Book Marketing - An Interview With Jennifer Swanson

Book marketing is fast becoming a very specialized sub-set of Internet marketing. I recently had the opportunity to speak with Jennifer Swanson, author of the award winning Penny And Rio series. In this interview she gives us a glimpse of what it takes for authors to be successful in an Internet marketing environment

How many books have you written and tell us about them

I have written three children's books so far in the award-winning Penny and Rio series. These early reader chapter books are interactive and imaginative and provide exceptional learning opportunities for children. In Penny and Rio:The Mysterious Backyard Meeting, children are introduced to the dog detectives as they discover why a group of unlikely animals is determined to get into the house next door. The answer is unexpected and poignant in that it teaches children to take care of the animals they love. Penny and Rio: The Locked Doghouse Mystery finds the intrepid detectives on yet another case as they help a small mouse, named Squeaky, retrieve his precious belongings from a locked doghouse next door. Teamwork, friendship and yes, ingenious planning abound as they discover the ultimate treasure in anyone's life is family. Finally, in Penny and Rio: The Diamond Collar Adventure, Penny and Rio escape from the yard for the first time to help Hannah, the beautiful show dog, find her lost diamond collar.

What was your goal in writing these books?

My goal in writing these books is primarily to entertain children. I have always been an avid reader and if my books can keep children reading and make their imaginations soar, then I will be happy. The best part about being an author is to see children truly enjoying your books and their excitement to read more and even to possibly write a book themselves some day.

What have you found to be your greatest marketing challenge?

Getting exposure for my books. I had a very difficult time with the first book, mostly because I didn't have a great deal of knowledge about marketing. I think sometimes that when people don't know what to do, they just start throwing things out there, without a plan. Some works, some doesn't. But if you have a plan, I think that helps. I've learned a lot with the second two books and I believe my best and most coordinated effort has been with my last book, that was just released in July of 2010. The most I can say, is to perservere. Keep getting word out and, eventually, your book will catch on.

What is the key to successfully marketing books in today's environment?

I think you really need to find your target market. That can be difficult. You need to determine what is your best avenue to break in. Is it the bookstores? Is it the library market? Is it the internet? E-books? Bookstores are very tough to get into these days. They are losing customers to e-books so their shelf space is shrinking. If you are not with a major publisher, it is almost impossible to get your books displayed here. The library market is again, tough. Budgets are being cut, libraries are being closed. You really need to convice librarians that your book is worth buying with their limited funds. If you don't have a major review, then that is going to be difficult. As for the internet, the vast majority of book sales probably happen here. But the key is to find out where the best place is to find your target market. Is it through online book reviewers, such as Good Reads or Library Thing, or social networks like Twitter and Facebook, or should you focus on individual reviewers like Mommy bloggers? And E-books are becoming huge. While it is a must for small book publishers these days to turn their print books into e-books, where is the best place for them? Sometimes I think the decisions can be overwhelming.

What has been the most successful book marketing method you have used?

I have found success with a bunch of different ideas. First, I use press releases to get the word out about my books. Then I have targeted the Mommy Bloggers for reviews so that I can get to the audience that will read and buy my books. Finally, I have also created curriculum for my books so that they would be beneficial to homeschooling parents who are looking for ways to spice up their classes. They are also great for traditional schools whose teachers might be looking for new books to present to their classes.

What has been the least successful book marketing method you have used?

With my first book, I paid a large amount of money to an online marketing company to arrange a book blog tour. While they have had major success with some of their books/clients, I should have done more checking. The books they typically handle were adult books. The contacts they had did not translate well to a children's book blog tour. I did learn a lot, however, but I would recommend that if you choose to do a book blog tour, make sure the company knows how to handle the type of book you write. That is key.

Do you follow a formal marketing plan for your book?

As I mentioned above, I didn't have a specific plan for the first two books, but I did have a much more formal one for the third book. It was much easier to stick to budget with the plan in place. I highly recommend that everyone develop a plan. Oh, you can make changes to it, it doesn't have to be set in stone, but if you have a guideline of who you'll target and when, it makes things much easier.

Does the level of competition for the buyer's attention (on the Internet) concern you?

Yes, absolutely. I think the most difficult thing to do is to "break through" with your book these days. People are constantly being bombarded by ads for new books, movies, etc. How do small publishers compete with the deep pockets of the biggies? It's tough. It takes more time, determination and probably money if you want to get your name out there.

