Novel Marketing

In this episode we are going to talk about how to get a publishing board to buy your book. Or better said, how do you get a pub board to choose your book over the other ten proposals they’ll be pursuing at the same time they’re looking at yours? Show Notes   Talking Points:   What is Pub Board? * The committee of decision makers at a publisher that decide on which books to publish.   Who is there? * Your editor/your champion * Other editors * Sales * Marketing * Accounting * Suit: Operations / Publisher / CEO * Christian Publishing Show: 015 Behind the Publishing Curtain: Director of Operations   What are their roles? * Your editor/your champion * Other editors * Sales * Marketing * Accounting * The publisher   How does the meeting go? * You’re just one of a number of books being considered * Your editor might or might not be good at pitching your book * Odds are HIGH that no one at the table other than your editor has read the proposal thoroughly. * The voting process   The crucial elements of your pitch if people are only going to skim it * Your hook * Your elevator pitch * Make it crisp and quick * What will impress sales? * What will impress marketing? * What is going to impress accounting? * What will impress the publisher? * Give the editor a special video.   Why you need to start watching Shark Tank if you want to be trad pubbbed * Idea * Numbers * Platform * Passion Featured Patron Lucia’s Renaissance by CL Peterson “A Novel of 16th-century Italy, by C.L.R. Peterson. “Heresy is fatal in late Renaissance Italy, so only a suicidal zealot would so much as whisper the name of Martin Luther. But after Luther’s ideas ignite a young girl’s faith, she must choose–abandon her beliefs or risk her life in the turbulent world of late sixteenth-century Italy.” Sponsor:   5 Year Plan to Become a Bestselling Author This plan was crafted by Thomas & Jim to be step by step guide through the first five years of your writing career. Learn each quarter what to do to succeed and avoid the mistakes that hijack the success of most authors. Learn more at NovelMarketing.com/courses.

In this episode we are going to talk about WordPress plugins! Which ones that will make your site awesome and which ones will make you scream in pain and agony. Show Notes   Why WordPress is the Most Popular Website Platform for Authors * Plugins! * Power * Price * Popularity What is a WordPress Plugin? An app for your website. How to Add Plugins to Your Website * You need either WordPress.org (Bluehost, WP Engine, etc.) OR the $25/mo version of WordPress.com. * Install from your dashboard (free plugins). * Upload a zip to your dashboard (paid plugins).   The 5 Best Free WordPress Plugins for Authors   #1 YOAST SEO What it Does It helps your site rank better on Google by helping you with SEO (Search Engine Optimization) Why it is the Best Yoast does what often takes two or three other plugins to do. It also teaches you about SEO as you use it. Why this is Important If you don’t rank for your name and your book titles, someone else will rank for you. Best case scenario you miss out on money, worst case scenario it makes your fans mad. Repository Link #2 Google Analytics Dashboard for WP (GADWP)   What it Does It integrates your website with Google Analytics to collect detailed statistics. It also puts a Google Analytics dashboard in WordPress dashboard so you don’t have to log into Google Analytics to see your stats. Why it is the Best You don’t need this plugin to use Google Analytics, but it makes it easier. Also, in my experience authors never log in to Google Analytics to do anything other than prep a book proposal. This makes the analytics nearly useless. Why this is Important   Analytics can teach you about your readers and about yourself. But only if you use them regularly. Repository Link #3 Jetpack   What it Does Jetpack is the Swiss Army Knife of plugins. It protects your site from spam, improves the speed, provides a contact form, related posts and a lot more. Why this is Important   Jetpack replaces the need for at least half a dozen other plugins. Spam will ruin your comments without some kind of filter, readers will get frustrated without some kind of contact form, and the slower your site loads the less time people will spend on it. Why it is the Best Jetpack is made by Automattic the company behind WordPress. They have the best developers and the most money. If you get the other plugins we recommend in this episode, the free version is all you need. Repository Link #4 MyBookProgress   What it Does It puts a progress bar on your website to show your readers the status of your WIP. It also integrates with MailChimp and with your blog. Why this is Important   WIP status is the number two reason people visit author websites. If you keep this up to date, you will have more traffic and a lot more repeat traffic. You will also have a bigger email list and more successful launches. Why it is the Best This is one of the only (if not the only) progress bar designed specifically with authors in mind. It has a dashboard that not only keeps your readers up to date, but it helps keep you on track as well. Repository Link #5 MyBookTable   What is Does It creates a bookstore for your website where the buy buttons go to Amazon, BN.com and dozens of other stores. It helps you organize your books by author, series, genre and more. Why this is Important  

