The start of a marathon

No, I haven't taken up running.  I wish I had the
time and energy left to even consider running.  My
exercise requirements are more than full filled when
I'm at my job, where most days I don't sit or stop
for at least eight hours.

The marathon I am involved in is that promotional
one authors have to do to be found.  Found by
readers that is.

I've been such a good girl lately and listening to all the
publicity words of wisdom and have been doing at
least some of the social media requirements of
getting your name out there.  I may not have the time
to post and update as often as I should, but I'm trying.

For some reason when my first book was published I
thought the hardest part was over- the writing and editing.
I'm a little red in the face now that I know that's the
easy part!   I've just signed on for a month long
virtual book tour for my release that came out last
month and the one coming out in two days time.

So now all I have to do is fit in (while still working six
days a week) the answers for interview
questions, record the interview with the host for the
radio podcast, prepare promo's and fun giveaway ideas
for the live chat, think of and write several guest blogs,
hold my breath and hope for the best on all the
reviews stops,  make sure I'm at all of the stops
throughout their scheduled day (netbook will be
accompanying me to work for a month) oh and
remember to tweet about all of it along the way!

It's a good thing I manage a cafe or my kids might
starve in the next four weeks.

I guess the question all authors need to ask
themselves after they're published is
"How bad do you want your work out there?"

Of course Murphy's law- or I suppose being the
blog that this is that would be more appropriate
to say Rhiannon's Law **waves at Jaime and hopes she
laughs at the promo for her I slipped in**
 ... states my edits for other contracted books WILL arrive
during all of this around the web in a month fun!

Better Late Than Never!

I almost didn't get to post today's blog. My apologies. It's been insane at the casa, which means time is short.

As many of you know this year I attended Authors After Dark. It was exciting to meet readers, authors, and publishers at the event. There were multiple opportunities to sit and listen on the panels available, as well as mingle with people that inspire you. I was awed by many of the authors I met for the first time (and I won't name drop, although I'm very tempted!), which brings me to the topic of the blog.

Your brand.

Once an author's brand would probably be a symbol--not the authors themselves. It was about the books, the material, the WORK; not the person behind the screen. That has changed. It's the time of the internet. Connecting with authors, publishers, and agents is as easy as sending an email. What does that mean? Pretty simple. An author has to be aware of what he/she puts out there for the world to see. When you're under a microscope of sorts--and you have to pay your bills--it's best to think before you react. No longer can you vent your frustrations without ramifications. Once something has been said online (and boy, have I learned this lesson) it's there 4-eva. No going back, folks. The WWW has a permanent paper trail.

Once I was extremely vocal about certain issues. Now? Not as much. It doesn't mean my opinions have changed, it just means I've learned it doesn't really help to pull out the soapbox when those listening haven't done anything wrong. Don't misunderstand, I think everyone is entitled to a good speech from time to time. I just approach everything thinking:

How will I feel about what I've said a week from now? A year?

If I'm okay with it, then usually it's okay to say my piece. If not, I'll let it go. The same can be said for the conversations you have online, the relationships you form with others, and how you market yourself and your work. While some people have no qualms about sharing certain information or presenting an in-your-face-attitude, I truly feel an author can--and will--lose readers if they are unapproachable or offensive. With the way the writing industry is evolving, it's good business sense to remain as professional (and gracious as possible).

It's time for me to jet! As always, the eye candy of the week. I shamelessly stole this image from the awesome author and Twizzler sharer I met at AAD, Allison Pang.

Interview with a Book Blogger!

Today I’m doing something different. I have Bells (a huge fan who became a close friend -- the image above was taken this year at Lori Foster's Reader and Author Get Together), from Hanging With Bells with me. She’s going to provide a bit on insight on what book reviewers look for in books and how to approach blogs when you’re interested in promoting your work.

Jaime: Thanks for doing this, Bells! Welcome to Romancing the Muses!

