Writing and Publishing News from

October 15, 2011

Blogging Ideas for Promoting Your Novel

Filed under: Book Promotion,Fiction — Patricia @ 5:23 am

Yesterday, we talked about how authors of nonfiction books can come up with ideas for a blog. Today, let’s talk about how to maintain an active blog when you write fiction.

Certainly, it is more of a challenge to contribute meaningful posts to a blog based on your novel or fiction-writing in general.

A good start would be to determine the purpose of your blog and the direction you want to take it. Of course, your primary purpose is to get exposure for your book(s)—to generate sales. But it isn’t practical to write every post about your book. You’d soon reveal your entire story and there would be no need for anyone to purchase your book. So what could you write about that would be of interest to your audience and offer an infinite array of post topics?

• If you have the knowledge to do so, write about fiction writing—character-building tips, how to handle dialog, how to choose a setting, what goes into creating a plot and moving it forward strategically, how to work lessons into your story, the importance of consistency in your writing, writing style, grammar, etc. You could continue in this theme for years by bringing in other books to use as examples, interviewing other fiction authors, discussing the writing advice of other fiction experts and so forth.

• Blog about fiction in general—review novels, describe some of your writing sessions—your challenges, post excerpts from your book from time to time, write about your experiences in critique groups, report on sessions at conferences you attend and discuss the style of other novelists. If you are creative and observant, you should get many miles from this type of blog.

• Create a blog site devoted to publishing fiction. Interview publishers of fiction. Talk to authors and marketing experts about book promotion for novels. Post sources for getting fiction published. Write about author’s experiences publishing through certain avenues. Provide resources for promoting fiction. This could be a very helpful blog for authors who aspire to be published and need some guidance specific to fiction.

• Become a fiction-writer’s go-to person. Write about the various fiction genres, who’s writing in which genres and subgenres, how to determine your genre, how to choose which genre to write in—which genres/subgenres are selling best, which publishers are publishing certain genres, which bookstores are carrying and selling books in specific genres. Answer questions about publishing contracts for fiction authors, how to determine which publishing option is best for you and your project, and so forth.

Visit the blogs of other fiction authors to discover how they handle their posts—what do they offer their followers? This will provide you with numerous ideas for your own fiction blog. What aspect of fiction-writing or publishing is most fascinating to you—do you understand most fully? Consider creating your blog around your abilities, skill and interests.

Some of you might have additional ideas. We’d love to hear them.

In the meantime, fiction must be promoted just like nonfiction if you want it to sell. Blogging is, of course, one way to promote your novel. I include at least 120 other book promotion ideas specifically for fiction authors in my book, Promote Your Book, Over 250 Proven, Low-Cost Tips and Techniques for the Enterprising Author. Actually, pretty much all 250 ideas are suitable for promoting your fiction book, but you’ll find 120 places where I tell novelists specifically how to use this idea to promote his or her book. Order your copy of this valuable book today: http://www.matilijapress.com/PromoteYourBook.html

October 14, 2011

How Do You Come Up With All of Those Blog Ideas?

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

People often ask me how I can come up with a new idea for a blog post every single day. This does seem like a stretch to most people—even writers. I notice that many bloggers post only a couple of times a week and some don’t post but once every few months. I say, why bother? Isn’t your purpose in blogging to stay in touch with your audience? Who’s going to notice you when you posts are only occasionally? On the other hand, how can you come up with something to say more often than weekly or monthly? Here are some tips for those of you with nonfiction books, either in the works or published: (Watch for a separate blog post for writers of fiction.)

• Write about what you know. Presumably there are many aspects to your topic—some of which you have experienced, studied and observed. If your book features vintage airplanes, report on your recent tour of an aviation museum. Conduct additional research on some of the planes and write about aspects of each in separate posts. Share something significant you learned from a pilot you met at the museum. List some of the best aviation museums in the states/world. Describe some of the most extensive or interesting airplane collections around. Write about how safety measures have evolved over the years. (This could fill several posts.) Can you see how the subjects could be endless?

