Writing and Publishing News from

June 19, 2014

7 Secrets to Getting Your Book Reviewed

Filed under: Book Promotion — Patricia @ 4:58 am

 

If you’re an author, you’ve heard the term Book Review. Some of you consider a book review to be an honor bestowed ony on the most famous and the very lucky authors.

Some of you are aware of the pre-publication book reviews, but have been duly warned that these reviewers will NOT review books by unknown authors. Is this your belief?

Okay, let me say that you are right and wrong. I’ve certainly known of the coveted pre-publication reviewers, such as the editors of Kirkus Review and Library Journal, to review books by unknowns (without a fee). In most cases, it seemed to be because the books were well suited to the public library system. Think about that when you plan your next book!

As for the rumor that, if you miss out on getting your book reviewed by a pre-publication reviewer, you’ve lost your chances of a review forever—hogwash!

Here’s another myth I’d like to expose: You can get your book reviewed, but you’ll have to pay for it. No, no, no! Well, let me say that there certainly are review sites cropping up that require payment for reviews. But I have to tell you, they are not the only reviewers in town!

There are hundreds of FREE book review opportunities for books in all genres and topics. Here are my suggestions:

1: Write a book that reviewers will want to review. Now this sounds like a big fat no-brainer, doesn’t it? But think about it. What more could you do to make your book in progress more appealing to reviewers—more appropriate for a larger number of reviewers?

I advise authors to build promotion into their books—in other words, to add wider dimensions to attract a larger audience. This practice will also attract a greater array of reviewers.

2: Seek out magazine book reviewers. Not every magazine runs book reviews, but many of them, too. Editors of some literary magazines and others that publish fiction, review books. Some genre fiction magazine editors publish book reviews—this might include science fiction, romance, horror, young adult and children’s.

Likewise there are hundreds of consumer and association/trade magazines that run book reviews on appropriate books. My book on presenting a Hawaiian luau on the mainland was reviewed in dozens and dozens of cooking and foods magazines. My writing/publishing-related books have been reviewed in numerous writing and publishing magazines and newsletters. There are magazines in every category imaginable—business, child-rearing, pets and animals, public speaking, fitness and health, education, sports, hobby and craft and on and on and on.

Again, the more aspects you have skillfully worked into your novel or nonfiction book, the more potential you have for having your book reviewed.

Here’s an example: Write a book about a run-of-the-mill factory worker and his life after divorce and your book will likely appeal to a relatively narrow audience of reviewers. Add the fact that he (or another character) is dealing with an affliction such as deafness or ALS, for example, and they have a therapy dog that saved someone’s life, and you’ve expanded your options. Now you may get a review in fiction and relationship magazines as well as those related to handicaps, ALS/deafness, therapy dogs and animal heroes.

3: Make the most of what you have. Okay, your book is a done deal. How can you maximize your book review options? Get personal with your book. Dissect it and jot down what you find. For example, what city is the story set in? Pursue reviews in regional magazines in that area. Do you have a section in your budgeting book for teaching children money-awareness? Parenting magazines might be a good secondary review option for this book. Is your book clean and honorable? Consider reviews in religious magazines. Maybe your novel has a séance scene. This may provide an opportunity for a review in a metaphysical or New Age publication.

Secrets number 4-7 will be revealed in the next blog post.

I’m Patricia Fry, the author of 45 published books including many for authors. The most recent 3 books are Publish Your Book, Promote Your Book and Talk Up Your Book. All 3 are available here: http://www.matilijapress.com. And at Amazon.com in print, audio, and for Kindle.

Also enjoy my Klepto Cat Mystery series on your Kindle. http://amzn.to/1kAI8I2 Catnapped, Cat-Eye Witness and Sleight of Paw are now also in print.

June 18, 2014

Ramblings

Filed under: Authorship — Patricia @ 5:15 am

I finished a book I was working on for a publisher this week. It took me a little over two months to write a 17-chapter, 200 manuscript-page book on how to write a book proposal. I’ll reveal more about it once the book is published, but it is a bit of a different twist on a common topic and includes guidelines for writing proposals for fiction and children’s books, as well as memoirs, inspirational books and more. I’ve also included sample book proposals that sold, which always pleases authors who are struggling with the concept of writing one.

Now I’m writing an article for Cat Fancy Magazine on godparents for cats. Interesting concept when you consider that over 500,000 pets are taken to shelters or worse once their caretaker can no longer care for them because of (the caretakers) illness or death. More and more cat owners are arranging for their cats’ care in advance of something happening to them.

I also have an editing job on my desk. Looks like it will be an interesting project. Most of those I accept are.

I’ve been racking up quite a few reviews for the Klepto Cat Mystery series. Just this morning I noticed three new ones—two were 5-star reviews and one reader slapped a puny 1-star ranking on a book in the series. Readers sure come in all sizes, shapes, and attitudes.

I’m itching to get back to writing fiction. I’m halfway through writing the 6th in the series, but I’ve been sidelined with other projects for a few months.

But first, I plan to do some website revamping. It seems as though my websites are a little out of touch with what I’m currently doing—the direction my work is taking me. Another reminder that nothing stays the same—life is change.

 

 

 

 

June 17, 2014

Don’t Keep Your Book a Secret

Filed under: Authorship,Book Promotion — Patricia @ 5:08 am

Have you ever noticed that some authors approach book publishing as if expecting the industry to conform to their needs rather than the other way around? They walk into publishing with their own ideas and demands. And this is okay when considering all of the options available to authors these days. Authors can pretty much get what they want, how they want it, and when they want it.

