Career Change or Updated Look?

I can't decide if I've had a career change or just updated my look. I've been an author since 1994 and have the typical ups and downs of any author. Some books sell well, others not as well. Some books have made it into the library and others...well, let's just say the libraries aren't interested. Sometimes I've been asked to speak and other times asked to rotate a turn with another speaker. For an author being a conference speaker helps to sell books.

If you have the best book in the world and no one knows about it, how can it sell? So how do you get a speakers platform. For many it takes years of relentless hard work.

However, I have recently taken over the helm of a webinar platform that started with a friend of mine, Cindy Rushton. She had the wonderful idea of creating a conference from the comfort of her own home and inviting speakers from all over the US and participants from all over the world! She decided to turn her energy elsewhere and asked if I was interested in running these expos. I jumped at the chance.

Jumping is what I do best, thinking things all the way through, well that is a story for another time. I tend to be impulsive and while I had been praying about what direction I should take, this webinar platform was not something that was within my radar at the time. Yet, I have loved every minute of hosting the series of webinars and let me tell you the work can be overwhelming.

I found that speakers were excited about picking up the phone to present, using handouts or power-point slides to walk the guests through the presentations. The participants were equally excited about having handouts and listening from the comfort of their own homes. And, the best part? Cell phones did not have to be turned off, crying children were allowed and eating and drinking were permissible. Even time could be moved, if the participant could not make the scheduled live talk they had the option of "buying" the set to listen to another time.

What could be better? For both the speaker and the guests there was no expensive hotels, meals out, gas bills and travel expenses or other costly expenses. They could relax, listen to the presentations at their leisure and enjoy the live sessions they chose to attend. Overall the conference experience is one with a lasting impact for all.

I never considered I'd be a host running a series of interviews, or speaker sessions. I thought I'd go on to write book after book without ever thinking of any other option for my life. Yet, I have been pleasantly surprised at how wonderfully I've fit into this role and how hosting has brought me considerable pleasure. While I enjoy my radio show for authors it is one day a week. Webinars allow me to interact with the guests, get to know the speakers on a more personal level and allow my marketing ideas to take route, like hosting Twitter Parties (follow #UltimateWomensExpo) or Facebook parties on my new site for Ultimate Women here: http://on.fb.me/UWEFacebook

With opportunities coming from different venues, such as Tony Eldridge's marketing tips for authors there are other ways for authors to get exposure. Today, an article of mine was posted on "Finding Your Voice." This article was about finding your vision and your voice and being heard above the crowd. Not only have I found my voice but other's have heard it as well. I will be interviewed on another radio show on Wednesday May 18 at 9:30 EDT. Can't make it? Well you can listen to the archives of course!

You will not want to miss my upcoming webinar... the Ultimate Women's Expo in May for women who want to write, market, organize, find out tax and bookkeeping info or legal information pertaining to writing and business. I hope to help others to fine tune their vision. How about you?

How are you fine-tuning your vision? Or have you had a career change? Share with us!

Are Platforms Important for Authors Before Launching a Book?

Most authors will tell you that the publishing industry has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past few decades. Like many, publishers are having to work with less, considerably less actually. Smaller staffs, online competition and the current economy all play a significant part in how publishers are interacting with authors today.

For authors and writers, this means that it’s truly up to them to harness the power of marketing and public relations in order to develop a solid platform. In essence, a platform is an author’s base of potential readers that view that author as an expert in their field, niche or subject matter. From speaking engagements and networking opportunities to traditional and online media presence, constructing a platform with these components is more important now than ever.
  
Today, publishers have considerably tightened up their purse strings and rely on authors to do much of the promotional legwork. As a result, publishers spend a fair amount of time examining an author’s platform to determine the type of following they have and if they’re worth taking on as a book project. Outstanding creativity and superb writing won’t do much in terms of a publishing contract if your platform is nonexistent.

Having a well-rounded platform in place is proof that an author has positioned himself/herself as the best possible candidate in a pack of thousands. However, platforms don’t happen overnight. They require time, dedication and hard work. Whether an author is sending out press kits or participating as a guest blogger, platform promotion is a major commitment that shouldn’t be taken lightly.

Some authors may decide to hire a professional to assist them in building their platform. Working with someone who’s knowledgeable and who understands your objectives is essential. An author’s platform is what showcases their accomplishments so take some time when choosing a professional to collaborate with. Ask around and do your homework to make sure that you’ve got the right person in place to cultivate an outstanding platform and help you reach your goals.

