Tag: Marketing

Can Authors be Rock Stars?

Can Authors be Rock Stars?

Pop culture, famous “A” list actors and mega sports stars fill the media spotlight. Huge numbers of fans flock to be a part of the “in” crowd or to see their hero in person. Jimmy Buffett, Phish, Lady Gaga or Kenny Chesney  sellout concerts in less than twenty minutes.

All performers and athletes connect with their fans causing everything from mild hysteria to crazy outfits and painted faces. The old black and white clips of fainting girls in the presence of Elvis or the Beatles has become an indelible image in our history. Continue reading “Can Authors be Rock Stars?”

My Jewish Journey—Promoting to a Niche Audience by Erica Manfred

Author Erica Manfred

When I published Interview with a Jewish Vampire I thought it would be easy to promote. After all, it was a funny book about old Jewish ladies becoming vampires. Jews are big readers, right. All I had to do was find the Jewish, and specifically old Jewish lady, audience. Since I was one of them I figured it wouldn’t be too hard. Ha! Promoting fiction is hard, niche or no.

When the book came out I needed a kick start so I hired Wendy, a Jewish publicist. She was recommended by a colleague who wound up very pleased with her services. Wendy sent out a press release to her Jewish list and contacted five “influencers” as she called them for $500 which she said was a big bargain. She usually charges a lot more to do publicity, which I don’t doubt since I know a publicist who charges thousands PER MONTH. What was I thinking??? $500. That’s a huge amount of money for me with no guarantee of anything. Continue reading “My Jewish Journey—Promoting to a Niche Audience by Erica Manfred”

To Whom it May Concern, by Carol Wyer

Author Carol Wyer

Mini Skirts and Laughter Lines recently won a Reviewers Choice Award from Readers Views. A large certificate and shiny new stickers are headed in my direction and my book will proudly display this new accolade. I can call myself an award-winning author which of course, does wonders for my publicity. I have sent out a whole new batch of emails to local press telling them about the next J.K. Rowling who is under their noses.

It’s a difficult job though getting your emails read and picked up by a reporter or show producer. I found most of my emails were going directly into people’s trash. Reporters aren’t too keen on receiving emails from authors shouting about their latest work, even if it has won an award. Continue reading “To Whom it May Concern, by Carol Wyer”

Ed’s Casual Friday: Things to know about facebook

When I first digitally self-published a book one year ago last month, my entire “online presence” consisted of an email account I checked maybe twice a week. Now, of course, there are blogs, boards, and any number of social media venues where I seem to spend an inordinate amount of time on a daily basis. And basically, they are all pretty weird.

There is a unique etiquette to virtual places like facebook which in some cases are quite different than any sort of “real world” interaction. Sometimes, it’s not. I took me quite a while to get used to a lot of it, but now after a year or so I have come to some conclusions. What follows is thus some of Ed’s Handy Things to Know about Facebook. Some of these will likely apply only to writers, some is good to know for everybody, and some of it might be worth keeping in mind if you ever happen to find yourself outside of your home, interacting with “real” people. Enjoy. 😉 Continue reading “Ed’s Casual Friday: Things to know about facebook”