Robin Murphy's Blog, page 9
April 23, 2014
Author Exposure – Attend Book Festivals/Workshops/Conferences
These are great venues to take part in for many different reasons. You can easily do a search on any of those key phrases and find countless festivals, book festivals, workshops, and conferences.
Once you have narrowed down a search of festivals, you can get in touch with their appointed contact, usually found on their website, to see what a booth or table space would cost. It doesn’t have to be a book festival for authors, there are always town festivals taking place throughout the year, and if you are able to attend a few, you may be surprised at how many books you sell. Book festivals are a great way to meet other authors, as well as new readers.
If you rent a booth at a festival or table space at an author book festival, you will need to have a few things to showcase your book(s). First you’ll want your business cards, which I have created through VistaPrint, I’ll talk about that shortly, along with bookmarkers, postcards, and even table signs.
I also use a three tier table top book display stand that holds three books in each slot. This won’t take up a lot of space on your table and will easily display your books for view. I also print out an 8.5 x 11 sheet that includes the images of my books, with their synopsis and the price you are selling the books at this particular event, as well as a QR code for each book (explained a little later). My printed books sell retail for $13.95 and $12.95, so I round down to make it easier to use cash instead of dealing with change. I place that sheet in a picture frame, which keeps it protected and it too can easily sit on the table for display.
If space permits, I take along my laptop and run my book trailers (instructions in Chapter Six). It’s amazing when someone walks past as the book trailer reels them in, and this is all you need to begin a dialogue about your books.
I have a great organizer/planner that contains a calendar, place for notes, pen, business cards and also a section that has a zipped compartment that I place my cash to make change. The entire organizer zips shut into a very easy carrying type case that keeps everything together. It’s not big or bulky and I’m able to keep it right in front of me at all times, it even has a little outside case to place my smart phone.
Intuit® GoPayment
Speaking of my smart phone, if you don’t have one, that’s perfectly fine, but once I caught on to using mine, I can’t live without it. Not only am I able to stay on top of emails and communications for my entire author platform, but I have used it to accept credit card purchases. That’s right, I use the Intuit® GoPayment app and it’s amazing. There is also the FourSquare, whichever you choose is fine, I happened to have an account with Intuit® and chose this option.
It’s an amazing tool because the app is free to download and once you login and create an account at their website http://intuit-gopayment.com, they will send you the card reader for free. That’s right, for free
It’s one of the slickest ways to allow anxious readers to purchase your books with their debit or credit card. Let’s face it, it’s the way of the future and a lot of people don’t carry cash. And even if they do have cash specifically for a book festival, they may have spent their last cash transaction at another table, but then they stroll upon your display and really want to purchase your book, but only have a credit card. This just allows another way to make it easier to sell your book(s).
You can access your account through your phone and on a computer. You can even customize a receipt that gets sent to the buyer. You either swipe their card on the card reader, or enter the information manually. Follow their easy instructions to set up your account (i.e. bank account used for the deposit/transaction, etc.). It’s a secure site and I’m very comfortable using it. The fees are minimal and I feel it’s a great added tool to have when you travel.
The last added touch I have on my author table is a candy dish filled with chocolate. It may sound silly, but I have had many folks head for my table specifically for the candy, but once they’re there, I can begin my sales pitch about my books. They may not always buy a book, but there is always that chance you’ll entice them with the book trailer, and then if they use the excuse they’re out of cash, you can continue the sale by showing them the nifty display sign Intuit® sends you stating you accept credit cards. If they still don’t buy a book, you can feel confident that you used every last effort for a sale. Don’t get discouraged, every festival is different and the main point is getting out there, even if you’re shy. You get the opportunity to meet other authors, share ideas and tips, and make new friends.
Attending writer workshops or conferences is another way to network, as well as gain more knowledge about your craft. Again you can do a search for writer’s conferences and/or workshops either in your area or genre. Once you find the right venue, then relish in having the opportunity to meet authors at your level and higher. You never want to turn down the chance to improve in your writing or learn new ways about marketing. Learn more at: RWS
April 6, 2014
Author Book and Book Deal Promotions at RWS
Any authors wishing to promote their books and/or book deals, visit Rookie Writers Solutions (RWS) and submit your information for free.
