Supporting and Promoting Your Book With Giveaways

Consumers want free stuff these days. Authors are responding to this demand with free print books, free electronic books, free electronic newsletters, and other products. My latest book is in production now and I've been thinking of ways to promote it.

Free bookmarks are one of the first ideas that come to mind. Cardboard bookmarks aren't as durable as plastic or laminated ones. Though plastic bookmarks are "top of the line" they are expensive and you may not be able to afford them. I know I can't.

A free plastic wallet card is another idea. It would be the size of a business card and have rounded corners. The front of the card would contain information that extends the book. The back of the card would tell how to order the book and provide author contact information. Many companies advertise plastic business cards on the Internet and the prices vary widely. Two colors are cheaper than full color. Straight corners are cheaper than die cut corners.

Posters are another idea. The big plus with a poster is that it gives you a chance to show your book cover. Mini posters, eight and a half inches by 11 inches, are cheaper than legal size. You could design your own poster and photocopy it yourself. The office supply stores in my city often run photocopy specials and I watch for them. I've gotten photocopies for 20 cents each.

Adding extras to your website is also an idea. Website visitors aren't just looking for author information, they are looking for free stuff and links. My website ha three links to archived radio programs I was on, for example. I just added a blog tab to my website and paid a technician big bucks to do it. Visitors also appreciate free checklists and handouts.

Cost will determine whether or not I have giveaways. I researched plastic business cards on the Internet, asked for an estimate, and it appeared on my screen in seconds. A short while later I received a call from a sales representative. While it was nice to talk to a live person, her job is to sell, and I had to be blunt. "That's too much money," I said. "Thank you."

If you choose the giveaway route, you need to choose your options wisely. I've worked with a local graphic designer for years and his rates are reasonable. You may be able to create your own design and upload it. Does your book cover need to be in full color or could you get by with a black and white image and colored lettering? Is it possible to adapt an idea?

My wallet card idea may be too expensive. Yet I may be able to adapt this idea and, instead of paying for plastic wallet cards, use the design for pocket-size cards. You and your publisher are the only ones who can decide if you want to spend money on giveaways. Some authors have boosted their sales with giveaways and the same may happen to you.

Getting Your Book Noticed - How to Promote a Self-Published Book

Self-publishing a book is not easy. On the contrary, it's rather difficult and overwhelming. You are totally in charge of designing an attractive and professional looking cover design, making sure that your book's interior layout is likewise professional and up to the industry standard's, you must edit and proofread your book extensively to ensure proper grammar and spelling, and most of all, you have to write a great story about your topic! After this lengthy process, most authors will find themselves exhausted and ready for a break.

Well, it doesn't come just yet. Now you will need to put all of your efforts and energies into one thing: promoting your new book. Unless you have the money to hire a publicist or a marketing firm, you're on your own here too. Try not to be discouraged by this news, since the internet is such a breeding ground for opportunity and I'm happy to tell you there are endless ways to generate buzz for your book.

The following list are the top questions that most first time self-published authors have on their minds after reading that:

• "How do I get attention for my book?"
• "How much does it typically cost to get my book noticed?"
• "Who should I approach for promotion opportunities?"

1. The answer the first question is very broad. This can depend a lot on what your particular subject and format actually are. For example, if you're promoting a self-published ebook then you will probably want to devote most of your marketing efforts to online ventures. For print books, in person events and touring may be better options.
2. The answer to this will vary significantly depending on where you are featuring your book. To be honest with you, online buzz and attention from the media should never cost you anything. These things should be free, because the organization or person hosting your book has decided it is noteworthy enough to create an engaging story which will mutually benefit them as well as yourself. The only thing which is really worth paying for to promote your book (in my opinion) is press release distribution. You should definitely start out your marketing plan with a concise news/press release and pay a professional company to distribute news about your book to media outlets. This usually has surprisingly positive results, but only if your story is captivating enough to catch people's attention and your press release was written sharply and to the point. Never pay to have your book reviewed!
3. The answer to this will be specific to the type of book you have written, but there are some general answers that will help all authors. First and foremost, connect with other writers and authors! Network with your contacts and grow your social network to find new opportunities. Think of any organizations, clubs, associations or businesses that might be interested in the subject of your book/writing. That can be a great way to land a public speaking opportunity, or snag an invitation to do a book reading. Book bloggers are a great source of attention for books online also. Always be sure to read their review policy thoroughly before contacting them to pitch your book to them. Make sure they accept your genre and then write them a personalized email with a brief synopsis of your book's plot, and a polite request for a spot on their to-read and review list. Find websites, podcast shows, online radio shows, local newspaper columnists and pitch your book to them also. Just always remember to make sure you are sending your pitch to the correct person.