• Write about things you want to know. Whether your topic is woodworking, managing feral cat colonies, making cupcakes, parenting or beading, presumably, you are constantly faced with new challenges. Write about what you learn when you set out to meet and overcome them—how to create more refined edges on your bird houses, a better way to ensure the right consistency in your frosting or how to barter for beads in estate and yard sales, for example.

• Relate the experiences of others. Interview other experts in your field. Invite guest bloggers to fill space at your blog site. They will surely have new information and a different perspective to share.

• Keep up with the news. Not only should you be studying and reporting what’s occurring in your own field, the national news can affect people involved in your topic. Environmental issues, for example, might affect birding, fishing or gardening hobbies. The economy affects many people—from those with a writing career to those in real estate to the viability of college for many families and to the state of our volunteer pool, for example. Many of your posts could stem from how world affairs is affecting your world of writing, coin or stamp collecting, hair coloring or pretzel-making.

• Recycle your ideas. Learn to write on the same subject from different angles. This skill alone will certainly carry you far toward a more successful and active blog site. Also dredge up older posts that attracted a lot of attention and rework them creating a new post.

• Here’s my number one favorite and most useful blog idea. I listen to my audience. I am in constant contact with writers and authors. Some of them come to me with questions or problems. I meet some at the presentations I participate in, at book festivals, at bookstores, at the grocery store… Writers comment on my blog and articles published on other sites. They participate in SPAWNDiscuss. I know what concerns them, pleases them, excites them and what challenges they face. And I write about these things in my blog. Take this post, for example. I started out by saying that people often ask me how I can come up with enough ideas to post every day. Lately, I’ve been visiting the blogs of my colleagues and I’m noticing that some of them do not post very often. These concepts led me to write on the topic of ideas today. See how that works?

Now, if you have a book to promote or you are working on a book, you really should be blogging often enough to attract regular followers. This is one way to build a platform to use in the very necessary process of book promotion.

Learn more about blogging, article-writing, giving presentations, sending press releases and tip sheets and so much more in my latest book, Promote Your Book, Over 250 Proven, Low-Cost Tips and Techniques for the Enterprising Author (Allworth Press, 2011) http://www.matilijapress.com/PromoteYourBook.html It is also available at amazon in print and on Kindle.

October 13, 2011

Meet Some of My Clients Who Have Become Authors

Filed under: Books — Patricia @ 5:38 am

Several times each year, I get the thrill of seeing a client’s book in print. Yesterday, one came in the mail. I’m excited for the author, of course, and I feel a sense of pleasure in the fact that I was a part of his dream.

Most of the time I am the editor of the book. Sometimes, I offer guidance through the publishing maze. Unfortunately, only some of the books I work on with clients become published. As I looked through my client files this morning, I noticed that less than half of those who started books actually finished them. And, of those who finished their books, approximately one-quarter of them never published. I also noticed that a few of my clients’ books that were published seem to no longer be available.

Publishing is a daunting process—some hopeful authors just can’t seem to manage it. And book promotion is even more difficult. Many fall by the wayside and quit.

Because I am proud of my clients—their talent, their hard work and their sense of follow-through—I thought it would be fun to introduce some of their books.

The book that arrived in the mail yesterday—hot off the press—is Container, Zero Nine Eleven by Jim McDonald (Houseman Press, 2011). This book is a humorous and yet bittersweet story of one man’s middle-age meltdown which unexpectedly unfolds into a thrilling adventure at sea. It really is an interesting, edge-of-your-seat read. Order the book through the author at jamcdonald913@msn.com (Jim, you really need a website with a buy button.)

One of the most successful books I’ve edited is Diana Zimmerman’s Kandide, Secret of the Mists, a young adult fantasy. After a fantastic run as a self-published book, Scholastic Books picked it up. You can learn more about this book and place an order here: http://www.kandide.com This is a kid-friendly site with interactive games, contests and a place where young writers can share their work.