In this episode we’re going to talk about overcoming the fear of your writing being wrong. Intro A listener named Paul wrote to us and said, “I’ve attempted to write truth; that which you call Non-Fiction, and I’m afraid I’ll be found in error, and be put to shame by well-known, more educated minds, than mine!” Jim- I can relate! This fear held me back for years. Talking Points * Do you believe all the same things you believed 10 years ago? So were you wrong then, or are you wrong now?* Text books from 50 years ago* Everyone is wrong* Flat Earth (Netflix)* Factfulness Ideas for Overcoming This Fear * Accept the fact that you might be wrong* Have the mindset of presenting what you believe, not what you know* Become an expert (read!)* Workshop your material* Use Beta Readers (Research Team)* Ultimately you’re sharing an opinion * When people say, “You have no idea what you’re talking about!” realize they’re just giving their opinion. * You’re interested in this subject, and by being challenged, you’ll learn more and be able to offer more on the subject* You’re not truly dealing with fear, but with anxiety. You’re dealing with the future which has not happened yet. You’re allowing thoughts in that could be completely false. You’ve imagined what MIGHT happen, what if you were to imagine what MIGHT happen in the opposite direction? That your book becomes the landmark writing on your subject?* There’s a verse in the bible that applies to life whether you’re a follower of Jesus or not, “Beware when all speak well of you.” Luke 6:26 Links: Featured Patron: LAUREN LYNCH Lauren is the author of, the TimeDrifter fantasy series where readers can explore ancient civilizations from a Christian worldview. Lauren says her stories happen where the real world collides with the fantastic. http://www.laurenlynch.com/ Thank you, Lauren! Sponsor: MyBookTable is a way to quickly and easily build an online bookstore on your WordPress website. Use it to rank #1 on Google for your book and to boost your book sales on sites like Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Get it free at MyBookTable.com. Novel Marketing Patrons save 25% on MyBookTable Pro. www.mybooktable.com.

In this episode we’re going to talk about how to maximize your relationship with your editor. And yes, you already know who it is from the intro, Erin Healy. If you don’t know Erin, let me give you a quick rundown. * My editor. * Four of my five Christy wins came from books Erin edited. * Ted Dekker’s long-time editor.* AND … is a bestselling author for her own books.* So she’s one of those rare folks who truly understands publishing from both sides, as an editor, but also as an author.* Freelance editor who works with indie authors and trad authors.* Seventeen years ago … put up her website, has never had time … she’s that good.* And has become a dear friend Erin, welcome to the show. * Which do you like better? Writing or editing?* We always say the absolute best piece of marketing material authors can develop is an excellent book … because that sells the next book and the back list. And creating an excellent book depends to a great extent on the relationship between the editor and the writer. So talk to us a bit about how to make that relationship sing. What are some must-dos when you start working with a new editor?* Don’t have to be best friends, but do have to have mutual respect* A good editors job is to:    * Catch the vision for the book* Match that up with readers* Ask the hard questions* What do you want to make sure you DON’T do?* Don’t rush the process. It takes time.  Both macro/line edit take time!* Ask the editor how long it will take on your specific book* What are some things you’re seen done, or have been done to you that were shocking or horrifying or just plain stupid?* How can authors make things easier for their editors?* Do you end up having authors you like working with more than others? Why?* How do you find a great editor?* Editorial Freelancers Association * How much do personalities clicking play into putting together a great story?* You’ve worked with a lot of best-selling, award winning authors. Have any of them done something innovative with regards to marketing that you admired? * Are you able to take on any new clients currently? * Where can people find out more about you and/or get in touch? Links: * Erin’s website Erin Healy dot com* wweditorial@msn.com Featured Patron: David L. Winters Driver Confessional A Christian ride-share driver lands in hot water with the Russian mob. Antonio and his cop brother must solve a murder before it’s too late. www.sabbaticalofthemind.net Thank you, David! Sponsor: MyBookTable is a way to quickly and easily build an online bookstore on your WordPress website. Use it to rank #1 on Google for your book and to boost your book sales on sites like Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Get it free at MyBookTable.com. Novel Marketing Patrons save 25% on MyBookTable Pro. www.mybooktable.com.