The Paradox of the Book

The paradox of the book has been on my mind the last few weeks. No one thing seems to inspire people as does writing a book. Yet, no one thing seems so simultaneously disregarded these days. I began these thoughts off and on again several years ago, however, driving home from a sales call the other day I was listening to one of NPR's news talk shows, I noticed that segment after segment begin with the guest being an expert because they had recently written a book. Does this sound familiar: "Our guest today is Mr/Mrs....and the author of a new book on... " It's the same on PBS news shows, and AM radio talk shows, newspaper articles, podcasts, even blogs, the single factor that determines a person as an expert is most likely to be that they wrote a book. I also get to be an "expert" from time to time, both for having written a book, as well as for publishing books. So, it is clear, committing to writing a book does make a person both an expert and for many, becoming an author is a wish come true.

So where's the paradox? The paradox is that although we recognize that becoming an author is worthwhile, we've left behind the book itself. I am constantly surprised that more people don't read, because most people want to write a book.One of the best ways to write a better book is to read. Buying others books will increase you odds of having a book published as well. After all, most people assume that other people will want to read their book, yet the sales numbers are, in this case, truth serum--everyone that wants to write a book, does not read or purchase others books. Book reviews in newspapers are down. The mood in many bookstores is just one notch above burn out and depression. People don't value a book in the spirit it deserves. A life long quest, to be an expert, to publish, and share your book ought to result in more than an electronic file, a nook, an e-book. A book, as a tangible object is symbolic of effort, thought, and desire and deserves a tangible conclusion. A book deserves to be shared on nice paper and savored for the creation that it is. To have aligned all your thoughts just right, to have formed all the sentences in order, to have edited and rethought all the ideas until each has made the journey from inspiration to fully formed thoughts is diminished when a book is only provided in e-form, or worst of all not read.

The paradox is that the process, the hope, and the value we place on the writing of a book is not being fully realized in the final product. Somehow, somewhere along the line the actual purpose of the book seems to have been forgotten.

Should a Book Author Pay for Cover Design?

In my earlier writing days I had a publications lawyer. She guided me through several book contracts and I learned a lot from her. Cover approval was one provision she insisted upon. "Bosomy covers have been put on serious books," she explained, "and you don't want that." The cover provision clause applied to national and international rights.

Since I have a graduate degree in art I was grateful for this provision. As I'm writing a book, I see sample covers in my mind. I experiment with various fonts for chapter titles and headings. All the while, I'm hoping the publisher will put an eye-catching cover on the book, a cover that enhance sits content.

Before I started my latest book I looked for royalty-free cover photos on the Internet. In fact, I looked at more than 2,000 photos. Finding a photo for a grief resources is a challenge because many images -- a candle, a tree, a rainbow, a path -- have been used time and again. After weeks of searching I found a close-up shot of a flower I thought I could use and sent the number of the photo to a graphic designer I've worked with many times.

To my surprise, he sent me related shots, the ones beneath the main photo that you can click on and view. We agreed on a flower photo and instead of centering it, the designer shifted it to the bottom-right corner. The prickly center of the flower is orange, the petals are pink, and the background is green. Pink and orange are a striking combination, one that suits the book, which is about finding happiness after loss.

The spine of the cover is orange the designer continued the pink on the back cover. Though I've taken design courses, I don't have a degree in graphic design, and totally trust his judgment. His bill for the front and back covers was $425, a bargain in today's economy. I emailed my publisher, offered to pay for the cover design, and forwarded it to the executive director. She approved the design.

