Workshops
PROMOTING YOUR FINISHED BOOK ON A BUDGET
Copyright 2007 by Shelia M. Goss
WEB SITE: Do you have your website yet? If not, what are you waiting for? Buy your domain name. The domain is the actual address. For example: http://www.sheliagoss.com is the website; but the domain name is sheliagoss. If you can’t afford to get your own domain, there are plenty of free web hosts out there.
For example:
Please note: There is a catch for free websites. You have no control of the advertisements popping up. But you need something readers and potential buyers can see, so utilize the free services until you get your own web site.
Below are samples of other author websites:
Your author website should contain at the minimum the following information:
· Book information – short synopsis, links to a chapter excerpt, release information and purchase information
· Bio – Information for your readers. I suggest a media kit for reporters, reviewers, etc.
· Contact information – Your Email address or message form
· Any other pertinent information you think will assist your readers when coming to your site.
Assignment #1 Do you have a website? If so, share it. From the four author examples above, what do you see is common? What is different?
NICHE: What are some key things that stand out about your book? Does your character do something unusual? Are there certain things associated with the setting of your book? These questions are asked because you can use ideas from your book to help you with your promotions.
CONTESTS: The key thing to remember is people love contests.
Last fall, I did a “Speak with Brian Mcknight” contest to help promote my book My Invisible Husband. For Paige’s Web, I’ve done a “pre-order” contest where buyers have a chance to win a $25 Bath & Body Works gift certificate. One contest for Double Platinum readers only have to answer a question about an excerpt and win a copy of Mariah Carey’s latest DVD.
Some people give away free books, gift certificates, and other items that may appeal to their readers. Some contests require entrants to be members of an author’s mailing list, or have entrants answer questions from chapter excerpts/novel.
Assignment #2: Come up with at least 2 CONTEST ideas for your book. Please share.
ADVERTISEMENTS: There are plenty of publications out there; however target those that reach a broad audience. Let’s pretend SUCCESS IN ME is the name of our book and we’re looking for outlets to advertise our new release. After checking several sources, we find out a local magazine advertisement price is $150, but a national magazine advertisement price is $500. If $500 is within your budget, the national publication has the potential to draw in more buyers. Realistically, most national publication rates are higher than $500, so do your research.
If going national is beyond your budget, don’t forget that pulling in local readers is important also. Don’t count out going the local magazine route plus the cost is more reasonable.
Before spending money on advertisements keep the audience in mind and the amount of exposure of the publication in mind.
Most publications offer media kits that break down the demographics of their readership, so do your research.
Online Ads are effective as well. Be sure the site is a reputable site. Below are a few sites I would recommend for online ads:
· www.rawsistaz.com (Fiction/Non-fiction)
· www.sormag.com (Romance/Fiction/Non-Fiction)
· www.book-remarks.com (Fiction/Non-fiction)
I would also recommend the use of other online services such as the emailings that go out from Black Book Promo (www.blackbookpromo.com).
INTERVIEWS: Some of the best promotion is free promotions. NEVER turn down an interview. An interview will gain you exposure.
Hopefully you’ve been doing a lot of networking. Word of mouth will sell plenty of books. Create a buzz about your book. People are genuinely nosy. They want to know why everyone else is talking about the book SUCCESS IN ME.
Either you or your publicist can contact various print and online editors. Be sure to link the online interview somewhere on your website, such as in this example: http://sheliagoss.com/mediakit/interviews/.
Magazines and newspapers may have a longer lead time. For example, an October book release may require interviews/reviews to be done by the end of July. Keep that in mind when contacting editors.
If your interview is in a print publication, try to scan the pages of your interview and post to your site or at least mention the name, date and page your interview can be found in the publication for your readers.
Remember, although you want national exposure, do not ignore your local publications. Whether you get an interview or someone to write a review, the exposure locally can lead to national exposure.
REVIEWS: Reviews sells books; yes, even the bad ones. Set aside a certain amount of books to give to reviewers and book clubs. Thanks to the Internet there are plenty of online and national book clubs out there. If you are an avid reader, you more than likely know of some. Before sending out your books be sure to do your homework, because there are some people who are only out to get a free book, so be choosy on who you give your book to. Choose reviewers with national exposure to give review copies to when possible.
