HOW TO HAVE A SUCCESSFUL AUTHOR VISIT: PART ONE

If you've been an author for long you know all about author visits...why writers do them, how to put one together, what makes one successful. But if you are new to the whole published author side of writing (like I am), you just might overlook some important things to consider when putting together an author visit.

Part One of this two part post will look at what a school can do to ensure authors will be interested in visiting your location and Part Two will cover what every author should remember to do to help full participation in their author visits as well as garnishing that coveted return invitation.

While I'm sure every school would love to have someone like J K Rowling drop by to talk about their books, chances are much better for debut to mid-list authors to be available. Depending on how prepared each school is, even a first time visit from a debut author can be a winning event. Here are some areas to consider when putting together a potential author visit:

THE BENEFITS OF AN AUTHOR VISIT

1) Gives young readers a positive experience with reading

2) Supports Common Core as students study connections within universal themes and topics

3) Creates a foundation encouraging an in depth study of literature

4) Develops a respect for the entire writing process

5) Exposes students to different genres and various authors' works

COVERING THE COST OF THE EVENT

1) Create a simple committee to create a plan to cover author visits

2) Determine the budget available for potential visits and honorariums

3) Research grant opportunities to help cover costs

4) Identify possible community cosponsors

5) Look into possible funding from parent/teacher organizations

DETAILS OF THE AUTHOR VISIT

1) Decide what type of visit. One grade level visit? One entire day author visit? A multiple day with multiple presentations event?

2) Determine where event will be held. Individual classrooms? Auditorium? Somewhere else?

3) Researching possible authors to invite

4) Creating a participation environment from entire school

5) Send out invitations with potential scheduling dates to choose from

EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST

1) Adequate table and chairs

2) Microphones and sound systems

3) Audiovisual systems

4) Dry erase boards

5) Easels 

6) Podium

CREATURE COMFORTS

1) Designated breaks and lunch time for all day and multiple day events

2) Lunch catered?

3) Designated restroom

4) Available beverages such as water, coffee, sodas, etc.

5) Designated escort for getting around school campus

PREPARING THE CHILDREN

1) Display posters announcing upcoming author visit

2) Send home flyers with opportunities to preorder author books for author signing during visit

3) Have a contest which children creating a poster based on one of the author's books

4) Have some children put on a play based on one of the author's books

5) Have a contest where children write their own story using characters from one of the author's books

6) Research the author, check out their website, read their books before the visit

7) Create a school wide welcome banner and have all the kids sign it

8) Send out news release to generate publicity for the event

9) Line up a photographer

SCHEDULING A TYPICAL AUTHOR VISIT

8:00 a.m. Breakfast with the welcome committee and school staff

8:45 a.m. Set up equipment and prepare for first session

9:05 a.m. General assembly to introduce author to school. Presentation of special readings, key to the school, etc.

9:30 a.m. First session with 4th and 5th graders (50 minute session & 10 minute break)

10:30 a.m. Second session with 2nd & 3rd graders (50 minute session & 10 minute break)

11:30 a.m. Lunch break

12:30 p.m. Third session with Kindergarten & 1st graders (40 minutes)

1:10 p.m. Break and book signing

1:45 p.m. Classes visit library to have pictures taken with author

3:00 p.m.

AFTER THE VISIT

1) Make sure honorariums and expense reimbursements are paid out in a timely manner

2) Complete author evaluation papers

3) Send a letter/email of thanks to author for their visit

The success of an author's visit lies in both the school committee and the author themselves. A well thought out event will ensure return visits and everyone involved leaves with a positive experience of exploring the pages of a good book!

Don't forget to come back next week for Part Two of how to have a successful author visit!

Blurb:

Addie comes from a long line of readers or "story catchers" as her family likes to call themselves. Every time Addie tries to catch a story on her own the wiggly words play tricks on her. She tries different ways to make those words sit still but it will take a little faith for Addie to become the next STORY CATCHER.

Buy Links:
Amazon Kindle ¦ Paperback ¦ B&N ¦ Smashwords



JOIN THE STORY CATCHER FAN CLUB!

