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

    Friday, August 13th, 2010

    pam perry

    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

    Guest Blog: Marketing with Integrity – interview with Pam Perry, PR coach

    Tuesday, August 10th, 2010

    Hope Today Magazine
    By Diana Bridgett, Managing Editor
    August 5, 2010

    Author, and Pastor T.D. Jakes with PR Guru, Pam Perry (Photo Credit: Ministry Marketing Solutions)

    It is not often that we come across a person in the Public Relations arena that has taken the torch to represent the Christian population with tenacity, integrity, and dedication.  Pam Perry is that individual.  She began Ministry Marketing Solutions ten years ago to assist churches, ministries, and Christian authors with building their brand of marketing to empower their target audience.  Her no nonsense approach, coupled with her drive for churches to work in excellence equals a product that has a solid foundation, brand identification, and relays a strong spiritual message.

    Hope Today Magazine spoke with this PR Guru to learn what her driving force is behind her company, her passion for ministry, and why she became the vessel of empowerment to the Christian community.

    Hope Today Magazine: Can you provide background information with regards to how you became involved in the Public Relations industry?

    Pam Perry: I have been involved in Public Relations for the past twenty years.  I believe it to be my career, my calling.  I majored in Public Relations and Journalism in college. When I completed school, I worked for the Detroit Free Press for a number of years in the Advertising and Sales role.  I did this for about a decade and then moved into radio and broadcast sales along with some producing.  I left that, went into not for profit work as the Director of Public Relations.  There after, I decided to strike out on my own with working with two organizations, Joy of Jesus and the Salvation Army.  I combined all of my media, sales, and writing skills to work with those two organizations and that is how I formed the bridge to Ministry Marketing Solutions.

    Hope Today Magazine: Can you tell of the services that Ministry Marketing Solutions provides?

    Pam Perry: We do PR coaching. We take new authors who are new to the publishing field who do not know how to market their book or self-published authors who are trying to build a brand.  I teach them step by step, everything that they need to do in order to market their book.  We discuss branding, building the platform, social media training, media relations, internet marketing, as well as packaging themselves to gain speaking engagements.

    Hope Today Magazine: You assist with building ministries as well?

    Pam Perry: Yes, I do this for Pastors as well, typically if they have a book.

    Hope Today Magazine: Why did you decide to focus your services towards ministries?

    Pam Perry: That was just a love that I had.  I felt there was a huge need.  There was a void that I saw in that particular area. After working with companies who market their products well, I often wondered why the church that has more of a life changing message does not have the technical skills to be able to deliver their products to consumers that would buy into their story as well.  I really learned that from the Salvation Army. People really do not understand that the Salvation Army is a church.  They are a brand.  When people see the red kettles out at Christmas time, that is all branding. It really started there.  I opened Ministry Marketing Solutions because I wanted to offer my skills to churches that just didnt know how to get their products out.  Its good that we know the Word but we need to understand the profession of marketing.  I believe that Jesus is about excellence and when we dont do something in excellence, we are not being a good witness.

    Hope Today Magazine: It is not often that we hear of a PR Liason speak so passionately about excellence with regards to marketing with churches.

    Pam Perry: You don’t have to be a mega church to do things in excellence. You don’t have to be a T.D Jakes in order to have a really tight brand.  You can do something as simple as sticking to a consistent color.  That is branding.  The typical Christian needs to feel that their church is relevant. I look in the urban areas in which there is a church on every corner.  Why don’t the churches involve the community to rebuild those churches?  The reason why that does not happen is because the community feels that the church is just a little club that they do not understand, that is not relevant and basically recycles Christians every Sunday. We have to become relevant.  We have to engage the community.  This should be a lifestyle not just something that happens on Sunday. It can be the little things, texts messages or having a nice package for the CD of the sermon.  We can do things in excellence.

    Hope Today Magazine: What would you say to critics that would say that this is further perpetuating the thought that churches are more concerned about the business than about an individual’s soul?

    Pam Perry: I dont think that they are focusing on money rather than they are on branding and bringing people in.  However to get the people in first, you have to spend some money on marketing. You have to have nice post cards, business cards, and signs.  You have to look at companies.  Disney is known for customer service.  Just because we are a church does not mean that we can not take a page form the book of a company that is doing well.  We have to engage people.  We have to look at the culture of what we are up against.  You have to remain relevant. Everything that the world does we can take it, turn the page, and use it to minister to people.

    Hope Today Magazine: Who have you worked with in the past?

    Pam Perry: T.D Jakes, Teresa Hairston, Valerie Burton, Dr. Myles Munroe, and Pastor Andre Butler to name a few. Within the past ten years, I have worked with about two hundred Christian authors.

    Hope Today Magazine: What do you envision for Ministry Marketing Solutions for the next five years?

    Pam Perry: We will do more social media marketing for churches and authors.  What I have found is that people are confused about what to do with internet marketing.  I want to take that mystique out of social media.  I will be doing more training and speaking on social media marketing in the next upcoming years.  That internet train is not slowing down.  It is actuall speeding up.  We have to be able to navigate to stay relevant.

    Hope Today Magazine: What is the Pam Perry Brand?

    Pam Perry: You will see a lot of pink and a lot of books.  I love to give information.  I surround myself with information.  People will see a lot of pink yet when I open my mouth they are quickly made aware that I have knowledge and I am about business.

    Editor Notes:
    Pam Perry has been one of the more high-powered and visible figures in public relations. Her career serves as a notable example of the potency that personally handled promotion has acquired in the mass media. Perry’s rise in the wrangling world of publicity began when she worked in public relations and advertising. Pam Perry is a contributing writer for Hope Today Magazine. To learn more about Pam Perry, visit www.pamperrypr.com.

    What does RE-Branding Look Like for a Publicist? PR 2.0 Style

    Wednesday, July 14th, 2010

    Ten-Year-Old Public Relations Firm Reinvents to PR 2.0

    Ministry Marketing Solutions Chief Visionary, Pam Perry leads firm delivering Online Branding, Viral Videos, Digital Marketing, Virtual Assistance and More to Authors, Nonprofits and Entrepreneurs
    Pam Perry, PR Coach & Social Media Strategist  (www.pamperrypr.com)

    Pam Perry, PR Coach & Social Media Strategist (www.pamperrypr.com)

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    PRLog (Press Release) –  Reinvention. Reposition. Rebranding. This is what Pam Perry, the chief visionary of the 10-year-old Ministry Marketing Solutions Inc has done.

