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THE BOOK MARKETING EXPERT NEWSLETTER!

A newsletter all about SUCCESSFUL publishing and POWERFUL promotion.

September 17, 2009 Issue #204

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in this issue

— Note From The Editor

— Find Penny on Twitter

— Featured Article – Everything is Your Resume

— Mom’s Most Wanted

— AME-University: Book Marketing, Publishing, and Internet Marketing classes

— Your Account Has Been Suspended

— Book Bits and Bites

— How to Get Free Publicity in The New York Times

— Keep It Short and Simple

— Twitter is Good for Your Brand

— 2010 National Indie Excellence Awards Nominations Are Open

— Tune in to The Publishing Insiders

— Social Networks by Invitation Only

— Promote Your Book Now

— Self-Publishing Expo Welcomes Penny as Speaker

— Achieve Publishing Success With Our Products

— Twitter Tip: ReTweetability Index

— Twitter Tip: TweetStats

— Reader Tip!

— WHO ARE WE

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Penny C. Sansevieri, Editor penny@amarketingexpert.com

Welcome to a new issue of THE BOOK MARKETING EXPERT NEWSLETTER.

You are receiving this newsletter compliments of Author Marketing Experts, Inc. To opt out, please scroll down to the bottom of this newsletter.

Note From The Editor

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Welcome to another issue of the Book Marketing Expert Newsletter!

Dear Author,

Well, it’s been quite a week! On Sunday morning I woke to a note from Twitter stating “Your account has been suspended due to suspicious activity.” I was floored, upset, and afraid I’d never get it back. They told me I had lost it for a week, then on Monday I was told that I lost it for a month, and probably for good. Nearly 10,000 fabulous followers gone in a flash, I couldn’t believe it. I immediately skyped Paula and told her the bad news, then emailed the team and got on the phone with Susan Gilbert, our fab SEO gal. She spent the next three days guiding me through the steps I needed to take to win back my account, “But,” she said, “it doesn’t look good.” So there I was, Twitterless and fighting to understand what had happened. Turns out, the account had been hacked by a third party and my entire account came crumbling down from one, single tweet. No kidding. That’s all it takes to get nixed these days, Twitter is on the patrol and rightfully so. But thankfully @bookgal is back! Read all about this on the AME blog in the next day or so, but this week we are featuring an article from Susan Gilbert on what to do if Twitter shuts you down. If you have a Twitter account, I recommend you read it.

We’ve got another jammed-packed issue, and we hope you enjoy all the tips, hints, and marketing advice we have to share with you! And if you aren’t already following me on Twitter, please head on over to @bookgal and sign up for my updates. I hope you’ll enjoy them!

Wishing you continued publishing success,

Penny, Paula, Susan, Alex, Nancy and everyone at Author Marketing Experts, Inc.

Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Bookgal.

P.P.S. Check out our blog!

We offer great tips and insights, such as: ‘Maximize Google Alerts:’

http://amarketingexpert.com/ameblog/uncategorized/maximize-google-alerts/

Find Penny on Twitter

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For the latest book marketing tips, follow Penny at @Bookgal!

Featured Article – Everything is Your Resume

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When it comes to book promotion, the title of this article is truer now than it ever was. When you put something online, it can almost live forever. That means that we have to be careful what we share, what we say, and the footprints we leave online. A bad first impression is tough to recover from, and in some cases, it might not just mean a lost sale but a lost media opportunity. Here are a few guidelines to consider when forging your success online!

1) Article Syndication: edit, edit, edit. I can’t say this enough. We do a lot of article syndication and I can’t tell you how much editing we do for some of our authors. But when you’re syndicating yourself, who do you turn to? Well, get an editor to do project work for you. I really recommend it. Once an article is “out there” it’s almost impossible to get it back.

2) Blog posts: edit, edit, edit. Never put up a single blog post without running spell check (thankfully most blog software comes with this now), but be cautious about this. Remember, it’s public domain and blog posts that go up generally stay up unless you pull them down. They’ll get spidered, you might even get folks linking to them.

3) Twitter tweets: this is a big one, especially as many of us are hopping on Twitter these days. All of your tweets can be searched and in the case of Twitter, it’s pretty easy to shoot off a quickie – a short and thoughtless tweet. Remember that in the case of Twitter, the world is watching. My rule of thumb? Don’t tweet anything you wouldn’t want your Grandmother to read.

4) Facebook updates: this is another cautionary tale, and not always just from your updates. As with anything online, be cautious about the type and amount of personal information you give away. Remember, like we’ve been saying, everything is your resume. If you need a personal page then get one, but keep the business/book stuff to a fan page that’s isolated to the message. You don’t necessarily want all of your readers to know you and the hubby just went out for Chinese food or that you found fleas on Fido.

