Posted By Jacquie Rogers on December 29, 2011

by Ann Charles and Jacquie Rogers
Copyright © 2011 Ann Charles and Jacquie Rogers

1st Turning Point is closing its hatches December 31, 2011. After three years of building, learning, sharing, and teaching, we are dry-docking the ship. It’s been a wonderful ride …

From the beginning, Ann and Jacquie have been awed and amazed with the help, generosity, and support that have gone into this site. There have been so many volunteers, so many columnists, so many articles!

1st Turning Point has helped thousands of authors and artists, giving them the tools they needed to go forth and market and promote. We can’t thank all of you who have been part of this adventure enough. It took a group to make the ship sail, and we have had a blast on the waves.

Jacquie and Ann learned so much from this venture that they wrote Nail It! The Secret to Building an Effective Fiction Writer’s Platform, Level 1: Laying the Foundation, and Growing Your Audience: Workbook for Published, Unpublished, and Under-published Writers.  They have four more books to write in the Nail It! series, sharing more of what they’ve learned from their time at 1st Turning Point, so stay tuned.

More Waves, More Success

In the tradition of 1st Turning Point, we’d like to end this chapter of our careers with an opportunity to share the positive things we have reaped over the year from the columnists, artists, and guests who have written articles for the site. Please feel free to join in and leave a comment about anything you’ve learned or gained. Ann and Jacquie will start.

Ann: I learned how to build a successful website, how to ask others for help without hesitation, and how to work professionally with other authors on a peer level. I also learned how to talk on the radio and podcasts, thanks to Jacquie requiring me to be her sidekick on the Parrots talk show. There are so many other tips and tools that I learned from our columnists that I can’t begin to list them individually. For three years, I soaked up every article and applied bits of the advice to my career, which is now going strong with healthy sales. Thank you to all who generously gave your time and writing to teach me how to market and promote my work. I owe much to you!

Jacquie: The website reviews and the book video reviews taught me a lot about how I want to go about presenting my own books, and how to carry the brand through even though I write in two sub-genres.  The Meet the Parrots show was a real bonus because not only did the guests present outstanding information, but I learned how to organize a show, how to interview, and talk on the radio without sounding too scared.  I learned all about tagging, liking, and all that social media stuff that is in no way intuitive.  The whole concept of experimentation with marketing was fun to explore—if something doesn’t work, try another approach and see what sticks to the wall.  Most of all, I learned that there are authors, artists, and musicians out there who are willing to help each other out and expect nothing in return.  How good is that?

Ann and I have both made some very dear friends—friendships that surpass the bounds of our industry and for this we are both very grateful.

Now it’s your turn.  What have you learned at 1st Turning Point since May 1, 2009?

Nail It!

The Secret to Building an Effective

Fiction Writer’s Platform

Level 1: Laying the Foundation

by Ann Charles & Jacquie Rogers
Available at:
Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Smashwords

“Authors LISTEN UP:
* If you’re puzzled how or why you have to promote your image…
* If you question the importance of sharpening the way you appear to your readers…
* If you’re not sure how critical it is to brand your image as an author…
Then you need to sign up for Jacquie Rogers & Ann Charles NAIL IT!”
- John Klawitter, Hollywood writer/filmmaker and author of TINSEL WILDERNESS and the HOLLYWOOD HAVOC novels.

Writing a great story is no longer enough to land a contract. With economic downsizing, publishers are extremely selective when it comes to acquiring authors, often allowing their marketing and sales department to have the final say. These days, it takes a platform that is equal to the story in excellence and potential-a complete package-for you and your book to make it through the acquisitions gauntlet.

For the first time, fiction authors have a platform reference guide written just for them. Nail It! The Secret to Building an Effective Fiction Writer’s Platform uses motivating and enlightening lessons, author interviews, and several examples to explain how to build a fiction writer’s platform that will impress publishing professionals and clear a path to success.

“Every author should be devouring this series. I’ve used these tools to build my burgeoning career. Learn it. Live it.”
~ Amber Scott, co-author of Dollars & Sense: The Definitive Guide To Self-publishing Success

“Every new author needs to know the tools necessary for successful promotion. Nail It! has the whole kit and caboodle.” ~ Meg Mims, author of Double Crossing, Astraea Press, August 2011

Category: All authors, Ann Charles, Jacquie Rogers, Miscellaneous | 2 Comments »
Tags: ann charles, growing your audience, jacquie rogers, Marketing, meet the parrots, nail it, promotion, teach share and learn

Posted By Rowena Cherry on December 26, 2011

I’d like to share a short list of things that authors and their friends, and especially their readers can do to help each other buzz a book, and keep Romance strong.  All authors for the purpose of this article will be considered female.  (No sexism intended).

#1.  Help the search engines find her. Why? Even if you know where to find your friend, her blog, and her books, “hits” help.  The more visitors the search engine spiders find, the more priority the author’s website gets.  So: Google her.  Ask Jeeves about her.  Dogpile her.  A9 search her.  Use Alexa.  Try a Yahoo search.  Blog search.  Search on Technorati. Even better, set up a Google Alert for her name, also common misspellings of her name, and for her book titles.