However, some uninformed authors expect too much. They enter into the hallowed halls of publishing insisting on everything that’s normally available to them PLUS a whole lot more. They want to be published without taking any responsibility for the book once it’s produced. What are they thinking? It’s like a parent planning for and preparing for the arrival of a child and then putting it in the crib and walking away.

We all know what happens if you don’t nourish and nurture a baby, kitten, puppy, or guppy. The very same thing will happen if you don’t nurture your book.

You can’t count on sales if you keep your book a secret—hide it away at an obscure website and never tell anyone about it. Books need exposure in order to thrive in the marketplace. Sure, you can hire a publicist or book marketing specialist. Many authors do. However, they need the author’s full attention if they’re going to be effective. Most authors who hire these companies and individuals do so once they’ve exhausted their cache of marketing ideas. But some of them find the idea of book marketing so distasteful that they bring in a specialist from day one.

What they don’t expect is that the publicist will set up appearances, speaking engagements, interviews and so forth that require the author’s presence.

If you’re writing a book, please take the time to learn something about the publishing industry. Even if you’ve been involved with publishing before, you need to have an understanding of the industry as it is today. Things have changed. You can’t produce a book and expect it to thrive without lifting a hand to make it happen.

No matter where you are in the publishing process, stop now and read Publish Your Book, Proven Strategies and Resources for the Enterprising Author. Prepare yourself for the birth and care of your book. A healthy and successful book in this publishing climate depends on you, the author. Order your copy here:

http://www.matilijapress.com/PublishYourBook.html

or in print, audio or for Kindle at Amazon.com

 

 

June 14, 2014

How Long Does it Take to Write a Book?

Filed under: Authorship — Patricia @ 3:54 am

I get that question sometimes and am always at a loss for a succinct answer. I’ve written a lot of books of all types in all sizes and they all take different lengths of time to complete. It also depends on what else is going on in my life during the time I’m working on a book.

It took me five years to write the Ojai history book back in the early 80s. That includes the research period, writing, self-editing…And I wrote that book on a typewriter. When I decided to revise and reprint it, we had to type the original into the computer.

I just finished all but the fine-tuning of a 90,000-word book for a publisher this week. This book took me two months to write.

People ask me how I’ve had time to write 45 books over the past 40 years. What they don’t seem to realize is that writing is all I do. I don’t come home from work and write for a few hours or write when I feel the inspiration. My work is my writing and my writing is my work and has been for all of these years.

But there was a time when I had a real job outside the home. I wrote a book in 8 months while working full-time. How? I got up every morning at 4 and wrote for two hours before work. I also wrote on weekends.

How long does it take you to complete a writing assignment? Are you working on a book? How much time do you spend every day or week? How’s it going for you?

What I find amusing and a little sad is that most authors spend months or years writing their books. When they finish, they are so eager to see it in print that they rush blindly into publishing without shifting gears. Now they’re in a big hurry to get the book published and most of them make some costly mistakes.

If you’re writing a book—fiction or nonfiction—I suggest that you write a book proposal early on. You may or may not end up sending it to a publisher. It doesn’t matter. What does matter is that you—the author—develop a business plan. As the CEO of your book, it is your responsibility to prepare yourself to make a smooth transition from the creativity of writing your book to the business of publishing it.

Publishing is not an extension of your writing. It takes a very different mindset and skills. The best way to prepare for the transition from writer to successful published author is to:

  • Study the publishing industry—read books such as Publish Your Book, Proven Strategies and Resources for the Enterprising Author by Patricia Fry (Allworth Press)
  • Write a book proposal. This book gives you detailed instructions for doing so.

And take it easy. Don’t rush into something you know little about. The first item that appears during an Internet search for publishers is not necessarily the best option for you and for your project. You’ll likely experience greater success if you follow this timeline:

  • Go ahead and write your book.
  • At the same time, study the publishing industry.
  • Write a book proposal in order to learn if your book is truly a good idea, how it will fit into the market place, what you have and what you need in order to represent your book in the market place, and how you will promote it.
  • Once the book is completed, hire a good book editor.
  • Begin your pursuit for a publisher or a publishing option. Take it slow. Do your homework, and you’ll surely make better decisions.

June 11, 2014

Why Most Authors Fail

Filed under: Authorship — Patricia @ 1:52 am

When did you first realize that you would have to be the marketing agent for your book? At what point in your book project did you become aware of your responsibility in promoting it? For some authors, it’s not until after publication. You finally hold your much awaited book in your hands and quickly prepare for an onslaught of sales.

Some of you set up your own merchant accounts. Others need only assign a bank account number to accept royalty checks. But where’s the money? You wonder, when will the wealth catch up with you? It’s not until you notice that your books aren’t selling that some of you realize something’s not right.

That’s when you join a writers’ group, search the Internet for even a smidge of professional wisdom, or associate yourself with publishing organizations in hopes of learning where you went wrong.

I’ve been writing and publishing books for nearly forty years—my first one having been accepted by a New York publisher in 1978. I established my own publishing company in 1983 and I currently have 45 books to my credit. I’ve learned a few things along the publishing path. One of them is that no one will buy a book they don’t know exists and it is up to the author to get the word out about their books.

