind, are mutually beneficial. People who look at things from the perspective of “what’s in it for me” tend to be labeled early on as takers. Those who are very helpful on the other hand can be taken advantage of as well. It is important to set some boundaries and work within your comfort range.
I recently joined a women’s business networking group in Ft. Myers. Now I was face-to-face. I couldn’t hide behind my words. It was me and them… a sea of them, many professional business women use to getting up in a group, introducing themselves and their business, and they had talent. It didn’t take me long to become acclimated. Why? Because I watched, and I learned from the pros.
We have a one-minute introduction about ourselves, our product or business, and what our needs are from the members in the room. I watched women who stated or stumbled over their intros, and others that asked several questions of the members, or spoke about making lives easier with product X-Y-Z.
If you remember my opening post, I claimed that I resorted to humor when I was in a nerve racking situation. This was no different. When it was my turn, I quipped I could barely say my name in one minute let alone tell about my business. The clock was ticking...was I prepared for this? No...but I was able to muddle my way through and the second time I was more knowledgeable about what to expect. This group is all about making relationships in order to refer each other's businesses and help with brainstorming sessions, meeting with speakers and an array of other worthwhile endeavors.
As an author you may wonder how this would help you. Word of mouth, especially women’s mouths, can be a very good thing, or not. If they like you or your product everyone will know. My husband was a member of a similar networking group but found that once work picked up he was unable to attend meetings. You need to use what works for you. In this situation, I can represent my business, as a consultant for aspiring authors but still give out business cards for my husband’s remodeling business. Relationship building is at the forefront of this endeavor.
One other note here, I quickly began telling my friends who were in business about this group, and soon an email from the group leader was sent out to all of the members. I was surprised to see my name signaled out as the person who had invited four new guests to the group, being I had joined only two weeks prior. I thought this was normal. Don't keep something good to yourself, share. This is how relationships work.
Relationships… making them is much harder than breaking them.
Next: My top ten list of making Great Working Relationships!
The rule books have changed somewhat. Social networking has opened the doors for relationships to be created across the miles. I have hundreds of friends on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and Plaxo that I don’t know, have never met, and will more than likely never meet in my lifetime. (Yes, go ahead and connect to me, I like making new “friends”). How do I know these people? Through relationship building. The written word is now King. If you can write, and write well, you can create relationships. Those relationships will open doors, and I mean big doors.
Learning what makes up a good relationship is the key in the real world as well as the virtual world. This year I published a lady that I “met” who has become a good friend of mine. Our first correspondence was sometime in 2008, and while we have never met face-to-face, we’ve exchanged hundreds of emails and at least several marathon phone calls.
She and I connected at the invitation of a mutual friend on Facebook. We got to know each other and when she presented me with her manuscript on teaching children to write fiction (and she is a published children’s novelist), I was interested in taking a look. I loved her work. With some additions and suggestions from me, which she quickly implemented, we had a new Media Angels product. Susan K. Marlow added another book to her ever growing list of accomplishments, "Reach for the Stars: A Young Fiction Author's Workbook." Sales have already surpassed expectations.
This took place through relationship building. Hers and mine. Relationships, the best kind, are mutually beneficial. People who look at things from the perspective of “what’s in it for me” tend to be labeled early on as takers. Those who are very helpful on the other hand can be taken advantage of as well. It is important to set some boundaries and work within your comfort range.
I recently joined a women’s business networking group in Ft. Myers. Now I was face-to-face. I couldn’t hide behind my words. It was me and them… a sea of them, many professional business women use to getting up in a group, introducing themselves and their business, and they had talent. It didn’t take me long to become acclimated. Why? Because I watched, and I learned from the pros.
We have a one-minute introduction about ourselves, our product or business, and what our needs are from the members in the room. I watched women who stated or stumbled over their intros, and others that asked several questions of the members, or spoke about making lives easier with product X-Y-Z.