#2.  Having “Searched” or been “Alerted”, Visit… her website; blogs;  author pages.  If you may comment, do so.  Everyone who takes the time to blog or post content is grateful when visitors comment.  Human nature leads more people to read a post that has received a lot of comments.

#3  Follow. Favorite. Share. Google’s Blogger, Twitter, Facebook “Pages”, Squidoo lenses, You Tube videos and more allow you to become a follower or a fan. Do so. Connect wherever you can. It’s good for both of you, because follower/fan photos show up.

#4 Click to read (and rate) any reviews she has written, or Lists she has set up.  These days, anyone can make an EssentiaList on Barnes and Noble.com, a Listmania on Amazon.com, a Top Ten list on Chapters.Indigo.ca, also Listopia on GoodReads.com/  If you like her reviews or lists, click Helpful.

#5. If you see a good review of a book you’ve enjoyed-on any bookselling site that allows customers and visitors to comment on reviews– click Helpful if it truly is a helpful review. Votes help both the reviewer and the author.

#6. Tag her books wherever you can. Amazon isn’t the only place (Amazon isn’t even one site… there’s Amazon.ca, Amazon.uk, Amazon.de etc etc)  Many book selling sites encourage readers to tag.

What is a tag? It’s a search term that a reader might be using to find a type of book she likes, when she is looking for a new author. Some tags might be “Romance”, “Fantasy”, “Mystery”, “Shapeshifter”, “Georgian Romance”, “Humor” or “Space Opera”.

#7. When you are on an admired author’s Amazon book page, click on links to: Put it on your wish list, it’s extra, free advertising for the book. Tell a friend. Scroll down the book page to Tag this product.  Or make a search suggestion).

#8. Join in the Customer/Reader discussions on her book page, on forums. Ask a question.  Start a discussion. Hundreds of eyeballs scan the discussions on Barnes and Noble bookclubs. The search engines pick up on the discussions. The longer a discussion keeps going, the better the PR buzz for your friend. This does not just apply to Amazon and B&N. Discussion anywhere is “buzz”.

#9. Review her book… Most people know that a customer can write a review on Amazon.com. There’s a purchase requirement with Amazon (and I think with Barnes and Noble, too). However, many sites don’t require a reader to have bought a book from them in order to post a review: GoodReads.com, Shelfari.com, LibraryThing.com, E-Bay, Powells, FlipKart, We-Read (on Facebook), NexTag etc.

#10. Smak her. Have you ever noticed the “Add This” or “Share” or “Recommend” widgets on online pages and on You Tube? If you think your author friend’s blog, or news about her is interesting, syndicate the news to Digg It, Reddit, Technorati, Stumble Upon, Furl and as many of the other 40 or so sites as you have time and energy for. It’s self promo when she does it. It’s news when someone else does it.

Smak is SmakNews.com. News for women, posted by women.

#11. If the author has a reminder on a public calendar (Amazon has one, other sites have the function, too) for a booksigning near you, click on Remind Me Too.  Booksignings are nerve-racking.  Support is always appreciated, even if you don’t buy a book.

#12. If she lists an “Event”, which one can on Facebook, GoodReads, and too many other places to mention, be sure to RSVP with a kind comment about the book.

#13. Make her a top friend on Facebook, Bebo etc, Give her book cover image as a “gift” on Facebook, with her permission, make her cover into a widget or tile it as a background, or keep it on the top page of your Shelfari/GoodReads/MyB&N display of what you are reading.

#14. If you have a Bebo.com, or Twitters, or Classmates.com, or Facebook.com, or theyack.com (and if you don’t, but really want to help, get one… it’s free) invite your author friends to be your friends there.  Write a bulletin about your friend or her book. Add a comment on their profile page’s comments section.  Your comment is their opportunity to say something about their book without the appearance of soliciting. Review their book on your MySpace blog. Or on You Tube!

#15.  If her publisher has a forum, join it and ask her questions.  Again, your comment will be seen by hundreds, if not thousands, and it will give your friend a reason to post something interesting and quotable about her book without seeming to be self-promoting.

#16.  If you have a blog or website, (and you should always secure your own domain name before you become famous yourself) publicize your friend’s upcoming signings/author talks/workshops on your blog.  Mention her website URL.  Link to your author friend’s website or blog on yours. Put her book as a ‘must read’ on your own site, or in your own newsletter. Have a list of links to authors you like, and blogs you enjoy.

#17. If you belong to readers’ group sites, or book chat sites, or special interest sites, post what you are reading.  Plugs never hurt.  These are also picked up on RSS feeds and the search engines.

#18. Join your favorite author’s yahoo group, let her know where you’ve seen her book in stores, or where you’ve seen discussions of her book, or reviews of her book.

#19. Drop in on her online chats to say how you enjoyed her book.  Supportive friends at chats are cool because chats can be chaotic, and typing answers takes time.

