COLUMN: Are You On The Net?

Online Promotion Plan VIIII

18. Have you researched the online magazines that promote your genre?


19. Have you created a list of online magazines you want to be featured in?


20. Have you requested interviews from these magazines?


21. Have you researched their advertisement prices?



What I like about being online is there is something for everyone. For instance, if you write romances you probably will find a few sites that promote romances or if you write mystery you’ll find the mystery sites.

That can also be said for online magazines. When I started SORMAG there weren’t many online magazines. Now that story is different. There are a lot of online magazines that like to promote books and their writers.

RESEARCH

As with any magazine, most have a schedule they work with. I highly recommend that you do your research well before approaching them.

Find the magazines that promote your genre. In your research look to see if they promote other genres too (for example, SORMAG started as a romance magazine, over the years we moved to promoting all literature, so you might find a romance or a mystery or even history book featured.)

So do not count the magazine out if they promote one genre, your book might still interest their audience. This is where articles come in. You can write an article for them and still get a chance to promote your book in your bio.

• Find out what their guidelines are.

• How do they want you to introduce yourself?

• Do they want you to send a book for review?

• Do they offer guest spots or articles?

• Do they offer free promotion or only paid promotion?

• Look at their paid promotion?

• It is something that fits into your budget?

CREATE A LIST

Before you start get your calendar out and look at your release date. This will help in setting the time frame for your promotions.

I recommend you have at least:

• Three promotions a month before the release date. You want to get the reader ready for the book, they also can do pre-orders.

• Four promotions the week it releases.

• Three promotions after the releases, you want to catch those readers who might have missed the previous promotions.

• That’s ten promotions.

You can decide how you want to break the promotions up between free and paid promotions. Your budget will determine this.

Create a list with 10 magazines to get you started. You can always go higher once you get the hang of approaching magazines.

Start off with the free promotion. Set up your interviews or promotions by sending your letter of introduction. Offer to be interviewed, do a guest post or write an article.

Do not expect to get a promotion the month you contact them. If you book is coming out, try to schedule your interview three – six months in advance. Remember most magazines are on a schedule of three – six months in advance.

INTERVIEWS

Please remember to meet the magazine’s deadlines. There’s nothing like having an interview scheduled and the author doesn’t send back the information for the interview. Don’t have the magazine chasing you down. Always be professional and send your interview or article back on time.

Include a picture of yourself and your book. This helps the editor not have to go in search of this information.

Get a date when your interview/article will go live. Send out to your friends, family and fans. Stop by the site/blog to see if the interview/article is live. Leave a comment or answer questions if there are any.

Send a thank you note to the magazine for featuring you and offer your services for future issues.

With your next book, remember to support this magazine if it offers paid promotion. Schedule them into your budget. Remember if you don’t support them, they can’t support you.

PAID PROMOTION

One of the things I learned when I sold Mary Kay Cosmetics is that you have to spend money to make money. This is so true when it comes to promoting your books. You want to reach as many readers that you can, which means sometimes you have to pay for promotion.

In your research you’ve found the magazines that offer paid promotion. Check out their advertising page. Look at the promotions that fit your budget. Sometimes magazines will work with you and your budget. ASK, all they can do is say no.

Select the promotion that fits your budget and send them the information they need to create the promotion.

Ask for a date it will go live and make sure you receive a copy of the promotion or know where it is located.

Send the link to your friends, family and fans.

Let the magazine know you saw the ad and if you liked or didn’t like it.

Refer your friends if the magazine did a good promotion.

Remember with any promotion, paid or free, there is no guarantee of a sale. The object of promotion is to introduce your book to new readers. Keeping your name in front of the readers is your goal.

PROMOTING

Promoting with an online magazine can be fun and interactive. Some offer chats and other ways to interact with their readers. Take time to get to know the magazines. Build a relationship with them. If you plan on building a writing career, magazines can help you do that.

Don’t expect to continue to receive freebies when you’re not supporting them. Magazines are loyal to those who are loyal to them. Always remember this is a business. We need each other to stay in business.

Next month we will break down more of these questions to help you continue to build your plan.

Did you miss the other parts - Online Promotion Plans

Can’t wait to next month, contact me –sormag@yahoo.com.  I’m available for private online promotion coaching.

Until then,

I’ll see you on the net.