Membership includes:

Membership Certificate
Bi-montly Newsletter full of mazes, puzzles, games, news, and other goodies
Reading Log for earning STORY CATCHER AWARD

5 MARKETING IDEAS TO HELP PROMOTE YOUR BOOK

Most writers would never claim to be a marketing expert. A lot of writers even cringe at the idea of having to toot their own horn and help promote their own work. But it comes with the privilege of being able to call yourself an author so here are some things to consider when you're gearing up for your book's release and those future author visits. Just make sure to use your own judgment when deciding whether or not to use any of these suggestions.


BOOK AWARDS (It adds credibility to your work if you are lucky enough to win one.)

Readers Favorite International Book Award Contest...https://readersfavorite.com/annual-book-award-contest.htm
Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award...
http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Novel-Award-Books/b?ie=UTF8&node=332264011
ForeWord Reviews...https://publishers.forewordreviews.com/awards/
Eric Hoffer Awards...http://www.hofferaward.com/
Indie Book Awards...http://www.indiebookawards.com/entryform.php
Beverly Hills Book Awards...http://www.beverlyhillsbookawards.com/rules-beverlyhills-book-awards.html
Indie Reader's Discovery Awards...http://indiereader.com/authorservices/indiereader-discovery-awards/
Parents' Choice Awards...http://www.parents-choice.org/callforentries/book.cfm
The National Indie Excellence Book Awards...http://www.indieexcellence.com/index.html
SCBWI Work-in-Progress Grant...http://www.scbwi.org/awards/grants/work-in-progress-grants/
Writers Digest Book Awards...http://www.writersdigest.com/competitions/selfpublished
Paris Book Festival...http://www.parisbookfestival.com/
Purple Dragonfly Book Awards... http://www.fivestarpublications.com/bookcontest/pd_book_contest.html
New York Book Festival...http://www.newyorkbookfestival.com/
Hollywoood Book Festival...http://www.hollywoodbookfestival.com/next.asp
SCBWI Book Launch Award...www.scbwi.org/awards/book-launch-grant/
Nautilus Book Awards...http://www.nautilusbookawards.com/
Royal Dragonfly Book Awards...http://www.fivestarpublications.com/bookcontest/rd_book_contest.html
Cybils Awards...http://www.cybils.com/about-the-cybils-awards
Moms Choice Awards...http://www.momschoiceawards.com/about-us/
Story Monsters Approved Program...http://www.fivestarpublications.net/storymonsters/approved_books
Creative Child Awards...http://www.creativechild.com/awards-program


BLOGGERS WHO DO BOOK REVIEWS (Whether they love it or leave it, bloggers who do book reviews help spread the word about your book. No one will ever love every book they pick up but if you've written a strong story, most will have nice things to say about it.)

Fiona Mcvie...https://authorsinterviews.wordpress.com/
A. F. Stewarat...http://www.afstewartblog.blogspot.com
Chodi Kid Books...http://chodikidbooks.blogspot.com/
Dan Jackson...http://landofchildrensbooks.blogspot.com/
I'm A Full Time Mummy...http://www.imafulltimemummy.com/
Pat Tierney...http://www.mrtierneyslibrary.com/p/about-me.html
Book Room Reviews...http://www.bookroomreviews.com/
Cheryl Carpinello...http://carpinelloswritingpages.blogspot.co.uk/
Morgen Bailey...https://morgenbailey.wordpress.com/


BOOKS AND OTHER RESOURCES (Maybe you have a unique question not covered by this post. Check out some other great marketing resources.)

Book Marketing Buzz Blog...http://bookmarketingbuzzblog.blogspot.com/2015/01/where-to-get-book-reviews.html
Book Marketing Buzz Blog...http://bookmarketingbuzzblog.blogspot.com/2014/12/2015-book-marketing-pr-toolkit.html
Toni Buzzeo & Jane Kurtz...TERRIFIC CONNECTIONS WITH AUTHORS, ILLUSTRATORS, AND STORYTELLERS
D'vorah Lansky's website..www.bookmarketingmadeeasy.com
Denise Wakeman & Ellen Britt...www.thefutureofink.com
Wes Locher...https://westonlocher.wordpress.com/?s=promoting+your+book+online 

SWAG (In case you didn't know, swag is that promotional stuff you give away at conferences, school visits, through contests, etc.)

