tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64318409272803164732024-02-18T23:29:51.230-07:00Shameless Promoter - Book Marketing Coach<center><b>Authors: Do you need help increasing your brand, sales and skills? Are you looking for a publisher or agent?</b></center>Cheryl Tardifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15160526951596806898noreply@blogger.comBlogger92125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6431840927280316473.post-54790772637822991692015-09-29T10:32:00.000-06:002015-09-29T21:04:59.042-06:00UPDATED: September 2015 - Amazon's KDP, Smashwords, Withholding Tax, International Authors, ITIN and EIN<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin4Vf_m9bz3UPLF3y-2l0TB-mLqp6SLAUxWMeBFXfyTjr-jV-ixHFQfd2RW4E7jIpSNiVMYepKfZe7yBxZJBq72t9ERpFfSsBoP5GM0IlX5XWukTCA1DJYhqHwbg0olCAr3i_-rxDgGEEa/s1600/headache.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin4Vf_m9bz3UPLF3y-2l0TB-mLqp6SLAUxWMeBFXfyTjr-jV-ixHFQfd2RW4E7jIpSNiVMYepKfZe7yBxZJBq72t9ERpFfSsBoP5GM0IlX5XWukTCA1DJYhqHwbg0olCAr3i_-rxDgGEEa/s320/headache.jpg" width="275" /></a></div>
As a Canadian author using <a href="https://kdp.amazon.com/" target="_blank">Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)</a>, my journey has been less than hassle free, so I'm posting today to help other non-US authors get through the headache of withholding taxes and IRS forms.<br />
<br />
If you're a non-US author and you've noticed your royalty checks don't match your numbers online, it's most likely because a withholding tax has been implemented--30% on average. But there's a solution.<br />
<br />
First, a non-US resident and DTP publisher/author does NOT need a US address or a US bank account. Amazon will mail you a check or via direct deposit.<br />
<br />
However, Amazon will withhold approx. 30% of all earnings of non-US residents UNLESS authors have an ITIN or EIN, which you must get from the IRS.<br />
<br />
FYI, this is how I did it a few years ago when everyone said I needed an ITIN. But I should warn you--it's much easier now, and I'll tell you exactly what you need to do after I share my experience.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Don't apply for an ITIN!!!</span></b></div>
<br />
1. I contacted an "Acceptance Agent" in my city. There's a list of <a href="http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=96839,00.html">Canadian Acceptance Agents</a> (and <a href="http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=96304,00.html">US and International Acceptance Agents</a>) on the IRS website.<br />
2. I had Smashwords send me a letter stating I was selling my books through them. You need one letter only from one distributor, and when I asked Amazon they were completely uncooperative and refused to send me the letter.<br />
3. I filled out the W-7 form at the Agent's office, he photocopied my passport and he sent these out along with the letter from Smashwords (who are aweseome about giving letters).<br />
4. It took about 7 weeks before I got my letter from the IRS with my ITIN.<br />
5. Then I filled out the W-8BEN form and sent one to each US distributor (Amazon, Smashwords etc). From that point on, I've received 100% of my royalties due; no tax was withheld.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.smashwords.com/">Smashwords</a> has great <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/about/supportfaq#Royalties">instructions</a> on all this on their site. I don't know why Amazon hasn't done the same. Smashwords also has links to all the forms and the address for sending the W-8BEN. Again, Amazon could take some pointers on customer service.<br />
<br />
As per Smashwords, here are the important links you need:<br />
<ul style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 2em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://www.smashwords.com/account/requestITINLetter" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #336699; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Request a letter for your W-7</a></li>
<li style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw8ben.pdf" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #336699; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Download form W-8BEN</a></li>
<li style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/iw8ben.pdf" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #336699; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Download W-8BEN Instructions</a></li>
<li style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw7.pdf" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #336699; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Download form W-7</a></li>
<li style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/iw7.pdf" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #336699; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Download W-7 Instructions</a></li>
<li style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://www.smashwords.com/about/taxforms" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #336699; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Send us your completed W-8BEN</a></li>
</ul>
Is this a hassle? Most definitely. That's why I no longer recommend this way. <b>Get an EIN!!!</b><br />
<br />
Is it worth it to get an EIN? Yes. Why should 1/3 of my earnings be held back? I'm Canadian, I pay my taxes here.<br />
<br />
Does anyone know the correct mailing address for sending in the W-8BEN form to Amazon?<br />
<br />
"We need to receive a physical copy (paper form) of the W8 that contains a US tax id and that is signed in <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><u>blue ink</u></span></b>. Please put the supplier code/vendor code, vendor code: <b>DUVNS</b> in the upper right hand corner and then mail it to the below address. As soon as we receive it, we will update the account and reimburse withholding that has been deducted this year. Note: withholding can only be paid back in the current year it was deducted.<br />
<br />
Amazon Digital Services<br />
Attn: Vendor Maintenance<br />
PO Box 80683<br />
Seattle, WA 98108-0683<br />
<br />
If you have further questions, please write back to us at <a href="mailto:dtp-support@amazon.com">dtp-support@amazon.com</a>."<br />
<br />
Please note that you may want to check to ensure that the "supplier code" is the same for everyone. I have no idea if it is or if it's linked to my account only. If you know the answer, please email me at cherylktardif (at) shaw.ca.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">UPDATE 3: Sept 29, 2015 - Forget the ITIN. Get an EIN instead. It's much easier and FREE!</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px; text-align: start;">Get an EIN by phone via the IRS's toll-free number: (800) 829-4933.</b></div>
<br />
<b>UPDATE 2: One writer reported to me that the supplier code was different than mine, so your best bet is to email DTP support and ask them.</b><br />
<br />
<b>UPDATE: May 18, 2011 -<br />
- Createspace will send you the letter you need to get the ITIn rolling, if you sell your books via them.<br />
- Smashwords has a Google Chrome bug that is preventing emails to go through to them via the customer support link at the top of Smashwords.com. If you've emailed them about this or any other matter and haven't heard back from them in 3-5 days, your email may never have reached them. They're working on this issue. In the meantime, try IE or another browser.</b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b>- From Mark Coker at Smashwords: "At Smashwords, authors request the letters through their payee profile at <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/account/payee">https://www.smashwords.com/account/payee</a>. They can request the letter once their account balance reaches $10.00."</b></span></b><br />
<br />
Cheryl Kaye TardifCheryl Tardifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15160526951596806898noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6431840927280316473.post-49255824686111708512015-09-29T10:30:00.000-06:002015-09-29T20:47:51.945-06:00Sorry, I'm not accepting new clients at this time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkOaavCGMh3-YnCzgQIpWaY2g7SnosSAIZktYD5OW9n1dGXwxvz2xlhXZ2UW03XoJEdgtDDU18hEj_N-FFyS4ATZiGOZ1fM9Dpb4keGNZM_ANOO_MxFVD1OroOOeqzz8kRwkHlC22oUlQ/s1600/CherylKayeTardif.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkOaavCGMh3-YnCzgQIpWaY2g7SnosSAIZktYD5OW9n1dGXwxvz2xlhXZ2UW03XoJEdgtDDU18hEj_N-FFyS4ATZiGOZ1fM9Dpb4keGNZM_ANOO_MxFVD1OroOOeqzz8kRwkHlC22oUlQ/s320/CherylKayeTardif.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
In 2011, I branched out from writer and book marketing coach to publisher. IMAJIN BOOKS has grown so quickly and has evolved into something I love almost as much as writing my own novels. It is hugely rewarding to watch other writers see success. And I have a special fondness for my debut authors who are holding their new "babies" for the first time.<br />
<br />
As a result, I haven't been accepting new clients for over a year, and most of my regular clients are now well on their way to using everything they've learned to promote their works. I feel like I've set doves free into the world. They'll find their way.<br />
<br />
For those who are looking for book marketing help, please check through my posts here. You may find some useful tidbits of info. I wish you the very best in your journey as writer/author and promoter. Remember, there is NO shame in promoting your work. Be bold, be different, take risks, experiment, learn and grow. And then give back a piece of what you've learned.<br />
<br />
You can also check my author blog (I'm an international bestselling author) at <a href="http://www.cherylktardif.blogspot.com/">http://www.cherylktardif.blogspot.com</a>.<br />
<br />
And if you're a reader who loves quality fiction, be sure to drop by Imajin Books at <a href="http://www.imajinbooks.com/">http://www.imajinbooks.com</a>Cheryl Tardifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15160526951596806898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6431840927280316473.post-13775608598799806502012-11-30T20:00:00.000-07:002012-11-30T20:00:00.120-07:00Amazon Prime Members Can Borrow My eBooks with Kindle Owners' Lending Library<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0083Q04IQ/ref=as_li_tf_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0083Q04IQ&linkCode=as2&tag=cherylkayetar-20" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ0i0mPf9uxMxb3_30gjOJ84m0ZZSw6IlasAb5YXT2OcVdEd6_3A9ZMu1ju-v3zhKW7d9VkvCLzmRmz3HElQv7iUM9FsGckgsulp1lehbQEu9eZoF-8XGHC5ziyE8Fg2WaRsZd06qstEun/s320/kindlefire.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Did you know that if you have a Prime membership on Amazon and live in the USA or UK, you can borrow one ebook a month via the <b>Kindle Owners' Lending Library</b>.<br />
<br />
You can choose from <b>180,000+ ebooks FREE</b>, including over 100 New York Times bestsellers. And there are no due dates.<br />
<br />
A Prime membership has other advantages too. For <b>only $79/year or £49/year</b>, you'll also receive free 2-day shipping on millions of items on Amazon, plus unlimited streaming of over 25,000 movies and TV shows. There are other perks too. You can learn more about Prime <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html/ref=sr_1_4_acs_h_1?ie=UTF8&nodeId=13819211&qid=1354252189&sr=1-4-acs" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<b>You can borrow directly from your Kindle (e-ink versions and Fire):</b><br />
<br />
1. On e-ink devices (regular Kindles & Touch), click on "See all categories" then scroll down to "Kindle Owners' Lending Library" to view titles. Find a book and click on it to either buy or borrow for free.<br />
<br />
2. On Kindle Fire devices, the Lending Library is located in the bookstore. Browse books and look for Prime badge. Click on a title and you'll have the option to either buy or borrow for free.<br />
<br />
3. You can also borrow and read on an app for your desktop, iPad and more. Download your borrowed books directly from Amazon.com by looking for titles that show the Amazon Prime icon.<br />
<br />
Remember, as a US or UK Prime member, you're entitled to <b>1 free borrow a month</b>. That's 12 free books each year.<br />
<br />
Don't own a Kindle? <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004HZYA6E/ref=http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008GG93YE/ref=fs_sz">Get yours now</a>. If you're not a US Prime member, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/kindleprime">start your one month free trial today</a>. If you live in the UK, <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/prime" target="_blank">start your one month free trial of Prime here.</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cheryl-Kaye-Tardif/e/B002C4V542" target="_blank">Borrow Cheryl Kaye Tardif books!</a> Look for the Prime icon.</b><br />
<br />Cheryl Tardifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15160526951596806898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6431840927280316473.post-70960782002042159552012-11-15T20:24:00.000-07:002012-11-30T11:02:43.598-07:00How I Made Over $42,000 Selling My Kindle eBooks<div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Palatino, serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em; text-align: justify;">
<span class="thumbnail-image-float-left ssNonEditable" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 8px 0px;"><a href="http://www.imajinbooks.com/how-i-made-over-42000-selling/?SSScrollPosition=159" style="color: #1d7d95; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="" src="http://www.imajinbooks.com/storage/thumbnails/11736839-18095574-thumbnail.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1336506954375" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px;" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>In March 2012 one Canadian author boldly went where few have gone before—into the land of making real money with Amazon's KDP Select program, where she has now earned over $210,000 in 11 months.<br /><br />This is her story…</b></div>
<br />