I paid for the design and decided to make the most of it. How could I promote and support my book? A wallet card was one way. I wrote the copy, sent it to the executive director, and she loved it. With her approval, I asked my friend to proceed with the design. My original copy is on the front and the cover of the book is on the back. His bill for the wallet card design was $25.

So far, I've spent $275 on design and I think it's worth the money. I know my book will have an attractive cover. I know the design supports the theme of the book. I know I have a helpful wallet card to give away. But my spirits really soared when I talked with the executive director on the phone. "This book is ready to go!" she exclaimed.

Book Marketing Crash Course for Coaches

Why is it important for authors to learn about book marketing? Because you can't afford to just write a novel and put it up on your web page and expect it to sell just because it's the best thing written on your subject. As a matter of fact if you do not work diligently every day to network and reach your target market than you're going to be woefully disappointed with your income and quickly at that.

So, what's involved with book marketing?

Well here's a crash course that will pay off immediately after you finish reading this article. To start with is everything you are going to need to master, you do not need to master how do every single step yourself, however you need to understand the process in detail so you can manage your success.

Start here;

• Niche - you are going to need to learn as much as possible about your niche. Their age, where they hang out, what they read, what they but, who the thought leader is within your niche. The top books on the subject, etc. You can do some free research which will only cost you some time. Or you can hire a company who specializes in this type of research like, mintel.com.
• Conversion - you are going to need to understand what this means. The definitions as we use it is; the process of going from a browser to a buyer. This will include list building, email prospecting, tele-calls, webinars, speaking etc. Any activity that helps your prospective buyer learn more about you and your book and why they need to buy it Today!
• Networking - you are also going to need to Master the process of networking. Where to go to find where your buyers hang out. How to approach them, how to connect with the perceived experts within your niches network. Even more importantly you are going to need to be able to crate and craft persuasive joint venture deals that you can leverage into highly profitable business deals.
• Differentiation - this and this alone can mean the difference between success and failure. No one needs another book on your subject, but if you can make it interesting, different and unique even if it's on an old subject can help you standout form the crowd and become a leader in an otherwise crowded and tired field. Remember if you're in this business for the long haul you are going to need to build a sustainable book marketing model that can succeed over the long haul.

Book Marketing Tips - 4 Must Have Points for Authors

To start with there are many ways to fail at marketing your book. However believe it or not you only need to do a few things well to succeed. It really is that simple, moreover if your success relies on only needing to do a few things well why wouldn't you want to use them.

So let's get started;

• Repurpose - You will want to be able to reach your readers with audio, video, articles, etc. Getting the word out about your newest novel will require you to market via channels such as YouTube, with podcasting and with article marketing to name a few. A simple way to repurpose your material is to take a part of your book and create an article to post online, then record it and post it in a podcast directory and then create a short video reading the same content. This will help you reuse the same material with no need to create new material other then what's in your book already. Yet you will be able to reach deep into several channels where your target readers can find you in the medium they prefer.

• Budget - yes you need to create a financial and time budget to invest in your book marketing efforts. DO NOT trust your gut and work on selling your cutting edge sci-fi only when you feel like it. Instead get a calendar and plan out your time and efforts if you want to be profitably successful. Nothing comes easy or free you are going to need some time and money expects this right from the start.

• Keywords - yes you need to understand keywords, for your websites metatags, search engine optimization efforts as well as for research in your niche and industry. You will sell your books online largely based on consumers being able to find you and your product. This is an important component to your online success so generate a list of at least a dozen words and phrases that are keywords in your niche.

• Testing & Tracking - if you plan on being able to test, track and adjust your efforts to optimize your income than you are going to need to learn about Google analytics, click-through rates, tracking code, conversions rates and more. Now again you do not need to master these to the degree that you can perform each step yourself, but you do need to know that when hiring professionals you are going to need to know what to look for when hiring them.