March 19, 2014
The Creative Side of my Brain
I finally got back to the “creative” side of my brain and began work on the fourth book in my paranormal mystery series. I’ve missed my characters and it was great to see and talk with them again. Not that I minded I was away from them, but there’s something about being able to bring those imaginary ideas and put them to pen.
The reason for my absence was due to this nagging little voice in my head to write a nonfiction book. What, you say? Yes, I will admit I never dreamed I would write a nonfiction book about anything, let alone writing, marketing, and self-publishing. I even argued and laughed at those thoughts, because how could I think I’d have the knowledge to write such a book.
Well, lo and behold, it happened. I tossed those arguments out the window and decided to just casually jot down everything I had learned over the last thirty years, then added my passion…writing, marketing, and self-publishing, and voila…out came A Complete “How To” Guide for Rookie Writers.
Once I started, I couldn’t stop, and then I found myself becoming obsessed to get as much information as I could into this book. Now don’t get me wrong, I questioned myself incessantly about who in the hallelujah did I think I was…writing a book about writing, marketing, and self-publishing. But what wouldn’t let me give up was how I wanted to help any new writer…rookie…begin their dream possibly in an easier fashion than the way I began.
I wanted to share everything I could to help the rookie writer without spending a lot of money, along with using screen shots to show them step-by-step instructions on how to actually do it. I knew it wasn’t gospel, and I certainly believe there are sooo many other books, blogs, websites out there with a wealth of helpful information. I just remembered my frustration when I would come across something and it would state “go out to this link” and then once I did, the information stopped.
So, I truly don’t have a clue if this book will sky rocket to the Top 100 on Amazon, and honestly, I didn’t write it for that reason. If I can help just one person, with one small question, I will have accomplished what I set out to do. It’s a LARGE author community out there, and I do feel we need to stick together. We all have a story to tell, whether it’s fiction or nonfiction, and I have met so many great people along the way that have helped me. I’d like to pay it forward. I hope I achieved that goal with this book.
With that said, I’m having a blast with Marie Bartek & the SIPS team again, they crack me up. So whatever your genre, do it with spunk, passion, and perseverance.
And always remember…Keep on writing…
February 28, 2014
Tips on Writing a Synopsis
From the book: A Complete “How To” Guide for Rookie Writers
This is your “pitch”, your foot in the door description of your article and/or novel that will allow the editor to understand the full concept from beginning to end without further explanation. This will give them a taste of your writing skill and must be as well written as your story. This is a key component for any writer and must be done with all the talent and eloquence you can gather.
How long should your synopsis be? It will depend on the submission guidelines. If they only want 1-2 pages, then that’s what you submit. If they don’t give any specific length, than a good rule to follow is, 1-2 pages per every 50 pages of your manuscript. If you are submitting for an article, no more than one page should be sufficient.
Now the big question…how do I pack a 300 page manuscript into 12 double-spaced pages? Here’s where you get to be creative. The synopsis should read like your novel, telling the story, but just not as wordy. Here are a few tips on how to summarize your novel.
Jot down a list of the ten most important scenes in your story, remembering the strong hook.
List your main characters, those with strong points of view, and try to limit no more than 4-8 characters.
Thread those ten important scenes together, showing focus through point of view and character reactions to what is happening in the story.
Try to build as much tension as you have in your story and eliminate those stale scenes. Be sure to check for active verbs.
Heighten the emotion and include any motivation you may have missed for your characters.
End with a satisfying resolution; they do want to know how the story ends.
Simple is best – don’t try to use the thesaurus to sound fancy or extravagant. Being concise is vital.
Be sure to entertain, all of the fun or fear should be included in your synopsis.
Add tension and focus action through emotion in every scene.
You want to make the editor care for your characters. Even though this may be a fiction story, you want the characters to be believable.
Try to rid your synopsis of clichés and please don’t forget to let the editor know how to reach you. Include your address, phone number, and email.
February 4, 2014
A Complete "How To" Guide for Rookie Writers
January 21, 2014
The Art of BLOGGING – Choose Your Niche – Share Information, Don’t Make it a “Me” Atmosphere
From my book, “A Complete “How To” Guide for Rookie Writers”:
Blogging is such a huge topic and if you were to search “how to blog”, “how to create a blog”, you would find a great deal of information to help you, and I suggest you do this because I believe we learn something every day.
