Ministry Marketing Solutions | Pam Perry - PR Coach » Book Marketing Plans

How to get Publicity…with Monique Caradine

Pam Perry — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 15:44:10 +0000

If a producer called you today for a TV interview would you be ready?

Would you be able to turn a brief conversation with a newspaper or magazine editor into a free publicity opportunity?
Upon their request, would you be able to send a reporter all the information they needed about you in a professionally branded electronic media kit INSTANTLY?
For most people, the answer to all these questions is a resounding NO! However, there is no reason that a lack of media preparedness should be a barrier to your media success!

FOR A LIMITED TIME

Momentum Media Group is offering a special rate on one of our newest and most exclusive service offerings:
HIGH-POWERED PRESS KITS – For authors, experts and executives. Visit our website today today to get your custom High-Powered Press Kit.

Hear her on the Synergy Energy Show: http://tobtr.com/s/2428485. #BlogTalkRadio #pr

12 Simple Ways to Sell More Books (guest post)

Pam Perry — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 22:40:18 +0000

Most authors want to sell books, but many never will. At least not more than a handful.

The #1 way to sell books is to get yours to stand out from the millions of others that are out there.

Below are 12 very easy to implement “stand out” ideas.

1. Article marketing

One of the oldest online marketing strategies is still one of the most effective. Writing articles that tie into the theme of your book should be very easy. After all, you are a writer.

Even if you don’t have a lot of time on your hands you can take portions of a chapter and create several articles.

At the end of the article add in something that drives readers back to your blog, website or landing page to opt in for something of value. Yes, ethical bribes still work.

2. Tell people

You need to let your friends, family, colleagues, clients, peers and just about anybody you know that your book was published. After all, if you’re not willing to talk about your book others may not be either.

3. Reviews from happy readers

Third party endorsements (verbal or written) are a great way to have your book stand out. Just today I began reading a book my nutritionist recommended.

Recently Sandi hosted a workshop on food cravings. During her presentation she recommended the audience read two books. I wrote both down and upon returning home immediately ordered the Kindle version of the one that most caught my attention.

Once I’m done with the book I will write an Amazon review. It’s likely I will even blog about the book. Viral marketing at its best.

4. Facebook

Start a page for your book. I have done that for the last two books I was the marketing director for. The strategy worked well in that we created interest in the book before it was published.

Once you start the page you need to let everyone know about it. Be actively involved with those who “liked” the page. Otherwise the page is a stagnant piece and does you no good.

5. LinkedIn groups

A fantastic way to build a loyal following of potential buyers of your book(s) is to start a LinkedIn group that is specific to the theme or genre of your book.

Does a group take work? Yes. But so do all the other methods outlined in this article.

The fact is, anything you do is going to take effort.

6. Blogging

By far one of the best things you can do to build visibility, credibility, market reach and SEO is blogging.

Here are only a handful of ideas for what you can blog about regarding your book.

7. FAQ’s

Frequently asked questions as they pertain to the theme of your book. If you’re not sure what the main questions your potential readers have, ask. Even if you have a pretty good idea, ask.

One way to do this is with Survey Monkey. When someone completes your survey give them a gift for doing so without requiring any opt in. This creates a win/win.

Try the survey method. Not only can you post results on your blog, you can write articles and develop products based on the answers.

8. Tips

Based on the theme of your book you can write tips that are specific to the interests of your market.

Just like I did with this posting, you can do so with your book.

9. Interviews with other authors in the same genre

Why not find other authors who have a following and interview them? Not only will you have great information for your blog, you will build credibility by association.

10. Case studies

If your book is a how to, you can profile those who got specific results based on the information your book outlines. This not only increases potential reader interest, it substantiates the value of your book’s information.

11. Guest Blogging

One of the fastest and most effective ways to increase market reach and visibility for you and your book is to be a featured blogger on other high traffic blogs.

12. Videos

Without a doubt video is one of the most powerful marketing tools you can use to promote your book. You can do book trailers, short readings, or simply share stories as they relate to your book. Be sure to be animated during your shooting and use keywords both in the spoken part of the video and the title and description.

So there you have it… 12 simple ways to gain visibility for your book(s).

3 Simple Steps to Begin Making Money Online Right Now! FREE online course from Kathleen Gage. Kathleen works with spiritually aware speakers, authors, coaches and consultants who are ready to turn their knowledge into money making products and services. http://www.streetsmartsmarketing.com/3simple.htm

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6010505

Social Media PR Interview featuring Pam Perry

Pam Perry — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 03:39:02 +0000

Brand YOUR Best Life: Market The Message! BE BIG. BOLD.