How to Sell Books to Independent Bookstores

Numerous experts in the book publishing business, including John Kremer, Dan Poynter, and countless others, subscribe to the belief that bookstores are the worst place to sell your book. They have some legitimate reasons for making that statement, including:

• The shelf life of a traditionally published book is about three months in a bookstore.
• Your audience may not include people who go to bookstores.
• Your book will not stand out among countless other books on the bookstore shelves.
• You can make more money selling your book yourself at author events.

These points are all valid. But that doesn't mean an author shouldn't devote time to building strong relationships with bookstores regardless, and good relationships, especially with your local and independent bookstores, can result in significant sales and publicity.

Most people who love books and read lots of books still visit bookstores. I've seen Jack Canfield state that only one in seven people visit bookstores. But if you do the math, one in seven Americans is a heck of a lot-about 45 million people. That's one big potential audience. Yes, people might see your book in other places, including gift shops, craft shows, and the Internet, but if 45 million people are visiting bookstores, I think there's a good chance you'll sell some books there

Authors should try to work with chain/big box and independent bookstores, but most authors, whether traditionally or independently published, will find independent bookstores more receptive to working with them. Big box stores tend to have a lot of red tape and corporate policies that make them unfriendly to self-published and local authors. Even if the local branch of a big chain store wants to work with an author, it is often helpless to do so because of corporate guidelines that govern return policies or refuse to carry self-published books. In addition, chain stores tend to have larger staff and greater turnover that make it more difficult for authors to build relationships with store employees. And yes, your books stand a good chance of being buried on the shelves in a big box chain store.

Independent bookstores, by comparison, can be a delight to work with. People who work in independent bookstores love books. They are big readers, and if you develop a relationship with those people, they are going to remember you and your book and recommend it to people. If you build a relationship with an independent bookstore's employees, they will reciprocate by acting as intermediary in building a relationship between you and your reader.

Here are just a few of the benefits authors I know have received from working with independent bookstores:

1. Independent bookstores advertise in local newspapers, on local television, and in other outlets to get customers into their stores. When was the last time you saw an advertisement on TV or in the newspaper for Amazon or Barnes & Noble? While many people go online to buy books, there remains a huge population of seniors who are avid readers and have a lot of time on their hands to read, but they have resisted being online. They are more likely to find out about your book through TV and newspapers, so bookstores that advertise your book signings and books will reach this audience as well as local readers in general. Seniors are also more likely to shop in brick-and-mortar local bookstores.
2. Local independent bookstore employees know you so they are more likely to host a book signing for you. And because you live nearby, if they have a cancellation by another author for an event, they might even call you up to come and participate.
3. When customers ask for suggestions, employees at the bookstore you have a relationship with are more likely to have read your book and recommend it to customers.
4. The money from sales at independent bookstores stays within the community-you're not sending that money off to another state. It provides jobs within your community and supports the bookstore's local staff. It generates money into the community and to the people who are likely to buy your books.
5. Independent bookstores may work on consignment or may buy directly from the author. Either way, once the books are sold, it's rare for an author to have to wait 90 days for payment, which is the typical wait when dealing with big box stores, book distributors, or traditional publishers.
6. Libraries love to deal with independent bookstores because they are more flexible than big chains at giving libraries special rates. If your books are at independent bookstores, libraries will be more likely to buy them.
7. Independent bookstores will often sponsor events with the local library, as well as participate in local festivals. Big box stores are much less likely to participate in community events. As a result, authors associated with independent bookstores can build their connections to key organizers of community events. An author associated with a local independent bookstore can create greater community awareness of his books and build up a community perception that he is "one of them," thus becoming a local celebrity.
8. Because of their close association with libraries, independent bookstore owners and managers have been known to sit on library boards and participate in greater statewide book events, such as deciding on a "community read" or even which books the state library will promote as notable. A relationship with the bookstore can help your book to get noticed for these reading programs.
9. Authors who have relationships with independent bookstores are more likely to have their books receive better product placement in those stores, including in the front window, on the first table in the store, and on the front counter-in other words, it's not true your book will be lost among the thousands of other books.
10. Independent bookstores often work with one another. Because they care about the community and keeping money in the local area, I have known bookstore managers who, if they don't have a title in the store a customer wants right away, will call up another store in the same or neighboring town to find a copy for the customer so the customer won't go to Amazon. If authors build relationships with all the bookstores within a hundred mile radius or so, they will likely never have to worry about losing sales because a local store ran out of their books.

