Book Promotion Archives - Page 4 of 8 - Sonia Marsh

Gutsy Google Hangout with Author Ian Mathie

February 6, 2014 by Sonia Marsh 1 Comment

Interview in Progress Sign — Gutsy Google Hangouts Program

I have started a new series called: Gutsy Google+ Hangouts where I interview interesting people from around the world.

I shall interview:

Authors
Film producers
Photographers
Gutsy People

Jerry Waxler, author of the Memoir Revolution said, during my recent interview with him, that people are connecting globally, thanks to technology and through sharing our stories.

The purpose of my Gutsy Google Hangouts, is to bring us closer together as a “global community.”

I want to thank my friend Jason Matthews, for sharing his expertise on Google+ Hangouts, with me. Please watch his program called Indie Authors on YouTube.

Ian Mathie interviewed on Gutsy Google Hangout

Author, Ian Mathie is my guest on today’s Gutsy Google Hangouts.

You can read Ian’s fascinating “My Gutsy Story” camel story at the Bilma Oasis in Niger, here.

Ian Mathie 5 book_cover_saop — Ian’s latest memoir. Click on cover to go to Ian’s website.

Ian Mathie – Bio

Born in Scotland and taken to Africa aged three, Ian Mathie grew up in the bush. After short service as a pilot in the RAF, he returned to West Africa as a rural development officer. Well adapted to living in the bush, Ian worked with isolated societies, sharing their hardships and understanding cultures from the inside.

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REMEMBER TO VOTE for your favorite one of 4 “My Gutsy Story®” submissions, on the sidebar. You have from now until February 12th to vote on the sidebar, (only one vote per person) and the winner will be announced on February 13th, and will select a prize from our generous sponsors.

Do you have a “My Gutsy Story®” you’d like to share?

Click on cover to go to Amazon link

Would you like to submit your “My Gutsy Story®” and get published in our 2nd anthology?

Please see guidelines below and contact Sonia Marsh at: sonia@soniamarsh.com for details.

You can find all the information, and our new sponsors on the “My Gutsy Story®” contest page. (VIDEO) Submission guidelines here

3 New Book Marketing Tips to Try

January 9, 2014 by Sonia Marsh 8 Comments

A fresh start to a new year generally means change.

If you’re like me, you’ll want to:

Work more efficiently
Save time
Try a new way to connect with your readers

Here are 3 new tips for you to try.

The book insert card
Connect with readers on Amazon Forums
Ask an Amazon top reviewer for feedback

Let me explain them in order.

1). The book insert card.

I thought about a way to remind those who purchase my book at an event, to review it, to encourage others to read it, and to invite me to participate in a Skype book club “Meet the Author” event. Below is my 5×8 card I insert into each book. It fits perfectly, since my book is 6×9. I’m hoping this will encourage more reviews. I designed one specifically to inform readers about the other books I have for sale. Take look at the card below.

Review Card Insert for FF 5×8

2). Connect with readers on Amazon Forums

I thought it would be a great idea to thank my reviewers for reading my memoir and to offer them a free Kindle version of the 2nd book:

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

I know this could be risky (financially) as I would be “gifting” it to them at my own expense, however, I believe the more you give, the more you get back.

Anyway, before attempting to post my Dear Reader letter on my Amazon Author Central page, I thought it best to send a copy to Amazon customer service first and see what they said. After all, you don’t want to get in trouble with Amazon.

Here is the response I got from Amazon customer service:

“I understand you would like to thank reviewers for reading your first book, “Freeways to Flip-Flops: A Family’s Year of Gutsy Living on a Tropical Island.”

“Currently, there is no such option or category on Author Page to post the content you mentioned. However, I found a way to take are of this for you.

— The Customer Discussion forum on the bottom of the Author Page allows you to share your questions, insights, and views about your books with other customers.

If you’d like to preview a Customer Discussion, go to the bottom of the Author Page and point your mouse at the arrow to the left of a discussion to preview the first couple posts in a discussion.

