A Sticky Situation

checklist-310092_150Sometimes, as fellow writers, we are asked to participate in groups and events that have the potential to result in hard feelings or damaged relationships.  We authors can be a sensitive bunch, for all that we are told to develop thick skins.  I ought to know. Yet, without the feedback from our fellows how are we to know when we are missing the grade?

There are two conflicting urges we must deal with concurrently when offering our opinions on the work of others. This is especially so when we are in personal contact (as opposed to writing a review where we are not known to the author). Our first impulse is to be helpful, supportive and encouraging. But if we are to meet that goal it is imperative that we also be honest. If our honest feedback has to be less than glowing it puts us in a bind. This is even more so if the situation involves more people than yourself and the author on the hot seat. Continue reading “A Sticky Situation”

Getting Book Signings and Interviews

1492162_10152125585440546_1133363978_oYou’ve written that first book. You’re so proud of it. Now you want to make sure your public hears about it. What can you do to get some exposure in the ‘real world’ as opposed to on-line via social media?
Let’s talk about two that worked for me; book signings and interviews on radio and TV.

Book Signings:
I live in a relatively rural area, not a big city, but I think that this can work even in cities. When my first book came out I took some with me and travelled about to all the bookstores I could find within an hour’s drive. At each one I would gather all my courage and ask to speak to whoever was in charge about doing a book-signing. I soon learned that the person with the authority to make that decision is not always present. Lesson number one; call or e-mail ahead for an appointment with the owner or manager. It will save a lot of time and frustration. Also make sure you know the owner’s name and can address him/her by name when you meet. In a way, this is a job interview. Treat it like one. Continue reading “Getting Book Signings and Interviews”

What’s on TV? YOU! Preparing for Your Television Interview

e-morningscramble-fullWe authors are always looking for new ways to get our books out in front of the public, be it guest blogging, book signings, or radio spots., Some of our cohorts (Carol and Lynne) have already given us guidelines for the radio shows. If we’re really lucky, we can score a TV spot. No, really; it’s not out of the question. Just think about those local TV shows that run on weekday mornings, the ones that love to feature the goat lady who makes her own soaps from goat milk, the fire captain who’s going to be the grand marshal of the Independence Day parade, the teenager who won a medal for saving his little sister from drowning. Those TV shows need guests, and you need to get the word out. It’s a perfect match, and a great way to practice your pitch.

Once you’ve pitched your book to the show and been slotted in (I know you can), there are a few things to keep in mind before the show. Continue reading “What’s on TV? YOU! Preparing for Your Television Interview”

Goodreads Spring-fest

This past Monday, Melinda Clayton showed us how to advertise with Goodreads. So how about we stir things up with a Goodreads like-fest?

Today you can share your author page and find new friends. For your profile, grab that URL which should look like this: https://www.goodreads.com/KSBrooks and paste it in the comments below.  (Not sure where to find your fancy URL? See the image below and look for the aqua arrow.) goodreads like buttonNow everyone can “Like” your author page.  The “Like” button is found about 1/3 of the way down the page on the same side as the author photo. Clicking on that will show that you like that author’s page on your Facebook wall. There’s also a Google+ button there, so if you have a Google+ account and you’re feeling generous, go ahead and click on that, too. Still not sure where the “like” button is? Click on this thumbnail to enlarge it and look for the magenta arrow.

[Don’t forget, if you right-click the links, you can choose to have them open in a separate tab so you don’t have to worry about navigating back and forth to pages.]

PLEASE be sure to reciprocate by liking those who like you. This is give and take. If everyone plays by the golden rule, we all benefit.