Book Marketing Maven: Learn How to Use News Releases Effectively

Date: Wednesday, September 23, 2009, 8:52 PM Book Marketing Maven Book Publicity: Learn How to Use News Releases Effectively Posted: 23 Sep 2009 07:35 AM PDT Joan Stewart, The Publicity Hound, offers a terrific free course on how to use news releases effectively. You can sign up to receive a daily lesson by email for 89 days at no charge, or purchase the entire series in ebook format so you don't have to wait three months to get all these great publicity tips. Authors, don't miss this one – in addition getting a wealth of publicity knowledge, you can also get good ideas on how to structure an email-based course and companion ebook of your own.  To create a course such as this, you will need an autoresponder service, which allows you to send automatic emails at specified intervals. Autoresponders are offered by several email marketing companies, including Aweber and MailChimp. Free is the most powerful word in marketing, but many people will pay for the convenience of getting your information immediately in an easy-to-read package, so consider offering an ebook option as well. click links above for sign up! You are subscribed to email updates from Book Marketing Maven

Michigan Literary Network Radio Today hosted by Tracey Frazier with Norma Hollis and Kimberly Hayes Taylor

(click on images for a larger preview) Join Tracey Frazier today (Wednesday September 24, 2009) @ 5pm on The Michigan Literary Network Radio Show (http://blogtalkradio.com/michiganliterarynetwork). Call in or listen at 646-915-9177. Michigan Literary Network Radio Show Every Wednesday @ 5pm You can call in to listen or ask questions at: 646-915-9177. Or visit the show's website and listen online at: http://blogtalkradio.com/michiganliterarynetwork and download the podcast of present and past shows! That's 5pm today (Wednesday). If you miss it, you can always visit the website to listen to older shows. http://blogtalkradio.com/michiganliterarynetwork Today's show sponsor: Today's guest will be Norma Hollis and Kimberly Hayes Taylor! See Below for more information Just released! The Norma T. Hollis / Authentic Path Story   Norma T. Hollis has always listened to the quiet voice within and acted on it—no matter what. From her earliest childhood memories, she had a knowing that hers was a huge purpose to realize during this lifetime. At the same time, Hollis always felt misunderstood by the most influential people around her. She was born with a deeply spiritual perspective of life that was and continues to be different from most.   When she was just eight years old, Hollis, a native of Detroit, Michigan, had a cold that turned into a perforated eardrum and constant ear infections. The only remedy to the ear infections then was the topical application of what she says felt like an acid based solution. This caused traumatic pain for Hollis and led to the use of antibiotics over four decades which resulted in numerous medical problems and multiple surgeries—none of which helped close the hole in her ear.   It was ultimately the spiritual pact that she made with her maternal grandfather, a Baptist minister who prayed over her ear at age nine, that enabled the pain to subside just enough so that Hollis could lead as normal a childhood as possible. Their conversations and his prayer are what helped her see that the ear pain was an indication that there was something greater for her to "listen" to.  This mystical event inspired Hollis to take the first steps on the labyrinth of her Authentic Path.  While the "voice" continued guiding her, those around her were constantly attempting to lead Hollis down safer, familiar, and more traditional roads.   Hollis actually went to college to major in interior design and when her studies required more art than she was willing to learn, the "voice" instructed her to major in early childhood education. Hollis began her first career as director of early childhood programs to champion children's welfare-believing that this was her purpose in life. Even though she continued to excel in this field, including a position where she directed a $10 million program with 31 facilities, she left this safer career track in 1995 to return to her Authentic Path, honor her childhood promise to her grandfather and keep listening to her own self-guidance system.   The idea of moving from child care professional to self-sufficient entrepreneur might have seemed like a huge leap of Faith, yet for Hollis it was a natural step and aligned with her inner voice and her grandfather's prayer. Her first entrepreneurial venture, Speakers Etcetera, a speaker training company which she founded in 1996 and then the first ever Internet directory of black speakers called Black Speakers Online, which she launched in 2000 and expanded into a speakers bureau were, unbeknownst to Hollis,  just more excellent training on the way to her authentic purpose.   