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    Archive for the ‘Social Media Marketing for Authors’ Category

    Interview Tactics: How to Give a Killer Interview

    Thursday, December 24th, 2009

    Click to hear interview:

    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


    Tags: ,
    Posted in Networking for Authors, PR coaching, training podcasts, Publicity for Books and Authors, Social Media Marketing for Authors | No Comments »

    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

    Tags: , , , ,
    Posted in Book Marketing Plans, Branding, Ministry Marketing, PR Tips for Authors and Minsters, PR coaching, training podcasts, Platform Building, Social Media Marketing for Authors | No Comments »

    How to Brand YOUR Book. Help is here

    Sunday, September 27th, 2009

    The “new” economy is online – learn how to work it!
    synergy energy pam perry


    Detroit, Mich. (September 2009) —  In this challenging economy, people have noticed the world is quickly changing from the industrial to the technical industry. This means people are moving from manufacturing work, which was popular throughout 1990’s, to the ever-growing world of the internet.

    Why? Because the internet is the largest market place in the world, with billions of buyers and sellers all coming together to exchange goods and services for cold-hard cash. And, if you’re not capitalizing on the internet…you will be left behind!

    People are earning from hundred to thousands of dollars a month via the web – using automated systems. “The money is NOT automatic, but if your system is automated – the money will come. It takes time to get there but once the you know what you’re doing online and your systems are in place it can happen,” said Detroiter Ralph Claxton, who is the founder of Tech Club CPR (www.techclubcpr.com),  an internet coaching and training organization located online.

    Claxton’s Michigan partner, Pam Perry, of Farmington, is the chief visionary of Ministry Marketing Solutions, Inc.  She is a publicist turned social media marketing expert.  The two met online early this year via a mutual twitter friend and have been tweeting, blogging and podcasting ever since.

    Claxton and Perry spent thousands of dollars on internet training over the past few years. They each clunked down almost $20,000 in live seminars, online courses, books, teleseminars, e-courses, home study courses and personal coaching from the “masters” of internet marketing.

    Now, the two internet marketing mavens have come together to help other entrepreneurs and authors make money online – without spending an arm and leg.

    On Saturday, October 17 from 10 am-4pm (Sweetest Day in Michigan), The Tech Club CPR will host a sweet deal for those who are serious about making money online leveraging social media.

    Authors, entrepreneurs or those just looking for an additional revenue stream can come to the “boot camp” at the Courtyard Livonia, 17200 N Laurel Park Drive in Livonia, Michigan near Laurel Park Mall.

    “Because we get calls all the time from people who want to learn how we do what we do, we wanted to share our resources, experiences and give them an up-close and personal event to show what we do behind the scenes. Our mission is to help people crack the internet code,” said Perry.

    The Tech CPR Boot Campis basic training for people who are comfortable with the internet but find it hard to really leverage it to make money online, brand themselves and keep up with all the new social media tools. “If you can log on, browse, click, drag and drop online, we can help you get to the next level,” said Claxton.

    Claxton and Perry will provide hands-on internet training so that everyone will leave with knowledge of how to play the game of Social Networking.

    Those who attend the Tech Club CPR will discover….
    ·        How to master every technique needed to become an advanced internet marketing money-making machine.
    ·        All the tricks, tips, and secret techniques used to easily navigate the internet like a pro.
    ·        How to use Social Networking to earn a hefty income with popular sites such as Twitter and Facebook.
    ·        How to build a stable online business just by following along with a few video tutorials.
    ·        How to Use YouTube, Google, Ning and other sources to increase traffic to your blogs or affiliate links
    ·        How to Utilize CPA networks, Clickbank, Commission-Junction and E-Junkie to maximum effect

    This Boot Camp is different from others because people will get personal attention that will cater to those from beginner to the advanced level. “Without all the techno-speak,” added Perry.