#20. Tweet on Twitter about how much you are enjoying the book. Retweet or reply to any comments you see that promote the book.

#21. Offer to take a bunch of her bookmarks to conventions, or conferences, and make sure they are put in goodie bags, or on promo tables.  Or simply visit her table at a convention, and sign up for her newsletter, or pick up her bookmark and tell someone else how good the book is. Offer to slip her bookmarks into your own correspondence when you pay bills, taxes, etc.

#22.  Instead of quoting Goethe in your signature file, try quoting a line from your friend’s blurb in the week of her launch.

#23.  Ask for her book in your local library.  If they don’t have it, maybe they will order a copy.  If the library won’t do that, ask if they would enter the book in their system if the author were to donate a copy to them. Once a book is in one library’s system, it gets into the database for other libraries.

#24. If you see your favorite author’s books in a supermarket or bookstore: face her books (if there is room), turn one so the cover shows. Tell store personnel how much you like that book, or that the author is local. If you don’t see her books, especially when they ought to be there, ask about them.

#25. If you are connected on LinkedIn.com and your author friend is listed as “Author” or “Freelance Writer” or similar, consider “recommending her” on the strength of her writing. Recommendations on LinkedIn are intended to be for professional purposes.

Bonus Tip:

Although I said “Free”, if you are an author buy colleagues’ autographed books from them at booksignings to use in your own giveaways instead of always giving away your own books.

Category: All authors, Guest Instructor, Miscellaneous, Name Recognition, Rowena Cherry, Social Networking | No Comments »
Tags: 1st turning point, all authors, author promotion, networking, promotion, social networking, writers

Posted By Kris Tualla on December 24, 2011

by Kris Tualla
1st Turning Point Reviewer
Copyright © 2011 Kris Tualla

Better Off Without Her
by Rita Hestand

Kris’ Rating
2 Parrots

Title: Better Off Without Her Author: Rita Hestand Publisher: Secret Cravings Publishing ISBN: 978-1-618850072 Buy Link Release Date September 2011 Word Count (40k minimum) 69,000

Kris’s Comments:
The Good: The photos and the music created a creepy ambiance which seemed to fit the tone of the plot. The font was appropriate to the time period, yet easy to read.

The Bad: So many character names are thrown at the viewer that I completely lost the thread of the plot. Some of the script is confusing: “Ex-Texas” Rangers? Where are they now? Some of the dialog is hokey: “Seething with a need for vengeance.” There is no punctuation throughout, and random capitalizations, so following a train of thought is difficult. And the finger getting chopped was a total turn-off, as was the blade and blood in the next scene. The cartoony look was completely wrong for the violent imagery. Ick.

Teachable Moment: Script script script, script script, script script script! I’ve said it before and I will keep saying it: AUTHORS – THE KEY TO A GOOD TRAILER IS A GOOD SCRIPT! Don’t throw names at me; I don’t know these characters and their names mean nothing to me! Give me your 2-3 main character’s goals, motivations, and conflicts. Introduce them and make me care about them. Do not give me a play-by-play of the plot. If I don’t connect with your hero/heroine, I won’t buy your book.

Back Cover Blurb:
Victor Frank was no ordinary killer. John T. Cole, and Wesley Collins (ex-Texas Rangers) were about to find that out. Victor had killed John T.’s mother years ago, and John T. wouldn’t rest until he was brought to justice. But Wesley told John T. they wouldn’t be bringing him in, that they must shoot Victor down like a mad-dog, because that was what he was.

Pepper Hardy’s father was Sheriff in Waco when he went to arrest Victor and was killed. Rascal Mills was after Victor for killing his wife. All four of them had one thing in common they’d all lost a love one to Victor’s ill deeds.

Victor himself a victim of horrid abuse lived for one thing, to kill his uncle. He’d already killed his Pa, now there was one reason left to live, to find Uncle J.I.

John T. didn’t want a woman along, it was too dangerous. Not only that but Pepper sure took his attention away from his job. Besides that, Victor Frank was also a woman killer. Could he save Pepper and get the job done, or would Victor and the devil that chased him win?

To submit your book video for review, send the following information to crowsnest@1stturningpoint.com with VIDEO REVIEW in the Subject line and the following information in the body of the email:

Title
Author
Publisher
ISBN
Buy Link
Release Date
Word Count (40k minimum)
Cover Blurb
YouTube URL of video
Book cover jpg

Category: Book Video Reviews, Book Videos, Kris Tualla | No Comments »
Tags: better off without her, rita hestand, secret cravings publishing

Posted By Judith Laik on December 22, 2011

Interviewed by Judith Laik
1st Turning Point Staff Columnist
Copyright © 2011 Judith Laik and Eden Hopkins
Website: http://edenhopkins.com/
Media: Oil and Watercolor painting

JL: Please tell me a little about the path of your art career? What do you think drew you toward art?

