We CAN! promote our books

Small Doors Can Lead to Large Opportunities

Kathi Macias here, stopping by to talk a little about small openings...and where they can lead. Since it's a safe assumpton that we aren't all going to end up on Oprah (which is probably a good thing), let's focus on those workable things we can realisitically do to start and keep the buzz going about our books--and maybe even sell some along the way!

Who Is This Marketing Stuff REALLY All About?

Kathi Macias here, checking in to assure you that I do NOT have Betty Boop as my guest blogger today. However, her picture and mindset really do say a lot, don't they? And the message is a key to finding and maintaining that fine line between effective marketing and all-about-me promotion.

Adding a Personal Touch

Kathi Macias here, posing with fellow CANner Dianne Neal Matthews at our recent Orlando gathering. (And wouldn't you know it? Like nearly every other function we attended that week, there was food involved--this time, dessert!)

Since returning from Orlando, where we officially launched my latest book, BEYOND ME: LIVING A YOU-FIRST LIFE IN A ME-FIRST WORLD, I've been inundated with emails from people, asking what I did to "get the buzz going" so effectively. In the words of my marketing-expert buddy Jan Coates, "It isn't the one great thing you do, but the many things, that constitutes effective marketing." And adding personal touches to those "many things" is the icing on the cake.

My Blog Tour Starts Today!

Kathi Macias here, checking in once again with a picture that was taken when my husband and I visited my aunt while we were in Orlando for AWSA and ICRS. Aunt Evy and I share a favorite memory, in that when I was eight years old and our family was on a visit to New York where she lived at the time, she took me to Radio City Music Hall to see the Rockettes and "The King and I," and then out for chocolate sodas. Wow, what a day that was! But now it's time to make some new memories on my blog tour that starts today....

Originals or Look-alikes?

Kathi Macias here, checking in to let you know why I missed you last week. Following the (very successful and enjoyable!) AWSA conference/ICRS convention in Orlando, during which I received the 2008 Member of the Year award from AWSA and learned my newest book, BEYOND ME, was named "top pick" in the Christian Living category by Christian Retailing magazine, my husband and I drove down to the Keys for a couple days of much-needed R&R. While there, we had quite an interesting experience....

Off to Orlando!

Kathi Macias here, checking in to say adios as my husband and I fly off to Orlando today for the great gathering of authors, editors, agents, publishers, book buyers, marketers... Well, you get the picture. And I must admit that as hard as we all try to nail this marketing thing, the bottom line is--It's BEYOND ME!

Wait a minute! That sounds like a book title....

Writing Articles for Book Promotion

Kathi Macias here, wishing you all a happy Fourth of July with a picture of the flag that flies 24/7 in front of our house. As you prepare for your annual outdoor cooking and fireworks celebrations, take a minute to consider one of the cheapest and most effective ways to promote your book: writing related articles for various publications. Let me give you a few examples.

Way to Go, Grandma!

Kathi Macias here, checking in to announce the "official" birth of my newest "baby": BEYOND ME: LIVING A YOU-FIRST LIFE IN A ME-FIRST WORLD. And no, that's not me in the picture. That's my grandson Chazz who, along with scores of other friends and family members, sported a "Beyond Me" button throughout the family wedding/reception this past weekend. What a great way to launch a new book!

Developing a Reader List--and Reaping the Benefits

Kathi Macias here and about to leave for an out-of-town family gathering. Before leaving, I thought I'd take a moment to thank the greatest team of promoters on the planet--namely, my readers.

Tips from a Pro on Planning Book Events

Kathi Macias here, checking in to introduce you to a friend of mine, fellow author and book event planner for the stars (and for just plain folks like the rest of us authors too!), Carol Hoenig. Whether you're already a bestselling author or you're just beginning to put your words on paper and dream a little, Carol's advice, taken from her award-winning book The Author's Guide to Planning Book Events, will be a great source of encouragement and direction for you. So let me introduce you to this savvy lady.