In this episode we have a special treat for you. This is a re-run of one of the most influential episodes we have ever aired. Influential because of how much it influenced Thomas & I. Also we almost got arrested recording it. Wait what? The story.

In this episode we’re going to talk about how to use the last few pages of your book to supercharge your marketing. Why you should listen to this episode Show Notes What is Backmatter? * It’s everything that comes after the “the end” This episode is not just for indies! * Trad authors have not because they ask not. There are often blank pages at the end of trad books and all the authors had to do was ask for something to be put on those pages.* Example: Jim’s new novel coming out in May.* The difference is that indie authors can make more frequent changes to the back matter. * Trad authors have a longer lead time. Figure out your back matter 6 months ahead of time. Why backmatter is so powerful: * If your book is well written, the reader has just had a powerful emotional experience. (Thanks, Randy Ingermanson!)* The iron is hot. Downright sizzling if they’d loved your book. There’s no better time to ask them to take the next step in their relationship with you. * Don’t waste this opportunity! * Readers want help finding your next book. How to Edit Your Back Matter * Vellum is best but Mac only. Some authors buy a mac just so they can use Vellum. * Draft to Digital will convert a Word docs into ebook formats.* Calibre is free and multi platform, but clunky.* Contractor Fiverr.com (Affiliate Link + 20% discount) Edit Your Back Matter Frequently * Your old books should promote your new books, so every time you have a new book come out .. time to update* Updates will be pushed out to all ebook readers and to all new POD readers. What to include in your back matter * Ask for a Review * Link to the store they bought the book from. Amazon for Kindle, iBooks for iBooks, Kobo for Kobo, etc. * Perhaps also a link to GoodReads* Promote the next book in the series.* Book Cover* Blurb * Link to buy (Amazon for Kindle, iBooks for iBooks, Kobo for Kobo, etc.)* Link to your books landing page URL (Ex: CourtshipInCrisis.com)* Buy the URL for your book if you can* Name Cheap* First chapter of your next book. * End on a cliffhanger!* Goodies* Photos that inspired the book* Photos where the book is set* Links to a splash page where have have deleted scenes (if they sign up for your newsletter, so this acts as a lead magnet)* Soundtracks you think are perfect to listen to your books to* Maps! Multiple … the world, the city, etc.* Credits * Editors Yes you want multiple editors see (Episode 71)* Proofreaders* Cover designers* Launch team members* Alpha readers* Beta readers* Page designer* Acknowledgments * Also good to put before chapter 1* The difference between acknowledgements and credits. * Credits are people who worked on the book, acknowledgements are people who helped you. * It is ok to list people in both places. * Thomas acknowledged the coffee shop he wrote at and put the launch team in the credits. * Letter to the Reader * Introduce the back matter.* Where to find you online.* Help me advance the cause online!* Let me know what you think.* How to reach me (email, phone number)* Lead Magnet * Fiction: Prequel or Short Story following the “The End” of this book. Deleted scenes, additional scene, Jim’ song idea, etc.* Nonfiction: Discussion Guide or Worksheet* Reading Group Resources* Mention where readers can find book club resources on your website.* For more about reaching out to book groups listen to

