Tag: Book Promotion

Kelly Speaks, Uncategorized

BlueInk Review Now Offering Services for Spanish Language Books

Book reviews are a great way for self-publishing authors to increase their credibility and promote their books. One of the most popular review sources for self-published authors is BlueInk Review, and they are now expanding their services to include Spanish language books.

BlueInk Review was founded by  internationally known publishing professionals, literary agent Patty Moosbrugger and award-winning former book review editor of the Rocky Mountain News Patti Thorn. While fee-based, all BlueInk reviews are honest appraisals, written by professionals drawn largely from mainstream media outlets or editors who have worked at well-respected publishing houses. Worthy titles are not only featured on the company’s website but are also vigorously promoted to publishers, librarians, literary agents and booksellers. BlueInk acts as means for readers and industry professionals to find the “next generation” books worth selling, stocking, purchasing and reading.

BlueInk offers a host of other services as well, including articles with self publishing tips, places for authors to tout their sales successes, lists of important writing resources, classified ads, and much more.

To learn more about BlueInk Review, visit http://www.blueinkreview.com.

ABOUT KELLY SCHUKNECHT: Kelly Schuknecht is the Vice President of Outskirts Press. In addition to her contributions to the Outskirts Press blog at blog.outskirtspress.com, Kelly and a group of talented marketing experts offer book marketing services, support, and products to not only published Outskirts Press authors, but to all authors and professionals who are interested in marketing their books and/or careers. Learn more about Kelly on her blog at http://kellyschuknecht.com.
Uncategorized

5 Pinterest Marketing Tips for Self-Publishing Authors

When used appropriately, social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn can be effective tools for book marketing.  The hottest social media trend right now is Pinterest! Like the other social media sites, it can help self publishing authors  facilitate communication with current and potential readers, generate sales, and increase awareness of their books.

This photo sharing site enables users to “pin” images and videos to virtual pinboards, or “Boards,” and share them with others.  Users can organize their pins based on their interests; a few popular examples are food, books, travel, and style. When other users see a pin they like, they can repin it onto one of their own Boards.  Think virtual word-of-mouth marketing!

The visual and social nature of Pinterest make it a perfect fit for book marketing.  Here are a few ways you can use the site to promote your self published book.

1.  Become active on Pinterest and begin networking with people who are pinning in your areas of interest.  People are more likely to want to support people that are active in the community versus people that are just pinning to promote a product or service. You can search on Pinterest for topics related to your interests and your book and start following Boards you find “Pinteresting.”
2.  Create your own Boards.  Keep in mind, Pinterest was created for people to share images and interests.  Your Boards need to be visually appealing, contain lots of images, and they should give potential readers some insights into your interests and why you wrote the book. If you have a poetry book, for example, you may choose to Pin graphics with quotes from your favorite poets, thus allowing you to begin connecting with other Pinners who also like poetry.
3.  Upload images related to your book.  These may include cover images, illustrations, locations that were featured in your book, and/or people that provided inspiration for your characters.
4.  Pin quotes from your book or short selections to entice people to learn more about your book, spread the word and purchase their own copy.
5.  Include links to your website, your publisher’s website or book retail sites so people know where they can purchase your book once you’ve got them “pinterested.”

Pinterest is gaining in popularity, so now is the time to get active, have fun and start promoting your self published book if you haven’t already.

 

 

Jodee Speaks

Marketing for Self Publishing Procrastinators: Reward Yourself

It often seems as though the terms writer and procrastinator go hand in hand. Many authors find themselves constantly putting off finishing or promoting their book. Maybe it is because the amount of work that goes into writing and promoting a book seems daunting or because authors aren’t sure where to start. Whatever the reason, I am here to help.

The key to overcoming procrastination is taking small steps towards accomplishing your goals. In this series of posts, I am going to help all of you procrastinators to promote your self published books so you can start increasing your exposure and sales.

Rewards are a great motivation tool. To help you finish and market your book, create a list of goals. For example, your list may include write 5,000 word, send out 5 press releases and create a Facebook page. Next assign a reward for each goal. For instance, you may treat yourself to a new pair of shoes, a new book or a special lunch out. Be sure to choose rewards that are practical but motivating, and try to match the reward to the difficulty of the goal. For instance, finishing your manuscript deserves a much bigger reward than updating your Facebook five times this week.

I’d love to know, how do you use rewards to help you finish and market your book?