Anyone who visits Amazon.com can read a discussion, but you must have a purchase history and be in good standing in the Amazon community to contribute to a discussion or start a new one.

You’ll find the rules for posting and answers to some frequently asked questions here:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/forum/content/db-guidelines.html/

—We also offer the Meet our Authors Community in the Amazon.com discussion boards. Here, you can browse the different active discussions and post information about your books in the discussions you feel your book will best fit.

http://www.amazon.com/forum/meet%20our%20authors

I’m sorry that I couldn’t offer much help in this regard through Author Central. However, I’ve passed your message to the Author Central development team for consideration.”

I checked the Meet our Authors Community in the Amazon.com discussion boards, and you can add your book to the appropriate genre list.

3). Ask an Amazon top reviewer for feedback

I was fortunate to get a review from one of the top 500 Amazon Reviewers, when Freeways to Flip-Flops: A Family’s Year of Gutsy Living on a Tropical Island was published. (Read her review here.)

I thanked her for her review, and asked her for her feedback on who she thought my target audience was. She surprised me with her detailed response as she brought up a younger demographic of women than I had expected, (25-40) as well as the over 50, and retired group. She also suggested dropping my book off at libraries, which I’ve done, and to book club members. Ionia also mentioned those with physical disabilities, senior centers and the incarcerated.

Here is the review; I received 5 stars by Ionia Martin.

Have you tried new ways to market your books? Please share your comments, and if you find this post helpful, please share on social media.

THANK YOU.

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Please VOTE for your favorite one of 5 “My Gutsy Story®” submissions. You have from now until January 15th to vote on the sidebar, (only one vote per person) and the winner will be announced on January 16th, and will select a prize from our generous sponsors.

Do you have a “My Gutsy Story®” you’d like to share?

Click on cover to go to Amazon

Would you like to submit your “My Gutsy Story®” and get published in our 2nd anthology?

Please see guidelines below and contact Sonia Marsh at: sonia@soniamarsh.com for details.

You can find all the information, and our new sponsors on the “My Gutsy Story®” contest page. (VIDEO) Submission guidelines here

How Do I get My Book Made into a Movie?

December 19, 2013 by Sonia Marsh 20 Comments

Like most authors, I really, really want my book made into a movie, and I also believe, like most authors, that I have a unique story that lends itself to a screenplay.

The question is how do I get my book in the hands of the perfect Hollywood producer who will fall in love with my story?

First, let me tell you what happened to me on the day I launched my first book: Freeways to Flip-Flops: A Family’s Year of gutsy Living on a Tropical Island.

I received a phone call from an associate producer of a new TV talk show scheduled to air in the Fall. They found me online by Googling keywords like family/travel/adventure/gutsy. Marianne, the associate producer prepped me for the show, and although things were changed at the last minute, she helped me develop a pitch and suggested I contact (GMA) Good Morning America. Here was the pitch she developed for me: “I took my affluent teenagers to live in the jungle.” I followed her advice but had no luck with (GMA).

But I won’t give up, so I’ve been spending time listening to webinars on how to get your book made into a movie and all of them have asked me to pay a fee for either:

Turning my book into a screenplay or
Guaranteeing that my material will be reviewed by producers without the need of an agent. All I have to do is purchase a set of books and videos (offered at a one-time special low fee) that will help me prepare a 3-5 page in depth description and analysis of my book and capture the attention of real producers.

I asked an award-winning playwright if this is how I should proceed and she said:

“The way this usually works is the producer should be the one paying to option your book, not the other way around. And there would need to be a written option agreement between you.”

She added:

“Unless the person is clearly a working screenwriter in Hollywood with LOTS of connections, even if he wrote the script, the chances he could get it produced are small. You think the publishing world is tough? Hollywood is worse.”

