Nadia Janice Brown's Blog

Published in the Seattle Examiner: How I Started My Online (Book) Business!


Five years ago in May of 2006, I started my company, Author & Book Promotions (A&BP)- an online book promotion service promoting literary works by best-selling and new authors wanting greater online book publicity. Throughout the years we have worked with authors across the globe including Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the Caribbean, and the United States. A&BP is also a resource directory -- comprised of articles on marketing, book promotion tips, book reviewers… and is one of the largest promotional resources for authors on the web. Our mission is to bring as much publicity to authors of all stages and expose their books to readers around the world! We not only want to support those whose works are in print, we also seek to guide those who aspire to become authors in the book marketing process.

When I first started my company, I wanted to create something that would be beneficial to authors of all stage. A&BP began as a resource directory, but I always knew it would be something more. I had never started an online business before and didn’t know what to expect. I also didn’t know how I was going to make it work. However, looking back, I realize that while it is good to plan; sometimes you have to take the plunge; you have to take a risk. You are not always going to have everything figured out, and sometimes you just have to go for it. At the time, I’d already done a lot of research about book marketing and read many articles on the subject. We have 34 book marketing articles listed on our site and, I’ve read every single one of them. Aside from having the experience of promoting my own book as an author, I’d written several articles about book marketing and had enjoyed giving authors’ tips and advice for promoting their books before I ever thought of starting my company. I realize that everything I did at the time was preparing me for what I’m doing now.
Today, we work with around 30 authors at a time with books of various genres (with the exception of erotica). Their books are listed on all our social networks and appear in our monthly e-newsletter, which also goes out to our 1,000+ twitter followers. We also provide an author spotlight and each book is heavily advertised. Authors who are interested in promoting their books with us can do so by visiting the author’s page on our website.



My duties include:

• Showcasing and promoting literary works
• Maintained and updated web site, promotional resource directory and social networks.
• Built and maintained the relationships with clients.
• Design attractive presentations for the promotional ad campaigns.
• Responsible for creating and sending out monthly newsletter.



The idea first began when I learned of fellow writers who had their own successful services that they provided to authors. I believed that if they could start their own organization, newsletter, or whatever it may be and have it be successful, then so could l. Starting a company takes a lot of hard work, time, and energy. It is a difficult endeavor- but well worth it! I get to do what I most love. The purpose of me staring A&BP was because it not only gave me the chance to help authors, but also to the opportunity to write full-time. I still have goals I want to achieve for my business, but I am also pleased where I am.



www.examiner.com

We Are Not All Meant To Write

I know now; writing is my purpose. When I was a small girl, I had a simple wish-- to inspire people with my words. I never wanted to be a writer for the sake of being one. In fact, I'm the opposite of what I think a writer and author should be! I'm fairly quiet. Shy. Private. Reserved. So there were moments where I questioned if this was truly my calling. It wasn't something I approached hastily. If I were going to call myself a poet, a writer, the title had to be earned. I had standards for my writings, and for what I wanted to achieve.

But we are not all meant to write, and there are those who want the title, “writer,” and then, there are writers. The question is: Which are you? It's easy to go through life without knowing your purpose and to fall into a trap of pursuing what sounds impressive. Instead of doing what you were born to do, you are trying to live someone else's dream. However, you will not go far chasing dreams that were never yours!

Knowing Your Purpose

Each day you live outside your purpose, is a day wasted not pursuing your God-given dream. If you're going to call yourself a writer and author, do so knowing: not everyone who calls themselves by those titles is meant to be either one. This is not about your writing skills, or even about a writing degree. It is about knowing your purpose. Do you know yours? Can you honestly say you-know, that-you-know, that-you-know, this is what you are put on earth for? Some have revelations, dreams...about their calling. Others may have had a perpetual stirring within them, which moves them to write. This may be you, or it may not be. Only you know why you write. Only you know why you've decided to take this path.

Not all writers should be authors of books-- you could teach, work as an editor, proofreader, or work in another area in this field. These are the obvious short list of suggestions that you could pursue as a writer. If I've got you thinking, then perhaps some self-reflection is needed. Ask yourself, some necessary and needed questions. You may want to carefully consider some of these:

Have you had your article, story, or poem published by a meaningful publication?