When establishing a platform, authors need to set realistic expectations and believe in themselves. The literary field is becoming increasingly more competitive, which is precisely why building a platform is central to the success of any modern author. There’s no time like the present. Putting together a platform strategy and executing it is the first step in rising to the top.

Leili McKinley s a sought-after speaker, social media coach, internet marketing expert and branding specialist. She has been interviewed by CNN and featured on Conversational Marketing. An award winning entrepreneur, Leili has built and sold two multi-million dollar companies and is currently working on a third. The Small Business Administration, The Colbert Foundation, and The Maui Chamber of Commerce have honored her and she is a SBA Entrepreneur of the Year Award winner. An in-demand speaker, Leili travels the world to address audiences on search engine optimization, online marketing, branding, pay per click, web analytics, email marketing, web design, blog design, website usability, ecommerce, social media and more. Leili's dynamic training and coaching sessions-both in groups and one-on-one-transform people, companies, and organizations. develop a solid platform. In essence, a platform is an author’s base of potential readers that view that author as an expert in their field, niche or subject matter. From speaking engagements and networking opportunities to traditional and online media presence, constructing a platform with these components is more important now than ever.

New Author: Just Waiting for the Big Break!

It only takes one book, it only takes one "yes"...it only...

You've written a book, and it took every last ounce of determination. You are finished, you celebrate, and you look longingly at the manuscript which resides on your computer, or on a bookshelf wondering about you next step. Don't worry, we've all been there. Some of us for more years than we wish to share!

Writing a book can be a dream come true! Now it is time to let others read it (and not just your family). Get feedback from those you trust. Make a plan. And follow through.

If you are serious about getting your book published make a list and follow through:

1. Determine if you want to obtain a publisher or self publish
2. If you decide to obtain a royalty publisher, consider an agent
3. If you decide to self publish find a good, no I mean excellent editor

Self Publish duties:

• Editor
• Graphic Artist
• Interior book lay out
• Cover Art
  
• Printer
• Distribution
• Payment System
• Website/Blog
• Social Media
  

Royalty Author duties

• Agent
• Royalty Publisher
• Attorney
  
• Marketing Strategies
• Website/Blog
  
• Social Media
• Interviews
• Lectures
• Book Trailer
• Other publicity ventures
  

This of course is not an extensive list. But it does give you an idea of what is expected. Writing the book, while at the time may have seemed like very hard works, is the easy part! The process of getting the book into print can all seem overwhelming, which is why many opt to try for a royalty publisher.

Remember, even Shakespeare was an unpublished author at one time!

What is your story? If you are published what was the biggest obstacle you had to overcome? If you are an unpublished author, what is your greatest need...or fear?

Writing Good Book Reviews: by Lori Kasbeer

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/

Marketing: Typical Misconceptions

By Sarah Bolme
Author:
Your Guide to Marketing Books in the Christian Market Place

A lot of authors treat marketing like it’s a dirty word. Many feel intimidated and scared by the thought of marketing. Christian authors, in particular, don’t want to “promote” themselves, because this seems to be contrary to Biblical teachings.

The problem is that many people have a misconception about marketing.

In a nutshell, marketing is any activity that connects producers to consumers. It is not self-promotion. It is showing consumers how what you have meets a need they have.

Stop and think about this.

You are thirsty. Then drink Dr. Pepper. Not only will it quench your thirst, but it will also put a spring in your step. Dr. Pepper will not meet just one, but two of your needs: quenched thirst and energy.

You are tired. Your old mattress is no longer comfortable and you wake up with back pain. Then buy a Sealy Posturepedic® mattress. It will give you the best night’s sleep you have ever had because it conforms to your body. Your need: a good night’s sleep. A Posturepedic mattress will meet that need and keep your back pain free.

You need transportation. A Volvo is for you. Volvos are the safest car on the road. A Volvo will not only meet your need of getting you where you need to go, it will keep you safe as it does.

Now think about your book. What need does your book meet?

Your book meets some need in someone’s life. That is why you wrote it.

If you developed a curriculum for homeschoolers, then your book helps a homeschool parent teach their children. If you wrote a nonfiction book on any topic, it meets some need in someone’s life. Even fiction books meet needs. People need wholesome pleasure reading. Your book can fill that need.

