Marketing: What to Look for in an Influencer and Where to Find Them

You're an author. Now you need readers. The best way to find people to read your book is to ask, but everyone wants a free book. The thing to look for is those people who have a plan in place on how they will help to sell your book to others. We call these people "influencers." 

1) The first hard and fast rule is to make sure the person who wants to be an influencer has something to offer in exchange for that free book (afterall, you have a limited supply of those freebies!). If the person is a good friend but they have no interest in doing more than patting you on the head and telling you what a good writer they are, they won't make a good influencer. 

2) Find someone who is willing to spread the word via a well-established blog. Offer to do a written or video interview for them.

3) An influencer should be willing to post reviews on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads, CBD, Shelfari, and maybe even offer some new places you've never considered before.

4) Local book clubs are a great source for finding influencers. Start with your local library for a list of book clubs in your area, then choose those groups whose interest most closely match your genre. Offer to speak at the club and/or do a Q&A.

5) If you're close friends with someone who has a natural network that relates to the theme or genre of your book, use that connection. For example, a historical romance set during the Civil War might be of interest to museum stores. This way you are tapping in to word-of-mouth sales on a subject already of interest to the potential buyer. Talk about ready-made fan base!

6) Social Media the title! Influencers who use social media to Tweet, FB, Linkedin, Pinterest (or whatever source they most use to help spread the word) will help boost the visibility of your title.

7) Influencers might even be willing to go to their local bookstores and encourage the manager to stock your title.

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Video Interview w/ Debut Author Pamela S. Meyers

Follow Pam on Twitter @PamelaMeyers
Website: http://www.pamelasmeyers.com

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Interview with Carol Award Finalist, S. Dionne Moore

S. Dionne Moore started writing in 2006. Her first book, Murder on the Ol’ Bunions, was contracted for publication by Barbour Publishing in 2008. In 2009 she moved on to writing historical romances as an outlet for her passion for history. In 2010 her second cozy mystery, Polly Dent Loses Grip, was a 2010 Carol Award finalist and she was also named a Barbour Publishing 2010 Favorite New Author. In 2011 her first historical romance, Promise of Tomorrow, was nominated a 2011 Carol Award finalist.

For more information, visit her Website at www.sdionnemoore.com. 
Follow her on Twitter: @sdionnemoore 


Tell readers about your newest release: 

I have two this month, which is really exciting! Promise Brides, my first 3n1 historical, is available EVERYWHERE (rather than just the Heartsong Presents book club). A Shepherd’s Song is available through Barbour Publishings, Heartsong Presents Bookclub. A Shepherd’s Song is the first book in a new historical romance series set in Wyoming. 

Renee Dover made a foolish decision. . .

When fiery Renee Dover seeks adventure and searches for a gang of outlaws, she never expects she’ll find them. Captured by the gang and certain her recklessness has gotten her brother killed, she escapes right into the arms of Tyler Sperry, a quiet sheepherder with a mysterious past.

Compelled to accompany him on his journey leading sheep to summer pasture, Renee finds it impossible to return home. She must endure the silence of this man and the solitude he’s chosen. And Tyler must decide what to do with Renee as every option he sees risks her life or challenges his.

Along the way, Renee discovers there’s much more to this shepherd who keeps his history hidden. Something he’s found that she desires. But when Tyler’s past comes back to haunt him, it just might get them both killed.


Promise Brides, is a compilation of three historicals, Promise of Tomorrow (a 2011 Carol Award finalist), Promise of Yesterday and  Promise of Time, set in 1889 Johnstown, PA., Mercersburg/Greencastle, PA, and Gettysburg, PA, respectively. 


Love never comes without sacrifice.


Promise of Tomorrow
Alaina Morrison loves Jack Kelly. So why won t he realize that all she wants is to get married and begin their new life together? She doesn t need a large home or new clothes or other things. She only needs him to actually spend time with her and to show how much he loves her. As dangerous floodwaters threaten their home of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, will Alaina and Jack allow God to bridge their growing differences with His unifying love?