EH: Thank you for this opportunity to share my art story. My father and grandfather were artists, but as hobbyists. I enjoyed a career in advertising, marketing and public relations as they did, but loved art even more. Finally, I decided to create art as a career and made the switch to art just four years ago. I have applied 12 years of promotional experience to marketing my art, giving me some success where others who have been painting for years are still shy to show their art. For each of the past two years, I have exhibited my art in more than 35 displays.

JL: You have truly impressive credentials. You’ve taken art classes in a lot of different locations, including Seattle, Oregon, England, Wyoming, and Iowa. And won a lot of awards. Has the breadth of your experience been valuable to your career? Did you set out to attend these different institutions, or was the location of the classes a factor of where you were living at the time?

EH: To hit the ground running and catch up with fine-art-degree graduates who had been practicing their craft for decades, I targeted institutions that offered high-end technical skills so I could execute my art ideas more effectively. I enrolled at the Gage Academy of Art in Seattle. In one year, I earned my Foundation Drawing certificate and took other classes too, which amounted to fourteen, nine-week courses.

I then was accepted into the one-year landscape program at Gage and earned my Landscape Atelier certificate. At art receptions, after the awards are presented, I ask the juror to briefly look at my artwork with me and tell me how to improve for the next time. I then type their notes and place them in a binder to refer to for the next similar show. The juror is often very specific, kind and helpful in these comments, and you learn so much more than during his or her talk to the entire group.

JL: I was fascinated at the number of works in your gallery which are captioned “live painting.” I’ve seen exhibits where artists were painting a work right in the middle of an exhibit or other event, and I’m assuming this is how these paintings were done? I’ve never even given a thought to what an artist would do with their work after the event. I’d be interested in your thoughts about this process. What effect does being right in the action have on the final result? Are there any special problems or advantages of working this way?

EH: Any painting created from life, instead of a photograph, I call a “live painting.” I like the challenges, which can be general distractions, time limits, inclement weather, and even animal encounters. This summer, I painted at a state fair while surrounded by the public. The audience watched as I created my artwork and asked questions during the process. It was a great experience as I could make a connection with the art enthusiasts in person, not just via a web site.

Plein air, or outdoor landscape painting, is a favorite activity. Animals invariably approach my easel while I am creating art in their environment, which in the past year has included a curious chicken, mink, and brown bear. I have painted in all types of Northwest climates, including driving rain and 28-degree weather where I was surrounded by sheets of thick frost that melted into icicles by the painting session’s conclusion. My live paintings always seem to have a fresher, more colorful feel than my studio paintings.

JL: You paint a wide variety of subjects – landscapes, animals, still life, portraits, and fantasy subjects. What inspires you to paint? How do you choose your subject when you begin a new work?

EH: Being a new painter with a love of narrative storytelling in my pieces, I focus mainly on entering themed shows. Knowing the jurors are often grading on a point system, being as on target as possible in the theme gives my artwork a better chance to be accepted than entering the general exhibits where I am competing against highly experienced artists showcasing a wide variety of subjects.

JL: Besides your website, exhibitions, juried shows, and artist associations, have you used any other promotional tools? What additional tools do you have plans to use?

EH: To gain solo shows, I have tried a different tactic than entering a standard artist call: Be the solution to the exhibitor’s empty wall problem! Rather than entering general solo show exhibition calls that are throwing a wide net, and thus having to compete on a huge playing field with artists who have been honing their craft for decades, I try to be ready when an opening appears.

When I overhear an art center director offering an artist a solo show, the typical response, “Oh, I don’t know…I’m just not ready…I can’t do it.” I can walk in confidently and truthfully state, “If this artist isn’t ready, you could give the solo show to me and they can have the next month when they are more comfortable. I have 33 pieces ready, framed and wired on the back. I can bring them in and help you hang them tomorrow.” I smile and then go wait in the other room for them to discuss it.

Or, I learn when they will have a gap in between two exhibits and offer to have my art on display to help cover their empty walls. Have a press release pre-written about yourself for the exhibitor to submit to media as the qualified third-party on your behalf.

JL: What are your goals as an artist? Where would you like to see your work shown/sold? What plans do you have for achieving those goals?

EH: I am very driven by tangible, easily measurable, and number-related goals. One way I judge my progress is how many shows my artwork is accepted into per year. Some of my art friends are such great painters, but they don’t enter shows. When I ask why, some respond that a rejection letter would crush them and they would have to stop painting altogether. Whenever I receive an exhibit rejection letter, I immediately go online to find five more shows to enter.

One of my goals has been to get my artwork accepted into shows that have rejected my pieces in the past. This year, I have found some success with this goal. I credit my resolve and ease of entering shows that require attached images sent electronically to my background in pitching stories to media. If one media entity turned me down, there were always others and future stories to tell. Rejections are no big deal. A more recent goal has been to enter more shows held in museums and in cities and states that I have not exhibited in yet. I keep trying for Chicago.

JL: I’ve asked all the artists about the effect of the current economy on art sales. What strategies can an artist use to overcome a tough economy?