Remember book clubs do talk, so if JAZZY BOOK CLUB likes your book, they may tell someone in LOVE BOOKS BOOK CLUB and so on and so forth. RAWSISTAZ and THE GRITS ONLINE BOOK CLUB are two national online book clubs. SISTERCIRCLE and CIRCLE OF FRIENDS are two national book clubs with chapters all over the U.S. They may require a review copy of your book and if they like it, than imagine all of the sales you’ll get.
Use reviews and testimonies on your website, in your promotional material, in your PRESS KIT etc.
Check out this article on press kits: http://www.absolutewrite.com/novels/fatten_your_press_kit.htm
Below are a few online press kit examples:
· http://www.francisray.com/presskit.htm
· http://www.deeswhite.com (Click on Press Room)
Press Releases: Although the article link provided above spoke about press kits, I would like to suggest writing PRESS RELEASES. Do this every time you have something to report about your book or if you hear something newsworthy that can tie into your book.
For example, the first press release would announce the debut of your book. If you get on a couple of best sellers lists locally or nationally, that’s a reason for another press release. I think you get the point.
Keep your press releases one page. Click on the link to see an example of a press release:
· http://www.clickpress.com/releases/Detailed/16414005cp.shtml
Distribute it to all media outlets that you know of and/or use several wire services. PRWEB is a good source, but there are plenty of more out there. Here’s the URL for PRWEB: http://www.prweb.com.
Assignment #3: Write a Press Release for your book. (Even if you’re not through with your manuscript, this is your chance to be creative and will give you practice).
Word Of Mouth: This is time to share your good news with the people who you know can’t keep a secret. Family and friends can be your biggest advocates and most are proud to say that they know an author so they will push your book to anyone who will listen.
Even if your book is not due out for awhile, now is the time to start spreading the word.
Cross Promoting: Networking with your peers is important. Once you’ve made some literary friends, you guys can exchange promotional materials, such as bookmarkers, postcards, etc. These are great extras to put in your books as you sell them.
Authors read too and they have an established reader database. If they suggest your book to their readers, their readers may buy your book based on their recommendation. In turn, you should do the same for other authors. Remember, once a person finishes reading your book, they are ready to read another book; so don’t hesitate to recommend some of your peers books to your readers.
Newsletters: Creating your own newsletter is another great promotional tool. Your newsletter can be as personal or creative as you want it to be. Readers like to know what’s going on with the author. I hope you’ve registered for a few newsletters, so you’ll have an idea of what a newsletter looks like. If not, here’s a link to my newsletter: http://sheliagoss.com/about-2/.
I like graphics and chose to have mine online. I’ve seen plenty of good newsletters done in different formats, so choose the one that works best for you.
This is a good time to talk about creating a MAILING LIST. As you meet people in person or online, create a mailing list (offline and online), so you can send out your newsletters or update the readers about your future books and/or book signings.
When Cydney Rax released My Husband’s Girlfriend, she sent out postcards to people on her mailing list. I went and bought the book the week I saw it in the store. People like receiving items in the mail, as long as it’s not a bill (smile).
Let’s continue to discuss other ways to promote your book.
Other Online Outlets:
- Blogging – Blogging is a way you can communicate with your readers in a public forum. To read more about blogging, go to: http://sheliagoss.com/workshop-promoting-your-finished-book-on-a-budget/
- Myspace – A lot of authors are creating pages on myspace.com. This is a great place to advertise, network and reach out to people all over the world without leaving your house. Visit my author myspace page when you get a chance at www.myspace.com/sheliagoss.
- Cybertour – Visit other people’s chatrooms, be a guest blogger on someone else’s site and don’t forget to offer the same in return to others. Discuss with your host the topic and have fun writing. For example author Gwyneth Bolton posted as a guest here: http://e-spire.blogspot.com/2007/07/gwyneth-bolton-interviews-romance.html
Assignment #4: Do you have a blog or myspace page? If so, share your links with us.
Book Signings: People like to put a face to the name, so get ready to get out there and promote your book. Below are a few tips that were given to me by SORMAG’S owner/founder LaShaunda Hoffman. I tried them all and they WORK!!!
Tips for a Successful Booksigning
By LaShaunda Hoffman
Make sure you make a sign featuring your book to display on the table and maybe a few posters to go up outside the bookstore, so people will know about it.
Have autographed by author stickers to place on the books that didn’t sell (even though we know they all will).
Do mini-readings, let the store announce you will be doing these. This will draw a crowd. Or do a Question and Answer section. This will get people to ask more about the book.