Outside of book sales, have you ever been paid for your writings?

Have you won any contests or awards for your work?

Have you ever received a grant for writing?

Have you seen enough progress, growth, and success in your writing endeavors?

The vision you have of where you want to be as a writer and author will not come overnight; but, if you're not seeing steady progress and continuous growth in your endeavors as an author/writer, you may want to reflect on where you are going and whether this is where you should be.


Noticias:

-New book release: Behind The Column

- My church is on a 40 day fast from Jan 4 - Feb 12. I'm 8 days in, and I'm doing pretty well. I haven't cheated! I did this last year and lost a ton of weight. Look at my before and after pictures:




-Check out my new poem Proverbs 27 -- it is the first poem I've written in a while.


- What is Your Vision Blog has been updated and is now a full-length article.

VI-SION
1 something seen in a dream; especially : a supernatural appearance that conveys a revelation b : a thought, concept, or object formed by the imagination c : a manifestation to the senses of something immaterial 2 a: the act or power of imagination b (1):mode of seeing or conceiving (2): unusual discernment or foresight {a person of vision}


Every Vision Begins with the Ending in Sight


To be a person of vision, you must have a vision for where you want to be as a writer and author. It is important for both aspiring and established authors to have goals for the New Year! This is the time to write that new manuscript, to apply for a writing grant, or start your writing-related business. But you must have FOCUS, PATIENCE, EXCELLENCE, PERSEVERANCE & COMMITMENT to accomplish any GOAL....

If you have accomplished goals you set prior to the start of the year-- set new ones this year! With a new decade upon us, 2011 provides us with an opportunity to begin with a renewed focus and a fresh vision. Once your vision is clear, be sure to write it down. Writing it on paper is a way of holding yourself accountable for your vision. It also serves to remind you of what you set out to accomplish. After you have written it, keep it in sight.

What is your vi-sion? There is power in our words, and how awesome it is for the words you create to be an avalanche of hope for a stranger in another town, city, or continent.

When I was in seventh grade, I was moved by the words of one of my classmates. She didn’t know it; but, her words compelled me to ACTION. Immediately, I realized I wanted to have that same influence. I wanted my words to create a positive impact and inspire others in the way her words had inspired me—this was my dream!


Don't Be Afraid Of Change

Things you can do to start the New Year off RIGHT! Give your web site a face lift. Make your home on the web attractive to the eyes of readers. Don’t keep your site stale -- add current information, updates, events, and photos; or create a brand new site! Moving through your web pages should be simple to navigate and not a journey. It is also important to serve your audience with relevant information. Does the content on your site inform, or offers some form of value to readers? Web sites with good content are the sites readers come back to and keep in their favorites.

Don't do the same thing expecting a different result. Authors should always be willing to change. What haven't you done before? Try something NEW.

-Change your marketing approach

-Diversify your marketing plan

-Implement new ideas for the new year

The book promotion process is a difficult one, and there is no one-size-fit-all marketing plan to selling your novel. And while promotional resources are useful and necessary for creating a web presence—promoting this way alone also has its limits. Authors are required to multi-task, which basically means doing more than one thing simultaneously to market your book.

For example, an author might consider doing both a virtual book tour, a traditional book tour, speaking engagements, at the same time also getting assistance from a book promotion service. It is best not to rely on just one way or method of marketing. Authors should also try something they haven’t done before. For example, put up signs around their neighbors about their books. Or they can put their book information on a bumper sticker and place it on their vehicles.

When it comes to selling books, presentation matters; so you must do whatever it is you decide to do to market your books well. If writing is your purpose then do everything to the best of your ability—whether you are writing, public speaking, or engage in other forms of book promotion. Be a person of excellence!

Find marketing tips & articles, resources, awards, contests... on www.author-promotion.com – one of the largest promotional resources for authors on the Internet!




What Authors Should Know

I spoke to Chris Anderson who is the editorial assistant to Booklist. After speaking with him by phone he sent me a link with information on how authors can self-market their books to libraries (the information is provided on Author-Promotion website). Many of the reviewers mentioned on that list including Booklist only provide pre-publication reviews (once your book is out you are no longer qualified for a review). Many libraries nationally look to Booklist and those reviewers mentioned on the list when it comes to buying books. In other words, a good review by them helps your books get into libraries.