If you remember my opening post, I claimed that I resorted to humor when I was in a nerve racking situation. This was no different. When it was my turn, I quipped I could barely say my name in one minute let alone tell about my business. The clock was ticking...was I prepared for this? No...but I was able to muddle my way through and the second time I was more knowledgeable about what to expect. This group is all about making relationships in order to refer each other's businesses and help with brainstorming sessions, meeting with speakers and an array of other worthwhile endeavors.
As an author you may wonder how this would help you. Word of mouth, especially women’s mouths, can be a very good thing, or not. If they like you or your product everyone will know. My husband was a member of a similar networking group but found that once work picked up he was unable to attend meetings. You need to use what works for you. In this situation, I can represent my business, as a consultant for aspiring authors but still give out business cards for my husband’s remodeling business. Relationship building is at the forefront of this endeavor.
One other note here, I quickly began telling my friends who were in business about this group, and soon an email from the group leader was sent out to all of the members. I was surprised to see my name signaled out as the person who had invited four new guests to the group, being I had joined only two weeks prior. I thought this was normal. Don't keep something good to yourself, share. This is how relationships work.
Relationships… making them is much harder than breaking them.
Next: My top ten list of making Great Working Relationships!
Monday, May 18, 2009
Marketing Strategy 4: Continuing Education
As I get older I realize how much I do not know. I know at heart I am a perpetual student. I love the researching part of the writing. I enjoy the hunt, uncovering little tidbits of knowledge so much that I don't want to start writing the manuscript, no matter what the topic. Maybe you are not like me and you feel learning is a drudgery. I will share with you little short cuts to the learning process and how to make a small amount of time pay off in a big way.
Learning encompasses so many facets of the writing process. Everything from the research needed to set a location in some-faraway-exotic land, to where does that darn semi-colon go in a series...and my favorite when do you use a comma before AND and when don't you! (Don't worry, if you are a grammarian you will enjoy these blog posts for the fun it will give you in finding errors.)
Yet, the learning I'm referring to here is not only to hone your punctuation skills (you can hire a good editor for this and I have 4 right off the top of my head I can refer to you), but also for learning about the publishing process. Even more important is the marketing that is needed to sell that book. I really wish I had known the importance of marketing when I first began. I know to many of you it may seem self-evident, but to most authors just wanting to complete the first manuscript the entire process can seem daunting without adding marketing into the mix.
I am a self-published author who turned down a 4-book contract. I work with authors who are published by traditional publishers and those who are self-published and even authors that I have personally published, through my company Media Angels, Inc. This experience has given me the edge and what I have learned could fill a book, and has. It's title? Information in a Nutshell: Writing and Publishing.
Maybe you are a natural and do not need formal education, but I can't say that about all authors...believe me, some of my own manuscripts have needed major overhauls before they could see the light of day! Not all of us can go back to college and pursue journalism, communication or other writing intensive degree. So, if you have a day job, what are your options?
I thought you'd never ask. There are many options that are surprisingly free on the internet if you know where to find them, and, some that are a small cost and worth every penny. One of the best ways to stay ahead of the crowd is to study internet marketing. I have done this for about two years. I've taken copious notes, listened to more podcasts, CD’s, and watched more DVD’s, than there are grains of sand on Ft. Myers, Beach. Alright, that may be a slight exaggeration, but sometimes it feels that way. And what have I learned? That I have a long way to go in learning about Internet marketing and if I continue to learn, I will be on the cutting edge of technology. The only reason I care about this at all is that it has already proven that it helps to sell books.
My sales have grown exponentially since the first of the year and all of this in a down market. If I used the marketing trends as they are meant to be used, I am sure the sales would increase. One way is to blog daily. The biggest obstacle to blogging that I am still working on overcoming is the realization that every blog does not need to be profound! For that reason I don’t blog daily (yet). I am working toward that goal!