Hollis became well known in the public speaking industry and is a largely sought after speaker. She is also highly regarded as a trainer of public speakers and has over 100 "protégés" around the country. Hollis also had the opportunity to personally coach and prepare Omarosa, from the hit Television show "The Apprentice," for an independent speaking career.  Hollis' Authenticity Assessment, which she spent 30 years developing, is often compared to the Myers-Briggs personality test because it gives people a different way to look at themselves, the popularity of the assessment and its effectiveness in helping people and organizations grow.   Many wisdom building years later, Hollis is now totally in her element as an authenticity expert in the field of personal development. She has initiated an Authenticity MovementTM and is teaching others around the country about the largely misunderstood, yet life changing value of authenticity.  To this day, her pursuit of clarity and truth continues to motivate Hollis in all of her endeavors, which in turn inspires everyone she encounters. Hollis is most often compared to Maya Angelou and Tony Robbins for her dynamic speaking style, passion, charisma, originality and depth.  Not only is Hollis an excellent speaker, she is a "world class" intuitive listener as well.   Norma Hollis resides in Los Angeles, where she finds solace in between constant travel to major U.S. cities speaking about authenticity.  She says she now "has all of the pieces to her puzzle together" and is passionately doing exactly what she is here to be doing. In addition to being an author, speaker and teacher, Hollis is a Labyrinth facilitator who has led thousands of people from around the U.S. on their own personal vision quests.      www.NormaHollis.com Kimberly Hayes Taylor is a speaker, author and health writer for The Detroit News. She has been a reporter at several other newspapers including the Minneapolis Star Tribune, The Hartford Courant, USA Today and the Louisville Courier-Journal. Her work, translated into other languages, has appeared in newspapers around the world and in national magazines including Charisma and Black Enterprise. She played with children living in displaced persons camps in Darfur, Sudan, watched a woman take her last breaths to document a rural family's struggle with AIDS and ran into a stampede to cover the Atlanta Olympic bombing. She experienced castle dungeons in Ghana, West Africa, where people were held captive months before being placed into slavery, survived a gang shootout and spent the night in a crack building where an old woman's body was found stuffed in a cardboard box.  Taylor's investigative reporting impacts society. For example, when she exposed the Detroit Department of Health's failure to stem a syphilis epidemic despite years of warnings by the Centers for Disease Control, people were fired, the department was reorganized and newborns stopped dying from the disease. An investigation into the Detroit Department of Transportation's failure to serve people with disabilities resulted in a new fleet of buses with working wheelchair ramps, changing the lives of people who struggled with mobility. Her work has been honored with Pulitzer Prize nominations and many national awards. She is the author of "Black Civil Rights Champions" (Oliver Press), "Black Abolitionists and Freedom Fighters" (Oliver Press) and "Fish Lips," (Funny Face Publishing) and co-author of "Ready, Set, Success" (Life Changers International) and the 2008 edition of "Who's Who of Black Detroit" (Who's Who Publishing). Taylor, also an award-winning speaker, has inspired thousands of elementary, middle, high school and college students around the nation. She is founder and CEO of The Fruition Factory, and creator of "Fish Lips," a self-esteem workshop for young women. She speaks to many audiences about journalism, including educating public relations professionals about improving relationships with the media in her seminar, "Stupid Mistakes Publicists Make." Besides documenting the slave trade in Ghana and exploring the war-torn Darfur region of Sudan, Taylor, has had adventures in the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, France, Spain, Belgium, Germany, Bermuda, the Netherlands, Gilbraltar, the West Indies, Mexico and Canada. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications from Morehead State University.  She is a Notable Kentucky African Americans and in Who's Who Among African Americans. She lives in Detroit, Michigan. Michigan Literary Network Radio Show Every Wednesday @ 5pm You can call in to listen or ask questions at: 646-915-9177. Or visit the show's website and listen online at: http://blogtalkradio.com/michiganliterarynetwork and download the podcast of present and past shows! That's 5pm today (Wednesday). If you miss it, you can always visit the website to listen to older shows. http://blogtalkradio.com/michiganliterarynetwork Today's show sponsor:

