The 3 Hs of Media Etiquette
By Abigail Davidson
Hi, my name is Jill and I’m an author. I wrote a great book, it needs to get to everyone in the whole world! Would you like to interview me?”
Click…
I know, I know; you would never do that!
Maybe most authors wouldn’t be that brazen, but I can’t tell you how many authors, with good intentions and even with great books, fall into the trap of self-promotion without doing any research. And I don’t just mean research on if you are calling the right producer or right show; I mean research on how to not turn off media before you have gotten through the door.
Surely there are a lot of resources on this topic, but here are three key actions you can start moving forward with today to help you not make a fool of yourself and your message:
1. Humility
Remember that you are not famous and that you are building your reputation with every phone call, email or conversation. Humility doesn’t mean you never talk about your book; it means you don’t force yourself or your message on anyone.
2. Honesty
Don’t try to be someone you’re not. If you don’t have a PhD you shouldn’t say you do. On the other hand, don’t apologize for not having one. If you’re a stay-at-home mom with five kids, you don’t have to announce it with a megaphone, but don’t be ashamed either. Authors come in all shapes, sizes and backgrounds. Media wants honest and relevant information.
3. Heart
Communicate the heart of your message. Practice again and again what you want to convey and put your heart into it. Pleasant, not pushy; Serious, not silly (unless of course your book is about humor).
When possible it is best to have a publicist represent you and your book, but these simple steps will help put you on the right track in your personal promotion.
Abigail Davidson has worked with WinePress Publishing since February of 2005, promoting WinePress authors through radio, television, print and Internet.
She also works closely with other WinePress staff on advertising and marketing to help WinePress authors build a publicity campaign that makes sense for their unique needs.
Tweet This!WinePress Publishing Responds to CBA President Bill Anderson’s Resignation
When Christian Booksellers Association (CBA) president Bill Anderson resigned on October 30, 2009, it shocked the publishing industry.
Anderson joined CBA in 1978 as the association’s first full-time convention manager. He became president in 1985 and has served as an inspirational leader for nearly a quarter of a century.
George Thomsen (CBA board of directors chair-elect) clarified that Anderson’s resignation does not mean CBA is without leadership. In a message from the board, he writes:
Organizations generally transcend leaders, not the other way around. Even in the Bible we see Moses pass the baton to Joshua, Elijah lay his mantle on Elisha, and David replace Saul as king. The Bible shows us that no man is bigger than his mission or his organization…
…Though our leadership is changing, our leadership team is unchanged in its resolve and commitment to continue on and carry out its calling.
CBA’s vision is: “To serve Jesus Christ by equipping those called to share the Good News and make disciples through Christian retail excellence.”
And CBA’s global end reads: “CBA exists to meet the needs of its members, enable them to optimize the benefits of a healthy ecosystem, and help them succeed in meeting the needs of their consumers—in order to help fulfill the Great Commission.”
At CBA, we believe our mission is the Lord’s mission for us. Therefore, we must keep our eyes on Him and on our mission.
Thomsen continues:
I was struck by Bill Anderson’s poignant words in the press release announcing his resignation: “Christian retail has been given a high and holy calling, and we must be faithful to God and His Word.” As such, we all play a vital role in this industry, which, in itself, plays a vital role in Kingdom work. If we are engaged in our Father’s business, we can be sure He will supply us what with what we need.
Here at WinePress, we have benefited in countless ways from Anderson’s leadership, and we extend heartfelt thanks to him for his many years of dedicated service.
While the face of Christian publishing is changing dramatically, we feel confident CBA is working hard to help the industry evolve into something fresh and new, with an even more powerful ministry.
We wish Bill Anderson the very best, and are excited to partner with CBA as the organization continues its mission to faithfully serve the Lord by distributing Christ-centered products.
Sources:
- Christian Retailing – CBA President Bill Anderson Resigns
- Christian Retailing – Leaders react to Bill Anderson’s Resignation
Bring Color to Your Desktop with FREE WinePress Wallpapers
By Thomas McGee
As a free gift from WinePress’ Graphic Design Team, you can find here a colorful assortment of desktop wallpapers to choose from. Each sports the classic WinePress leaves and division colors.
They’re sure to brighten anyone’s desktop. Enjoy!
Colors Include:
WinePress Group Emerald
WinePress Publishing Violet
Pleasant Word Goldenrod
UpWrite Garnet
Annotation Azure
Thomas McGee is a graphic designer at WinePress. His job includes: cover design, Web design, advertising design, and assisting with WinePress’ partner company, Notation Marketing Group. In his spare time, Thomas enjoys volunteering at his local Christian bookstore, The Salt Shaker.
Mom’s Choice Awards Honors Author Carolyn Brown
Mom’s Choice Awards, which honors excellence in family-friendly media, awarded Carolyn Brown, author of All You Want and Then Some (WinePress Publishing) a silver medal for children’s picture books in the Religion/Spirituality category for ages 0-9.
This is Carolyn’s second award; she also received a prestigious Moonbeam Children’s Book Award in October.
Her book, All You Want and then Some, is based on a true story:
Tweet This!When Katie and her family need a helping hand to cope with life’s challenges, God sends Bella, a special neighbor who becomes an extraordinary friend.
Basking in Bella’s love and service, Katie wants to serve others too and discovers that God has blessed her beyond her expectations—with new friends, a good feeling in her heart, and squishy marshmallows that float—“all you want and then some.”
5 Essential Elements of a Quality Sales Brochure
A quality sales flyer or brochure that promotes your book can help you make that important first impression among prospective book buyers.
Unless you’re a graphic artist, it’s best to avoid designing your brochures yourself, photocopying them on inexpensive colored paper, or hand-folding them (which results in crooked folds). If you want to be taken seriously, you should invest in professionally designed and printed full-color brochures.
Include the following information about your book on your brochure:
- Complete ordering information with as many options as available (e-mail, Web Site, fax, toll-free number, mailing address).
- Your book’s ISBN number
- Suggested retail price
- Distributors who carry your book (so wholesalers know where to order it)
- Endorsements or excerpts from published reviews
Before you print your brochures, ask several people who are excellent proofreaders to read the copy carefully to check for typos and formatting errors.
Need assistance with brochure design and printing? We recommend our partners at Notation Printing and Marketing Group.
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