5) Online reviews: while you can’t control the content of reviews online, you can control your reaction to them. If you get a bad review, don’t attack the reviewer. Listen, I had a bad review on the first edition of Red Hot Internet Publicity, and while it was the only negative comment I wanted so badly to write to the reviewer and begin engaging him in a debate over my book. Instead, what I did was I wrote him, first thanking him for the time he took to read the book and then I offered insight on the negative points he mentioned. I also thanked him for his feedback which, once I stepped back from the harshness of his words, was actually really helpful. Don’t battle an online reviewer. You put your book out there and not everyone is going to like it. You have to either accept this or stop promoting it.

6) Blog comments: Commenting on other people’s blogs is a great idea, but like anything else, be careful about this because like a blog post, comments are searchable.

7) Podcasts and BlogTalk radio: there are a lot of opportunities to do radio online these days and while it might not seem as glamorous as, say, NPR, it can get you a lot of traction for your message. Don’t underestimate the power of online radio and podcasts, they can have a far reach. Be as prepared as you would be to go on a big show. Some of these podcasts (and especially BlogTalk radio) get thousands upon thousands of listeners.

8) YouTube: a colleague of mine was commenting last week on a book/author video that was posted to YouTube. He said that while it was interesting, the author wasn’t a great interview and the video was sort of flat. Many authors put up video and forget the worldwide reach that this has. They also forget that if the video can be found, a media person might land on it and if your video is subpar, it might nix any chances for an interview. Don’t just assume because you put it out there that it’s good. Yes, sketchy, off-color videos get circulated by the media, but if you look at the number of videos that get loaded onto YouTube, it’s really a small slice of the pie.

9) Hiring someone: with the proliferation of Internet marketing firms offering Virtual Book Tours you want to proceed with caution. We’ve been offering Internet tours for a long time, and we are extremely careful how we represent our authors online. If you’re thinking of hiring a company, get a sense of who they’ve promoted and how they’ve promoted them. If you hire a company that uses “black hat” marketing techniques, you could get dinged for something that isn’t even your fault. Black hat refers to a certain type of Internet marketing that uses faulty link-building and spam techniques to get an author book exposure. Often the exposure is short-lived and very harmful but black hat techniques can show up *very* successfully early on, that’s the way these tricksters are poised: Show early success only to have it drop off. In some cases, I’ve known authors to even get their sites yanked. It’s not pretty.

There are numerous “easy” ways to get your name out there and that means you just have to make sure the information you put out there is good, solid – yes edited – and representative of your work. When it comes to marketing online, the Internet is one big networking event. Consider this: would you ever go to a networking event dressed in shorts, flip-flops and a tank top? Doubtful. You show up dressed up, business cards in hand and ready to rock and roll. The same rules apply online. Everything is your resume. If you make that your motto, the world will beat a path to your virtual door.

Mom’s Most Wanted

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Mom’s Most Wanted was created by two moms, Stefanie and Claire, to introduce their readers to a variety of family-friendly products. Claire recently stepped down from her duties and now Jessie has joined Stefanie to run the site. They are open to any pitches from PR companies or anyone who wishes to promote their products and services.

All products and services must be family friendly in nature.

This is a giveaway site, but giveaway sponsors also receive a review of their product and/or site as well. All giveaways/reviews do require a non-returnable sample that the sponsor will ship to Mom’s Most Wanted, and sponsors also take care of the shipping and handling costs to the winner(s) of the giveaway.

If you are interested in sponsoring a giveaway with Mom’s Most Wanted along with an honest review, you will need to provide them with the following information:

1. Place “Giveaway (your product)” in the subject line.

2. Include a link to your website.

3. Let them know what your product is, and why you think their readers would want to know about it.

You will be contacted with a copy of the Mom’s media packet. Once they have all the information requested in the media packet, they will confirm a giveaway date. Once the giveaway goes live, they will notify you via email and will also email you with a link to your giveaway/review post once it is posted.

Mom’s Most Wanted

Website: http://momsmostwanted.net/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MomsMostWanted

Twitter: http://twitter.com/momsmostwanted/ Contact: http://momsmostwanted.net/contact-us/

AME-University: Book Marketing, Publishing, and Internet Marketing classes

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These free teleclasses from AME-University may be just the thing to get your book marketing savvy ramped up! A new class list is coming soon so be sure to check it out!