It is important for authors to start promoting their books "before" they are published! I’ve provided many resources for authors to make their marketing a tad easier. If you take the time to go through the site daily, read the articles, research, develop a marketing plan… the website should be beneficial to those who really make use of it. Your publisher can provide galleys to reviewers that only review your work before it is published. A galley is a proof of typeset matter especially in a single column before being made into pages.

Any author who has yet to be published should find out from their publishers about providing galleys for review. That way you can add professional reviews from PW, Booklist and others on the back of your book covers. Libraries look to those reviewers in particularly when deciding to order books. How you start off makes a huge difference! Although, all-is-not-lost for authors who are already published. But it does make a difference.


Also read: What is My Purpose!

AUTHOR & BOOK PROMOTION NEW BOOKS:
The Green Bronze Mirror
Drunk for 27 Years
View All Featured Books

What is lunacy? It is for authors to do the same thing over and over and expect a different result.

What is your strategy for success?

Those who aspire to being bestselling authors must have a plan, and their success must be on purpose. You must be strategic and be willing to analyze what works and what is ineffective. The writing industry does not afford you the opportunity of going without direction. And if you don’t know by now, planning how you will promote your book should begin before your book is in print! Authors should research the marketing process ahead of their book’s publication. Book promoting is a game of chess—your moves (decisions) must be contemplated and thought through thoroughly in advance.

Here are ways you can create buzz for your books: (This takes into account that the author has created a good book and is continuing to improve in his/her craft.)

• Be innovative in your marketing approach
• Submit your book to major book awards that provides monetary prizes
• Apply for writing grants
• Submit your book review to prominent book reviewers

The mind is a powerful instrument and can get you what you desire.

It is not about working harder, but being able to promote your book more effectively. The keys to marketing are the abilities of authors in being innovative and their abilities to maximize their exposure (how best authors can generate exposure). Authors must use their imagination to expand their fan base, establish a writing career, or to become a bestselling author. This will require authors using their creativity and their ability to think outside of the box to generate the kind of exposure they desire. For example, author Seth Harwood used free audio podcasts of his novel and built a huge fan base online. His novel is now published with Random House. It is important for authors to also look at nontraditional ways to selling books.

Authors should concentrate on submitting their novels to major book awards; apply for writing grants, and submit their books to prominent reviewers. These suggestions should be implemented throughout your book marketing process. In other words, don’t settle for the small stuff! This is not to say, that you can’t or should never do anything else. But a majority of your time should be spent doing the type of marketing that will give you the best chance to create a book worthy book.

Marketing Myopia: I have said it before and I will probably say it again -- marketing the same way again and again, or marketing too little, is maybe the biggest mistake a business can make.

The point of marketing is to expose new people to your business. But if you continue to market the same way, only the same eyeballs will see your ad. By trying some new tricks, by adopting some low cost shoestring marketing techniques, you ensure that new people will learn about your business.

By Steve Strauss, AOL Small Business

Tips for Aspiring & New Authors



1. Create a marketing plan that includes a budget and your marketing strategy (how you plan to promote your book). Remember to write down your marketing plan.

2. Make it easy for readers to purchase your book on your Web site by adding a direct link to your Amazon page and/or to your bookseller.

Example: www.amazon.com

Not: www.amazon.com


3. Research! You must do your research. How do I submit my book to contests? How do I apply for writing grants? How do I promote my book? How do I find an agent? The Internet can help you find the answers to your questions, so you must spend time researching and learning about the book marketing process.

4. Have long and short terms goals. Why? Goals keep you focus and enable you to accomplish things you wouldn’t otherwise by being aimless. What are your goals for this year? What are your goals a year from now? Be sure your goals are realistic for the time frame you make them.

5. Go Big! Promotional resources are good, but are limited in the exposure it creates. Submit your novel to prominent book reviews: Publisher Weekly, The New York Times Book Review, The Library Journal.... Be sure to contact the appropriate department or person before sending your books.

Follow Me On Twitter
I recently joined twitter and would like to meet some Goodreads friends. I tweet mostly things that are writing related or can be useful to authors. Don Wallace who is a writer/actor/producer and my cousin starred in "Blue", a movie he wrote and produce in 2008. Check out a clip of it on my Twitter page.