Before an author publishes a new book, they must put together a list of reviewers.  Although it would be wonderful to have newspapers and magazines review your book, a new author should get in touch with book bloggers at the beginning.   Here are a few tips to grab a bloggers attention.

1. Make sure you contact the right person.  If your book is about music, make sure to contact a music blogger.  It would not make much sense to contact a blogger who writes about gardening or cars.

2. Be polite.  A blogger is just as busy as a reporter.  Be sure your outreach is simple, short, and interesting.  If that person does not get in touch immediately,  be patient.

3. Follow up.  Follow up in a reasonable amount of time.  If you haven’t heard back in 10 days, follow up and update them with any news.

4. Thank you.  If the blogger does do a review or mention your book, be sure to follow up with a thank you note.  It solidifies the relationship and they may write about you again.

Research these bloggers:  Midwest Book Review,  Indie Reader, Indie View, Self-Publish Review

Every author needs to have a Facebook page!

Having a Twitter page or an another social media platform to partner with your Facebook page would also be great.  Facebook is another way to comment with your reader and also a way to give helpful information.

No matter if you wrote a piece of fiction or non-fiction, an author still has valuable information to give.   Here are some tips to help with postings.

1. Behind the Scenes:  Readers always love to get a look behind the curtain.  The Kardashians are masters at social media and a day ever goes by that they are not posting images of parties or family.  It makes readers fell like they are a part of the group.

2. Visuals:  Never post without an image.  It makes the posting more appealing

. 3. Facebook Live!  Posts with video are great but live video is even better.

4. Problems and solutions:  Post an issue many readers are having and then solve it!

5. Create and share events: If you are having a book signing or giving a speech, post it at least 3 weeks before.

6. Tell stories:  This is what you do best.  Tell a great story about your writing process.

7.  Contribute to Throwback Thursdays or Follow Friday!

They Tonys were awarded last night and there were many surprises.

Here is the list of winners from E Online and a backstage video.

https://www.eonline.com/news/942919/tony-awards-2018-full-list-of-winners

The birds are chirping, the sun is shinning and spring is on the way!

Although spring is coming, we have had some significant losses in the last week.  Some great Americans have passed.

1. Bud Collins: What a wonderful journalist! He could do more with words in one paragraph than most people could in a lifetime.  He created many fun catchphrases about players: The Franco-American Kid about Mary Pierce, Fraulein Forehand for Steffi Graf, and Pistol Pete.  He will be missed and to me, tennis has not been the same since he stopped broadcasting.

2. Nancy Reagan:  She just passed yesterday and will be remembered as the first woman in the Oval Office.  She was a powerful force in politics and added a lot of positive energy to the Reagan Administration.

3. George Kennedy: He was a creative and interesting actor.

Just watch Cool Hand Luke!

Last nights Oscar were at times very exciting and interesting and other times long and boring!

Some of the surprises last night included Chris Rock being able to ride the fine line between controversy and humor.  He made valid points on both sides of the argument.

Other surprises in the categories were Mark Rylance’s win for Bridge of Spies.  He was very good but the sentimental favorite was Sly Stallone for Creed.

Also, I was surprised that Mad Max won almost all the technical awards.

Another surprise was the Bond song winning for Sam Smith.  Lady Gaga gave a tremendous performance but did not take home the award.

The fashion was pretty typical but beautiful!

On to another Oscar season.

Happy Movie Watching!

The Oscars are this Sunday night and there is a lot to look forward to!  Here is what you need to look for.

1. Chris Rock. He is hosting and is always hilarious.  With the diversity debate, he will surely have a lot to say and put is own spin on the entire show.

2. Lady Gaga.  She will sing her nominated song and I’m sure she will look stunning.  I would not be surprised to see her take home the Oscar.

3. Charlotte Rampling.  She has been outspoken about the diversity question and it will be interesting to see how others accept her.

4. The Best Picture category.  There does not seem to be a favorite but I’m rooting for Spotlight.

5. Leo! I there is a sure thing it’s Leo winning Best Actor.  He is long overdue and it will be good to see him win.

Favorite moment to look for Sylvester Stallone winning for Creed.