We CAN! promote our books

Tips from the Pros: Debby Mayne

Not-so-sunny (because of Tropical Storm Andrea) salutations from Florida! Today, I'm please to present an interview with multi-published author Debby Mayne. I know you'll enjoy what she has to share with us today. 

Welcome, Debby. How did you get into writing?

I started writing articles for regional parenting magazines when my children were small. My husband challenged me to write a novel, so I did. It took about 5 years to sell, but I sold my first book to Avalon on October 6, 1999, and a novella to Barbour 10 days later.                                                                            

It sounds like you were one of those five-year overnight successes. How
many books do you have published now?                                                     

Thirty-something. 

Tips from the Pros: Cynthia Ruchti

"A bosom friend, a really kindred spirit." ~ L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

That's the kind of friend Anne Shirley longed for, and that's the kind of friend I found in author, speaker, and woman of God Cynthia Ruchti. We met while serving on faculty at the Quad-Cities Christian Writers Conference a few years ago. I've only seen Cynthia in person a few times since, but I'm delighted to introduce my forever-friend to the CAN audience today. She has many wise insights to share.

Enjoy!

Cynthia, how did you get into writing?

I always considered writing recreation rather than a career choice. I trained to work in a chemistry laboratory and did so for the first seven years of marriage, working part-time after our kids were born. But I longed to be home with them while they were young and laid aside my job at the lab and its income. Purely to keep my mind agile while making homemade baby food and creating clever birthday parties on a budget, I enrolled in several correspondence courses in creative writing. I sold an article here and a newspaper column there, enough to convince me of the joy of storytelling and the power of words to alter the flow of the human heart. 

Marketing: Build Bridges to Your Books

Aloha from Karen Whiting!

 

I’ve been writing for nearly two decades and continually spent time networking to build bridges and marketing strategies. We can’t do everything at once but with persistence we can build various platforms. Let me share how the past has been a bridge to recent and upcoming releases.

 

What to Include in a Speaking Contract

By Laura Petherbridge

In my early speaking years I didn’t use a contract. I assumed that it was unnecessary. I was wrong. Learning the hard way often hones your skills. Most of my events are conducted in a church. Therefore, the majority of my tips are geared toward that audience.

 Here is what I suggest to include when creating a contract between a speaker and a host.

At the Top Host Details

•  Your name, title, web address and contact information
• The host name, address, web site and phone number
• Event address if different from host
• The host’s contact person or event coordinator/ chairman, phone numbers, and e-mail.
• Name and phone of transportation person if different.

Event Details

•  Date and time of each presentation
•  Number and length of presentations
• Title of speaking topic (s)
• Speaking fee to be paid for these presentations-If an honorarium I state “Laura agrees to waive her normal speaking fee in lieu of an honorarium.”
• That air travel, lodging, airport shuttle and meals are in addition to the speaking fee

Logistical Details-I list exactly what we have agreed upon for me this includes:

• A microphone and sound technician (I can’t tell you the number of times I have arrived and there is no mic, or there is a mic but no one knows how to turn on the sound system)
• Each participant will receive a handout (I send a master before the event and host is required to duplicate)
•  2- 6 ft book tables located in a high traffic spot near my event.
•  A volunteer to work the table who is able to arrive at least 30 minutes before the event.
• All sales and receipts belong to the speaker (some events /churches expect you to give them a percentage)
• My messages may NOT be duplicated or sold. (Selling my messages is how I make my living therefore I do not allow other duplications unless previously agreed upon.)
• Deposit : I book my own flights. Therefore, I request a non-refundable deposit that will cover the flight amount should the host cancel.
• Cancellation Policy: If host cancels event less than 60 days out I request a $500 payment. This doesn’t leave time for me to book another event, therefore they are paying for taking that date off my calendar and keeping me from earning income.
• If they cancel less than 30 days out they pay the entire speaking amount plus any costs that have been incurred (such as shipping product).

I added all of this after a very large church I had spoken at 3 times invited me back to speak for 5 days, each day to a different large group. (Singles, women, divorce prevention, divorce recovery). 4 days before I was to fly there one pastor called and cancelled—all of it. I had purchased and shipped a LARGE quantity of product, which cost me a great deal of money. That huge financial loss taught me that I had to protect myself. I send out a special thanks to author and speaker, Mary Southerland, for her encouragement and advice during that season. I almost stepped off the speaking platform, and she sent the comfort and insight I needed.

