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Finding Your Book Customers

November 6, 2014 by Sonia Marsh 1 Comment

dan poynter
Dan Poynter: photo credit www.tailwindsbook.com

Dan Poynter is the guru of self-publishing; we all know that, but what you might not know is that Dan is a pilot, skydiver, Master Parachute Rigger, and an aviation historian. He is a world traveler—53 countries and the North Pole.

The reason we need to know this is that Dan emphasizes how passion for a specific topic makes it  easier to build your brand, and market and sell your books. Dan stated his passion is skydiving and aviation, and  he is the author of 132 books, many of them on aviation. He likes to entertain his audience and tell jokes, and claims that at age 76, he’s had many years to write over 130 books.

At the PWSD (Publishers and Writers of San Deigo) meeting on October 25th, 2014, Dan Poynter starts with a quote by John Rakestraw, Book Designer:

“Marketing is hard.

Selling is scary.

But ….talking to people about what we love to do, is something we do every chance we get.”

I enjoy Dan’s honest and straightforward approach to giving indie authors advice on how to find their customers and sell books.

According to Dan here are his 3 dont’s:

  • Don’t “Spray and Pray.” This is when you promote to everyone and hope for some sales.
  • Don’t “Batch and Blast.” This is when you send the same message to everyone.
  • Don’t Hunt with a Shotgun as Opposed to a Rifle.” This applies to those who send their book announcement to more than their target audience.

Dan believes that the Internet, is the modern “campfire,”  and as authors know:

  • Book promotion is up to us, whether we are traditionally or indie published. 

Dan candidly explains that the BIG 5 traditional publishers treat books like products and they don’t care about your topic- like skydiving and where you could promote it. All they care about is the paycheck they are receiving from bookstores, and,

  • Bookstores are a lousy place to sell your books.
  • Only send information out to those who are interested in your book.

That’s when Dan reminds us that the “Spray and Pray” system where we send our book out to everyone with the hope that someone will buy it doesn’t work.

Dan says we need to:

  • Fish where the fish are. (Most of the time that’s not in the bookstores.
  • Get the word out to only those who care since this costs less and you only want to find those readers who are interested in your books subject.

 

How do you find readers who are interested in your book topic?

 

That’s easy when you have a specific topic like Persian cats, parachuting, mountain biking. You only look for those who are fascinated by those specific topics. For example with cats, only search for those interested in Persian cats, not all cat lovers.

Here are some tips from Dan Poynter that I found very helpful:

  • Promote with (other people’s blogs) “Get someone else to blow your horn and the sound will carry twice as far.” –Will Rogers
  • Google Alerts (Sign up for alerts on your own favorite topics to get information on your book right away.)
  • Join Groups/Forums and get known. LinkedIn, Yahoo Groups, Facebook, Twitter. (Use 5 different photos of yourself and in 24 hours, all those photos will pop up on Google Images.) I found this very interesting and shall test this out. Let me know if you try it as well.
  • Leave Reviews, and always add your name, your book and your URL at the end of the review. Dan mentioned leaving your URL on Amazon reviews, however, I do not believe this is allowed on Amazon.
  • Spend your time online (in your field,)
  • Locate reporters who write about your subject. HARO (Help a reporter out) is one way. www.helpareporter.com
  • Book Covers Dan suggested having your name on the top of the book cover, like  they do for famous authors, such as Dan Brown. “That way you will appear to be more important in the in the industry. People will ask, “Did we miss this person?” I loved this idea.
  • Each book should have it’s own URL, and dedicated website. for me that would be: http://MyGutsyStoryAnthology, or http://FreewaystoFlipFlops.com

Bottom line is we all want to be “DISCOVERABLE.” 

Another tip, which I have also said in my previous blog posts, is

  • “Do what you’re good at, and hire out the rest.” 

Dan Poynter also said,

  • “Do not start a blog” if you haven’t got one. Instead, “Contribute to other people’s blogs on your subject.”

You can find Dan Poynter’s books and articles on his website. 