When should an author begin the marketing process? Way before his book is a book. In order to succeed in a fiercely competitive publishing industry, you must understand your responsibilities as a published author early in the process of producing a book. That’s why I (and many of my colleagues) have attempted to reach authors even before they start writing their books in order to educate them as to what’s ahead.

Most authors, however, don’t read articles in writing and publishing-related magazines and ezines before they publish. They avoid getting involved in writing groups. They may not ever attend a writers’ conference, workshop, or lecture on publishing and book marketing. Many of them focus solely on writing their books and keep distractions such as these at bay.

Sadly, this author finds a way to publish his book and there he sits, an author without an audience—no readers in sight—and he wonders why.

If you’re reading this before you’ve published your book, good for you. You have the opportunity to prepare for the challenges ahead. You can start now studying what the publishing industry is all about, your publishing options and your responsibilities as a published author.

The fact is that it is up to the author to promote his or her book. And this responsibility begins with the book idea. Are you writing a book that is needed/wanted by a segment of readers? Is there an audience for your book? Are you writing in a popular genre that is selling? Are you bringing something new to the table with your nonfiction book? Can you actually write well enough to engage readers once they purchase your book? Before you can adequately promote a book, it must be a viable product.

Start today thinking of your book as a product. Identify your audience and keep that audience in mind throughout the writing of the book. Don’t write for you—to please yourself with some fancy prose. Write for a specific readership.

And this is just a start. To be continued in the next post.

http://www.matilijapress.com

http://www.patriciafry.com

 

June 7, 2014

About the Children’s Book Author

Filed under: Book Proposals — Patricia @ 4:46 am

What does a publisher want to know about the author of a book he’s considering? When you submit your manuscript or proposal to a publisher, he often judges the book by the qualifications of the author. He wants to know that you are somehow qualified to write this book.

For a children’s book, for example, he is interested in your background in writing and working with children. What is your experience in this topic and/or in publishing? Some credibility in the area of childhood development could prove most helpful in swaying a publisher. So be sure to tell him if you are a grammar school teacher, Sunday school teacher, preschool teacher, child psychologist, graduate with a degree in childhood education or if you’ve written and published other popular children’s books or stories.

Maybe you are a scientist interested in the ocean and you’re pitching a picture book featuring whales from around the world. Perhaps you’re a great cook. You volunteer as a teacher of handicapped children who want to learn their way around the kitchen in order to become more independent. Your book on cooking for the younger set would be a good match for your skills and experience. Now the trick is to choose a desirable angle for your book that hasn’t been overdone.

If you lack experience and credentials, but you have a great idea and your proposal shows that you are extremely organized in your approach to the subject matter, you might still get that coveted contract.

Are you getting the picture? Can you see how important it is, in a publisher’s eyes, for the author to have appropriate qualifications?

When you pitch your children’s book, be sure to describe your educational background, achievements, accomplishments and pertinent experience. Try to look at your project from the publisher’s point of view. What can you tell him about yourself that would make a business-savvy publisher want to publish your children’s book? Even though writing for children might seem like child’s play, it’s actually serious business for the publisher.

Visit Patricia Fry’s websites: www.patriciafry.com and www.matilijapress.com.

 

June 5, 2014

Launching a New Book

Filed under: Book Promotion — Patricia @ 5:15 am

It’s a busy time in the offices of Matilija Press and Patricia Fry. This week, we produced a new book and a new version of an older book. I’m also writing a book on contract for a publisher on how to write a book proposal. I got my bi-monthly newsletter out this week. You can view it along with all the other newsletters in the archives here. http://www.matilijapress.com/publishingblog/?page_id=3081

The new book is The Colony Cat Caper, number 5 in the Klepto Cat Mystery series. It’s formatted for your Kindle here: http://amzn.to/1kAI8I2 If you haven’t read any of the other books in the series, check them out on this same Amazon page. This is the order, but each book can stand alone.

Catnapped,

Cat-Eye Witness

Sleight of Paw

Undercover Cat

The Colony Cat Caper

The cover artist for these books is Bernadette Kazmarski. Each time she creates a cover for me I like it even better than the last. The Colony Cat Caper cover is the most charming, yet. Love those cats!!!

The other bit of company news is that Sleight of Paw is now in print (or will be probably within hours). All of the Klepto Cat books are formatted for Kindle. The first 3 are also now in print form for those of you who still like to hold a real book.

Now that the latest book is a reality, how am I spending my time? Marketing, of course. Contacting my email list, reviewers of cozy mysteries and those who like cats; planning another blog book tour (my first one was a smashing success); getting a mention in colleagues’ and association newsletters; setting up a local signing; designing new promo material to include the new book; and so forth.

When you’re in the process of writing a book, you are rather singly focused. You have to consider your story as you write—make sure it flows, makes sense, isn’t repetitive, is believable, etc. You have to stop and conduct research at least occasionally—what is a small handgun called, what flowers in the northwest in the fall, what kind of trees lose their leaves in the south, for example. But when in the writing phase, you are generally alone and all is quiet.

When you shift into the marketing phase, things get kind of wild. You are communicating with a lot of people and there are a lot of details to keep track of—who to send review copies to, which blogger offered you a guest blog spot, who were you supposed to contact about an interview, who reviewed your other books, etc. The research involved in promoting a book can drive you crazy and it’s hard to keep track of who you contacted and who you didn’t. You have forgotten which reviewers hated your last book. You have to visit a lot of sites to find those that relate to your project.