My name is Cheryl Kaye Tardif and I am an international bestselling suspense author who earned over $42,000 dollars in March 2012 selling ebooks via Amazon's KDP Select program, captured the interest of a major literary agency, and went on to sign with a foreign rights agent. And I'm about to tell you HOW I did all that.<br />
<br />
I don't normally tell people how much money I make, but I believe writers need to know it IS possible to earn a real income from your books. Seriously, if I can do it, anyone can—<i>if </i>you have the right combination of criteria and techniques.<br />
<br />
In this book, I'll share with you what I believe are four key elements you must have in place to see high sales. And I'll reveal the strategic techniques I used during my KDP Select promotions that resulted in earning over $42,000—with $32,000 of that from ONE title alone.<br />
<br />
Not only did I earn over $42,000 in ebook sales, I was contacted by one of the leading literary agencies in New York. The chairman noticed my success when my one title made #4 in the Top 100 Bestselling Kindle ebooks, right under <i>The Hunger Games</i> trilogy. Since then, I've signed with an agent at Trident Media Group, and a senior editor at Penguin, who also contacted me after my Amazon success, is awaiting my next novel.<br />
<br />
So, if you're ready to earn some real money with Select, let's begin…<br />
<br />
Available at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Month-Selling-Kindle-eBooks-ebook/dp/B0080USSYW">Amazon (Kindle)</a> for only $2.99.Cheryl Tardifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15160526951596806898noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6431840927280316473.post-79891244334951329332012-11-10T09:30:00.000-07:002012-11-10T09:30:01.231-07:00Writers, are you tired of struggling financially? Worried about your financial future?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj58xRKFllZZ71_OoBr2Xz642Vfr84oTNDDmbwr9Qmd-uwftvlc3HXlM01jatVQ1QqPSSF49sq_ItzRDc0J9yvwWhrzhtE8_o9MOON3fZz08pcgTnDOTusdMyOUkvh-bmA8YOwTPt5Wfy3x/s1600/IMG_5036god+-+ss200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj58xRKFllZZ71_OoBr2Xz642Vfr84oTNDDmbwr9Qmd-uwftvlc3HXlM01jatVQ1QqPSSF49sq_ItzRDc0J9yvwWhrzhtE8_o9MOON3fZz08pcgTnDOTusdMyOUkvh-bmA8YOwTPt5Wfy3x/s320/IMG_5036god+-+ss200.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
As a writer and published author, I know how difficult our industry can be, and how uncertain a writer's income can be. I've had my ups and downs, suffered from what I call "Starving Writer Syndrome" (akin to Starving Artist Syndrome). I've experienced many years where I spent more than I earned. It's not fun, and it places a huge amount of stress on a writer's self-confidence, financial situation and family.<br />
<br />
For years, I've made it my mission to help other writers when I can, and therefore I'd like to introduce you, my fellow writers, to my brother, Derek Kaye. He's a financial advisor, and he has a plan for you to free up money in your home--even if you think there's nothing available.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Let me introduce you to Derek's 'Get Your Finances On Track' system...<br />
<br />
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">
<b>Are you stressed out about money, debt and your ability to get ahead and
start doing the things you really want to do?</b></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<u><a href="http://www.mcssl.com/app/?Clk=4884382" target="_blank">Then check out this
fantastic money</a> </u><u><a href="http://www.mcssl.com/app/?Clk=4884382" target="_blank">management system <== new program</a></u></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
Derek
has built an end-to-end system for managing money within your household
and building wealth that will lead to financial independence ...</div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
...
and it's perfect for families and professionals who have a great income but just
don't know where all their money's going.</div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<u><a href="http://www.mcssl.com/app/?Clk=4884382" target="_blank">Discover this new
money management</a> </u><u><a href="http://www.mcssl.com/app/?Clk=4884382" target="_blank">system <== new training</a></u></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<u><br /></u></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
As
long as you truly want to change the way you're doing things and start living
a life of abundance, this new model will help you to manage your household cash
flow ...</div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
...
and finally start to get ahead and live the life you truly desire.</div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<div>
<u><a href="http://www.mcssl.com/app/?Clk=4884382" target="_blank">Check out
this end-to-end system for</a> </u><u><a href="http://www.mcssl.com/app/?Clk=4884382" target="_blank">getting your finances
on track</a>.</u></div>
</div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<u><br /></u></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
You don't have to be a "starving writer." Choose to take control of your finances.</div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
~ Cheryl</div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
P.S. Your life will only change if you do!</div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<u><a href="http://www.mcssl.com/app/?Clk=4884382" target="_blank">Learn the "build your
future" money</a> </u><u><a href="http://www.mcssl.com/app/?Clk=4884382" target="_blank">management system here <==</a></u></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
Cheryl Tardifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15160526951596806898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6431840927280316473.post-38950377013059511092012-08-25T12:22:00.001-06:002012-08-25T12:23:44.924-06:00Enter to win HOW I MADE OVER $42.000 IN 1 MONTH SELLING MY KINDLE EBOOKS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDMeCSV6nK-YPTxDlXaHMitVcEuAY104O2sV13m-snmMNE3G1YnSmcQKmhiEdY4VdcKjuEGAf7IByb_A3QsrahCd8Dim9cIONqNnHGilek_KmOD3VzUDvb-nb-mBFAtlJmpuY9rXtF7_0/s1600/How_I_Made_42K_Final+-+150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDMeCSV6nK-YPTxDlXaHMitVcEuAY104O2sV13m-snmMNE3G1YnSmcQKmhiEdY4VdcKjuEGAf7IByb_A3QsrahCd8Dim9cIONqNnHGilek_KmOD3VzUDvb-nb-mBFAtlJmpuY9rXtF7_0/s320/How_I_Made_42K_Final+-+150.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
One of my fans, Sharlaine Hobbs, asked me to do a giveaway as she wanted to "pay it forward" and donate the prize - the Kindle edition of my marketing book that reveals how I've been able to earn over $150,000 using Amazon's KDP Select program.<br />
<br />
If you're an author and you're ready to make some REAL money (I made over $42,000 in 1 month and $150,000 in 7 months), you'll want a copy of this book--and thanks to Sharlaine, someone will win a free copy.<br />
<br />
Enter using the form below. Good luck!
<br />
<br />
This contest ends September 1st, 2012.<br />
<br />
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/39394c6/" id="rc-39394c6" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script><br />
<br />
This prize will be awarded in the first week of September.Cheryl Tardifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15160526951596806898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6431840927280316473.post-34941907019286274502012-04-05T15:00:00.000-06:002012-04-05T14:38:08.256-06:00Some marketing books I highly recommendIf you're an author and you want to do your own marketing rather than pay someone else thousands of dollars per year to do it, you will need some really good resource tools.<br />
<br />
These are the 5 books I highly recommend you buy, read, highlight, read again, follow, read again and take action on:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.writersreaders.com/">What Writers Need to Know About Publishers by Jerry D. Simmons</a> (my friend and mentor)<br />
<a href="http://www.plugyourbook.com/">Plug Your Book by Steve Weber</a><br />
<a href="http://www.bookmarket.com/">1001 Ways to Market Your Books by John Kremer</a><br />
<a href="http://www.bookmarketingworks.com/">Beyond the Bookstore by Brian Jud</a><br />
<a href="http://www.amarketingexpert.com/">Red Hot Internet Publicity by Penny Sansevieri</a><br />
<br />
I've met 4/5 of these authors and they are awesome people with some great ideas. And having these ideas at your fingertips is certainly much easier than trying to hunt down this information online every time you need it. These books are my 'bibles' of my trade.Cheryl Tardifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15160526951596806898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6431840927280316473.post-74455588019910825262012-03-08T18:42:00.000-07:002012-03-09T18:44:28.688-07:00Twitter 101: Tweet Marketing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_fUd2Z_OlzC8k4Oos_afO1gd1crG-F6QVKf38vlC5DEm61vGPc9ZAGEymj-0hyAa_1RdDiPCivJcMIeKynJ63tUYXJh8NeOIIr_aUMaWERktIYwuXqJVdJM87BUr6a28BQBl2nL0BOlQ/s1600/Cheryl+2007+best+medium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_fUd2Z_OlzC8k4Oos_afO1gd1crG-F6QVKf38vlC5DEm61vGPc9ZAGEymj-0hyAa_1RdDiPCivJcMIeKynJ63tUYXJh8NeOIIr_aUMaWERktIYwuXqJVdJM87BUr6a28BQBl2nL0BOlQ/s200/Cheryl+2007+best+medium.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<b><span lang="EN-CA">Twitter Tips:</span></b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA">Most of
you probably already use Twitter. If not, you really should be! Some of you may
be wondering: <i>what's the big deal?</i>
The potential for selling your book is only surpassed by the potential for
making great relationships with readers―ones who will spread the news to all
their friends, and they'll tell 100 friends, and so on and so on…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA">Author
John Locke, a publishing sensation, credits Twitter as largely responsible for
his success. He's the first independent author to sell<b> over 1 million ebooks on Amazon</b>. And there are only 8 authors
who've achieved the million ebook mark. Maybe you'll be the next.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA">So how do
you use Twitter to market your ebooks? Simple, you <b>create relationships</b>. You get to meet people from anywhere in the
world. There are some pretty cool people out there. By showing a genuine
interest in people, you'll gather more followers. Eventually, some will read
your book. Maybe they'll tweet about how much they enjoyed it. Maybe they'll
write a review. Maybe they'll suggest it to their book club, or to a producer
they know. This actually happens.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA">There are
a variety of ways to find readers on Twitter, some of them quite obvious, I
think.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA">1. Search
Twitter for:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA">Kindle
suggestions<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA">Kobo
suggestions<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA">Nook
suggestions<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA">#books<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA">#fridayreads<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA">#amreading<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA">#ebook (s)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA">#bookclub
(s)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA">Don't
just pitch your book to them, create relationships. Read their profiles. Read
their last few tweets. Talk to them at least once before pitching your book to
them. Ask them what genres they like? RT one of their tweets. Ask them
questions. Answer a question. Yes, you can suggest one of your books, or give
them your website, but do try to either answer their question about a
suggestion or get to know them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA">2. Search
for your genre:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA">#romancenovel<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA">#fantasy<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA">#western<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA">#historicalromance<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA">#thriller<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA">#mystery<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA">#mysterynovel<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA">#technothriller<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA">Look for
tweets where people talk about your genre in a positive way. Add to the
conversation. See above tips. Always get your URL in there. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA">3. Search
for authors you think people would compare your writing (for your novel) to. Chat
first unless you're already friends with them online or unless they're asking
for suggestions. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA">When pitching
them, say something like: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA">I saw you
liked (author). Me too. In fact, he inspired me to write (name of novel)
(Amazon URL shortened)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA">Or…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA">Since you
enjoy (author), I think you may like (name of novel) (Amazon URL)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA">Using
Amazon customers with Twitter:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA">Step 1: Go to your book’s page on Amazon and look in the </span><span lang="EN-CA" style="color: #cc6600;">Customers Who Bought This Item Also
Bought </span><span lang="EN-CA">section.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA">Step 2: Make a list of the book titles that appear. These are titles
YOUR customers have also bought. This means they like those books, plus they
think they’ll like yours. This means <b>anyone </b>who likes those other titles may
also like yours.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA">Step 3: Go to twitter and search for those book titles one at a time.