    “All the other courses were too techy and made me feel intimidated. We won’t do. I personally want to help people avoid costly mistakes I made when attending over-priced seminars that left me with more questions than answers.  Me and Ralph want everyone to leave our boot camp ready to go get paid without having had to pay an arm and a leg.”

    Added Claxton, “the last event we did in Farmington Hills,  people walked away feeling empowered. They had their ‘aha’ moments – and we still get tons of testimonials,” said Claxton.

    To see the videos of some of the testimonials and more details, go to: www.TechClubCPR.com.

    For more information on early bird registration for the boot camp event on Sat, Oct. 17, go to Tech Club CPR website or contact Pam Perry via info(at)ministrymarketingsolutions.com.


    Brand YOUR Best Life!

    here interviews at: www.blogtalkradio.com/ministrymarketingsolutions

    Also, ask about Ministry Marketing Solutions Inc. monthly Teleseminars, Webinars, Home Study Courses, bootcamps and online forums, blogs and podcasts.

    Also get the Christian Writers Market Guide available from www.e-junkie.com/pamperry (The tool every Christian Writer Should have)

    Visit the PR PRO Shop at www.e-junkie.com/pamperry get free stuff there too.

    WHY SHOULD HIRE OR CONTINUE

    WITH A PR COACH…

    Hold you accountable. It’s too easy to neglect or postpone tasks critical to the sales and marketing of your book.  I require a commitment from you to buckle down and get them done.

    Develop and refine your ideas…make a plan. You have great ideas. Some are easy to put into practice and others need refinement. I have a working knowledge of hundreds of PR strategies and marketing know-hows to adapt to your book.  Come away with a workable plan that fits your schedule and budget!

    Share a wealth of PR strategies and secrets. When you’ve just “run out of ideas” on how to market and sell your book, I will educate you in the industry and PR principles you’ll use to get results.

    Provide you with the contacts you need. When you need contacts or resources for the marketing of your book, I have an extensive network of media and publishing industry contacts and know where to find the information.

    Give you perspective from the outside looking in. It’s possible to lose the ability to “see the forest for the trees” once your book is published and ready for sale. I am there to take a fresh look, knowing what to look for, seeing the market potential and providing you the accurate, frank and honest feedback that you need to be a success.

    Go to: www.prbootcamponline.eventbrite.com for next teleclasses (Oct. 20)


    Need help to get started with branding yourself “online” too – don’t know where to start? Start here… www.prbootcamponline.eventbrite.com & www.techclubcpr.com

    Posted in Blogs and Websites, Blogtalk Radio, Book Publishing, Branding, Internet Technology, Joint Ventures, Networking for Authors, New Media Marketing, Online Strategies for Authors, Online Tools, PR coaching, training podcasts, Platform Building, Social Media Marketing for Authors, Twitter Training, Writers Meetings | No Comments »

    Tuesday, September 1st, 2009

    Home-based businesses are estimated to be a $427
    billion-a-year industry. In recent studies it was found that as many as 105
    million people in North America alone were working at home. Considering this
    information, it is obvious that home-based businesses can be successful and
    authors Jill Hart and Diana Ennen will help you succeed with your own.

    So You Want to Be a Work-at-Home
    Mom     details all the basics of starting a business in a
    spiritual, motivational, and comprehensive manner. From deciding what type of
    business to start to keeping your family and faith first, this helpful tool
    details every aspect of establishing a business. With proven success tips
    utilized by the authors and others who own work-at-home businesses, this
    inspiration approach will provide you with the resources you need to start your
    own home-based business.