I have come to the conclusion that the best way to get your movie in the hands of a producer, is to either:

Know a Producer
Have a contact in the film industry who knows a producer, or who is close friends with an agent/producer/someone in the business
Have a bestseller if you’re indie-published, which will bring attention to your book; think Amanda Hocking
If you have a literary agent, have them help you with their film agent contacts
Make things happen yourself through networking at conferences, asking people you meet.

In a article by Warren Adler in the Huffington Post, Warren states:

“It is difficult to explain this reality to an eager questioner who believes he or she has created a work of genius. My usual answer is to advise them to find a way to attract the attention of the “Hollywood agentry,” those intrepid and seasoned soldiers whose experience and contacts are geared to gain the attention of stars, producers, studios, writers and the entire gaggle of entrepreneurs who put their judgment on the line and find the money to reach the entertainment marketplace.”

“The real future for novelists may be in venues yet to come made possible by technology that might be just beginning to emerge.”

I am curious what Warren means in this last statement. Sounds interesting.

Warren Adler, best known for “The War of the Roses” garnered outstanding box office and critical success with Golden Globe, BAFTA and multiple award nominations internationally, Adler went on to sell movie and film rights for 12 books, all noted for his character driven and masterful storytelling.

Here is another article I found helpful, “Turn You Book Into a Movie: Tips and Guidelines.”

Even in this article, they stress the importance of contacts.

“In any business, it’s important to make great contacts. If you’ve got big dreams of being a Hollywood blockbuster writer, then it may be time to launch yourself full-on into the Tinsel Town community.”

(Please note, I’m an indie author who is passionate about marketing and sharing with other indie authors on my blog. Please join our Gutsy Indie Publishers Facebook Group where we welcome you to ask questions.

If you’d like links to webinars on this topic, please e-mail me at: Sonia@soniamarsh.com

I hope you join me in Making things happen yourself through networking at conferences, and asking people you meet.

I refuse to give up.

What about you?

How to Create a Successful Book Launch à la “Academy Awards”

November 7, 2013 by Sonia Marsh 3 Comments

You want a successful book launch right?

So how do you do it?

Well, sitting behind a desk in a bookstore and keeping your fingers crossed that people will show up is not the way.

Just like any successful party, it takes planning. And I don’t mean a few e-mails asking your family and friends to show up; no, I’m talking “ACADEMY AWARDS” style planning.

Now before you say, “Sonia, that’s ridiculous, I can’t afford that, or that takes too much effort, I’m going to stop you right now. It’s all up to you.

Do you want it to be successful or not?

If so, just like anything you want in life, it takes effort, and that doesn’t mean it can’t be fun at the same time.

So back to the “ACADEMY AWARDS” of book launches.

Here’s what I did to launch our first My Gutsy Story® Anthology: True Stories of Love, Courage and Adventure From Around the World, on September 26th, 2013.

I’m not an event planner, nor did I hire one. I’m just an ordinary indie author.

Pick a venue 3-9 months before the event. At first I planned to have it at a beautiful library where many well-known authors have spoken. When I got turned down, I found a movie theater.

Ask your contacts to help you. It’s surprising how many people are willing to help you if you just ask. Relationships are reciprocal, and if they see you’re willing to help others, they are more inclined to help you.

Decide on a theme and use it as a promotional tool for the media. They’re not really interested in a book launch from an unknown author. “Bring Out the Gutsy in You” is what I selected to generate interest.

Get a keynote speaker you admire to make a short 15-minute speech. You might be surprised how much easier this is than you think. I asked Marybeth Bond, “The Gutsy Traveler” to speak at my event, and she said she would love to help me.

Invite a Panel of authors to add a lively discussion around the theme of your event. It’s easier to do when you launch an Anthology, however, there’s no reason why you can’t do the same with a traditional book launch. The more authors unite, the better for everyone, including your audience.

Sonia with Panelists on stage — Sonia Marsh standing, Linda Joy Myers, Jason Matthews, Marybeth Bond and Marla Miller

Get sponsors to donate door prizes and create a large poster with their logos to display during the event. When you have a keynote speaker, as well as a panel, it’s easier to get a media buzz started.