When you find someone who has liked that other title, tweet them and say that
they may like your title too since they liked ____.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA">Step 4: Word your tweets differently each time, make them personal, and
include link to your ebook on Amazon. Use URL shortener like TinyUrl...or I
highly recommend you get Hootsuite. You can then schedule tweets. Huge
marketing time saver!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA">If someone
says they prefer another genre other than yours, recommend one of your author friends or another author you like. Be helpful. What goes around comes around. :-)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA">Twitter
is a leading, successful social network for one reason: it's social. From
personal experience, I can tell you I've sold more ebooks via social networks
in the past two months than I have doing 80+ book signings for 2 years. And I've met more
people; maybe not face-to-face, but they're still quite happy to meet me on Twitter and
buy one of my books. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA">And don't forget to follow me: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/cherylktardif">http://www.twitter.com/cherylktardif</a> and <a href="http://www.twitter.com/imajinbooks">http://www.twitter.com/imajinbooks</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Happy tweeting!
</div>Cheryl Tardifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15160526951596806898noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6431840927280316473.post-36538535862920169532011-08-20T10:02:00.000-06:002011-08-20T10:02:00.558-06:00How to be a Tease<br />
Last weekend, I explained how writers need to <a href="http://writetype.blogspot.com/2011/08/writers-must-learn-to-be-tease.html">learn to become a tease</a> and tease readers with bits of information BEFORE their book is released. Creating buzz is important to your success. This weekend, I'm giving you some ideas on how to be a tease.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">1. When you sign a book contract or when you decide to self-publish a book, make a small announcement that you have a book deal or that you will be publishing a new work within the year.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHFOcZJRW8V5P_7pdjZZ8aBnUsdCwwLJIAxfbgDcGjfkrFByviwRdFkm-kNKQE2c2vrEvBVMy_DJT4qPuClL9hVMTAla_wIvyjR36guhiYMYfDqwSKrQz8zDGrEcfCKh_UPnlEFePTZ54/s1600/dancer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHFOcZJRW8V5P_7pdjZZ8aBnUsdCwwLJIAxfbgDcGjfkrFByviwRdFkm-kNKQE2c2vrEvBVMy_DJT4qPuClL9hVMTAla_wIvyjR36guhiYMYfDqwSKrQz8zDGrEcfCKh_UPnlEFePTZ54/s200/dancer.jpg" width="181" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">2. If working with a publishing company, blog about the process, but don't go into too much detail on the specifics. Always keep in mind that you really want to talk to your target audience, your readers. Give them only enough info about the process that you think they can identify with. Help them identify with the process by comparing it to a more mainstream type of career.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">3. When your publisher has shown you the cover, blog about seeing it, but don't describe it. Mention that you'll post it as soon as you can, once your publisher has given you permission to do so. Use the same technique, though obviously different wording, if you're self-publishing.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">4. When you see the back cover text, blog about seeing it. Let people know how awesome it is. Again, tease them and let them know you'll post it ASAP.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">5. When you are about 2-3 weeks to publishing, post the back cover text. Later, post review blurbs. Post them one at a time. Ask your readers for feedback. What do they think about the description?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">6. About 1-2 weeks before, mention that you'll be posting the cover soon and that they should check back. Again, tease them.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">7. Post the cover. Make it large. Ask readers what they think? What do they like best about your cover?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">8. On release day, let everyone know your book/ebook is available and give them a live link so they can easily click on it and buy it. Always make it easy for your readers to find information on your book and give links to major retailers so they know exactly how to buy a copy.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">The above list will always be subject to what your publisher wants you to do. When unsure, always ask. Never post something they send you without clearing it with them first. Often you'll see early drafts of a front cover, or a rough draft of back cover text. Your publisher may also want you to do things a bit differently than the list above.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Becoming a tease is easy for some and more difficult for others. What may make it easier is to always ask: if I were the reader, what would I want? What would tease me? Putting yourself in their shoes is one of the best marketing practices you can learn. Learning to be a tease is another. And this kind of teasing doesn't require nimbleness. Or a pole.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">There are other things you can do to tease: post a book trailer video, write a short post about one of your characters, or become a guest blogger/interviewee on someone else's blog.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">What else can you do to tease a reader prior to publication?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p>Cheryl Kaye Tardif,</o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p>bestselling author of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Children-of-the-Fog-ebook/dp/B004PVSTLW">Children of the Fog</a></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p><a href="http://www.cherylktardif.com/">www.cherylktardif.com</a></o:p></span><br />
<div><span lang="EN-US"><br />
</span></div></div>Cheryl Tardifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15160526951596806898noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6431840927280316473.post-68323837099801901472011-08-14T10:31:00.003-06:002011-08-14T10:32:05.133-06:00Writers Must Learn to Be a Tease<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHFP2IfC_qig1dDAQlPLyBRqPpZ7Mr6axCUH7flbD17hRTV0h31frtjEFfxw4ns9_nqnLW1XGB7I5qKEc6Rf1D3Q9EDqgcFeKTisPvQ-ijBeUsVxTFdEmsUa6DGzBv4VPu-ekYvFPggWo/s1600/stripper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHFP2IfC_qig1dDAQlPLyBRqPpZ7Mr6axCUH7flbD17hRTV0h31frtjEFfxw4ns9_nqnLW1XGB7I5qKEc6Rf1D3Q9EDqgcFeKTisPvQ-ijBeUsVxTFdEmsUa6DGzBv4VPu-ekYvFPggWo/s200/stripper.jpg" width="166" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">A good writer knows that when writing any novel, they must tease the reader with bits of information, plant red herrings, leave cliff-hangers and dangle a trail of action and emotion to keep the reader in suspense, but what they may not know is that once the book is completed, the real teasing must begin―teasing readers.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Marketing a book is generally divided into two sections: pre-publication or pre-pub marketing and post-publication/post-pub marketing. If you promote your book by dumping all the information in a reader's lap at once, you probably won't see the best results. But if you slowly tease them, heighten their awareness of your book and your name, and build up the anticipation, you'll have readers throwing dollar bills at your new creation.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Like any budding relationship, it's all in the tease. Think of a great romance movie. The lovers didn't just dive into their romance. It built up over time. It started with a look, a laugh, a soft touch, the first date, the first kiss, the challenges they must overcome to be together, the longing for more until finally the couple has had enough of teasing. Why do people go to movies or read books? They love a good tease.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Many expert marketers use the term "create buzz". You want people talking and thinking about your upcoming release. You want them telling their friends so that those friends will tell two people, and so on and so on. You want them anxiously awaiting release day so that they buy your book right away. If they wait too long, something will come up to distract them. Creating buzz should be like a slow strip tease, only instead of stripping, you're adding layers and layers of anticipation.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p>Teasing effectively is a bit of an art, but it can be learned. Stop by on Saturday for step-by-step instructions on 'How to Be a Tease'.</o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p><br />
</o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p>Cheryl Kaye Tardif,</o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p>bestselling author of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Children-of-the-Fog-ebook/dp/B004PVSTLW">Children of the Fog</a></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p><a href="http://www.cherylktardif.com/">www.cherylktardif.com</a></o:p></span></div>Cheryl Tardifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15160526951596806898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6431840927280316473.post-83120645161661208162011-08-01T18:09:00.000-06:002011-07-30T14:58:09.649-06:00What do John Locke, Amanda Hocking and Other Independent Authors Have in Common?<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><span lang="EN-US">If you're an independent author or a writer who has thought of publishing on your own, take heart in knowing that the book industry has had its virtual doors blown right open by the evolution and revolution of ebooks. Over the past three to five years, we have seen huge changes in the industry as traditional-style publishers imploded their usual models and ways of doing business, laid off employees, consolidated imprints under one roof, and basically went into full panic mode. Amidst this chaos, ebooks swept in, gathered hoards of loyal readers, converted the technically challenged into switching to ereaders, and forever changed the face of publishing.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><i><span lang="EN-US">There has never been a better time for you, independent author, to publish your own book!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><i><span lang="EN-US"><br />
</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><span lang="EN-US"><b><a href="http://writetype.blogspot.com/2011/07/ebook-revolution-and-independent.html">Read more at The Write Type ~ Multi-Author Musings</a></b></span></div><div><i><span lang="EN-US"><br />
</span></i></div>Cheryl Tardifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15160526951596806898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6431840927280316473.post-17828639991436669612011-06-10T06:30:00.019-06:002011-06-10T06:30:03.555-06:00Marketing your book "isn't always about sales figures"<div class="MsoNormal"><i>Today's special guest is debut novelist Eileen Schuh. Today she's going to share some of what she's learned about marketing books. Take it away, Eileen!</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUeXiN3Qo3zRVzLDYszbqcV3WxzjHUFoujJ8NlrthLpry_luClmp69pExwv5uoFxJGHc6zKl3_tw7A5QQPpsavE0qXkluG0GEMxM2m5Uf-VyHp6jHyMTw3-t7gCrfTUb3nq_OAnpSc0js/s1600/Brosha.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUeXiN3Qo3zRVzLDYszbqcV3WxzjHUFoujJ8NlrthLpry_luClmp69pExwv5uoFxJGHc6zKl3_tw7A5QQPpsavE0qXkluG0GEMxM2m5Uf-VyHp6jHyMTw3-t7gCrfTUb3nq_OAnpSc0js/s200/Brosha.jpg" width="140" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Measuring the effectiveness of promotional efforts</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">One can’t measure the success of one’s promotional efforts simply by sales—although one wouldn’t want to put a lot of money and effort into publicity activities that don’t net sales, results are often far from direct and take time to appear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I started my publicity campaign back before I even had a book to sell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With the help of Cheryl Kaye Tardif’s book marketing services, I established a strong cyberspace presence with a blog, a website, and Facebook and twitter accounts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I joined writers’ groups, participated in online discussions and forums, posted book reviews, and researched all aspects and angles of the writing and publishing industry.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Even before that, though, I was campaigning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was always actively engaged in multiple facets of family, education, and community life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I travelled, joined sports teams, engaged in activities with my children and their friends (and the parents of those friends.