EH: I have never understood the thought that an artist should conquer the local art market first before expanding outward. Some of my biggest successes have not been local. It does make sense to join area art groups that can offer entry into prestigious locations that you cannot enter any other way. For instance, through mid-January, 2012, I am showing my artwork with Landscape Painters Northwest at the Washington State Convention Center in Seattle.

JL: Is there anything else you’d like to share with 1st Turning Point readers?

EH: I appreciate your opportunity from 1^st Turning Point and look forward to seeing what other artists have to offer. Best wishes to the readers in achieving their artistic and strategic marketing goals. I’d also encourage all artists to sign and/or watermark all their art that is placed on the web. Readers can view more of my artwork and learn about upcoming exhibitions at edenhopkins.com.

JL: Thank you for taking the time to visit with us today and sharing your insights on the art world.

Category: Judith Laik, Miscellaneous | 1 Comment »
Tags: art shows, eden hopkins, landscape painters northwest, oil painting, watercolor

Posted By Jacquie Rogers on December 19, 2011

 

Authors are responsible for most of their own promotion now, more so than any other time, from what I’ve been told. I doubt that will ease up any time soon. The successful authors of my personal acquaintance have spent considerable time and effort on publicity. These authors are on or near the NYT Bestsellers list, so don’t think self-promo is for small press authors only.

Bottom line is, I believe every author should learn as much about promotion and marketing as she can, and be willing to do whatever it takes to sell books and earn name recognition. There are many avenues–blogs, social networks, online classes, postcard mailings, spamming your friends (no, I didn’t really say that!), and of course, contests. Most of us choose a variety of these in our marketing plans (you do have a plan, right?), including contests. Today, we’ll discuss what makes a successful contest and how to go about conducting one.

I do think contests are an effective way to build your mailing list and garner name recognition. I’m not so sure it sells books, but as the saying goes, we’re using our current release to sell our next book. Is that true? Don’t know. But I do know if your goal is to build your mailing list, a contest is a jimdandy way of doing it.

One thing I learned early on was not to get in over my head. Lesson 1: I have a super hard time getting things mailed–don’t know why, but I’m missing that gene. Luckily, my sister is good at it and agreed to take over that part. I bought business cards with her name and the title “Contest Coordinator” before she could change her mind.

So get the practical, physical aspects of conducting the contest under control.

Who will design and code the web pages?

• Who will code the messages for online promotion?
• And what is the plan for online promotion of the contest? (You do have a plan, right?)
• What are the prizes?
• Who will package and mail the prizes?
• How will the contest be conducted?
• What timeframe? In conjunction with book release? Or a holiday?

Yes, it’s a lot to think about, but all these considerations and more go into the decision to run a contest. There isn’t enough space to go into all the items in detail, but I’ll touch on each of them.

Contests are nearly always run from the author’s website, and for good reason–to bring traffic so the contestant might be lured to buy a book (or artwork, or your latest CD). A website is the best bang for the marketing dollar, and to make the most of it, we need a dynamic site, not static. Contests are a good way to draw readers. But who’s going to code that page? Lesson 2: If the author codes it herself, then that project has to be coordinated with deadlines, copy edits, and all that. If not, she has to be prepared to pay. Either way, website changes don’t happen magically or for free.

Same with online promotion. I’m on over 100 yahoogroups, and of those, probably half are readers’ loops or promo loops. There’s even a yahoogroup that tracks romance promo groups and sends you an announcement each day of what you can post and where called Promotion Loop Schedule. Again, this takes coding (because you don’t want to send amateurish promos–here are some handy-dandy pointers: Effective Email Promotion), and it takes time to post all those messages, so again you have to weigh the time involved with your writing schedule.

The plan? Yes, before you even start, you have to decide what kind of contest to run, how long it will take, who’s going to do what and when, and what is a reasonable budget. Lesson 3: This is a business, and good business requires planning. Write it down and record the schedule on your calendar.

What are the prizes? More is better–either more expensive, or more prizes. Either will get you more entrants than giving away one download.  Remember WIIFM?  Lesson 4: Your prizes and contest must be something your audience wants.    The prizes do need to be commensurate with the scope of the contest; e.g., if your marketing is limited to emailing, most people will never know about the vacation in French Polynesia you’re offering. Save the vacation for a nation-wide print campaign in People Magazine. Download of your most recent ebook? That’s also iffy, because the people who want it are probably the same ones who would buy your book anyway, so you may have just lost a sale. I like to offer my friends’ books. This gives me a chance to give them a little free publicity because they’ve helped me so much, and it also gives me good publicity, so a win-win situation. And I offer my book to them for contests, also.

Okay, one more paragraph about prizes. I once ran a pet pictures contest and I was amazed at the really awesome pet pictures people sent in. So I told everyone that “we” would mail them something, whether they won or not. Except I sort of forgot to mention it to my sister. This is not a good thing, I learned, unless one enjoys having knots thumped upon one’s head. So don’t change the rules in the middle of the game. Lesson 5: Make sure everyone on your team knows what’s going to happen and when, and make sure they have the money and supplies to get the job done.

