Interview With Muze – of Muze’s Musings

(Muze’s Musings is the title of Nikki Leigh’s blog and a column in Book Promo 101)

In my latest release – Book Promo 201: Harness the Power of the Internet with Web 2.0 and Social Media Marketing, there are tips interspersed throughout the book in the Muze’s Musings column. That element of Book Promo 201 is what inspired the title for Nikki’s blog – http://www.muzesmusings.blogspot.com/. I thought it would be fun for others to get to know Muze a bit better. First, he is a real cat and that is his picture in the book. At the moment I’m writing this, he is lying about 4 feet from my computer and he is sprawled out on a stuffed bear. It looks like a very comfortable place to “meditate” and sleep. There’s a picture of Muze with the bear on the blog. (Parts of this interview were written before Book Promo 201 was released.)

I do have another cat, Shadow, who has been with me for almost seven years. He’s a bobtail cat and spoiled rotten. Actually, they are both spoiled rotten – but most cats I’ve ever met are spoiled. Muze came to live with me 2 years ago and he was about 7 weeks old at the time. So, he’s been with me almost his whole life. I got him right after I started freelancing fulltime, so he’s used to having me home most of the time. He gets upset when I go to the grocery store – isn’t it great to be missed?

Muze spends much of the day curled up beside me. There are mornings when I turn on the laptop and Muze hears the Windows music when the computer is starting up, he runs through the house and gets settled beside the computer. If I don’t start working soon, he starts “talking” to me. He knows it’s time to start working. Muze is actually very shy and he even hides from my family. Although, he is starting to come out from under the bed when dad and mom drop by. I’ve taken off for a week and had friends or my aunt feed Shadow and Muze and they all insist that they never saw Muze the whole time I was gone. One day maybe he’ll be more friendly, but for now Shadow and I get his full attention. Well, he also gives the birds outside my house a lot of attention, but they come up on the deck and tease my cats. They love to rest by the back door and the birds sit in the trees in my back yard and on the deck rail. It gets very animated late in the day.

I’m going to talk with Muze and see what he has to say. If anyone has questions for him, feel free to send them to me and I’ll include them on the blog (nikki_leigh22939 at yahoo.com).

NIKKI – Good morning, Muze. How are you this morning?

MUZE – I’m just relaxing stretched out on the bear and looking out the window. It’s rainy and cool, so there aren’t any squirrels running around in the flower beds this morning.

NIKKI – You do look really comfortable. The weather is supposed to clear up soon, so the squirrels and the birds should be back soon.

MUZE – That sounds good. What are you working on this morning?

NIKKI – I’m taking a break from working on scheduling Dyan Garris’ next virtual book tour and I’m writing an article about you.

MUZE – (he sits up very straight and proud) You’re writing about ME. Sounds like an interesting topic.

NIKKI – That’s my Muze. I told the readers that you have a column in Book Promo. Do you want to tell them what is included in that part of the book?

MUZE – Muze’s Musings is named for me and it’s a place where I share promotional tips and tidbits with you. Nikki had many authors and some business people contribute some of their promotional experiences and that was a great part of the book. But, I’m her writing assistant and it’s so great that she decided to give me a column. I really like that she used that name for her blog.

NIKKI – Do you pick on Shadow that he doesn’t have a blog named after him?

MUZE – No, not yet. I might save that for one day when he’s picking on me about something. I really think he would be jealous and you know, we’re really good friends… most of the time.

NIKKI – I think he would be jealous too. I’m thinking about including him in Book Promo 201 – so he will have his own column. Don’t you think that’s fair?

MUZE – I guess it would be fair – to him.

NIKKI – Don’t worry, you’ll still be there.

MUZE – That would be all right – just don’t leave me out.

NIKKI – Muze, how could I leave you out? It’s so cute that you curl up beside me and rest your head on my leg when I’m working. I have noticed that you get kind of insistent when I’m on the phone.

MUZE – I know you have to talk with clients and I understand you have a radio show on Monday afternoons, but I wish you could play with me while you’re on the phone.

NIKKI – I’ll try to do better. Just be patient when I’m on the computer making notes or writing notes while I’m on the phone. I only have 2 hands, but I know that you need attention on a very regular basis.

