The Power of Pinterest

By DiAnn Mills, @diannmills

Pinterest claims to have 100 million active monthly users while noting 176 million registered users. Those stats are amazing, especially when writers are geared up to market and promote a new book.

Using Pinterest for promoting novels allows writers to expand their creativity. An easy way to entice a reader to check out our work involves pulling out special sections of the novel that can be translated into a picture or meme.

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1-2-3 to Successful Self-Promotion by Andrea Boeshaar

3 Keys to Successful Self-Promotion

By Andrea Boeshaar

Although I’ve been a published author for twenty years, promotion is not my strong point and never has been. Therefore, I work extremely hard at it. In my earlier career I wrote for a mass-market romance line. The publisher promoted its line, not the authors and generally, the books did well. Then I published in the general Christian market (trade paperback). I didn’t do much in the way of promotion and felt horrified when my sales numbers were considerably less than my previous books. So when my latest series was purchased, I knew I had to hop on that proverbial band wagon and let all the world know I had a new book releasing.

But how to do that – promote?

It’s the million dollar question. Literally! Certainly writers can hire publicists and leave the dirty work to them. That option is the most effective way to publicize, but it’s not always the most affordable. For the majority of authors, it’s boots-on-the-ground publicizing and that means digging in our heels. I’m a hard-worker so no problem there, but I’m also a simple person. I need the basics before my creative juices start to flow. So, after brain-storming with several trusted friends and reading oodles of articles on promotion, I’ve boiled the whole process down to three basic keys to promotion.

1. Web Promo

• Get yourself a website. I’m always amazed when I hear about published authors who don’t have websites. In today’s techno-world, a website is crucial.
• Establish yourself on social networking sites like Facebook and LinkedIn. Get your name out there!
• Invest in a Facebook Ad. This is a reasonably-priced option, as you’re charged per click and you can decide how much to spend and how long to run your ad.
• Create a blog – and keep up with your posts. There’s nothing worse than clicking onto an author’s blog and that seeing his or her latest post is from six months ago. (Which reminds me…)
• Guest blog on other authors’ web sites. This is great way to introduce yourself to new readers.
• Peruse online radio programs, like those on Blog Talk Radio http://www.blogtalkradio.com/. Hosts are always looking for interesting guests (like authors!).
• Write an e-newsletter. If you choose not to blog, a monthly or seasonal newsletter might be an option to keep in touch with readers. Even if you’re not currently contracted, it’s important to remind readers that you have novels available for purchase. I’ve learned that readers aren’t always current on our current projects. One sweet lady stopped me in church a few weeks ago and said a friend just gave her my book Wisconsin Weddings (the 3-in-1 story collection was released in 2007).

2. Hardcopy promo

• Write a press release, announcing your new book and fax, mail (or email) it to local magazines and newspapers. Local media enjoys write-ups about hometown talent.
• Magazine and Newspaper Ads. These are sometimes costly, but check your local newspapers.
• Send out postcards. I like to use VistaPrint.com. The printing is fast and affordable. What’s more, it’s user-friendly. Even I managed to upload all four book covers in my series. Then I mailed them to bookstores and readers across the country.

3. Personal Appearances

• Contact book clubs and writers’ groups. Schedule times when you can speak to these organizations in your area to encourage books sales.
• Contact the producers of local morning shows. Again, the hometown talent thing goes a long way.
• Book signings. Contact bookstores and let them know you’re available to sign copies of your novel. Sometimes bookstore owners will ask you to do a short talk about yourself and how you began your writing career.
• Attend writers’ conferences. This is an important piece, as there’s nothing like face-to-face contact with other writers. Remember, writers are readers too – and they do things like write book reviews.

So there you have ‘em – three basic keys to promotion. They are as simple as building blocks. However, these keys are vital to opening the way to top-dollar book sales!