Have plenty of bookmarks, book covers and mini newsletters talking about the book.
Always be friendly, you always want to leave the best impression. People remember this and buy your next book.
Guestbooks - Make sure you let them know it’s for your mailing list.
Prizes - Offer an autograph copy or gift basket with an autograph copy.
OTHER PROMOTIONAL TIPS:
Have bookmarks, flyers, postcards and business cards made. Buy your promotional items in bulk because you will be using them (smile). If you can’t buy in bulk, buy a ink cartridge and make your own postcards, etc. Carry these promotional items with you everywhere you go. You never know who you’ll run into. I’ve left them on restaurant tables and bathrooms. I’ve sent these to family and friends and asked them to hand them out to their friends and coworkers. Several friends have sold over 20 books at their offices for me.
I frequent my local library and after reading a book, I leave the next reader a gift—one of my bookmarks or postcards. Even if you don’t have time to checkout a book, leave a bookmark or postcard in a few bestsellers on the shelf. I suggest putting them in books that are similar to your book’s genre for the maximum chance of getting the reader to either buy the book or request the library to get it for them. Either way, the end result is a SALE.
There are plenty of places out there that will do book promotional materials for you but do your research and solicit quotes and samples. I would hate for you to buy 1000 postcards and the paper quality is not good. I’ve used Post Card Press and Twig One Stop to do postcards and bookmarks. The quality of the paper and color were good. Below are their websites:
TAGLINES: At the end of the emails I send out, I usually have a tagline. Your email tagline is FREE ADVERTISEMENT. A good tagline identifies your book, buying link and website. Use your tagline to advertise specials, contests, new releases, etc.
Here’s an example of a tagline:
Monica Carter Tagore
Freelance Copywriter and Editorial Consultant
www.knowledgewealthseries.com
Assignment #5: Create an email tagline (if you don’t already have one) and post here. These are just a few ways to promote your book when dealing with a limited budget. Hopefully, this workshop has offered you a few tips to get you started. There are also plenty of articles and books that are geared toward book promoting and the internet is filled with helpful tips. THE PHRASE FOR TODAY AND EVERYDAY IS PROMOTE, PROMOTE, AND PROMOTE!!! FINAL Assignment: Besides what’s mentioned in this lecture, can you think of other ways you can promote your book? Please share. Shelia M Goss is the author of the Essence Magazine and Black Expressions Book Club Best seller My Invisible Husband, Roses are thorns, Violets are true, Paige’s Web and Double Platinum. Shelia has received numerous accolades over the years, including 2006 Infini’s Outstanding Author, Literary Divas: The Top 100+ Most Admired African-American Women in Literature, Honorable mention in a New York Times article and Writer’s Digest article and the recipient of three Shades of Romance Magazine Reader’s Choice Awards. Besides writing fiction, Shelia is an entertainment writer. To learn more, visit her website: www.sheliagoss.com.
How to do a website on a budget?
Shelia M. Goss ©2007 All Rights Reserved.
There’s no excuse for NOT having a website. If you’re unsure of how you want your website to look, I suggest surfing the net. Go to www.google.com and enter in a few authors names to get an idea.
If you’re unable to hire a web designer to create your home on the web, then do it yourself.
If creating a website scares you, then halt. Take a few deep breaths. Breathe. If you have yahoo, AOL or any one of the many other internet providers, then you have access to creating a website. Bravenet (http://www.bravehost.com/), Angelfire(http://www.angelfire.lycos.com), GeoCities (http://geocities.yahoo.com/), or
As an author, you need to choose a domain name. What is a domain name? It’s an identifier or the information you type in your web browser to pull up a website. For example, if you want to pull up the Shades of Romance website, you will enter the domain www.sormag.com. The most important thing to remember when deciding on a domain name (your new website address) is to choose something that is easy for your current and future readers to remember.
Once you purchase your domain name, it’s yours for the allotted time. You can buy it yearly or whatever terms you and the provider set up. In the past, I’ve seen it for as low as $2.95. The price will depend on the web host site you choose.
- Book Information (Title, price, where to purchase your book, sample chapter, etc)
- Bio
- How to Contact You (Email or contact sheet)
- Mailing List
- Guest Book
I’ve been doing my own website for quite some time now. If I can do it, you can too. My website is www.sheliagoss.com. Take a look around and check out the headings.
Remember, having your own website doesn’t have to cost much, you just have to shop around.
