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

www.pamperrypr.com

Learn the Secrets! Get Out There Kit! www.pamperrypr.com

I deal with authors all the time – African American Christian authors. They are some soulful folks – and filled with hope and faith. Wonderful authors, great testimonies. Anointed.

Yet, when it comes to business – the business of selling books – they want a “magic pill” to instantly be a superstar.

I’ve been at this book marketing business for over 10 years. And let me tell you, it takes a few years to be an “overnight success.”

So many authors believe that once they write and publish their book and tell a few friends, the sales will start coming in. That doesn’t happen.  Sorry.

They soon realize that it is a crowed market out there and they desperately throw together some marketing materials and do a few eBlasts, and still nothing.

They hear about social media marketing and try that – for a weeks or a couple of months.  And still nothing.  They call up some author friends and ask what should they do and the authors tell them to hire a publicist.

They then look online for a publicist, and approach a few of them with $250 to $500 in their hands – and get discouraged because they find out it takes a lot more. A whole lot more.  (See  this special report on what a publicist cost) Note, if the PR person is “cheap” – you get what you pay for. Enough said.

So what should a new author do?

1. Get a mentor or PR coach to help you define your target audience, grasp the big picture and avoid costly mistakes.  At least buy a home study course. See my “Get Out There Kit.” Way before the book come out!!!
2. Have a marketing plan and get contacts and instructions from your PR coach to execute the plan. A written plan is your road map to success.
3. Have a budget or learn how to create partnerships or joint ventures to leverage your lack of funds. Bartering is good if you have no money.
4. Build a brand – online and offline. Be consistent in all your marketing materials including blog, press kit, postcards, biz cards, etc.
5. Have an email list of folks interested in your subject and understand your brand and you feed them with valuable information BEFORE your book is out.

That’s a start. But I’d go with #1 first. Not willing to get PROFESSIONAL help is ignorant.  Investing in education and getting information will change the game for you.  It has happened for me and my clients.

Those who have experience can help you go fastest and further towards the superstar track!

I have mentors and coaches that have helped me over the years. Invaluable lessons they have shared!

It has cost me time and money – but it would of cost me more if I didn’t engage their services.

I know that anything of value is NEVER free.  You can get some information for free online, but it is “spotty” and never the entire strategic plan to help YOUR campaign specifically.

If you have big dreams for your book – be prepared to commit to a program and sacrifice time and money to make the dream a reality.

There is no magic pill – only a lot of elbow grease. Writing the book was only 10% of the work. 90% is learning about marketing & PR.

Finally, think about this:

If you had a tooth ache,  you wouldn’t do your own dental work, you’d go to a dentist.

Same with book marketing. Hiring a PR Coach and Social Media professional makes a statement that you are SERIOUS about your book marketing and serious about SUCCESS.

Get the PR Boot Camp in a Box: The Get Out There Kit at www.pamperryonlinepr.com

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.

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

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

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

Gayl Murphy interview with Pam Perry on Chocolate Pages Show

Interview Tactics & Media Coaching  from Gayl: How to Give a “Killer” Interview

Be as honest and up front as you can with the person that’s interviewing you without “giving up” anything you wouldn’t want to read about yourself tomorrow.

Relax, enjoy and have a good time. Being interviewed is supposed to be FUN. You get to be the star of THE ME SHOW, starring ME, or in this case … YOU!

Your JOB is to your CAPTURE your listener’s ATTENTION and imagination in the shortest amount of time. One of best ways of doing that is by using COLOR and DETAIL. Always speak in complete sentences and avoid lazy language.

Keep people ENGAGED in what you’re saying, so they’ll continue asking you questions. This keeps the interview DYNAMIC, COHESIVE and MOVING along.

PREPARE. PREPARE. PREPARE. KNOW the hard questions in advance and what you’re going to say BEFORE you talk to the press, or any gatekeeper just don’t write a script. (MURPHY’S LAW: Think BULLET POINTS.)

Stay on TOPIC and stay FOCUSED. Be SPECIFIC. Give facts and information, names, dates and places. And, there is NO such thing as off-the-record.

Always have your SOUNDBITES READY, they help tell your story and keep it COMPELLING and ATTENTION GRABBING. (MURPHY’S LAW: A soundbite is a brief and outstanding mini-version of who you are and what you’re selling. Like an audio snapshot!)

Whenever possible, CONNECT your STORY, or pitch, with a story, or trend that’s already in the headlines, so it becomes NEWSWORTHY. The press loves stories that are “ripped from the headlines” because they’re in the news business.

LISTEN carefully to what’s being asked. Answer SPECIFICALLY and SUCCINCTLY.

Don’t be long-winded and GET TO THE POINT. You can always add more information on the back end.

Know when to WRAP IT UP - and YES or NO is not an answer.

WRAP their questions into your answers. (MURPHY’S LAW: Practice this one so it sounds natural.)

Don’t wear, or carry anything that jingles, beeps, rings, cries, barks or makes noise on it’s own.

Being in the media spotlight requires a level of PERFORMANCE. Always bring your ENERGY with you, regardless of where you are IT’S SHOWTIME!

ALL interviews are GIVE AND TAKE. Listen carefully to what’s being asked, so you know what’s next.

Make eye contact, SMILE! It’s OK to comment on an insightful question.

Whatever your product, service or pitch, take along a sample, or photo, or PR material.

Dress for SUCCESS and dress the part, whatever your part is. You’re the STAR! (MURPHY’S LAW: You decide how you want the world to see you.

Source: GAYL MURPHY’S
INTERVIEW TACTICS! REPORT
www.InterviewTactics.com

Gayl Murphy is a Veteran Hollywood Correspondent, Media and Presentational Coach, Speaker and Author of “Interview Tactics! How to Survive the Media without Getting Clobbered! The Insider’s Guide to Giving a Killer Interview!”

As a Media Expert, Gayl celebrit-izes CEO’s, authors, experts, inventors, creative entrepreneurs, doctors, engineers, entertainment industry pros and celebrities in business and entertainment to CELEBRITIZE themselves and their brands so they can TELL IT TO SELL IT! http://www.InterviewTactics.com

As a veteran Correspondent, Gayl’s has reported on entertainment and show business for ABC News, ABC TV, SKY News, BBC Radio, BBC TV, E! Entertaintment, HollywoodToday.net and BigMediaUSA among others. She has personally interviewed over 14,000 of the biggest celebrities and newsmakers in the world.

About Gayl Murphy’s “Interview Tactics!”
Working with the media and getting the word out about who you are and what you do on TV, radio, print and online is about as good as it gets!

One hot story can bring you an avalanche of new clients and even more press coverage. And, having an arsenal of engaging, media-savvy and sticky soundbites to get you there is the best news of all!

In today’s highly competitive, time-crunching and media-morphing world, having stockpile of “Interview Tactics!” is about knowing the lay of Media Land – and being a STAR in ANY situation that requires stepping up, answering questions, telling your story, peaking your listener’s interest and wrapping it up in 20 seconds or less…because sometimes that’s all you’re going to get.

Go one-on-one with the media, or any gatekeeper/decision-maker to tell the world about who you are, what you do and what’s next using “Interview Tactics!” Learn REAL insider strategies for pitching any business, any product, any service, anytime, anywhere! Because when the going gets tough, the tough use the media!

www.InterviewTactics.com

Watch your email for upcoming FREE Teleseminar with Pam Perry & Gayl Murphy

at the end of January 2010 – “How to Pitch it to Promote it”

Go to: www.MinistryMarketingSolutions.com

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

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

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

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

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