    So You Want to Be a Work-at-Home
    Mom     includes:
    * Detailed information on types
    of businesses to start
    * Ideas and assistance for setting up, operating, and
    marketing your business
    * Definitions and descriptions of work-at-home
    terminology and processes
    * Help for developing your Website
    *
    Explanations of the business nuts and bolts, including bookkeeping, taxes, and
    more

    About the Authors
    JILL HART is the founder of Christian Work at Home Moms,
    CWAHM.com. Jill is a co-author of So You Want To Be a Work-at-Home Mom.
    Jill has published many articles and is a contributing author in Laundry Tales,
    The Business Mom Guide Book, I ll Be Home for Christmas, and Faith Deployed. She
    holds a bachelor s degree in human development and family studies. Learn more
    about working from home at http://www.cwahm.com/work-at-home/
    .

    DIANA ENNEN has been a leader and mentor in the
    work-at-home industry since starting her business, Virtual Word Publishing, in 1985.
    She is the author of many books, including Virtual Assistant the Series;
    Become a Highly Successful, Sought After VA     and Words from Home: Start,
    Run, and Profit from a Home-Based Word Processing Business    . She resides in
    Margate, Florida, with her husband and their three children.

     

    Below is an interview with the authors of So You
    Want To Be a Work-at-Home Mom     – Jill & Diana.

    If you have questions they are happy to answer your
    questions anytime. Leave a comment below or email Jill@cwahm.com or
    Diana@virtualwordpublishing.com

    How long have you been working at home?

    Jill Hart – I’ve been
    working at home since 2000. I had to go back to work full-time for a brief
    period in 2003 when my husband got out of the Air Force. At that point I got
    even more serious about making my business work and I’ve been home full-time
    since then.

    Diana Ennen – I’ve
    been working at home since 1985, when my son was born. He’s now graduated
    college and already working towards his own career. I absolutely love it. I
    can’t imagine doing anything else.

     

    What types of businesses do you operate?

    Jill Hart – I run
    Christian Work at Home Moms, CWAHM.com, a website full of free resources, job
    listings and information about home businesses. I also write articles and books
    (yes, more books to come!) and am a blogger for sites like Time/Warner’s
    Christian Momlogic.com and a member of the Guideposts blogger team

    Diana Ennen– I’m the
    President of Virtual Word Publishing. I’m a
    virtual assistant and specialize in marketing & publicity. I’ve also written
    numerous books on how to start a VA business and offer PR and VA Coaching.

     

    Tell us about your book? How do you think it can benefit
    those who want to start a business?

    Jill Hart – The book
    has been such a “God thing.” He orchestrated the entire sequence of events –
    from putting Diana and I together as co-authors to bringing us to the right
    publisher. The book is a hands-on practical guide for anyone who wants to build
    a business from home. We cover topics ranging from how to select the right type
    of business for you, to how to get started, to how to market and grow your
    business.

    Diana Ennen – I think
    one of the best features of our book is that it’s not only informative, but
    motivational as well. You’ll feel like friends are helping you on your journey
    to success. Also, we discuss numerous types of businesses to start and provide
    proven methods to achieve success. We also often hear how starting a business
    can be so overwhelming. That’s why we pay special attention to all the how tos.
    We feel very confident our book will help, not only those starting a business,
    but those already in business wanting to expand it.

     

    What types of businesses are featured in your book?

    Jill Hart – We have
    such a great range of contributors – everything from direct sales companies like
    Southern Living at Home and Avon to unique product-driven businesses like BSM
    Media and GrillCharms. These woman are amazing and give readers a great insight
    into how they’ve grown their businesses in very different ways.

    Diana Ennen – We cover
    everything from direct sales companies to specialized areas such as medical
    transcription and virtual assisting. Also, Jill shares detailed information on
    starting a community based membership site. We think you’ll get a lot of helpful
    tips too from such work-at-home powerhouses as Maria Bailey and Lesley Spencer
    Pyle.

     

    Do you have any tips for success for Christian
    entrepreneurs that you’d like to share?

    Jill Hart – I think my
    favorite tip – shared with me by one of our contributors, Tammy Degenhart,
    almost ten years ago is that working together benefits everyone. She told me,
    “Jill, what you give to others God brings back tenfold” and I’ve seen that hold
    true time and time again. It may not be in financial gains and it may not look
    like what we expected but God is so faithful in that when we work together there
    is no competition – it’s a win-win situation.