Next time you have a chance to promote your book, don’t worry about self-promotion. Rather, engage in ministry. Ministry is about meeting other’s needs. Market your book by meeting someone’s need. Tell them about the answer your book has for their need.

About the Author:
Sarah Bolme is the author of Your Guide to Marketing Books in the Christian Marketplace (www.marketingchristianbooks.com). As the Director of Christian Small Publishers Association (www.christianpublishers.net) she helps small publishers market their books in the Christian marketplace. You can read her blog at http://marketingchristianbooks.wordpress.com.

Marketing Strategy 9: Black Book of Business Contacts

If you have been keeping up with my other Marketing Strategy Posts, this may very well be the most valuable of all. This is one of my top ten secrets for aspiring authors...that is for those of you who are considering authoring a book. If you already have a book in print don't worry, it is not too late to use this advice to your advantage.

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.

Writers Group

Today I have a guest blogger who has started two writing groups, successfully. My one and only experience with a writing group left me with a very negative point of view, so I am happy to hear there have been some positive experiences with these groups. Joyce Heiser was a guest on my Blog Talk Radio show. Stop by to listen!

Beginning a Writer's Group... by Joyce Heiser

Do you want to participate in a writer's group? Would you like the fellowship of other writers, but there isn't a group in your area? I urge you to find a friend, step out in faith, and start one like I did. My friend Lois and I talked for a year about starting a group. After discussing it yet again, in exasperation I said, "Let's do it." In just five weeks, we hustled to make it happen.

Here's how we did it:

1. Set a date and time

Most people are tired in the evening after a day's work, so we decided on a Saturday morning. By finishing at noon, participants had the rest of the day to do what they needed to.

2. Find a meeting place

Our main criterion was to obtain one for free, if possible. We estimated the number of participants, and then made a list of our needs. Since we wanted to serve coffee and refreshments, we wanted a kitchen/kitchenette and counter space and/or a serving table. We also needed two tables--one for the speaker and one to display her books for sale.

We called several local churches, the library, and the park district, but because of the short lead-time, they were unavailable. With no other options, we remembered the community center. For a refundable $20 fee if we cleaned up after the meeting, it was available that morning, so we booked it.

3. Book a speaker

Here again, we had budgetary constraints and wanted someone who wouldn't charge, so Lois asked an award-winning author and speaker friend. As the co-founder of a 19-year-old writing group, Beth was qualified to speak on "How to Grow a Healthy Writers' Group." She gladly came for gas money. [Felice's note: use your resources you would be surprise at how many locals are authors. Ask around!]

4. Chose a theme

We decided our theme would be general help for authors. All our advertising focused on the theme of a Christian writers group that would gather for education, encouragement and fellowship.

5. Advertise

We spent most of our time on advertising. We utilized the local newspapers, Christian radio, bulletin boards, fliers, the internet, and word of mouth.

Being in a rural farming area, we knew we might draw from a 50 to 75 mile radius. We did an internet search for community newspapers within that area and sent a press release to each. In addition to the meeting date, time and place, it included two contact people giving both phone numbers and e-mail addresses. We were contacted both ways.

We sent an announcement to our local Christian radio station. The meeting was not only announced during the morning community calendar program, but sporadically during the day for two weeks before the meeting. It was also listed on their Upcoming Events Calendar on the website.

I posted the info to two internet writing groups. Those brought an unexpected response from a lady in Ohio. Her former pastor's wife is a writer. They now serve a church in our area, so the lady sent her name and phone number, asking that I contact her. We made fliers. Stacks were left at libraries. We posted them on bulletin boards in restaurants, grocery stores, laundromats, at business establishments and anywhere we saw one. Both of us knew local writers, so we called to share the news of the start-up meeting.

5. Pray!

Planning and starting a group requires much prayer. We prayed about each decision and saw the Lord open and close doors. We asked that He bring those He wanted in the group to us. We petitioned Him for guidance for our first fledgling steps, and that as we started the group, He would knit our hearts together.

In the nine months since that initial meeting, He has answered Lois' and my prayers for Lighthouse Christian Writers. We had 10 members that became a close knit group that supported and encouraged each other in our writing endeavors and personal lives. Strong friendships have formed. We send prayer requests through the group and have seen God answer in miraculous ways.

If God can do this in the rural farming communities of northeast Wisconsin, He can do it in your area…no matter how large or small.

Decide now to step out in faith and do it!


Thanks Joyce! I hope this encourages you to begin a writer's group in your area, or join one. Post you success stories here!