Here is what I have learned and you can implement quickly:
Stay up to date with marketing trends by subscribing to a free e-mail, (or paid) subscription, of Publisher’s Weekly, or other similar literary magazine.
Listen to marketing and publishing podcasts. A good one to start with is my upcoming podcast, Information in A Nutshell on BlogTalkRadio.com. Another one is hosted by Cindy Rushton, also on BlogTalkRadio …The Writer’s Radio Show. Both of these will bring you information you can use, now! Check for times and topics at http://www.BlogTalkRadio.com/InformationInANutshell.
Take a free (or subscription) writing course. I have offered a free writing e-course on my website http://www.InformationInANutshell.com that is available online. This course will give you some good information on the writing process and how to hone your skills. I will be teaching several others this year online as well.
If you are serious about your writing you can’t learn too much, especially if you plan to launch your book with a bang. I have done both…launched books with a bang and a fizzle. Believe me, the bang is always a more satisfying feeling. The fizzle translates into books that trickle out the door. If you do your homework and at least one of the things I have encouraged you to look into above, your book launch is sure to be a success!
Learning encompasses so many facets of the writing process. Everything from the research needed to set a location in some-faraway-exotic land, to where does that darn semi-colon go in a series...and my favorite when do you use a comma before AND and when don't you! (Don't worry, if you are a grammarian you will enjoy these blog posts for the fun it will give you in finding errors.)
Yet, the learning I'm referring to here is not only to hone your punctuation skills (you can hire a good editor for this and I have 4 right off the top of my head I can refer to you), but also for learning about the publishing process. Even more important is the marketing that is needed to sell that book. I really wish I had known the importance of marketing when I first began. I know to many of you it may seem self-evident, but to most authors just wanting to complete the first manuscript the entire process can seem daunting without adding marketing into the mix.
I am a self-published author who turned down a 4-book contract. I work with authors who are published by traditional publishers and those who are self-published and even authors that I have personally published, through my company Media Angels, Inc. This experience has given me the edge and what I have learned could fill a book, and has. It's title? Information in a Nutshell: Writing and Publishing.
Maybe you are a natural and do not need formal education, but I can't say that about all authors...believe me, some of my own manuscripts have needed major overhauls before they could see the light of day! Not all of us can go back to college and pursue journalism, communication or other writing intensive degree. So, if you have a day job, what are your options?
I thought you'd never ask. There are many options that are surprisingly free on the internet if you know where to find them, and, some that are a small cost and worth every penny. One of the best ways to stay ahead of the crowd is to study internet marketing. I have done this for about two years. I've taken copious notes, listened to more podcasts, CD’s, and watched more DVD’s, than there are grains of sand on Ft. Myers, Beach. Alright, that may be a slight exaggeration, but sometimes it feels that way. And what have I learned? That I have a long way to go in learning about Internet marketing and if I continue to learn, I will be on the cutting edge of technology. The only reason I care about this at all is that it has already proven that it helps to sell books.
My sales have grown exponentially since the first of the year and all of this in a down market. If I used the marketing trends as they are meant to be used, I am sure the sales would increase. One way is to blog daily. The biggest obstacle to blogging that I am still working on overcoming is the realization that every blog does not need to be profound! For that reason I don’t blog daily (yet). I am working toward that goal!
Here is what I have learned and you can implement quickly:
Stay up to date with marketing trends by subscribing to a free e-mail, (or paid) subscription, of Publisher’s Weekly, or other similar literary magazine.
Listen to marketing and publishing podcasts. A good one to start with is my upcoming podcast, Information in A Nutshell on BlogTalkRadio.com. Another one is hosted by Cindy Rushton, also on BlogTalkRadio …The Writer’s Radio Show. Both of these will bring you information you can use, now! Check for times and topics at http://www.BlogTalkRadio.com/InformationInANutshell.
Take a free (or subscription) writing course. I have offered a free writing e-course on my website http://www.InformationInANutshell.com that is available online. This course will give you some good information on the writing process and how to hone your skills. I will be teaching several others this year online as well.