ABOUT JODEE THAYER: With over 20 years of experience in sales and management, Jodee Thayer works as the Manager of Author Services for Outskirts Press. The Author Services Department is composed of knowledgeable customer service reps and publishing consultants; together, they all focus on educating authors on the self-publishing process in order to help them publish the book of their dreams. Whether you are a professional looking to take your career to the next level with platform-driven non-fiction or a novelist seeking fame, fortune, and/or personal fulfillment, Jodee Thayer can put you on the right path.
Jodee Speaks

Marketing for Self Publishing Procrastinators: Part 3 – Create a Facebook Page

It often seems as though the terms writer and procrastinator go hand in hand. Many authors find themselves constantly putting off finishing or promoting their book. Maybe it is because the amount of work that goes into writing and promoting a book seems daunting or because authors aren’t sure where to start. Whatever the reason, I am here to help.

The key to overcoming procrastination is taking small steps towards accomplishing your goals. In this series of posts, I am going to help all of you procrastinators to promote your self published books so you can start increasing your exposure and sales.

Procrastinators love social media because it is a wondferul distraction. While you are procrastinating, why not make that time useful? Next time you want to spend time on social media instead of working on your writing, set up a Facebook page for your book or for you as an author. This is a great way to connect with your readers and promote your work. Here are a few tips to get you started.

  • Include a picture. Every social media page needs a professional picture. You could use the cover of your book or a photo of yourself. If you use a photo of yourself, be sure it is appropriate.
  • Get creative. Social media is a great place to flex those creative muscles. For instance, you may decide to post as your characters or engage readers in games.
  • Stay consistent. I am actually going to give you permission to check and update your Facebook every day, or at least a few times a week. To keep from spending too  much time online, set a schedule of when and for how long you will use social media. You still need to spend time on other writing and marketing tasks.

For the procrastinators reading this post, share your story in the comment section below. What are your biggest obstacles? Your greatest strengths? Why do you procrastinate? Now, get offline and go work on your book.

ABOUT JODEE THAYER: With over 20 years of experience in sales and management, Jodee Thayer works as the Manager of Author Services for Outskirts Press. The Author Services Department is composed of knowledgeable customer service reps and publishing consultants; together, they all focus on educating authors on the self-publishing process in order to help them publish the book of their dreams. Whether you are a professional looking to take your career to the next level with platform-driven non-fiction or a novelist seeking fame, fortune, and/or personal fulfillment, Jodee Thayer can put you on the right path.
Jodee Speaks

Marketing for Self Publishing Procrastinators: Part 2 – Sign Your Book

It often seems as though the terms writer and procrastinator go hand in hand. Many authors find themselves constantly putting off finishing or promoting their book. Maybe it is because the amount of work that goes into writing and promoting a book seems daunting or because authors aren’t sure where to start. Whatever the reason, I am here to help.

The key to overcoming procrastination is taking small steps towards accomplishing your goals. In this series of posts, I am going to help all of you procrastinators to promote your self published books so you can start increasing your exposure and sales.

This week, I recommend scheduling a book signing. This is a great way to interact with your readers and gain exposure. Contact your local bookstore or other venues (such as coffee shops or libraries) about hosting a book signing. Here a few tips to make the signing a success.

  • Personalize it – Always ask who you should make the message out to and double check spellings, even for common names. This makes the signed book even more special.
  • Make it legible – You never know, one day your  book may just be considered a collectible, so imake t legible. If necessary, practice your signature ahead of time.
  • Bring good pens – Obviously you will be signing books all day, so make sure you not only have plenty of pens but that you also like the way they write. Your signature is a reflection of yourself.
  • Display your cover – Enlarge and laminate your book cover to make a nice poster to display during the signing. This will help catch people’s attention at the event.
  • Share the news – Be sure to invite everyone you know and ask them to spread the word. Also, send press releases to local media to promote the event. You also share the news on your website and social media pages.

For the procrastinators reading this post, share your story in the comment section below. What are your biggest obstacles? Your greatest strengths? Why do you procrastinate? Now, get offline and go work on your book.

ABOUT JODEE THAYER: With over 20 years of experience in sales and management, Jodee Thayer works as the Manager of Author Services for Outskirts Press. The Author Services Department is composed of knowledgeable customer service reps and publishing consultants; together, they all focus on educating authors on the self-publishing process in order to help them publish the book of their dreams. Whether you are a professional looking to take your career to the next level with platform-driven non-fiction or a novelist seeking fame, fortune, and/or personal fulfillment, Jodee Thayer can put you on the right path.