Promise of Yesterday 
Escaping the horrors of slavery, Chester Jones returns home after many years. After meeting the enigmatic Marylu, sparks fly as he gently pushes his way into her heart. As love blossoms, secrets from Marylu's past arise, causing her to question her newfound feelings. And then what about those rumors linking Chester to a murder. . .? Will Marylu allow God to heal her heart or will it be shattered again?


Promise of Time
Ellie Lester sees time stretching endlessly after the death of her husband in the war. She manages to find some purpose in helping slaves escape through the Underground Railroad. When her husband's cousin arrives, however, time seems to stand still. Is her heart awakening to something new? Theodore Lester is determined to reach his cousin's widow in the North with the truth of her husband's death, even if he must flee from the Confederate Army. Seeing her again sparks something in his heart and makes him want to stop running. But he can t escape from his dreams. . .or himself.

What made you choose the setting for A Shepherd's Song? 

I became fascinated with the Johnson County Wars. Early on, I read that much of the tension was between sheepherders and cattle barons, though that was later discounted. But the career of herding sheep intrigued me and I knew it would make a good story. Using Psalms 23 as a parallel, I rediscovered and came to better understand why God used that particular analogy in that first verse. And I read. . .

A book on a woman's adventures as a sheepherder which helped shape some of the tragedies and challenges inherent in those who undertook the career. And the loneliness. Many men of Basque descent came to the states to be sheepherders. If you ever get the chance to see some of the carvings the Basque sheepherders left on Aspens in the high elevations during the lonely months of herding sheep, it's an interesting glimpse into the psyche of the men as they worked to overcome the terrible separation from family and friends as they fulfilled their contracts.

What does your office look like?

Oh dear. Messy right now, but here it is in all its glory. For those who might be interested, I'm working on editing the third book in the Wyoming series.

Parting words for those interested in become published?

Writers write. They don't talk about it or imagine it, they do it! That might seem over simplistic, but you wouldn't believe how many people have said, "Oh, I'd love to write a book one day." But they never do. LOL! Maybe it's not their calling, and that's fine, but if you truly want to pursue publication, you'll have to discipline yourself to make the time for writing and learning about writing.

Comment to win an autographed copy of A Shepherd's Song. 

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Conference Tip: Round Table Talk for the Introvert

It's like a tonic to those of us who are not extroverts by nature. Round table talk at conference meals is the best way to get to know an agent or editor that you hope to target. For one, the weight of carrying the conversation is distributed to all those present. Two, the questions of others can be a springboard in helping formulate your own and might even answer some you didn't know you had. And three, you get a feel for what others are offering the agent or editor (know your competition!)

Still think you'll have a hard time?

If you can't think of a way to begin conversation, remember that these editors and agents are as human as you. They want small talk too. Is the meal delicious? Have you especially enjoyed a class you've attended, or even made a new friend? These are great conversation starters. Your target will probably take a huge breath of relief when they discover you are not going to ambush them with your one-liners or shove another story idea in their faces, and you just might discover common interests that open the door to friendship. Imagine that. Friends with the editor of your dreams!

I remember sitting next to Anne Goldsmith one year. I had not a thing to say to her about books, publishing or her position as acquiring editor, confessing, instead, that I was sitting at her table only because it was closest to the stage. Her eyes went huge when she realized that meant I was going to be speaking. At conference. In front of everyone. She confessed that she hated public speaking and admired those who could do it. It made me smile and created an instant connection.

Now, if you're still an absolute wreck of nerves, my best advice is to stay quiet. Don't feel pressured to say something if you don't have anything to share. Use the time to absorb the information flowing around you.  Be relaxed and have a great time. Absorb. Listen. Learn. Make friends. . . 

Just make sure you wipe your chin between bites.

