Think of your text as the furnishings inside a building and your typesetter as your interior decorator. When your manuscript is typeset, it is like moving all that furniture to a new building. All of it will be moved and there are going to be additions to help improve the look and d

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Your Most Critical Marketing Tool: Your Sig Line

When you write a book, getting it published is only the first step in the process. Marketing your book takes as much—if not more time—than writing it. Authors whose books sell well consider every moment a marketing opportunity.

How do you let the world know your book exists?

Through your signature line.

1. Create a Web site/blog dedicated to your book and/or area of expertise.
2. Create a signature line that includes your name, your book’s title (with a link to its sales page), and your Web site/blog address (URL).

Example:

Carla Williams
Author of As You Walk Along the Way: How to Lead Your Child on the Path of Spiritual Discipline

The Spiritual Mom
555-555-5555

You might want to include a low-res image of your logo, your book cover, or your mug shot in your sig line.

Include your signature line—or at the very least, your Web site’s URL:

• in every e-mail you send (if you use Outlook, it offers easy instructions for creating sig lines for each of your e-mail addresses)
• on every comment you make on someone else’s blog or forum
• on your business cards
• on your letterhead
• on proposals and queries
• in mass mailings
• on your marketing materials:
  • mouse pads
  • pens
  • coasters
  • bookmarks
  • postcards
  • magnets
  • bumper stickers
  • window clings
  • t-shirts
  • posters
  • key chains
  • on advertisements for your book
  • on your checks
  • on books you autograph

So, let’s say you want to create a sig line in Outlook. Here’s how:

1. Create a new e-mail message
2. In the “Message” menu, choose “Signatures”
3. Click “New” and give your sig line a name (this name won’t show – it’s just to help you remember it)
4. In the text editor, create your sig line. You can customize type colors, sizes, and styles; insert images and hyperlinks; you can even create a custom business card.
5. If you have multiple signature lines (for business and personal), choose a default signature.
6. Click “OK.”

When you start a new e-mail message, your new sig line should appear at the bottom of every message.

What are you waiting for? Create your own sig line right now, and then comment on this post so we can see your signature.

Market in every moment!

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9 Tips for a Successful Remote Radio Interview

In last Thursday’s post (2/5/09), I explained how to prepare for a remote radio interview. Today, we’ll talk about what to do during and after the interview.

DURING THE INTERVIEW

1. Don’t act surprised or offended if the interviewer hasn’t read your book. If you’re lucky, the host will have read your back cover copy. They receive hundreds of books a year and often rely on the interview questions provided by your publicist.
2. Relax and be yourself. This is a great chance to share your heart and your message!
3. Inject energy into your voice. Some of your energy will be lost when interviewing over the phone. What might seem “over the top” to you is probably coming out just right on the other end.
4. Smile. Listeners can hear a smile in your voice.
5. Dress professionally so you feel professional. Don’t interview in your pajamas or sweats.
6. Talk slowly. You’ll sound more confident and relaxed.
7. Keep your contact information handy. You don’t want to freeze up, so have the phone number and Web site information in front of you. Listeners will want to know how they can purchase their own copy of your book.

Remember, too, that sometimes things just don’t go the way you think they willl, but those are often the best interviews. And sometimes, even the most prepared authors have interviews they feel didn’t go so well.

One author felt like all that could go wrong did during his live interview. However, the interviewer said it went great and he couldn’t wait for this author’s next book.

Another author was wondering why no listeners called during the live, call-in show. This happens, so have plenty to talk about, in case you have to fill in gaps. Whether or not anyone calls in, people are listening, and your message will gain exposure.

AFTER THE INTERVIEW

1. Thank your host – both on the air and privately, after the interview concludes.
2. Send a hand-written thank you note to the host/producer within 24 hours. Write your thank-you during a commercial break or immediately after the interview, so the host’s name is fresh in your mind.

As a member of WinePress’ Publicity department, Robyn Williams’ goal is to help authors promote their message and make media contacts. She loves getting to know authors, learning why they wrote their books, and helping them share their stories.

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