I’ve conducted three kinds of contests: scavenger hunts with other authors, two different types of voting contests, and then the join-my-mailing-list contest where the winner is chosen from the mailing list. By the way, if you want to join mine, you have to put up with Princess Keely, who runs Keely’s Contest and News Group. (Hint: she rather likes being called “Princess Keely” and has her own myspace page as well.)

Scavenger hunts have resulted in lots of hits to my website and lots of subscriptions to Keely’s group. (Caveat: too many authors and too complicated searches will put off entrants.) Pet pictures voting resulted in the most website hits and the most inquiries about my latest release. The join-my-mailing-list contests didn’t give me a lot of website hits, but quadrupled the number of members on the mailing list in one month.

The last thing we’ll discuss is the timing of the contest. Every romance author has a Valentine’s Day contest, it seems (including me). Do you want to plan your contest then? Or sit it out? I’m thinking next year I might sit it out and have a St. Patrick’s Day contest instead, just because there won’t be so much competition for PR. If you’re having a winter holiday contest, you’re best planning it to be over by mid-December, if not earlier. People are too busy after that to pay much attention. Lesson 6: Make sure you schedule your contest to get the most attention to your books and your website.

Good luck setting up your own contest, if you decide to do so.  It has been an effective promotional tool for me. 

Category: Advertising Basics, All authors, Entering Contests, Having Contests, Jacquie Rogers, Marketing, Name Recognition | No Comments »
Tags: 1st turning point, all authors, author promotion, Branding, internet, Marketing

Posted By April Rickard on December 17, 2011

by April Rickard
1st Turning Point Reviewer
Copyright © 2011 April Rickard

Run, Run, Run

by Mark Capell

April’s Rating
5 Parrots

Title: Run, Run, Run Author: Mark Capell Publisher: The Creative Criteria ISBN: 978-1-4660-8568-8 Buy Link Release Date: Available now Word Count (40k minimum): 85,000

April’s Comments:
I know a book video is excellent when I purchase the book. In fact, I watched the video once and purchased the book before writing the review. I hope the author can deliver in writing what the video did visually.

This video has excellent musical background along with a voice over. I normally caution against voice overs, but this one uses the right equipment and the right voice. I like the variation from the spoken and the whispered narrative. The audio contrast adds to the suspense.

What this video does right is consistency. Everything from the script to the video clips were clearly planned out to match the intensity of the story itself. This marketing piece has done its job, as a part in a larger marketing plan. This ‘part’ fits perfectly with the back cover blurb, the website and the author’s head shot.

Now I am off to read my new suspense novel.

Back Cover Blurb
Run, Run, Run is a crime thriller that never lets up. When Dan Thompson gives evidence in the murder trial of an powerful gangster, he and his wife find themselves hunted by both sides of the law—the gangster’s brother, and a corrupt Witness Protection Unit. To survive, they must learn to live like criminals—to lie, shoot, steal and fight. What will it take to return to a normal life?

To submit your book video for review, send the following information to crowsnest@1stturningpoint.com with VIDEO REVIEW in the Subject line and the following information in the body of the email:

Title
Author
Publisher
ISBN
Buy Link
Release Date
Word Count (40k minimum)
Cover Blurb
YouTube URL of video
Book cover jpg

Category: April Rickard, Book Video Reviews, Book Videos | No Comments »
Tags: mark capell, suspense, the creative criteria

Posted By Judith Laik on December 15, 2011

Interviewed by Judith Laik
1st Turning Point Staff Columnist
Copyright © 2011 Judith Laik and Suzanne V. Wilson

Website: http://www.melangepublishing.com/suzanne-v-wilson.php
Media: Photography



JL: On your website, you state: “I have had a love affair with photography for years.” Could you expand on that for our readers? How did you get started? What do you think drew you toward photography?

SVW: Are you sure you want me to go back that far? LOL. I had a Brownie when I was a kid. Moved up to a Kodak 35 but never took it seriously until I began the actual study of photography under internationally known photographer and sculptor, Jane Jaskovich. Originally, I was drawn to photography because it offered a way to keep memories. Many people keep diaries. I keep photographs. It’s the ability to capture the moment that is so special about photography.

JL: Flowers are a frequent subject for you. Tell me about your interest in flowers and why they appeal to you as “models.” Are you also a gardener?

SVW: Having beautiful flowers around my home has always been a passion, but I would never consider myself a gardener. Flowers are excellent models because they allow me to capture the play of light, the subtlety of color, and the wonderful array of abstract line.

JL: You also have some lovely photographs of skyscapes, water, and wildlife. Do you find inspiration living on an island? Do you think place of residence has a role in an artist’s development?

SVW: I have had the wonderful privilege of living in the northeast, the south, and now the Pacific Northwest. Each area has its beautiful sunrises and sunsets, water in the form of lakes and rivers, and of course, the oceans. Because the island on which my husband and I live is still very rural, we are blessed with an abundance of wildlife. Deer, birds, raccoons, squirrels, and rabbits are all frequent visitors in our yard and don’t seem to mind the whirr of my cameras. As is all life, we are definitely influenced by our environment be it social or geographic and it naturally spills over into our artistic endeavors.