Bells: Thanks for having me. I feel so special… and weird because I’m usually the one doing the interviewing.

Jaime: *laughs* You’re so silly. Relax, this won’t hurt…much. First question: Say an author wants to visit your blog or get a review. What is the best way to go about it?

Bells: Most of the authors that I chat with on Twitter will ask if anyone is looking for guest posts for their blogs and that's how I usually get an interview. I have had authors that have contacted me by email as well that were interested on having an interview on my blog. For me it’s best to contact via email or Twitter (where I usually hang out all day long).

Jaime: I know you’re obsession with Twitter! Can you tell us what you enjoy about authors?

Bells: I enjoy authors that seem down to earth such as myself. I tend to gravitate towards more authors that seem to have the same likes that I do. I am all about positivity! I love to laugh and there are so many authors on Twitter that make me chuckle all the time. That includes you as well. That is how we first bonded. Discussing the Twilight movies and what parts of them that made us laugh.

Jaime: Oh Lord, I remember that! Those were the days. I’m aware of bloggers who can be afraid of having authors if they feel they’ll lash out at a less than stellar review, or will argue with the reviewer. As an author myself, I always say it’s best to say thank you or nothing at all. What’s your take?

Bells: That’s kinda hard to answer, because authors are people too. They’re human and have emotions just like everyone else. I know as hard as it must be to want to say something, it’s best not to. There seems to be a lot of backlash when they speak out. You’ll see this on Twitter when an author says something negative and reviewers may start talking.

Jaime: Oh man, I remember the author who had a mug created after she went “snake” on a reviewer. It wasn’t pretty.

Bells: *laughs*

Jaime: Okay, next question: I’ve done posts before where I’ve mentioned it’s best to research book bloggers prior to submitting. Some bloggers prefer urban fantasy, others enjoy erotic romance. How important do you think it is for authors to place their work with readers who will enjoy it?

Bells: I think it’s very important. You want to make sure your book is going to appeal to the person reading it. If you give someone a historical when they don’t like historical the odds are they won’t like it. Sometimes people will enjoy books that aren’t what they typically read, but that isn’t always the case. If you want to get positive feedback it’s always good to check out the preferences of the book blogger you approach.

Jaime: Since our kids are going nuts (they are screaming as we’re doing this interview on the phone), I’m going to wrap things up. So final question: eBooks are becoming very popular. Are you finding you prefer eBooks to print?

Bells: I’m going to say…no. Even though I own a Kindle, I still seem to enjoy reading a paper copy more. I will read from my Kindle if I have to, but most of the time I prefer print. That said, it’s weird because there are times when I get into my Kindle. But there are others times when I go, “Meh.” Snuggling an eReader is not the same as snuggling with a paperback.

Jaime: Okay, I lied. One more question: I do know you read books from authors who are at ePublishers. Do prefer books from New York authors (who are in mass market paperback)? Or will you give anything that strikes your fancy a chance?

Bells: As long as the work appeals to me, entertains me, and has good writing, then that’s all that matters.

This week's eye candy of the week is for Bells. You can find her at Hanging With Bells, which isn’t your average book blog. She also lists new movie and music releases, as well as shares her Hump Day Hottie each week. If you haven’t visited, be sure to swing by and say hello!

The Dreaded "P"

So you've written a book, you've been contracted, release date is looming. That means it's time for one thing. It's something many authors dread, as it is time consuming and terrifying, especially if you're not comfortable putting yourself out there as an author.

I'm talking about promo.

There are many ways to promote your material.  Some authors pay for interviews at the larger review sites, others pay for banners. There are also those who take advantage of book bloggers, giveaways, and conferences. Either way, it takes a lot of time, a lot of dedication and, sometimes, a bit of heartbreak.