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POLL: Name the Most Difficult Aspect of Writing (multiple answers allowed)

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Writing Tips: Agents Vent on Chapter 1 Turn-Offs

Stumbled upon this great article yesterday. Writer's Digest compiled a list of what agents hate and it's an eye opener. If you want to land an agent, enter a contest, or approach an editor with your work of art, please do yourself a favor and read this first! The last agent to weigh in is Rachelle Gardner from WordServe Literary, a literary agent that primarily represents Christian fiction.


Teaser: Literary Reps vent about their Chapter 1 turn-offs.

Ask any literary agent what they’re looking for in a novel’s first chapter and they’ll all say the same thing: “Good writing that hooks me in.” Agents appreciate the same elements of good writing that readers do. They want action; they want compelling characters and a reason to read on; they want to feel an immediate connection with your writing.

But what about all those things they don’t want to see? Obvious mistakes such as grammatical errors and awkward writing aside, writers need to be conscious of Chapter 1 clichés and typical agent pet peeves—either of which can get a rejection letter sent your way.

Here, dozens of established literary agents vent about everything they can’t stand to see in your all-important first chapter.

PROLOGUES
“Most agents hate prologues. Just make the first chapter relevant and well written.”
— Andrea Brown, Andrea Brown Literary Agency
“Prologues are usually a lazy way to give back-story chunks to the reader and can be handled with more finesse throughout the story. Damn the prologue, full speed ahead!”
— Laurie McLean, Larsen-Pomada Literary Agents
DESCRIPTION
“I dislike endless ‘laundry list’ character descriptions. For example: ‘She had eyes the color of a summer sky and long blonde hair that fell in ringlets past her shoulders. Her petite nose was the perfect size for her heart-shaped face. Her azure dress—with the empire waist and long, tight sleeves—sported tiny pearl buttons down the bodice. Ivory lace peeked out of the hem in front, blah, blah.’ Who cares! Work it into the story.”
— Laurie McLean, Larsen-Pomada Literary Agents

The article continues here: http://tinyurl.com/3deuptb

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The Butterfly Dance

We talk a lot about fiction around here. I'm certainly not complaining - and I hope you agree! I love me some absorbing, meaningful, well-written novels!

And I think a lot of you who read this blog are authors or hopeful authors. To that I say - woohoo! I fit in that category, too (in the "hopeful" part...). ;)

But what I want to know is this: do you write anything else? I'm inclined to think that if we're writers in one capacity, we're probably writers in some other capacity. We write novels, but we also write blog posts, journal entries, poetry, articles, devotionals, etc.

Writing is a way of creatively expressing ourselves and sharing what's on our hearts with others. Yet we are not limited to only one form of writing! We can be informative through articles, uplifting through poetry, or spontaneous through blog posts.

Recently I was inspired to write a poem based on a church service. While I'm home from college we attend a Baptist church where several of the ladies (and sometimes a couple of children) wave and dance with flags during the time of worship/music. Here's what I came up with:

The Butterfly Dance

A guitar string hums in the sanctuary:
The note swirls in the stained glass light.

The first few flutter softly to the corners,
Choosing their wings before taking flight.

Plum purple and wispy white
Gently dip and lift by the window.

Bluegrass green and lemon yellow
Flow joyfully in the sunlit crescendo.

A lone lavender wing is sent high,
Floating on the edge of the scarlet carpet.

A little one flits from side to side,
Then picks royal robe, and blood red to match it.

One set of wings falls to the stairs,
Broken and spread apart on the dimly lit floor:

Waiting and praying for a guiding hand
To remind her how she was made to soar.

A single gold wing joins the dance,
With a unique rhythm and swing in her wave.

The fall and rise of the hopeful songs
Reflect the patterns the jeweled colors make.

Even when the music comes to a close,
And the bright and cheery wings are folded up tight,

They continue to hum across unseen meadows
With the freedom of their butterfly flight.