JL: Currently, it appears, the only form in which you are selling your photographs is as note cards. Do you see this changing? Do you plan to make prints available, either matted or matted and framed?

SVW: It has been with considerable reservation that I decided (with my husband’s encouragement) to make some of my photos available as note cards. I have toyed with the idea of making some of them available as giclée prints. The problem I feel is the huge number of people making their photos available. This has become noticeably clear with the advent of digital cameras. And as it is with all creative effort, not every photo is good or worthy of printing.

JL: Besides your website, have you used any other promotional tools? What additional tools do you have plans to use?

SVW: My promotional efforts have been very small. I initially did a small emailing, moved to my website, and now my photos are available at Mélange publishing. My photos are published on Camano Community.Net on a weekly basis along with a listing of my website. I have considered making them available at some of the local art shows. No decision on that yet.

JL: What are your goals as an artist? Where would you like to see your work shown/sold? What plans do you have for achieving those goals?

SVW: This may sound very selfish, and I suppose it is. My goal as a photographer is to try to capture whatever interests me. Would I like to have my photos sought after and recognized as works of art? Of course, but I’m not driven by that kind of motivation.

JL: I’ve asked all the artists about the effect of the current economy on art sales. What strategies can an artist use to overcome a tough economy?

SVW: Speaking for myself, I can’t say what effect the slow economy has had on art sales because I’ve not pushed my photos. However, Camano Island has a large artist colony and some of the local artists have indicated a slowdown in sales. I can’t specify a strategy to help sales because each artist’s works present different challenges.

JL: Is there anything else you’d like to share with 1st Turning Point readers?

SVW: 1st Turning Point will be missed. Hopefully, the wonderful people who are members will stay in touch with each other. Judith, thank you for this interview opportunity. I’ve always enjoyed your take on the local art scene.

JL: Thank you for taking the time to visit with us today and sharing your insights on the art world.

Cup of Joe	Kitty Whiskers
Paddling Along	Red Tulips

Category: Judith Laik, Print Media | 3 Comments »
Tags: photography, Suzanne V. Wilson

Posted By Shelli Stevens on December 12, 2011

by Shelli Stevens
1st Turning Point Staff Columnist
Copyright © 2011 Shelli Stevens

First published June 29, 2009

Share the Love

I’ve always wanted to be a writer. I have. Since I was probably twelve and writing really bad young adult books with adult love scenes. Years passed and I continued to write stories. Whether for myself or for my group of friends, it was just something I did. When I finally made the decision to go after my dream, to seek publication, I realized there was so much I just didn’t know.

But from day one, I had people extending hands to help me.

First, a published relative told me all about the romance writing industry, and recommended I join RWA (Romance Writers of America, for those of you who don’t know!). When I attended my first meeting, I was wandering around, completely lost and nervous. Then a woman approached me and asked if I was there to attend the Greater Seattle RWA meeting. I said “Yes,” and she introduced herself and showed me where to go. She was so friendly and open. And she was a fabulous, published writer! I couldn’t believe she spoke to me—a nobody! You know what? I bought her book the next day.

That’s what this industry is about–a continuation of support and giving back.

Take NYT Best Selling author, Cherry Adair, who gives so much of herself and her time to help newbies get off their feet and learn the business, to push themselves to write the damn book.

Then there are those authors who have the same agent as me and give away a copy of my book instead of theirs when they blog.

And there is the creation of this very site, 1st Turning Point, designed to help authors learn all about promotion. It’s all mind-boggling. And it’s so inspiring.

This year my goal is to give back. To share the love and encouragement that’s been given to me over the years. Because this is a hard industry. A hard road to travel alone. It can be self-defeating. It can be isolating. But with so many people in the same boat, why can’t we lift each other up? The key is to give back.

So I leave you with a famous quote that I’ve tweaked to fit us. <Grin>

“Ask not what you can do for yourself, but what you can do for your fellow writer!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Category: All authors, Book Reviews, Marketing, Miscellaneous, Name Recognition, Shelli Stevens, Social Networking, workshops | No Comments »
Tags: 1st turning point, all authors, Marketing, name recognition, public persona, social networking, writers

Posted By Mercedes Christesen on December 10, 2011

A Website Review by Mercedes Christesen
Copyright © 2011 Mercedes Christesen

Mercedes Christesen, Reader and Reviewer Author Name: Paul Byers URL: http://www.paulbyersonline.com Mercedes’ Rating: 4 Parrots

My first impression when I saw this website was WOW!!! I want a copy of Arctic Fire.  The cover just leapt off the page and hit me in the forehead.  Then I saw Catalyst—two great covers!

The pages on this website are Home, Arctic Fire, Catalyst, About Me, and News and Events.

Home is of course the first page you see.  The background is dark gray, almost black, with a light gray font.  I had to highlight the font to make it easier on my eyes to read.  I could not tell at a glance what genre Paul Byers wrote.  A change in color scheme will help with that.  The banner needs to shout I AM PAUL BYERS and I write SUSPENSE!!!