Authors Must Learn to Sell What They Write

Many a writer aspires to be a published author-by any method whether self-publishing or being accepted by one of the "big six publishing houses," such as Hachette Book Group, HarperCollins, Macmillan, Penguin Group, Random House, or Simon & Schuster, or one of their imprints (subsidiaries). What most new authors don't realize is that once a book is published, it requires a lot of time, effort, and money to market it. The book, like any other product other than toilet paper, won't sell itself; it has to be presented to its target market over and over.

Promoting a book can become a lot like owning a business. I learned this the hard way when I published my first book in 2005. I knew little about book marketing at the time, so the book didn't start selling until two years later when I published my second book. That's when I paid a publicist about $3,000 to do my book marketing for me.

The mistake many newbie authors make is becoming too attached to their book and not allowing others to critique it or suggest changes for improvement. Another error is not having a professional editor help them develop the book or at least provide a copy edit. Most authors assume this service is too expensive and will skip this very important step in bringing a book to the market. I've heard things like: "I had my friends proofread my book and they didn't find any errors," or "My cousin is a high school teacher and she said it is a great book." That's like going to the dentist to buy lip gloss! Even an English teacher cannot provide the same level of editorial assistance that a book editor can. Because an editor knows the book industry and the reader market, he or she can offer consultation about publishing methods and important tips about what makes a book appealing to readers. That's in addition to having extensive knowledge about various style guides, acceptable word usage, character development, transitions, making dialog work, formatting, and being able to assist with publisher query letters and book proposals.

A book is a product and must be sellable. It's not just about packaging. A poorly-written book,with a so-so cover, or an ambiguous title/subtitle that lacks keywords is not as marketable as a page-turner that jumps off the shelf and causes the reader to say, "This is just what I'm looking for." That reader becomes a fan and automatically starts helping you promote your book via word of mouth. If I don't enjoy a book, I won't write a review (at least not a positive one) or recommend the book to others.

I had a "first" last week when an author I am working with told me he wasn't sure he was ready to be an author because of the time he would need to spend marketing his book. Usually, new authors have no idea of the amount of time and energy involved in successful authorship. I recommend authors do as many of the following things as possible:

• Create a marketing plan
• Maintain a blog specifically for the book
• Get domain names and build a Web site for the book
• Query to obtain radio and TV interviews
• Be available to record radio and TV interviews
• Create promotional videos and post them to YouTube and other social sites
• Conduct a book tour (in-person or online)
• Participate in the launch of other authors' books
• Do an Amazon launch campaign
• Write and send media releases
• Write and post articles to online article directories
• Write and send articles to print magazines
• Participate in online forums pertaining to the topic of your book
• social marketing such as Facebook or Twitter
• Comment on and link to other peoples' blogs

In an age of social marketing, authors are able to befriend and interact with their readers. This allows an author to built the buzz while still writing a book. Many authors spend as much time writing and marketing their books as they do marketing them.

Autographing Books Isn't About Your Signature: Book Marketing in the Trenches

My recent writing focuses on loss, grief and recovery. Last weekend I autographed books at a national bereavement conference in Minneapolis-St. Paul. The traffic in the bookstore was constant, at times, packed. Presenters' books, including several of mine, were displayed on a special table.

Some authors ponder about what kind of pen to use, where to sign, and what to write. Not me. Flattering as it is to be invited to an autograph session, I don't think that is what the sessions are about. These sessions are an opportunity to meet readers, cultivate readers, and gather information for future books.

What did I learn at the conference?

1. Thick books may scare the bereaved. "I can't concentrate," one attendee admitted, "so I couldn't read thick books like those." She gestured to another table and added, "Your books are the right length." Another attendee said my books were the perfect size to stick in a purse or backpack. This was encouraging because my forthcoming book is about 112 pages, the same length as my other grief resources.