Click & Listen to this one-hour Social Media PR Interview about how to have a BREAKOUT Year!

Listen to internet radio with Paul Lawrence Vann on Blog Talk Radio

SEO + Publicity + Social Media = ?

See www.PamPerryPRCoach.com too and join www.ChocolatePagesNetwork.com!

How to get Buzz for YOUR Christian Book

Pam Perry — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 03:18:09 +0000

How to use blogs to build your brand and promote your book

Pam Perry — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 23:00:04 +0000

Blogalicious presentation notes: From blog to book with Pam Perry, PR coach

View more presentations from Pam Perry.

How to Sell to Libraries – Top Ten Strategies for Independent Authors and Publishers

Pam Perry — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 04:10:58 +0000

America’s 123,000 libraries purchase nearly $2 billion worth of books annually, according to statistics from the American Library Association and the Book Industry Study Group. Nonfiction books are especially well suited to library sales. To sell fiction to libraries, it’s helpful to have reviews in journals, book awards, or a strong local tie-in, such as a novel being set in the region.

Here are ten tips on how to sell to libraries:

1. Publish a library-friendly book. Library books take a lot of abuse, so libraries prefer books that are sturdy. However, given the choice between a hardcover and paperback edition, they may choose the paperback because it’s less expensive. Libraries generally will not purchase books with spiral or other nontraditional binding, and they don’t like books with “fill-in-the-blank” pages. Nonfiction books should have a good index and preferably a bibliography. Librarians also prefer to purchase books that are cataloged using CIP (cataloging-in-publication) data.

2. Get your book reviewed in a library journal. Library purchasing decisions are based largely on reviews in the major journals. It’s impossible for librarians to keep up with the huge volume of books being published, and they value the screening process that the journals provide. Eligibility and submission instructions vary by publication, so read the requirements carefully. Unfortunately, the journals can review only a small percentage of the books submitted to them. If you aren’t able to get reviewed in major journals, play up your other reviews in your marketing materials.

3. Make sure your book is available through major library wholesalers such as Baker & Taylor and Ingram. The majority of library book purchases are made through wholesalers, and some libraries won’t order directly from small publishers.

4. Apply to work with a library distributor such as Quality Books or Unique Books, if you have a nonfiction book.

5. Solicit testimonials from librarians to add to your marketing materials, and play up any awards the book has won.

6. Contact libraries in your area to inquire about programs for local authors, and contact libraries in towns you visit. Let the library know about your events or media coverage in the area, such as book signings, radio interviews, or newspaper feature stories.

7. Look into speaking opportunities at libraries, like lectures and readings. In some cases you can sell copies of your book at your event or even get paid a speaking fee. Sometimes these events are organized by the “friends of the library” or other similar volunteer groups.

8. Send direct mail to libraries, either on your own or through co-operative mailings. Address mail to the Collection Development Librarian for your subject area, and include a flyer with book details and a list of wholesalers and distributors that carry your book.

9. Consider donating a sample copy of your book to a few top library systems, to encourage purchases for branch libraries.

10. Exhibit at library tradeshows through co-operative exhibit programs such as those offered through the Independent Book Publishers Association, Combined Book Exhibit, and other organizations.

Excerpted from The Savvy Book Marketer’s Guide to Selling Your Book to Libraries by Dana Lynn Smith. For book marketing tips, get a free copy of the Top Book Marketing Tips ebook on Dana’s book marketing blog and follow @BookMarketer on Twitter.

Successful Social Marketing book: http://bit.ly/socialmediasavvy

Book marketing blog: http://www.TheSavvyBookMarketer.com

Steps to Positioning/Branding yourself in the African American Christian Market

Pam Perry — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 01:33:02 +0000

Step 1: Define your target audience.

Who is your main customer? What do they look like? What do they watch? Listen to? What other media do they consume? The more research you do the more you can identify and target your ideal customer to BUY YOUR BOOK!

Step 2: What’s your PLATFORM? Find your “book hook.” What message are you marketing?

Get your message “out there!” But what do you want to say? Are you an expert? An evangelist? Do you want to position yourself as a “brain” or a “creative” – or do you have endorsements that will speak volumes for you? Who you have endorse you will “pin point” how you will be perceived/branded in the market. Make sure your message that you communicates makes the media say “wow” and not yawn. Examine yourself and find your unique selling position. Why is your book worthy of media attention?

