"Experience" - New Feature for Getting the Words Out

Beside my desk is this button reminding me that even in seeming disasters there is the experience value. It's darn costly, but that may be all that remains from mistakes made and dreams delayed. Fact is, no matter how well you write, you have to "get the words out" to build a following who become loyal book buyers. For most of us, this is more challenging than writing. In our enthusiasm, authors go careening down one-way streets, wasting time and money attempting to "get the words out". We have to work smarter, not harder.

My weekend at Southern Independent Booksellers Association (SIBA) didn't get what I expected but did give me experience lessons that I needed. Stay tuned as I pass these along to you. I deeply appreciate each book blogger and book store owner who spent time to educate me on the booksellers perspective.

Experience Tip # 1: Get an electronic copy (preferred) or printed copy of your book to book bloggers and reviewers at least three months prior to release date. The book bloggers present affirmed Rebecca Joines Schinsky's  (The Book Lady's Blog) comment that "When your book is out for 2 weeks, it's old news to bloggers so don't expect any attention."  

Experience Tip # 2: Book Blogger Ron Hogan mentioned the value of timing, "Get review copies to key bloggers early enough that the review can be published just prior to a major book show or other event where your book is launched."

Experience Tip # 3: If you are looking for endorsements, get review copies out as much as 3-5 months in advance. The bigger the name value of the reviewer, the longer the lead time. After all, that endorser is busy with his or her own writing, speaking, etc, so make it easy for that person to review your work. Don't bother to send it a few weeks before debut. Instead of a quick turn around, you are likely to get a quick return with no review.

Taking Book Blogging to new heights

The infamous duo from "Get in Bed with a Book Blogger" fame shared how their wicked humor translated into a  powerful book seller-blogger relationship. SIBA President Kelly Justice shared that this works because they are complimentary personalities who respect each others as independent thinkers. Blogger Rebecca Joines Schinsky encourages book bloggers to find their "home bookstore" and build rapport with the owners and customers. Kelly reminds book sellers to treat the book blogger as a team member without attempting to influence what the blogger writes.

Kelly and Rebecca's "Get in Bed with a Book Blogger" photo is heading for legend status. This proves that the best campaigns are attention grabbing, clever and connect with a wide audience. Frankly, they beat the pants off any New York publicity agency with their idea. Careful, let's not mention pants. Rebecca has that panty-throwing habit but you can learn more from reading The Book Lady's Blog.

SIBA - Books and Beds

Book conference and ocean view resort, that's a writer's paradise! Delightful folks with side order of humor, as you see in the lobby display inviting us to lounge and read. Naturally I had to do it.

Heard Steven Johnson talk about his new book, "Where Good Ideas Come From". Look at his book trailer, it's amazing. Plus he gave attendees an autographed book! His ideas are philosophical yet have a broad based appeal which is a tough balancing act.

Best session so far was "Get in Bed with a Book Blogger".  Kelly Justice (owner of The Fountain Bookstore) and Rebecca Schinsky (aka The Book Lady's Blog) started this eye-catching campaign before BEA and they became rock stars in the book world for this creative effort.

Book Blogger Appreciation Week!

September 13-19 is the official Book Blogger Appreciation Week. With so little newsprint devoted to books, the book blogger has become a leading literary information source for savvy readers.

My highest compliment goes out to Terry Kate who developed the Book Bloggers and Authors Conference. This online conference was packed with information for book bloggers, authors and publishers. Thankfully, Terry arranged to record many of the excellent sessions for later listening. Since I was teaching at Regent University during that week, I deeply appreciated the recorded sessions.

Celebrate book bloggers this week by locating and subscribing to two book blogs in a genre that interests you. When you sign in, remember to say, "Thanks" because book bloggers are instrumental in discovering and promoting new books.