MUZE – I’m glad to hear that you understand I need regular attention. So, when are you going to write another novel? I like that because you stay in one place for hours at a time and I can curl up beside you and especially on a cold day.

NIKKI – I need to find time to finish Book Promo 201 and a couple of short stories. The promotional services business is starting to do pretty well and coordinating tours is taking a lot of my time. But, you enjoy sleeping next to me while I spend hours searching for blogs for tours.

MUZE – That’s true. Anything you’re working on that keeps you on the computer works out pretty good for me. It’s nice that Shadow prefers to sleep in boxes – that makes it easier for me to nap next to you.

NIKKI – I’m glad you took a break from your nap to talk with me. Is there anything else you would like to tell people?

MUZE – I want them to make sure they check out the Muze’s Musings sections in Book Promo and send cards and letters and emails to make sure that I’m in Book Promo 201. My fans will save me.

NIKKI – Muze, you’re a mess. You will be in the book and I hope that you will be with me for a long time.

MUZE - I’m pretty easy, let me curl up beside you to sleep, scratch my neck when I tug on your arm, feed me, leave the water dripping in the tub so I can get a drink and we don’t need to talk about the litter box. I forgot, you need to promise to protect me from Shadow when he is mean to me.

NIKKI – I can do all those things – but you remember that I protect you when Shadow is being mean. If you tease him and he strikes back, the rules change.

MUZE – I know – but usually I’m innocent. Seriously, to everyone reading this – Book Promo

101 is packed full of great promotional information, lots of review questions to get you to dig deeper to learn more and of course, my tips are invaluable. I hope you will all take a chance to learn more about the book, I hear the details are on Nikki’s website www.nikkileigh.com/book_promo_101.htm. I can’t wait to see what great information I can share in Book Promo 201 and 202. I better get started on that before she talks to Shadow. It’s been fun, but I need to get back to work or she might replace me.

NIKKI – Come on Muze, how could I possibly replace you.

MUZE – Purrrrrrr

Muze - overseeing my files :)

Promo 201 is Off to the Printer

Just a quick note to let you know that the completed manuscript for Book Promo 201: Harness the Power of the Internet with Web 2.0 and Social Media Marketing is OFF TO THE PRINTER. We made a small change to the cover at the last minute that I think will look great :) Will definitely post more info when the book is available.

Nikki

Book Promo 201: Harness the Power of the Internet with Web 2.0 and Social Media Marketing

To be notified when Book Promo 201 is available - send Nikki your address --

Name: Email:

Are You Interested in Promotional Articles?

I'm working to build a new website that I'm looking forward to unveiling and I also have a blog where I've posted about 100 promotional articles and tips. I'd like to invite you to come take a look

http://promo101articles.blogspot.com/

I am also happy to let you know that this blog won the Preditor's and Editor's award for best non fiction articles. Drop by and take a look :)

Nikki Leigh

Would Appreciate Your Vote If You Have a Minute TODAY

Just a quick note to ask if you have a minute or two to place a vote for me. Wednesday January 14th is the last day to vote. Preditor & Editors has a yearly competition for authors and my promotional articles and the blog are currently in 2nd place. This is the link if you would like to vote for me -
http://www.critters.org/predpoll/nonfiction.shtml

To vote - click the dot beside Book Promo 101 and then enter your name and email at the bottom of the page. You will receive an email, confirm that and your vote is complete.

This is the blog if you would like to take a look - http://promo101articles.blogspot.com/. Feel free to stick around and read some articles. I also plan to use this blog to add other promotional articles and also to post information which will be an addition to the promotional tips in Book Promo 201: Learn to Promote Using Web 2.0 which I hope will be out later this winter. Trust me, you will hear about the release when its ready to order.

Thank you very much to everyone that takes the time to vote for me :)

Nikki Leigh

New Posts on My Promotional Blogs

This is post #300. Who would've thought it :)

I have quite a few promotional blogs where I created interviews for authors to help them promote their books. The full list is at http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/04/free-promomtional-options-for-author.html. If you would like to use these to promote any of your books - feel free to read this post for a full list of the links and for instructions.

