Virtual Author Branding: Five Tips

This isn't your mother's publishing industry. These days, we authors sound more like musicians who have long worried about "generating a brand" and "developing a fan base."

Since I've been blogging and micro-blogging (mostly on Twitter and Facebook) for a while, my writing buddies sometimes ask for tips. Here are five basics to keep in mind as you venture into the virtual world to sell your books.

1. Pursue excellence.

Quit whining about publicists or the lack thereof. These days, an author must ta