 

 We Need More Submissions For Our 2015 Anthology ASAP

 

 

NOW ACCEPTING SUBMISSIONS

Get Published in our 3rd

“My Gutsy Story®”Anthology in 2015

 

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES HERE

 

MGS FINAL COVER Small
Click on cover to go to Amazon

Benjamin Franklin Digital Awards Solver

 2013 Benjamin Franklin Honoree Winner

International Book Awards Finalist 2014

2014 International Book Awards FINALIST

Paris bookfestival

2014 WINNER of the PARIS BOOK FESTIVAL

 We just won our 4th Award for the Anthology. 

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT ABOUT OUR AWARDS.

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How to Create A Super Successful Book Launch

November 3, 2014 by Sonia Marsh 3 Comments

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Zov Karamardian, owner of Zov’s Bistro, Tustin, Sonia Marsh, and Ann Pulice moderator.

 

A successful book launch is  about creating a friendly ambiance at a fantastic location like Zov’s Bistro.

Everyone loves to feel welcomed, and part of a  “like-minded” group.

An event based on a theme, great food, delicious wine and  a warm atmosphere, is critical in creating that special “atmosphere.”

I try to offer the same when I invite people to my book launches.

As I wrote in How to Create a Successful Book Launch à la “Academy Awards”, it takes planning and inviting people who are interested in the theme of your book, as well as entertaining everyone.

This year, for the launch of our 2nd My Gutsy Story® Anthology: Taking Chances and Changing Your Life,  I invited a panel of  4 speakers and merged the Peace Corps as a way to show where I hope to start the new chapter of my next “gutsy” adventure in my life.

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Click on cover to go straight to Amazon

I invited  Ann Pulice Owens to moderate our event. Ann is an Emmy/Golden Mic award-winning journalist serving as co-anchor of PBS SoCal’s (KOCE-TV) “Real Orange,” did a fantastic job of introducing the panelists and keeping us on track.

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Ann Pulice, moderator

 

Our wonderful audience signed up and entered the raffle with my volunteer friend, Sylvia McDonald, the amazing organizer.

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Sylvia McDonald my fantastic friend/organizer/volunteer

Our enthusiastic audience:

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Our panel of “Gutsy” authors.

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Panelists

Our panel consisted of :

Sonia Marsh (ME):

  • Sonia Marsh: Award-winning author of Freeways to Flip-flops and founder of the My Gutsy Story®

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  • Julia Capizzi: This dynamic bilingual Peace Corps volunteer turned professional Peace Corps recruiter has lived abroad in El Salvador and Bolivia.
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Julia Capizzi on left and Terri Elders (Returning Peace Corps Volunteer) right.

 

  • Colleen Hannegan: Author and professional speaker, certified business advisor and personal life coach for women in transition.
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Colleen Hannegan and her now book, “Girl on a Bike.”

 

  • Mariana Williams: Author and founder of the “Long Beach Searches for Greatest Storyteller,” married to Oscar-winning singer/songwriter Paul Williams.
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Mariana Williams

 

  • Jonathan Yanez: Went from renting cars, to following his dream of becoming an author. His three-book series publishing contract has now been optioned for film.
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Jonathan Yanez

 

My wonderful editor Eve Gumpel, if you are a writer and need a fabulous editor.

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Eve Gumpel, my fantastic editor

 

Barbara Kimler, my wonderful publicist.

 

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Sonia Marsh and her great publicist, Barbara Kimler

 

Suzanne Chun from “The Examiner” took notes and many photos here are from her, as well as Barbara Kimler.

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3 media musketeers: Jennifer Heinly, Barbara Kimler, Suzanne Chun (right)

 

Tips to a Successful book launch

  • Start 3-4 months before
  • Offer a panel of speakers to entertain your audience based on your book’s theme
  • Have a moderator (locally famous if you can)
  • Hire a local publicist to help you get local media attention
  • Think outside the box of what organization might be relevant to your book’s topic and invite them to join
  • Pick a nice venue
  • Offer food and wine
  • Charge people for the food and wine, and offer a “free” book to everyone
  • Sign up with Eventbrite on FB
  • Use the Eventbrite countdown widget on your blog (Contact me if you need help with this or any marketing suggestions)
  • Offer great door prizes
  • Make each person on your panel speak for 5 minutes or so
  • Engage the audience and get the moderator to have Q & A
  • Invite everyone to review your book on Amazon 
  • Be kind, helpful and chat with everyone