If you are serious about your writing you can’t learn too much, especially if you plan to launch your book with a bang. I have done both…launched books with a bang and a fizzle. Believe me, the bang is always a more satisfying feeling. The fizzle translates into books that trickle out the door. If you do your homework and at least one of the things I have encouraged you to look into above, your book launch is sure to be a success!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Marketing Strategy Number 1
In a Nutshell:
1. Relationships via online forums
2. Favorites: FaceBook, Twitter and LinkedIn
3. Value: connections and recommendations
4. Time: 15-30 minutes daily
5. Time saver: http://ping.fm/
Relationships. We have all heard it said, it is who you know not what you know. Well, I think it is a combination of the two. For the best results I believe it is what you know and who you know in that order. Recently I have received many invitations to speak publicly. How? You’ll see below. For an author public speaking normally translates into sales. What if you only have an idea for a book? What if you don't have a completed manuscript? What if you are just in the middle? What if you are nearing the end or your best seller? It doesn't matter! Start networking now.
No matter what your industry or aspirations relationships often make or break a deal. So, start making relationships using social networking. Everyone has their favorites; my top three are FaceBook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, in that order, although I have other accounts.
The first is to make your connections well, but this depends on what network you are using. Generally I don't connect to someone I don’t know, who does not have a bio or picture (for those who prefer icons such as Cat-in-the-hat, this doesn't pertain to you). Having said this, here are my unofficial rules:
Facebook: I usually approve connections if we have common friends, even if it is just one, or the obvious, I know you! I will connect with anyone in a similar industry or field. I will very rarely accept any “gifts” or join organizations unless I feel passionately about the topic. The same goes for events, I’m just too busy to check into each of these before I approve or say I’ll attend (virtually of course), even if I know the person.
Twitter: I will allow follows (yes, I check each request), if when I read some of the posts to the follower’s account I find it is not offensive (to me), and see they post regularly. It goes without saying that I read their bio and check out their website or blog if they have one. I will only follow those I'm truly interested in learning more about...unlike most people on Twitter, my "follow numbers" are usually larger than those I'm "following".
LinkedIn: try as the participants might...this system is really for those who know or want to know each other via this vehicle. There are groups springing up like "open networker" attempting to side-step LinkedIn’s rules. And, these work to some degree. I have a hard time in just adding numbers without forging relationships my main purpose for networking. In LinkedIn if you don't "know" the person you can only connect by specifying how you know them and in what capacity. There is a way around this, if you request and obtain an introduction via one of your connections.
By far, this website is my favorite in terms of professionalism, questions or surveys taken, and networking payoffs. The number one reason I like LinkedIn is the recommendation feature. If I am working with an aspiring authors as a consultant (or coach), and when they ask for my credentials, I can send them to LinkedIn. Here they can view my work history and my list of recommendations by fellow authors, publishers and editors.
The second mandate is to post regularly. I use a time-saver. Ping. This website allows you to set up all your social network organizations that you want to receive information at one time. You then send out (or “ping”) your remarks from one place. It automatically shortens a website address. It is the command center if you will of all of my posts.
The third and most important mandate, for my own sanity and the fact that God only deemed to give us a 24-hour day, I make it a rule (unofficial of course), to spend between 15-30 minutes on social networking per day. As you can see this doesn’t allow for many of the fun aspects of the social networking scene. This is like going to the cafeteria and eating lunch but not hanging out to talk for two hours afterward. Yes, I’m missing some of the fun associated with these ventures, and believe me when I can sneak a few minutes here and there I do post comments, but am running a business and as such I treat my network time as a to-do on my list.
All work and no play makes Jane dull…right? There has to be a balance and if you don’t “know” about me, check out my profile on Facebook. Okay, back to work. the next post will reflect the deals or leads I have made using each of the social networks listed above. Oh, and by the way, feel free to connect!