And that’s just day one and two of your efforts to get word out about your new book.

I promote a lot of books in one way or another. I’ve launched over 40 books and spent the first weeks of each launch scrambling to locate as many promotional opportunities as I could. As you may or may not know, book promotion is an ongoing activity. When people ask me how long you have to promote your book, I always say, “For as long as you want it to sell.”

So what I’m doing this week is just the preliminary blast to introduce the new book. Sure I’ve kept a record of those I promoted to when each of the others in the Klepto Cat Mystery series came out, and I have contacted them. But there are always new kids on the block and sites I didn’t notice when I last pursued the marketing activities.

I’d love to hear some of your experiences when launching a book. There are so many methods. I’m sure you’ve thought of something or stumbled upon an idea  that I, and my readers, would love to know about. Leave a comment or contact me here: PLFry620@yahoo.com

 

 

June 4, 2014

Publishing/Marketing News and Views — June 2014

Filed under: Newsletter — Patricia @ 4:16 am

Publishing/Marketing News and Views

Bringing you the information and resources you need to succeed.

June 2014, Volume 1, Issue 6

 

Editor: Patricia Fry

plfry620@yahoo.com

 

This month, we’ll continue with the public speaking theme and discuss how you can locate opportunities to speak at targeted conferences and trade shows. Now you may not have one iota of interest in public speaking or meeting face-to-face with your potential readers. But if you are a published author or plan to become one, you need to go out and meet your readers. They want a relationship with you. They are more apt to buy your book in person. Speaking in public should be on your list of skills to adopt or hone. I’ll offer some tips and techniques. I’ll also help you find audiences for your speaking gigs—people who would be interested in reading your book.

Included in this issue:

  • Announcement!! Two more new additions to the Klepto Cat Mystery series
  • How to Become a Presenter at Prestigious Conferences
  • Public Speaking Tips for Authors
  • Special Report—Basic Podium Protocol
  • Resources for Authors—Links to Conference and Trade Show Directories
  • Recommended Books—Promote Your Book and Talk Up Your Book
  • Publishing/Marketing News and Views Archives
  • Patricia Fry’s Bio Roundup
  • Previews of Coming Attractions

A Klepto Cat Mystery Update

Sleight of Paw, the third in the Klepto Cat Mystery series is now available at Amazon.com in print. Order your copy today. If you haven’t read the first two print books in the series, order all three! Catnapped is first, then Cat-Eye Witness. See the amazing covers by Bernadette Kazmarski and read the story descriptions at the Klepto Cat Mystery page at Amazon.com. http://amzn.to/1kAI8I2

NEW! The Colony Cat Caper. Now there are 5 Klepto Cat Mysteries on Kindle for your cozy mystery reading pleasure. Catnapped, Cat-Eye Witness, Sleight of Paw, Undercover Cat and BRAND NEW: The Colony Cat Caper.

 

How to Become a Presenter at Prestigious Conferences

As you may know, there are conferences held in many locations world-wide on numerous topics including travel, arts and crafts, writing, publishing, computer technology, agriculture, ecology, animals, photography, health, real estate, finance, business management, education, sports, spirituality, paranormal and more.

A conference might be a one-day event or run for ten days. Most are two and three-day events, usually over a weekend. Conferences generally consist of anywhere from five to thirty-five (or more) workshops running throughout the duration of the event. Often, they’ll have two or three (sometimes more) sessions running simultaneously. At some point during the conference, everyone will come together to hear the keynote speaker—generally in conjunction with a formal dinner. Sometimes the keynote address is given early on the first day of the conference as an opening to the event.

If you have written a nonfiction how-to, informational or reference book, you may be considered an expert—or at least very knowledgeable—on that topic, and you may be able to get a speaking gig at an appropriate conference. If you hope to do more than one or two conferences per year, you will probably be required to do some traveling.

So what can a conference presenter expect as far as expenses and fees? There are nearly as many scenarios as there are conferences across the United States. Some conference organizers are authorized to pay all expenses for their presenters. Some pay for your hotel stay, all meals associated with the conference and free admittance to the conference. Others may give you the conference admission and meals only and pay you a small stipend.

Why should you pursue the opportunity to speak at conferences on topics related to your book? Because this is where you’ll find your audience. If you have a book featuring tips and resources for artists and crafters who want to sell their work, many of your readers might gather at a conference on the business of arts and crafts. Maybe your book is a primer for families who want to go green or a step-by-step guide to installing solar power. You might find your audience at conferences related to green living.

Being a writer, you are probably already familiar with writers’ conferences. Perhaps you’ve attended a few of them. If you are promoting a novel, you may be inclined to seek speaking opportunities within these familiar territories.

You may recall listening to novelists speak at writers conferences on character development, how to promote a novel, writing a dynamite opening, tips for a more descriptive way of writing, how to show and not tell, how to use dialog and so forth. You’ve probably heard novelists talk about their writing journeys. I sat in on a session with a former police officer once who talked about how to accurately describe the appropriate guns and ammo one could use in their stories. I enjoyed a presentation at a conference not too long ago where a novelist shared her research techniques. So, yes, you could, conceivably, get a speaking or workshop slot to talk about fiction-writing at a writers’ conference or even a writers retreat. This may be satisfying and enjoyable, but is this sort of exposure lucrative for a novelist?