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I volunteered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Specific to marketing The Traz, in addition to my social networking notices, I sent out press releases about THE TRAZ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I spent the time to locate the contact information for the media in my home town and my former home towns.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The very next day, the local radio station emailed me for a phone interview.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a wonderful bit of free advertising that was!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Perhaps a week later, I was asked to read the book written by an infamous serial killer’s defence lawyer and interview the author—not sure how that happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Crime fiction is what I write.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>True Crime is what I read and this was a great opportunity to get my name associated with important people in the industry—especially when the book proved to be well-written, interesting, and unique.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I forwarded Smashwords coupons for free copies of THE TRAZ to those I’d met during my community sojourns who also happen to work with at-risk-children (including the commanding officer of the local RCMP detachment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A little brazen, perhaps, but he’d expressed interest in my career when I’d handed him my business card in regards to a totally different matter.) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Through my Special Education contact, I found out the local school is instituting a learning e-café and wrangled an invitation to slounge there come September and read passages from my books.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a wonderful chance to not only promote my book sales but to meet my other goal of directly helping kids-at-risk and the adults in their lives.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">My municipal library contacts have assured me of purchases and will advertise a reading and signing event once the paper editions of my books are released.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve been tentatively invited to participate in sci-fi conferences (one in Denver) to promote Schrodinger’s Cat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These opportunities may seem to have come along for free, but they are in actuality the results of my promotional efforts—personal efforts, paid efforts, and professional efforts.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I’m one to try new things and when I connected on Twitter with Pauline Barclay, an author blogger in the UK <a href="http://paulinembarclay.blogspot.com/">http://paulinembarclay.blogspot.com</a> , we decided to swap guest blogs and attempt to tap into each other’s overseas markets—a promotional strategy that will cost us nothing (but time) and has the possibility of rewarding us greatly.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZqYmxuiMPFKEdLgcY1URITeNd54h4-jV4LWaCaxG9_qDlZ768NSpuAqSpnCHb7zCbnP6tKJ8zGb4tm5R2qab2xPhT2pmlEH7eeIBbk4HJ_dKI2G7oE2txKWRDra0zfkLXTOZ893bch_Q/s1600/final.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZqYmxuiMPFKEdLgcY1URITeNd54h4-jV4LWaCaxG9_qDlZ768NSpuAqSpnCHb7zCbnP6tKJ8zGb4tm5R2qab2xPhT2pmlEH7eeIBbk4HJ_dKI2G7oE2txKWRDra0zfkLXTOZ893bch_Q/s200/final.png" width="131" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Another thing I did was forward coupons for free copies of THE TRAZ to authors and reviewers well-known in their fields.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These Smashwords coupons don’t cost me anything, so they’re DEFINITELY my kind of promo!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve been astounded at the positive blurbs and reviews that I’m receiving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again, having my name and work associated with others who are successful in this career is a bonus.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Promotion is time consuming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a slow process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Results are slow to appear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the most unexpected and wonderful opportunities can and do at times rapidly appear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The radio station’s news director interviewing me?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Me interviewing a serial killer’s lawyer? A guest blog in Europe?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Doing a reading to teens from a lounger in an e-café?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Can life get any better?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">p.s. I take my coffee black.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Eileen Schuh</div><div class="MsoNormal">Author of THE TRAZ and SCHRÖDINGER’S CAT</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.eileenschuh.com/">http://www.eileenschuh.com</a> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://eileenschuh.blogspot.com/">http://eileenschuh.blogspot.com</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">To sample/buy THE TRAZ:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005199RFE" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005199RFE</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/60190" target="_blank">http://smashwords.com/b/60190</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Cheryl Tardifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15160526951596806898noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6431840927280316473.post-1303247036484263822011-05-27T13:09:00.000-06:002011-05-27T13:09:24.063-06:00Giving Away Books in Contests Can Promote Your Novels<div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">If you’ve ever won a contest or lottery, you’ll know that soaring sensation you get when you’re proclaimed to the world to be a “winner”. We all love to get something for free, don’t we? Some of us also love giving things away, and I’m one of them. Authors, like me, have found many opportunities to give away their ebooks, print books or gift certificates, and by doing so we’re creating relationships with fans and readers, which in turn help me to promote my books.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Over the years I’ve witnessed many ingenious contests held by authors and I’ve learned some things along the way. People don’t really want to just ‘enter’ a contest, they want to participate, interact, be part of the action. If a contest asks them to do more than submit their name, they tend to take more of an interest. So if you’re holding a contest, make it entertaining and interactive.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">I’ve held 2 main contests that have been quite successful:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">My ‘Create a Corpse Contest’ asks entrants to send in a name (could be fictional or their high school bully or boss or ex-friend) and I “kill off” the character in a novel. In my romantic suspense <a href="http://www.cherishdangelo.com/">Lancelot’s Lady</a>, you’ll be meeting one of the corpse winners--Winston Chambers. Trust me, it’s not only amusing to enter this contest, it’s very therapeutic. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">My ‘Become a Character Contest’ has entrants submit their own name (or someone else’s) and their character gets to live but might be a good guy/gal or a bad one. In Divine Justice, a thriller my agent is pitching to publishers, you’ll meet one of the winners--Deirdre Dailey. The incentive for people to enter is that they get to choose a novel character’s name and I often give them a free copy. How exciting is that?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">How do these contests benefit me as an author? First, they give me something cool to announce, something a bit different from the norm. They appeal to people with a sense of humor--or those who want some secret form of revenge. You can bet they’ll be talking about it, telling their friends. Word of mouth advertising is still one of the best ways to get the word out about virtually anything. Imagine if your best friend told you she was going to be a corpse in a new suspense thriller.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">I’ve also held contests on Twitter. Here’s a great way to get your name out, get people re-tweeting for you and create some excitement. I asked other authors to sponsor the prizes. In exchange, I promoted them on my contest page on my website. Twitter is basically “live”. Get their attention now and get them interacting by asking for a reply, something very specific. Limit your winners. In a recent Twitter contest, I gave away free ebooks and asked people to email me if they wanted one. First three to reply won.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">How does this benefit me? First, I’m creating a sense of excitement--and we can all use excitement in our lives. I’m also creating “winners”, and who doesn’t want to be one? I’m getting my name out there. People re-tweet my contests to more people “and they tell two friends and so on and so on and…” Plus, I’m building up my email data base with people who are interested in future novels.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Other authors see the value in giving away free books:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">“I think the giving away of books for free can be a useful tool as long as it is part of a smart, focused, targeted promotional activity or event,” says Anthony Bidulka, author of the Russell Quant Mystery series. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Betty Dravis, author of the celebrity book Dream Reachers, says, “Giving free copies is a great way to reach out; the more exposure, the better. I mostly give free copies to reviewers and the print media, but blog contests are another good way of reaching more readers.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">“</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Offering a book for FREE is a good and rewarding idea when you are building readership,” states Edward C. Patterson, author of The Jade Owl. “It should be a temporary measure to stimulate readership or to introduce readers to a series. The exception, I find, is when you are providing information to a specific community, other authors for instance, where it can become an information service and builds into your brand. The other time FREE books are important is as a community donation, such as Operation eBook Drop, where you donate your titles to the men and women in the Armed Forces.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Next time you need a little buzz and excitement, try an innovative, creative contest that invites your readers to participate. Promotion is hard work, but it should be fun too!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://www.cherylktardif.com/">http://www.cherylktardif.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://www.cherishdangelo.com/">http://www.cherishdangelo.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">And follow Cheryl on Twitter at <a href="http://www.twitter.com/cherylktardif">http://www.twitter.com/cherylktardif</a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>Cheryl Tardifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15160526951596806898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6431840927280316473.post-43792627065600030422011-05-03T22:12:00.000-06:002011-05-03T22:12:25.308-06:00A debut author shares her experiences in self-publishing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4lLVnfZF_J7IUUc3CTNqr3Xdmh_wF3Z0vJ9JcipsOOqwlcOz7qFcuIPb_sxK9K5oOGxcu5WExOyy6pzrEjscMWnfqx_1XjBApNNaUrlhLEWrNHAq6dXvFONiEBaMdoIsMMDGAW1uO4rg/s1600/thetrazeileenschuh.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4lLVnfZF_J7IUUc3CTNqr3Xdmh_wF3Z0vJ9JcipsOOqwlcOz7qFcuIPb_sxK9K5oOGxcu5WExOyy6pzrEjscMWnfqx_1XjBApNNaUrlhLEWrNHAq6dXvFONiEBaMdoIsMMDGAW1uO4rg/s200/thetrazeileenschuh.JPG" width="145" /></a></div>Debut author <a href="http://www.cherylktardif.com/">Eileen Schuh</a> candidly shares her experiences in self-publishing her YA novel, The Traz, as an ebook. Eileen decided to self-publish this work and use it to help promote her upcoming novel Schrodinger's Cat, which was picked up by a small traditional publisher and comes out in August 2011.<br />
<br />
Great marketing strategy! Not only can Eileen start building up an audience earlier, many readers who read and enjoy The Traz will go on to buy Schrodinger's Cat.<br />
<br />