Step 3: Build a media “wish list”

We would all love to be on Oprah, Tom Joyner and Steve Harvey and TBN…that’s a for sure best-seller status. But starting out, get a focused, realistic media database that reaches the core target audience. What do you read, watch and listen to? Do you really know the media? Google the media you know matches your platform. Look up other authors in your genre and Google them to see where they have had media hits. Put those on your “wish list” and go and find those same reporters/stations. No need buy expensive media lists and doing mass mailings – that is old school and doesn’t work.

Here are some Eblast services/media to look at:
(targeting the African-American and faith-based African-American markets)
BlackGospelPromo.com
DetroitGospel.com
GoodGirlBookClubOnline.com
UrbanGospelPromo.com
GospelCity.com
BlackBookPromo.com
UrbanRoundUp.com
GospelEblast.com
GospelEFlyer.com
TheLoopOnline.com
MIProductions.org
GospelTruthMagazine.com
CushCity.com
UrbanGospelPromo.com
GospelFlava.com
Rawsistaz.com
MosaicBooks.com (300 BookClubs)
FriendshipProductions
GospelFruits.com
Izania.com
BlackChristianbookpromo.com
Gospeltube.com
Blacknews.com
Christianbookbuzzonline.com

Step 4: Create dazzling press materials

If you’re trying to pitch Essence, “O” magazine or your local weekly neighborhood newspaper, you better come correct. You only have one chance to make a first impression. Get customized press kit folders if doing mailing. Or get graphics help to design your EPK (electronic press kit). But whatever you do, get great author photos. A picture is worth a thousand words – and a “glamour” shot will get you noticed. Even in the Christian market, sex appeal sells. Make sure your press releases, fact sheets, articles and pitch letters stand out from the crowd and “position” yourself. BRAND!
Great error-free press material is the foundation to a good campaign.

Step 5: Media contact – they are your friends.

How do you meet the media? Go where they go. Go to conferences where you know media will be there like the Gospel Heritage Conference, The PowerNetworking Conference, The Stellar Awards, ICRS (formerly CBA) and even the regional/local National Black Association of Black Journalists. Not a bad idea to even join as an associate member. You’re a writer, right? Networking and building relationships is critical. If you can meet them, keep in contact by commenting on their work – so they know you’re just not “begging” allllllll the time – but really are an educated media consumer. (Also get their name right!)

When you prove yourself as an “expert” and dependable source of information, you get reporters to contact you over and over. And they will tell their friends about you because you will become known as a good source.

But never brow beat and badger a reporter/producer with unwanted phone calls, faxes or E-mails – that’s a quick way to make an enemy with the whole industry. If they don’t respond, ask them why and then move on. There are tons of other media that will reach your target market. Use your time and energy wisely and don’t be a pain – and when you really have something to contact them about – just a quick email is all that is needed.

For more info go to: www.pamperryonlinepr.com

See youtube.com/pamperry1 too for videos

Max Siegel – The Premiere Brand Master – in ministry, sports & entertainment

Pam Perry — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 20:17:37 +0000

Know What Makes Them Tick

This is a must read for those serious about business today. I know Max and I highly recommend this book!

Book Description

Max Siegel started with none of the obvious advantages, yet again and again he built mutually beneficial partnerships—with peers, mentors, supervisors, and industry leaders—that took him to the heights of professional and personal achievement. He’s managed some of the world’s top recording artists, ballplayers, and race-car drivers, and helped run some of the top organizations in sports and entertainment. He’s grown fragmented niche markets into bestselling audiences by tapping into the universal hopes and passions that bring people together. Now he travels the country giving motivational speeches and inspiring professionals of all kinds, sharing his method for connecting with people, whatever their differences.

The secret, Siegel says, is to know what makes others tick. For some, it’s financial security; for others, it’s respect, devotion to family, a creative calling, or a vision of a better world. He shows how to encourage people to share these hidden, all-important motivations, and how to partner with them in the most powerful way there is: by finding the overlap between their goals and yours, so that together you can realize the dreams that make you tick.

The nine universal rules outlined in Know What Makes Them Tick include:

See Where You Want to Be, Not Where You Are

Find Your Ambassadors

Show What’s in It for Them

Readers will learn practical strategies for negotiating the challenges in every part of life, whether motivating colleagues to be more productive, finding a market for their product, uniting a divided family, or building a life of satisfaction in an unpredictable world. It’s an eye-opening guide to a unique and powerful approach that anyone can use.