My client, Leon Cooper recently produced his latest book, Remembering Private Lamb (90 Day Wonder Publishing, 2011). This novel tells the story of a WWII veteran who visits Tokyo to investigate the mystery of a Japanese officer’s body buried in a US marine’s grave. It’s quite riveting with unexpected twists and turns. http://www.90daywonder.net/rememberingprivatelamb

Virji Angelo produced her memoir, The News From the Master in 2008 through Xulon Press. You’ll find this amazing religious story at http://www.xulonpress.com Check out the cover—I think it is a masterpiece. The concept was actually my idea, but whoever ran with it sure did a lovely job with the artwork.

If you want an unbelievable read, purchase former police chief, Jim Barrett’s true crime, Ma Duncan at http://www.maduncan.com This is the true story of an evil woman who, because of jealousy, had her daughter-in-law and unborn grandchild killed.

Travel agent, Chantal Kelly produced her travel memoir, Gelato Sisterhood on the Amalfi Shore just this year. (Fenicia Press, 2011) http://gelatosisterhood.com Enjoy the story, photos and even recipes.

Educator, Ivan Paul followed through and wrote his memoir in hopes of helping other slightly or majorly wayward youngsters. Order The Coach and the Kid at Two Harbors Press http://www.twoharborspress.com

Constance d’Angelis, JD is the author of The 7 Laws of Inner Peace, How to Attract What You Want Without Struggle or Worry (IPS Publications, 2008) http://www.constancedangelis.com

I feel as though I am a part of this book because I brought the author and the illustrator together. Animals Have Feelings, Too! is an illustrated, educational A to Z guide for kids age 4 and up. The author, Karen Lee Stevens and the illustrator, Teri Rider have created a charming book. The book launch party is this Sunday in Goleta, California. Let me know if you want additional information. PLFry620@yahoo.com. Order your copy of the book for all of the children on your holiday shopping list at http://www.allforanimals.com Proceeds help support Steven’s nonprofit, All For Animals.

While you’re at it, if you are an author or plan to become one, be sure to order your copy of my latest book, Promote Your Book, Over 250 Proven, Low-Cost Tips and Techniques for the Enterprising Author (Allworth Press, 2011) http://www.matilijapress.com/promoteyourbook.html

October 12, 2011

Prepare Your Book for Success

Filed under: Publishing,Writing — Patricia @ 5:05 am

You’ve “read” me suggest that you study my ebooklet, “50 Reasons Why You SHOULD Write That Book.” I thought you might be interested in some of the tips I include in it. Here are the headings for one of the 8 sections. In this section, I suggest that maybe you “should” consider moving forward with your book if “You’ve Taken Steps to Make This a Viable Product.”

In other words,
33: Your book is well-organized.
34: There are no inconsistencies in your book.
35: Dialog in your story is presented correctly.
36: Your characters are well-developed and believable.
37: You’ve checked your entire text for accuracy and clarity.
38: You’ve checked the text for flow and follow-through.
39: You can describe your book accurately in one or two sentences.
40: You can write an effective synopsis.
41: You have self-edited your manuscript.
42: You have hired a professional editor.

I make it sound as though there’s a lot of work involved with writing and preparing a book for publication, don’t I? Well, there is a lot of work involved. It takes thought, study and informed decisions. It also takes a viable product—a good book with all of the amenities. And that’s what this section covers.

If you haven’t downloaded this FREE ebooklet, yet, I advise that you do. And then pay attention to every one of the 50 checkpoints. Launch your book only when you can cross each of them off of your list. http://www.patriciafry.com

Once you’ve gone through the difficult process of writing your book and the excruciating task of pursuing a publishing option, you will be facing the enormously challenging and ongoing undertaking of book promotion. I suggest you prepare for this work asap. Order your copy of the book I wrote for you—Promote Your Book, Over 250 Proven, Low-Cost Tips and Techniques for the Enterprising Author.
 http://www.matilijapress.com/promoteyourbook.html

October 11, 2011

Things You May Not Know About Publishers

Filed under: Publishing — Patricia @ 5:31 am

It used to be that you could pretty much expect a publisher, who accepted your manuscript for publication, to reject any cover art or illustrations you submitted along with it. I’ve told new authors for years that if they are really attached to their title, cover design, etc., they’d better self-publish or go with a pay-to-publish company.