2. The cover can make or break a sale. All of my grief resources have photos on the covers. I find these photos on a royalty-free website and send the numbers to the graphic designer. "I love that shot!" a woman exclaimed. This led to a conversation about symbolism and my reasons for choosing the photo.

3. A casual approach works best. Most attendees were glad to meet an author, but some were leery and thought I would use a "hard sell" approach. I'm not a hard sell person, I'm a funny sell person. Laughter is good medicine and I tried to joke with people. Once a conversation was started, many attendees stayed to chat.

4. Life experience counts. One attendee walked up to me and declared, "You shouldn't be writing books about loss unless you've lost a child." She was surprised when I said my daughter died in 2007 and I was a bereaved parent. Clearly, the people who came to this conference wanted to talk with authors who had been in the grief trenches.

5. Conferences are networking opportunities. I received an invitation to speak and another invitation to be on a radio program. Networking with other authors, all kind and caring people, was another conference benefit. Though I may never see these authors again, I enjoyed talking with them and sharing experiences.

6. Autographing is really about listening. Every person who came to the conference had a story to tell and I listened to many stories. Some stories were so heartbreaking I couldn't come up with comforting words, other than "I'm so sorry." Still, I encouraged people to tell their stories and that is important. I also autographed books in memory of their deceased children.

About 1,500 people attended the conference. Though I met only a fraction of them, I learned from the ones who visited the bookstore. Autographing books also gave me the opportunity to interact with my publisher and the bookstore team. I'm glad I went to the conference and was blessed to meet other bereaved parents.

Translate Your Book, Reach More People, Increase Your Sales

If you have written a great book in your mother tongue, why not consider translating it into more languages to reach a wider audience and sell more copies? Especially if your text is non-fictional then a translation could be a straight-forward and cost-effective way to reach more people, increase your sales and raise awareness of your publication.

Whether your non-fictional text is a book about design, an academic journal or an educational how-to book, a bigger audience translates into more potential sales.

Compared to fictional books, non-fictional books can be translated fairly quickly. And if your book is in electronic format, i.e. an e-book, then you could have a translated copy of your book within days.

Who Translates?

The best thing to do is to use a translation professional or company that has experience in the subject area of your book and is a native speaker of the target language, i.e. the language you want to translate your book into. If you do get your book translated, then the translation should afterwards be proofread by a second translator.

Which Language and Market?

The important thing to decide is which language to translate your book into. You need to take into consideration the relevance and appropriateness of the information in your book for the overseas market: if your book is a self-help book for universal problems like weight-loss, fitness, self confidence etc, then the world is pretty much your oyster. Other subject matters such as religion, politics and even cuisine may be culturally sensitive and you need to make sure that your book wouldn't be considered offensive in your target country.

How To Communicate With Overseas Markets?

Of course the translation of your non-fictional book or text is just one part of the journey into overseas markets. You may need a helping hand speaking to publishers, wholesalers or retailers abroad, translators can help you to break down the language barrier, whether it is with the translation of business correspondence, conducting research or simply making a phone call on your behalf.

Who can you trust?

It is important that you choose a translator a translation company that takes your book serious and will respect your intellectual property rights. Make sure you sign a confidentiality or non-disclosure agreement that will prevent anyone from using or passing on your content. Make sure to point out that you provide material for the translation only and that you will always remain the sole owner of the intellectual property right - this includes the translated work as well.

Credits & Royalties

Generally, the translator is credited at the beginning of the book. You may want to arrange royalty payments to the translator for any copies sold in that language, but it's up to you. You should definitely clearly state in your agreement with the translator or translation company, whether or not there will be any subsequent royalty payments and how much they are.

How to Prepare For a Writers' Conference

You're packing for your very first writers' conference. What do you bring? What do you say? Relax, I have a few tips for you so you can make the most of your investment, because conferences to do cost you in terms of time and dollars. If you arrive prepared and collected, you'll be sure to leave with new contacts, new friends and a new way of looking at your writing.

What to bring:

• Papers, pens, pencils all in an easy-to-carry portfolio or stashed in a tote bag with a lot of pockets. You'll need these pockets for your business cards and the business cards you'll receive.