This gray background is consistent throughout the whole website.  Two things that are missing that are very important: 1) an ISBN for either book; or 2) buy links.  If a reader likes what he sees, he shouldn’t have to work hard to buy the book.  Always make it easy.

The next tab is his release Arctic Fire that has such a breathtaking cover.  The page also features a synopsis of the story along with a lot of review blurbs.  There is a link to a magazine article that was his inspiration.  Once again, no ISBN or buy link here.  If this is a coming-soon book, it would be good to put that on the page so you do not disappoint a potential reader.

Catalyst, Mr. Byers’ other release, is the next menu choice.  He has the book cover here with the synopsis, reviews, and interesting facts, as well as his inspiration.  There is a buy link for Catalyst but still no ISBN.

Next is About Me, which is exactly that.  The first part is written in third-person.  The next part is written in first-person and I really like that so much more because it’s more engaging, is if he were talking to me in person.

The last tab is News and Events, which has news of interviews and such.  There are also some pretty cool photos and a place to contact him here.  He does not list any social networking sites and if he is on them he needs to have a link to his Author page.

Overall

This is a very easily navigable website with a simple design and easily accessed information.   Adjusting the colors to improve both branding and readability would improve the readers’ experience while visiting.  I enjoyed reviewing this website and wish Mr. Byers the best of luck with book sales.

1st Turning Point is no longer taking websites for review.

Category: All authors, Mercedes Christesen, website review | No Comments »
Tags: 4 parrots, arctic fire, catalyst, paul byers, website review

Posted By Deborah Schneider on December 8, 2011

by Deborah Schneider
1st Turning Point Staff Columnist
Copyright © 2011 Deborah Schneider

Originally published November 20009

As the person who schedules programs for one of the busiest library systems in the country, I’m on the receiving end of “pitches” every day.  From authors to jugglers, puppeteers to musicians, I get lots of calls from people who want to work in our libraries.  Sometimes I call my job a cross between an event planner and a booking agent.

So, with all the variety that’s offered to me, how do I choose?

I actually have developed a second sense about what will and won’t work in our libraries.  And I’m willing to share some secrets with those of you who are planning to pitch a program to a library or bookstore.

First of all, did I say “Author Reading”?  Nope.  Those are words that can put adults to sleep in a minute. What does it say to you?  Author standing in front of the room reading from his book.

Does the word, “boring” resonate with you?  This is the reason people stay away from this sort of event in droves.  Sadly, we are a culture that demands entertainment, and every single day there are multiple ways for us to get our dose.  Books compete with movies, television, the internet, movies and television shows on the internet, music, magazines, and gaming.  (Don’t even get me started on the Wii, because I’m convinced the Japanese designed Wii-Fit to get even with us over WWII.  Why else would they design those little characters to plump up right before our eyes?)

Anyway-if you want to get a step up in author presentations, consider offering something unique.  Late last month, the article about writing press releases talked about the hook.  It’s important when you plan a program too.

First, what have you titled your program?  Hint: if it’s called “Let Me Read to You from My Book,” you are not on the right track.  Just like the title of your book, a title for your program can catch my eye and deliver bonus points for publicity.  And free publicity is the main reason you would do this in the first place.  Susan Wiggs presented a unique program at one of our libraries and she called it, “Where Do I Get My Ideas?” which is one of the questions audience members ask authors all the time.  She created a PowerPoint presentation (extra credit for multi-media) about the way she developed her books from the premise to character development and right up to how she visualized the cover art.  The audience was engaged, interested and asked her many good questions.

Best of all, at the end there was a mad rush to the back table to purchase her books.  She’d provided enough background to serve as a teaser, and several people commented that after hearing how the idea was turned into a book, they wanted to find out what happened.

When you think about promotion, you have to consider your time in preparing, traveling to and presenting an event.  But before you even start, you should ask yourself this question, “What will make the reader get off their couch, into the car, and out to see my program tonight?”  Make it worth the trip.

For examples of author events and writing programs, go to kcls.org and click on events.

 

Beneath A Silver Moon

Beneath A Silver Moon is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Sinclair Readford had reached the end of her rope, figuratively and literally. She hung out of the window of a whorehouse in nothing more than her unmentionables. To escape the disreputable establishment, the Eastern-bred lady had vowed to go to any length. However, when her fingers slipped and she plunged into the embrace of a ruggedly handsome cowboy, she wondered if she’d been saved or damned.

Jefferson McCloud had never had a woman fall out of the sky to land in his arms before. It was enough to turn a man into a lovesick fool. Especially when the woman was all long blond hair and soft white skin. He should have known immediately she’d be more trouble than the devil himself. But soon, the cowboy knew he’d ride to hell and back to earn the right to call the impertinent chatterbox his own

Category: Advertising Basics, All authors, Booksignings, Deborah Schneider, Marketing, Public Speaking | 8 Comments »
Tags: kcls.org, king county library system, library, promise me, wild rose press