I do believe blogging is a needed tool and it’s a whole new language. There are many platforms, and the largest is WordPress .com and .org. The .com is free and the .org usually comes with a monthly fee. There are others such as, Drupal, Typepad, Blogsmith.
There are pros and cons to using either the free (.com) or paid (.org) versions of WordPress and it’s really up to you on which one you wish to use, both are productive in blogging. Some of the pros going the free route are that it’s free and easy to set up. The technical maintenance, such as upgrades, spam, backups, and security are all taken care of, which is a plus. Your blog will be on hundreds of servers and will remain available under high traffic.
Some of the cons for .com are, although you can choose from over 200+ themes, which you can customize; you won’t be able to upload a custom theme you may have designed. You won’t be able to upload your own plugins, which is a tool that can be added to enhance the blogging performance or provide added features.
Some .org pros would be the ability to upload custom themes, plugins, and have complete control to change the code if you are technically savvy.
A few of the cons for .org is you will need a good web host which can cost you between $5-$12 a month, or much more for a high traffic site. You will need the technical knowledge to set up and run the blog. You will be responsible for stopping the spam, as well as creating and maintaining the backups for your site. When a new update for WordPress is released, you will need to update that version.
For me, I chose the .com of WordPress simply because I am a novice in understanding the mechanics behind running a blog. Plus, I always like when something is free and easy, because let’s face it, we prefer to be writing, don’t we? There are two processes behind blogging, one would be the way you blog on your site and the other is posting or blogging on other sites.
I’d like to first discuss making posts on other blogs. The first step would be to find blogs that cater to your audience, knowledge, or genre of your writing. This can include fiction and nonfiction. Once you have found a blog, please be mindful and actually read what the topic is about and what others have posted. The real art of blogging is to actually care about your blog posts and to create credibility on your part. You do not want to begin “spamming” about yourself when it has nothing to do about the topic.
Leave a comment that is useful for others by sharing links to other helpful blogs, share your own knowledge, and answer any questions that you feel you have information about because we are all out there to help others. This should be your main goal in all of your marketing platforms.
The next part of blogging is how you post on your blog and what type of information you share. Naturally our first instinct is to talk about our books, events, book signings, and reviews, and that’s all well and good, but if you want to increase a following, you really need to share helpful information. Even if you aren’t really sure if you have the knowledge base to post about what you know, then share links of other bloggers who have some great information. If you find a blog that talks about writing a query, leave a comment that you loved reading about this post and ask if it’s okay to share on your blog. Nine times out of ten they won’t have a problem. This is where relationships begin and it will increase your credibility.
Next you’re probably wondering how often you should blog, and that’s entirely up to you, but what I’ve learned over the last several years is that a weekly post works well. You can post more or less depending on how much time you have, but the main thing to do is…post. This is where you can get creative and it gives you another venue in which to write, and that’s always good.
Always be mindful and courteous in your responses, no matter what types of comments are left. You never want to enter into an argument in any area of marketing; it’s just not worth it. But the main thing to do is have fun and enjoy sharing your thoughts and ideas, but have a main focus on what you wish to blog about, and of course, every now and again, post about your new book coming out, because after all, you do want to establish new readers.
December 16, 2013
Twist of Fate
The floor was cold beneath Samantha Prichard’s feet as a draft slipped up between her thighs. She reached the end of the hall and caught her reflection in the window and saw her once long and silky blonde hair matted and faded with streaks of black roots spreading from her scalp.
The long stark silver pole she held onto carried a drip bag of clear liquid flowing through a tube that was attached to her arm by a needle. She hated the pinch it gave her when it pierced her skin. Samantha wouldn’t look at the needle and was glad the taped bandage covered any signs of pain.
Her image startled her as the tears began to glide down over her hollow cheeks. What a funny and strange nightgown she was wearing. She began to laugh uncontrollably and felt a hand lightly touch her arm. Samantha swiftly turned her head and laughed at the woman in white. She hated the color of white and began to pull away.
