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Tag Archives: Promoting

Tips for New Writers and Authors – Week Ten: Wrapping Up

09 Monday Jul 2018

Posted by annepm2015 in Helpful Tips, Postings, Weekly Posts

≈ 6 Comments

Tags

Advertising, Authors, Blogging, Books, Connecting, Creativity, Fiction, Marketing, Media, Networking, Non-Fiction, Novels, Promoting, Reading, Social Media, Writers, Writing

This is the tenth and final week I will be presenting tips to new writers and authors. I hope the ten weekly posts were helpful and something you can come back to. At least, it gives you an idea of what to expect in the publishing world. As reiterated many times, no course or book can teach you everything to learn about publishing. Practical experience and recognition as an author and writer are the best teachers.

A good writer knows how to write. A great writer not only knows how to write well, but will give direction and guidance to others. This advice is offered freely. I don’t proclaim to be an expert; I still have lots to learn too.

Five years of writing and publishing led me down this path. A path I did not choose; it chose me. To wrap up this week, I offer several suggestions:

  1. Look at alternate publishers before you select a publisher. Do your research beforehand and ask questions. You might find another publisher who does work less expensively than another and/or you get more profits (including royalties) from book sales.
  2. Remember to get everything you expect in writing before you sign a contract. If not in writing, then it is your word against the publisher or marketer. Once you sign a contract, you are bound to their regulations and procedures. Legally, you usually have 7 to 10 days to cancel the contract.
  3. Talk to your book consultant if any questions about the publishing process. Usually, they can advise about complimentary copies of your book(s) or marketing services offered. *Note – I find marketing services to be more expensive than publishing sometimes, depending on the service offered, so choose wisely. This seems true for self-publishing, as well as traditional publishing.
  4. Please note that once you publish a book, you are placed on a calling list. If it gets too annoying, you may want to ask the publisher to be removed from the list. If they say the list came from a website like Amazon, please ask to be connected to their customer service or a manager.
  5. Continue to market your book(s) online. Social media is a great way to advertise your book(s) online and very affordable. Shout my Book will market your book(s) on social media inexpensively. They will do as many books as you want daily or monthly (at a small fee, of course).
  6. Keep in contact with other writers. Seek a writer’s group or an organization for writers that meet monthly to discuss their books. This is an excellent opportunity to not only do some advertising, but to get advice from other writers.
  7. Keep getting your name out there – mail book markers, postcards or business cards to potential interested readers, like family, acquaintances or friends. This can get expensive with postage and takes time; however, it’s gets your name and title of your book(s) out to the mainstream public.
  8. Ask businesses (depending on the type of business) that know you if they would post a flyer of your book on their window. Usually, it is best if you are a customer or they’re acquainted with you.
  9. In retrospect, see if these businesses would let you market your book(s) through a book signing. You would be surprise. They might say yes.
  10. Keep hanging in there – never give up. Enjoy the writing process as you write that next “best seller” one day.  Simply, just have fun with it.

There are many more suggestions, but I feel it would be too repetitious in words. This project started out as your idea, your creation and your book. It is your baby. When I publish a book, I feel like I have given birth to a new creation.

Please keep in touch and if you have any questions, I am here to help. I may not be able to answer all your questions, but I will attempt to find out the answer for you. In the meantime, have a wonderful week and hope to be reading your best-seller soon.

 

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Tips for New Writers and Authors – Week Eight: Branding Yourself as an Author

24 Sunday Jun 2018

Posted by annepm2015 in Helpful Tips, Postings, Weekly Posts

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

Advertising, Authors, Blogging, Connecting, Media, Networking, Promoting, Social Media, Writers, Writing

What does branding mean? I don’t mean branding like cattle. “Branding” is identifying yourself as unique that sets you apart from other authors. The key is developing a brand that is targeted and focused. You need to determine what genre and style of writing you want to go with among your readers. For example, five years ago, I started out writing nonfiction books. By the third book, I changed to fiction. My last several books have been historical novels, based on actual events, but the characters are fictitious. The readers will be more impressed if you identify with one genre or style. If you are enthusiastic about science fiction, branding yourself to science fiction books goes further than skimming around genres. If you love poetry and poems, establishing yourself as a poet is beneficial. If you love children’s books, then establishing yourself as a writer of children’s books or educational books is essential.