What are your feelings regarding ebooks and electronic book readers?

I see the need for them, especially as we become more eco-friendly, but the traditionalist in me rebels against this. I grew up reading printed books, I love them. My house is filled with them. I will have a hard time if they should ever go away. But I'm also a pragmatist, I realize that may happen someday. The ease and efficiency of carrying one small device with hundreds of books on it is just too strong to go away.

What do you see in the future for the small independent book store?

Hopefully, it will remain. But I quite honestly think it is difficult to tell right now. The big bookstores are struggling, too. So unless a community makes the effort and commitment to keep an independent book store around, I am not sure they will survive. This is a tragedy as far as I'm concerned.

At what point would you feel you would be able to say 'I've made it'?

This is a tough one. I am always pushing on to the next project. When I've completed a book, I start another one. I'm not sure if I'll ever stop. Unfortunately most of them are not published yet, but I keep trying. When have I "made it"? Maybe when I have about 10 published books under my belt? No, really, I"m not sure. If my books make children happy and can inspire them to write their own, then I'd be very satisfied.

What advice would you give to other authors just entering the book marketing arena?

Learn all you can about marketing, while you are writing or publishing your book. Find a mentor if you don't know anything. One who is familiar with marketing your type of book. Be wary, and judicious in your spending. Don't just throw money at marketing willy-nilly, have a plan. And finally, hang in there. We're all in the same boat, but it's the ones that stay the course the end up where they want to be.

Jennifer Swanson is the award winning author of the Penny And Rio Series of childrens books. She recently received her Masters in Education. Jennifer is employed as a middle school science instructor for John Hopkins University’s Center for Talented Youth.

Jennifer is an active member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers. She regularly attends the Florida branch of SCBWI’s conferences in Orlando and Miami. She is also a member of the Florida Writer’s Association.

More information on the Penny And Rio Series is available at http://www.PennyAndRio.com .

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Book Marketing, The 'Authors Marketing Powerhouse', Announces The Authors Show Lineup For The Week Of September 27, 2010

Book Marketing, The Authors Marketing Powerhouse, serves as a community of authors and allows authors to upload author photos, bios, book covers, video and book trailers. It also offers discussion forums, segmented groups and events listings. Facebook and Twitter integration are available

[September 26, 2010 Wilmington NC] Don McCauley of the Free Publicity Focus Group and Danielle Hampson of eBroadcastMedia.com, founders of Book Marketing, announced today The Authors Show radio and TV weekly broadcast schedule.

Book Marketing, branded as 'The Authors Marketing Powerhouse', allows authors and publishers the opportunity to upload photos, bios, book covers, video and book trailers. The site also offers discussion forums, segmented special interest groups and allows for event listings. Each author can develop a personalized page. In addition the site allows for integration with Facebook and Twitter. The site is a joint collaboration, developed by Don McCauley of the Free Publicity Focus Group and Danielle Hampson, CEO of eBroadcastMedia.com.

"We believe this site offers a real opportunity for authors and publishers," stated Mr. McCauley, "as the site offers so many options, opportunities and possibilities. It can be treated as a place to create awareness of one's work while, at the same time, the site allows the author to network with like-minded individuals. The segmented groups allow for the exchange of book marketing ideas, while the discussion forums can serve as an educational resource for those who may have a need to increase their own knowledge in regards to creating marketing and publicity plans that produce real results. All of this can be integrated with social networking technologies. The site can serve as a centralized hub for book marketing activity, education and networking."

Group discussions include website design and search engine optimization, marketing and publicity, audio and video, writing fiction and writing non-fiction. There are segmented group discussion for children's authors and Christian authors. Forum discussions include book marketing strategies and website optimization strategies. Groups and discussions can be created by participants, subject to moderator approval. Help A Publisher Publish You (HAPPY), offered through eBroadcastMedia.com, is a weekly listing of publishers and agents sent to participants of the list service.

Appearances on The Authors Show, Internet radio and tv versions, are produced by Danielle Hampson of eBroadcastMedia.com. The shows offer professionally produced radio and TV interviews that are broadcast worldwide. This upcoming scheduled radio lineups include:

Seth David Chernoff, Stephanie Huffman, Bob Allyn, Jennifer Ott, Michele Pearl, Christine Hamer, Jeff Knott, Jenny Fisher, Dee Dee Wike, Kasey Carter, Angel Tucker, Jenny Blakey and Dana Perri.