In this episode we are going to talk about how you can use bookmarks and business cards to sell more books. Many authors have no idea they are using these promotion pieces poorly. But don’t worry, we will teach you how and when to get the most out of bookmarks and business cards. Show Notes Bookmarks vs. Business Cards * Bookmarks are for Readers * Business cards are for influencers What is the purpose of business cards? * Make follow up with you easy. * Help connect you with influencers. * To sell books? Not really. That is what bookmarks are for. Format * Fancy Front (Glossy Color or Fuzzy Matte)* Matte Back (So people can write notes)* Leave room for white space on the back.* Standard size and shape, this is not the time to shock brocca. * Thick cardstock What to put on the business card: * Name* Email* Phone Number* Website* No HTTP* CamelCase* Dubs are optional.* Face?* Book Cover?* Social Media Links? Why Bookmarks? * Bookmarks creates a chance to sell your book and other books in the series.* Readers love bookmarks* Readers always need more bookmarks * Creates a small sense of reciprocity. A bookmark feels like a small gift. * A chance to promote your book inside someone else’s book* Less likely to be thrown away than a business card. Bookmark Design Principles * Less is more* You want people to enjoy looking at the bookmark. * Avoid Design By Committee (Episode 19)* Keep your bookmark focused. A bookmark is not a catalogue. That is what your website is for. * Like a coin with a heads and tails (or a Dollar Bill with a face and back.)* The higher quality the bookmark, the longer people are likely to keep it. But remember, bookmarks tend to disappear into unfinished books. Front Bookmark Elements * Book Cover OR Book Over Elements* Title * Author* Image* Short Blurb or High Concept* Landing Page at BookTitle.com (Example: CourtshipInCrisis.com) Back Bookmark Elements * Series Book Covers  * Series Blurbs  * Website* Author Photo & Bio  * QR Code? Probably not. What to do with bookmarks * Go to local bookstores to see if they will give them away for free at the counter.* Hand them out at events you speak at or attend. * Include them in SWAG bags when possible (and not too expensive)* Include them with signed copies you mail out.* Take them to local libraries to see if librarians will give them away for free. Some libraries have a table for these sorts of giveaways so you don’t even need to ask. * Put them in your books if you’re in the library* Give them anywhere there is a waiting room. Your dentist’s office may be happy to have a stack of bookmarks at check in especially if you give the receptionist a free copy of your book. * Mail several to each person on your launch team along with a hand written note Where to get a professional business card & bookmark designs. * Your cover designer, especially for the bookmark. * 99Designs.com $149 for Business Card, $299 for Bookmark. If you are getting your cover in 99d you can pay a little more to make the project a “custom project” at that point you can ask the designers give you both a book cover AND a book mark. * Fiverr.com (Affiliate Link + 20% discount) $5 –...

In this episode we’re going to talk how to find and use Beta readers to massively improve your book. Intro Beta readers are SO important! But most authors I talk to don’t use them. Why? So let’s dive into finding them, and maximizing their power. What is a Beta Reader? * Term comes from the software development world. A beta tester is someone who uses an unfinished version of a program to find the bugs.* We had a beta period for MyBookTable where we got lots of feedback on how to make the plugin better. * They give you feedback on your story … early! Why Beta Readers? * Fresh eyes, you’re not objective. Neither are most spouses.* Beta readers help you see your story from another set of eyeballs.* Test audiences for films. Pretty Woman Not all BRs are created equal. Determine Your Perfect Beta Reader/Develop a Profile * Age?* Gender?* Why do they read? (Why do you write? We’ve talked about this.)* What type of stories do they gravitate toward in books, movies, TV shows?* Do they like giving reviews on Amazon, Rotten Tomatoes, etc? Are they someone who can easily express how they felt about a book or show?* Fans of your genre Finding & Choosing Beta Readers * Facebook, Twitter, your email list. LinkedIn.* Be careful, you might end up saying no to a lot of folks.* Go to the social media sites where they hang out.* Ask your super fans.* Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/50920-beta-reader-group  * Sometimes friends and family are great, sometimes people who aren’t emotionally invested in you are better.* Kickstarter backers! People who pay extra for early access can be great beta readers. * Can they be honest?* If they’re not a friend, and a writer, offer to swap reads* Be careful using other writers though …* Start following people you think fit your profile. Set up at least 25, then cull them down to your top 15. * Pick people who read in your genre.* Pick people who DON’T read in your genre.* Google Docs or Word? How Many? * It depends. Somewhere between three and thirty* 5 Alphas * 30 Betas * Why? Some won’t finish. A larger sample size.* Jim’s Alpha readers* Reminder, They’re Not Editors Sponsor The Tax and Business Guide for Authors In this course you will learn how to qualify for tax deductions for your writing-related expenses (not all writers qualify) and about 19 tax deductions authors can take advantage of.  Our very own Thomas and his dad Tom Umstattd a CPA who has over 35 years of experience working with authors. Learn more at AuthorTaxTips.com. Patrons save 50%! Once You Have Them * What do you want them to do?* Theme? Pacing? Character feedback? Story arc? * Continuity (especially for epic fantasy) * Let them choose.* Also …* Develop a simple one sheet where you ask them specific questions. * How many pages did you read in your first sitting?* Give them a deadline.* Whatever They Say, Accept it Graciously, and DON’T ARGUE!* If three or more say the same things … listen!* But don’t listen to everything, in the end it’s YOUR book.* Thick skin time. They’re there to help.* You don’t have to use them again, but don’t risk losing a potential friend. Thank Them