*     *

ANDREA BOESHAAR has been married for nearly 40 years. She and her husband have 3 wonderful sons, 1 beautiful daughter-in-law, and 5 precious grandchildren. Andrea’s publishing career began in 1994. Since then, 31 of her books have gone to press. Additionally, Andrea cofounded ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and served on its Advisory Board for a number of years. In 2007, Andrea earned her certification in Christian Life Coaching and now owns and operates Steeple View Coaching and The Writer’s ER (divisions of Pink Ink, Inc.). For more information, log onto her website: www.andreaboeshaar.com

LIKE her Facebook: www.facebook.com/Andrea.Boeshaar

Follow her on Twitter: @AndreaBoeshaar.

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Building A Street Team

By Rachel Hauck

I have a book releasing next Tuesday.

Last year, I had one releasing this exact same time.

But I was in a bad way, dealing with a physical issue, and coming off of a deadline in which I turned in my first ever no-ending book.

Don't worry. I wrote the ending. That's why How To Catch A Prince is hitting the shelves!

But last year I could barely think, let alone figure how to do some promo stuff, so this year? I'm Johnny on it!

I rolled up my sleeves and started a street team!

Yeah I did! 

A good friend in my local RWA chapter gave me some good advice on starting a street team—okay, she practically walked me through step-by-step—and I launched my first team.

I thought I'd pass along my wee bit of knowledge.

• Create a an application via Google docs! Those things are cool. You can add boxes for text, check boxes, etc. When your fans submit the form, Google docs inserts the information into a spreadsheet! (Can you tell I'm wowed by this?)

• What to ask? I asked for name and country, where they acquired books to read, their social media platforms and what books of mine they'd read. I also asked why they wanted to be on the team. I left the application process open for five days.

• Create a Facebook Group. After I selected members for the street team -- 25 to 50 is a good start -- I added them to a private Facebook group.

• Ideas! I asked them if they had any ideas on how to promote the book. The reason they are on the team is to help so let them help. They'll have good ideas.

What did I look for in team members?

• People who read a good majority of my books.
• Multiple social media platforms.
• Experience or connections with retail or libraries.
• Book club associations.
• General enthusiasm.

What will I ask them to do?

Not 100% sure yet! We're building the ship at sea, but next week is release week for How To Catch A Prince and we'll be hitting the cyber streets.

• I sent them all graphics a friend made up to represent the book, as well as my picture and a PDF in case they'd not read the book yet. 
• I sent the link to the pre order form.
• I asked them to post the graphics on the FB/Twitter/Instagram/etc sites during release week to build the buzz. 
• Post reviews wherever possible.
• Pin to Pinterest.  
• There's more to come... ;) 

As you can tell I'm not an expert yet, but I'm glad to have this process started. I'm honored to have readers join me in promoting something I've written! 

There you have it. The basics of building a street team. If I can do it, so can you! 

***

Rachel lives in sunny central Florida.
Her novel, Once Upon A Prince, was a 2014 Christy Award Finalist.
Her third Royal Wedding book, How To Catch A Prince, releases in Feb 24, 2015.

A graduate of Ohio State University with a degree in Journalism, she worked in the corporate software world before planting her backside in uncomfortable chair to write full time eight years ago.

She’s the author of EPCA and CBA best sellers, RITA and Christy nominated books. She also co-authored the critically acclaimed Songbird Novels with platinum selling country music artist Sara Evans. Their novel Softly and Tenderly, was one of Booklists 2011 Top Ten Inspirationals.

Rachel serves on the Executive Board for American Christian Fiction Writers. She is a mentor and book therapist at My Book Therapy, a conference speaker and worship leader.

Rachel writes from her two-story tower in an exceedingly more comfy chair. She is a huge Buckeyes football fan.

Visit her web site: www.rachelhauck.com.

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You're More Influential Than You Think

By Michelle Griep

Is there an author you'd love to support but aren't quite sure how to go about it? Are you in the middle of a book that you think the world should know about? Simply want to promote some wholesome fiction? Have I got some ideas for you!