    The award-winning PR coach has kicked the company into another gear by developing a full selection of social media services for authors, organizations and small businesses.

    “I want to position my clients to superstar success – like a rock star! The way to help them achieve major visibility, more credibility and high marketability is to leverage the internet and ‘crush it’ with social media marketing,” said Perry. “We have kicked it up a notch – and ready to rock and roll.”

    Perry and her virtual team at Ministry Marketing Solutions Inc. work with Sports & Entertainment Executives, like Max Siegel and business organizations like Michigan Minority Supplier Development and Detroit Black Expo plus coaches scores of best-selling authors.

    She is often called on to speak at conferences on marketing and social media from as far as San Juan, Puerto Rico to Houston. This October she will be one of the panelists at prestigious Blogalious Conference at the Ritz Carlton in Miami.

    One can Google Pam Perry and find online comments from clients raving about her creativity and connectivity. “Pam is a wonderful publicist! She worked her socks off to promote my book: How Strong Women Pray.  She knows the book industry, does creative things, and helps you to leverage your own contacts and assets. She also is on the cutting edge of using the internet to get people talking about you and your book,” said author Bonnie St. John.

    The MMS client was featured in Essence, Ebony and in O Magazine as well as premiere online media publications and on many broadcast stations.

    The Detroit Free Press called Perry  ”a marketing whiz on an almost immortal mission.” Publishers Weekly called her a “PR Guru.” She is also an Emmy award-winning TV producer and internet radio host of Chocolate Pages where she has interviewed celebrities like Rev. Run, Yolanda Adams, Kirk Franklin and Demond Wilson.

    Her passion for networking and social media has led her to also produce and host two weekly online business shows: Diverse Business and Synergy Energy on Blogtalk radio. And she pens social media columns for Gospel Today and the Detroit Nonprofit Examiner.com and plus publishes numerous blogs and ezines on internet marketing.

    Perry’s public relations firm began to “rebrand” about five years ago when she started her first blog. Seeing the power in Web 2.0 technology, she now has personal “PR 2.0″ network of tens of thousands of followers on Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, Linkedin and Youtube.

    This allows her to get the messages out about  clients quickly, easily and more  inexpensively than traditional media methods. “Brand building is about being consistent and connecting with the right audience often – social media marketing allows this and we have been able to build powerful brand recognition for clients,” said Perry.

    The Ministry Marketing Solutions Inc. team provides clients with overall branding which includes blog site development, email marketing, article marketing, online videos, podcasting, social media management, PR coaching, virtual assistance, keyword research and other traffic building techniques.

    Perry understands how to build powerful brands and teaches the online secrets to her customers’ in short easy sessions that would normally take months to learn.  “Simplicity is the key, said Perry. “As a baby-boomer, I know that the internet can be scary because it changes so rapidly– but when I teach clients – I make it fun – and they learn to build their own online networks to reach their marketing results.”


    # # #

    Ministry Marketing Solutions Inc., founded in 2000, is an online branding and social media agency that provides services for best-selling authors, nonprofit organizations and entrepreneurs. For more information, www.ministrymarketingsolutions.com or call 248.426-2300.

    — end —     Visit Press Room

    Harness the power of Facebook to sell more books

    Tuesday, June 8th, 2010
    pam perry facebook

    http://www.facebook.com/pamperryfanpage

    Social networking sites like Facebook are a terrific way to promote your book, but many authors don’t optimize their Facebook profile or venture beyond their profile. Here are six ways to effectively promote your book on Facebook:

    1. Take full advantage of the promotional opportunities on your Facebook Profile. Just below your photo is a small box where you can enter a concise description of what you do, including the title of your book.

    The About Me box (under Personal Information) is a good place to describe your book and your business. In the Contact Information section you can enter multiple website addresses. Post your book cover in your photo album or another application and display it in the left column of your profile.

    Remember, your Facebook profile must be registered in your real name. If you create a profile for your book or business, you risk having your account canceled.

    2. Facebook Fan Pages are similar to personal profiles, but they are created for business use. You can create a page to promote your book or your business, or even create a page for one of the characters in your novel. People join a page by becoming a fan.

    You may want to offer an incentive to join (or at least visit) your fan page, such as a free download, a coupon for one of your products, or a contest. Another way to attract fans is to set your page up as an information hub, offering links and resources.

    3. Facebook Groups are a great place to meet people who share your interests and find new friends. Search for groups by entering keywords in the Search box at the top of the page and then clicking on the Groups tab. You can gain visibility on a group page by introducing yourself on the wall, participating in discussions, and posting your book cover, photos or videos.

    Forming your own group is another good way to subtly promote your book. Be sure to encourage discussions and offer valuable information such as free downloads and links to resources. You can send direct messages the entire group.

    4. Joining relevant Facebook Events is a good way to get visibility by writing on the event wall and posting photos. In addition, you can subtly promote your book and yourself by promoting your own live or virtual events through a Facebook event.

    5. Facebook displays pay-per-click ads on most pages on the site, and ads can be targeted by age, gender, location, education level, relationship status, or keywords in people’s profiles.

    6. The Facebook Marketplace is a free classified advertising area where you can post a listing to sell your book. It’s worth an experiment if you have a book on a topic that someone might search for on a classified advertising site.

    Dana Lynn Smith is a book marketing coach and author of The Savvy Book Marketer Guides. For in-depth information on how to promote your book through Facebook, see the Facebook Guide for Authors at http:bit.ly/facebookforauthors.

    Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dana_Lynn_Smith

    pam perry

    www.pamperrypr.com

    Top 7 Book Promotion Methods for Your Nonfiction Book

    Monday, May 10th, 2010
    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:

    Publicity Tips

    Thursday, March 25th, 2010

    pam perry pr

    1. The easiest way to get publicity is to find out what a producer/editor wants and give it to them.
    2. 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.
    3. Start with “grass roots” and build out. Try out the smaller stations/newspapers first.
    4. There are some companies that you pay for performances not promises.  (Guarantees are what people want).
    5. People can pay for interviews secured.  People can pay $2,000 to $10,000 a month.
    6. 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.
    7. Give away books to get publicity.
    8. 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.
    9. 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

    Top 7 Topic Ideas For Your Next Press Release

    Tuesday, March 9th, 2010

    Your first press release should be your introduction to the business world.