As a new writer, it is important that you establish yourself as early as possible in a particular brand. Once recognized on social media, your name will go a long way. The more your name is put out there, the more you are recognized. It is more than social media and online advertising. It is actually getting out in the community and marketing yourself as a writer/author. I started off with a pen name and changed it to my legal name later on. Why? Upon the advice of the publisher, my first two books were more on a personal nature and self-closure. I didn’t want personal confidentiality to get out to the mainstream public. I did that to protect my family and family members. But on the lighter spectrum, it allowed me to self-heal on the inside.

So, how do I get started as a new writer/author? I had issues with establishing myself as a writer/author of multiple books. Mine are mostly because of health/medical issues, but you are a young writer, trying to establish yourself in the community. My suggestion is to simply get out there. Pass your business cards around. Take extra cards with you to everywhere you visit. Remember, people will tend to buy books from someone they know or recognize rather than a total stranger. The very first thing is to listen to Sherry Beck Paprocki’s, author of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Branding Yourself. She provides a video on UTube that defines a branding story and how you can develop your own story. Stephen Hertz, managing director of interactive at Lavidge, offers four tips to authors who are new to social media. These tips help to get new authors started on social media.

  1. Claim your social profiles on all of the high traffic platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin. It is important to register your information, no matter how active you are on each.
  2. Start out with short and simple posts so that you don’t overwhelm your readers or yourself. I realize that writers like to write, but remember less is more in this case.
  3. Find your biggest supporters on each platform and reach out to them for advice on the best way to approach that specific platform.
  4. Actively seek out feedback from your community of followers. This helps keep them engaged while providing you with valuable insights.

Next week, I will discuss scouting out different avenues of writing. Perhaps, you have decided in midstream to go from creative writing to free-lance writing. How do you get started? There are different avenues to consider and ways that you are even paid to write. Please stop in next week and you might find your answer. In the meantime, have a good weekend and enjoy this beautiful, sunny weather today.

 

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Online Websites

24 Thursday Mar 2016

Posted by annepm2015 in Postings

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Tags

Blogging, Books, Fiction, Media, Novels, Promoting, Social Media

All the technical errors of images on Amazon and Barnes & Noble were happening because the newest book was just published last week. It seems they were all computer glitches that straightened out eventually. After calls and emails to the publishers last week, I think the problem is finally fixed. In addition, Shattered Dreams is now available at my website, along with all my books, at http://www.elizabethaphilips.com.

Today brought rain this afternoon, washing all this pollen away. Enjoy the weekend and Easter Sunday. May it be a beautiful day everywhere. Have a good one!

 

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Fixed At Last

19 Saturday Mar 2016

Posted by annepm2015 in Postings

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Tags

Blogging, Books, Media, Non-Fiction, Novels, Promoting, Reading

The technical problem online at Amazon is now fixed. Also, Shattered Dreams is available at Barnes & Noble online. The newest book should be added to my author website at http://www.elizabethaphilips.com within a few days for availability. I’m waiting on the publishers to get back in touch with me. You can also click left side widget at image, which takes you directly to Amazon.

51vJv5fUbkL._SX331_BO1,204,203,200_Everyone, have a great weekend. I will be relaxing my little brain and watching some of British episodes, which I love. Chuckle. Peace, love and joy to all.

 

 

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New Book Available Online

17 Thursday Mar 2016

Posted by annepm2015 in Postings

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

Blogging, Books, ewest, Fiction, Marketing, Novels, Promoting, Reading

Shattered Dreams is available online at Amazon today, but be warned, there are technical issues. The publishers are aware of this issue and it should be fixed very soon. It is available in hardcover, e-book, as well as paperback. To order directly, please call AuthorHouse Publishers, Inc.

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New Book at Final Check Before Printers!

14 Monday Mar 2016

Posted by annepm2015 in Postings

≈ 5 Comments

Tags

Authors, Blogging, Media, Novels, Promoting, Social Media, Writing

I’m very excited today. The publishers called and said my new book, Shattered Dreams, is in final review before it goes to printers. That means, it is being checked for printer readiness and final review for content.

This makes me happy. I feel like I did when I published my very first book. This is my baby and I delivered it. Chuckle. I felt like I had given birth to a new creation then. Please toast with me to another book bit the dust today! 🙂

If you like lots of adventure, excitement packed with suspense and mystery, this is the novel for you – the readers! Something for everyone in mind. There is also the mysterious Egyptian pyramids, vampire-like dreams and danger. A brief history of the pyramids and the Nile River is given. Please see About the Book page for more detail on the book.

I hope everyone has a good week with lots of wonderful sunshine and beautiful clear skies. Our weather has turned a little cooler, but that is okay. Warm days are an indication of a long hot summer ahead. Many blessings as life’s journey continues!