LaShaunda C. Hoffman

LaShaunda is the creator of SORMAG – Shades Of Romance Magazine. She has 11 years of experience on online promotion, most she learned from trial and error. She has taught workshops on online promotion and is available for private online promotion coaching.


If you enjoyed this post, please consider becoming a member of SORMAG's community - Join Today

Do you need help with your promoting? - http://sormag.com/advertise.htm

Online Promotion Plan

Have you created your online promotion Plan?  Get started today.

Online Promotion Plan I – Questions

http://sormag.blogspot.com/2011/02/columnist-are-you-on-net.html

Online Promotion Plan II

http://sormag.blogspot.com/2011/03/column-are-you-on-net.html

Online Promotion Plan III

http://sormag.blogspot.com/2011/05/column-are-you-on-net.html

Online Promotion Plan IV

http://sormag.blogspot.com/search/label/Online%20Promotion%20Plan

Online Promotion Plan V

http://sormag.blogspot.com/2011/06/column-are-you-on-net.html

Online Promotion Plan VI

http://sormag.blogspot.com/2011/07/column-are-you-on-net.html

Online Promotion Plan VII

http://sormag.blogspot.com/2011/08/column-are-you-on-net.html

Online Promotion Plan VIII

http://sormag.blogspot.com/2011/10/column-are-you-on-net.html

Online Promotion Plan VIIII

http://sormag.blogspot.com/2011/10/column-are-you-on-net_25.html

If you enjoyed this post, please consider becoming a member of SORMAG's community - Join Today

Do you need help with your promoting? - http://sormag.com/advertise.htm

COLUMN: Are You On The Net

Online Promotion Plan VIII

14. Have you researched the online book clubs?

15. Have you created a list of online book clubs that promote your genre?

16. Have you sent out letters of intro?

17. Have you scheduled chats or skype chats?

ONLINE BOOK CLUBS

Online book clubs are similiar to live book clubs, they feature authors and their books. Some even let you discuss the book with the members. Others might feature excerpts of your book. It’s a good way to meet new readers.

Contact your writer friends and see which online book clubs they deal with. Do a google search for online book clubs. Look for the ones that feature your genre. Read their guidelines carefully. You want to know how do they want you to submit your book? Don’t send your book without prior notice. You want to stay on their good side and you don’t want to send your book to someone who doesn’t read your genre.

LETTER OF INTRODUCTION

After the doing your research, now you ready to introduce yourself to the book clubs. Send out your emails and offer your services for a book discussion or chat with an author.

EXAMPLE:

Greetings in the name of literature,


My name is LaShaunda C. Hoffman. I'm currently promoting my new book and would like to introduce it to your book club

(Insert a blurb about the book here)


I hope this is something your book club would be interested in reading. I can send you a review copy if you like.


Please let me know if you would like to set up a book discussion or chat with me.


I look forward to working with you.


LaShaunda C. Hoffman
writerlch@yahoo.com



CHATS

You can do chats online in chat rooms or over the phone. Or you can do a skype chat. (Never skyped before, talk with your fellow authors for their advice or do a google search and see what you’re missing).

Do what makes you feel comfortable and remember to have fun.

TIPS
Have a few games to play.
Offer a couple a prizes to those who attend.
Send the book club a sneak peek of your next book and ask to be scheduled for another chat in the future.

Online book clubs can be a fun way to introduce your books to new readers and nice way for you to build your fan base.

Next month we will break down more of these questions to help you continue to build your plan.

Can’t wait to next month, contact me –sormag@yahoo.com.  I’m available for private online promotion coaching.

Until then,

I’ll see you on the net.

LaShaunda C. Hoffman

LaShaunda is the creator of SORMAG – Shades Of Romance Magazine. She has 11 years of experience on online promotion, most she learned from trial and error. She has taught workshops on online promotion and is available for private online promotion coaching.


If you enjoyed this post, please consider becoming a member of SORMAG's community - Join Today

Do you need help with your promoting? - http://sormag.com/advertise.htm

COLUMN: ARE YOU ON THE NET

Online Promotion Plan VII

11. Have you researched forums that promote your genre?

12. Have you created your list of forums you want to be on?

13. Have you sent out letters to the forums?


Now its time to do a little more networking, your goal is to introduce new readers to your new book and your website. A good place for this is by visiting readers/writer forums/grouups.