Eileen describes the things she had to do to get set up as a self-published author and get her work ready...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://eileenschuh.blogspot.com/2011/04/traz-learning-to-epublish.html">THE TRAZ: Learning to epublish</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://eileenschuh.blogspot.com/2011/05/final-steps-to-epublishing.html">Final Steps to epublishing</a>Cheryl Tardifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15160526951596806898noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6431840927280316473.post-78228740334687692612011-04-29T13:12:00.001-06:002011-04-29T13:12:00.478-06:00Recipe for a Bestselling Novel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVbQNVykN3dN5y5q7Ro3oo4Eil6LKc8JDnFOwcwqEqJSVUMtrTT36RY_Bz6d-c86C7-7hBooM0XpvHTK_aWRIR7UEhlUh_HjKU69X5zhoJW_yWhbRm6uuZPqMVxFIDBT2md459QwtKPCM/s1600/Cheryl+2007+best+medium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVbQNVykN3dN5y5q7Ro3oo4Eil6LKc8JDnFOwcwqEqJSVUMtrTT36RY_Bz6d-c86C7-7hBooM0XpvHTK_aWRIR7UEhlUh_HjKU69X5zhoJW_yWhbRm6uuZPqMVxFIDBT2md459QwtKPCM/s200/Cheryl+2007+best+medium.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;">Wouldn't it be great if there was a recipe for making a bestselling novel and if all a writer had to do was gather the ingredients and mix them in, and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">voila!</i>―a bestselling novel is created? The reality is there are combinations of ingredients that can either get your name on a bestseller's list or fall flatter than an airless cheese soufflé. However, there are some common ingredients that have helped authors achieve bestseller status.</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;">Common Ingredients for a Bestseller:</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpLast" style="text-indent: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span>1 cup of well written novel</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span>1 cup of professional editing</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span>1 cup of professional layout and interior design</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span>2 cups of professional book cover, including gripping back cover text</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span>1 cup of decent distribution via major online retailers</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span>2 cups of book launch, tours and other events, plus advertising</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span>3 cups of contests and giveaways by author, publisher or both</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span>Countless hours of organization and time</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span>Dash of excitement</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;">Method:</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;">Take the well written novel and beat in professional editing until light and readable. Add professional layout and interior design, then stir in professional cover art and back cover text until well combined. Sprinkle in decent distribution until coated and roll mixture out with book launch, tours and events. Top with contests and giveaways, and fold in countless hours of organization and time before adding the finishing touch―a huge dash of excitement. Share with everyone and enjoy!</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;">Reality Check:</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;">While the recipe above may seem kind of silly, these ingredients can lead to a bestselling novel. I know because I've used them all successfully. My novels have made bestsellers lists multiple times on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca. Some made multiple lists on each in a single day. </div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;">I've also sold over 5000 copies of Whale Song, which in Canada makes it a <b>national </b>bestseller.</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;">So how did I do it? I created an exciting day-long event―a "Bestseller Day"―that had enough goodies to draw people in. It was held on my 44th birthday and I gave away 44 prizes. </div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;">There are three main ways to get prizes to offer:</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;">1.) Pay for them (I don't recommend this.)</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;"> 2.) Get others to donate them. </div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;">3.) Find someone to sponsor the event or the prizes. They pay for something you want to give away and get something in return, whether it's free advertising, a mention in your next book, or some other benefit.</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;">The Benefits:</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;">The first benefit of reaching this "status" is obvious. You can use "bestselling author" when describing yourself. </div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;">The next obvious benefit is that you're selling more books, which means you're earning more. </div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;">Another benefit you may not have thought about is exposure. When people look for a book on Amazon, they'll often search using keywords. If your thriller is in the top 10-20 of books listed under "techno-thriller", for instance, you have a much better chance of being noticed. While on those bestsellers lists, more people will come across your name and your book. The more times people see you and your book online, the better the chance is that they'll buy your book.</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;">Becoming a bestselling author takes persistence, creativity and good organization. Follow this recipe for success and you'll rise like a soufflé. Just don't forget that last ingredient―excitement!</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Cheryl Kaye Tardif is a bestselling Canadian author whose critically acclaimed, award-winning novels have inspired much film interest. She's appeared on television and radio, and in newspapers and magazines. Cheryl has also presented at writers' conferences in Canada and the US, mainly on topics of marketing and promotion. She's helped many authors achieve success and does so as a book marketing coach, with Bestseller Days, Virtual Book/Blog Tours and Sponsorships her top 3 most requested topics. <o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;"><a href="http://www.shamelessbookpromoter.com/">http://www.shamelessbookpromoter.com</a> </div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;"><a href="http://www.cherylktardif.com/">http://www.cherylktardif.com</a> </div><div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Cheryl Tardifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15160526951596806898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6431840927280316473.post-75008332831373119912011-02-22T11:35:00.000-07:002011-02-22T11:35:29.048-07:00Ebook publishers and royalty percentagesEbook publishers really vary on their terms and royalty percentages, though in general, smaller ebook publishers seem to be more flexible and many offer higher royalties. <br />
<br />
Here are a couple of examples:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.eharlequin.com">eHarlequin</a> - (x) On copies of English language electronic editions of Publisher or its Related Licensees sold in North America:<br />
. on the first 100,000 copies of each such edition, six percent (6%) of the Cover Price;<br />
. on the next 100,000 copies of each such edition, seven percent (7%) of the Cover Price;<br />
. on the next 100,000 copies of each such edition, eight percent (8%) of the Cover Price;<br />
. on the next 100,000 copies of each such edition, nine percent (9%) of the Cover Price;<br />
. on all such copies of each such edition thereafter, ten percent (10%) of the Cover Price;<br />
(x) On copies of English language electronic editions of Publisher or its Related Licensees: four percent (4%) of the Cover Price in any country outside of North America.<br />
(x) On copies sold of non-English language electronic editions of Publisher or its Related Licensees: two percent (2%) of Cover Price in any country.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.double-dragon-ebooks.com">Double-Dragon eBooks</a> - 30 % of the cover price less credit card processing fees for eBooks sold from our site, 30 % of the amount received from a reseller, and 8 % of the retail price for POD print books.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.ellorascave.com">Ellora's Cave</a> - Royalties: 37.5% for digital releases; 7.5 % for print books. <br />
Length of grant of publishing rights: Life of copyright <br />
Includes digital, print, audio, translation, and secondary/subsidiary rights.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.wildchildpublishing.com">Wild Child Publishing</a> - 40% of sales<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.wolfsingerpubs.com">Wolfsinger Publications</a> - 75% of sales less charges for any handling costs, service fees, or discounts when paid in full by the distributor, bookstore, vendor, organization.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.imajinbooks.com">Imajin Books</a> - 50% of sales collected, no charges; term - 5 years. <br />
<br />
These are just a few examples of how widely varied author royalties are, and one thing I do advise is to check the other terms very carefully.Cheryl Tardifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15160526951596806898noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6431840927280316473.post-52143963270550600142011-02-20T10:44:00.002-07:002011-02-20T10:58:04.095-07:00How important is ebook pricing?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdLfO0Cn-ofDB3BqOOeOZq_Bsqw0InflXp1DrBmf47t3aRXIIeS60cQD6FPyL1aVFgaf5A9OCD-2pvpNNq_RP3chp0OMVGiXDjTyhkJuXnHQMgfH8ewLwWq5rqQSbYZr_yELJctbSyOW0/s1600/ebooksale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdLfO0Cn-ofDB3BqOOeOZq_Bsqw0InflXp1DrBmf47t3aRXIIeS60cQD6FPyL1aVFgaf5A9OCD-2pvpNNq_RP3chp0OMVGiXDjTyhkJuXnHQMgfH8ewLwWq5rqQSbYZr_yELJctbSyOW0/s200/ebooksale.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>In today's economy, the answer to the above question is easy to answer: ebook pricing is vital to the sales and success of your book. Price them too high and people may skip your book and go for something less expensive, especially if you are not a "big name author". Price your books too low (with the exception of a special sale) and readers may think you're a hobbyist and not very good.<br />
<br />
There has been a lot of discussion of what the perfect price point is for an ebook. The answer? You may have to play with the prices if you've published your own ebooks to determine where the best price lies.<br />
<br />
A strong proponent of $0.99 and $1.99 ebooks, author JA Konrath, held those views up until last year, when Amazon raised the royalty level to 70% for ebooks priced between $2.99 and $9.99. Konrath took the plunge and raised his prices and has reported that this hasn't hurt his sales in the least. In fact, he reports he made over $100K last year on his ebooks, across multiple retailers. Not bad income for an author who is self-publishing his own books now, after being published by the big guys for years.<br />
<br />
This past week, I've been asked by three authors to advise them as to why their ebooks aren't selling. The first thing I did was head over to their Amazon page, where I discovered ebook prices all over $9. And these are authors with only a couple of books. One only had a single title. You can bet they probably aren't widely known--compared to names like Konrath, Hocking, etc.<br />
<br />
Along with high ebook prices, I noted that one author had overly busy book covers. I believe that will hamper his sales. Another author had a poorly worded description. The major problem is that all three authors are published by midstream traditional publishers and this means they don't have much--if any-- say in the pricing, covers or description.<br />
<br />
My advice to all three: try to get your ebook rights back and publish these ebooks on your own. Or at least find an ebook publisher (like <a href="http://www.imajinbooks.com/">Imajin Books</a>) that will work with you, price your ebook lower, update your covers and description if needed and give you a higher percentage of royalties. Because without getting that price lowered, you won't have much of a chance selling more ebooks.<br />
<br />
In <a href="http://jakonrath.blogspot.com/2011/02/numbers-game.html">Konrath's latest blog post</a>, he talks about an author who reached the NYT bestsellers list multiple times, who was just offered a $200K two-book deal. After Konrath crunched the numbers and pointed out that her ebooks would be priced higher, it appears this author would be better off publishing these on her own--especially since she obviously already has a platform and a built-in fan base from her existing titles--and setting lower prices.<br />
<br />
Kindle Nation Daily conducted <a href="http://kindlenationdaily.blogspot.com/2011/02/winter-2011-kindle-nation-citizen_16.html">a recent survey</a>. Here are some of the results.<br />
<blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #233603;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3b0220; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 20px;">"Kindle owners are buying ebooks with ever-increasing frequency, with 13% buying 60 or more paid ebooks a year, 22% buying 30 to 60, and 33% buying 15 to 30."</span></b></span></blockquote><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #233603;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3b0220; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 20px;">"A general Kindle reader "</span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3b0220; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">buys 4.9 print books and 46.6 ebooks a year. Slightly over half of her ebook acquisitions are free or priced at less 99 cents."</span></blockquote><div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3b0220; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">From the survey, here are the top 4 defining factors in purchasing an ebook:</span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3b0220; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">1. ebook is by a favorite author</span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3b0220; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">2. ebook is significantly cheaper than hardcover or paperback edition</span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3b0220; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">3. ebook is priced at $3.99 or LESS</span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3b0220; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">4. ebook comes highly recommended by someone you trust</span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3b0220; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span></div>For great deals on Kindle ebooks, check out <a href="http://kindlehomepage.blogspot.com/">Kindle Nation Daily</a> and subscribe to their blog on your Kindle, so you'll receive alerts on exciting new releases, sales and more.<br />
<br />
In the end, the pricing issue really boils down to one thing. Publishers and authors should give readers what they want, and they want less expensive ebooks.Cheryl Tardifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15160526951596806898noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6431840927280316473.post-61714102012973787322010-12-19T14:26:00.000-07:002010-12-19T14:26:12.710-07:00The Top 10 Reasons Why Authors Should Network with & Market to Libraries<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq5CYc-3dy4jTyZPeMZb5HRLdN_s4vstMXZL-rfYjxTh761MCz-d5L5c2x4iNv4exmMe-pT_k7K_AqRrytG6dO7zTD9-E0e_ibh9eTa_yf47gAqqaXQMOK7hIEGGbts_n6077YgnGQdqY/s1600/library.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq5CYc-3dy4jTyZPeMZb5HRLdN_s4vstMXZL-rfYjxTh761MCz-d5L5c2x4iNv4exmMe-pT_k7K_AqRrytG6dO7zTD9-E0e_ibh9eTa_yf47gAqqaXQMOK7hIEGGbts_n6077YgnGQdqY/s320/library.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div>When one of my coaching clients asked me what I thought were the top 10 reasons why authors should network with libraries, I created this quick list.</div><div><br />
</div>1. Libraries BUY books.<br />
2. People still use libraries and will continue to do so.<br />
3. Libraries are getting into ebooks.<br />
4. Libraries love author visits.<br />
5. Libraries often have other events you can attend.<br />
6. You can arrange to sell your books to patrons during events in a library.<br />
7. Libraries know other authors to which you can connect.<br />
8. Libraries give your books more exposure.<br />
9. <a href="http://www.plr-dpp.ca/PLR/default.aspx">Public Lending Right Commission</a> will pay Canadian authors every year based on how many of their works are in public libraries, while <a href="http://www.accesscopyright.ca/">Access Copyright</a> pays authors for the use of their work in educational systems (& elsewhere).<br />
10. You’ll be able to tell readers your books are in the library.<br />
<div><br />
</div><div>Authors and libraries go hand in hand. Both have a love for the written word, for books and ebooks. Both can work together compatibly to give readers what they want--access to books and ebooks. It's a win-win for everyone concerned.</div><div><br />
</div>Cheryl Tardifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15160526951596806898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6431840927280316473.post-42569306937928821642010-12-09T13:05:00.003-07:002010-12-09T13:05:00.533-07:00Why You Still Don't Have an Agent: "Self-Sabotoge"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZHpC0eLqL55634Sk1TjuCSgguJQrBYvnVJu_bkNLcKVNmBac6TJgvvy7gQnkgP6UQ2hXSN4XLLPzVRyDRrLUHV1jdsgaieXwe3xqPFdihM9x3Ys-znadB6i2j18DtfIRVwGw_xK_qab8/s1600/jeffrivera.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZHpC0eLqL55634Sk1TjuCSgguJQrBYvnVJu_bkNLcKVNmBac6TJgvvy7gQnkgP6UQ2hXSN4XLLPzVRyDRrLUHV1jdsgaieXwe3xqPFdihM9x3Ys-znadB6i2j18DtfIRVwGw_xK_qab8/s200/jeffrivera.jpg" width="132" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Why You Still Don't Have an Agent: "Self-Sabotoge"</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">by Jeff Rivera, founder of </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.howtowriteaqueryletter.com/">HowtoWriteaQueryLetter.com</a> </div><br />
If there's one thing that bothers me it's when you see a very talented writer ruin their chances of ever getting an agent. And it's not because they're not talented enough, or not nice enough or hard-working enough. It's often because on some level, they're self-sabotaging their own success.<br />
<br />
I ghost write query letters for clients and I recently had an Asian-based client who did exactly that. He had a wonderful storyline and I encouraged him, before we sent the query letter out, to get his manuscript as ready as possible. If that meant having it professionally edited, so be it. I even had the name of editors who formally worked at major publishing houses who could do so for him here: <a href="http://tinyurl.com/2uqu2mj">http://tinyurl.com/2uqu2mj</a>.<br />
<br />
His response? He wanted to leave the manuscript as he put it, "raw so that literary agents can see my full-potential." Um, no. <br />
<br />
No matter how much I gently encouraged him thatmaybe that wasn't the best route, he didn't want to listen. I told him that you only have one shot at these agents and you want to make a good first impression, yet he insisted he was right. <br />
<br />
Here I am, dealing with literally hundreds of literary agencies a year. They tell me exactly what they're looking for, why they accept and reject clients and yet he insisted that he must know better.<br />
<br />
It's just sad to me. His manuscript had tremendous potential but it needed more than a band-aid, it needed double-bypass surgery.<br />
<br />
My point is, when you're talking to people who do this for a living, who engage with other publishing professionals day in and day out, listen to them. They know what they're talking about. Do that, and you'll be one step closer to landing an agent.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">If you would like to see an example of query letters that worked, visit: <a href="http://www.howtowriteaqueryletter.com/">http://www.HowtoWriteaQueryLetter.com</a></div><br />
Jeff Rivera is the founder of <a href="http://www.howtowriteaqueryletter.com/">http://www.HowtoWriteaQueryLetter.com</a>. He and his works have been featured or mentioned in Publishers Weekly, GalleyCat, Mediabistro, Los Angeles Times, New York Observer, NPR and many other media outlets.Cheryl Tardifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15160526951596806898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6431840927280316473.post-25133475349746688122010-12-08T14:55:00.000-07:002010-12-08T14:55:55.857-07:00A Writer's Life in Transition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYoi_1PFllF-Xrupi5CwSn-tmF0Km89206gI3PSU8WJmx28v4Tj71QFG70G2mRb9ZeOEB5SOunw6o4IjS3kfcxvXXEFZTk65LhhC72ECZo-qAHZu_Z9r-E5vM6I7vo-7JPzw9kC_eQhGA/s1600/Cheryl+2007+best+medium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYoi_1PFllF-Xrupi5CwSn-tmF0Km89206gI3PSU8WJmx28v4Tj71QFG70G2mRb9ZeOEB5SOunw6o4IjS3kfcxvXXEFZTk65LhhC72ECZo-qAHZu_Z9r-E5vM6I7vo-7JPzw9kC_eQhGA/s200/Cheryl+2007+best+medium.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: 0in;">Anyone who works for themselves, especially from their home, knows that life often creates unexpected challenges, and most of us know that moving through transitions is only to be expected. But it isn't always easy.</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;">A writer will go through several transitions in his or her career. First, they must transition from hobbyist to professional. This means they must treat their writing as a career, as if they're making money already. They must model success and see themselves as a professional writer, so that others see them that way. This transition starts in the mind.</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;">It's one thing to dream the dream of being a bestselling published author, but it's a whole other ballgame to actually pursue it. A writer must first prepare for this transition. This means taking writing courses, perfecting the craft of writing and getting their work critiqued by others. Writers must also prepare by learning everything they can about the book industry. What's happening today? What are publishers looking for?</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;">The next transition is accepting that you most likely need help to get where you want to be. You'll need a publisher and possibly an agent. Or you could decide to self-publish. Even then, you'll need help. In this stage, you'll want to make connections and network with other authors, publishers, agents, marketing coaches, editors, etc. </div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;">Transitions may be nerve-wracking at times, but they can also be exciting. Once you've secured an agent, you've transitioned into another level, one where people take you more seriously and where you have a partner who is invested in your career. Once you have a publisher, you have another team player who wants to see you succeed.</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;">Becoming a published author will have its ups and downs. Being a published author has them too. You'll learn to transition from solitary writer to shameless self-promoter. You have to--if you want to succeed in this industry. Promotion, like anything else, is something you can learn, even if you're a shy introvert, like I used to be.</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;">In recent months the greatest transition for most authors has been the sudden shift into ebooks, and the ease of publishing ebooks on your own, without a publisher or agent. Yes, the times are a-changin'. And they're not going to wait for you to catch up. Right now, authors and publishers can jump on the ebook train or risk the chance of missing it or being lost in the crowd. </div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;">A writer's life is always in a state of transition, simply because we never know what's going to happen next. Will a film producer contact you out of the blue and make a film offer? Will an agent ask to see a manuscript? Will a publisher offer you a two book deal?</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;">I've learned to roll with these transitions, to deal with them as they happen. As long as I'm moving forward, the transition is a good one. The writing world is changing rapidly and life as a writer is exciting and unpredictable. I wouldn't have it any other way. I love a good mystery!</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;">Please help me celebrate one of my transitions--my move from Cheryl Kaye Tardif, writer of suspense thrillers, to Cherish D'Angelo, writer of steamy romantic suspense. </div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;"><strong><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Lancelot's Lady by Cherish D'Angelo:</span></strong><strong><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></strong></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">A Bahamas holiday from dying billionaire JT Lance, a man with a dark secret, leads palliative nurse Rhianna McLeod to Jonathan, a man with his own troubled past, and Rhianna finds herself drawn to the handsome recluse, while unbeknownst to her, someone with a horrific plan is hunting her down.<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Lancelot's Lady is available in ebook edition at </span><a href="http://kobobooks.com/search/search.html?q=cheryl%20kaye%20tardif&"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">KoboBooks</span></a><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">, </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=node%3D1286228011&field-keywords=cheryl+kaye+tardif&x=0&y=0&ih=12_0_0_0_0_0_0_0_0_1.99_215&fsc=-1"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Amazon's Kindle Store</span></a><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">, </span><a href="http://www.smashwords.com/books/search?query=cheryl+kaye+tardif"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Smashwords</span></a><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> and other ebook retailers. "Cherish the romance..."<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">You can learn more about Lancelot's Lady and Cherish D'Angelo (aka Cheryl Kaye Tardif) at </span><a href="http://www.cherishdangelo.com/"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">http://www.cherishdangelo.com</span></a><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> and </span><a href="http://www.cherylktardif.blogspot.com/"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">http://www.cherylktardif.blogspot.com</span></a><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">.</span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">What transitions have you made recently, and how do you feel about them?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>Cheryl Tardifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15160526951596806898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6431840927280316473.post-58934292263212694732010-12-01T14:28:00.001-07:002010-12-01T14:28:00.447-07:00YOU KNOW YOUR QUERY LETTER SUCKS WHEN...You Ain't Got No Platform, Honey!<i>Here's another short article about building a platform from author and publishing expert Jeff Rivera. Enjoy! ~Cheryl</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZHpC0eLqL55634Sk1TjuCSgguJQrBYvnVJu_bkNLcKVNmBac6TJgvvy7gQnkgP6UQ2hXSN4XLLPzVRyDRrLUHV1jdsgaieXwe3xqPFdihM9x3Ys-znadB6i2j18DtfIRVwGw_xK_qab8/s1600/jeffrivera.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZHpC0eLqL55634Sk1TjuCSgguJQrBYvnVJu_bkNLcKVNmBac6TJgvvy7gQnkgP6UQ2hXSN4XLLPzVRyDRrLUHV1jdsgaieXwe3xqPFdihM9x3Ys-znadB6i2j18DtfIRVwGw_xK_qab8/s1600/jeffrivera.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>YOU KNOW YOUR QUERY LETTER SUCKS WHEN...You Ain't Got No Platform, Honey!</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">by Jeff Rivera, founder of <a href="http://www.howtowriteaqueryletter.com/">http://www.HowtoWriteaQueryLetter.com</a> </div><br />