This week I posted the following interviews and chapters -- enjoy :)

http://startatbeginning.blogspot.com/2008/12/starquest-by-hywela-lyn.html

http://startwithfacts.blogspot.com/2008/12/kindred-spirits-by-marilyn-meredith.html

http://shareyourheroine.blogspot.com/2008/12/meet-marilyn-merediths-heroine-from.html

http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com/2008/12/promotional-interview-with-lisa-burke.html

http://detailwithnikkileigh.blogspot.com/2008/12/in-detail-with-russell-vassallo.html

http://judgebookbycover.blogspot.com/2008/12/katana-duet-samurais-forbidden-love-by.html

http://badguysandvillains.blogspot.com/2008/12/witch-hunts-on-internet-by-yvonne-walus.html

I'm starting to run out of interviews to post -- hint, hint :)

Nikki Leigh

Getting A Lot Done Over the Holidays

Just had to drop in for a minute to let you know what I've been doing :) I'm getting so many things done that I wanted to do - but couldn't find the time.

I have a blog that was created just to promote my novel - Lilah and the Locket (http://outerbankslilah.blogspot.com) and it generates hits on my website every month. But I wanted a blog where I could blog about the next book in the series - you're welcome to take a look and get a sneak peak at my next novel - http://capehatterasseries.blogspot.com

I also have wanted to move the author promotional interviews to a new blog and since I learned how to export and import blog content on Blogger -- its very easy and quick -- that gave me the perfect tool to move those interviews - http://authorpromotion.blogspot.com/

Then, I've noticed that there will be many things that I want to add to Book Promo 201 - but that would hold up the release of the book forever - so what about creating a blog where I can post new things as I discover them. The blog will be a great follow up resource for people who buy either of my books and could entice people to buy the books in the future :) This blog will contain my promotional articles, some announcements and follow up promotional tips and articles -- http://promo101articles.blogspot.com/

Next - I need a blog to promote the Misty Cove Series -- will keep you posted about that one.

Nikki Leigh

Book Promo 201 by Nikki Leigh

Book Promo 201 is the second book in my Book Promo series and I'm thrilled (almost beyond words) to say the draft of the manuscript is complete. Now, I am going through the manuscript to fill in some gaps and to figure out what is missing.

I started this book last November and made great progress, but then I started to have a new vision for the book and over the last year, I've deleted over 50,000 words from the manuscript. But, finally, I'm happy with the topics and the content.

I can't wait to get this to my publisher, so I'm working on the editing every chance I get and will certainly post a message when the completed manuscript goes to my publisher :)

Nikki Leigh

PS - This picture is the one I hope to crop and use for the cover :) I took it near Hatteras Inlet on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. It was taken with a couple of days of the picture that we used for the cover of Book Promo 101 :)

One Minute Coach by Masha Malka - SPECIAL OFFER NOVEMBER 12th

I'm posting this a little early, but its a great book and a great offer, so I wanted to make sure folks got a chance to hear about her campaign. Any questions, let me know. The link to my review and the radio interview I did with her are at the bottom of the message.

Shri


I believe with all my heart people have the power to achieve amazing things in their life. I also believe many people may WANT to achieve something, yet, for countless reasons - do not. More times than not, they don't realize how very simple it really is to achieve their dreams.

My friend and colleague, Masha Malka, has written a book that addresses the very reasons why people stop themselves from being all they can be and enjoying the success they dream of. Her newest book, The One Minute Coach; change your life one minute at a time, is perfect for anyone who is ready to discover how to build the kind of life they want.

Masha shares powerful information that took her from complete exile at the age of 17 to now enjoying a successful business and a fulfilling home life. Find out her formula for fulfilling your dreams in The One Minute Coach; change your life one minute at a time.

Today, November 12th, Masha has gathered together leading authors and experts to show you new ways to transform your life like never before. You have the opportunity in THIS moment, to learn from 87 incredible authors, speakers, entrepreneurs and coaches as well as some modern day luminaries Wayne Dyer, Chris and Janet Atwood, Ken Foster, and me. We are here to help you live the best life you possibly can.