FORUMS/GROUPS/LISTS

Forums/groups are message boards you can post messages. Lists are usually emails that come as individual emails or digest forms.

Readers love forums/groups/lists especially if they can discuss their favorite topic, books. If you plan on joining a few forums/lists, read their rules first. Many forums/groups/lists hate for writers who join just to announce their books. Be a real member, be active, this let the members of the forum/groups/lists know you're part of the group and not just using the forum/groups/lists as an advertising tool.

This is the place to exercise your signature. Make sure every time you make a post or send an email that you have your signature at the bottom.

Many of the new writers I've found have been through their signatures on the lists or forums I belong to.

The best thing I like about forums and lists is all the expertise on them. I can post a question and I know someone will take a moment to answer it. You can be that person who answers the question. Share your knowledge. Members will remember and when you're book comes out. They will pick it up and recommend it to others.

You can find forums/groups/lists on yahoo.com, delphiforums.com, msn.com and aol.com, most social media sites just to name a few. Do a search for the forum/groups/lists that represent the genre you write.

BOOK DISCUSSION

Online is a great way to do book discussions. They can be held on forums, groups, lists and chatrooms. Contact the forums and lists and see if they're interested in discussing your book.

One forum I belonged to had deep discussions about current books. It’s even more interesting if the author is participating in the discussions. The reader gets to ask them about the book, the characters, the plot and they can answer these
questions.

After the discussion ask the participants to post reviews on amazon.com. No fake reviews. Readers can spot them a mile away.

CHAT ROOMS

Many forums have chat rooms and you can take advantage of this by being a guest for a forum. They love getting new writers. For example, a forum I managed use to host monthly chats with authors. The author would discuss their books and answer questions from those attending the chat.

One of the most memorable chats I attended was with Rochelle Alers. We were discussing her book Vows, sharing our thoughts on the book and the hero, Joshua. Years later, the people who attended this chat are still talking about it. That's what you want people to do, talk about your book.


TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL CHAT

• Do prepare in advance

• Practice answering questions

• Promote it a week or two before list chat time, day and location.

• The day of the chat send reminder.

• Use the bathroom before.

• Try not to drink too much before and during the chat.

• Always log into a chat at least five minutes before. Chat rooms sometimes have a tendency to be hard to connect to. (Some chat rooms you have to download software to use them. You want to give yourself plenty of time to sign in.) You don't want to miss the chat because you waited too late to sign on.

• Have a brief bio of yourself, mention your site, a little about the topic you plan to discuss.

• Answer questions personally, attendees like to feel you're talking to them.

• Be aware some chat rooms don't let you cut and past so type fast.

• Be prepared for being booted out of the chat room

• Offer giveaways ( I like to give gifts to the first and the last to attend the chat)

• Give a sample chapter of upcoming release to those who email you after the chat. (Great database builder)

• Don't worry about how many attend the chat. (Some of the best chat have been with five or less people. I find them more personal)

• If the transcript is posted afterwards, this is an excellent way for more promotion especially for those who missed the chat.

• Always send a thank you note to the chat host. Check with them at a later date for another chat.

LETTER OF INTRO

Now you know all about forums/groups/lists and what you can do on them. You ready to send out a letters of introduction to offer your services.

EXAMPLE:


Greetings in the name of literature,


My name is LaShaunda C. Hoffman. I'm currently promoting my new book and would like to introduce it to your forum members. I’m available to host workshops or chats. I have a variety of subjects to discuss (relationships, Christian life, blogging, natural hair care, online marketing or about writing) or we can have a discussion about my book.


If this sounds like something you would like to do, please reply to this message.


I look forward to working with you.




LaShaunda C. Hoffman
writerlch@yahoo.com


Promoting on forums/groups/lists are great way to network. You meet new readers and writers who just might introduce you to other readers, writers and sites.

Next month we will break down more of these questions to help you continue to build your plan.

Can’t wait to next month, contact me –sormag@yahoo.com.  I’m available for private online promotion coaching.

Until then,

I’ll see you on the net.

LaShaunda C. Hoffman

LaShaunda is the creator of SORMAG – Shades Of Romance Magazine. She has 11 years of experience on online promotion, most she learned from trial and error. She has taught workshops on online promotion and is available for private online promotion coaching.