Author Extras

Max Siegel Biography

Share

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Siegel, CEO of a sports and music media platform company, shares nine principles for personal and professional advancement centered on figuring out what makes someone else “tick,” what motivates them, and what they value, need, and want. To really succeed at negotiation, according to Siegal, it is necessary to determine how the other players define success. This principle lays the foundation for his subsequent maxims-appreciating coworkers and competitors, using your outsider advantage, and “gathering your inner circle.” By peppering each tip with multiple stories from his long and varied career and challenging personal life, Siegel follows through on his eighth rule-remember who you are and how you got to where you are. He freely admits his mistakes and pulls no punches in this lucid and very readable guide to winning at home and at work.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Review

“Siegel shows us how to successfully navigate situations that may arise at work, in the home, or in personal relationships. More, he shows how, if the cards are played right, everyone walks away a winner–an empowering feeling if ever there was one.” (Chris Gardner, author of The Pursuit of Happyness and Start Where You Are )

“Max Siegel was part of the inner circle that helped to shape our careers. . . For anyone who’s ever wished for a Siegel to represent him or her, it’s all right here in Know What Makes Them Tick.” (Tony Gwynn, Eight-time National League Batting Champion, Baseball Hall of Fame; and Alicia Gwynn, Philanthropist )

“Who is this book for? Anyone who wants to make a difference.” (Bob Johnson, founder of Black Entertainment Television, chairman of The RLJ Companies, and owner of the Charlotte Bobcats )

“When Max speaks, people listen … and when Max writes, people read and learn. If you want to grow both personally and professionally, then join the winners and leaders who find wisdom with Max Siegel. (Chuck Wielgus, CEO of USA Swimming )

“Working with Max closely for over a decade, I have benefited personally from the treasures in this book–and I am a walking testimony to its real-life benefits.” (Kirk Franklin, Seven-Time Grammy Award Winner )

“In a world of constant distraction and pointless conflicts, Know What Makes Them Tick shows you how to find the clarity to pursue the vision that matters most, and to share that vision with those who can help make it a reality.” (Ken Mok, television producer, America’s Next Top Model )

See Max on Facebook. Follow him on twitter @max_siegel

Top 7 Book Promotion Methods for Your Nonfiction Book

Pam Perry — Mon, 10 May 2010 14:04:42 +0000

There are two things every author must know about book promotion for your nonfiction book. First, it is your responsibility, no matter what publishing method you use – conventional, print on demand (POD), or self-publishing.

Second, promotion should begin long before your book is finished. In fact, you should be thinking about it from the very beginning of the planning process.

One of the first questions you should ask yourself is who are my readers? Once you have identified your target market, your next step is to find ways to tell them what the book is about; what problem it will solve; why it is funny, informative, or moving; who wrote it and why; and, most important, why they want to spend money to own your book. What follows are seven proven book promotion ways to reach your readers with this information:

1. Create a website for your book.

You must have a presence on the Internet for solid book promotion and book marketing. A Website showcases your book, highlights the cover, introduces you as an expert author, delineates the main points, tells where the book may be purchased, and provides a place for testimonials. A Website doesn’t have to be expensive or elaborate, but it should be professionally designed and constructed. Unless you are a Web guru, invest in a professional Website designer.

2. Brainstorm ideas for book promotion and book marketing.

Gather a group of your most creative friends to generate as many ideas as you can (It’s a good idea to feed them). Break your reading audience into subgroups, and list all the places to find them. Where do they hang out? What organizations do they belong to? Where do they shop? What are their passions, hobbies, and vocations? The spreadsheet you create is the beginning of your promotional plan.

3. Send advance readers’ copies (ARCs) to promote your book.

When the book is finished but not yet published, send bound copies of Galley proofs to book reviewers at print and electronic media. Be sure to stamp them “Reader’s Copy” or “Galley Proof.” You want to time the reviews to coincide with the publication and availability of your book. Reviewers want to read it before it hits the shelves. Timing is everything. Ministry Marketing Solutions can help with this.

4. Submit articles to promote your book.

Your book is a goldmine of article ideas. Every major point is an article ready to be excerpted or paraphrased. Once you know what your target audience is reading, you have a list of potential publications, print and electronic. Write a 25- and 50-word author’s blurb to be printed at the end of every article. When you submit to an online article Website, indicate that the article may be reprinted at no charge, as long as it includes the author’s blurb.

5. Take part in book fairs as a great book promotion tool.

Share a table or booth with other writers or with members of an association of which you are a member, if it is relevant to your topic. Book fairs can mean long hours on your feet if you go it alone; but, when you share the workload, the experience can be fun and rewarding. You’ll meet new people, reach readers directly, and become personally involved in selling your book.