The scheduled TV version lineup includes:

John Murphy

"Our goal with this site," said Ms. Hampson, "is to create a one stop resource that covers all the bases in regards to creating success for authors in an Internet marketing environment. The colloboration between us allows authors to take advantage of getting the word out through Book Marketing, while participating in networking resources, group discussions, publisher information listings, full service audio and video production, publicity and marketing resources and much more, all found at one centralized location. As the site grows and evolves, the value of this resource will only increase."

Profile:

Don McCauley is the facilitator of the Free Publicity Focus Group, a marketing and publicity firm. He also serves as the host of The Authors Show Radio. Danielle Hampson is the Executive Producer of The Authors Show radio group of programs, The Authors Show TV version and is the CEO of eBroadcastMedia.com.

More information is available by visiting the Book Marketing site at www.TheAuthorsMarketingPowerhouse.com. Questions about Book Marketing can be addressed to Don McCauley by email at don (at) FreePublicityGroup.com. Questions about The Authors Show, radio and tv versions can be addressed to Danielle Hampson at danielle (at) TheAuthorsShow.com..

Contact:

Don McCauley
Free Publicity Focus Group
don@freepublicitygroup.com

Danielle Hampson
TheAuthorsShow.com
danielle@TheAuthorsShow.com

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Author Ami Moore, The Chicago Dog Coach, Featured At National Hug Your Hound Day In Chicago

The National Institute of Canine Experts will host a celebration of National Hug Your Hound Day while showcasing the new book by The Chicago Dog Trainer, Ami Moore, 'The Alphatude Attitude' and the new DVD 'Urban Alphatude 1-2-3.' The celebration event will take place on Sunday, September 26th from 4pm-6pm in the West Loop of Chicago. All proceeds for the event will be donated to a local dog-charity

[September 20 Chicago IL] The Chicago Dog Coach, Ami Moore, CMT, CMVT, a leading expert in dog psychology, is famous for revealing the truth about the relationships between dogs and their owners. It may be time for Cesar Milan to move over, as the Chicago Dog Coach recently that hugging a dog can actually help heal your heart.

"The healing effects of dog ownership," stated Ms. Moore, "on both the individual and society are well documented. I would ask anyone who questions this to consider the following:"

• Petting a dog can reduce one's blood pressure.

• Walking a dog can help reduce obesity.

• Creating dog parks which are open 24 hours decreases crime in local neighborhoods

Ami Moore has created two signature drinks in honor of this holiday and the release of her book and DVD: the “Alphatini” and the “Alpharita”. More information on the Hug Your Hound Day event is available by calling 847-284-7760.

After attending three dog training schools Ami Moore started dog training in Chicago. She was awarded the Chicagoland Tails award for best dog trainer and has been honored by various charities for her work with rehabilitating aggressive dogs. Ms. Moore also created the famous Guerrilla Group Obedience classes, and the 'Fido Fat Camp' concept so that loving pet owners could holistically increase their dog's health and wellness with exercise, natural food and psychological rehabilitation techniques. Ami Moore offered one of the first Chicago dog yoga or Doga classes in the city of Chicago.

She developed a three-tiered dog training and dog behavior management system based upon Alphatude, Amiability and Activity to balance the mind and body of the Chicago urban dog and dog owner which is explained in detail in her book The Alphatude Attitude available on her website at www.chicagodogcoach.com.

Ami Moore's goal is to reeducate the owner, rehabilitate the dog and rejuvenate the relationship between the loving dog owner and their dog. She provides products and merchandise to assist the dog and dog owner in reclaiming harmony in their home. In Chicago, Ms. Moore is involved with animal charities and organizations that have the mission to restore balance to man and mutt in Chicago.

Ami Moore has been featured in numerous industry publications, magazines and newspapers across the country. She writes as the Chicago Dog Training Expert for Examiner.com. She is available for interview and speaking engagements. She can be reached by email at chicagodogcoach@gmail.com. More information is available at the company’s website. The Alphatude Attitude is available at the AuthorHouse website listed below. She has been interviewed by a number of radio programs including The Authors Show and most recently on BBC Radio. Reviews of the book are available at KnitsAndReads.com and at ForewordReviews.com.