Margaret Brownley speaks successfully at conferences and she has developed a fairly versatile repertoire. She says, “I gear my talks toward the audience. Writers like ‘how to’ information and readers enjoy an entertaining look at the life of a writer. Since I write westerns, I also give talks on women of the old west. I’ve spoken at the Romance Writers of America and American Christian Fiction Writers national conferences. Even though the audiences are mostly writers, my novels sell out at conference bookstores.”

So how do you land a speaking gig at the conferences of your choice?

  • Research conferences in your field and in your region and select a few. (See links to conference directories below.)
  • Do a Google search to locate conferences in specific areas. Use keywords, “health conference Nashville,” “pet events New York,” for example.
  • If at all possible, attend a couple of conferences to find out what sort of programs they present. You can do this while you are compiling or writing your book and receive the added benefit of additional knowledge and perspective in your field or genre. (A small conference might cost around $50 to $100 for the weekend. A more prestigious, longer-running one might come with a fee of $800 or more, depending on what they offer. If you’re not ready to be a presenter, but you want to attend in order to learn, consider asking for a volunteer position.)
  • Study the list of programs and workshops at conference websites. What topics are covered? What could you bring to the table for this audience that relates to your book?
  • Create a handful of unique, yet potentially popular programs you could present to your particular audience. Certainly, you could recycle some of your former presentations.
  • Contact the organizers per the requirements at their websites. If there are no submission guidelines at the website, simply introduce yourself and your potential programs through an email to the appropriate person, include a brief bio and ask them to contact you for additional information and/or an invitation to speak.

When I locate an event of interest, I study the information presented at the website and, if it seems appropriate, I submit a proposal or I send an email of introduction, based on their submission guidelines. If there are no guidelines posted, I will email or call the director and ask how to apply to be a speaker or a workshop leader. I have a résumé prepared listing my qualifications as an industry professional, an author of books in this field as well as a speaker, and I’m always ready to make workshop or speech topic suggestions.

Sandra Beckwith often speaks at conferences. She says, “My book, Publicity for Nonprofits, was published in 2006. During the first eighteen months after the book came out, I spoke at several national and regional conferences. This was no coincidence; I submitted many proposals to appropriate organizations well in advance of the book’s release and did a few teleseminars, as well. I was paid for all of them with the exception of one teleseminar, which led to a follow-up in-person paid speaking gig for the organization. I earned almost as much in speaking fees for that book as I did for the advance.”

QiGong expert, Victoria Cobb says, “Last summer I was invited to teach at a retreat in Michigan. It is a wonderful long-running, spiritual retreat. For over forty years, these like-minded people have gathered. There are many classes and about 300 people who attend. I was their energy teacher and one of many massage therapists.

“I sold books and DVDs in the bookstore and made bottles of flower remedies, gave massages and taught what I have learned as a student, teacher and healer. This was a remarkable and memorable event! Last year at the event I sold twenty-five DVDs, fifty-three books and all thirty remedies. I have been invited back for this July… a rare thing since no one has ever been invited twice in a row.”

It’s true, conference directors like to invite new people with fresh ideas and unique presentations. If you want a repeat invitation, look around while you’re at the conference and come up with something appropriate, but unique to suggest for the following year.

While some conference organizers are still selecting speakers a month prior to the event, many of them have their programs set practically a year in advance. I’ve discovered that, if you want a speaking gig at a particular conference, you’d better be proactive. Early in 2011, I contacted the director of a writers’ conference I wanted to participate in. She told me, “Contact us in October.” When I did, I was told that all of the speaking slots were filled and the event isn’t until spring. In this case, I should have checked in earlier than I was told to.

Here’s what I recommend: Research conferences that occurred one to four months ago. Contact the organizers of those events. If they suggest you reconnect in six or seven months, make a note on your calendar to contact them in three. They may put you off for another three months, but that’s okay—they know you are interested. Besides, there is always a chance that they are beginning to interview possible speakers for their program next year.

Nancy Barnes presents workshops and speaks on how to write your life story or memoir.

She says, “It’s easy to research conferences now that their information is all online. When I started out I wanted to establish myself as a speaker, so I ‘paid my dues’ by renting an exhibit booth at an expo. While I was there, I closely examined the expo program and dropped in to watch many other speakers. Then I put together a better presentation—a better PowerPoint, a livelier description, and a great title—one that ensured the expo organizers allowed me to speak at the next conference. (Since they’d met me already as a paying exhibitor, they were inclined to give me a chance.) Once I had my foot in the door at that expo, it gave me credibility when I applied to speak at other events. Now I keep a spreadsheet of ten conferences, and about ten book festivals, with dates a year and a half out, and I monitor their application deadlines using Google alerts to be sure I’m applying for each one.”

Some books are conducive to sell at tradeshows. There are differences between conferences and tradeshows, however. Conferences are generally learning opportunities. People attend conferences in order to gain more knowledge, information and resources on a particular topic. Typically, during the day, attendees sit in on presentations and workshops by professionals, experts and others with experience in various aspects of the topic or field. There are often casual mixers and/or elegant dinners in the evening, sometimes accompanied by an awards program or an entertaining keynote address. There is generally a bookstore set up where attendees can purchase books by the speakers and workshop leaders. As an alternative, speakers will be provided a signing table separate from the bookstore for an hour or so after their presentations.