If you, or someone you know, is ready to make some breakthrough changes in your personal and professional life like never before do yourself a favor and read more about Masha Malka's book, The One Minute Coach; change your life one minute at a time.

http://mashamalka.com/bookpromotion/

On a personal note, I would love to share my review of Masha's book. Its located here - http://muzesmusings.blogspot.com/2008/1 ... malka.html. I also did an interview with Masha on my radio show yesterday and you are welcome to listen or download a copy for yourself - www.blogtalkradio.com/nikkileigh/2008/1 ... asha-Malka.

In success,

Shri Henkel

P.S. Getting your copy, your gifts and a jumpstart on your goals is just a click away.

P.P.S. When you buy the book today, you are helping two very worthy organizations and getting 91 gifts for yourself.

P.P.P.S. I know you know lots of people who would love to get the book and enjoy all the bonus gifts. Why not share this message with them so they too, can begin to enjoy The One Minute Coach; change your life one minute at a time as soon as possible and receive all the wonderful bonus gifts.

http://mashamalka.com/bookpromotion/

Nikki Leigh Interviews Nationally Known Political Analyst – Earl Ofari Hutchinson on the Eve of the Presidential Election

Your Questions Answered on Promo 101 (BlogTalkRadio)

Nikki Leigh talks with Dr Hutchinson about the unique aspects of this historic presidential election. Promo 101 tackles the tough questions in this election and takes a look at the part race played in this election and elections throughout the 21^st century. Author and political analyst, Earl Ofari Hutchinson shares his thoughts and answer questions. He will also talk about his book The Ethnic Presidency: How Race Decides the Race to the White House. This book was released in February 2008 and he predicted many of the things that happened throughout the election process. This show airs Monday November 3^rd, 2008 at 3 p.m. Eastern. The call in number is (347) 215-8201.

Questions about this historic election and how this election process has been similar to past elections will be the focus of BlogTalkRadio’s “Promo 101 – Create and Promote” (http://blogtalkradio.com/nikkileigh) with host Nikki Leigh on Monday, November 3, 2008, at 3:00 p.m. Eastern. The show will feature nationally recognized author and political analyst Earl Ofari Hutchinson and the show welcomes calls from listeners.

Callers are welcome to join the conversation during the show by calling (347) 215-8201. The live, Internet talk-radio show will stream from the host page at http://blogtalkradio.com/nikkileigh. “Our host and guest will welcome ideas and discussion from listeners during the live show.”

An archive of the show will be available at the same link immediately following the show or listeners can subscribe to the archives via the RSS feed located on the host page. Read more about the host and the discussion at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/nikkileigh/2008/11/03/Nikki-Leigh-Talks-Politics-with-Earl-Ofari-Hutchinson.

About Earl Ofari Hutchinson

Earl Ofari Hutchinson has written extensively for many major newspapers. He is the National Political Writer for New America Media and he contributes regularly to the Huffington Post and BlackAmericaWeb.com. He has been interviewed about politics and race on a wide variety of television shows and is a guest analyst on a number of shows. For full details about Mr Hutchinson’s book – The Ethnic Presidency: How Race Decides the Race to the White House – visit http://www.amazon.com/Ethnic-Presidency-Decides-White-House/dp/1881032256 . Mr Hutchinson is available for interviews, discussions, debates and analysis of topics related to politics and race. He can be contacted at: 323-296-6331 or 323-383-6145 or by email hutchinsonreport@aol.com.

About “Promo 101 – Create and Promote”

“Promo 101 – Create and Promote” is an interactive, live Internet talk-radio show that focuses on hot topics with a wide range of authors and business people. Host Nikki Leigh is an award winning fiction and non fiction author. She is also a publicist and she owns Promo 101 Virtual Blog Tours. For more information about Nikki Leigh and her promotional services, visit www.nikkileigh.com. Callers are encouraged to call (347) 215-8201 to listen or ask questions. The stream and archives are available at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/nikkileigh. The show is live every Monday afternoon – usually at 3 pm EST/ 12 noon Pacific. The show is hosted on BlogTalkRadio.