    It should be told in the 3rd person, as if you are a reporter interviewing a new business, and you should refrain from making it sound like an advertisement as much as possible.

    If you are not comfortable writing it yourself, you should find someone who can do it for you. Trying to come up with new ideas is tough.

    Maybe the following will help you brainstorm.

    1. Educate Educate the readers on some new item or procedure in your target market.
    2. Celebrate Tie in your service or product with the current holiday. Brainstorm ways you could help with any local events that are planned in your area. (donate time/product, provide items for raffles)
    3. EntertainWrite about something funny that happened recently. Maybe your clients have a funny story about you that you wouldn’t mind them sharing. Hold a silly contest. Maybe a 10% discount to anyone who scores above a certain # on some ridiculous test (look around the internet, they are everywhere).

      Be silly, just don’t over-do it.

    4. Inform Make sure you are up-to-date on the latest technology for your industry and your target industry. Provide readers with new and exciting information/reviews on the newest gadget, software, etc.
    5. Volunteer There are many places online where you can volunteer “virtually”. Once you have gotten your feet wet with one of the many deserving charities in need, write about your experience working for the charity, what you have learned about the cause, disease, etc. How others can help.
    6. Resolution Research your target market/niche and find out what one of the biggest obstacles or pet peeves they have and solve it, or provide resources for dealing with it or learning more about it. Sounds difficult but, with a little research, should be fairly simple.

    7. Freebies Compile some information that is targeted to your niche and make it into an e-book. Then, give it away free. The best part, you make it so they have to enter their email address to get the free e-book and you can compile a contact list for later. The list can be used to send promotional emails or e-newsletters. Just be sure to provide an unsubscribe link in the emails.

    Christina Nelson is Owner of Vital Office Solutions, a virtual assistance business providing financial and administrative support services to small businesses and professionals. Christina has over 11 years of financial and administrative experience in the construction, retail, food and insurance industries. For more information, please visit http://www.vitalofficesolutions.com

    see www.pamperryonlinepr.com

    for free goodies.

    4 Ways to Make Profit With Press Releases

    Wednesday, February 10th, 2010
    Christian PR

    Get the PR you Deserve! Market the Message!

    Millions of people log on to the internet daily. The internet has become a big market for products and services. In addition, as you know, marketing your product or service anywhere needs promotion because you need to make your presence felt to consumers.

    Writing press releases is one of the most important ways to promote your website over the internet. Writing press releases frequently will attract web traffic to your site.

    Press releases are an essential part of advertising and promoting your campaigns online, and hence writing an effective press release, which is newsworthy, and attention grabbing is very important. Simply writing the PR does not help your purpose. It needs to be well complemented with proper use, to get the most effective result.

    * Your PR needs to stand out so that the media and or consumer will see that it is newsworthy and it is something they want to explore of purchase.
    * The more people want to read your PR, the more advertising you will be getting online. Your Christian-PR news release is like a “virtual sales brochure” that can attract potential customers. Hence, the body of the PR should be factual and informative, giving the readers like bloggers, the consumer and media a reason to read your press release.

    * After identifying your target audience, you should write your PR keeping in mind the maturity level and the attitude of your audience. Write more versions of the same press release to cater to the different fragments of your objective market.

    * The titles of your press release acts like a door bell, it should attract attention.

    PR is one of the most important tools of advertising over internet.

    However, if the above tips are kept in mind while writing it, you can write an effective and newsworthy PR, which in turn will help you make profit.

    Get started TODAY!

    Hear Pam Perry's Show and get PR Tips weekly

    Visit:

    http://www.blogtalkradio.com/ministrymarketingsolutions

    to hear live tips and PR Coaching from Pam Perry

    Christian-PR | P.O. Box 4172 | Houston | TX | 77210

    You need a Book Publicity Toolkit for your book

    Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010

    Pam Perry's PR Kit in a Box - 1/2 off now


    Author Marketing 101

    Professionals always come prepared. Good plumbers don’t show up at your home unless they have all the right tools with them. And, they keep their equipment in shipshape condition so repairs go smoothly.

    Well, the same holds true when you want to publicize your book; you need to have the right tools and they must be ready to use. Having the right tools is an indispensable part of being prepared.

    Numerous tools can help you publicize your book. However, for our purpose, lets classify them in two basic categories. They are:

    1. Primary tools, items that are essential and that no promotional campaign should attempt to proceed without, and

    2. Secondary tools, those that are not essential but can help your campaign be more productive.

    Previously we discussed the author’s silver bullet (see http://www.ministrymarketingsolutionsblog.com), which is an author’s number one publicity tool. No book publicity campaign should proceed without a silver bullet. In addition, every campaign should include the following primary tools, which we will subsequently address in greater detail.

    The primary tools include:

    Websites
    Media lists
    Media kits
    Press releases
    Biographies
    Photographs of the author in color and black and white, including one of the author in an action shot, perhaps signing the book or doing something that relates to the book
    Question-and-answer sheets
    Business cards
    Newsletters
    Promotional materials

    Additional Tools

    The number of additional tools that you can use in your campaign is as extensive as your imagination. Finding them can be an exercise in creativity. Unlike the primary tools, which are a must for every campaign, additional tools should be plugged in only when they can be helpful, because adding tools you don’t need can clutter your campaign and weaken the impact of initiatives that could be more productive.

    The following items are examples of some of the additional devices you can use. Be creative and come up with other promotional tools of your own that could help you publicize your book.