(Excerpted from Talk Up Your Book, Allworth Press, 2012)

 

Public Speaking Tips for Authors

Speak out. Practice speaking up and speaking out. Whether addressing a large audience or a small group, always speak so that you can be heard even in the back of the room. Keep those folks in mind throughout your speech. Speakers often heed the advice of their audience and speak up at first. But if not prodded, they soon fall back into their old routine of quiet talking, mumbling or dropping their voices at the end of their sentences. You’ll hear the speaker ask in a strong voice, “Can you hear me?” When everyone assures him that they can, he then ratchets his voice back down to his conversational tone.

In order to make it easier on yourself as a speaker, if there are empty seats, invite those sitting in the back to fill some of the seats toward the front of the room. But most will not budge. They choose their seats according to their level of comfort. Some sit close to the door in case they don’t want to stay. At conferences, some people bounce from one session to another in order to pick up a few ideas and the free handouts from each. Some people don’t want to sit close to others, don’t like people sitting behind them or just want to spread out without infringing on others or vice versa. So, while you can try to rearrange audience members, just know that some will not comply.

Make eye contact. Move your attention around the room as you speak, making eye contact with each person throughout your presentation.

I like to make frequent eye contact with those in the audience who are responding to what I’m saying. Some will smile. Others will nod in agreement and, perhaps, frantically jot down some notes. These people energize me and keep my enthusiasm level up throughout my presentation. I avoid focusing on those with blank stares, those who are chatting with their neighbors while I’m speaking, those who are nodding off or those who are sitting back appearing a bit smug—as if what I’m talking about is of no importance to them. When you make eye contact with audience members, you are getting some feedback. Some of it is positive and some might be rather disturbing, even confidence-shattering.

Sure you want to know that you are reaching at least the majority of your audience with your message. If you see the blank stares and it appears to you that people are not interested or are not getting it, start asking questions. You’ll learn a lot about how you’re coming across if you allow your audience to respond to some pointed questions.

In the meantime, don’t shortchange the entire audience by reacting to the negative vibes you might pick up from a few people. Always focus on the positive. You will often discover that what you perceived as disinterest in an audience member or indifference—even arrogance—may have been erroneous. I’ve had these people come up to me after the program or speak up during the question and answer session expressing keen interest in the material I was presenting. Some of them even bought my book or hired me to edit their manuscripts.

I remember a gentleman in one of my sessions a few years ago who seemed indifferent to the material I presented. He sat in the back row with two other men. They talked among themselves several times. He didn’t take notes. His eyes kind of wandered around the room. But he didn’t leave. After the program, he came up to me and introduced himself as the president of the organization. He said, “You’re amazing. You gave us more value in one presentation than our speakers did throughout the entire conference last year.”

Don’t apologize. Avoid sabotaging your presentation by making excuses for not being well-prepared or for poor speaking skills. Stand tall, appear self-assured and you will gain the confidence of the audience.

I’ve heard speakers stand before an audience and actually say, “My voice tends to drop off at the end of my sentences, so forgive me if you can’t hear everything I say.” “Sorry I’ve been busy and haven’t had much time to prepare. Just bear with me, will ya?” Or “I’ve been flying all night and don’t have much energy today. I hope you don’t expect much of me.” No, no, no. Never indicate to the audience that you do not plan to give them your very best performance.

Sure, if you have a cute story as to why you rushed into the meeting hall at the last minute, tell it. Or if there is an important message or lesson in something you feel you should apologize for, perhaps you should share it. What I’m trying to prevent you from doing is to give audience members the impression that you are not going to give them your all—that there is something more important to you than this presentation. You certainly don’t want to negate any credibility you have with this audience.

What if, after you’re introduced, you say to the audience, “Well, I don’t really know that much about the topic of my book. I’m just one of many who have written about it, but I’m not the authority. I will tell you what I know, but you should take it with a grain of salt. Joe Schmo knows a heck of a lot more about it and I always recommend his books.” Sure it seems ridiculous that someone would sabotage themselves like this, but you would be surprised at how little some author-speakers know about promoting themselves and their books, human psychology and even communication.

Use vocal variety. Make your talks more enjoyable by using an assortment of vocal tones and pitches rather than speaking in monotone. If you need help developing vocal variety, practice reading to a child. Use your highest and lowest voice and everything in between. I’ve mentioned joining a storytelling group a few times already. Please consider this if you need help with vocal variety and if you are going to read publicly to children or tell stories related to your novel.

Eliminate non-words. Inexperienced speakers generally use so many filler words that Toastmasters actually have an “ah counter” at every meeting. This person counts the number of filler words each member uses throughout the course of the meeting. Filler words include uh, ah, um, er and so forth. You can start eliminating filler words by paying close attention to your speech during your daily communication. Listen to yourself (and others) during conversations.
Practice speaking without inserting those fillers between thoughts and sentences. This is a habit you can definitely break.

As they do in each Toastmasters meeting, ask a friend to tally the number of filler words you use while rehearsing a speech or during a casual conversation. The numbers may shock you. Once you are aware of your filler word habit, you will be more motivated to make some changes.

Eliminate poor speaking habits.  Rid your vocabulary of stagnant verbiage. Break yourself of those mundane phrases you like to repeat, such as, “yada, yada, yada” or “know what I mean?”

Be prepared. You will be more at ease if you know what to expect. Find out if there will be a lectern or microphone, for example. How many people do they expect? How will the room be set up? Also, have your props or notes organized so there will be no annoying fumbling during your presentation. Know your material well enough so that you are prepared for any interruption, agenda change, etc. that could, and often will, occur.