Jenny Soskey's post about ordering swag...http://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/how-to-order-company-swag-ht
4imprint Promotions...http://www.4imprint.com/ 
Direct Designs...http://www.buypromos.com/HOME.htm
Swag Connection...http://www.swagconnection.com/
Uprinting...http://www.uprinting.com/
Next Day Flyers...http://www.nextdayflyers.com/
Overnight Prints...http://www.overnightprints.com/
Business Cards Flyers Banners... http://businesscardsflyersbanners.com/
Moo Mini Cards...http://us.moo.com/products/minicards.html 
Vista Print...www.vistaprint.com

CONTESTS (EVERYONE likes winning things but you want YOUR contest to be memorable.)

Having a contest where someone "likes" your author page for a chance to win an autographed copy of your book is one way to get new readers. That's always nice, but there are other contest possibilities either online or through your author visits:



1. Have an school-wide art contest before an author visit. Offer to have a certain number of winners...maybe one winner per grade...and the winners can have lunch with the author in the school cafeteria or maybe even a picnic in the library.



2. Have an online contest for young writers to write their own story. Provide a picture prompt, post some of the entries (without names) on your blog and have your readers vote. Give a prize away for 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place.



3. Do a 'pay it forward' contest where people take a picture of themselves with a librarian as they donate a new book to the library's inventory. Authors can donate their own books and readers can donate one of their favorites. Place the names in a hat and draw a winner for either a copy of your book or maybe an Amazon gift card so they can buy themselves anther book.



4. If your book is nonfiction, have a school contest for coolest poster made by a student either on your book itself or the subject matter. Give out a small prize for 1st and 2nd place.



5. This next possibility can be for either online or through the classroom. Start a MAD LIB contest about your main character. Create a very simple story where your main character has an adventure. Leave plenty of areas blank where participants have the chance to get really wild with their descriptive words. Give a prize out for the funniest, weirdest, most creative, etc.



Marketing and promoting ideas can be endless. All it takes is a creative imagination and we writers have THAT in spades!

************

I hope you learned something new today and be sure to check back tomorrow for the next post in my month long celebration!

You can preorder my book, THE STORY CATCHER, now through Amazon, www.amazon.com, or Barnes & Noble, www.barnesandnoble.com. It is available in both ebook and print copies. Here is the book blurb and book trailer.

 

Blurb:

Addie comes from a long line of readers, or "story catchers," as her family likes to call themselves. Every time Addie tries to catch a story on her own, though, the words play tricks on her. Addie tries everything she can think of to corral those wiggly letters, but it will take a little faith to become the next STORY CATCHER.
 

Trailer :

 

 

 

IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO PUBLISH A BOOK, Part Ten







I've had fun writing the posts for this series and hope it has helped some of my readers who might have needed some fresh ideas on the ins and outs of  marketing their work. In the last post of this series, I look at some of the other creative options childrens book authors have in getting their books in front of their targeted audience. Some of these might work for you and some won't. It takes a little bit of moxie or gumption or assertiveness or whatever you might want to call it to approach some of these venues about doing a book event...i.e. reading, book signing, party, etc. You might have to help educate individuals on the benefits of allowing you to come into their establishment. Remember, it's not about YOU and YOUR BOOK. It's about THEM and WHAT'S IN IT FOR THEM. The easier you make it for them to say YES, the more eager they will be to help you make your event a success. I like to call this my: 

THINKING OUTSIDE THE CRAYON BOX MARKETING LIST

Teacher's guides...Create your own set to post on your website and bring on school visits or hire someone like the talented Marcie Colleen (http://www.thisismarciecolleen.com/) to do it for you.

Hallmark stores...Why not offer to do a reading during the holiday season for free in exchange for being able to hand out bookmarks?

Street fairs...Check your city's website for upcoming events and see if you can participate in any of them.