    Diana Ennen – Do what
    you believe in and use your own skills and prior experience to find the business
    that’s just right for you. Research/Research/Research. The more you research,
    the better your business. Continue to market and be out there. So many once they
    find a few clients stop marketing. You need to get out there continually. You
    then become the go to person when someone needs services or products that you
    offer.

     

    What are some of the challenges that you see with those
    starting or operating a business?

    Jill Hart – In my
    experience, I’ve talked with many women who get frustrated because success
    doesn’t come easily or quickly. Working from home may sound easy, but in reality
    it can actually be just as hard as working outside the home. There are many
    unique challenges, especially when working at home while raising children. If
    women don’t prepare themselves, they can become discouraged and
    disheartened.

    Diana Ennen– One of
    the major challenges I see is losing belief in yourself that you can do it.
    That’s why I think a faith-based book will be so beneficial. Even when times get
    tough, you can rely on your faith to forge ahead.

     

    With the economy, do you believe it’s still a good time to
    start a business? Why?

    Jill Hart – I think
    it’s a better time than ever. The internet is so much more widely used than it
    was even nine years ago when I began my website. If people do their research and
    find a company that fits them as well as their budget this can be a great time
    to break into the work-at-home field.

    Diana Ennen –
    Absolutely. In fact, I think there’s never been a better time. You might have to
    work a little harder, but it absolutely can be done. Plus, there are so many
    businesses who need us more than ever because of the economy. For example, with
    virtual assistants because businesses are downsizing they are seeking the help
    of a VA to help on an as needed basis.

     

    Your book is written from a Christian perspective? Tell us
    a little about that and how you feel that makes it so unique?

    Jill Hart – My faith
    is central to who I am and therefore central to my business. I began Christian
    Work at Home Moms because I wanted women to have a safe place where they could
    discuss not only business things, but also talk about an area that doesn’t get
    talked about a lot in business circles – how our faith affects our businesses.
    The book is written in a way that doesn’t hit anyone over the head with our
    faith, but it’s true to who we are and talks about things from the vantage point
    that we see life – through the lens of our faith.

    Diana Ennen – There
    are so many books out there today on starting a business. However, few have the
    Christian mom in mind. We provide a lot of scriptures and examples of how you
    can use your faith to help you. Our hope is that not only will your business
    thrive, but it might just give a little boost to your faith as well.


    Learn more about the book at Beacon
    Hill Press     or SoYouWantToBeAWAHM.com.

    www.e-junkie.com/pamperry

    and see www.ardyssintl.blogspot.com

    Posted in Book Expert Interviews, Joint Ventures, Ministry Marketing, Networking for Authors, Non Traditional Marketing ideas, Publishing Tips, Social Media Marketing for Authors, Writing and Editing | No Comments »

    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!

    Posted in Blog Tours, Book Publishing, Christian Book Clubs, Ministry Marketing, Online Strategies for Authors, PR Tips for Authors and Minsters, Promotional tools for authors, Publicity for Books and Authors, Publishing Tips, Social Media Marketing for Authors, Virtual Book Tours | No Comments »

    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)

    Posted in Article Marketing for Authors, Blog Tours, Blogs and Websites, Book Expert Interviews, Book Marketing Plans, Christian Book Clubs, Internet Technology, Networking for Authors, New Media Marketing, Online Strategies for Authors, Online Tools, PR Tips for Authors and Minsters, PR coaching, training podcasts, Publishing Tips, Social Media Marketing for Authors, Writers Meetings, Writing and Editing | 1 Comment »

    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

    Tags: , , ,
    Posted in Book Expert Interviews, Book Industry News, Book Reviews, Internet Technology, Joint Ventures, New Media Marketing, Online Strategies for Authors, PR Tips for Authors and Minsters, Podcasting and Preaching, Publicity for Books and Authors, Social Media Marketing for Authors, Twitter Training, Virtual Book Tours | No Comments »

    American Christian Writers Meeting Info & 20 Books to Help You Market Your Book!