    Additional promotional tools include:

    Articles
    Blogs
    Book excerpts
    Bookmarks
    Brochures
    Clippings
    Contests
    Endorsements/recommendations
    Fact sheets
    Graphics (photographs, charts, diagrams, lists, illustrations)
    Handouts List of top topics for the media
    Op-ed piece
    Pitch letter
    Postcards
    Puzzles/Quizzes
    Quotations
    Reviews
    Sample chapter(s)
    Stories about the Book
    Toll-free telephone number
    Videos


    More Publishing resources at

    more at http://bit.ly/8cDLgm

    Also see www.e-junkie.com/pamperry

    Source: Rick Frishman

    7 Tips on Effectively Writing and Distributing Press Releases to the Black Media

    Friday, November 6th, 2009

    Pam Perry talking about branding at Christian Writer\’s Meeting

    publicity1

    1. It’s all in the title.

    The title of your press release should be short, meaningful and descriptive. The title is the determining factor of whether or not people will ever bother to read further. Consider using a subtitle to summarize the content.

    2. Make sure the information is newsworthy.

    You are wasting your time and money sending out information that people wont care about. Ask yourself –“would I read this?”

    2. Speak to your audience.

    If your sending a press release out to the Black media, you must make it obvious how your information relates to the African Americans.

    4. Don’t be too fancy.

    Avoid the excessive use of adjectives and fancy language. Don’t bold or underline words within your body. This is unprofessional. The content alone should sell its self.

    5. Include all forms of contact info.

    Include your email address and 1-2 phone numbers. If someone is trying to reach you for an urgent story, you want to be easily reached. Also, include your web site address so they can research more about what you do.

    6. Use BlackPR.com for distribution.

    When your press release is final, use BlackPR.com to distribute it to all the Black newspapers, magazines, TV and radio stations. They only charge $150 bucks to do this. Also, consider using PRweb.com to increase search engine visibility.

    7. Send press releases regularly.

    A well- written press release can easily get you radio interviews and other media coverage. This, in turn, drives traffic to your web site, and more sales to your bottom line. The key is to be consistent. Send out press releases on a monthly basis, and consider writing weekly or bi-weekly columns to distribute as well.

    Dante Lee is the founder of Diversity City Media, a multicultural marketing empire. Visit his daily blog at www.DanteLee.com

    Need some help with your PR Campaign? Get a Publicity Virtual Assistant: Leah to the Rescue!

    Saturday, August 29th, 2009

    overwhelmed
    How can you focus on being the top

    of your writing game
    when you’re overwhelmed with

    administrative tasks?

    books
    The answer:
    DELEGATE to a well-qualified
    Publicity Virtual Assistant!

    Publicity virtual assistants are especially beneficial

    for those many first-time authors who are overwhelmed

    with the publishing & marketing process. By partnering

    with a Publicity Virtual Assistant, the stress of having to know

    it all is drastically reduced and the author can rely on their

    PVA to take over and implement much of the publicity campaign.

    Ministry Marketing Solutions offers you an answer:
    Mrs. Leah Hubbard, PVA Extraordinaire!
    pam perry and leah hubbard
    “Leah Hubbard is my right hand – without her expert administrative
    & proof reading skills Ministry Marketing Solutions would just be ministry marketing
    – and we’d be scrambling for the solutions. She helps us clarify and soar.” Pam Perry

    Hey Future best seller:

    You are always on my mind.
    You have been coached and know your stuff.
    I know you’re serious about “marketing the message.”

    But as a busy author, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed
    by all the details of your book, marketing plans,
    online efforts and promotional duties. I feel you!

    Your many projects and ideas can lose their effectiveness

    if you can’t implement them successfully.

    If you are drowning in a sea of sticky notes,
    you need a Publicity Virtual Assistant!
    Enter – The PVA Solution: Leah Hubbard! (waabiz@aol.com)
    Delegating will help you go from obscurity to fame!

    busy lady

    Get YOUR Author Act Together! Delegate!

    Self-publishers and published authors alike often need assistance with the most vital aspect of their book journey, marketing and publicity.

    Successful authors know that to sell books, you need to do PR. And even more importantly, you need to do a lot of PR.
    You can’t just put your book on Amazon and send out a press release or two and hope for the masses to come.

    You need do an aggressive marketing campaign and get out there and promote your hard work.

    Fortunately, with the help of a Publicity Virtual Assistant it has never been easier.

    Publicity Virtual Assistants are virtual assistants who specialize in publicity and marketing.

    Publicity Virtual Assistants utilize all their expert talents and superb writing abilities for book marketing and promotions, thereby helping authors achieve the success they deserve by providing extensive marketing support, help with social networking, following up on media pitches, proofing and editing capabilities, extensive research, administrative support and so much more.

    Leah Hubbard started Wise Administrative Associates in 1996 to support small-mid sized companies and entrepreneurs in all phases of Administrative Support.

    With over 20 years of corporate office experience as well as entreprenuerial business support, Leah can assist you by ensuring that your administrative tasks are completed in a timely and professional manner.

    Her business is to alleviate the tasks that prevent your from getting your primary goals completed.

    Publicity virtual assistants are especially beneficial for those many first-time authors who are overwhelmed with the publishing process. By partnering with a Publicity Virtual Assistant, the stress of having to do it all while maintaining the rest of your life is drastically reduced and the author can rely on their PVA to take over and implement much of the mundane tasks of a publicity campaign.

    As your Publishing Virtual Assistant, Leah Hubbard will:

    • Proof articles and post to your blog and tweet out for you
    • Be your social networker: finding you friends, followers and fans
    • Submit articles to online directories & press releases to the media
    • Follow up on media contacts & set up interviews                        (a job all by itself!!)
    • Assist in arranging book signings and speaking engagements
    • Mailings of marketing materials to various outlets
    • Calendar Coordination to keep you on top of appointments
    • Help you keep your sanity and keep your dream alive while you work by providing top-notch administrative support!


    For pricing information, please email her at waabiz@aol.com or call 248.342-8806.

    Sincerely,


    Pam Perry, PR Coach
    “Brand Your Best Life”
    Ministry Marketing Solutions, Inc.

    P.S. Achieve the success they deserve – contact Leah today! She can only work effectively with a limited number of authors at a time. There is a 3 month minimum commitment. Prices will rise in the fall! Don’t drag your feet. Get help so you can focus on what YOU do best!

    8 Points Online Marketing Plan for Authors

    Friday, August 28th, 2009
    book promotion with pam perry

    book promotion with pam perry

    This is from my PR friend and colleague, Dee Stewart. We were both participants in SORMAG’s online conference.  This is her “discussion” from the conference on the SORMAG blog.