Blogging - For Fun and your Fans
Shelia M. Goss ©2006 All Rights Reserved.
If you’re reading this, you’ve been introduced to the wave of the future – BLOGGING.
What is a blog? A blog is the equivalent to an online diary. You can use it to post personal information or useful information (such as this workshop). It can also be used to interact with other bloggers and if you’re an author, your readers.
Why would I want to blog? Blogging is what you make of it. It’s a way to introduce your readers to a side of you that they can not see from reading a bio on your website or on the back of your book cover. It also gives your reading audience a chance to leave you real-time comments and interact with not only you but also other readers of your books.
How often should I blog? Don’t look at blogging as a dreaded task placed on your “to do” list. Blogging should be fun and if you become an active blogger, you’ll look forward to posting as well as interacting with others. How often you post is up to you. You can post daily, every other day, weekly or whenever the whim hits. You’ll find the more responses you get on your blog posts, the more you’ll be inclined to post on somewhat of a schedule.
Is there Blog etiquette? If you’ll be away for an extended period of time, just write a quick post, so your regular visitors won’t think you forgot about them.
There are times that you may get some unwanted posts (yes, spammers have infiltrated the blog world), so don’t hesitate to either delete those posts or set up your blog so posters have to put in a password.
Should my blog have a theme? Not necessary, but it makes it fun. I have several blogs. Each blog has its own theme. For example:
· http://sheliagoss.com/blog/ is a place to discuss relationships, books, or whatever else is on your mind.
· http://www.espot.wordpress.com showcases my interview excerpts, reviews and/or information on the world of entertainment: books, music, TV and film
How do I come up with topics? Keep your eyes and ears open. Life is filled with ideas. Some of my topics stem from what’s going on in the news or from conversations I’ve had or observed. Since the central theme on the My Invisible Husband blog is about relationships, it’s hard to run out of something to discuss. Take a chance and see what works for you. Blogging shouldn’t be difficult. It should be fun. If it’s draining, maybe you need to step away from it for a while or come up with another topic. There may be some days you only feel like rambling and that’s okay too.
Examples of author blogs:
· http://www.princessdominique.com/blog/
· http://www.romancingtheblog.com/
· http://www.tiawilliams.net/blog/
· http://vanthonyrivers.blogspot.com/
Now that I’ve decided to blog, how do I get started? There are many blog services available to you. Below is a short list of blog websites:
Remember keep blogging fun and your readers will enjoy visiting and who knows, you might just get a book sale or two from it too.
Visit one of my blogs and leave me a message with your weblink. If you don’t have a blog, create one.
Shelia M Goss is the ESSENCE MAGAZINE Bestselling Author of My Invisible Husband, Roses are thorns, Violets are true, Paige’s Web and Double Platinum. With unique storylines, her goal is to create stories with a twist. Shelia was the recipient of three 2003 Shades of Romance Magazine Readers Choice Multi-Cultural Awards. Her articles and short stories have appeared in national magazines such as Black Romance, Bronze Thrills, Tribes Magazine, Jolie, etc. Be sure to pick up a copy of one of her books or order online by clicking on one of the links.
I hope you enjoyed the free excerpts. These are just snippets that are offered in the online workshops.
For a limited time, all workshops are being offered for $20.00 each. The workshops are self-paced and over 50 percent off the regular price. Sign up for one or all.
- Promoting on a Budget
- Bringing Your Characters to Life
- The 411 on Self-Publishing
- The Query - Making it Easier (Includes Synopsis Writing)
Promoting on a Budget
Day I: Identify Ways to Promote Yourself
Day 2 : Additional Promotional Tips
Day 3 & 4: Putting Action Behind Your Promotion
Bringing Your Characters to Life
Day I: Identifying Your Characters
Day 2 : Is Your Dialogue Realistic?
Day 3 & 4: What’s Important about Point of View?
The 411 on Self-Publishing
Day I: Self-Publishing Is it for you? Finding your way to success.
Day 2 : Handling the Business side of publishing -
Day 3 & 4: Marketing & Distribution
The Query - Making It Easier
Day I: What Is a Query Letter and Why is it Important?
Day 2 : Let’s Write It
Day 3 & 4: Bonus: Synopsis - What Should It Include?
For questions, send an email to sheliagoss@aol.com.
To Sign-Up for Workshops
To register for a workshop, send $20 payment to forallseasonspub@aol.com and Indicate which workshop you’re registering for. 
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