What's Next for AMP

AMC2009 Was Awesome! Thank You. Help sustain Allied Media Projects: CLICK HERE TO DONATE We are still riding on the excitement of the 2009 AMC weekend. Thank you to all of the 2009 AMC volunteers, presenters, sponsors, donors and advisors for their generous contributions of time, energy and resources. Thank you to all of the people who held spelling bees, happy hours, dance parties, slumber parties, SPEAK CD listening parties, pancake breakfasts, empanada bake sales, weekly brunches, art auctions, car washes, acupuncture benefits, and countless other grassroots fundraisers that made it possible for so many more people to participate in the AMC this year. We've posted a little recap of the conference over at the AMC2009 website. Look out for a relaunched website this Fall. Read below to learn about what's next for Allied Media Projects (AMP) and how you can support. What's next? Here in Detroit, we're finding ways to make the energy of the AMC last all year-round by offering trainings and facilitating partnerships with local organizations. We're building a media lab in our office, modeled after the fabulous one we have during the AMC. In the coming months, this lab will host a video training with the East Michigan Environmental Action Coalition; a computer-building / family restoration project with the Hush House in Northwest Goldberg, Detroit; and meetings for the newly-emerging Detroit Digital Justice Coalition, which formed out of the A Healthy Digital Ecology: Creating a community vision for federal Internet funding session at the AMC. Looking further into the future, we want to use the AMP media lab in Detroit as a hub through which more projects can converge and cross-pollinate. We hope it will provide an opportunity to bring non-Detroiters back to town throughout the year to keep exchanging skills and knowledge with local organizations. Right now, we need to lay a solid foundation for this exciting new work. We need to: buy equipment pay rent pay media trainers With just a little bit of love from all the people on this mailing list, we can make it happen. If you went home from the AMC with hope for the future, please consider investing $20 or more in the future of AMP. If you send us $10 we'll send a beautiful al.iqaa original design thank you card If you send us $20 or more we'll send you a CREATE / CONNECT / TRANSFORM poster for your decorating pleasure. If you can, please send a higher amount to help sustain AMP as we launch new programs. All donations to AMP are tax-deductible! CLICK HERE TO DONATE. Please also send us your feedback, ideas and anecdotes about how the AMC is impacting your work. That is also very valuable. As we move full-speed towards the summer of 2010 in Detroit (with the AMC and US Social Forum back-to-back), there are a lot of possibilities unfolding. Look out for more updates coming soon! The AMC is organized by Allied Media Projects and is made possible through grants from Nathan Cummings Foundation, Media Justice Fund of the Funding Exchange, Surdna Foundation, Media Democracy Fund, and the sponsorship of Consumers Union, Oakland University Dept. of Communication & Journalism, Media & Democracy Coalition, Free Press, Center for Urban Innovation, INCITE!, Prometheus Radio Project, Young Women's Empowerment Project, Funders Collaborative on Youth Organizing, Media Action Grassroots Network, Great Lakes Urban Exchange, Progressive Communicators Network, Community Media Workshop, Women's Media Equity Collaborative and the National Writers Union.

ARTICLE: Twitter for Meeting Planners: How to Make It Work for You

http://www.thespeakersgroup.com/blog/tag/how-to-use-twitter-to-promote-events/ First, ground rules… The purpose of this blog post is not to answer the question: "What is Twitter?" (Wikipedia offers a pretty good introduction, if that's what you're looking for. Also, check out Chris Brogan's "Newbies Guide to Twitter.") Rather, the purpose of this post is to answer the question, "Does Twitter work for meeting planners?" (Yes.) And if so, how? I am by no means a social media guru (that's Brogan, above), but having worked with meeting planners for nearly 10 years and being a Web 2.0 enthusiast, I'm happy to offer some insights into how you can benefit from including this popular tool in your event management toolbox. Before getting to the "Does Twitter work for meeting planners?" question, maybe you're asking a broader question: "Does Twitter work for business?" The answer to that, I believe, is in this BusinessWeek feature that highlights some top CEOs who use Twitter – including the likes of Tony Hsieh of Zappos, Michael Hyatt of Thomas Nelson, and Jonathan Schwartz of Sun Microsystems – and this list of some huge brands using Twitter for business – including Dell, Starbucks, JetBlue and Ford, among others. These are just the early adopters. READ MORE AT: http://www.thespeakersgroup.com/blog/tag/how-to-use-twitter-to-promote-events/

Brian Jud's free webinar tonight -- How to Sell More Books Before Dec 31

High Content -- no "selling"   You don't even have to pay for the phone call if you use your computer speakers   Sell More Books in the Fourth Quarter Holiday Period The economy may be down, but your books sales can go up - if you do the right things. Start now to sell more books during the October - December Holiday buying period.  In this webinar you will discover tips and actions that you can do today to maximize your sales and profits before the end of the year. Tonight at 6:00 pm Eastern time Sign up at https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/568292288      Don't miss this one next week: How to Negotiate More Profitably With Special-Sales Buyers Selling books to non-bookstore buyers is not difficult if you know how to do it. In this webinar you will discover a step-by-step system to find the names of people to contact, prepare for the sales call, make your presentation and negotiate the sales. This webinar is designed for the author or publisher that wants to sell directly to prospective buyers..                              Next Thursday, September 24 at 6:00 pm Eastern time                          Sign up at https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/911487657     Brian Jud now offers commission-only sales to buyers in special markets. For more information contact Brian at P. O. Box 715, Avon, CT  06001; (860) 675-1344; Fax (860) 270-0343; brian@premiumbookcompany.com or go to www.premiumbookcompany.com     Forward email

BOOK INTRO: YOU'RE PUBLISHED - Now What?