    I want to talk to you about a specialized marketing form that has fast become the choice for publishing houses, online marketing.

    If you are an author with a contract, then you know most midlist authors and below are no longer receiving marketing support by way of product placement, instore events, book tours, and book promo items.

    Instead publishing houses are devoting a bulk of the author’s designated marketing dollars to online campaigns. And since I’ve talked about book marketing plans all year, I decided to switch the game up.

    I want to help you create an online marketing campaign that will help you meet and galvanize your ideal readers.

    Imagine as an author your day consists of writing great stories you know your readers will love, then meeting these readers to fellowship with you about your story and why they love them. Isn’t that a sweet dream? In life coaching terms we call that place- operating in your sweet spot.

    Online Marketing—if you plan your efforts well—is the best tool to get you to that sweet spot faster than any other opportunity out there. It is why your publishing houses are using it, as well as the face that it is a more affordable alternative to traditional advertising.

    Today’s session I will share basic online marketing planning tips, techniques and tricks to help you galvanize your readership. If you have further questions, you can leave a comment at the end of the post or email me at deegospelpr at gmail dot com.

    Let’s begin by defining Online Marketing.

    Marketing– is a practiced science, the ongoing process to identify, anticipate, supply and satisfy your ideal client.

    Book Marketing is the ongoing processes to identify, anticipate, supply and satisfy your ideal clients( readers, your distributors, your publishing house, bookstores.)

    Online Book Marketing: is the ongoing processes to identify, anticipate, supply and satisfy your ideal client by using online tools. It is an extension of your overall book marketing campaign.

    Let me repeat: Online Book Marketing is an extension of your overall book marketing toolbox. Do not stop your other marketing efforts!

    Now I will introduce you to seven basic online marketing tools and how to prepare a strategy to use them.

    The 8 Point Online Marketing Toolbox

    1. Email Marketing
    2. Blogging, including Podcasting, Vlogging & Microblogging
    3. Social Media Design
    4. Forum Building
    5. Online Advertising
    6. Online PR
    7. Social Bookmarking

    A more detailed look:

    Email Marketing: Email marketing is a public relations, customer relations management, direct mailing Trifecta (PR/CRM/DM.) You can participate in three marketing processes at once. What’s very good about email marketing is that your direct mailing efforts have a better return on investment(ROI) when you couple it with a client connection piece—consistent, compelling and strategic email placements to your ideal readers.

    Blogging: Online Journaling (blogging) Many authors blog to share their writing life with their readers. Blogging can be used for various reasons:

    · To serve as an online hub for your fanbase
    · To serve as your newsletter content builder
    · To promote your next event
    · To attract event planners and bookclubs
    · To serve as an online bookstore
    · To serve as an online press room
    · To attract agents and editors
    · To create another source of writing revenue
    · To host an online blogtour
    · To podcast your book
    · To videocast(vlog) your book

    The key to blogging is commitment, consistence and content. Join me in September for 30 Days to Build a Better Book Blog at http://www.christianfiction.blogspot.com

    Social Media Design: Despite the contrary authors should have a strategy and design in place when you are online. This design consists of scheduling, tooling, and driving readers from event to event. Tools like brightkite, eventbrite, igoogle, ping.fm, and squidoo helps you create almost an online (ro)bot of you, whereby you are promoting yourself 24-7 streaming and responding to your ideal readers and clients in real time. The top social media building blocks for authors are:

    · Twitter
    · Facebook
    · Amazon Author Pages
    · Eventbrite
    · BrightKite
    · Skype
    · FriendFeed
    · LiveStream
    · YouTube
    · BlogTalkRadio
    · TalkShoe
    · MySpace
    · GoodReads
    · LibraryThing
    · Flickr

    Forum Building: Fan bases grow exponentially when they form a community. The Twilight Moms Club on Mommy Blogger is a huge community that talks about the series, meet regularly and host charity events. If you’re operating in your sweet spot your fans will come together and create a fun and exciting community for you as well. The best way to do that is through forum building. Couple your email campaign with a forum to continue conversations in and you have a winning combination. A great example of a blog that created a community with a forum is Faith*in*Fiction. Bethany House Editor David Long created the blog to start a conversation about compelling Christian novels. It is the catalyst for The Christian Fiction Blog Alliance, Relief Journal, First Wildcard Blog Tours, and over 150 Christian book review blogs.

    The top forum building sites for authors are:

    · Ning
    · Facebook Groups
    · Twitter Groups
    · GoodReads Groups
    · Utterli Groups
    · MySpace Book Groups
    · Shelfari Groups
    · YahooGroups
    · Blogger Fan Groups

    Online Advertising – paid for placement. Examples of book ads are (ads in print & online publications, radio, internet or network television, blogs, etc.) Its goal is immediate promotional impact and short lived. It’s results can be measured via survey, tracking backlinks and sneeze page hits. It is the most expensive form of marketing. When you create your plan it is imperative to use online ads to promote your next event or next title, and most effective when creating and implementing book launch strategy. Where can you find online advertise placements?

    · Online Mags like SORMAG
    · Blogs like Christian Fiction Blog
    http://www.christianfiction.blogspot.com
    · You can submit ads/drops to online radio shows like Media Candy www.blogtalkradio.com/mediacandy
    · Social Media Sites like Facebook Ads
    · Internet TV Shows like Faithful Folios on LiveStream
    · Eblast services like GoodGirlBookClub. Make sure to include in your plan to purchase eblast service from a local service, a genre specific service, a national magazine.
    · Link Ads in online newsletters like Dee’s Goody Mail
    · Book Trailers on DeeGospel on YouTube
    · Sponsoring online events like SORMAG Online Conference
    · Paying for a Blog Tour through Ty Moody Creations
    · Ad placements on Literary Sites like Booktour.com

    Online Public Relations & CRM – the activity to create opportunities to build relationships with your readers gatekeepers and to promote your service, product and brand. It is not a guaranteed sale, cannot be measured short-term, but affects are longer and more lasting than advertising. Customer Relations Management (CRM) is tied to PR, because PR also handles crisis management and customer feedback and retention. Online PR & CRM activities are:

    Online Book Tours like CFBA
    Online Audio Interviews like From Cover to Cover Literary Talk Show
    Online Book club meetings using SKYPE or Mogalus
    Book review placements on Christian Fiction Blog or RAWSISTAZ
    Online mag interview opps like Victorious Living
    Radio opps like Ella Curry’s BAN
    Speaking opps like Nia Promotions’ Online Teleseminars
    Online Parties via Twitter and Facebook and BrightKite

    Social BookMarking– social bookmarking is a referral activity for bloggers. Blog readers find a great service or read and the refer what they like through social bookmarking sites like:

    · Dig
    · Mahalo
    · StumbledUpon
    · Delicious
    · Librarything
    · Facebook
    · BookTour

    Become very familiar with this tool and implore your readers to do the same.