The Top 5 Ways to Promote A New Book

1. Put the book face out on the bookstore shelf.
This one is my personal favorite and the tactic I most frequently employ. Yes indeedy, people do judge books by their covers whether they admit to it or not. If a book's cover is visible (vs. only the spine), there's a higher chance a prospective buyer will pick it up.

2. Buy the book and give it to others as a gift.
Birthdays. Holidays. Just-because-I-love-you days. You know you're going to have to give out a present sooner or later. Why not kill two birds with one purchase?

3. Post a review.
You don't have to be a writer to do this. Simply write down what you liked about the book, in your own words, and post it on Amazon, Goodreads, Barnes & Noble, Facebook, wherever.

4. Read the book where people will see you.
Tote that book around to doctor's offices, the dentist, or on the bus. Crack it open and read when you have a few spare minutes of waiting. Most often, others will ask you what you're reading and voila. Instant commercial break.

5. Ask a bookstore clerk or librarian to help you locate the book.
Grabbing the attention of librarians or store clerks draws their attention to a particular title. If enough people do this, a buzz is created...at least in your little corner of the universe.

So don't belittle yourself. You have way more influence than you think. Spread the word about books you love. Believe me, the author will be VERY thankful!

Michelle’s been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. Her recent release is A HEART DECEIVED, a gothic regency put out by David C. Cook (June 2013). If you’d like to keep up with her escapades, find her at www.michellegriep.com or www.writerofftheleash.blogspot.com or stalk her on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest.

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So You Want to do a Boxed Set

Lynnette Bonner, Author

Lynnette Bonner is the author of 7 novels and has remained consistently on Amazon’s best seller lists since releasing her first Indie title in 2012. Her latest book, Beyond the Waves, is part of a boxed set that releases today. The set contains 10 inspirational romances for only 99 cents – each is a complete story, and the first book in a romance series. You can find it here: http://bit.ly/RHSCR.

So You Want to Do a Boxed Set

by: Lynnette Bonner

Since participating in a boxed set is a technique more and more indie authors are incorporating into marketing plans (I know Brandilyn Collins blogged about marketing a boxed set here), I thought I’d tell you a little about how we put our set together and how we’ve gone about marketing. This will hopefully give some of you who try this in the future a guide to go by.

First, all ten of the authors in this collection are in a small group on Facebook. Hallee Bridgeman, author of Sapphire Ice in the set, posted to that group asking if any of us were interested in joining her in a boxed set. Nine of us responded that we were. And then discussion commenced on what focus we would give to the set. We settled on inspirational romance with each book in the set being the first book in a series.

Our two main goals for this set were:

1.   We wanted to introduce our own readers to other authors whose work we admire and hopefully gain some new readers in return.

2.   To see if we could hit some of the best seller lists like USA Today by combining our marketing efforts. (NY Times no longer posts boxed sets to their lists, from what we can tell.)

Step 1: Gather authors and decide on a focus – these steps could be interchangeable. You could decide on a focus first and then seek out authors you know have books that would work for that focus.

Step 2: Decide what your main goals for the set are. This will determine how you market down the line.

Someone needed to compile all ten books into one digital file, and we’d like to say thanks to Hallee’s husband Gregg who did a fantastic job on that part for us. Along the way we learned that unless the file is less than 3MB you won’t be allowed to charge 99 cents for it. So he stripped out most of the graphics he’d put in and the file was then just able to squeak under the limit.

Step 3: Find someone to compile all the books into one for you. If you want to price it at 99 cents, be sure to keep the size under 3MB. This step and step 4 really are happening about the same time.