Profile:

Ami Moore, BS, COTA, CMT, CMVT, is a Credentialed Teacher and Adult Education Specialist, a Court Appointed Expert Witness for Dog Aggression, a Canine Behaviorist, a Nationally Certified Occupational Therapist, a WANT Institute Certified Personal Relationship Coach, a Native American Medicine Woman and Energetic Healer and is the author of Alphatude Attitude.

Ms. Moore has studied the role of the dog in modern life on five continents and in many different cultures which has given her an unique perspective on dog human relationships. She is a graduate of three highly rated dog training schools. She is skilled in three dog training methods: traditional training, clicker training and dog-friendly positive reinforcement electric collar training techniques. She has titled dogs in sports that require off-leash precision and reliability and has trained Service Dogs for adults and children with a wide variety of disabilities. Ms. Moore is a member of Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), The Dog Writers Association of America (DWAA) and The National Institute of Canine Experts (NICE). Ms. Moore also writes as The Chicago Dog Training Expert at Examiner.com.

Contact:

The Chicago Dog Coach
Attn: A. Moore
910 W. Van Buren #242
Chicago IL 60606
888-364-4251
www.DogDoRight.com
chicagodogcoach@gmail.com

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Author Maralys Wills To Discuss 'Damn The Rejections: Full Speed Ahead' On The Authors Show Radio Through September 2011

Wills is the author of twelve published books, has been teaching novel writing for 25 years and was called by Sidney Sheldon 'a force to be reckoned with'

[September 8, 2010 Santa Ana, CA] Author Maralys Wills will be appearing on The Author Show through September 2011. Ms. Wills is the author of twelve published books and has garnered three national awards. She has been teaching novel-writing for 25 years and in 2000 was named 'Teacher Of The Year'. In this interview she discusses one of her latest books, Damn The Rejections: Full Speed Ahead, and talks about writing and publishing in general. The show airs at The Author Show website through September 2011.

"I wrote this book," stated Ms. Wills, "because it took me 14 years to sell my memoir, Higher Than Eagles." If only I'd had some advice and known what questions to ask (and what writing techniques were needed), the process would have been years shorter. Most of us can't give 14 years to writing and selling our life stories. My book offers practical tips to shorten the process and, while you're at it, make your writing alive and vivid. But you can also read the book as a story--about one author's struggle to get past rejection and find a dramatic life in the world of words."

A treasure trove of sage advice for the new writer packaged in easy to digest and fun to read anecdotes. Damn the Rejections, Full Speed Ahead offers real world suggestions for writing novels or non-fiction and turning them into not only saleable, but bestseller material. Maralys shares from her own experience in the dos and don’ts of getting published.

Sidney Sheldon, bestselling novelist said, "Maralys Wills, genre-hopper extraordinaire, will make you laugh and cry and laugh again in this gripping how-to handbook for writers everywhere. She is clearly a force to be reckoned with."

Ms. Wills' interview will be available through September 2011 at The Authors Show website at www.TheAuthorsShow.com. More information regarding Ms. Wills and her books are available at her websites at DamnTheRejections.com, HigherThanEagles.com, LifeStoriesBooks.com, ClownsandElephants.com and at Maralys.com. Ms. Wills is available for media interview and can be contacted using the information below or by email at maralys@cox.net.

"My advice to artists," Ms. Wills continued, "is simple: When you have a vision, stick to it . . . never allow others to dim it down. As a writer, dismiss your rejections as a temporary barrier and see yourself on the other side. . . as published! Unless a rejection offers useful advice (occasionally they do), your attitude should be, What do they know?"

Damn The Rejections: Full Speed Ahead is available at most national book retailers, online book outlets and anywhere books are sold.

Damn The Rejections: Full Speed Ahead
The Bumpy Road To Getting Published
Stephens Press
ISBN 978-1-932173-925

Profile:

Maralys Wills’ twelve published books span several genres and publishers. Her fiction works include four romance novels published by Harlequin and Silhouette, and a techno-thriller about airplane sabotage. The N.Y. Times called SCATTERPATH “exciting, down-to-the-wire stuff . . . her cockpit sequences all but put the reader at the controls.”

Among her non-fictions is MANBIRDS: HANG GLIDERS & HANG GLIDING (Prentice-Hall), a party game book (Price/ Stern/Sloan), and her family story about hang gliding champions, HIGHER THAN EAGLES (Longstreet Press). Sadly, the Wills family lost two sons to the sport, and Wills’ account of those years--initially exhilarating, then tragic--earned her high marks in Publisher’s Weekly and Kirkus. HIGHER THAN EAGLES garnered five movie options, including from Disney.