    Direct Selling – your website or blog is the lifeblood of your online presence. Moreover you can create a buyer’s page to navigate readers to direct selling. It is best practice to provide your local booksense tour, an online bookstore and an affiliate link with either Amazon, Borders or Faithpoint. To be able to watch the activity from your site setup a google analytics account and put the code inside or have your website designer place the code and provide monthly reports about your site’s activity. On that site make sure you have both audio and visual components of who you are and your book, preferably, you the author.

    In short, let me share what these services should do for you. Online Marketing – is not the same as CRM, although social networking is a tool for both CRM, publicity, advertising, direct sales, and direct mailing. Online Marketing is using the 4ps of marketing process online.

    Identify readers with online research using SMS, bookmarking, blogging, podcasting, polling.

    Anticipating reader needs via polling, forum building, e-newsletter campaign strategy
    Supply readers by introducing your answer to their wants and needs by creating an effective product launch strategy using online hubs, blogs and supplying online snippets in audio, video and print forms via viral sms like Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, Viddler, YouTube, UStream, Skype, Utterz

    Satisfy readers by enabling your book e-reader capable with ebooks and sony reader and Kindle Ready.

    Dee Stewart is a writing diva mother, publicist, inspirational book reviewer for Romantic Times Magazine, Atlanta Satellite Bookseller for Mocha Readers Bookstores, and owner of Christian Fiction Blog(www.christianfiction.blogspot.com) and The Christian Fiction Network(christianfiction.ning.com). Her writings have appeared in: Spirit Led Woman, Gospel Today, Good Girl Book Club, The Dabbling Mum, Atlanta Christian Family, Mosaic Literary, Precious Times, Vertical Fix just a few. She will be featured in SistahFaith Anthology(Simon & Schuster, Feb. 2010.) Follow her on Twitter at @DeeGospel. Or visit my site at http://www.deestewart.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/dee.stewart

    “This fall I will be hosting a six week Media Candy book marketing session for a very affordable rate. Let me know if you are interested in more details. Also in the fall my site www.deegospelpr.com will become a membership site, whereby you can download free reports, ebooks, tip sheets, bookclub contact info, participate in some of my free teleseminars, podcasts receive discounts for group coaching and marketing products, literary agents accepting submissions, book festival panel speaking opps, an invitation to apply to become a speaker’s bureau member, and much more more for a low fee of $25 a month.

    Also see: www.e-junkie.com/pamperry for FREE Ebook & PR materials (cds, books, etc)

    How to grow your business, ministry or get more sales for your book

    Thursday, July 30th, 2009

    Inspirational Video – Don\’t Quit Poem
    How do you prosper when it seems so hard?

    Get Paid. Learn to the Secrets to Prosper!

    Get Paid. Learn to the Secrets to Prosper!

    So . . . have you asked that question at some point? Do you feel somewhat stuck? Can’t figure out where to begin? Is the phone not ringing? Having difficulty gaining support for what you have to offer?

    Whatever the case, you’re not alone. All of us go through it at some point. Don’t be discouraged. You know, sometimes you just need, what I call “AAA,” an acronym for Advice, Adjust, and Advertise.

    If perhaps you can’t figure out the reason for your “slow” or “no” growth, begin with the three steps below. They’re simple, yet powerful strategies.

    1. Get advice. Ask other professionals and successful people. Have you considered that, there are countless individuals who have already done what you’re currently attempting to do? You don’t need to reinvent the wheel. Why not call them up? Or, pick up a book on the subject. If you have some time to spare, you can learn anything.

    2. Make Adjustments. After you gain an understanding of what you’re doing wrong, change it. This one is huge. How often do we read books, attend trainings, listen to powerful sermons, and go right back to doing the same old thing? Take the knowledge you have, and apply it.

    3. Advertise. Tell someone about what you have to offer. Don’t minimize the importance of making others aware of your event, product, or service. You’d be surprised to see just how many people would support your efforts, if they only knew about them. You have so much you can bring to the table. Whether you realize it or not, someone needs what’s inside of you.

    I know you can accomplish amazing things. Trust me, I am speaking from experience. I don’t want to assume that you already know, so I’ll briefly share what I do. I am VP of Marketing for Hobbs Ministries, and founder of Empowering Everyday Women Online Magazine.

    Essentially, I do lots of account acquisition, networking, copywriting, ghostwriting and editing. My passion is to help entrepreneurs and leaders recognize their full potential through writing, especially in the context of advertising and marketing.

    Is it a lot of responsibility? You betcha. Was I intimidated by all of the tasks when my husband and I began our business? Sure was. Did I finally overcome it and break through? Thankfully, yes. That’s why I know that, everything you need to succeed is already inside of you.

    You may have heard that before, but it’s very true. Granted, you might not have all the resources or connections you want right now, but keep moving forward, and it will happen for you. Countless women have done it. You can too.

    Did you know that according to the Center for Women’s Business Research, 48% of all privately-held U.S. firms have women in positions of majority ownership; 10.6 million firms are at least half owned by a woman or women. That’s encouraging, isn’t it?

    I have no doubt that you can accomplish what God put you on this earth to do. That’s why EEW is here. It’s for you to draw strength and inspiration from other women just like you. Through their stories, I pray that you will have an epiphany and become more aware of your own intelligence, creativity, capability and competence.

    Most importantly, I want you to lift up your head and trust in God. Know that He is on your side.