At the same time as the book file was being created we worked on the cover and title for the compilation. We first decided to have a group chat which we accomplished via Google Hangout. The title we chose started out as a bit of a joke, but then we all liked it and it stuck. It’s catchy and memorable – who wouldn’t be intrigued by “Red Hot Squeaky Clean Romance?” ;) We had a bit of a difficult time coming up with a cover because even though the books in the series are all romance, they span from historical westerns, to swashbuckling pirates, to contemporaries. (There’s even a time-travel romance included!) So we finally settled on something a bit generic and came up with what you see here. It’s bright and vibrant and eye catching and we think it will do a nice job for us:

Step 4: Decide on a title and create or hire a cover design for the set. Make sure it fits your selected genre, and looks professional. This step and step 3 really are happening about the same time.

Once all that was done, and thanks to Amazon’s new policy offering preorders, we put the book up for preorder. (This is important because all preorder sales count toward the first day of release’s sales. So preorders can help us reach our number two goal.) From our research we learned that sales for the bestseller lists are counted from Monday 12:01am to Monday 11:59pm. So releasing the book on a Monday gave us our best chance at maximum sales to count toward our goal. For this reason, we launched the book on a Monday.

Step 5: Decide on a release date and list your compilation for sale.

After the set is listed for sale it’s time to go to work on promotions.

·      To encourage preorders we created a Rafflecopter giveaway with lots of prizes for those who preordered the set. (www.rafflecopter.com)

·      Before release we also posted to a few blogs, and Pinterest, and Facebook groups about the set being available.

·      We set up many paid promotions as soon as the book was available for preorder. So now, during this our launch week, we have paid promotions set up for many of the days. (We will be featured on E-reader News Today, Digital Book Today, Kindle Nation Daily, BookSends, FKBooksandTips, and several couponing sites.)

·      We also have blog posts like this one scheduled throughout the week.

·      Each of us contacted those we knew to contact for promotions and then we just reimbursed funds to each other as needed.

·      We set up a Thunderclap campaign (https://www.thunderclap.it/) to launch today and all of us worked hard to get people on board for that.

·      Each of us sent out our newsletters to our lists.

·      We of course announced the launch on our social media networks.

Step 6: Come up with a marketing plan that works for your group. You’ve come this far and put this much effort into it. Don’t give up now! And you must be willing to spend some money to promote. 

~Posted by Heather Day Gilbert

Find it here on Amazon

Ten best-selling Inspirational romance authors come together to bring you the Red Hot Squeaky Clean Romance collection! If you're anything like us, you enjoy reading various genres -- a cozy mystery, a thrilling suspense, an adventurous historical, a catchy contemporary -- we love them all as long as the romance is piping hot and the story is comfortably clean. For the first time ever, as you turn the pages of these complete stories, you will meet ten of the most recognized names in inspirational romance today and read their award winning, critically acclaimed stories all in the same collection. You're in for such a treat!

Red Hot Squeaky Clean Romance Authors: Christy Barritt, Lynnette Bonner, Hallee Bridgeman, Cynthia Hickey, Kimberly Rae Jordan, Tamara Leigh, Lesley Ann McDaniel, Amanda Tru, MaryLu Tyndall, Susette Williams

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Make Money Promoting Your Books

by Ane Mulligan

Jo-Anne Vandermeulen: Google Play App & Twitter Developer & Publisher | International Nonfiction & Fiction Author | Radio – TRN – Talk Radio Network | AOP – Appy Our Publishing | PPS – Premium Promotional Services | eMerce Content-Read Listen & View Marketing Tips | http://www.linkedin.com/in/ppromotionals

Another door is opening. All I have to do is walk through and enter the foreign room.

I’m never alone. Messages of encouraging words filter through daily dialogue, newspaper articles, blogs, social media network discussions, and personal interaction with others. God speaks to me in ALL ways.

I have a goal – I need an income…I have to earn money.

In order for me to meet my goal, I must market and sell my books—make money promoting books.

How would you like to earn money while your book sells in bulk?

What opportunity awaits?

Professional speaking. An effective tactic to sell your books. Now, before you click off this page and venture to another because your palms are beginning to slip with sweat, just hear me out…

Let’s chuck the phrase Professional Speaker, and replace it with something a tad less threatening (for those whom may consider themselves as ‘introverts’)….let’s replace Professional Speaker with Discussing Your Passion.