If you enjoyed this post, please consider becoming a member of SORMAG's community - Join Today

Do you need help with your promoting? - http://sormag.com/advertise.htm

COLUMN: ARE YOU ON THE NET

Online Promotion Plan VI

10. Have you created at least five articles that focus on your books’ theme?

Articles are a great way to promote yourself online. There are many online magazines, sites or blogs that are always looking for new submissions. They always feature a byline and a short bio. This is an excellent way to share your knowledge with readers. It will introduce your writing abilities and place your name in reader’s minds.

You can write about your experience as a writer, the craft of writing, or maybe you're expert in a subject. Write an article about it.

BEFORE YOU BEGAN

Before you start, remember to do your research first.

• Check out the ezine/sites/or blogs to see if their readership are the readers you want to reach.

• See what types of articles these ezines/sites/or blogs are looking for. You don't want to submit a medical article to a poetry magazine.

• Some ezines/sites/or blogs have a writing calendar with the themes for the year, which can help you in knowing what to offer as an article.

• What is the word count? This will help you when you began to write your articles.

• Who do you submit to?  I highly recommend knowing the name of the editor.

• How do they want you to submit? Read over their guidelines.  Don’t send your article with permission.

LET’S CONNECT

A letter of introduction is a way to introduce you and your book to ezines/sites/or blogs.  You're offering your services to them and in return they let you know if they can use your services.

EXAMPLE: 

Greetings in the name of literature,

My name is LaShaunda C. Hoffman.  I'm currently promoting my new book and would like to introduce it to your readers.  I would like to write an article for you.  I have a variety of subjects to discuss (relationships, Christian life, blogging, natural hair care, online marketing or about writing).

Please let me know what subject you’re interested in, and I will send you an article.

I look forward to working with you.

LaShaunda C. Hoffman

writerlch@yahoo.com

BIOS

When you submit your articles, the publication will also want a short bio on you,  25 words or less. This is similar to your signature, with a little more info about yourself. Make sure to have a link to your site.

Sample BIO

LaShaunda C. Hoffman is a Christian Fiction author who enjoys reading and chatting online.  Debut novel, Trust in the Lord is due out June 2011.  Visit her online at -

http://lashaunda.blogspot.com

ADDED BONUS

Monthly Columnist – Some online magazine/sites/or blogs look for monthly columnist.  This is your chance to talk about your special topic only you know about.  Share your wisdom with their readership and at the end of your column, include your bio.   Check out your favorite online magazines/sites/or blogs and see if they’re in the need for a columnist and send an intro letter to the editor and offer your services.

You have your articles, your bio, and you're ready to send out your letters of introduction. Your purpose for the submission is to introduce yourself to their readers.  If you’re lucky some sites pay for content.

I highly recommend that you use this tool off the net too.

Next month we will break down more of these questions to help you continue to build your plan.

Can’t wait to next month, contact me –sormag@yahoo.com.  I’m available for private online promotion coaching.

Until then,

I’ll see you on the net.

LaShaunda C. Hoffman

LaShaunda is the creator of SORMAG – Shades Of Romance Magazine. She has 11 years of experience on online promotion, most she learned from trial and error. She has taught workshops on online promotion and is available for private online promotion coaching.

If you enjoyed this post, please consider becoming a member of SORMAG's community - Join Today

Do you need help with your promoting? - http://sormag.com/advertise.htm

COLUMN: Are You On The Net

Online Promotion Plan V

7. Have you researched the online radio shows that promote your genre?

8. Have you created your list of online radio shows you want to be on?

9. Have you sent out your letters to the online radio shows?

ONLINE RADIO

Online radio is an excellent way to promote yourself and your book. Many online radio shows are in need of topics and guests. If you have a topic that fits into their needs you could be on your way to introducing yourself to the shows loyal listeners.

There are three forms of online radio. The first is radio shows that are broadcast online and can be picked up all over the country. These are your local radio shows. The second are live shows broadcast only online. They consist of an interview and callers asking questions. The last type are online radio shows that are taped and broadcast at a later date.

Do an online search for online radio shows and see what you come up with. You'll be surprise how many other shows are out there looking for guests.  Check out your fellow writers and see what shows they have been on.  Try to pick out at least 10 shows to contact.