Agents are in the business of selling books. That's what they do. They're not our best friends, they're not our therapists, and they're not our life coaches. <br />
<br />
The best agents put their nose to the ground, they focus on what they do best which is generating enough excitement on a book that they sell it for as high of a price as possible. When you get paid, they get paid. End of story.<br />
<br />
The publishing landscape has changed dramatically the last few years. Whereas just having the credentials and a well-written book proposal could have sold your book even a couple of years ago, nowadays you need to bring your own fanbase. That is, you need more than just 10,000 Twitter followers, you need people who are poised and ready to purchase your book.<br />
<br />
If you've got that already, then you need to mention that in your very first sentence. I've recently ghost written query letters for clients who had a very strong platform. At first, they wondered why I would mention it in the very first paragraph but trusting my judgement, they went along with it.<br />
<br />
The result? Each had over 50 agents beating down their door asking to read their proposal. You can read the actual query letters here: <a href="http://tinyurl.com/25t2mkj">http://tinyurl.com/25t2mkj</a><br />
<br />
One author had a novel and I only wrote one sentence about what the novel was actually about. <br />
<br />
"Don't you think we should tell them more about it?" the client asked me.<br />
<br />
I told him, "Who cares what it's about? You're a regular guest on Fox News."<br />
<br />
And I was right, the agents didn't care either because tons of them requested to read his novel.<br />
<br />
If you've got a strong platform, use this technique and you'll be one step closer to landing an agent.<br />
<br />
If you would like to see an example of query letters that worked, visit: <a href="http://www.howtowriteaqueryletter.com/">http://www.HowtoWriteaQueryLetter.com</a><br />
<br />
Jeff Rivera is the founder of http://www.HowtoWriteaQueryLetter.com. He and his works have been featured or mentioned in Publishers Weekly, GalleyCat, Mediabistro, Los Angeles Times, New York Observer, NPR and many other media outlets.Cheryl Tardifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15160526951596806898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6431840927280316473.post-6850018491444354672010-11-30T11:12:00.001-07:002010-11-30T11:13:50.276-07:00How to get early reviews and review blurbs<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: 0in;">Many writers have asked me how they can get early reviews from industry reviewers and review blurbs from established authors, so today I'm going to answer that.</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;">So how do you get early reviews and review blurbs? The easy answer: just ask. Really. That's what it boils down to, asking someone. Ask lots of someones and you're bound to get a 'yes'. </div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;">The more detailed answer: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">research, ask and ask others.</b> Like so many things, including sending out agent queries, asking for reviews and blurbs is a numbers game that requires some preparation first. So let's break it down.</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Research:</b> You'll need to do some research to find out which reviewers read your genre and which authors are open to writing blurbs. Check your local newspapers to see if they still have a book reviewer. If they do, send the reviewer an email, with a brief synopsis (1-3 paragraphs) describing your book. Think of this synopsis like back cover text―present tense, exciting ad copy. </div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;">Check out the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/review/top-reviewers">top reviewers on Amazon</a> or Chapters and contact them. Search online for reviewers who write blogs, or have a Myspace or Facebook or Twitter account. An easy way to find these blogs is to Google search terms like "romance blogs", "mystery blogs" or whatever genre fits your book. </div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;">Use these same methods to contact authors whom you'd like a review blurb from, especially social networks. Contact authors who write in the same genre as you or have themes similar to what is in your book. Keep in mind that authors are busy people, so give them enough information to make a decision, including word count, genre and why you chose them. </div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;">Give authors plenty of notice; don't email them expecting a blurb in a month or two weeks. Sometimes you have better luck asking a mid-list author to write a blurb than a bestselling, award-winning big name author. Sometimes.</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ask:</b> When you contact potential reviewers, make sure you remember to actually ask them for a review or review blurb. You can't get a 'yes' if you don't ask. Be gracious no matter what their answer is. Thank them for their time, regardless.</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ask Others: </b>Don't just ask couple of reviewers and then wait months for an answer. Ask others! Keep asking. It's a numbers game, remember? You may have to go through a few nos to get that one yes. And you want more than one review.</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;">Finding reviewers isn't that difficult nowadays; it just takes some work. Finding authors to give you a review blurb may take a bit more time, but it's so worth it. Just remember, do the research, ask and ask others.</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;">Reading is subjective; everyone has different tastes. Writers should never expect 5 star rave reviews, though it's awesome to get them. An honest review is worth more than gold. Even if it's 3 stars and the reviewer didn't like one of your characters. There is always something to learn from a review―for an interested reader <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">and </i>the author. But the key to getting a review is to ask.</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;">P.S. If you've read any of <a href="http://www.cherylktardif.com/">my novels</a>, please consider writing a short review and posting it on Amazon, Chapters, B&N, Kobo etc. And do send me a copy and let me know if I have your permission to use it on my blog and website. :-) Thank you.</div>Cheryl Tardifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15160526951596806898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6431840927280316473.post-54575974810132732072010-11-29T15:17:00.027-07:002010-11-29T15:17:00.367-07:00HOW TO LAND A LITERARY AGENT: "First Get a Platform"<i>Over the next few weeks I will continue to present articles to you about landing an agent, via my friend Jeff Rivera. If signing with a literary agency is your big dream, Jeff can help you get their attention. ~ Cheryl</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZHpC0eLqL55634Sk1TjuCSgguJQrBYvnVJu_bkNLcKVNmBac6TJgvvy7gQnkgP6UQ2hXSN4XLLPzVRyDRrLUHV1jdsgaieXwe3xqPFdihM9x3Ys-znadB6i2j18DtfIRVwGw_xK_qab8/s1600/jeffrivera.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZHpC0eLqL55634Sk1TjuCSgguJQrBYvnVJu_bkNLcKVNmBac6TJgvvy7gQnkgP6UQ2hXSN4XLLPzVRyDRrLUHV1jdsgaieXwe3xqPFdihM9x3Ys-znadB6i2j18DtfIRVwGw_xK_qab8/s1600/jeffrivera.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>HOW TO LAND A LITERARY AGENT: "First Get a Platform"</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">by Jeff Rivera, founder of <a href="http://www.howtowriteaqueryletter.com/">www.HowtoWriteaQueryLetter.com</a> </div><br />
Your voice must be heard. There is no greater way to do this than to write a book. If you've ever given any thought to seriously landing an agent or being published, I'd like to offer a few tips that will speed up the process.<br />
<br />
First, let me explain, I'm a book publishing executive who writes regularly for the #1 online trade magazine for the media & publishing called Mediabistro. I also write for GalleyCat, Huffington Post and I've interviewed everyone from major agents and editors to James Patterson, Janet Evanovich, and Nicholas Sparks. I also do something else, I help connect writers with literary agents.<br />
<br />
Publishing has changed so dramatically in the last few years that getting published isn't more difficult, it's more challenging. There's a difference and that difference must begin first with a shift in your mindset. <br />
Once you know what literary agents want, it's rather easy to land an agent.<br />
<br />
Let's move beyond the fact that you need to write a great manuscript, because you already know that but did you know there's something else more important to an agent than ever before? Your platform. That is your built-in fanbase of readers poised and ready to purchase your book. Demonstrate you have this ,with at least 5000 readers and you can land an agent quicker than you ever could dream possible.<br />
<br />
How do you do this? First understand, there's a difference between having 10,000 Twitter followers and having a platform. Anyone can get Twitter followers. You can even pay people to add them for you. That's not a platform. <br />
<br />
I don't know about you but I don't tweet that often and I definitely don't read everything every person I follow tweets every day. I am not necessarily a dedicated fan of theirs. If I see their tweet, then I see their tweet. If I don't, then I don't. <br />
<br />
As my friend, former Simon & Schuster editor, Marcela Landres says in her ebook What Editors Think, "It's not who you know, it's who knows you." Think about that difference.<br />
<br />
The following are a few examples of legitimate platforms that will have literary agents licking their chops:<br />
<br />
1) An opt-in mailing list of people who read your information regularly.<br />
2) If you are regularly on television<br />
3) If you have a web series with at least 10,000 views each episode<br />
4) If you are a public speaker<br />
5) If you are a journalist with a column of loyal readers<br />
6) If you have a regular radio, podcast or internet radio show with a significant audience<br />
7) If you've self-published a number of books before and sold at least 5000 copies of each<br />
8) If you have a website with thousands of unique visitors each day<br />
9 If you're the president of a large association or charity<br />
10) If you're a celebrity already in another industry<br />
<br />
There are a number of other examples of platforms you can view by visiting: <a href="http://www.howtowriteaqueryletter.com/">http://www.HowtoWriteaQueryLetter.com</a>. You'll also see over 60 examples of query letters we ghost wrote that successfully garnered requests from top agents to read our clients' manuscripts.<br />
<br />