In this episode we’re going to talk about 12 marketing terms you must understand. Intro Listener question from Jennifer Rempel who suggested we do an episode with “A definition of terms for all the marketing jargon.” Thomas and I were talking the other day and realized we get caught in a mistake many people do who have been in the same industry a long time. We start talking in a language only we understand. Problem! When it comes to marketing, we through around a lot of terms that might not make sense to everyone. To rectify that distressing situation, we’re going to do a series of episodes on Marketing Terms You Need to Know. First go around will be twelve terms … we’ll tell you the term, then briefly describe it, then move on to the next. Ready Thomas? The Terms * Lead Magnet (also called a Reader Magnet)* Immediate reward for signing up for an email newsletter. * “Thank you for subscribing click here to download your free (short story, tip sheet, mini course, etc.)* Several episodes on this * 145 – How to Create a Reader (Lead) Magnet* 118 – Book Marketing 101: Marketing Funnels * PR* It stands for public relations. It’s free exposure about your and/or your products. Internet, radio, TV, newspapers, emails, Word of Mouth … but you often have to pay people to create PR for you. If you don’t want to pay, you can do it yourself, and we have an episode on that …number 175. * Advertising* Anytime you pay to get exposure, you’re advertising. Facebook ad, radio, TV, Amazon ads, etc.* KPI* KPI stands for Key Performance Indicator. This is somewhat determined by you. The KPI is not going to be the same for every business, or even every season of your business. For example, you might decide your KPI is growing your newsletter list. That’s your primary goal. You might even end up spending money on building your list with no immediate monetary return. Do you know what your KPI is at the moment? Good to determine.* SMART, Specific Measurable, Ambitious, Realistic, Time Bound Episode 023 – SMART Goals the Key to Marketing Success * Earned Media* Earned Media and P.R. are cousins. Essentially, Earned Media is any media you get when someone shares your content voluntarily. For example, when someone shares your post on Facebook, or Twitter … that’s Earned Media. * Conversion Rate* It’s simply the percentage of users who take the action you want them to take. For example, if you run an ad on Amazon for your novel, and 100 people click on the ad, and 10 people end up buying your book, your conversion rate is 10 percent. Sponsor The Tax and Business Guide for Authors In this course you will learn how to qualify for tax deductions for your writing-related expenses (not all writers qualify) and about 19 tax deductions authors can take advantage of. You will also learn how to start making a writing income even before your first book comes out. You will also learn business fundamentals like when and how to form an LLC, how to create a business plan and how to reduce your chances of being audited by the IRS. The course is taught by Tom Umstattd a CPA with over 35 years of experience working with authors. On sale