For example: when mothers come together, they talk for hours about their children; sport fans can spend an entire afternoon exchanging dialogue and cheering for their favorite team. Time flies. Nothing is forced. No one is threatening, judging, or setting up unrealistic expectations.

Can you just imagine speaking from pure adrenalin?

You’ve done it before…and did it quite well. Pure enjoyment from all.

Okay, let’s exchange the word audience with listener.

How do I gain confidence?

I keep new ventures in proper perspectives. I keep a positive frame of mind. I replace those scary words with friendly phrases – Now my heart is beating normal.

Discussing my passion to receptive listeners is a way I can PROMOTE MYSELF, SELL MY BOOKS; thus, MAKE MONEY.

THIS IS HUGE!

So here’s the plan—what can YOU do?

1.) Volunteer to lead a discussion group. Choose a group with the subject/topic of your book.

2.) Volunteer to join a reading group. Offer your services to present a short ‘question/answer’ period about authorship or around the topic of your book.

3.) Encourage book groups to use your book. Hand members your business card, give a short pitch, and offer your time. Be their next featured guest. Create a draw for a free personalized autograph book.

4.) Approach non-profitable organizations and offer your time to speak. For example, if you have a:

- Christian book – there are bible study groups, congregations.

- Self healing book – support groups, hospitals, wards, centers

- Teen mystery book – schools, libraries

*For ideas, check out your local paper under UPCOMING EVENTS*.

ALWAYS have your books handy to sell before and after your discussion. Set up a display table in the back – show pictures of your Author’s Journey. Fan-out your business cards. Stack in many piles, dozens of your books. Pen in hand, be ready to add a favorite encouraging message and personally autograph the next customer’s purchased book. Be prepared to talk—make suggestions as to ‘the targeting audience’—really pitch your book (short ‘elevator’ pitch). Smile and greet…relax. KISS (Keep It Simple Silly).

As you do more speaking (like writing) you’ll become more comfortable. As my mother use to say, “The more you do it, the easier it will become and the better you’ll be”.

Discussing your passion to listeners CAN EARN YOU MONEY, PROMOTE YOURSELF, AND SELL YOUR BOOKS!

· Expect nothing. Volunteer, volunteer, and volunteer your services.

· Speak to entertain, NOT to sell.

After time and experience more doors may open—opportunities to earn money while speaking PLUS selling lots of books. Can you imagine answering the phone from those administrators of organizations and corporations, calling, asking YOU to be as their next Key Speaker? Can you imagine fans coming to your display table wanting to order more and more books for each of their employees, customers, or board members?

YOU can *conquer all obstacles* – make money promoting books – by taking one step at a time, and gaining confidence, knowing…YOU CAN DO IT!

Premium Promotional Tips for Writers

A "must-have" ­resource book filled with practical online marketing tips for those who have books or other products to sell. Although this book was written for writers promoting their books, these ­promotional tips can be applied to any products you may wish to promote via the Internet. You will learn how to target your audience, create massive exposure, and drive traffic back to the site where your books or other products are sold. 

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Getting Bang for your Promotional Buck$

As a former entertainment publicist, I’m a big proponent of the importance of marketing and promotion. But when I moved from promoting actors and their shows to promoting myself and my books, the game changed in a big way. I found myself feeling very unfamiliar with a concept that was so familiar to me. So I started talking to the professionals – from readers to booksellers to agents – and asking them where to start. Those conversations helped me create a list of five important tips to always keep in mind when PS rolls around. [PS = Promotion Season for a new book]

I.                 Effective Social Networking is KEY

What happens in Vegas stays … on Facebook, Twitter, youtube...