You want to find shows that fit the genre you write. I recommend you take time to listen to the shows you're interested in being a guest on before contacting the hosts. It gives you a chance to hear how the show host interacts with their guests and it gives you a feel of the pace of the show.

You don't want to be on a show, where the host is constantly harassing their guest. You want to inform the listeners, not be on constant guard. You also don't want to come across high-strung or tied tongue or worse have nothing to contribute to the conversation

HOW TO GET ON A SHOW

How can I get on a show? That's the number one question. I hear it all the time.  It’s not that hard, but it does take time and patience.

You found a show you like and think you'll make an excellent guest. First check to see if the show has guidelines posted, if not most shows will have contact information. If you have a publicist, notify them of the show and have them contact the show on your behalf.

If you don't have a publicist, send a short email introducing yourself and your book. Suggest a topic you feel will be of interest to their listeners. Ask if you can send a press kit with a copy of your book.  The host or producer will contact you requesting the press kit and ask for questions pertaining to the topic. I recommend you do not send your info unless ask.  You’re trying to save funds, not waste them.

Send the press kit as quickly as possible and include as least 10 questions about the topic and your book. I suggest including these, because sometimes host don't have time to read your book and this gives them an idea where to focus the interview.

YOU'VE BEEN ASKED TO BE A GUEST

Never done a radio interview? Don't worry, if you prepare before hand, you'll sound like a pro.

Listen to the shows. See how the hosts conduct interviews. What type of questions did they ask? Do they give the guest time to answer or do they monopolize the time?

As I said before, always submit a list of questions. This is your chance to promote yourself and your book. You don't want to miss an opportunity to talk about your book. It also prepares you on what questions to expect in the interview. Most hosts do not send questions beforehand. They like to be spontaneous.

Practice answering your questions. I suggest talking into a tape recorder. It lets you know how you sound. I found out I sounded like a professional Minnie Mouse, after my first interview.  You can't change what you sound like, however you will be prepared for what your taped voice sounds like.

AFTER THE INTERVIEW:

Send a thank you note to the host for the interview and let them know you are always available for future interviews. Even offer a few topics if you have them.

Post on the interview link on your site the interview day. Send out the information to your mailing lists and forums.

If you get a chance, listen to the interview and take notes on how you did. What you can do to improve your interviews for future use.

Now you're a pro at online radio interviews and ready for the next one.

Next month we will break down more of these questions to help you continue to build your plan.

Can’t wait to next month, contact me –sormag@yahoo.com.  I’m available for private online promotion coaching.

Until then,

I’ll see you on the net.

LaShaunda C. Hoffman

LaShaunda is the creator of SORMAG – Shades Of Romance Magazine. She has 11 years of experience on online promotion, most she learned from trial and error. She has taught workshops on online promotion and is available for private online promotion coaching.


If you enjoyed this post, please consider becoming a member of SORMAG's community - Join Today

Do you need help with your promoting? - http://sormag.com/advertise.htm

COLUMNIST: Are You On The Net

Online Promotion Plan IV

3. Have you researched the sites/blogs that promote your genre?


4. Have you made of list of sites/blogs to introduce yourself to?


5. Have you written your introduction letter?


6. Have you sent out your letters to the sites/blogs?

Now that you have the website every reader wants to visit you can move on to letting more readers know about you and your book. A good place for this is by visiting other sites and blogs.

If you’ve been online for a while, you’re probably doing this already. You have your favorite sites and blogs. You might even be on the RSS Feeds so you can receive their posts in your email account.

Let’s look at those places first.

Write down five friends who are online either with a site or blog.


Write down five web sites you visit frequently.


Write down five blogs you visit frequently. (Do not repeat any from previous list)


In your research you want to know the following:


Name of host
Email address to contact
When and how they want you to contact them for (interviews, articles, book reviews, and chats)
What genre they promote (if they don’t promote your genre, do not contact)
Who are their readers?

Now you have fifteen places to visit. Now that wasn’t so hard. If you have more sites and blogs that you visit, that’s good because you want to build up the places you visit. For now let’s stick to 15 to get your feet wet.

TOPICS
Your next assignment is to think up five topics you can talk about. If your book has a theme, this is the perfect way to discuss it. Do you have a hidden talent, this something you can write about?

Here are a few examples to get you started.