Press Contact

Nikki Leigh – Author and Publicist

Promo 101 Virtual Blog Tours

Nikki@nikkileigh.com

New Review for Book Promo 101

I just received a review for Book Promo 101 from Lillian Brummet and it is posted on my book review site :) This is the link - http://nikkisreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/i-will-put-out-that-this-review-was.html

Nikki Leigh

Book Promo 101 by Nikki Leigh - USA Best Book Awards

I got this information this morning -

Book Promo 101 is an Award-Winning Finalist in the Business-Writing category of the National Best Books 2008 Awards, sponsored by USA Book News

Just had to share the news.

Nikki Leigh

Virtual Blog Tours & Use Web 2.0 to Sell More Books Part Two

Monday September 22 –

Susan has written a guest post for http://murderby4.blogspot.com/

Today is the first day of a four day event with Joyce Anthony. Joyce Anthony features information about Susan Wingate and Bobby’s - http://joyceanthony.tripod.com/blog/

Winton is being hosted by http://www.scottfox.com

Nikki Leigh and Michelle Price share Week Two of a four week teleseminar series about Using Web 2.0 to Sell More Books - www.blogtalkradio.com/nikkileigh - Call-in Number: (347) 215-8201 - 5 pm EST

Winton Churchill will be featured in the Self Growth Self Improvement newsletter this week – visit www.selfgrowth.com to subscribe to the newsletter.

For the most up to date information for all tours, visit www.virtualblogtour.blogspot.com

Nikki Leigh – Award winning Author & Publicist

Book Promo 101 - http://www.nikkileigh.com
Follow Me on Twitter - www.twitter.com/litekepr

"Ask Nikki Leigh" - Answering Your Promotional Questions

I've thought it would be fun to be an advise columnist for years. But, I would have to do that under an unknown identity :) Today, it hit me that it might be fun to add a promotional advise column to my Muze's Musings blog. So, I want to extend an invitation to people to send me their questions about writing, publishing and especially promoting. Once I start getting regular questions, I'll feature one or two on my radio show - Book Promo 101 - Write, Publish and Promote. Seems like that could all work together.

So, I invite you to send me your writing, publishing and promoting questions. But, I need to give you give you two warnings -

1 - I reserve the right to chose which ones to answer - and when to answer them
2 - I reserve the right to give you an honest answer - I should mention that I can sometimes be blunt, but I will make every effort to be kind and I will make an effort to make all the answers helpful.

The good news - I will leave the comment option on my blog and I invite others to share their thoughts. If the Ask Nikki idea really takes off, I'll move it to another blog. For now, the questions and answers will be posted at www.muzesmusings.blogspot.com and please submit your questions to AskNikkiLeigh@gmail.com That is the address for your questions. I look forward to hearing what people want to learn more about.

Nikki Leigh --- Send questions to ---- AskNikkiLeigh@gmail.com

Book Promo 101 - http://www.nikkileigh.com
Follow Me on Twitter - www.twitter.com/litekepr
Nikki Leigh Promotional Services - www.nikkileigh.com/promo.htm

Nikki Leigh Interviews Publisher and Author Arline Chase

Nikki Leigh interviewed Arline Chase on Book Promo 101 Talk Radio on Monday September 2. We had the opportunity to talk about her work as a publisher, some do’s and don’ts for writers and tips for submitting your work to a publisher. We also had the chance to talk about her latest book which was released yesterday. The title is Spirit of Wind and it is the third book in her spirit series. For more information or to listen to the show, visit www.blogtalkradio.com/nikkileigh.

On September 9th, best selling mystery author Doug Cummings is scheduled to discuss his latest book- Every Secret Crime. Doug began his 25 year broadcasting career as a TV investigative reporter before discovering his passion for the immediacy of news-radio. He worked as an anchor, reporter and talk-show host in Kansas, Missouri and Illinois before settling in Chicago. You can visit www.blogtalkradio.com/nikkileigh to set a reminder for future shows.

Nikki Leigh

Book Promo 101 - http://www.nikkileigh.com
Follow Me on Twitter - www.twitter.com/litekepr
Nikki Leigh Promotional Services Can Help YOU
www.nikkileigh.com/promo.htm

Use an Open Mind in Your Promotion

Three qualities that effective book promotion requires, include:

An open mind
Curiosity
Creativity

These traits will help you search for ways to improve your approach, your promotion, your website and more. You need to always be looking for ways to improve. Potential readers, book stores and other will usually respond to useful input from you. This doesn’t mean everything you suggest will be a valuable nugget of information.