Closing

• I include the phrase “This agreement transfers to new leadership and must be signed by a staff person, not a volunteer.” (Churches often change staff and you want to make sure the commitment is honored even under new leadership.) I once had a volunteer sign, then the church would not agree to pay. She did not have the authority to hire a speaker.
• Signature of Staff Person/ date-signed and printed.
• I include the date the deposit must be paid, that the balance is due the day I speak, and my fax number and address so they can send original with the deposit check.

I pray this has helped others to create or fine tune their own contract. It brings peace of mind, limited surprises and it allows everyone involved to clearly understand the commitment. www.LauraPetherbridge.com

Tips from the Pros: Angela Breidenbach

I don't see a sign of April showers here in Florida, but Angela Breidenbach, today's featured author, may be watching out for snow showers in her Montana home. She and I became acquainted a few years ago when we both taught at the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference, and our paths have crossed in several professional ways since. I'm thrilled to introduce Angie and her newest book, which released April 1, to our CAN audience! 

How did you get into writing, Angie?                                

 I started my writing career with articles for Group Magazine and my local newspaper. But I started my journey into writing through a personal journal. 

 How many books do you have published?

Two traditional books, one each nonfiction and fiction. But I also have two self-published cookbooks and a long list of compilations, devotions, and articles.

Tips from the Pros: Lynda T. Young

Greetings from sunny--and short--springtime in central Florida! Marti Pieper here, lifting my head from my current manuscript long enough to share an insightful interview with author Lynda T. Young. Lynda not only has an interesting journey to publication but some unusual elements to her marketing strategy as well. Welcome, Lynda! Let's forge ahead with the interview. 

How did you get into writing? How many books do you have published? What are a few of your latest titles?

I co-founded a ministry, Kindred Spirits International, in 1999 and we sent out a newsletter. My articles mainly dealt with children’s hospitals and an African refugee mission. I was also volunteering at Egleston Children’s Hospital here in Atlanta, and God laid it on my heart to write a book for families of children with cancer. My husband had been in cancer research since 1966.

OH LOOK AT ME BY Christine Lindsay

Oh look at me. You…whooooo, look at me!!!  I’m over here. I’m the one waving a banner over my own head. I’m the one shoving my picture in your face.

Do you ever get just plain sick of doing this?

As writers it is so necessary to market. We know it’s part of being a good steward of our ministry. And we’d all much rather be writing our inspirational books to encourage readers in their faith, than having to infiltrate the market through Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, Google, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah.

But we have to do it, no matter how against the grain it rubs.

This discomfort gets increasingly worse when we have a new release. And it seems we need to push forward our front cover pictures, author pics, book trailers, whatever.

I become increasingly embarrassed with each successive shove of my stuff forward, and I start to withdraw inwardly.

That inward withdrawal has become a place of rest, because the only place I can find comfort from the chafing of marketing is in sitting quietly with the Lord.

I like to think of walking up the mountain with the Lord Jesus after He’s had a busy day speaking to the multitudes. Mind you, He didn’t shove His face forward like I have to do. He always directed His followers to worship God the Father.

Still though, I like to walk up the mountain with Him, and sit down. Say nothing for a while, just rest in the fact that He has promised to never leave me. Let the high-up fresh air blow through my hair. Whisk away the strain of publicity and marketing.

And just be with Him.

“Be still and know that I am God,” He says.

Then I can talk to Him, and tell Him how I really feel. That I do get a rush of adrenaline when I see my face out there, when I see my book cover out there. That after my speaking engagements are over, and people come forward to chat or have me autograph a book for them, I do get a rush of . . . of what?

Oh dear Lord, is it pride?

Please let it not be so.

Surely it’s just adrenaline? Surely, it’s just the joy of knowing that the speaking part is over and You did an amazing job of encouraging the listeners, the readers.

But part of me sighs deep down. I think there is a stain of pride. There is something inside me that did enjoy that few minutes of fame. That I liked it.

And that is when I must look my Lord Jesus in the face, and say, “I’m sorry. How utterly silly of me. Let me just look at You for a while, and listen to You, and let You cleanse my foolish soul.”