1. How I Made My First Sale
2. Why I chose to self publish instead of traditional publishing
3. How to market your ebook
4. Lupus the unknown disease.
5. How to network at a conference.

See how different these topics are? Think about what would interest readers and writers. These are the topics you will write a 500 -1000 word article on. Place these articles in a folder for future use.

Write up an introduction letter.

This letter will be used to introduce your self to the site/blog. I recommend sending your letter of introduction 3 – 6 months before your book releases. You want to give the site/blog hosts time to schedule you on their calendar. Waiting until the week your book releases is not a good idea.

EXAMPLE

Hello (name of site/blog host)


My name is LaShaunda Hoffman. I am a writer and would like to introduce you to my new book – Destiny. It is a historical romance set in Asheville, North Carolina. It will be released in December 2011.


I’m a fan of your site/blog and would like to be featured on it. I’m available for an interview, chat or I can write an article.


I hope we can work together in the future. I look forward to hearing from you.


I can be reached at – sormag@yahoo.com or http://lashaunda.blogspot.com




LaShaunda C. Hoffman

You have your introduction letter, your 15 sites, now you’re ready to send out your emails. Remember there is no guarantee that all 15 sites/blogs will say yes, however if you present yourself professionally, you have a better chance of them all saying yes.

Next month we will break down more of these questions to help you continue to build your plan.

Can’t wait to next month, contact me –sormag@yahoo.com. I’m available for private online promotion coaching.

Until then,

I’ll see you on the net.

LaShaunda C. Hoffman

LaShaunda is the creator of SORMAG – Shades Of Romance Magazine. She has 11 years of experience on online promotion, most she learned from trial and error. She has taught workshops on online promotion and is available for private online promotion coaching.


If you enjoyed this post, please consider becoming a member of SORMAG's community - Join Today

Do you need help with your promoting? - http://sormag.com/advertise.htm

COLUMN: Are You On The Net

Online Promotion Part III

#2 Do you own a site or blog?


You have your email address, and your signature. Now you need a website or blog.

I highly recommend if you can fit it into your budget, to get your own site, with your name as the domain name. This makes it so easy for readers to type in your name.com to find you, the easier for them to remember, the easier for them to return.

The website is the best way to start your online promotion. This is a place you can showcase your writing articles, short stories and excerpts of your books.

A lot of writers are using blogs as their homebase because they are more interactive. I suggest you choose which one works for you and fits into your schedule. If you’re not going to make time to update a blog, weekly or monthly, then the website is best for you, because you can update monthly or once a year, depends on how your books are released.

Your website/blog is a perfect place for introducing you and your books to potential readers. The object of your website is to keep the readers coming back. By offering different features, you're sure to bring the readers back.

CONTACT ME

CONTACT ME is one of the most important features on the site. You won't believe how many authors don't have a contact me link. Not having a contact page is a sure way to miss out on a new fan or someone interested in inviting you to speak or attend an event.

You always want a link to how to get in touch with you, snail mail and email.

I recommend you have a separate email just for this link. When you check it, you know it's from someone who visited your site.

BIO

An introduction of you, and why you write is a must for any site. You might want to add a picture, so your fans can see what you look like.

ARTICLES

Articles are a good way to show readers you can write. It also can be used as a tool to teach others from your experiences.

You can offer a different article each month (bring the reader back) or feature three or four that stay on your site.

NEWSLETTER

Another way to keep your fans updated on what's happening with your writing career is through a newsletter. In the newsletter you want to feature all the current events that's happening in your career.

PRESS KIT

Many authors feature online press kits. It's a quick way for the media and fans to get information about the author and their books.

FORUMS

Forums are another great way to communicate with your readers. They can post message and to their surprise you can answer them. This is an excellent tool to get feedback on your books.

GUESTBOOK

Have a place for your site visitors to make comments about the site. Ask them to sign your guestbook. This is another good way to get feedback and to meet your readers.

EMAIL MAILING LIST

Have a link on your site for those visitors who want to keep up with what's happening with their favorite author. This is an opt-in option. Readers sign themselves up.

CHAT ROOMS

Chat rooms are another way to communicate with your readers. You can host monthly chats and see your readership build.

WORKSHOPS

You can use your site or the chat room to host workshops. On the site, they can be articles you post weekly or monthly (remember you're trying to bring the readers back).