In this episode, you are going to learn three simple steps you can take to start getting speaking gigs and use them to sell more books. Why you should listen to this episode But Thomas … more people are scared of death, than speaking! But Jim … there are authors out there that know they want to speak, but aren’t sure how to get started Why Public Speaking? * Sells Books  * Higher Margins  * Changes Hearts and Minds * Creates a loyal following  * Attracts Publishers & Agents  * Builds and Establishes Your Authority * Hones & Refines Your Messages* Easier Than it Looks (90% of people are too scared to try it)  * This is the day and age we live in … people expect to be able to see and hear the authors they love 3 Steps to Get Your First Gig Step #1 Create A Speaker Packet PDF * Headshot* One Paragraph Bio* Talk Title(s) * How many talks should you have ready? * Talk Blurb* Contact Info Step #2 Start Contacting Groups * How to make that first contact.  * Talk to friends  * Talk to friends* Talk to friends* Be Prepared to speak at a moments notice (Toastmasters)* Mount Hermon* SXSW* Research Groups to Reach Out To* Find them on the web – who is the contact  * Samples! Record yourself. Step #3 Embrace Speaking for Free * Libraries* Rotary * MOPS* Networking Groups * Meetup * Toast Masters* Why FREE is something you should continue to do even after you start getting paying * gigs.* But You don’t want to do free gigs your whole life. In the rest of this course you will learn how to grow into and attract not just paid gigs but good money. Thomas’ Story When I was first developing my speaking skills I had a goal to talk six times a month somewhere about something. It meant taking a lot of terrible free gigs to hit that goal. “Yes I would be happy to speak to your rotary club” was a phrase I found myself saying a lot. When someone asked if I would do announcements at church, I looked at how many times I was speaking and said yes. I did a lot of talks in living rooms in those days. I recorded the talks and then listened to them to see how I could get better. I also worked on the talk itself to see how to make it better. The more times I give a talk, the funnier and more focused it got. This practice helped me get better overall as a speaker. I started measuring success by whether someone in the audience invited me to speak to their group. Sometimes my talks were merely “base hits” where people clapped and told me they liked it but no invite came. But as I kept at it the invites started coming in. One attendee invited me to speak for a week at an event in Hawaii, all expenses paid. That led to an invitation to return to Hawaii with my wife and later an invitation to speak in Switzerland. Speaking for free is a chance to try out a new talk on a live audience before you take it on the road. One of my web hosting clients is an author who speaks to tens of thousands of people every year. Each year she prepares a new talk to take on the road and she tests it on an audience at a local church in her area. The event is free and is just a way to see how the talk works on a live audience, to get the jokes working, that sort of thing. In short, never underestimate the power of practice before a live audience. Also, you never know when being faithful in little things wi...

In this episode we’re going to talk about significantly growing your email list, and using it to sell more books! And to help us … Ryan Zee … Voracious reader all his life … since starting his own book marketing agency at the age of 25, Ryan has been fortunate to work with thousands of authors across virtually every major genre, helping to make their books known to new audiences — and giving readers a chance to discover great authors they might otherwise have missed. When he’s not thinking about ways to make BookSweeps a more welcoming place for book lovers, Ryan enjoys traveling, reading, and talking about the books he’s read (ideally, while traveling). A resident of New York City (but moving to Portland, OR, his favorite authors include Junot Díaz, David Foster Wallace, Milan Kundera, and Jonathan Safran Foer. He also maintains a soft spot for the Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. In 2016, Ryan Zee created BookSweeps.com, now one of the largest book giveaway & lead generation sites for fiction authors, with an email list of nearly 100,000 readers. * Why is email so effective at selling books? * How can authors make their newsletters more interesting for readers? * What should novelists talk about in their email newsletters? * How can authors grow their email list? * Lead generation ads on F.B. are still working well (lead magnet) and consider doing this as a group. Offer 5 – 10 books. * Newsletter swaps, you promote their book, they promote yours * The key is similar genres * You are BookBub to your audience … * Cross promotions * Create a page with 20 books, all promote/send readers to that page * Let’s talk email formatting. The fanciest emails win right? * No! Your email is the plane, each image is weight on the wings * The more complicated it gets … the harder it is to get it to the in-box * Without headers … is going to work better * Has to work everywhere … like mobile devices * Use the Image box … don’t stick it in the main text * What have you seen working well recently for helping authors grow their email lists? * Let’s talk about BookSweeps. What is it? * Lead generation platform, geared for fiction … some non-fiction * We run promotions that help build lists, Amazon and Book Bub Followers * Each promotion is geared toward a particular niche/genre * 30 – 40 authors * We promote it to our 100,000 subscribers * 10 – 14 days * Offer a free book, short story to introduce yourself … * Why would an author want to sign up for BookSweeps? * How do you stand out from all the other authors that have just signed up the same readers? * How much does book sweeps cost? * They can differ by genre, but most are in the $25 – $50 range * Average range is 400 – 1,200 * Talk about the difference between an organic subscriber and a sweepstakes subscriber Links: * RyanZee.com * BookSweeps Featured Patron You’re the Cream in My Coffee In 1928, small-town woman Marjorie Corrigan travels to Chicago and thinks she sees her first love–believed killed in the Great War–alive and well in a Chicago train station. Suddenly everything in her life is up for grabs. Sponsor: MyBookTable is a way to quickly and easily build an online bookstore on your WordPress website. Use it to rank #1 on Google for your book and to boost your book sales on sites like Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Get it free at MyBookTable.com.