In the meantime if you are an aspiring author, take time to write, daily!
Until the next time…
http://www.linkedin.com/in/felicegerwitz
http://twitter.com/felicegerwitz
http://www.facebook.com
1. Relationships via online forums
2. Favorites: FaceBook, Twitter and LinkedIn
3. Value: connections and recommendations
4. Time: 15-30 minutes daily
5. Time saver: http://ping.fm/
Relationships. We have all heard it said, it is who you know not what you know. Well, I think it is a combination of the two. For the best results I believe it is what you know and who you know in that order. Recently I have received many invitations to speak publicly. How? You’ll see below. For an author public speaking normally translates into sales. What if you only have an idea for a book? What if you don't have a completed manuscript? What if you are just in the middle? What if you are nearing the end or your best seller? It doesn't matter! Start networking now.
No matter what your industry or aspirations relationships often make or break a deal. So, start making relationships using social networking. Everyone has their favorites; my top three are FaceBook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, in that order, although I have other accounts.
The first is to make your connections well, but this depends on what network you are using. Generally I don't connect to someone I don’t know, who does not have a bio or picture (for those who prefer icons such as Cat-in-the-hat, this doesn't pertain to you). Having said this, here are my unofficial rules:
Facebook: I usually approve connections if we have common friends, even if it is just one, or the obvious, I know you! I will connect with anyone in a similar industry or field. I will very rarely accept any “gifts” or join organizations unless I feel passionately about the topic. The same goes for events, I’m just too busy to check into each of these before I approve or say I’ll attend (virtually of course), even if I know the person.
Twitter: I will allow follows (yes, I check each request), if when I read some of the posts to the follower’s account I find it is not offensive (to me), and see they post regularly. It goes without saying that I read their bio and check out their website or blog if they have one. I will only follow those I'm truly interested in learning more about...unlike most people on Twitter, my "follow numbers" are usually larger than those I'm "following".
LinkedIn: try as the participants might...this system is really for those who know or want to know each other via this vehicle. There are groups springing up like "open networker" attempting to side-step LinkedIn’s rules. And, these work to some degree. I have a hard time in just adding numbers without forging relationships my main purpose for networking. In LinkedIn if you don't "know" the person you can only connect by specifying how you know them and in what capacity. There is a way around this, if you request and obtain an introduction via one of your connections.
By far, this website is my favorite in terms of professionalism, questions or surveys taken, and networking payoffs. The number one reason I like LinkedIn is the recommendation feature. If I am working with an aspiring authors as a consultant (or coach), and when they ask for my credentials, I can send them to LinkedIn. Here they can view my work history and my list of recommendations by fellow authors, publishers and editors.
The second mandate is to post regularly. I use a time-saver. Ping. This website allows you to set up all your social network organizations that you want to receive information at one time. You then send out (or “ping”) your remarks from one place. It automatically shortens a website address. It is the command center if you will of all of my posts.
The third and most important mandate, for my own sanity and the fact that God only deemed to give us a 24-hour day, I make it a rule (unofficial of course), to spend between 15-30 minutes on social networking per day. As you can see this doesn’t allow for many of the fun aspects of the social networking scene. This is like going to the cafeteria and eating lunch but not hanging out to talk for two hours afterward. Yes, I’m missing some of the fun associated with these ventures, and believe me when I can sneak a few minutes here and there I do post comments, but am running a business and as such I treat my network time as a to-do on my list.
All work and no play makes Jane dull…right? There has to be a balance and if you don’t “know” about me, check out my profile on Facebook. Okay, back to work. the next post will reflect the deals or leads I have made using each of the social networks listed above. Oh, and by the way, feel free to connect!
In the meantime if you are an aspiring author, take time to write, daily!
Until the next time…
http://www.linkedin.com/in/felicegerwitz
http://twitter.com/felicegerwitz
http://www.facebook.com
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