I love poetry, although I don't claim to be an expert on it by any means! I just think it's a wonderful way to briefly and powerfully express one's observations on life.

Questions: What do you think? Do you enjoy more than one form of writing? What are your thoughts on poetry?

Notice: If you're a poet or an artist in any fashion, I'm running a contest for a $10 Amazon.com gift card over at my personal blog! Click HERE to read the rules.

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POLL: What's Your Fav Snack While Writing/Reading?

We all do it. Some more than others. When that urge to nibble creeps up on you, what's your go-to snack?

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Poll: What Is The Most Frustrating Thing About Writing?

Writers write. Sure. But there's plenty of things that are frustrating about the writing life and often tempt us to quit. What are the most frustrating aspects for you? Multiple answers are allowed. If yours isn't listed, put it down in comments.

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Backstory 101

July 20, 2010

Backstory is everything that has happened to your character/s before chapter one.

The problem with backstory is simple. It slows down the story before it ever has a chance to get started. It tells too much about the character. It gives away too many elements of the character that are critical to the story.

Think of it. How often do you meet a person and automatically know everything about them? You don't. You learn who the person is very slowly over a period of days, months, and sometimes years. Your story is the same way. Allow the reader to get to know the character slowly, through snippets. Backstory should be woven throughout the manuscript. Peppered in to give the story some spice at just the right time.

So why is it so easy for a writer to fall into the backstory chasm? Many times it’s because, subconsciously, you are trying to get a handle on who your character is, where they came from, and what kind of upbringing they had. You see, what you’re really doing in those first chapters is a character sketch!

You could also be struggling with where to start the story. I’ve often heard editors encourage a writer to cut the first chapter, or even the first two chapters, because after those chapters comes the *real* story. In other words, those first chapters are filled with backstory that is unnecessary to the *real* story. The same solution is applicable. But don't throw those chapters away, cut and paste them into another document and keep it. You will need to refer back to it throughout the writing of your manuscript.

Remember, a reader wants to be swept up and carried away to a different world with different characters, and they don’t want to wait until chapter two to get there. This is why it is up to you, as the writer, to find the perfect place in which to begin your character's journey.

Let's look at some examples of backstory within the first paragraph of the first chapter:

Example 1:

Belinda froze in place. Ever since she was six she knew this would happen. Her father had always warned her she should be careful on the prairies during thunderstorms. Tornadoes could occur at any moment. And they could kill. Just like the wedge shaped one that had killed her mother when she was six. And that’ s when she’d had the premonition. The one that told her she, too, would be killed by a tornado.

Example 2:

You picked a fine time to leave me, Lucille. Garrett Thompson flicked on his turn signal and wished the tune coming from his radio was the song with the same line, instead of his reality. His Lucille, however, was really called Lucy. She would have hated being called Lucille.

Garrett eased into the right lane ahead of a Mac truck going far too fast. He kept his eyes on the vehicle until he knew it would slow. His mind sifted back over the events that led up to Lucy’s goodbye. She wasn’t the prettiest girl in the county, but she sure was the smartest and the kindest, though her tantrum twenty minutes ago sure supplied evidence to the contrary.

Example 3:

Thimblewyeth was a young woman of fourteen. She enjoyed listening to westerns and old-time radio, despite being a child of the twenty-second century. Even her mother, steeped in her own generation of 2182, couldn’t understand Thimblewyeth’s delight in stories over a century old. But her father understood. He was tall and had a pot belly, but he listened to Thimblewyeth talk of cowboys and range wars as he worked on his aircar or tinkered with the programming on their robutler, who could never seem to get the morning coffee quite to her father’s taste.

Three very different examples. Are these, in your opinion, good starting points for the story. Why or why not? Which of these examples relies too heavily on backstory? What would you do to change these pieces to make them acceptable?

S. Dionne Moore is a multipublished author of both cozy mystery and historical romance. Find out more about her and her books at http://www.sdionnemoore.com.

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