In this episode we have a special interview about how author David Rawling’s publishing dream came true … and what you can learn from it for your own dream. (Thomas) Getting published is hard, especially if you live outside of the country. Here is how David did it and if can do it, you can do it too. Tips, ideas … what you can do that David did. Show Notes Talking Points: David, I want to start with where you are now … and then go back and talk about the path your took to get here … because I think it’s going to be inspiring, and encouraging and enlightening for any author whether they’re independently published, trad published, or hybrid. So … you signed a deal with HarperCollins a year or so ago, and you have your first novel coming out with them in mere months. * Love it … give us the pitch for the book. * Alright, you have this cool novel coming out, you already have a nice buzz going for it … take us back to the beginning. How did all this get started? * What are the things you think made a difference in getting to the place you are now? * How much would you say your marketing background played into your getting published? * I want to talk for a moment about your commitment … you’ve come to a major writing conference, ACFW, TWICE now. That’s not such a huge commitment if you live in the US, but you came from Australia where you had to invest a huge amount of time and money … talk to us about that decision. * I wasn’t at AFCW this past fall, but I watched your Facebook posts and loved seeing how well you networked and met people and engaged really well. Talk to us about how important that part of publishing is … the relationships … and what came out of those new friendships. * What would you tell that author that’s been working at this crazy publishing game for years and is getting frustrated … they feel like giving up, but deep inside they know they’re supposed to be on this path? * Quick Tips: * Show us your real personality- show us who you are * Video is going to be huge in 2019, but have a reason to be watched * Focus on Social … not Media, engage, build friendships, help others with their marketing. * Where can people find out more about you and The Baggage Handler? Website: David Rawlings The Baggage Handler Featured Patron The Embers Series by Carrie Daws When a hurricane and a series of unexplained fires hits too close to home, inspector Cassandra McCarthy has to figure out what it will cost to protect the citizens of Silver Heights.” Sponsor: Rubart Writing Academy * March 21 – 24 in Lake Chelan, Washington * April 25 – 28 Blairsville, Georgia

In this episode we are going to talk about how you can develop significant PR for yourself and your books, even if you’re a complete novice! And to help us dive deep into the topic, we have a special guest, serial entrepreneur, award winning inventor, best-selling author, publicity expert, mom and wife, Christina Daves. And I love the tagline on her website … “Let me help you get visible!” I suspect that’s exactly what she’s going to help us with today. Christina, welcome to the Novel Marketing podcast! We’re going to get to a few questions about how you can help our listeners in a moment, but first … your own story is pretty interesting. It all started with a broken foot. You want to give us the quick version of what happened? Questions * We have some listeners who are quite savvy when it comes to marketing … but others who are just starting their publishing journey. For the latter listeners, could you give us a simple, clear definition of what PR is?* I love when you talk about how the media will check you out before they’ll interview you or do a profile piece on you and that you have to be prepared for that. What are a few of the key things authors must do to get prepared?* You say publicity always comes down to story … and we agree … how do people develop their story?* You’re a fan of LinkedIn … tell us why, and how authors can use the power of LinkedIn. * The media is on LinkedIn or Twitter * Tell us a little bit about HARO (Help A Reporter Out) and how authors can use it to get media bookings?* Can you give us a story of an author you know, or one you worked with, where something crazy happened as a result of going after a bit of publicity?* I’ve (Jim) piggybacked on many blogs that have a larger reach than my own website, and I know you like that idea as well … how do you suggest an author approach a larger site to do a guest post?* Most authors don’t realize the best place to start getting publicity is on a local level … how can authors get buzz going right where they live?* You’ve talked about a lot of excellent ideas … but if an author was going to do only ONE thing to start working on their PR, what would it be?* You have a great FREE email sequence and video series where you teach author how to get started on PR for themselves. Where can people find that and where can they find out more about you? More About Christina Daves * https://www.christinadaves.com/* Your PR Challenge Simon Sinek Ted talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/simon_sinek_how_great_leaders_inspire_action?language=en Featured Patron Lucia’s Renaissance by CLR Peterson A Novel of 16th-century Italy, by C.L.R. Peterson.  “”Heresy is fatal in late Renaissance Italy, so only a suicidal zealot would so much as whisper the name of Martin Luther. But after Luther’s ideas ignite a young girl’s faith, she must choose–abandon her beliefs or risk her life in the turbulent world of late sixteenth-century Italy. Sponsor: * Book Launch Blueprint #2 is about to close!* Booklaunch.fun