I know two speakers who have had the power go off during their presentations due to storms. One was in the midst of a PowerPoint program. With the use of candles, flashlights and battery-operated lanterns, both of these shows went on, only without the digital props.

You may never experience this sort of interruption while speaking, but you should prepare so well that you could carryon expertly should anything like this happen.

Write your own introduction. You know what you want your audience to know about you before you speak and what information you will share during your presentation. So doesn’t it make sense that you would write your own introduction? If you don’t, the person in charge of introducing you might get it wrong. I’ve had MCs introduce me based on the back cover info of a book I produced three years earlier. This might not include the fact that I am now the author of thirty-six books or that I am now the executive director of SPAWN rather than the president, etc. If you want the intro to be correct and to include only certain information, take charge. Find out who will be introducing you and email them your introduction. Also carry a copy of it with you to the event in case it was misplaced.

Know your audience. Gear your speech to the needs and interests of this particular audience. When I talk about the local history, I give a completely different talk to students at local elementary schools or a visiting tour group than I do when addressing civic organization or historical society members. When I speak to a group of writers who may or may not decide to publish anything they write, I put a very different slant on my talk than I do when my audience is comprised of published authors.

A standard rule in preparation is to learn as much as you can about your audience from the program coordinator. This is an excellent place to start. However, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve discovered while in the process of speaking to a group that they do not actually resemble the demographic given to me. That’s why I also pay close attention to the promo going out to the public or organization members. This will give me a clue as to who would be attracted to this program—to this slate of speakers, etc. Once I stand before my audience, I almost always ask a few questions before I get too deep into my planned presentation. Let’s say that I have prepared a speech on writing a book proposal. I’ll ask for a show of hands representing those who are in the process of writing a book, those who have a book they are pitching to publishers and those who have a published book. If the majority of audience members already have a published book, then I might spend some time talking about the post-publication book proposal—something I have devised to help authors with faltering books determine their true target audience.

Perhaps your book covers do-it-yourself home remodeling and you’ve planned a presentation for homeowners who want to remodel their kitchens. Only, after quizzing the audience, you discover that most of them are renters, so your original talk wouldn’t actually apply to this audience. What to do? This is when your professionalism, or lack of, will become apparent. Can you shift gears and share ideas for making a kitchen more user-friendly? This would not involve tearing down walls, building new cabinets, putting in flooring and such. Instead, it might cover storage ideas, how to create a new look in your kitchen without spending a lot of money, tips for choosing the right countertop kitchen appliances, how to give your old kitchen a fresh and modern look simply by using paint and wall covering creatively.

Dress to standout, but not to distract from your presentation. If you’re a man, you’ll most likely wear a suit and tie or slacks/jeans and an open-neck shirt. Unless you have a statement to make related to the theme of your book, I would avoid faded jeans and a tee shirt. For women it might be a suit, dress, skirt and top or slacks and a sweater. Just keep it neat (fitted, crisp and pressed). Be tasteful (no low cut tops, too short skirt or too tight skirts/slacks).  I’ve seen authors dress in costume related to the theme of their books—a WWII bomber jacket, 1950s vintage outfit, Victorian dress and bonnet, overalls, an apron and so forth.

Anyone can get up in front of an audience and speak. How well you do it is what counts. Consider each and every one of the points above when you next take the stage.

 

Basic Podium Protocol

Perhaps you’ve noticed that there is a correct and incorrect podium protocol. This is something, I’m sad to say, that escapes many program coordinators and masters of ceremonies. You may want to teach this etiquette to the MCs you meet during your speaking tours. For example, the number one rule is: Never leave the podium area (or stage) empty. Here’s how it goes:

1: The master of ceremonies introduces the speaker and waits for her to join him at the microphone.

2: The speaker greets the MC and shakes his hand. The MC either turns and leaves the stage or he steps behind the speaker and walks off stage. The MC never crosses in front of the speaker.

3: As the MC exits the stage, the speaker very breifly thanks him for the introduction and then begins to address her audience.

4: When the speaker concludes, she nods toward the MC indicating the end of her program (or she might say, “Mr. MC…” to get his attention or even “Mr. MC, I return the program to you.”)

5: The MC then joins the speaker on the podium and shakes her hand. The speaker either turns and walks off stage or she steps behind the MC to leave the stage going in the opposite direction.

Particularly for a major presentation before a large group of people, I recommend that the speaker go over this protocol with the MC or coordinator prior to the program. Rehearse it a time or two. This will give your entrance and your performance a greater sense of professionalism and you are providing a valuable service to the leaders of the organization by showing them the proper way to enter and exit a stage.