BOOKSTORE

Always have a page that features your books and a way for readers to purchase them, either from you (autographed of course) or through an online store. Visitors always want to buy the book after reading an excerpt. You want them to buy your book, so don't forget to offer them a chance to.

COUNTER

You might want to add a counter to see how many hits your site is getting.

RESOURCE PAGE

The resource page is a page that features links to other sites.


WEB SITE/BLOG PROMOTION

Now you have your website/blog and you're wondering how do I let people know about it?

There are different ways to do this:

Signature - add your link to your signature.

Business cards - add your web site address to your business cards.


Email/database - inform your friends, and family members about your new site. Invite them to visit.


Search Engines - list your site in the top search engines.


Link your site to other sites


Link your site to online directories.


Write articles and include your website link in your bio.

In my learning about promotion, I was introduced to a writer who created a course on web page promotion. It is such a good course that I decided it was best to give you the link to her site than try to duplicate what she's said.

http://www.stacistallings.com/acrwcourse1.htm

NOW WHAT?

You have your website/blog, now you want to know what to do next?

You can wait and see how many people find you on their own, or you can invite them to your site.

How do you invite them you're wondering?

By hosting a few activities: chats, workshops and contests.

CHATS

You can host a chat and talk about - u
pcoming releases, writing techniques, favorite characters, great

loves scenes etc.

Maybe your book's theme is about something you think you're readers would be interested in discussing. The chat room could be used for this discussion.

WORKSHOPS

You can use your site or the chat room to host workshops.  You can host live workshops on topics you think your readers would be interested in.  Or you can host a workshop using articles.  You can post a different article daily or weekly that discusses a specific topic.  This can be very interactive if you're using a blog.

CONTESTS

Let's start with contests. Contests are a great way to bring people to your site. Everybody loves to win something.

Feature a contest each month and you'll have visitors every month.

Before you host a contest decide what you want from your visitor. This will determine what you do and how often you do it.

1. Are you trying to build up your data base?


2. Are you trying to introduce new people to your book?


3. Are you just trying to have people visit and know you exist?


BUILDING UP YOUR DATA BASE

For this contest you want a prize to bring the people to the site, and a form for them to fill out for the contest. (Make sure you let them know what they are signing up for)

Set up a time frame for how long your contest will run.

Always include a disclaimer note, that you're not collecting addresses to sell.

If you don't have a form system on your site, do a search and find a few free sites that offer easy to use forms.

INTRODUCING YOUR BOOK

Give everyone who signs up for the contest an excerpt of the new book.

CONTEST PRIZES

What you give as a prize will depend on your budget.

• An autograph book

• A theme goody filled basket

• A trip

• Gift certificates

FREEBIES

Freebies are another way to draw readers to your site. You can give away:

• Book excerpts

• Bookmarks

• Bookcovers

• Articles

Remember promotion is what you make of it. If you don’t tell anyone about your site don’t expect to have many visitors. Just because you build it, doesn’t mean they will come. Tell people about your site and they’ll tell people and they’ll tell people.

Leave your website or blog address in the comments section, so we can visit you.

Next month we will break down more of these questions to help you continue to build your plan.

Can’t wait to next month, contact me –sormag@yahoo.com.  I’m available for private online promotion coaching.

Until then,

I’ll see you on the net.

LaShaunda C. Hoffman

LaShaunda is the creator of SORMAG – Shades Of Romance Magazine. She has 11 years of experience on online promotion, most she learned from trial and error. She has taught workshops on online promotion and is available for private online promotion coaching.



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Do you need help with your promoting? - http://sormag.com/advertise.htm

COLUMN: Are You On The Net?

Online Promotion Plan Part II

Last month, I asked had you started your online promotion plan. I know you’ve sat down and answered all the questions and now you’re ready to start setting up your plan.

Let’s get to the fun part, making sense of all the questions you answered.

1. Is your book release or information about your book included in your email signature?

Why is this important? Your email is something you use on a daily basis. This is the best form of free promotion you can have. You can be creative with it and you can change it up daily or weekly.

I will admit I’ve met many authors because of their email signatures. They announced their new book and that was all I needed to introduce myself to them.

The next step you want to take is to create a signature line for when you send out emails. You want the reader to take notice and hopefully click on the link and find out more about you.

What is a signature?

A signature is a mini bio. I've seen some introduce the author, some introduce a book, and some introduce a site. Only you can determine what you want on your signature.