 


 

 

NOW ACCEPTING SUBMISSIONS

Get Published in our 3rd

“My Gutsy Story®”Anthology in 2015

 

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES HERE

 

MGS FINAL COVER Small
Click on cover to go to Amazon

Benjamin Franklin Digital Awards Solver

 2013 Benjamin Franklin Honoree Winner

International Book Awards Finalist 2014

2014 International Book Awards FINALIST

Paris bookfestival

2014 WINNER of the PARIS BOOK FESTIVAL

 We just won our 4th Award for the Anthology. 

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT ABOUT OUR AWARDS.

IMG_20140702_070759918

 


What Should Your Author Photo Tell Your Audience?

October 9, 2014 by Sonia Marsh 7 Comments

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Click on my photo to see my photographer Kira Robles

 

I had such a fun day today with the beautiful and talented young photographer, Kira Robles, and her makeup artist Rosa Menendez.

They are both from Los Angeles, and are involved in the movie industry and I asked them to make me look natural. I want my audience to know that I’m 57, and that turquoise is my favorite color.

I believe we need to take our author business seriously.

Whether we are talking about our:

  • Websites
  • Book Covers 
  • Book Formatting
  • Social Media
  • Branding

Please realize that this is important for authors who want to stand out.

You need to consider your:

  • Personality
  • Brand
  • Book Genre

Personality: 

  • What is your color?
  • What background fits you, your brand and your genre?
  • Are you an office person, an outdoors person or an action person?
  • What is your style?
  • Be authentic and look your best, but not 20 years younger

Brand:

  • Color Scheme
  • Prop (hat/dress)
  • Logo

Book Genre:

  • Location
  • Style
  • Color scheme for your genre

So what am I hoping to achieve is a combination of who I am, what I love, a connection, approachable, kind, my brand, my turquoise ocean, and “please feel free to get in touch with me” attitude.

What have you done with your author photos?

Please share with all of us.

Sign up NOW on Eventbrite to reserve your seat for a FUN and ENTERTAINING EVENT

to launch our 2nd “My Gutsy Story®” Anthology.

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My Gutsy Story® Anthology: Taking Chances and Changing Your Life

 

What:  Author Sonia Marsh launches the second publication in her My Gutsy Story® Anthology book series by hosting an evening of inspirational stories moderated by former PBS SoCal anchor Ann Pulice.  Marsh, the award winning author and founder of My Gutsy Story®  series, will also announce her next gutsy adventure, signing up for the Peace Corps. The event is open to the public and all attendees will receive a copy of the newest My Gutsy Story® Anthology.

 

When:  Saturday, November 1

4:00 to 6:30 p.m.

 

Where:  Zovs Restaurant in Tustin

17440 E. 17th St., Tustin, CA 92780, (MAP)

ph (714) 838.8855

 

Who:  Moderator Ann Pulice is an award-winning journalists and was co-host on PBS SoCal’s Real Orange for 17 years.

Ann Pulice Emcee for the Book Launch Event

 

Panelists include:

  • Sonia Marsh: Award-winning author of Freeways to Flip-flops and founder of the My Gutsy Story®
  • Julia Capizzi: Orange County Peace Corps representative and Bilingual Returned Peace Corps Volunteer who has lived abroad in El Salvador & Bolivia.
  • Colleen Hannegan: Author and professional speaker, certified business advisor, personal life coach for women in transition.
  • Mariana Williams: Author and founder of the “Long Beach Searches for Greatest Storyteller,” married to Oscar-winning singer/songwriter Paul Williams.
  • Jonathan Yanez: Went from renting cars, to following his dream of becoming an author. His three-book series publishing contract has now been optioned for film.

 

Cost:   $40 (includes book, wine and appetizers) before October 20th and $45 after that date.