In honor of registration for the Book Launch Blueprint being open, we are going to talk about book launches! What’s the most critical element of a successful book launch? A written plan. Make the plan. Write it down. Authors who fail to plan, are planning to fail. What should the plan include? Every activity that will go into your launch. Enter your name and email below to unlock the download link for the Book Launch Plan Template below. The most powerful way to organize this is to break your plan into three sections: Section #1 Preparation Here we’re preparing the launching pad ready and typically happens 2 – 4 months before the rocket takes off. Sample Tasks: Tweak your website – We have an entire session on this in the Book Launch Blueprint that shows you how to fine tune and prep your website for maximum impact. Redirection Plugin Optimize Your Amazon Page – This is not just getting your book cover and description up on Amazon. It’s also defining your categories, honing your author bio page and more. You Amazon presence needs to be pristine ahead of your launch. We teach you exactly how to do this in the course. Schedule Media Interviews – This is the time to reach out to journalists and influencers. We show you how, and how to keep all your interviews organized. Schedule Guest Blog Posts – As you reach out to blogs, make sure to pick blogs that will have a high ROI (return on investment; in this case your investment is time). Find a Venue for your Launch Party – Never underestimate the power of real-life events in the real world. Recruit your Launch Team – You’ll want a small group of dedicated allies for this team. Spend the time to get the right folks.   Build your email list – The bigger the email list, the bigger the launch. We have an eye-opening, yet practical session on email list building in the Blueprint. Optimize your GoodReads page – Super readers use GoodReads to find great book, and they also use it to recommend books to friends. So get involved there. We have a whole session in the Book Launch Blueprint that teaches you how.   These are just sample tasks. Some might fit you, others might not. In the course we go through a number of other options you can use to design your preparation phase of your launch. Section #2 Pre-Launch Here we’re walking up to the rocket, about to fire up the engines. This phase starts about 30 days before launch and lasts right up to blast off. Sample Tasks: Finish planning your launch party – Launch parties are fun! (Especially when well planned.) In the course, Thomas shares how his launch party became one of the best events of his entire life! (And how to take the ideas he used to do the same for yours.) Pre-Launch interviews- Some media outlets might want to interview you ahead of your book’s release. Launch email sequence- You want to sent a series of emails to your list introducing them to your book. But you don’t want to send messages saying, “Buy my book! Buy my book!” We’ll teach you what you do want to say so that your readers will be saying, “I gotta buy their book! I gotta buy their book!” Activate your launch team- What activities do you want your launch team to do and when do you want them to do them? This is the time to finalize your action plan for them. Host your launch party- You might want to host an online launch party as well! Section # 3 Post-Launch The rocket it in the air … it’s gaining altitude. Yes! Now we have to make sure it has enough fuel to break through the atmosphere! This phase usually lasts for a month or two after...

In this special bonus episode of Novel Marketing, we answer YOUR book launch and book marketing questions. You can watch a video version of the Q&A below. Book Launch Q&A LIVE Posted by Novel Marketing on Thursday, January 24, 2019