I attended a webinar recently that was hosted by Thomas Umstattd, Jr. of Author Media, and one point (which he reiterated in his article in the Winter issue of the ACFW Journal Magazine) that really grabbed hold of my attention was how important it is to differentiate between your PERSONAL Facebook page and your PROFESSIONAL one. My reader page on Facebook has become a pretty awesome way of building my readership. My personal page is where I can share private information, musings and opinions that I might not want to share with the general reading public. Unfortunately, I didn’t discover the importance of keeping them separate until well after I’d combined them, so raking through them for separation purposes has been a long, slow and somewhat painful process. So if you’re just starting out, let my experience shout at you on this subject.

II.               Understand Branding

What it does and (more importantly) doesn’t mean

I know this is a somewhat hot button issue for a lot of writers, but I am a firm believer in finding that one thing that you’re good at writing – and more importantly, what you’re called to write – and focus on that. Cluster bombing by writing a historical first, then trying your hand at suspense, then jumping with both feet into the YA market is not going to cement that all-important relationship with your readers. Experience has taught me that readers may love the way you write, but what they really connect with is your specific manner of storytelling. More often than not, that includes a love of your genre that will result in devoted readers.

III.           Learn the Art of Crafting Press Releases

Ready, aim, and shoot at a direct target

During my 15+ years as a publicist, I probably wrote at least two or three press releases per week. That kind of active experience teaches you something very important: Know your audience! It wasn’t uncommon for me to craft several different versions of a release for one specific event, and then send them out to the most appropriate outlets. I had a pretty uncanny track record for stories being picked up by entertainment news outlets for just that reason. Recently, author Erica Vetsch (we’re represented by the same agency) reached out to me for some help on designing a release for a very specific event, and I completely tore her first draft apart and revised it specifically for the news outlet she had in mind. A few days later, she let me know how thrilled she was at the results.

IV.            Cultivate Word of Mouth

You tell two friends, and they’ll tell two friends, and so on…

Making a personal connection with readers is imperative. A few great ways to do that is to reach out to book clubs, do interviews with various bloggers, conduct contests for autographed books. Think of book giveaways – even a large one, to a full book club, for instance – as an investment in your future. Sort of like a Marketing 401k. 

V.                Come to Terms with the Importance of Book Trailers      

Hit ‘em where they live and give ‘em some eye candy

There’s been a lot of debate out there about the value of developing a book trailer for a soon-to-be-published novel. Again, I went to work and talked to a lot of people so that I could form an opinion on this subject. 

“An amateur-looking trailer can backfire and work against you, so carefully consider how you’re going to approach it. Then do your best to use your trailer in every way possible.” –Rachelle Gardner, Literary Agent (Blog post dated 2/3/10)

“One thing is certain: publishers want trailers to sell books. And a trailer, which can live forever on YouTube or Vimeo, might just be the gift that keeps on giving…” –Edward Nawotka, PublishingPerspectives.com (Blog post dated 3/24/11)

“When an in-house publicist has 3-5 minutes to convince a retailer to invest in a particular book, nothing speaks louder than a well-done, 90-second book trailer.”  --Maegan Roper, Publicist (formerly of Abingdon Press)

“It's becoming less and less common to buy books by their cover. It's more about showing eye candy to reel them in.” –Filmmaker Chris Roth  [LA Times article by Richard Verrier, November 9, 2011]

The dilemma here was that I don’t generate the income to match a lot of the prices being charged out there for the good ones. Fortunately, I had a friend who was in school studying video production and I sent her a dozen trailers that I thought were amazing. She allowed me to collaborate with her on a couple of my book trailers, and she’s grown it into a business! She’s very reasonably priced; in addition, I’ve known her most of my life! So if you’re thinking about a book trailer, feel free to contact Marian Miller of MarianCreates and tell her I sent you.

So there you have it! My five best tips for getting the most bang out of each of your promotion bucks. 

  # # #

Sandra D. Bricker is a best-selling and award-winning author of laugh-out-loud romantic comedy for the Christian market. Her most popular series (that started with Always the Baker Never the Bride) will conclude this spring with Always the Baker FINALLY the Bride, which is now available for pre-order at Amazon.

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