More: Marsh hopes the My Gutsy Story® Anthology series and events will create a global community to help one another take risks in life. Her first publication,Freeways to Flip Flops, a chronology of her family’s one-year adventure in Belize, recently won the Reader’s Favorite, 2014 Gold Medal book award.

 

RSVP: For more information call (949) 309-0030 or e-mail: Sonia@soniamarsh.com

EventBrite: To sign up for the event

 

Choosing a Book Cover That Sells

August 7, 2014 by Sonia Marsh 8 Comments

Book Cover RED #1Some of you know that I take great pride in my book covers, and don’t like to skimp on quality.

 

My Gutsy Story® Anthology # 2: Inspirational Short Stories About Taking Chances and Changing Your Life

Book cover  #3

I love the professional work done by Michele DeFilippo and Ronda Rawlins at 1106 Design. This year, I almost decided to SAVE MONEY and go with a cheaper design for our 2nd  Anthology in the series, but I just couldn’t do it. I didn’t want to skimp on quality.

Why?

Because I believe book design experts know more about book covers,and what sells a book than I do. Here’s a post I wrote on how to choose a book cover that sells based on  the first Anthology in the series:

My Gutsy Story® Anthology: True Stories of Love, Courage and Adventure From Around the World

has won 4 Awards, including the prestigious:

My Gutsy Story® Anthology: True Stories of Love, Courage and Adventure From Around the World, has been named a 2013 Benjamin Franklin Award Silver Honoree Winner.

Benjamin Franklin Awards

Is the cover important?

I just found a blog post on this topic by Cathi Stevenson on “What Sells a Book.”

She mentions an interesting case of where a book cover was redesigned, and it actually became a big hit after that. (see the quote from her post below.)

“In the March 2006 meeting of the Association of American Publishers, Marcella Smith, director of small press relations for Barnes and Noble, discussed the remake of the cover for The Little Book That Beats the Market (Wiley, 2005).

In the March 24, issue of Publisher’s Weekly Daily, Smith is quoted as saying the original book jacket was pale blue and featured a dollar sign. After discussing the cover with buyers, the publisher decided to change the book jacket to a more classic dark blue with white lettering, which they felt better suited a traditional business audience. It became a hit and the jacket was credited with the book’s increased popularity.”

 

Stevenson explains that most indie authors aren’t in brick and mortar bookstores, but sell online. So she then goes on to ask the question:

 

“So, do online covers matter? I’d have to say yes. First of all, it’s quite easy to weed out books that are self-published when the cover is obviously amateurish. One can only assume if there was no effort put into professional design, then there probably wasn’t much effort invested in editing, or layout or even research and story development. The cover is a necessary bit of polish, like a well-pressed suit.

Since covers are often only displayed at one or two inches online, a book cover is pretty much at the mercy of good advertising techniques to get the click-through on a page filled with similar books. An easily-read title and strong use of color are going to play a role.”–Cathi Stevenson

Stevenson stresses how a good blog and a professional product is going to help the indie author sell his 2nd book.


 

Look at our 1st Anthology cover (top cover) and decide which of the 2nd covers (below the butterfly cover) we should go with for our 2nd Anthology to be published this Fall.

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Our already published Anthology # 1
Book Cover #2
Would you buy this one? # 1


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Our already published Anthology # 1

Book cover  #3
Would you buy this one? #2

PLEASE  HELP ME  BY VOTING FOR THE COVER THAT WOULD MAKE YOU BUY THE BOOK.

(PLEASE WRITE YOUR ANSWER IN THE COMMENTS SECTION BELOW AND SHARE WITH FRIENDS)

ANSWER # 1 RED COVER

ANSWER # 2 PALM TREE COVER


 


VOTE BE GUTSY BADGE
VOTE for your favorite JULY 2014 “My Gutsy Story®” ON THE RIGHT SIDEBAR.

You have from now until  August 13th to vote on the sidebar, (only one vote per person) and the winner will be announced on August 14th, and will select a prize from our generous sponsors. 