Farmers markets...Maybe they will allow you to set up a booth or hand out flyers

Gyms...Some facilities have a children's room and some have monthly promotions for their members. Maybe you can work out a deal to do a children's activity during a monthly membership drive?

Airports...Many airports have retail stores in them. Why not see if there is one carrying books and set up a time when you can be available for impulse buys and a book signing?

Art stores...Your book will have illustrations. Why not offer to do a reading and maybe even a coloring contest where you provide your book cover as the pages?

Art museums...Same as above or even have a contest where kids can interpret your book in some other art form? Have a contest, offer some small prizes and then do a reading/book signing afterwards.

Craft stores...Like the art stores or art museums, you could have a craft party where you tie in some simple craft with some aspect of your book. Make simple puppets, make a cool picture frame and color a copy of your book cover to place inside. Do a reading/book signing afterwards.

Church bazaars...Make up a basket for the silent auction, ask for a booth space, offer to provide a simple craft in exchange for handing out your book's swag items         
         
Community youth sporting events...Ask if you can hand out flyers, offer to volunteer a couple hours in exchange for being able to hand out bookmarks at the concession stand.

Coffee shops...If the coffee shop is inside a bookstore or places like Walmart, maybe you can create a giveaway like for every cup sold the customer gets their name added to the drawing. Hand out a two part entry form where they fill out the bottom but keep the top with your book information on it.


Special interests groups...My book resonates with both beginner readers as well as children struggling with learning disabilities like dyslexia. Find professional groups in your city that might allow you to leave information about your book for their clientele.

Radio stations...Offer a coloring prize pack to the first ten people to call in. Oriental Trading (www.orientaltrading.com) has a great selection of inexpensive items for prize packs. Don't forget to include your bookmark and business card.


You Tube online video contest...Have a contest where kids act out your story or tell why they like your book. Post the top five on your website and promote others through Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc. to vote on their favorite. Winner gets a prize pack including an autographed book.

Book pairing on website or Amazon...If you have more than one book, see if you can bundle them together and offer a discount for the package. Create a collection of 3 or 4 short stories or maybe a short Ebook on how kids can become writers and offer as a freebie with every purchase through your website.


Mail Chimp Newsletter...If you haven't set up a link for visitors to subscribe to your blog, do it now! I use Mail Chimp (www.mailchimp.com). Not only is it simple to use, it offers an easy newsletter template where you can keep in touch with your subscribers.

Fast food restaurants...Where do you see a lot of kids? McDonalds, Burger King, Wendys! Why not chat with the manager and offer to host a little party at their place? It can be a tea party, an ice cream party, a coloring party, etc. They supply the food and maybe offer something like a free cone or drink to the first 50 kids to come in on that day.


Local kids events...Check your city's online website for local kids events. Make contact with whoever is in charge and see if you can participate. Some of them will allow you to join for free if you offer some kind of door prize or incentive they can give away. It's how I've gotten into the Children's Festival of Reading for the past three years for FREE and been in front of 15,000 people each year!

Daycares...Think of the number one place you will find kids outside of school? Daycare and afterschool visits can really boost the opportunities to get your books in front of your targeted audience. Suggest acting out your story, coloring contest, and don't forget the flyers going home to parents announcing your upcoming visit. Offer a way to preorder your book so you can sign them the day of your event.


Cub Scouts...Look online for the different badges cub scouts can earn. Create a 90 minute "lesson" where scouts can participate to earn their badge. Call your local organizational leader and offer to visit any pack in the area who would like a free author visit. Break up your "lesson" into three parts...part one is where you read your book to them and answer questions, part two is where you do your main activity (scouts could have completed other parts of the badge requirements prior to your arrival) and part three is where YOU present the scouts who have completed all the requirements with their activity badge (provided by the den leader). Send flyers home prior with pre-order info and hand out bookmarks, autograph sold books, etc. after the event.

Girl Scouts...Same as the Cub Scout lesson details listed above.


Festivals...Neighboring towns might have festivals where the cost of gas might put you in front of hundreds of potential readers of your book.