Sponsors Poster Anthology Event — 8 Sponsors with Fabulous Door Prizes

Donate a % of book sales to a non-profit related to your book/event. This will also help you get media coverage. We donated a % to WomanSage, a non-profit that helps women in transition. Many of the stories in the My Gutsy Story® Anthology are written by women who have overcome obstacles in their lives. WomanSage helps women in transition, so it was the perfect match.
Get a team of friends to volunteers (4-5) and decide on which jobs suit their personality. For example, outgoing volunteers can greet your guests.

Arlene Deans a volunteer with the door prize tickets.

Supersize it, and turn it into an Academy Awards Party.

Extras:

Hire a local publicist to get you on local radio, “Real People OC”, local PBS-SoCal TV and in the papers. (I hired Barbara Kimler, a wonderful local publicist who did just that for me. Click on the links.)
Hire a Professional Film Crew to film the event (See the film excerpt above.) Copies of the DVD 90-minutes with Marybeth Bond and the panel are available for sale for $10.00 + shipping.) E-mail sonia@soniamarsh .com if you’re interested.
Hire a Professional photographer
Have some food and wine

The main reason this launch was a success is thanks to the people who helped me, and the kindness of those who participated. As Jeff Goins mentions in his article, “One Incredibly Overlooked Key to a Successful Book Launch,”

“The Secret Behind Launching (or Growing) Any Business is People”

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Thanks to popular demand, we plan on doing another event for the launch of our 2nd My Gutsy Story® Anthology: True Stories of Love, Courage and Adventure From Around the World.

We encourage all of you to keep submitting your stories if you wish to be considered for publication in the Anthology.

Do you have a “My Gutsy Story®” you’d like to share?

NOW is the time to submit your “My Gutsy Story®” which may be included in our 2nd ANTHOLOGY.

Please view our 1st Published Anthology here.

You can find all the information, and our new sponsors on the “My Gutsy Story®” contest page. (VIDEO) Submission guidelines here

The Gutsy Book Traveling Contest

October 17, 2013 by Sonia Marsh 4 Comments

JohnWayneSonia-S — Sonia standing in front of “The Duke” at John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana, California.

My husband, Duke, (not “The Duke” above) gave me a brilliant idea.

It’s called, “The Gutsy Book Traveling Contest,” inspired by the “Roaming Gnome,” and “Where in the World is the Saddleback Valley News?”

Photos will be judged according to:

Originality
Unique location
Unique landmark
Unique photo

We are giving the winner a $50.00 Amazon gift certificate + promoting all those who send in their photos. Details below.

You have until December 31st, 2013, to send your photos. If we receive many photos, we shall see about extending to a 2nd contest.

Please check back as we’re hoping to get sponsors. Please check the guidelines below.

BookParis-S — I’m standing in front of the famous cafe in Paris where Hemingway used to write.

(I admit, we did cheat a little. Since I was not holding my book in Paris, we photoshopped it to get this post ready. Same applies to me in front of the John Wayne statue, although I did visit both locations.)

You may remember the “Share one sentence and one photo about you,” well this time I’d like to ask you to take a photo of you holding either:

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

FFlipFlops-s Cover Small. 432x648 — Click on cover to see on Amazon

Freeways to Flip-Flops: A Family’s Year of Gutsy Living on a Tropical Island

both “Gutsy” travel books, in front of a well-known landmark in your town/city/country.

I shall post your photos:

on my site
on social media
on Patch.com
any media coverage I can get

all I need is:

your name
date the photo was taken
landmark
city, state, country

Here are some photos from author friends who have stories published in the first My Gutsy Story® Anthology.

Madeline Sharples wearing I'm Gutsy Pin and name tag from our launch party. — Madeline Sharples wearing I’m Gutsy Pin and name tag from our launch party.

Madeline’s story is on page 110 of the Anthology, and the title is, “Working and Writing Helped Me Heal.” Please check out her website. Also I interviewed Madeline Sharples about her book here.