 

 

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A Glimpse at New Book

01 Tuesday Mar 2016

Posted by annepm2015 in Postings

≈ 8 Comments

Tags

Blogging, Books, Fiction, Media, Novels, Promoting, Social Media

Really excited! I just got an email today of cover design for newest book. I will get interior text within 48 hours. Once reviewed, should go to the printers then. Please take a look at the link below:

Cover Design – Shattered Dreams

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30% Discount on Books

30 Monday Nov 2015

Posted by annepm2015 in Postings

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Tags

Authors, Blogging, Books, Novels, Poetry, Promoting, Social Media

I have two shipments coming with new books by next week. You can order directly from the author with a 30% this Christmas season. I only ask that you send checks only please as I have not yet established Paypal. I am working on it!

Gentle Rain of thoughts, A Book of Poetry – Softcover $9.79; Hardcover $18.90  (Published in November 2015)

Wounded Heart in Flight (Novel) – Softcover $11.87; Hardcover $19.59 (Published in October 2015)

Makes a great gift for this Christmas season.

I am out of softcover Wounded Heart in Flight – they are selling fast. Only have hardcover left.

 

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Gentle Rain of Thoughts sent to printers!

13 Friday Nov 2015

Posted by annepm2015 in Blogging 101, Postings

≈ 9 Comments

Tags

Authors, Books, Poems, Poetry, Promoting, Social Media, Spiritual

I received word yesterday that Gentle Rain of Thoughts, my newest book pf poetry, was sent to printers. It should be ready to publish and be online within two weeks. This book consist of my latest poetry, some excerpts from Wounded Heart in Flight, published on October 21, 2015. Please keep checking Amazon and Barnes & Noble for it.

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Web Press Release – Wounded Heart in Flight

09 Monday Nov 2015

Posted by annepm2015 in Postings

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

Advertising, Authors, Books, Fiction, Novels, Promoting, Reading

Anne R. Murray’s new book released

Novel reveals profound life message as it explores ‘Wounded Heart in Flight’

MARIETTA, Ga. – From the artistic treasury of the same author who brought to literature unforgettable titles as “The Jagged Edge,” “As the Sweet Honey Runs” and “As The Scarlet Tanager Sings” comes yet another work of timeless brilliance. “Wounded Heart in Flight” is Anne R. Murray’s newly-released novel that goes in-depth into what forgiveness can do to a deluded heart.

A story of suspense, romance and tragedy unfolds within “Wounded Heart in Flight” (published by AuthorHouse). Following the tale of protagonist Julia Hawkins, it depicts a young woman’s plight into a life of misfortune and woeful circumstances. The narrative reveals Julia’s innermost fears, her unceasing battle with depression and her relentless sojourn towards healing. The setting takes place in a Midwestern town of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, outside the Ozark Mountains in modern times where Julia retraces her Cherokee roots to find truths central to her relationships – with others and with herself.

A poignantly woven tale that delves into the paradoxical notion of letting go (forgiveness) in order to gain (freedom), “Wounded Heart in Flight” offers a profound exemplification of a life well-examined; another testament to Murray’s remarkable wit and literary flair in painting the truth with words.

An excerpt from a featured poem in the book entitled “My Universe:”
Your loyalty is endless,
Your dedication is flawless,
Your enduring love is genuine,
And your sweetness is relentless.
In complete adoration,
I would give my life for you,
For you are my universe.

“Wounded Heart in Flight”
By Anne R. Murray
Hardcover | 6x9in | 210 pages | ISBN 9781504956680
Softcover | 6x9in | 210 pages | ISBN 9781504956697
E-Book | 210 pages | ISBN 9781504956673
Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the Author
Anne R. Murray is a native of Marietta, just northwest of Atlanta. The third of four daughters, her family had traditional Christian values and beliefs. A retired schoolteacher, Murray enjoys writing, researching and motivating others. She also enjoys being with family and friends. Murray obtained her doctorate in education while teaching high school students full-time. Her primary goal is to inspire others.

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← Older posts

New Author’s Website

Please click on my new author’s website at www.annermurray.com for more information on the collection of books and ordering.

Newest Production – March 20, 2018

Trail of Betrayal

Saga of the Ages

Lingering Shadows

Glimpses of the Past; Heritage of the Old South

Shattered Dreams

A Book of Poetry

Gentle Rain of Thoughts

Wounded Heart in Flight

The Jagged Edge

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