Getting Book Reviews! w/ Penny Sansevieri

When: Thursday, October 22, 4:00 pm – 4:30 pm

Description: If you’re having a hard time getting your book reviewed, you won’t want to miss this class! We’ll teach you simple but effective ways to get your book into the hands of reviewers who will actually review it (as opposed to just saying they will). We’ll look at what a book review package should look like, what you must include and what no good kit should ever be without!

Creating a Stunning Press Kit and Media Room on Your Web Site (so the media will notice you!)

When: Thursday, November 19, 4:00 pm – 4:30 pm

Description: If creating a press kit has baffled you, then don’t miss this class! We’ll talk about everything from crafting the perfect press release, to creating your bio, questions and tip sheets. We’ll also talk about the things no good press kit should be without and what you should never include in a kit! If you’ve struggled with your own kit or just aren’t sure what they should look like, then this class is for you! BONUS: We’ll also learn about electronic press kits and online press rooms.

How to join in:

To sign up or learn more about these classes send an email to author@amarketingexpert.com.

The AME website has a complete class listing for handy reference: http://amarketingexpert.com/iclasses.html.

Missed a class? Here’s an easy way to catch up on past classes, just visit the AME-University All Access Pass.

Your Account Has Been Suspended

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Those words you never want to hear on any social media site – but especially not on your precious Twitter account. After all the time you have spent acquiring Followers and all the people you have been networking with – gone at the swipe of a tail feather by Twitter!

What do you do now?

Don’t give up!

In the email from Twitter which has informed you of the suspension there is a link to their Support Desk. Put in a support ticket immediately. The good thing is that usually the “time out” lasts 7 days – but whoever owns the account needs to request that Twitter lift the suspension or they will close the account down permanently if they get no response.

There is a bit of a witch hunt going on. Twitter is shutting down first and not even asking questions later. It’s up to you to contact them and plead your case. Your account could have been compromised and hacked into or you might have inadvertently done something that violated their ever changing Terms of Service.

Above all, if you want to get your account back, take action now.

* Submit a support ticket at Twitter Support.

* Request that Twitter lift the suspension.

* Ask why your account was suspended, how you violated the TOS and assure them that anything you have done was unintentionally creating the violation and that you will abide by their directive.

If you want to know more about what I think is going on at Twitter, follow the rest of this article at: http://www.susangilbert.com/your-account-has-been-suspended/.

Tip offered by Susan Gilbert, AME’s Search Engine Marketing Expert and Web 2.0 company owner, http://www.JoomlaJump.com, which provides Social Networking websites and services.

Book Bits and Bites

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You Can Go Home Again: Pat Conroy’s long-awaited novel South of Broad was published last month. And the fans were waiting – Conroy returned to the setting of his new book for a signing and sold 1,300 copies: http://ow.ly/p4iw.

They Didn’t Say it Would Be Easy: The cold, hard reality of the finances of being a published author – from literary agent Rachelle Gardner: http://ow.ly/p4ik.

Because Your Book Pile Isn’t Big Enough: Literature Map is like an online matchmaker for readers and authors. Type in the name of an author you like and you will receive additional author recommendations, http://ow.ly/p4hZ.

An Interesting Question: Should children’s books be content-rated like moves and video games? A thoughtful discussion at Nathan Bransford’s blog, http://ow.ly/p4hR.

How to Get Free Publicity in The New York Times

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Grab the Sunday edition of The New York Times and your local and regional papers too. Study the Community Events Calendar. Typically, they feature upcoming events that don’t cost anything. Special events at public libraries, churches and community centers – subjects of interest to the paper’s readership and the community. Organize an event around your book – a reading, lecture, discussion, etc. Hold it at your local public library or other community service-oriented venue. Craft an announcement that exactly mirrors the style and format of the listings in the newspapers. Send in your submission as soon as you lock in the date. It’s nearly impossible to buy this kind of publicity.

Tip submitted by Eric Gelb, who is a copywriter specializing in back cover and jacket copy, press releases and author websites. Visit him at: www.PublishingGold.com for 6 tips about creating an author website that sells.

Keep It Short and Simple

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A ‘Soundbite’ is a short, snappy “memorable” statement that reporters love to use in their stories and hosts love for the quick sizzle they add to any interview.

For example my client Pam Waterman, author of “The Braces Cookbook,” uses these soundbites whenever possible:

1. Bracket friendly breads & breakfasts

2. Be-nice-to-me beverages

3. Soothing tips for difficult days

4. Mellow main meals

5. Recipes you & your orthodontist will love

Times have certainly changed. Years ago a soundbite was roughly 50 seconds. Today, it’s down to 7.3 seconds or 20 to 25 words. The increasing speed of communications has created a demand to get news and information NOW. As an author you must be prepared for the fast pace and fickleness of the media in 2009.