Wills’ book on addiction, SAVE MY SON, is the result of years of trauma with an addicted son. Research in four states proved that other locales do offer real solutions.

Her recent, light-hearted memoir, A CIRCUS WITHOUT ELEPHANTS, earned a national award from Writer’s Digest. In 2008, Stephens Press published the sequel, A CLOWN IN THE TRUNK, (an Indie award winner), and in 2009, her writing book, DAMN THE REJECTIONS, FULL SPEED AHEAD, which won two national awards.

Wills is the mother of six children--five boys and a girl. Her husband is a lawyer. She studied at Stanford and UCLA, earning a B.A. and a teaching credential. She once helped her sons run a hang gliding manufacturing business, but after the family tragedies she went home to write books.

For the past 22 years, Wills has taught college novel-writing, and in 2000 was voted “Teacher of the Year.” In addition to frequent speaking engagements, she has given numerous writing seminars---at UCLA, UC Riverside, UCI, Orange Coast College, Cerritos College, and at writers’ conferences across the country. She is a past president of the Orange County Chapter of Romance Writers of America.

Contact:

Maralys Wills
1811 Beverly Glen Dr.,
Santa Ana, Calif., 92705.
714-544-0344
www.DamnTheRejections.com
maralys@cox.net

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Book Marketing, The Authors Marketing Powerhouse, Announces Writing Contest For Authors

Book Marketing is making the writing contest available to all authors including self published authors. Writers and authors will have an opportunity to take home book trailers, a marketing strategy analysis, 100 books printed at no charge and much more

Book Marketing, The Authors Marketing Powerhouse, is sponsoring the "Why I Write" challenge for new members. The challenge offers a prize package worth over $1300 and includes an array of services from some top providers.

Each participant is invited to enter the challenge by submitting a 300 word essay entitled "Why I Write". The winner will be chosen by drawing. The author of the winning entry will receive:

* An up to 2 minutes in length book trailer, produced by eBroadcastMedia.com. ($490 value)

* A Marketing and Publicity Strategy analysis provided by the Free Publicity Focus Group and a multimedia release package for a book or event chosen by the winner. ($389 value)

* 100 BOOKS, printed at no charge by AA Printing, the authority for book printing and self-publishing for over 30 years ($400 value)

* A copy of Dan Poynter's 'Writing, Producing and Promoting Your Book In The 21st Century' DVD set, offered by AA Printing ($50 value)

* An interview on The Authors Show to be broadcast on the main show page for a 3-day weekend and archived for 30 days.

* A written transcript of that interview, featured on Book Marketing - The Authors Marketing Powerhouse for 30 days.

* The 2 minute book trailer will be featured on Book Marketing: The Authors Marketing Powerhouse for 30 days.

* A hardcover edition of 'Damn The Rejections, Full Speed Ahead: The Bumpy Road To Getting Published' by Maralys Wills. A college novel-writing teacher for 22 years, Maralys has published twelve books and offers a treasure trove of sage advice in easy-to-digest and fun-to-read anecdotes ($24.95 value).

* A softcover version of '50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading', produced by The Authors Show, featuring 50 writers who are making their mark in the world of publishing today. ($24 value)

* A copy of “The Trilogy of Networking” book 1, “Networking: Why Do It?” by Danielle Hampson, Executive Producer of The Authors Show, and “Live Every Day Motivated, Successful and Happy”. Like any other business owner, authors must network. In her book, Danielle covers all the reasons why networking remains one of the best marketing tools (value $32).

* In addition, all new members will receive a copy of 'The Top 8 Tragic Marketing Mistakes Authors Make', ebook version.

SUBMISSION

To submit an entry, first sign in at www.TheAuthorsMarketingPowerhouse.com.

A link to the entry form will be sent to the email address provided by the new member.

Submit the entry using the form. The top entry will be chosen by random drawing. The contest ends December 24, 2010. The winner will be notified by email on December 30, 2010.

For more information or for specific questions visit Book Marketing - The Authors Marketing Powerhouse at www.TheAuthorsMarketingPowerhouse.com or email Don McCauley directly at don@freepublicitygroup.com.

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