Authors Need An Open Mind in Book Promotion

Remember that we never know where the best promotional ideas will originate. Give people the chance to share their thoughts and suggestions. This is when you need to keep an open mind. Once you consider the idea, decide if you can use the suggestion. If you don’t understand the idea, ask questions. I’ve found that many times, suggestions can give me ideas to use, or it may spur new thoughts and ideas.

The simple answer is to give people a chance to give you ideas about how to promote your books. If the thoughts are useless, then toss them. Very few suggestions turn into wonderful ideas, but you will never find the golden nuggets if you don’t open your mind.

Curious Authors Can Have Great Promotional Success

Are you a curious person? Do you like to learn more about the things around you? Find a way to use that inborn curiosity to offer better books to your readers. It can also help you discover new ways to promote your work to potential readers. No matter whether you are offering one book or twenty books, you can find better ways to promote them.

Creativity Is Essential For Authors

Authors must be creative in their writing, so why not be creative with your book promotion? Curiosity offers you a chance to stretch your promotional creativity. This is a example of “thinking outside the box”. Open your mind and let your imagination run free. Transfer those ideas to your promotional plans. This doesn’t mean that everything you try will work perfectly. You will probably need to make adjustments, but it gets a little better with each change.

Nikki Leigh
Author of the Book Promo 101 Series
www.nikkileigh.com/book_promo_101.htm

Increase Your Credibility as an Author

Fiction authors need to consider the unlimited options people have when they want to buy books. Years ago people had fewer options. When readers wanted to buy a book, they had to drive to a store to make the purchase. Sometimes, a person could drive to several stores in order to compare items. Along with the internet and skyrocketing gas prices, those days are almost forgotten.

Internet promotion needs to include your credibility in order to attract customers and convert their visit into a sale. In the twenty first century, many people shop online with the click of a mouse. This has changed how people view the places where they shop. So, we need to evaluate our online promotional credibility.

How to Develop Author Credibility

Author credibility is not instantaneous, but it can be built over time. Here are some suggestions to speed up the process.

Borrowing Credibility – Did you raise your eyebrow when you read that? Joint ventures are a wonderful way to “borrow” credibility. Establish a promotional partnership with a business that has established their credibility. This helps people view you in a more positive light. Even though you are working with someone else, continue to build your own credibility. Keep in mind that the opposite is also true. If you work with a questionable company, that can hurt your credibility.

Honest Communication Helps Author Promotion

Open and Honest - Let website visitors know how to find you if there are questions or problems. A woman I know said that she hid her email address to make people work for it. That is not a good way to build your credibility. If you don’t want to circulate your home address or personal email, then rent a post office box and set up a business email. The important thing is to make it possible for people to contact you. When potential readers contact you, answer their concerns and questions in a timely manner.

Policies – Does your publisher accept returns? Do you accept returns? If so, what are the requirements? These details need to be posted clearly on your website. It may be best to include it on your order page. These details can be especially important to bookstores and other retail outlets. But, posting these details is not enough, you must abide by them.

Tell Readers About The Author’s Credentials

Show Off - Do you have a long list of publishing credits? Do you have special skills and experience that make you “the perfect person” to write these stories? Include this information on your website. If you write spy thrillers and you worked in a related field, mention that. Any strong background that would apply to your books should be made known. This information about your background will increase your credibility. Share your insights and experience with your website visitors. You can also share this information on message boards and forums. When you post messages, include your website link in your signature block. Publish articles to share this information and include your name and website link at the bottom. Include links to these articles on your website so that your regular visitors can learn from your knowledge too.

Talk About Your Team - Do you work with someone else who brings special experience to the project? A wonderful example of this is the writing team of Jefferson Bass. I have to mention that I met Dr. Bill Bass and Jon Jefferson in the spring of 2006. They are very nice people and a talented writing team. Jon Jefferson has a wonderful way with words and Dr. Bass brings his knowledge as a world renowned forensic anthropology to their fiction and non fiction works. The realism in Jon’s writing and the authentic forensic details certainly add to their credibility. While not everyone has the opportunity to work with such qualified individuals, we can focus on our specific qualifications. It you earned any recognition or awards, share the details. This is your chance to brag.