6. Share what you know to become an expert in your field.

Offer to give free presentations at bookstores and other venues that carry your book. This is a great way to build your reputation as an expert in your field, provide value to the bookseller and the book buyer, and connect directly with your readers. It’s good for your ego to be asked to sign your own book. One caveat: if you don’t feel comfortable speaking in front of a group, join Toastmasters or hire a speaking coach. Don’t muddle through your presentation.

7. Assemble a book sales package.

(see http://pamperry.posterous.com for an instant press kit package)

Put together a press kit to send to local radio and TV stations. Include a news release with pertinent information about the book and future scheduled appearances, an author’s bio, talking points to use in an on-air interview, a sample book cover, background information, and favorable reviews and testimonials. A press kit is like a resume; it gets you in the door. Once you get there, the rest is up to you.

Promoting your book is an ongoing project. It isn’t something you do once and then move on. As long as your book is available and there are potential readers who could enjoy it and benefit from reading it, you have a job to do. This is, after all, why you wrote it.

For more guidance and direction on marketing your book from me, go to:

www.e-junkie.com/pamperry or www.prbootcamponline.eventbrite.com

Publicity Tips

Pam Perry — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 03:24:13 +0000

The easiest way to get publicity is to find out what a producer/editor wants and give it to them.

How much publicity can you get? $100,000 a month at least. It’s simple but you have to follow a lot of steps. It snowballs…then people come knocking at your door.

Start with “grass roots” and build out. Try out the smaller stations/newspapers first.

There are some companies that you pay for performances not promises. (Guarantees are what people want).

People can pay for interviews secured. People can pay $2,000 to $10,000 a month.

It’s never to early to get started with your publicity campaign. 90 days is not too early. You can get pre-orders and you can plug your website. You can do seminars.

Give away books to get publicity.

THE BASICS. Need: Media kit (A folder with the pasted cover of the book on it. Then a press/media release, bio, testimonials, GOOD photographs). The media know that you’re a professional if you have this.

Optimize them so people can find it high on Google. PRWEB.com is a good one and ChristianPRGroup.com

10. Write a column for a local paper for free in exchange for a plug for your book.

11. People are always looking for more content. (Newspapers and broadcast) – so send out a newsletter to the media, send postcards, send emails.

12. Build Relationships with the media…and other book clubs.

13. Do Teleseminars or regular seminars – this establishes you as an expert.

14. Internet Marketing (www.BlackGospelPromo.com) is the best!

15. Blogs…high in search engines and comment on B. (Like an online diary) See http://www.ministrymarketingsolutionsblog.com

Courtesy of Ministry Marketing Solutions

Pam Perry, 248.426-2300

www.pamperrypr.com

www.MinistryMarketingSolutions.com

Ministry Marketing Solutions | Pam Perry - PR Coach » Book Marketing Plans

How to get Publicity…with Monique Caradine

If a producer called you today for a TV interview would you be ready?

12 Simple Ways to Sell More Books (guest post)

Social Media PR Interview featuring Pam Perry

How to get Buzz for YOUR Christian Book

How to use blogs to build your brand and promote your book

How to Sell to Libraries – Top Ten Strategies for Independent Authors and Publishers

Here are ten tips on how to sell to libraries:

Successful Social Marketing book: http://bit.ly/socialmediasavvy

Steps to Positioning/Branding yourself in the African American Christian Market

Step 1: Define your target audience.

Step 2: What’s your PLATFORM? Find your “book hook.” What message are you marketing?

Step 3: Build a media “wish list”

Step 4: Create dazzling press materials

Step 5: Media contact – they are your friends.

For more info go to: www.pamperryonlinepr.com

Max Siegel – The Premiere Brand Master – in ministry, sports & entertainment

Book Description

The nine universal rules outlined in Know What Makes Them Tick include:

See Where You Want to Be, Not Where You Are

Find Your Ambassadors

Show What’s in It for Them

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Review

Top 7 Book Promotion Methods for Your Nonfiction Book

1. Create a website for your book.

2. Brainstorm ideas for book promotion and book marketing.

3. Send advance readers’ copies (ARCs) to promote your book.

4. Submit articles to promote your book.

5. Take part in book fairs as a great book promotion tool.

6. Share what you know to become an expert in your field.

7. Assemble a book sales package.

(see http://pamperry.posterous.com for an instant press kit package)

Publicity Tips