1st Turning Point

Posted By Amber Scott on June 9, 2010

Amber Scott, Author

by Amber Scott
1st Turning Point First Mate
Copyright © 2010 Amber Scott

Today, I am pleased to share five promotion questions and answers with Audrey Sharpe, whose author service experience promises to be insightful.

Amber: You offer a variety of author services from press kits to building a “Series Bible” which authors like Carly Phillips and Vicky Lewis Thompson thank you for. How do these services impact each author’s individual market presence?

Audrey: The impact depends on the goal behind the project.  A press kit, for instance, is a promotionally based service whereas a “Series Bible” (also known as an Index) is focused on helping the author during the writing process.  As far as market presence is concerned, I think the service which offers the greatest impact is the managing of e-newsletters and reader databases.

Amber: What first steps can any author take to create a strong self-promotion and name building foundation?

Audrey: I can’t emphasize enough the importance of personal contact when it comes to building a foundation.  In order for people to care about you and your work, they need to know something about you.  In my opinion, the best way to achieve this goal is to create a database of readers and booksellers who have shown an interest in your work and then communicate with them through an e-newsletter.

How do you get them into your database? You ask.  Whenever you’re communicating with a reader or bookseller, ask them, “Would you like to be added to my database to receive my e-newsletter?”  If they say yes, then you add them.  Of course, this assumes that you’re planning to have an e-newsletter.  That would be step two!

Amber: If writing a great book comes first, what is the second crucial component in generating good buzz?

Audrey: Giving people a reason to care.  So many books come out these days that it’s hard for readers to keep track of them, let alone find a new author.  Part of an author’s job is to help readers connect with something in the story that will matter to them.  Want an example?  Look at Debbie Macomber.  Debbie writes wonderful stories, but part of her wide appeal is that she also writes about something she’s passionate about…knitting.  Ask yourself what it is about your book that makes it interesting or unique, something that relates to you personally.  Then, emphasize that in all of your communications about the book.  And don’t be afraid to think outside the box.  Debbie began talking to yarn store owners about her books, and now stores across the country carry her books in their shops.

Amber: Considering your years of experience, can you offer us an example of an effective, creative author strategy we all can learn from?

Sure!  How about Vicki Lewis Thompson’s Nerd books.  Vicki decided to go against the traditional “alpha” hero model and write about the beta guys she loves, which led to Nerd in Shining Armor. When the book was released, Vicki sent a copy off to Live with Regis and Kelly to be considered for Kelly Ripa’s book club.  It worked!  I’m convinced that a large part of the reason Kelly Ripa picked Vicki’s book was because it was different from the traditional alpha hero stories.   And the success of that first Nerd book led to six more.  Vicki still receives requests from readers to this day asking when she’s going to write another one.

Amber: Among all the ‘do’s’ of promotion, can you offer us an all important ‘don’t'?

Audrey: Don’t forget to follow the golden rule, always!  Publishing is a very small world, and you’re likely to end up meeting and working with many of the same authors, booksellers, editors and agents throughout your career.  Treat the people you meet with courtesy and respect so that they will want to become your personal champions, cheering you on and helping you when they can.  We could all use more champions, right?

Play Fling by Amber Scott

Available In PRINT!

Ebook: Smashwords,  AMAZON, Barnes & Noble

Face Your Target…

Brooke Munkle didn’t leave a lukewarm marriage just to flounce into the first hot bed. She is focused on re-creating her life and too young, too hot, Elliott Jovovich has no business distracting her. If only he’d get out of her head. Maybe if she keeps things simple, she can allow herself one indulgence.

Pull The String…

Elliott Jovovich sees through Brooke’s stiff facade. Underneath her struggle to hold it all together, a vibrant woman is waiting to be freed. He tells himself it’s not the chase but the reward he’s after. To win her heart, he’ll even play by her rules, which would be a helluva lot easier if her hostile best friend didn’t fight so dirty.

Steady. Aim. Release…

Playing cupid wouldn’t be punishment if it was easy. Millie’s had ti. The sneaking around, the spying, compatibility issues, blind chemistry. Brooke keeping secrets. Elliott constantly getting in the way. If she doesn’t match her first best friend in two lifetimes with true love fast, Millie’s will lose the one thing in this life sentence to fight for: her partner.

Categories: Advertising Basics, All authors, Amber Scott, Branding, Marketing, Name Recognition, Platform Building, Social Networking, Staff
Tags: 1st turning point, amber scott, audrey sharpe, author promotion, author service experience, book buzz, book sellers, Carly Phillips, debbie macomber, e-newsletters, market presence, Marketing, name building, press kits, reader databases, series bible, vicky lewis thompson