 

 

 

Resources for Authors

Links to directories of conferences and trade shows

http://www.shawguides.com

http://www.allconferences.com

http://www.tsnn.com

http://www.eventseye.com

http://www.eventsinamerica.com

 

Recommended Books

Promote Your Book, Over 250 Proven, Low-Cost Tips and Techniques for the Enterprising Author

Talk Up Your Book, How to Sell Your Book Through Public Speaking, Interviews, Signings, Festivals, Conferences and More

 

Publishing/Marketing News and Views Archives

http://www.matilijapress.com/publishingblog/?page_id=3081

1: August, 2013—Before Your Book is a Book

2: October 2013—The Psychology of a Book Proposal

3: December 2013—Publishing

4: February—2014—Understanding Book Promotion

 

Patricia Fry’s Bio Roundup
I’ve been writing for publication for 40 years and I’m the author of over 40 published books—most of them on publishing and book promotion. I’m the Executive Director of SPAWN (Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network) http://www.spawn.org I compile the Market Update, a bi-monthly newsletter for SPAWN members and I maintain an almost daily publishing blog. The blog boasts over 2,000 posts to date http://www.matilijapress.com/publishingblog I also write a blog related to cats—through which I promote my Klepto Cat Mystery series and Catscapades, True Cat Tales. http://www.matilijapress.com/catscapades

My articles have appeared in hundreds of publications, including Writers Digest, Publishing Basics, Book Marketing Matters, Writer’s Journal, Cat Fancy, Your Health, Horse of Course, Western Horse, The Artist’s Magazine, Woman’s World, The World and I and many others.

I work with authors on their projects from an editorial standpoint, I teach online courses for authors and I travel to speak several times each year at conferences and other author events.

http://www.matilijapress.com

http://www.patriciafry.com

http://www.facebook.com/kleptocatmysteries

www.twitter.com/authorplf

PLFry620@yahoo.com

Previews Coming Attractions

Speaking out—Radio/TV/Interviews—August 2014 (Volume 2)

How to Use Social Media for Book Promotion—October 2014

Solicit Book Reviews—December 2014

Promote Your Book Through Articles/Stories—February 2015

The Ins and Outs of a Blog Tour—April 2015

 

Mission Statement: The primary purpose of this e-newsletter is to bring information, resources and encouragement to fellow authors both beginners and experienced. It’s an education for authors who want to become more successful in a highly competitive industry.

 

 

June 2, 2014

Prompts For Authors Who Are Promoting a Book

Filed under: Book Promotion — Patricia @ 4:10 am

I’m working on a book on how to write a book proposal. Yesterday, I put together a list of ideas for promoting a travel book and I thought you might be interested in seeing it. Perhaps you can read between the lines and see the gems in this list as they relate to you and your project. It should be helpful whether you are the author of a novel, a memoir or a self-help, informational, business or children’s book.

If you are paying attention, you’ll realize that these ideas can be tweaked to fit any type of book you are promoting. Use your imagination and report back to me with your own book promotion ideas based on this list. Remember, I compiled this with travel book authors in mind.

  • Contact travel agents through an email blast or a targeted mailing.
  • Visit and participate in blogs and websites directed at travel agents and travelers.
  • Attend travel shows throughout the US and hand out your promo material to agents.
  • Secure a booth at travel shows where you can sell your book.
  • Secure a booth at book festivals.
  • Participate in events related to your book’s secondary theme—a particular country, boating, seniors, families, etc.
  • Contact columnists for newspaper travel columns and ask for an interview or a review.
  • Get a list of travel book reviewers. Send each of them your promo material and ask for a review.
  • Contact editors of travel magazines about reviews and/or offer to write an article for them.
  • Do a blog tour of travel-related blogs and those related to your secondary theme—parenting, pets, photography, etc.
  • Get involved in travel clubs and organizations.
  • Arrange a speaking schedule locally and where you’ll be traveling.
  • Establish your own website and blog site and offer daily or weekly perks for visitors (contests, prizes, resources, etc.)

Happy marketing.

May 30, 2014

Does Your Lifestyle Support Your Writing Dreams?

Filed under: Writing — Patricia @ 4:11 am

I’ve been gone this week. I didn’t do any writing. Didn’t keep up with my blog. I didn’t even do any book promotion. I just played and chilled and thought.

It’s good to get away from business—even when your business is your passion and you love what you do. Not only is it healthy to change gears once in a while physically, it’s wise to step back and look at your business from a different perspective. I like to ask myself, “Hey, Patricia, how’s it going?” “Are you still enjoying the work?” “Is there anything else you’d rather be doing?” “If you were to change something about your life, what would it be?”

Usually when I ask these questions while traveling/vacationing, I’ll say, “Need to get away more often.” But when I get home, I decide that I’m in a pretty good place both personally and professionally. Can you say that?

Are you currently working on a writing project or just thinking about doing it? Do you have as much time to write as you want? What are your goals with your writing work? Do you dream of writing for a living? Is it the process of writing that you love or are you more focused on the big picture—the top ranking at amazon.com, publication by a major, etc.? Are you writing from the heart or in order to prove something or get something off your chest? Is what you’re writing actually publish-worthy? Or is it something you should finish and then trash?

Wherever you are with your writing project and whatever your aspirations as a writer, it’s wise to do an occasional reality check. Take some time to review your situation, your goals, the steps you’re taking toward your goals and the cost. Ahhh, yes, the cost. What are you losing or at risk of losing if you pursue your writing goals?

On the other hand, what are you losing by refusing to sacrifice in order to pursue those goals? Yes, sacrifice. If you have a strong desire to write, but you are spending practically 0 time actually writing, consider what you can give up in order to get that smidgeon of time in which to write?

Don’t let life push you around. Don’t get caught up in shoulds without examining them occasionally to find out if they are still legitimate. Or are they simply excuses you use in order to keep you from your dreams?

I’d love to hear from those of you who typically take time away from your writing work to reflect. How does this help you? Or are you still complaining that you have no time to write because you’re stuck in a lifestyle that truly doesn’t support your dreams?

 

 

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