Here's mine for SORMAG

LaShaunda C. Hoffman
Shades Of Romance Magazine Publisher
http://www.sormag.blogspot.com/

Sample Writer's signature

Shelia M Goss
http://www.sheliagoss.com/

Delilah & Savannah's Curse - IN STORES NOW

“Savannah’s Curse is an action- packed mystery with unexpected culprits. Sheila M. Goss brings readers a new side of her talent by entering a different genre. It is suspenseful with twists and turns that will keep readers turning pages. I recommend this book to others.” ~ Teresa Beasley, APOOO Book Club

There are a few rules when it comes to signatures, where you send them. If you're sending out an email to someone and not a list or forum, you're free to have as long of a signature as you like.

If you're sending a message to a list or forum, you have to make sure you know what their policy is on signatures. Some lists don't like a lot of promotion and will block your message or delete it if they think you're doing too much promotion.

I recommend keeping your signature to four lines. This gives you enough space to play with and most links and forums will give you that many lines.

For your signature you'll want:

Name
Title of Book
Date of release
Website link (or 25 word or less blurb)

If you can html your signature, add a little color and hyper link your site, so the reader can click on and see your book or site.

Most email systems let you add signatures to your out going mail. Check out the options for your email.


See that wasn’t so hard. Your first question answered and you ready to start promoting.

Show us your email signature, leave your signature in our comment section.


Next month we will break down more of these questions to get you started on creating your plan.

Can’t wait to next month, contact me –sormag@yahoo.com.  I’m available for private online promotion coaching.

Until then,

I’ll see you on the net.

LaShaunda C. Hoffman

LaShaunda is the creator of SORMAG – Shades Of Romance Magazine. She has 11 years of experience on online promotion, most she learned from trial and error. She has taught workshops on online promotion and is available for private online promotion coaching.


If you enjoyed this post, please consider becoming a member of SORMAG's community - Join Today

Do you need help with your promoting? - http://sormag.com/advertise.htm

COLUMNIST: Are You On The Net

Online Promotion Plan

For the next few months this column will be dedicated to the newly published author. It will offer tips to help you promote your new book.

I can’t promise you a bestselling book, but I can promise you ways to get your name and book in front of readers.

As a new writer your time is very precious so you don’t want to wait to the last minute to try to come up with a promotion plan. I suggest you start planning six months before the release. This will give you a chance to do a little at a time and you won’t feel overwhelmed.

Take a moment to answer these questions and you will be on your way to creating your online promotion plan.

1. Is your book release or information about your book included in your email signature?

2. Do you own a site or blog?

3. Have you researched the sites/blogs that promote your genre?

4. Have you made of list of sites/blogs to introduce yourself to?

5. Have you written your introduction letter?

6. Have you sent out your letters to the sites/blogs?

7. Have you researched the online radio shows that promote your genre?

8. Have you created your list of online radio shows you want to be on?

9. Have you sent out your letters to the online radio shows?

10. Have you created at least five articles that focus on your books’ theme?

11. Have you researched forums that promote your genre?

12. Have you created your list of forums you want to be on?

13. Have you sent out letters to the forums?

14. Have you researched the online book clubs?

15. Have you created a list of online book clubs that promote your genre?

16. Have you sent out letters of intro?

17. Have you scheduled chats or skype chats?

18. Have you researched the online magazines that promote your genre?

19. Have you created a list of online magazines you want to be featured in?

20. Have you requested interviews from these magazines?

21. Have you researched their advertisement prices?

22. Have you created a budget for your online promotion?

23. Have you scheduled your online advertisement?

24. Have you decided if you would do a blog tour?

25. If yes, have you set up the blog tour?

Next month we will break down these questions to get you started on creating your plan.

Can’t wait to next month, contact me –sormag@yahoo.com I’m available for private online promotion coaching.

Until then,

I’ll see you on the net.

LaShaunda C. Hoffman

LaShaunda is the creator of SORMAG – Shades Of Romance Magazine. She has 11 years of experience on online promotion, most she learned from trial and error. She has taught workshops on online promotion and is available for private online promotion coaching.


If you enjoyed this post, please consider becoming a member of SORMAG's community - Join Today

Do you need help with your promoting? - http://sormag.com/advertise.htm