    Sunday, May 17th, 2009

    Web 2.0 Recommended Reading List

    1. Taking Your Business To the Next Level: An Essential Step-By-Step Success Plan for Small Business by Frances McGuckin

    2. How to Be an Entrepreneur and Keep Your Sanity: The African-American Handbook & Guide to Owning, Building, and Maintaining Successfully Your Own Small Business by Paula McCoy Pinderhughes

    3. Complete Publicity Plans: Create Publicity That Will Spark Media Exposure and Excitement by Sandra Beckwith

    4. Branding for Dummies: Discover a Dynamic System for Brand-creation & Management by Bill Chiaravelle and Barbara Findlay Schenck

    5. The Brand YU Life: Re-Thinking Who You Are Through Personal Brand Management by Hajj E. Flemings

    6. The New Influencers: A Marketer’s Guide to the New Social Media by Paul Gillin

    7. The E Code: 34 Internet Superstars Reveal 44 Ways to Make Money Online Almost Instantly – Using Only Email! By Joe Vitale and Jo Han Mok

    8. Advanced Email Marketing: How to Deliver the Right Message to the Right Audience by Jim Sterne

    9. Blogs, Wikis, MySpace, and More: Everything You Want to Know About Using Web 2.0 but Are Afraid to Ask by Terry Burrows

    10. Permission-Based E-Mail Marketing That Works!: Everything You Need to Know by Kim MacPherson

    11. What No One Ever Tells You About Blogging and Podcasting: Real-Life Advice from 101 People Who Successfully Leverage the Power of the Blogosphere by Ted Demopoulis

    12. Red Hot Internet Publicity: An Insider’s Guide to Marketing Your Book on the Internet by Penny C. Sansevieri

    13. From Book to Bestseller: An Insider’s Guide to Publicizing and Marketing Your Book! by Penny C. Sansevieri

    14. Publish & Market Your Christian Book in 10 Easy Steps by Tamika Johnson-Hall

    15. The New Rules of Marketing & PR: How to use News Releases, Blogs, Podcasting, Viral Marketing & Online Media to Reach Buyers Directly by David Meerman Scott

    16. Blogging for Dummies: Set up, publish and maintain a blog that draws readers by Brad Hill

    17. Amp Your MySpace Page: Essential Tools for Giving your Profile an Extreme Makeover by Eric Butow & Michael Bellomo

    18. Be The Media: How to Create and Accelerate Your Message…Your Way by David Mathison

    19. You Want Caviar but have money for Chitlins: A Smart PR Guide for Those on a Budget by Karen Taylor Bass

    20. Syndicating Web Sites with RSS Feeds for Dummies by Ellen Finkelstein

    Prepared by: Pam Perry, www.MinistryMarketingSolutions.com & see www.e-junkie.com/pamperry

    for products
    President of American Christian Writers/Detroit Chapter*

    *FREE ACW/Detroit Meeting every Third Monday
    (except during the summer) held at
    Greater Grace Temple City of David, Conf. Rm. 200 C.
    23500 W. Seven Mile Road (near Telegraph) – Detroit, MI 48235
    313.543-6000
    Next Meeting: Monday, May 18 meeting at 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

    Topic: Publishing & Dream Management with Cliff Hubbard
    All authors, writers and aspiring welcome!

    Tags:
    Posted in Amazon Marketing Strategies, Book Reviews, Branding, Ezines and Email Promotions, Internet Technology, Networking for Authors, New Media Marketing, Online Tools, Promotional tools for authors, Publicity for Books and Authors, Social Media Marketing for Authors, Writers Meetings | 1 Comment »