I notice now, however, that many traditional publishers are asking to see your cover design and illustrations. This does not mean they will use what you send if they accept your book. But they are considering these materials now, nonetheless.

In an informal survey of traditional publishers, I discovered that nearly half of those I studied say that they will review artwork and photos. I submitted two of my own books with photographs, cover design and/or illustrations over the years and both of those publishers used what I sent them. Most of my publishers changed the titles I suggested, however. Guess I’m not that great with titles.

My point is that if you are reluctant to send your manuscript to a traditional publisher because you are attached to your cover design or your title, you might reconsider. Seek out publishers who are open to reviewing your artwork. Take the chance that he will also like your title. If not, you always have the option of signing or not signing the contract. Ultimately, it is your choice.

I’ve met many authors who are absolutely gripped by fear of what might happen to their manuscripts. They are so afraid that a publisher will steal their idea, edit their voice out of the story, toss out the artwork their daughter did for the cover or misrepresent their work in some other way that they won’t even approach a publisher. I’ve met authors who are told by numerous publishers, “Make this change or that change and we will publish it.” But they don’t—they won’t. One gentleman, for example, wanted a traditional publisher for his novel and he found a few who were interested. All he had to do was cut it by 200 pages. He refused to do it. Instead, he just went around complaining to everyone who would listen that he couldn’t find a publisher.

Becoming a published author does involve some risk—but the risk factors generally aren’t those that most authors fear. Read my free ebooklet to get an idea about authorship. It’s called “50 Reasons Why I SHOULD Write That Book.” Once you’ve read this booklet, you’ll know whether or not you are a good candidate to become an author. Take into consideration the things you learn in that booklet—for example, if you are just beginning your writing/publishing journey, start NOW studying the publishing industry so you’ll know more about what to expect and how to more successfully navigate the industry.

Here’s an example of what you’ll find in this FREE ebook. These are the section headings encompassing the 50 “reasons,” which are each fleshed out so you will understand why they are so vitally important to your success as an author.

• Have you done your homework?
• You know that your book is a good idea.
• You are the right person to write this book.
• You are willing to do what it takes.
• You are already doing what it takes.
• You’ve taken steps to make this a viable product.
• You have a marketing plan.
• You are taking care of business.

I challenge you to read this booklet and honestly evaluate your situation. Let me know what you discover. Download the booklet here: http://www.patriciafry.com

October 10, 2011

Promote Your Book Through Excerpts

Filed under: Book Promotion — Patricia @ 4:56 am

If you belong to IBPA (Independent Book Publishers Association)—formerly PMA—you probably saw my article in the current issue of the IBPA Independent. This article, “Give Something to Get Something,” was excerpted from my book, Promote Your Book, Over 250 Proven, Low-Cost Tips and Techniques for the Enterprising Author.

Do you ever offer excerpts from your nonfiction book? It’s a good way to get exposure for your book and there are many magazines, ezines and newsletters that use excerpts. I listed several in a recent edition of the SPAWN Market Update (in the member section of the SPAWN website). By the way, if you’d like have access to resources such as magazines that publish book excerpts, travel book publishers, publications that use essays, job boards for artists and writers, directories of publishers, fiction book publishers, magazines that use fiction and so forth, you need to join SPAWN at http://www.spawn.org

In the meantime, here’s a list of publications that publish excerpts. You’ll notice that some of the magazines specialize, so you’ll want to match the material to the magazine.

Home Business Magazine
http://www.homebusinessmag.com
Art and Understanding
http://www.aumag.org
Homeschooling Today
http://www.homeschooltoday.com
ColoradoBiz
http://www.cobizmag.com
The Missouri Review
http://www.missouri-review.com
The Outdoors Magazine
http://www.outdoorsmagazine.net
Cruising World
http://www.cruisingworld.com
Firehouse Magazine
http://www.firehouse.com
Long Island Woman
http://www.liwomanonline.com
Complete Woman
http://www.thecompletewomanmagazine.com
Outreach Magazine
http://www.outreachmagazine.com
History Magazine
http://www.history-magazine.com

As you can see, there are a wide variety of magazines that publish book excerpts. Start researching publications within your topic (travel, parenting, landscaping, fashion, real estate, health, aging, writing, relationships, sports, business, etc.) and contact those that use book excerpts.