Create sizzling soundbites and then practice, practice, practice until they are second nature. You’ll be glad you did!

For more information or to schedule a coaching session go to www.myhattricktv.com or call (602) 509-6468.

~Tip offered by Media Veteran Laura Holka, who is the producer of the Pat McMahon Show & a Media Consultant. She can be reached at www.myhattricktv.com.

Twitter is Good for Your Brand

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There’s no question Twitter can be effective for promoting your brand. A new Penn State study found that 20% of all tweets are brand-related. You can check out the MarketingVOX story here.

2010 National Indie Excellence Awards Nominations Are Open

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The National Indie Excellence Awards (NIEA) are designed to bring recognition to titles from independent publishers. This highly respected and prestigious awards program celebrates excellence in independent publishing. The competition is judged by an independent panel of experts from all areas of the publishing industry.

The Indie Excellence Awards accept submissions from independent publishers and authors. Awards are granted in over 100 categories, and nominations are open for 2010. Visit http://www.indieexcellence.com/index.html.

Tune in to The Publishing Insiders

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Be in the know and hear what the publishing insiders: Penny Sansevieri, CEO of Author Marketing Experts, Inc. – and her guests – have to offer in terms of tips and insights into the industry! Listen here.

Catch up on the Sept. 10 special episode focused on The Lost Symbol and all things Dan Brown!

Publishing Insiders is also available on iTunes, so you can keep up with the show wherever you go!

Social Networks by Invitation Only

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Think all social networking sites are open to anyone? Not so much. Here are a few that are invitation only. Designed for the elite movers and shakers, these sites are the who’s who of social networking.

A Small World: asmallworld.net – a mix of business leaders and entrepreneurs, media, sports, and fashionistas, more than 65% of the members of this group live in European cities but don’t let that deter you. If you can get an invitation to join, take it!

Qube: qubers.com is a luxury lifestyle group, members of this are c-level execs and entrepreneurs, and their membership spans the globe!

Promote Your Book Now

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Looking for inexpensive ways to promote your book? We’ve developed an exciting series of budget-friendly programs that still pack a powerful punch! Think you can’t market your book in a tough economy? Think again – we’ve got the answer! Email us for more details: info@amarketingexpert.com.

Self-Publishing Expo Welcomes Penny as Speaker

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Penny will be speaking at the Self-Publishing Book Expo on Saturday, November 7.

The first annual Self-Publishing Book Expo, at the Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers, will bring national focus and attention to the fastest-growing segment of today’s publishing industry. Unlike any other book exhibit, the Self-Publishing Book Expo will be the only event of its kind to highlight the books of self-publishing companies and their authors, and give them the prominence and prestige they deserve.

For more information, visit the website: http://www.selfpubbookexpo.com, or contact conference organizers at: info@selfpubbookexpo.com or (212) 353-3478.

Achieve Publishing Success With Our Products

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We’ve designed our products with your success in mind! Regardless of where you are in your publishing journey, we’ve got a product that will suit your needs. Check out our books, special reports, and our audio programs, all designed to help you reach publishing success!

http://amarketingexpert.com/store/

Twitter Tip: ReTweetability Index

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ReTweetability Index: http://www.retweetability.com. How retweetable are you? This site will show you how much your tweets matter. It’s like High School all over again, only with technology.

Twitter Tip: TweetStats

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Tweet Stats: http://www.tweetstats.com. How popular are you? How much do your tweets matter? This site will show you. Whether you want to know or not.

Reader Tip!

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If you’ve got a Reader Tip you’d like to share, please send it to penny@amarketingexpert.com with the subject line “reader tip.” Submissions should be 75 words or less.

WHO ARE WE

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Author Marketing Experts, Inc. is a full-service book marketing, promotion, and publicity company. We serve authors at all stages of marketing and promotion. We offer a full range of packages and services to choose from.

To see a price list or schedule a free consultation, send your e-mail to penny@amarketingexpert.com with the subject line “Author Services Info.” You can also visit our Web site at www.amarketingexpert.com.

Reprint permission

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You are welcome to reprint any items from “The Book Marketing Expert Newsletter.” However, please credit us as a source with the following paragraph:

Reprinted from “The Book Marketing Expert newsletter,” a free ezine offering book promotion and publicity tips and techniques. http://amarketingexpert.com/

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————————————————— ——— Copyright 2009 Author Marketing Experts, Inc. ————————————————— ———

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