Marketing Checklist for Authors from Debby Mayne

Congratulations! You have a new book releasing soon! Now all you have to do is let people know when and where they can buy your precious creation that took months or maybe even years to complete. As the publishing house does its job of making the book available, it’s your job to get people to the stores or online retailers. 

Following the basic marketing plan isn’t difficult as long as you have everything in order. Make a checklist, and as you complete each task, put a mark by it. That doesn’t mean you’re finished with the job. It just means you’ve addressed it. There may be some things you need to come back to, and you’ll know what they are when they come along. 

1. Let your publisher’s marketing team know that you want to work with them. Coordinate schedules and make arrangements to share updates. Your marketing efforts should start and end with this dedicated person or group of people who are committed to your book’s success. If you have ideas, run them by the marketing team. Brainstorming is a good thing. 

2. If you don’t already have a website, it’s time to have one built. It doesn’t have to be elaborate, but it does need to look professional. You’ll need to include some basic information such as who you are, a list of your books, where your books can be found, and anything else pertinent to your career that you would like your readers to know. 

3. You’ll need a photo. Hire a professional if you can afford to. If not, enlist the help of a friend with the ability to create a high resolution head shot for your website, blog, social media pages, book cover, and business cards. 

4. Update your author profiles on all the retail sites. This helps readers who want to know more about you and might be looking for your backlist. 

5. Contact influential people to endorse and influence your book. Offer a free ARC (advanced reader copy), electronic version, or a bound copy of your manuscript. Make it clear that the recipient needs to read and review your book by a specific date. Ask the editor or marketing professional at your publishing house when they need the endorsements and get that information to your readers.

6. Have postcards and bookmarks made. Some publishers provide these materials, but if not, there are quite a few places that do them for a reasonable price. Check the prices at Vistaprint and Earthly Charms.

7. Let people know about your book. Send blurbs and announcements to the media, libraries, and bookstores in your area. 

8. Schedule book signings and other author events for after the release date. If your book is seasonal, make sure you contact bookstores and libraries in plenty of time before the event. 

9. Register your book with blog tours, review sites, and your professional organization database. 

10. Always let the representative at your publishing house know what you are doing so you don’t duplicate efforts or interfere with their program.

Gail Gaymer Martin: Personable, Prolific, Persevering

Warm winter greetings from chilly Colorado. Davalynn Spencer here, with multi-published, award-winning author and speaker Gail Gaymer Martin.

Gail, did you pursue writing or did it pursue you?

I started to write at an early age—poetry as a young child, short Nancy Drew-type stories in my preteens and short stories in my teenage years. Writing came easy to me, but college took my writing time, and then I became a teacher as I worked on my master’s in counseling, and you can guess what took priority. Most of my writing at that time involved professional articles or reports though I did do creative writing for my church which I later used for publication.

Helpful Websites on Marketing for Authors from Debby Mayne

Most of today’s authors are on the lookout for new ideas to market their books. With all the new releases each month, it isn’t easy to stand out. The key is to find a few things you can comfortably do. Constantly evaluate your marketing for effectiveness and make changes as needed. 

Here are some of the sites: 

The Magic of Niche Marketing for Authors – Forbes – Learn how to get results by identifying your readers and giving them what they want. 

Marketing for Authors Blog – Daily blog with helpful tips on marketing – some that are excellent and others that in my opinion are rather…meh. But if you find even one thing that helps, it’s worth reading. 

Email Marketing for Authors – Part 1 – This blog post explains the value of a mailing list. 

Email Marketing for Authors – Part 2 – Continued explanation from part 1. 

Marketing Your Book for Self-Publishers and Indie Authors – Practical advice from the Book Designer website.

Marketing for Authors: 10 Reasons to Build Fan Base Using Mailchimp – Praises for an email service that helps maintain lists.

Lindsay Buroker’s blog – Explains what writers can learn from J.A. Konrath’s immense success. 

Joe Konrath’s blog – I thought I’d include a link to Joe Konrath’s blog since so many people follow his advice. If you read nothing else on his blog, please at least skim his writing resolutions made from 2006 to present and see how they’ve changed. 

Keep in mind that what works for one person may not work for everyone. Success involves knowing what to do, hard work, and timing.