• A comfortable bag to stash your papers, notes, books you'll buy from the faculty and conference door prizes.

• Cash for the Cash Bar and for the books you'll buy from your workshop leaders. Don't leave without buying at least one book and having that author sign it. Show your appreciation so when you're published someone will do the same for you.

• Business Cards with your name, address (city/state is OK if you don't your address revealed), phone number, email, blog and/or website. You can have them say "writer" on them and your genre, too. You can have them designed with a simple design or perhaps a quote of your work on the back. I have two-sided business cards that describe all that I do with editing, writing and speaking. I also have my two-sided poetry book business cards that promote my book and also have my contact info available with my photo on them. You can choose to include your photo, but it's not necessary. Usually a clip art of a pen will do.

• Business casual clothes. Dress in layers since some of the conference rooms might be chilly. You won't have a lot of time to "get fancy" for the evening reception, especially if you meet an important contact at the Happy Hour and don't want to return to your hotel room to change. So choose your conference outfit accordingly. For the men, wear a blazer, a nice button-down shirt and khakis/jeans. Don't wear sneakers or flip flops. For the ladies, go with a blazer or sweater, funky costume jewelry others may notice, bright, flattering colors, black pants or jeans and comfortable shoes that aren't sneakers. I wear black pants, boots, a turtleneck, a blazer and my favorite necklace. I spend time on my hair and makeup, too.

What to Say

• Prepare an intro of who you are and what you write or do. I'd say, "Hi, I'm Alice and I'm a poet and an editor. I live in Raleigh. My poetry book will be published soon."

• Network. Sit with new people, exchange cards, ask them about what other workshops they're taking, ask them about what they're working on. I always sit with new people at lunch and then I sit with old friends at dinner while bringing a new friend or two along. Ask questions and listen! Don't monopolize the conversation and don't let someone else monopolize either. If the conversation is going nowhere, feel safe to say, "I need to speak to my former teacher over there-bye!" After the conference follow-up with everyone with an email or Facebook message soon after you return.

Joining an Authors' Panel Discussion: Six Preparation Tips

I just participated in a panel discussion at a national conference. Four authors were on the panel. One was a New York Times best-selling author. Another was self-published. The third had a book out with a children's publisher and was working on another. I represented traditional and self-publishing, or print on demand.

Though I'm not a best-selling author, I'm a durable one, and have been writing for decades. When I agreed to participate in the panel I knew my comments had to be focused.

The discussion started at 3:15 in the afternoon and ended at 4:30. As the moderator introduced the panelists I scanned my notes. Would I be able to include all of the points or would I have to delete some? I would have to play it "by ear."

When my turn came I adjusted the microphone and scanned the audience quickly. Speaking right after lunch or mid-afternoon is always dicey because people are sleepy. In fact, a woman in the second row was already asleep. Several others were trying to keep their eyes open. I decided to ignore my notes and speak extemporaneously.

Some audience members perked up, but most didn't, and they needed to hear a story, something they could relate to and visualize. So I told them about my latest book, which isn't about a conference topic. When I gave the title the audience burst into laughter. I added two more sentences and the audience laughed harder. Suddenly, everyone was awake and energized.

It's hard to figure out how much to say when you're on a panel. You don't want to dominate the discussion, yet you want to share key points. These tips may help you the next time you say, "Yes, I'd love to be part of that panel."

1. Confirm session arrangements. When does the session start? When does it end? Has the location been changed? Is the session in the program? Does the moderator have enough information to introduce you?

2. Learn about other panelists. The moderator should be able to give you this information. If he or she doesn't have the information, you'll have to search for it yourself.

3. Make notes. I was fortunate enough to have an experienced moderator and she gave me an outline. Her outline helped me determine my key points and put them in writing.

4. Assess the audience. I changed my talk after I realized that audience attention was lagging. To be honest, I don't know how my remarks were received. However, I do know that I was myself and spoke from the heart.

5. Add a dash of humor. During my decades as an independent journalist, I've come to appreciate humor more and more. Humor helps people to remember information and remember you.