For additional book promotion ideas, be sure to order your print or Kindle copy of Promote Your Book, Over 250 Proven, Low-Cost Tips and Techniques for the Enterprising Author. http://www.matilijapress.com/promoteyourbook.html

October 9, 2011

Yes, You Can Approach Publishing Experts

Filed under: Authorship,Publishing — Patricia @ 5:16 am

Some authors hesitate approaching someone who has more experience in the publishing field than they do. They don’t want to bother the experts. Others have no problem trying to glean free advice from professionals.

I think most of you know that I am approachable. I’m open to questions via email at anytime and I will generally respond promptly. I do have some pet peeves, though and I imagine that most professionals will agree with the following list of dos and don’ts.

1: Unless invited to do so, don’t call on the phone. Most writing/publishing professionals closely and frequently monitor their email. Those who don’t—shame on them. There are people out there who could use a little help from time to time.

2: Don’t challenge the comments/advice of the professional. Sure, you can ask questions and request clarity. But, after someone takes time to respond to you in great detail, don’t come back with, “Well, I did that and it doesn’t work,” or “I don’t agree with you,” or “My friend signed with that company and she’s happy with them, so you don’t know what you’re talking about.”

3: Always, always, always acknowledge the professional who has given his or her time to respond. I can’t tell you how many people never respond at all after I’ve given of my time and expertise to answer their simple or complex questions. Even if you don’t like the answer (many don’t, because it often requires effort on the author’s part), at least say, “Thank you.” Acknowledge that you did receive the information.

4: Don’t ask for an opinion if you don’t want to hear the truth. Authors often ask me to take a look at their manuscripts or their completed books. Most of them are interested in my opinion no matter what I might say. They want to provide the best product they can to their audience. Others, however, just want to receive compliments. I’ve even had authors challenge my comments by saying, “Well, other people love this book,” or they use up several paragraphs to explain the concept of their book or the gist of their story—as if I didn’t get it.

There is no law that says you have to agree with any expert, but it would behoove you to at least consider what they have to say. Listen and learn. Or crash and burn.

When I critique or evaluate a book or manuscript, I try to do so using compliments along with any called for criticism. I attempt to offer suggestions and perspective that the author might not have considered. When an author responds to my comments immediately, using a challenging tone, or attempting to explain himself, I know that he is not listening. And it’s too bad. He may be missing out on a good opportunity.

Sometimes I hear from someone months or years after they initially contacted me. I love hearing/reading them say, “You were right.” Although, that isn’t as heartwarming as hearing that the author, who was reluctant to consider writing a book proposal or who didn’t plan to promote his book, now understands the importance of these aspects of publishing. Someone who scoffed at my insistence that he study the publishing industry before getting involved, or that he hire an attorney to go over a self-publishing contract with him or that he more carefully consider the audience for his book on the history of dental instruments, may contact me saying he now gets it. I love when that happens.

Do you ever contact experts in your field? Do you sometimes need the perspective or information from a gardening authority, educator, professional chef, more knowledgeable therapist or professional builder, for example? I can’t promise that any of them will respond to your request, but if they do—remember this post and your manners.

• Acknowledge and accept their offerings with grace.
• Ask for clarity only—do not challenge the expert.
• Say thank you.

Many of your questions are answered in my latest book, “Promote Your Book, Over 250 Proven, Low-Cost Tips and Techniques for the Enterprising Author” (Allworth Press, 2011). Order your copy today: http://amzn.to/oe56Ia

October 8, 2011

Can You Identify Your Book’s Genre?