Civic organizations...Think of how your book might tie into their interests. Since my book is about learning disabilities like dyslexia or struggling beginner readers, I will look for those groups and see how I might be able to participate in some of their events. Maybe they will allow my bookmarks to be handed out at their meetings. Maybe they will promote my book on their company blog or website. The worst they can say is no.


School carnivals...Don't forget the annual school carnivals, health fairs, book fairs, etc. where you can possibly have a booth or at least hand out flyers about your book.




There are literally thousands of opportunities out there to market your book. If you can be creative in your stories, then surely you can be creative in the ways you promote them?




Let me know if you have tried any of these ideas before? What worked? What didn't? What do I need to add to this list? Comment below...








IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO PUBLISH A BOOK, Part Four

Or maybe this post's title should be HOW KROGER HELPED MY MARKETING PLAN?

I woke up this morning wondering what I would write about today and for some reason my grocery shopping trip this past weekend popped into my head. I don't know if you have a Kroger where you live, but it is one of the largest grocery store chains in my town. Over the years I've shopped at different stores depending on my mood and what sales were running. I'm not one of your "brand" shoppers. Or at least I didn't think I was until it dawned on me this morning how subtle Kroger's marketing plan has been to win me over and yet so "in my face"...

1. OFFER SOMETHING CONSISTENT

Kroger sends me an email every week tempting me with their latest specials. They aren't shoving their wares down my throat but every week I know I can depend on that little email saying "hey, come take a look at what's happening over in my corner of the world". A writer serious about expanding their fan base can learn from that. If you have a blog then have a regular posting schedule and stick to it. It doesn't matter what goes into that post as long as you are consistent about it. If your blog is a writer's blog then don't start writing about how you are crocheting your dear aunt a sweater for Christmas...unless of course you can tie that back to writing somehow. My blog has always been aimed at writing/seeing the positive side of things so I always make sure whatever I write falls under one of those two categories. I've written 660 blog posts so far and if you look at any one of them you will find that is the driving theme in all of them.

2. OFFER SOMETHING TEMPTING

Every week Kroger offers a Free Friday coupon. They send me an email on Wednesday to tweak my interest about visiting their website on Friday to discover what the free coupon might be. The item doesn't usually cost much...this week is was Marie Calendar's Breakfast Pot Pie. Some weeks I'm not interested in picking up their free coupon but EVERY week I make sure I visit Kroger's website because I don't want to miss out on the possibility of treating myself to something free. Kroger doesn't bang on my door and yell at me to buy their stuff. They simply send a friendly reminder saying, "we want to show our appreciation for your loyalty by offering you a gift as a way of saying thanks". I don't HAVE to take them up on their offer but in this day and age of rising costs and diminished customer service, even one small gesture like Kroger's Free Friday coupon subtly reminds me why I like shopping there in the first place. I'm going to be revamping the look of this blog in the next few months and will be adding some free things as MY way of showing my appreciation for all the wonderful visitors who take a moment out of their busy days to stop by. Yes, it's smart marketing but it also ties into the caring and sharing person I am so I'm excited about being able to do this for my readers.

3. OFFER A "BRAND" TO IDENTIFY WITH

There are many other grocery stores in my city...just now I thought of about six other companies offering basically the same thing...but when I need a loaf of bread I immediately think Kroger.  For me, they have managed to capture my attention in such a way that their BRAND is seared forever into my brain when it comes to grocery shopping. I will still look at the other store's ads but unless there is a HUGE difference in pricing, Kroger will see my smiling face every Saturday morning for many years to come.

I've been working on creating my own "brand" and the title of my debut picture book has made it somewhat easier. To me, THE STORY CATCHER is who I am...a writer trying to catch the right words to tell an engaging story. My new business cards show a person running around with a butterfly net trying to snag flying words. My Facebook fan page is titled The STORY Catcher. I even have magnets on my car doors announcing I'm the STORY CATCHER and directing them back to this blog. I've had those magnets on my car for about a month now and I'm starting to see some interest. People are pausing to read my sign and last week a server at the Burger King drive thru stopped and asked me about my sign. She told me her granddaughter loves to read and I told her about my book. Maybe she will pick up a copy of THE STORY CATCHER when it comes out on January 20th and maybe she won't, but I know if she sees my "brand" enough, she might decide it's a brand worth being loyal to in the future...