Writing a Conference Proposal and Speaking: Ways to Publicize Your Book

I'm an independent journalist and belong to three professional organizations. Each has its benefits, but staying up to date with the organizations is a challenge. Though I was interested in giving a presentation at a national conference, I didn't submit a proposal because I thought the conference was in a different city.

Surprise! The organization sent me a reminder email and the 2012 conference would be within driving distance. Conference proposals were due that day, one minute before midnight. If I was going to submit a proposal I had to get cracking. Several topics came to mind and I narrowed my choice down to one.

Submission guidelines were posted on the association's website. Armed with this information, I started writing my proposal at eight in the morning. At eleven o'clock I looked up from my computer monitor. Where had the time gone? Though I won't know if my proposal will be accepted, I know I did my best.

Are you thinking of submitting a conference proposal? My experience may help you.

First, I encourage you to write a draft. Though I based my draft on website information, when I logged into the website, I discovered the headings were in a different order. Because I had a printout of my proposal, I was able to switch information around. Still, I got stuck at the end and had to call the national office for help.

The association wanted two abstracts, a long one not to exceed 300 words and a short one for the conference program. Writing an abstract for a group of PhDs, counselors, and book authors was daunting. I had two options. One was to write a technical abstract and the other was to write one based on life experience. Option two was my choice.

I've spoken at Alzheimer's, public health, and bereavement conferences and this experience taught me the importance of stories. This thought kept running through my mind as I wrote my abstract. The conference categories included research, panel discussion, experiential workshop, scholarly report, case presentation, personal story, and poster presentation. The personal story category sounded like the best fit for me.

This category has a one-hour presentation, 45 minutes for the talk, and 15 minutes for questions. Each presenter is provided with Power Point capability. I don't know if I will use Power Point, but asked for a large pad an easel. Online, my proposal looked good as did the homey title. From my vantage point, the proposal proved I had a unique story to tell.

Promoting Your Self-Published Children's Book

Congratulations! You just self-published your children's book! Now how do you go and get it out in public? Promoting your book takes a lot of time and patience. Success won't happen overnight, no matter how much you hope for it. Below are some ideas that I have done or plan on doing to help me advertise my children's books.

1.) Create a website. Show off your book! Create a PDF file of a preview of your book! Most customers will want a preview before they buy, so give them that! Make sure you create a link where they can purchase your book.

2.) Create a blog and connect with other writers.

3.) Create a Facebook fan page and a twitter. Suggest your Facebook fan page to all your friends. You can also advertise on Facebook, but only if you have the funds to do so. Follow people on twitter that has the same interests as you.

4.) Get reviews. Ask other self-published children's book authors to review your book in exchange of reviewing theirs. Post these reviews on your website/blog.

5.) Business cards! Go to Vistaprint.com. You can use their templates or upload your own. Hand out business cards whenever you can. If you have children, take your kids to the park and hand them out to parents.

6.) If your children's book is a series, offer the first one in the series on eBay. When I did this, I got the most views and bids when I started at.01 and free shipping. You will probably lose money, but your book will be going to someone who has never seen it. Offer them a discount on the rest of your books if they love the first one! Leave your business card in the book too!

7.) Write letters to daycares and libraries describing your book and why it would be beneficial for them to have your book! Offer them a special discount if you can.

8.) Bumper stickers or a car magnet for your car! Design it however you want and make sure to leave your website on it!

9.) Hang up tear off tab fliers on bulletin boards. Many grocery stores have them as well as libraries. Try the pizzeria's also! You may have to ask before you hang it up. Make sure you check on them at least once a week. (*Tear off a tab. This will make it look like people are curious about your flier. I have done this and it works!*)

10.) 1800banners.com. They offer really cheap affordable advertising! They are a banner exchange program, but you may also buy banner impressions or website clicks. Websites place a code on their website, and whenever someone views their website, they get a banner view on someone else's. So when you buy the clicks, you are paying for when people click on these banners. So these are real people clicking on your banner because it catches their eye. Try a cheap campaign and see how it works for you.