Filed under: Fiction,Writing — Patricia @ 5:17 am

Do you know what genre you’re writing in? Many authors do not. And the issue of genre seems to become more and more confusing all the time. It used to be there were specific genres—romance, thriller, fantasy, adventure, etc. Now there are new genres and sub-genres. Have you heard of, “steampunk” or “urban life” fantasy? What about “high tech” or “space opera” science fiction?

According to one publisher, science fiction might be a subgenre of horror, time travel is a subgenre of romance, and what is up with the term, “alternative history science fiction?”

How would you categorize your thriller? Is it a political thriller, futuristic thriller, paranormal thriller or a suspense thriller? Have you ever read or written a book that could be considered a docufiction, realistic fiction, dark literature or airport novel?

There are genres in nonfiction, too—true crime, biography, adventure, narrative nonfiction, creative nonfiction, ethnic, self-help, how-to and memoir, for example. And what about the different types of memoirs one can write?

There’s the recovery memoir, military memoir, historical/family memoir, political memoir, situational memoir, travel memoir or inspirational memoir to name a few.

You’d think there are enough genres already used to label your book. But guess again. Authors are still having trouble pigeon-holing their books because they believe that nothing currently fits their particular tome. Some books do not deserve an exclusive label—they fit into one that is already accepted. I’ve met authors, however, who consider their books so unique that they can’t apply any current genres to it. They want to convince publishers (and the public) that their book is a humorous thriller cookbook, a medical adventure with a how-to aspect or, perhaps, a lesbian fantasy romance, for example.

What’s my opinion of genre hop scotch? I appreciate that there are new genres and subgenres being recognized as some of them definitely give a book a more definitive identity. But I would also warn authors against trying to be so inventive with their books that they turn off their potential readers altogether.

No matter your book’s genre, you are going to have to promote it and boy to I have a book for you. It is a reference book. I would also call it an informational how-to. The publisher tagged it “reference/writing.” I guess there is no publishing or business of writing category accepted, yet. And that’s too bad.

Order your copy of Promote Your Book, Over 250 Proven, Low-Cost Tips and Techniques for the Enterprising Author. http://amzn.to/oe56Ia

While you’re at the Amazon book page, check out the latest review by Anne Schroeder, editor of the SLO Nightwriters newsletter in San Luis Obispo, California. As you will see, this is review number twenty-two.

October 7, 2011

Promote Your Book Through Conferences

Filed under: Book Promotion,Writers' Conferences — Patricia @ 5:43 am

It’s time to start thinking about your 2012 conference calendar. Although, some conference organizers already have their speakers and workshop leaders lined up for their May and June events, others are still auditioning presenters for their early spring conferences. And, while some slates for fall 2012 events are full, the organizers of others haven’t even begun to choose their conference staff.

If you would like to promote your book through conferences, start by developing a few good programs or workshops related to the theme, topic or genre of your book. Practice presenting them, all the while fine-tuning them. Make sure the presentations are geared to your audience and that they are designed to teach and share—that your audience will learn something new or gain new insight.

Locate appropriate conferences through these links:
http://www.shawguides.com
http://www.allconferences.com
http://www.bvents.com

Whether your book is on finances, business management, sports, cosmetics, foods/cooking, the sciences, photography, travel, technology, health, mythology or practically any other topic, there is a conference somewhere that focuses on that subject. If your book is fiction, you might be able to get a speaking slot at a writers’ conference. Can you speak on character development, give a good presentation on promoting a book of fiction or offer something of value on research for fiction, for example?

What are the benefits of speaking at conferences? You get exposure for yourself and your book. You earn a level of credibility in your topic. And you may sell a few books. If you offer services related to the theme of your book, you may also get a few new clients from the conference experience.

Conferences operate differently. While some pay all expenses for their speakers, some pay only for the hotel and access to the entire conference (meals, etc.). Others might offer just conference admittance, including meals served as part of the conference. It’s up to you to determine whether you can afford the experience.

I always sell books at these events. Sometimes I gain a new editorial client or two. I generally travel to two to four writers’ conferences throughout the year and, while one event might cost me $500, I might earn as much as $2,000 from another one. And I do value exposure!