Testimonials - I mention this to many people. When you have satisfied customers, ask them to write a simple testimonial. It’s always good to have other people telling your potential customers about your wonderful product and service. When these are submitted, be sure to add them to your website.

All of these things help you build credibility with customers and website visitors.

Nikki Leigh
Author of the Book Promo 101 Series
www.nikkileigh.com/book_promo_101.htm

Promote Books by Telling The Author's Story

Your potential readers want to learn about you and “what makes you tick”. We’ve all found writers whose books we love and we want to know about them. This is an advantage that we have with the internet. There are so many ways to interact with our readers and potential readers. You have the chance to tell potential readers who you are, why you became a writer and why they have to read your books.

Reveal Author Details to Readers

There could be things about you that could be used to promote your books to new readers. Are you a single parent who needed a way to support your children but still being available for them? Do you have a disabled child or family member who requires your attention, but you still need to make a living? Mention this to your potential customers. This is NOT meant to make them feel sorry for you. It is a chance for people to learn what attracted you to writing. You can connect with someone who could be in a similar situation.

Authors Can Become More Well Known to Readers

This helps make writers more real to their readers. It helps them see you as more than a faceless online entity. We are all people with problems, challenges and who searched to find a solution for our lives. It is very important not to make up a story about yourself that isn’t true. Share your real story with potential readers.

How To Draw Media Attention For Your Books

The media loves a good story and you can submit a press release to announce the release of each book or maybe your new website. Find a way to strike an emotional cord with the readers and you will get their attention. You can gain lifelong fans by letting them get to know you and understand more about your work.

Nikki Leigh
Author of the Book Promo 101 Series
www.nikkileigh.com/book_promo_101.htm

Qualities of a Writer Who Promotes

All writers who want their book promotion to be effective should consider the key qualities of a great marketing person. Two of these qualities include:

Determination
Persistence

These are two qualities that some people believe are positive traits, while others consider them to be negative. But, depends on how you exhibit these qualities.

Effective Authors Show Determination

Determination and persistence are positive traits, but you can drive other people crazy if you are overly persistent or determined in an irritating way. Are you persistent or obnoxious? There is a big difference in those two traits. I was just talking to another writer today. We were discussing how persistence is necessary for writers. This applies to writing the book, submitting the work to publishers and/or agents and promoting the final product.

It Is Acceptable for Writers To Be Persistent

When you are persistent, you see a project through to the end or until you reach your goals.However, how do you react when you approach someone and they are not interested? Do you continue to bother them and pester them even when they are clearly not interested? This can apply to agents, publishers, book stores owners and managers and many other people that you encounter when promoting your books.

Pushy Authors Are Not More Effective

There are very few people who respond in a positive way when they are pestered and badgered. They may agree to sell a couple of copies of your book to get rid of you, but they won’t work with you on a long term basis. But, will they make an effort to help promote your books? Or, will they make an effort to avoid you? It’s been known to happen.

You can get good results without being a pain. Be enthusiastic and persistent, but there are times when you need to learn to take no for an answer. Make the rejection positive by asking if there about the reasons why they aren’t interested. Use these comments to improve your approach or your book promotion.

Nikki Leigh
Author of Book Promo 101 Series
www.nikkileigh.com/book_promo_101.htm

Personality Not Included by Rohit Bhargava

I want to take this opportunityto tell you about a wonderful new business book - its called Personality Not Included by Rohit Bhargava.

I've always worked to make any business I owned or managed, customer friendly and unique. I have never liked the "faceless" companies that are so big and that seem to ignore the customer and the human element. The idea of a business having a personality is a great idea and Rohit definitely has the background and the resources to create a great book about this topic.

I highly recommend it and my review of it was just posted - the link is posted below. Feel free to let me know what you think and if you have questions. If you want to set your business apart from your competitors -- this is a must read. Even if you think business is fine, it would be good to read this and see how you can make it even better :)

Nikki Leigh

http://www.evancarmichael.com/Book-Reviews/2820/Personality-Not-Included-by-Rohit-Bhargava.html