YOU'RE PUBLISHED...Now What? By Denise Rosier          ISBN-10: 0974226971 ISBN# 978-0-9742269-7-2 Universal Write Publications    Click on the book to purchase   Since the publishing market opened up for anyone with a story to tell and a few extra dollars, authors have come to realize that they too would like to take a shot at the publishing lottery, where if you hit, you could possibly make millions.  Lucky.  Meaning essentially that, PREPARATION meets OPPORTUNITY equal SUCCESS.   So you get lucky and hit the jackpot with a book that's right on target, falls into a marketing trend, deals with an issue that is a current event or hot topic in society, you then laugh all the way to the bank.  Your hard work in putting a book together paid off, and if you are really SAVVY, you may decide to put away some of the rewards in some sort of secure investment as discussed further in this book.   However, if your book does not cash out, you could lose just as much, or even more including your enthusiasm and desire to move forward. If that happens, you are left most likely with storage fees for books you may end up giving away to friends and family.   What's the point of that?   Sure you don't mind giving away a few books, but not the entire kitten caboodle.    You have published a book.  That means you understand the intricacies and determination and rigors that goes into getting a book published.  It's not as easy as you thought, was it? Of course not!  So why just give up? Why allow your hard work, your story and most importantly, your hard earned dollars to sit on the shelf and simmer, when instead, you can get out there, beat the pavement like so many authors before you and make some money while getting your opinion out in the world.  Worse case scenario, you at least break even with your self esteem in tact.   You had an idea or story; you got the printer and book designer and graphic artist.  You even got the editor.  Your book is typeset, the ISBN is on and it's even available for sale on Amazon.com.  Kudos!   There is just one thing missing.  No one knows who you are, what your book is about or even that it's available.  That's where You're Published...Now What? Come in.   Time waits for no man and the trend and appeal to books and subject matters in our society change quite often.  You need to hit the pavement running.  You are now armed with some of the trendiest and effective marketing secrets out there that will help you take your book to the readers and those who will help you reach your ultimate goal, which is to be on Oprah.  Hey, it never hurts to dream.  I am right there with you.  But first things first.   Let's get you marketed.       Denise Rosier  - Website   Introduce your book to our readers - http://sormag.com/advertise.htm Forward email

Author's Tip Sheet - How to Work With the Print Media

 By Pam Perry

Follow these 12 steps and you'll see yourself in print - OFTEN. 

1. Get newsworthy info into the hands of the media. Make a habit of sending out releases on a regular basis about your events, special speakers, or anything impacting the community at large. Use a media directory or "Google" on the web to find names and contact information.

2. Get to know the beat of reporters of the daily and weekly newspapers. Position yourself with them as an accessible and reliable source and a key authority to be featured in future stories.

3. Read the dailies, weeklies! Respond to articles where you can take a stand on an issue while branding your book by writing a "Letter to Editor" or an "Op Ed" - Opinion Editorial.

4.Send out media releases for really intriguing or fascinating human interest stories by using news wire services. Wire services get wider distribution and can be picked up by national media via the web.

5. Place ads in local newspapers and monthly magazines. Have the ads consistent with your other marketing materials.
6. Become a regular advertiser in at least one publication. You build brand equity with that audience by advertising in one publication. They learn to trust you. Purchase ads in souvenir program books like the NAACP or SCLC to show your commitment to the community.

7. Feature bold graphics and a lot of white space in your newspaper and magazine ads. Keep copy to a minimum. Steer people to your web site. Color commands attention and adds impact. It also gets better ad placement in newspapers.

8. Supply media with well-written and professionally developed press kits. Include press releases (the who, what, when, where, how and why), fact sheets, bios, photo, brochure, annual reports and news clips. Suggest a story idea in the cover letter. Use the industry format for releases to improve your chances of gaining publicity.

9. Expect very little communication back from editors. They are very busy every day with tons of lead for stories. Assign an intern or team member to follow up by phone, email, or both.

10. Read any and all publications you can. Note stories that deal with issues important to your ministry. Add that reporter to your media contact list to send them future releases. The best media lists are the ones you personally create and are familiar with the reporter's work and style.

11. Send out thank you notes to reporters who feature you in stories. They will remember your personal touch and will keep you in mind as a good source in the future.

12. Assign a photographer to take photos at ALL events where you are participating. Releasing the photos to the media after an event is called Post-Publicity. Send the photo with a brief description of the event.

Identify the people in the photo with a label on the back. Realize that newspapers always need good photos. Most black newspapers love to chronicle events in the community.

Ministry marketing pioneer and PR Coach Pam Perry helps African American Christian authors garner publicity and leverage online strategies. As a 20-year PR veteran, she is also the co-author of "Synergy Energy: How to Use the Power of Partnerships to Market Your Book, Grow Your Business and Brand Your Ministry." For a free MP3 of "What Every Author Should Know," go to http://www.PamPerryPR.com/. She's also the creator of the ChocolatePagesNetwork, a social network for Christian authors and the Chocolate Pages Show at Blogtalk radio. She offers free help at her blogsite: http://www.MinistryMarketingSolutions.com/ with her monthly Ezine and teleclasses. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pam_Perry

Attend the Book Mix & Mingle at the Essence of Motown Literary Conference and Jam November 13 - 15, 2009

 http://essenceofmotown2009.eventbrite.com 

Download the book that will help you understand your journey on the Internet. ONLY $5!