In my opinion, conferences are a great way to promote your book and they can be a lot of fun.

Course on Platform-Building Offered
Do you have a platform? Would you like to establish one or build on the one you have? If you are an author of a nonfiction book or you are in the process of writing one, you might want to sign up for my online Platform-Building course. The first session begins Wednesday, October 12. You’ll receive a lecture and an assignment by email every Wednesday for 6 weeks. By Thanksgiving, you could have a solid platform to use in pitching your book to publishers and agents as well as to use in promoting your book to your audience.

Contact me today to find out if you are a good candidate for taking this valuable course. PLFry620@yahoo.com. It’s only $150.00. I will take the first 8 students who contact me and qualify. Course description here: http://www.matilijapress.com/course_platform.htm

And don’t forget to order your copy of Promote Your Book, Over 250 Proven, Low-Cost Tips and Techniques for the Enterprising Author. You’ll learn more about promoting your book through conferences and much, much more. http://amzn.to/oe56Ia

October 6, 2011

How to Make Other People Care About Your Book

Filed under: Book Promotion — Patricia @ 4:51 am

Who cares about your book as much as you do? The answer is, no one. That’s why you are the best person to represent your book to your audience. Sure, you can pay someone to promote your book—money causes people to care.

Your main job, however, is to get your potential readers to care. It really is personal. If there isn’t something in or about your book that will benefit your readers, why should they buy your book? Why would they?

Are the benefits to your readers blatantly evident to those who see your book? Does your promotional material address the “you” factor in your book enough to entice readers to buy it?

They say that some of the main enticement triggers that should appear in some obvious or subtle way, when promoting anything, are money, success, happiness and health. As promoters, we must show or indicate that our book will make the reader happier, healthier, more successful and/or wealthier. They might want to know how to solve a problem they are having. If a potential customer has a goal or a desire and he or she believes that your book will help them to attain it, certainly, they will buy it. Maybe they want to more effectively discipline their unruly children, get along better with their spouse, earn more money, become more creative, do better in the stock market or become more organized. If your book can promise this—and if you make these promises in your promotional material, your sales might increase dramatically.

You’ve heard (read) me preach about the importance of knowing your target audience and keeping them in mind throughout the writing process. Maybe you are finally beginning to see the value in this message.

If you can’t define your audience, you won’t be able to locate them.
If you can’t locate them, your promotion won’t be very effective.

What about fiction? What need are you attempting to fill with a historical novel, romance, western adventure, fantasy, thriller, mystery, etc? That would be our need for entertainment—our desire to dive into a book and lose ourselves or to, perhaps, tickle our intellectual prowess or to simply enjoy a good story. Your promotional tactics are important for fiction, as well. There’s a lot of competition for good books. What can you do to make yours stand out, entice readers, grab them and cause them to purchase your book?

What stops you when you are seeking out a particular type of book? What catches your eye and attention even when you are not looking for a book? Your responses to these questions might give you some important insight that will help you create promotional hooks in your book as you write it, to present a more attractive product and to write better promotional copy.

If you are struggling to sell copies of your fiction or nonfiction book and if you are interested in reviving it, order a copy of my newest book—Promote Your Book, Over 250 Proven, Low-Cost Tips and Techniques for the Enterprising Author.
http://www.matilijapress.com/promoteyourbook.html or at amazon.com http://amzn.to/oe56Ia

If you are still working on your book and plan to bring it out within the next several months, order a copy of this book and begin to familiarize yourself with the huge task of book promotion. This is your key to publishing success. This book could very well make the difference between your success and your failure as a published author. Remember, over seventy-six percent of all books fail in the marketplace every year. Which books do you think sell? Those by authors who take the initiative to understand the world of publishing, book marketing and their target audience. Promote Your Book is your education and could be your salvation in the highly competitive world of bookselling and promotion.

Make sure you are on the right path with your book or your book idea. Sign up for my FREE booklet, “50 Reasons Why You Should Write That Book,” at http://www.patriciafry.com

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