READ ALL STORIES HERE

 

How to Create Outside-the-Box Book Events

June 30, 2014 by Sonia Marsh 1 Comment

Sonia Marsh with Susan McBeth at PWSD meeting
Sonia Marsh with Susan McBeth at PWSD meeting

 

“Start planning your book’s destiny-NOW”

This is a phrase I got from Susan McBeth, founder of “Adventures by the Book.”

Susan creates events for authors, and says she has a “connector personality.”

Like Susan, I also like to connect people and one of the first questions Susan brought up during her presentation at Publishers and Writers of San Diego (PWSD), is to ask yourself:

“What am I good at?”

There is no one-size fits all, as far as book events, and Susan believes that we need to take our time and do it right.

Not everyone likes, or wants to speak in front of large crowds, so why not organize a smaller event where you have a glass of wine and chat one-on-one with each person.

I know how terrifying it can be to stand in front of even 100 people and speak, and since I was made fun of as a teenager, when I made a speech in front of my peers, I’ve decided to get over it, and prove that I’m no longer going to let that bother me.

“What do you consider a successful event?”

Everyone is different, and as Susan states, there are many ways to measure a successful event. Here are some of the ways:

  • Book sales
  • Attendance
  • Exposure (get your message out)
  • Engagement (one-on-one)
  • Personal Satisfaction
  • Other

From my own experience, I have different objectives for my book events, and book sales is never the main reason. I believe if you focus on sales, you may be disappointed, and you won’t focus on your audience and creating relationships with them.

“Word-of-mouth” is still the best way to sell books, and to ask for Amazon reviews–Sonia Marsh

Most indie authors hope to sell hundreds of books, and the most I ever sold was 37 books at my book launch. I remember saying that I should bring 100 books to Laguna Beach Bookstore when I did my first launch, and someone told me that even Bestsellers don’t sell 100. That was a wake-up call for me.

I launched my memoir: Freeways to Flip-Flops: A Family’s Year of gutsy Living on a Tropical Island, at Laguna Beach Books, and offered a themed party, rather than a traditional book launch. Since my memoir takes place in Belize, I organized a Caribbean party and had sponsors. We offered a traditional rum punch, and food.

Themed events offer a myriad of possibilities and increase press opportunities–Susan McBeth

There are many ways you can have a non-traditional book event. Susan McBeth listed the following, which she organizers for both traditionally published authors and self-published authors.

  • Book Clubs
  • Fundraisers
  • Panels
  • Themed Events
  • Cultural Events

When I created the launch for the 1st: My Gutsy Story® Anthology: True Stories of Love, Courage and Adventure From Around the World, I decided to make it like an Academy Awards event and held it in a movie theater in Southern California.

ANTHOLOGYMarqeeS

 

I did everything right, except I should have charged an entrance fee and offered a copy of the Anthology, free wine and food

Thanks to my connections, asking my author friends to participate in a panel, and inviting Marybeth Bond, (the Gutsy Traveler) to be my keynote speaker, and giving back to a non-profit, Womansage, I know that you can also create a unique book event based on a theme.

I would like to share some articles I’ve written on various book events I’ve done, and hope that you’ll get some ideas for your own events.

  • Costco is definitely for exposure, not to make money.
  • How do I sell my book?
  • A Different Way to Market Your Book
  • Why book promotion is like being a Viagra salesman
  • Book Promotion is like Breathing; You can never take a rest from it or you might die.

Susan McBeth is offering a workshop on August, 9th, 2014  from 12-4 pm., on Video Presentations for Authors. For more information, visit: www.adventuresbythebook.com.

If  you need help with blogging, building your platform, publishing, marketing or planning a book launch, please visit my “GUTSY BOOK COACHING” page.


Next Webinar with expert Jason Matthews on July 11th at 9 a.m., PST. “Metadata Made Easy: Find the Best Keywords for Books, Blog Posts and Social Media.”

Send your questions to me at :Sonia@SoniaMarsh.com.

SIGN UP  HERE AS LIMITED SPACE.


If you need help with blogging, book marketing and promotion, please contact me and visit my

CLICK HERE for Gutsy Book Coaching.

Accepting story submissions now for our Award-winning “My Gutsy Story®” Anthology

READ MORE HERE

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