The truth is not everyone is going to like your material. So when you send it out, you might not get the reaction you're hoping for. There is a fifty-fifty chance your story will be the next big thing everyone is talking about, gaining you new readership. However, there is also a chance the book might not be received in the manner you hoped. I've been on both ends of the spectrum, so I know first hand how difficult it can be. I'm very good at speaking with people, but I always get nervous when it's time to toot my own horn.

All is not doom and gloom, though. You can make the most of your promotion if you keep a few things in mind:

Social Networks: These are good to keep in touch with readers. However, most don't like to be spammed or annoyed when you constantly remind them you have a new release. Moderation is key. Maybe you can state you have a new release once in the morning, again in the evening, and as the days go by do one message per day to spread the word. I've found most readers appreciate when authors make it a personal versus a professional relationship. Talk to people just like you would anyone else. It really makes a difference.

Book Bloggers: Again, this is a great way to gain new readers. But there is a cost. You need to interact with people who post on the blog and show them how appreciative you are that they have an interest in your work. Make it less about you and more about them.

Contests: This is another good way to promote. However, you have to be savvy about it. I suggest doing a contest a week prior to release and giving away a copy of your book on release day. Then, after a week or two has passed, perhaps you can do another giveaway. The more giveaways you do (of the print variety of your books especially) the more likely people are to remember your book or to check it out.

Conferences: So far, I'm a noobie at this. I can say that I've met a lot of great people at conferences. The key is to say hello to people, talk to them, and don't try to sell your work. If they inquire, then you can share a bit about what you do. It's important to remain tactful. Most people attend to meet new authors. If you give them a chance to talk with you, chances are they'll eventually ask about what you write.

It's not easy, but you can get your name out there. It just takes time and a little bit of patience. Keep your chin up. We've all been there. The best thing is once it ends, you'll write another book, receive a contract, and start the dance all over again.

Now, eye candy!

Making the rounds

While I've been busy tracking down other authors to find out
the answer to my question about what the hardest part of being
published is for them, I've been doing the hardest part for me.

Promoting - ugh!   If you have one book published, it's still hard
and a long trek but the decision is easier.  I have six books out
there now and trying to decide which one I should focus on
gets to be tiresome.   Of course if it's Halloween I focus on my
one that takes place at that time of year, but otherwise it's a game of
spin the wheel to see which characters get their spot in the lime
light when I have the time to promote.

This week it's my last release, I've signed up for a week long
virtual tour.  The tour is a great way to get the book and my name
out there.

Another way to promote is using a book trailer.  I've made
a few of these and it was fun to do, even though my level of
skill in that department is very basic I was pleased with the
results.

I had an epiphany about a month ago when I realized the
easiest way to promote all of my books would be to get my
name out there, because lets face it I may have six books
with pretty covers and ISBN's but I am one small ant in
the enormous colony of the publishing world.

I decided to have a trailer made - an author trailer and not
just a book trailer.  I won't post the trailer here on RtM because
this blog isn't all about shameless self promoting but I'll
add the link to the end if you feel like checking it out.  I'm
trilled with the results and wished I'd thought of it sooner.
Now I can promote the trailer and not have to spend hours
setting up promo's for my individual books.

Is this going to work?

I have no idea!

Which is what promoting is all about in my mind, you
wander aimlessly making the rounds on the net collecting
many friendships and picking up readers that have actually
read your books as you go all while trying to figure out if it's
working and what direction you can head next...

Aside from becoming rich and hiring someone to figure all
of this out, I'll just have to keep plugging away at the illusive
art of promoting.

I've tried to bribe my kids to hurry up and finish their education,
get brilliant so they can be my proofreader /editors / pr reps and
I can go back to the part I love the most - the part where I
create characters and the world they live in ...  my children
laugh and think I'm kidding - umm, I'm not guys so lets put those
adolescent hormones on hold and focus on getting diplomas!

Okay, I am kidding - sort of...  

Feel free to share your ideas for promoting, the more options
all of us have the easier it's going to be!

Here's the link for my trailer  http://youtu.be/HDs03Pl8ZZU