It Takes A Village To Publish A Picture Book, Part Three

When a book is newly released, the first thing an author might think of is to print up a bunch of bookmarks as a way to advertise their book. If I took a poll, bookmarks would probably be on every new author's list of how to get the word out. 

But that's not the only way.

There are sooo many choices when it comes to marketing ideas that it can become overwhelming for a newer author to decide what will work and what won't. Not only do you have to decide WHAT you want to put your book information on...i.e. swag items...but also WHERE do you want to promote those items.  This week I will be looking at some swag items and other promotional ideas I will consider as I get closer to my release date for my picture book, THE STORY CATCHER. Some of these things my publisher, Anaiah Press, has already told me they would be providing like bookmarks, key chains, book covers, etc. but I'm still listing them because it will be helpful as general knowledge for self-published authors as well as those who might not have access to a marketing or publicity department through their own publisher.

Printing Companies

Vista Print...www.vistaprint.com
U Printing...www.uprinting.com
Print Runner...www.printrunner.com
P S Print...www.psprint.com
Mimeo Printing...www.mimeo.com
4 Imprint...www.4imprint.com
Oriental Trading...www.orientaltrading.com
Marco Promos...www.marcopromos.com

These are just some of the online companies offering ways to advertise my book. Some are quite cheap and others more expensive than my little budget will allow so I will get creative with my promotional ideas. Yes, I'm sure I will get my stack of bookmarks to advertise THE STORY CATCHER but here are some other ideas I might consider too. I will also keep in mind that butterflies and bubbles are central to the story line as well.

Promotional Ideas

Hats
Tshirts
Ink pens
Pencils
Car Door Magnets
Foam Butterfly Stickers
Adhesive Labels
Silicone Bracelets
Business Card Magnets
Regular Business Cards
Full Color Badge Ribbons
Display Table Runners
Handle Bags
Butterfly Necklaces
Small Plush Butterflies
Small Bottles of Bubbles
Butterfly Shaped Foldable Fans
Water Bottle Labels
Mini Flying Discs
Hi-Density Pulpboard Coasters
Corrugated Plastic Yard Sign
Indoor/Outdoor Banner
Emery Boards
Wooden Nickels
Temporary Tattoos
Balloons
Bumper Stickers
Hand Fans

As you can see the options are nearly endless when it comes to advertising my book. Will I be able to afford 500 tshirts with  THE STORY CATCHER printed brightly on each one? Probably not. But it's my job as the author to lead the charge to promote my book and the future readers of my story probably don't care that my budget is tiny. I'll check what other authors are doing and make sure I give my book the best chance to succeed!

What have YOU used to advertise your books? What worked? What didn't? Let me know in the comments below...

WRITERLY WISDOM: Amanda Luedeke

It's time once again for WRITERLY WISDOM where every Wednesday we sneak a peek into the world of writing and publication.  When I found out the lovely Amanda Luedeke of MacGregor Literary Inc was interested in providing a post for this series, you could have heard my squeals of excitement all the way to Bora Bora!  I know a lot of newbie writers and debut authors struggle with exactly what is "author platform" and how to effectively market their manuscripts.  Amanda has just come out with a wonderful ebook guide to address that very issue.  I asked for my readers to send me questions for her to answer,  and here is the lowdown on what we should and shouldn't be doing when promoting our published work.  Take it away Amanda...


The Art of Author Marketing
By Amanda Luedeke, Literary Agent



Marketing has become one of the biggest obstacles that any author will face. Great marketing ensures book sales and a solid marketing plan or platform can impress any publisher.

But let’s face it. Most authors aren’t the marketing, sales-y types.

I come from a marketing background. Before working as an agent, I worked at an agency outside of Chicago and launched blogs, YouTube Channels, Facebook groups, and strategized apps for some pretty major clients. So when I transitioned to publishing, I immediately realized that I was holding a very coveted gem…the gem of understanding and “getting” marketing.