“Come on now Samantha, it’s time for your dinner. We even have some fun games for you to play as long as you eat everything on your plate.” Karen Lee, the head nurse, calmly wrapped her arm around Samantha and escorted her back down the hall.
Samantha’s brow furrowed. “I don’t like my hair. And my feet are cold.”
“That’s because you took off your booties. You always take off your booties.” Karen held Samantha’s arm and helped her into bed.
“I don’t want to eat. I want to play the games first. Can’t I play the games first?” Samantha firmly folded her arms across her chest and pouted.
“You can play the games after you eat.” Karen wrestled with Samantha and pulled the tray of food over her lap.
Samantha shoved the tray away causing the glass of water to crash to the floor. “I want to play my games first. I don’t want to eat. And I don’t like my hair. And my feet are cold.”
Karen hurriedly picked up the cup and placed it back on the tray. “Samantha, do I need to call the doctor in to give you another shot?”
Samantha froze and fearfully shook her head. “No, no please don’t call the doctor. I don’t like the shots he gives me. I get dizzy and my television spins. Please don’t call the doctor. I’ll eat my dinner. I promise.”
“That’s a good girl. Now you eat all of your food and I promise to bring your games. I’m going to get you some more water.” Karen left the room.
Samantha smiled and picked up the chicken with her fingers. She was allowed to use a fork now because she listened to the doctor and stopped stabbing her legs. But she liked eating with her fingers. It was fun.
Karen returned with a pitcher of water and shook her head. “Samantha, use your fork. You’re dripping gravy down your chin. Let me pour you some more water and please put the chicken down and wipe your face with your napkin.”
“I like when it drips down my face.” Samantha giggled and drank some water.
“Very well, have it your way.” Karen turned toward the slightly balding man who entered the room. “Hello Dr. Bevan, how are you this evening? Samantha isn’t using her fork today.”
Dr. Bevan pushed his wire framed glasses up his nose. “I can see that. Samantha, why don’t you use your fork? Do you remember how we taught you? You don’t want me to have to write that down in my report do you?”
Samantha dropped the chicken and nervously wiped her face. “Oh no Dr. Bevan, please don’t write anything in your report. If you do then they’ll give me a shot. I don’t want a shot. Look I’ll use my fork.”
Dr. Bevan smiled as Samantha picked up her fork. “Thank you Samantha. I do so appreciate you listening.”
Dr. Bevan walked outside the doorway and leaned against the wall. He closed his eyes and held back the tears. He looked down at Samantha’s file and glanced up at Karen. “I can’t believe that only a month ago she was seeing patients and writing prescriptions. She was my colleague for God’s sake.”
Karen warmly patted his arm. “I know and now I’m changing her diaper. Who would have thought the esteemed Dr. Samantha Prichard would be on the receiving end of an antipsychotic drug.”
They both looked into Samantha’s room and then despondently walked down the hall.
November 23, 2013
Marketing 101 – Attend Book Festivals ~ Workshops ~ Conferences
These are great venues to take part in for many different reasons. You can easily do a search on any of those key phrases and find countless festivals, book festivals, workshops and conferences.
Once you have narrowed down a search of festivals, you can get in touch with their appointed contact, usually found on their website, to see what a booth or table space would cost. It doesn’t have to be a book festival for authors, there are always town festivals taking place throughout the year, and if you are able to attend a few, you may be surprised at how many books you sell. Book festivals are a great way to meet other authors, as well as new readers.
If you rent a booth at a festival or table space at an author book festival, you will need to have a few things to showcase your book(s). First you’ll want your business cards, which I have created through VistaPrint, along with bookmarkers, postcards, and even table signs.
I also use a three tier table top book display stand that holds three books in each slot. This won’t take up a lot of space on your table and will easily display your books for view. I also print out an 8.5 x 11 sheet that includes the images of my books, with their synopsis and the price you are selling the books at this particular event, as well as a QR code for each book. My printed books sell retail for $13.95 and $12.95, so I round down to make it easier to use cash instead of dealing with change. I place that sheet in a picture frame, which keeps it protected and it too can easily sit on the table for display.
