SP Tip #6 - Check out publisher before signing contract

Most authors are usually so ecstatic when they finally get that book deal offer from a publisher that they forget to do their homework and check out the publisher. This is especially important if you didn't do this before you submitted a query, and even more important for the small to mid-sized publishing company. Major publishers generally have good reputations, which is why they've been in business as long as they have.

Too many publishing companies have bad reputations. Some don't pay their authors on time, some don't keep accurate sales records or give out regular statements, some don't communicate well with their authors, some don't follow through with what they promise, some are only interested in publishing their own books or those of their friends, a few are just plain rude liars who use their authority to abuse their authors. Of course the bad publishers aren't likely to tell you all this.

So who do you get this information from? Their authors.

Before signing that contract, no matter how good it may seem, make sure you contact at least 5 of the publisher's authors and ask them to list 3-5 things their publisher does well and 3-5 things that are problematic. Contact 1-2 authors who had books come out a few years ago; then contact newer authors.

Although authors generally don't like to badmouth their publisher to a stranger or in public, many will give you information via email or they'll tell you in such a way that you can read between the lines. Some will tell you outright that their experience was terrible, or that they wouldn't recommend that publisher to anyone. That should send up a very bright red flag. In simple terms it means, stay clear of that publisher.

You can also check for issues with publishers at http://www.absolutewrite.com/, especially in the Watercooler forums. Or check with Preditors & Editors

~Cheryl Kaye Tardif
http://www.cherylktardif.com

SP Tip #4 Book Video Trailers

Book video trailers are increasing in popularity. Even the major publishers are using them to promote their authors. A video is more exciting than straight sales pitch or book description. People prefer visuals and sound.

You can either make your own book video trailer, have your publisher make one or hire a company that specializes in them. You can find book videos with simple graphics, text and music, or special effects, or live action (actors) videos. You must choose which best suits your book and your budget.

It's very important to keep the time/length of your video under 3 minutes. Any longer and your viewers might stray. Highlight the most important points and use music that fits the mood of your book.

*24-7PressRelease.com offers press release distribution with video.

SP Tip #3 - Tweet on Twitter

Twitter is a form of blogging called micro-blogging. You have 140 characters to get a message across, usually answering the question: What are you doing?

However, people with products and services to market or promote can also "tweet" a short piece of sales copy or ad copy. But don't use hard sales tactics.

Since this is a social network, make sure you intersperse your sales tweets with more personal ones. Let people get to know you.

Hope you'll follow me on Twitter!

SP Tip #2 - Create a solid internet identity

Creating a strong internet identity or web presence is not as simple as starting a blog or designing a website. People have to be able to find you through search engines like Google or Yahoo.

You'll know you're "strong" in your internet identity when a search of your name gives you at least 30 pages of results--the first 30 pages, or more.

Keep in mind, these pages should be about you, not someone else with the same name.

SP Tip #1 - "Bounce" when you're doing a book signing

Of course I don't mean bounce like a beach ball in your chair, or jump up and down continuously like a bad impression of Richard Simmons.

By "bounce" I mean, don't sit the entire time behind your table. And don't stand the whole time either.

Alternate your position based on who's around you. Try to stand when you have potential customers and sit when things are slow.

Have fun "bouncing"!!!