Jeff Rivera is the founder of <a href="http://www.howtowriteaqueryletter.com/">http://www.HowtoWriteaQueryLetter.com</a>. He and his works have been featured or mentioned in Publishers Weekly, GalleyCat, Mediabistro, Los Angeles Times, New York Observer, NPR and many other media outlets.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><i>A special note from bestselling author Cheryl Kaye Tardif:</i></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">A few years ago I used Jeff's query service. I was stunned by the response, especially after years of "following the rules" on how to write a query letter. Jeff breaks those antiquated rules and delivers a query that really grabs agents' attention. I had dozens of requests for partial and full manuscripts, and after a couple of weeks I signed with a reputable agency. My agent has been so supportive and a real cheerleader in everything I do. I highly recommend Jeff's query service. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">For more info on this query service, please email Jeff and me at <a href="mailto:cheryl@GumboWriters.com">cheryl@GumboWriters.com</a> </div>Cheryl Tardifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15160526951596806898noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6431840927280316473.post-72514986016277044022010-11-27T11:05:00.002-07:002010-11-27T11:05:00.222-07:00The Best Time of Year to Query Agents<i>A special welcome to Jeff Rivera, author and entrepreneur. I've known Jeff for a few years and am happy to call him my friend and writing/publishing associate. Jeff has helped many authors find success, either by connecting them to fabulous publishers, agents or editors.</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSmNXueFCBonUPdjm8bt0LS7X_Co3htLG0pSpBFa_9-4Y2D8mQc638e7XcGHKxnJk1TRF7iKq6GQrTi_Pm5fJhlUAxx7zhVX4h7geLg0CIC5sxMxhINh_SqKLQDG7myIjpghY_yywTVEEU/s1600/jeffrivera.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSmNXueFCBonUPdjm8bt0LS7X_Co3htLG0pSpBFa_9-4Y2D8mQc638e7XcGHKxnJk1TRF7iKq6GQrTi_Pm5fJhlUAxx7zhVX4h7geLg0CIC5sxMxhINh_SqKLQDG7myIjpghY_yywTVEEU/s1600/jeffrivera.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>The Best Time of Year to Query Agents</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">by Jeff Rivera, founder of HowtoWriteaQueryLetter.com</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 10.8333px;"><br />
</span></span></div>As any book publishing professional will tell you, now is the time when the industry goes on hiatus. But guess what? This is one of the best times of the year to pitch agents. Why? Because agents may slow down during the hiatus period but they cannot help but sneak a peek at their email.<br />
<br />
I know because I deal with literally hundreds of literary agencies every year.<br />
<br />
They're constantly searching for the next hot thing to represent. And if it's sent to them now, they will have enough time to spit polish it before the industry starts back up again in January.<br />
<br />
What's so special about January? Editors come back from the holidays with a fresh new perspective. They're also loaded up with their expense accounts all over again so they'll be ready to rock n' roll when they use those accounts to lunch with your new agent.<br />
<br />
Expense accounts are often on a "use it or lose it" basis. If the editor didn't use all their "lunch money" last year they'll receive an even less amount this year. It's also around the time when editors and editorial directors have set or about to set their editorial schedules. So, what better time to submit to agents!<br />
<br />
If you have something solid and ready, get your query letter together. And it better be good because you only have one shot with these agents. What are agents looking for right now more than ever?<br />
<br />
1) Middle grade - If you've written the next Diary of a Wimpy Kid, especially a funny book for boys now's the time to pitch it.<br />
<br />
2) Young Adult fiction - Hot, Hot, Hot! If you have a YA book, nothing's hotter in the industry. It's the one genre that has not dipped in sales tremendously. In fact, agencies are adding more agents to their rosters, specifically looking for this genre. More agents means more opportunities for you.<br />
<br />
3) Graphic novels - If you're an author who has had a difficult time selling your novel, think about adapting it as a graphic novel. The great thing is, you don't have to be able to draw. Simply align yourself with a great artist. Create a 5-page sample of your work, a detailed summary and presto! That's all you need. 100% of the clients we've done this for have gotten agents.<br />
<br />
4) Celebrity Memoirs - If you've got connections to celebrities, even D-List Reality TV star celebrities, this is a sure bet. Submit a solid book proposal "co-written" or ghost written by you and your hot celebrity and two things will happen: 1) The sun will rise tomorrow 2) An agent will request to read your proposal.<br />
<br />
5) High Platform Nonfiction - If you have a huge opt-in mailing list, are the president of a large charity or organization, own your own PR firm, or have strong media connections, now's the time to write a book. Remember, if it's a nonfiction book, you only need write a book proposal, not the entire manuscript. With a strong platform, you'll have agents chasing after you instead of the other way around. 100% of the clients we created book proposals for have landed agents and damn good ones within a week or two.<br />
<br />
Remember, you only have one shot with these agents. So, make sure your query letter is as solid as possible. If you need help writing a winning query letter, contact: <a href="mailto:cheryl@gumbowriters.com">cheryl@gumbowriters.com</a> and we'll help you. 100% of the query letters we've ghost written have received at least 10 top agents that have requested to read their manuscripts or proposals.<br />
<br />
~Jeff Rivera, <a href="http://www.howtowriteaqueryletter.com/">www.HowtoWriteaQueryLetter.com</a> and <a href="http://www.gumbowriters.com/">www.GumboWriters.com</a><br />
<br />
<b><i>A special note from bestselling author Cheryl Kaye Tardif:</i></b><br />
<br />
A few years ago I used Jeff's query service. I was stunned by the response, especially after years of "following the rules" on how to write a query letter. Jeff breaks those antiquated rules and delivers a query that really grabs agents' attention. I had dozens of requests for partial and full manuscripts, and after a couple of weeks I signed with a reputable agency. My agent has been so supportive and a real cheerleader in everything I do. I highly recommend Jeff's query service.<br />
<br />
For more info on this query service, please email Jeff and me at <a href="mailto:cheryl@GumboWriters.com">cheryl@GumboWriters.com</a>Cheryl Tardifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15160526951596806898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6431840927280316473.post-34041203419219761662010-10-07T01:47:00.008-06:002010-10-07T01:47:00.126-06:00Promotional Tools for Authors in an Ereader World<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisvCngYeJgTrmPNef8FcvhGG37TRAPjpFapJCDLTqzgPQ69PvEb3uH7TkC0fbTyWR_8VcvFKKhlHnLZUiXiKBxoxXzDCjIIN2qQ8qUN2ufRG6nanT2atvbbG7MNXF6xcXI5azhxXyC1B0/s1600/Cheryl+2007+best+medium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisvCngYeJgTrmPNef8FcvhGG37TRAPjpFapJCDLTqzgPQ69PvEb3uH7TkC0fbTyWR_8VcvFKKhlHnLZUiXiKBxoxXzDCjIIN2qQ8qUN2ufRG6nanT2atvbbG7MNXF6xcXI5azhxXyC1B0/s200/Cheryl+2007+best+medium.jpg" width="132" /></a></div>Thank you for dropping by this blog during my Cherish the Romance Virtual Book Tour. I hope you'll check out all my stops. Don't forget to leave a comment with your email address so you'll be entered in my daily draws. Grand prize: a Kobo ereader.<br />
<br />
Over the years I've worked with many authors during multi-author events and I've coached authors on all areas of marketing, and one of the most common questions I get is, "What should I buy for promotional tools?" I used to have no problem answering that question, but now we're heading into an ereader world, where the usual promotional tools may not be as effective.<br />
<br />
Many of my author friends have gone all out, spending thousands of dollars on t-shirts, mugs, fliers, bookmarks, business cards, coasters, calendars, pens, baseball caps, and many other items. I wonder how many of those items were either thrown away, given away or never used.<br />
<br />
More importantly, most authors only make a dollar or two per book--sometimes less--so it's important to weigh the cost of such items and ask yourself if it's worth buying these kinds of promotional tools. I've tried many different things over the years; I don't mind experimenting. Most of the items I mentioned above are just too expensive.<br />
<br />
My favorite promotional tool has been bookmarks. They're useful. Or they were until ereaders became so popular. Two-sided bookmarks were excellent promotional tools. You can get a lot of info on one, including book covers, where to buy and website URL. They're the easiest thing to give out when at a book signing or special event. They're also more affordable than most of the other promo tools listed above. I suspect bookmarks won't be as effective in the future as more and more people turn to ereaders.<br />
<br />
Business cards are great to give out during conferences or when meeting an agent or publisher, but they're not so good for readers. Most will bury them in their purse or wallet or toss them. T-shirts, mugs and even pens are just too expensive, though they're a great gift or prize, if used to encourage sales first.<br />
<br />
With ereaders, there is less demand for authors to tour bookstores and do book signings. I mean, it's not that easy signing an ebook on a Kobo or a Kindle. :-) So I'm looking for new promotional tools, things I can give out when I meet people. Something with some value so that people don't throw it away. Something that will bring people to my website or maybe give them a sample of my work.<br />
<br />
I've designed a different kind of business card. It's more like a coupon. On one side I can add a brief description of a book and the cover. On the other side I give them the URL to a sample online. <b>Or</b> the second side has a special coupon code that allows them to read one of my works for free. The entire ebook. I'll even autograph the card if someone wants me to.<br />
<br />
I plan to give out a lot of these cards over the next few months and I'll be taking a stack of them with me when I go on a Mexican Riviera cruise in February. I bet I'll see a lot of people relaxing by the pool--with a Kindle or Kobo or Sony or iPad in hand. Stay tuned for another Random Acts of Divineness, and if you happen to be on that cruise, come find me and I'll sign your Kindle or Kobo. ;-)<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaggvPAPGg9OB-zVi0qYBvSaG-y9hE9cq3_1XaKAcXgxKTXYSGYKnz5xDF7li4bsdrliFNGwXJv9Nv859lmwWe9C3AsPSf6HA0UhrvPxJ9UYm8t14Xy3RqUcwJBcM0OCSadA-ZzLCvVUU/s1600/lancelotslady2010FINALMED.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaggvPAPGg9OB-zVi0qYBvSaG-y9hE9cq3_1XaKAcXgxKTXYSGYKnz5xDF7li4bsdrliFNGwXJv9Nv859lmwWe9C3AsPSf6HA0UhrvPxJ9UYm8t14Xy3RqUcwJBcM0OCSadA-ZzLCvVUU/s200/lancelotslady2010FINALMED.jpg" width="132" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 0in;"><strong><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Lancelot's Lady</span></strong><strong><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> ~ A Bahamas holiday from dying billionaire JT Lance, a man with a dark secret, leads palliative nurse Rhianna McLeod to Jonathan, a man with his own troubled past, and Rhianna finds herself drawn to the handsome recluse, while unbeknownst to her, someone with a horrific plan is hunting her down.</span></strong><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Lancelot's Lady is available in ebook edition at </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://kobobooks.com/search/search.html?q=cheryl%20kaye%20tardif&"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">KoboBooks</span></a></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">, </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=node%3D1286228011&field-keywords=cheryl+kaye+tardif&x=0&y=0&ih=12_0_0_0_0_0_0_0_0_1.99_215&fsc=-1"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Amazon's Kindle Store</span></a></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">, </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.smashwords.com/books/search?query=cheryl+kaye+tardif"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Smashwords</span></a></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> and other ebook retailers. Help me celebrate by picking up a copy today and "Cherish the romance..."<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">You can learn more about Lancelot's Lady and Cherish D'Angelo (aka Cheryl Kaye Tardif) at <a href="http://www.cherylktardif.com/">http://www.cherylktardif.com</a> and <a href="http://www.cherylktardif.blogspot.com/">http://www.cherylktardif.blogspot.com</a>. Follow Cherish from September 27 to October 10 on her <a href="http://www.cherylktardif.com/lancelots-lady-virtual-book-to/">Cherish the Romance Virtual Book Tour</a> and win prizes. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 0in;"><i>Would you ask your favorite author to sign the back of your ereader? If so, who would that be?</i></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Leave a comment here, with email address, to be entered into the prize draws. You're guaranteed to receive at least 1 free ebook just for doing so. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Plus you'll be entered to win a Kobo ereader. </b>Winners will be announced after October 10th.</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>Cheryl Tardifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15160526951596806898noreply@blogger.com6