    Before I go, I want to tell you again; you are amazingly gifted, anointed, and equipped to thrive in business and ministry. All you have to do is maximize the available opportunities for growth, and begin making the necessary inroads.

    Don’t just read the exciting articles, celebrity interviews, and information available at eewmagazine.com; rather, take the knowledge and empowerment you receive here, and apply it.

    Remember—Get Advice. Make Adjustments. Advertise.  Get a PR  coach.  Go to a boot camp.

    See www.prbootcamponline.eventbrite.com and get a “hook up.” :)

    Until next time . . . may you be empowered to prosper.

    Dianna Hobbs is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Empowering Everyday Women Online Magazine, the premier online magazine for African American Christian women. This article is taken from Dianna’s highly popular blog series called, Dianna Hobbs: Empowering Everyday Women. It is circulated to thousands of Christian women in search of inspiration for their ministerial and entrepreneurial efforts. To receive these exceptional articles directly, simply log onto http://www.diannahobbs.typepad.com and subscribe to our email updates. To read EEW Magazine log onto http://www.eewmagazine.com

    Learn How to Market Yourself Like A Media Pro with BE THE MEDIA

    Sunday, July 12th, 2009

    Renowned media consultant and author David Mathison has assembled a who’s who of new media experts and compiled this essential guide to the “personal media renaissance.”

    Until recently, publishing books, music and film required years of education and the expensive assistance of publishers, labels, studios, distributors and lawyers.

    Today, artists can leverage low-cost tools and new methods of distribution to connect with their audience directly, and keep more of their royalties and rights.

    This book covers everything from how to blog and podcast to the ins-and-outs of social networking and internet syndication. Specific chapters help authors, musicians, filmmakers, and journalists.

    Buy BE THE MEDIA right now, and you’ll gain access to the “Blockbuster Media Success” package with $10,000 in BONUS GIFTS provided by over 100 media experts:
    http://www.bethemediabooklaunch.com/bookpromo.html

    be_the_media_banner_animation_500redgif2

    Also see www.e-junkie.com/pamperry for PR products

    5 Smart Reasons Why Authors Should Hire a PR Coach instead of a Publicist

    Wednesday, June 10th, 2009

    Hey Future Best Seller!

    Those who show up, go up. That’s my mantra.

    With summer almost upon up and half the year gone, are you getting your PR in gear for 2010 to win? If not, I invite you to take advantage of the June PR Boot Camp Online Coaching Classes. (Class starts again in 3 weeks)
    Hear the intro on the blog: www.MinistryMarketingSolutionsblog.com
    and as a bonus get the FREE PR Boot Camp Orientation mp3
    at http://www.e-junkie.com/pamperry

    Pam Perry, PR Coach

    Pam Perry, PR Coach

    5 Smart Reasons Why Authors
    Should Hire a PR Coach instead of a Publicist

    Have you considered hiring a publicist but their fees are way out of your price range?

    Do you need a publicist but you’ve heard the horror stories of “I paid my retainers and got nothing?”

    Regardless of the fact that this may all be true, at some point people need to know about your business other than by word of mouth.  Publicity has served and still today is the best avenue in getting the word out.

    Ministry Marketing Solutions does full service PR for the most well known Christian publishers and authors in the nation from Bishop TD Jakes, Pastor Bill Winston, Taffi Dollar, Pastor Andre Butler & Dr. Suzan Johnson Cook but also teaches authors to be their own publicist – to build their platform, brand their ministry.

    I will be your coach that shows you step by step, exactly how to do your own publicity just like the pros.  You actually become the publicist for your book and build your “brand.”

    Let’s check out these 5 reasons why you may want to consider
    The PR Boot Camp Coaching  Program:

    #1 – Cost
    This is the number one reason many authors have turned to PR coaching.  The usual fees for a publicist range from $2,000-$5,000 a amonth, depending on the publicist and the number of hours required to publicize the business.

    #2 – Customized Plan
    When you work with a PR coach, your publicity plan is customized just for your book/ministry, not some template used for all other books.

    #3 – Media Savvy
    You will learn everything there is to know about the various forms of media and how to get your business noticed by them. I will give you real contacts too! (Unheard of in the industry)

    #4 – Online Tips and Tricks
    You will learn how to leverage twitter, flickr, facebook, myspace, youtube, blogs, linkedin and more to build your brand and sell more books. Create online relationships that turn into customers and ministry partners.  Learning these free online marketing tools will save you thousands of dollars.

    #5 – Media  vs. Public vs. Ministry Industry Publicity
    In today’s society, mainly because of the Internet, there is more than just media publicity.  Learn how to get to all 3!

    So as you see, PR Coaching is a great alternative to hiring a publicist or a public relations firm.

    For more info go to:

    http://www.ministrymarketingsolutions.com/blog/pr-boot-camp/

    to see what others have said about Ministry Marketing Solutions results!

    Our PR Boot Camp classes start on Tuesday and runs for 4 weeks plus you get 4 weeks of support to make sure you stay on track!  – don’t worry if you can’t make the exact date/times, the classes are recorded and delivered to you via MP3 and you get the PR Boot Camp workbook, email support and worksheets!

    How simple is that!?

    Pam Perry
    Ministry Marketing Solutions, Inc. – Creator of Chocolate Pages Show & Network
    http://prbootcamponline.eventbrite.com

    P.S. Bonus – those who register get a copy of the new book: Synergy Energy and a bonus CD! CAMP STARTS SOON! Get in before we fill up! Need details? Email Leah Hubbard at waabiz@aol.com

    7 Book Promotion Methods for Your Nonfiction Book (Guest Blog)

    Monday, June 8th, 2009

    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.

    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.

    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.

    About the Author

    Bobbi Linkemer is a ghostwriter, editor, and the author of 12 books under her own name. She has been a professional writer for 40 years, a magazine editor and journalist, and a book-writing teacher. Her clients range from Fortune 100 companies to entrepreneurs who want to write books in order to enhance their credibility and build their businesses. Visit her Website at: http://www.WriteANonfictionBook.com

    Make and Keep Friends in the Media – Networking is KEY

    Friday, June 5th, 2009
    Pam Perry and Rick Frishman, book PR mentor

    Pam Perry and Rick Frishman, book PR mentor

    from Rick Frishman’s Amazon Blog

    Cultivating relationships with the media is crucial to the success of a publicity campaign. In order to get optimum publicity, you need to become a media resource. The fact is the media is interested only in what you can do for them or their audience so you need to frame your presentations to show the media how your story can satisfy their goals.