For well over a year now, I’ve blogged about marketing on the agency blog (www.chipmacgregor.com). Every Thursday, I debunk Facebook or Twitter or Tumblr or SEO or blogging…and I’ve found it to be well received.

But I realized people wanted more than my posts. So, I wrote THE EXTROVERTED WRITER: An Author’s Guide to Marketing and Building a Platform.

It’s the perfect little e-book for:

·      The published author

·      The unpublished author

·      The author looking for marketing ideas

·      The author looking for marketing advice

·      The author looking for marketing reassurance

But most importantly, it’s the perfect little book to help you go from being an introverted, “I-don’t-know-how-to-market-myself,” to an extroverted, “I’m-confident-I-can-market-myself” writer.

Check it out on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Smashwords (for all other ereader devices).

Now, I’m here to answer your marketing questions! In preparation for this post, we pulled some thoughts and queries from you readers. SO, get ready, here are my thoughts on your most pressing author marketing questions:

When is the best time to begin marketing a new book? 

You want to have your marketing plan in place about 6 months before release. To schedule blog appearances, speaking engagements, radio interviews, etc., it takes time. So, it’s best to chip away at it over those six months. But the idea is to have things hit the month your book releases (preferably after release).

How are some ways a new author can market their debut book? 

Since it’s your first book, you’re going to have friends and family ready and willing to do whatever it takes to help the book succeed (You won’t get this with any other book you do!). All debut authors should take advantage of this excitement and form a street team to help create a buzz about the book. Use your street team to share on Facebook, Twitter and more. Guest post on their blogs, and get them to place bookmarks or promotional materials at their local coffee shops, doctor’s offices, libraries, etc. Remember, a street team of even 20 can be 20 places at once.

If you could only pick one social media site to promote your book, which one would you choose and why? 

Personally, I’d choose Facebook, but I know of many authors who swear by Twitter. At the end of the day, you need to zero in on the social media channel that best connects with YOUR audience. Blogs, Tumblr, Pinterest, YouTube, Goodreads…Figure out where you have the most fans (or the most potential fans) and set up camp.

What one piece of advice can you give an author who knows nothing about marketing?

Put yourself in the reader’s shoes. What would make YOU shell out $15 for a book? Then, do what you need to do to meet that need for your potential readers.

What’s one thing you see missing from websites or blogs that would greatly impact attracting new followers? 

Most websites and blogs are dead zones. The authors do nothing to cultivate relationships with their readers. There’s no personal interaction, there’s no way for readers to feel part of things. If you can foster a community among your readers, that’s a powerful thing.

Do blog tours really help sales of a debut book? 

Typically, no. Typically, blog tours target the same old blogs that have the same old readers of those blogs. The successful tours are the ones that are put together from scratch. So, instead of approaching the same blogs that always appear in tours, an author would approach blogs that typically don’t participate in such things. This is how you get your book in front of new readers who are likely to be pleasantly surprised that you’ve stopped by their blog for a chat.

What’s the worst marketing thing an author can do? 

The worst thing is for an author to either be too passive or too aggressive. The passive authors typically wait for their publisher or agent to tell them what to do. Consequently, nothing gets done. The aggressive authors end up being blocked by readers online because they’re ALWAYS doing the hard sell. Both will kill your career.

Hope this was helpful! And be sure to check out my book for more tips and tricks!

Amanda Luedeke is a literary agent with MacGregor Literary, Inc. A 2006 graduate of Taylor University's Professional Writing program, Amanda spent some years working in marketing as a social media expert and copywriter for major national brands, including Vera Bradley, Peg Perego, and Benjamin Moore. While in marketing, she launched blogs, YouTube channels, Facebook pages, and more on behalf of clients.

She has been an agent since 2010, and has quickly put to use her knack for understanding and not shying away from marketing and promotions. She works with her authors to perfect their brands and marketing efforts, while offering weekly marketing advice on the agency blog.
Amanda lives in Fort Wayne, Indiana, with her husband and Great Dane.