If space permits, I take along my laptop and run my book trailers. It’s amazing when someone walks past as the book trailer reels them in, and this is all you need to begin a dialogue about your books.
I have a great organizer/planner that contains a calendar, place for notes, pen, business cards and also a section that has a zipped compartment that I place my cash to make change. The entire organizer zips shut into a very easy carrying type case that keeps everything together. It’s not big or bulky and I’m able to keep it right in front of me at all times, it even has a little outside case to place my smart phone.
Speaking of my smart phone, if you don’t have one, that’s perfectly fine, but once I caught on to using mine, I can’t live without it. Not only am I able to stay on top of emails and communications for my entire author platform, but I have used it to accept credit card purchases. That’s right, I use the Intuit® GoPayment app and it’s amazing. There is also the FourSquare, whichever you choose is fine, I happened to have an account with Intuit® and chose this option.
It’s an amazing tool because the app is free to download and once you login and create an account at their website http://intuit-gopayment.com, they will send you the card reader for free. That’s right, for free.
It’s one of the slickest ways to allow anxious readers to purchase your books with their debit or credit card. Let’s face it, it’s the way of the future and a lot of people don’t carry cash. And even if they do have cash specifically for a book festival, they may have spent their last cash transaction at another table, but then they stroll upon your display and really want to purchase your book, but only have a credit card. This just allows another way to make it easier to sell your book(s).
You can access your account through your phone and on a computer. You can even customize a receipt that gets sent to the buyer. You either swipe their card on the card reader, or enter the information manually. Follow their easy instructions to set up your account (i.e. bank account used for the deposit/transaction, etc.). It’s a secure site and I’m very comfortable using it. The fees are minimal and I feel it’s a great added tool to have when you travel.
The last added touch I have on my author table is a candy dish filled with chocolate. It may sound silly, but I have had many folks head for my table specifically for the candy, but once they’re there, I can begin my sales pitch about my books. They may not always buy a book, but there is always that chance you’ll entice them with the book trailer, and then if they use the excuse they’re out of cash, you can continue the sale by showing them the nifty display sign Intuit® sends you stating you accept credit cards. If they still don’t buy a book, you can feel confident that you used every last effort for a sale. Don’t get discouraged, every festival is different and the main point is getting out there, even if you’re shy. You get the opportunity to meet other authors, share ideas and tips, and make new friends.
Attending writer workshops or conferences is another way to network, as well as gain more knowledge about your craft. Again you can do a search for writer’s conferences and/or workshops either in your area or genre. Once you find the right venue, then relish in having the opportunity to meet authors at your level and higher. You never want to turn down the chance to improve in your writing or learn new ways about marketing.
October 24, 2013
A Book Press Release – An Author’s Must Have
One of the things you will need to add to your portfolio or media kit is a press release, along with a professional jpeg image of you and your book cover(s). A press release should contain the name of the title, author, and publisher. Include the ISBN#, size of the book, and the page count, along with the publication date and retail price of the book. If you chose to get a Library of Congress number, please include that, as well the book blurb, excerpts, any reviews you received, and then finally your bio.
Below is an image of my press release for Federal City’s Secret. Be sure to use two excerpts that will create suspense or intrigue to draw anyone into buying your book. Or at least make them curious, right? If you are sending this to a local bookstore, this information could make or break them into purchasing it to sell in their store.
You will also send this to anyone who requests it or just as an added bonus of information when you are reaching out to the local newspaper, libraries, and bookstores.
A Book Press Release – An Author’s Must
One of the things you will need to add to your portfolio or media kit is a press release, along with a professional jpeg image of you and your book cover(s). A press release should contain the name of the title, author, and publisher. Include the ISBN#, size of the book, and the page count, along with the publication date and retail price of the book. If you chose to get a Library of Congress number, please include that, as well the book blurb, excerpts, any reviews you received, and then finally your bio.
Below is an image of my press release for Federal City’s Secret. Be sure to use two excerpts that will create suspense or intrigue to draw anyone into buying your book. Or at least make them curious, right? If you are sending this to a local bookstore, this information could make or break them into purchasing it to sell in their store.
You will also send this to anyone who requests it or just as an added bonus of information when you are reaching out to the local newspaper, libraries, and bookstores.