    Always be a professional. If the media doesn’t respond to or return your call, understand it’s not personal. Remember there are thousands of other people doing exactly what you’re doing and it takes time to respond to everyone.

    Stay on their radar screen by periodically calling or e-mailing to gently remind them that you’re still around and available if they need your expertise. Follow the careers of your media contacts. Learn which subjects interest them, the projects they’re working on and those they plan to cover. When you make new media contacts, ask how they prefer to be contacted-email, phone, fax or mailing and be sure to note their preference on your media list.

    Be available when media contacts call, consider it an opportunity and go the extra mile. If you can’t supply what they want, think of who else you know that might. Give the media names and leads, make some calls, check with your network and do research . . . whatever might help. They’ll remember that and you.
    This is syndicated from Rick Frishman’s Blog.

    Get the both books on Amazon.com: Synergy Energy and Networking Magic

    Appear on the Oprah Show.

    Monday, May 25th, 2009

    You hear it all the time: Getting on The Oprah Winfrey Show is just like winning the lottery. And it can be. But as you probably know you have fierce competition-a lot of it. Thousands of others like you want to be on the show just as much as you do. The only thing that stands between you and them is knowledge, skills, and abilities.

    The good news is that some of these things can be taught. The bad news is that others cannot. You need to have expertise, good timing, and a certain set of skills, to even be considered by the Oprah producers.

    Maybe you’ve already tried to contact the Oprah producers and have not received a reply. Maybe you believe you’ve got just the right talent or expertise for Oprah, but you haven’t been able to get the Oprah Show’s attention. Maybe you know you’ve got a story that is so incredible the Oprah producers are sure to call you up in a flashŠbut they haven’t.

    Oprah Winfrey

    Oprah Winfrey

    If you’ve answered ‘yes’ to any of  these questions, I’d like to invite you to explore The Ultimate Guide to Getting Booked on Oprah: Super Training kit from my colleague Susan Harrow, respected media trainer & marketing strategist who is also the author of Sell Yourself Without Selling Your Soul, considered by most to be The Bible of all publicity.

    Harrow, along with her team of experts, the best publicists in the business, show you how to get on America’s #1 talk show.

    Collectively, they have worked with high profile people, best-selling authors, top experts, famous speakers, successful entrepreneurs, well-known non-profits, and people who are doing remarkable things inspiring others and changing the world. The kind of people Oprah’s producers want.

    Harrow’s team has not only gotten guests on The Oprah Winfrey Show, but virtually all the national TV talk shows that matter. Their clients have been on Oprah, Larry King Live, CBS’ 60 Minutes, Good Morning America, The Today Show, Rachael Ray, Donny Deutsch, Montel, Ellen, E! Entertainment Channel, ABC’s 20/20, CBS’ 48 Hours, NBC’s Dateline, MSNBC, CNN, even Bill O’Reilly, and Fox & Friends, and more.

    Harrow’s personal clients paid her thousands of dollars for creating pitches and for extensive media training. Now she has encapsulated all that advice, and their experiences, into a definitive guide – one that’s not available anywhere else, on or off the Internet.

    This is invaluable information if your goal is to be on Oprah. And it’s important to take action right away since many people who make it on to the show have a timely topic that’s current in the news…and you never know when that will happen.

    To find out how to be a guest on the Oprah Winfrey Show go here now:

    http://budurl.com/oprahpr

    P.S.  Also, see the must-have PR tools at: www.e-junkie.com/pamperry

    Next Online PR Boot Camp is June 16. Be Oprah-READY!

    www.prbootcamponline.eventbrite.com

    5 Different Kinds of Articles You Can Write to Promote Your Book

    Thursday, May 21st, 2009

    Writing articles to promote your book can be a super way to let readers know
    about your area of expertise and encourage them to learn more by purchasing your
    book.

    Write articles to promote your book

    Write articles to promote your book

    Here are 5 different kinds of articles you can write that will make it easy for you to put together a portfolio of articles to promote your book.

    1. How To articles are always fun and highly informational. They get right to the point and the reader is sure to take something away that they can use
    immediately.

    2. Opinion or “op-ed” is an article that is sure to get a response. This article is
    used to write a convincing and persuasive article that is opposite the popular
    viewpoints on the subject matter.

    3. Reflection articles are interesting because the writer is able to pour out the feelings and emotions from a particular experience in a free way.

    4. Case Study articles present a problem and then lay out how it was solved by a certain person or group.

    5. Compilation articles are basically the opinions or questions and answers of
    multiple sources compiled into one article to present a message.
    Take the time to decide which article type is best for you and enjoy the
    benefits of using articles to promote your book.

    See all my articles at Ezine Articles on book marketing and publicity.

    See The PR Pro Coach Shop for digital products and shoot me

    an email if you have questions.

    Top 10 Facts about an Ebook

    Thursday, May 14th, 2009

    Create Ebook from your laptop

    Create an Ebook from your laptop - EASY!

    1. E-Books are digital files that contain all of the same information as a traditional book.
    2. You do not have to publish a traditional book to have an E-Book.
    3. E-Books are most commonly in PDF form.
    4. They are usually between 4 – 200+ pages.
    5. They are delivered to the reader by email or they can be viewed at your website.
    6. Readers can print out the book or read it on their computer.
    7. There are no printing or warehouse expenses.
    8. They can be written and delivered quickly to the audience.
    9. Changes and updates can rapidly be made.
    10. They are marketed through a variety of online and offline techniques.

    Wondering if you should do one?  Yes! It’s a great way to “test” your market without a lot of expense.  Better than printing 500 or more copies and beg people to buy them, right?  Put the Ebook online and ask for feedback.

    For more details and publishing wisdom go to: www.e-junkie.com/pamperry

    Want to Learn more?  Next PR Boot Camp www.prbootcamponline.eventbrite.com

    (PR Coaching)