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Oscar Book Buzz

January 18th, 2016 | Posted by Sara in Uncategorized - (0 Comments)

It’s award season in Hollywood.  From the Emmys to the Golden Globes to the Oscars, books are a major part of the celebration.  Many nomination movies are based on wonderful books!

Here is a list from this year’s nominees.

The Big Short based on a book by Michael Lewis

The Martian based on a book by Andy Weir

Room based on a book by Emma Donahue

Brooklyn based on a book by Colm Toibin

Carol based on a book by Patricia Highsmith

Enjoy!

You are probably thinking “What could I possibly have in common with Mrs. Ryan Reynolds?”

Well, about a year ago Blake launch a lifestyle web site called, Preserve.  It was similar to Goop.

I saw her promoting it on shows like The Chew.  I even check it out online.  However, I never went back.

I guess not many people did because this week she is shutting the web site and brand.

She admitted she failed at its mission.

“We have an incredible team of people who do beautiful work, but we launched the site before it was ready, and it never caught up to its original mission: it’s not making a difference in people’s lives, whether superficially or in a meaningful way,” said Lively.

She admitted the site was using her celebrity was a crutch because it was up and running and they had not built a brand yet.

So what can authors learn?  A few things.

1. Branding.  Find out who you are and how your book fits in with that.  What type of author do you want to be?  Horror, YA, Non-Fiction.

2. Make sure your web site address is not your book.  Make it your name.  You may write more than one book.

3.  Publish your book when you are ready.  Don’t publish and then play catch up.  The publishing industry has many rules for reviews.  If you publish before you have any identity it’s tough to gain popularity.

4. Be bold but strategically so.  Think big but also with common sense.  Have a plan.

5. Don’t use the most obvious marketing tactics.  Blake sold herself on the site but buyers wanted more.  Don’t just do book signings and call it good.  How about other venues.  Antique shops, hotels, airports.

Happy Fall!

The Rabbit Who Wants to Fall Asleep

August 21st, 2015 | Posted by Sara in Uncategorized - (0 Comments)

I was amazed this morning when CBS This Morning starting talking about a book called The Rabbit Who Wants to Fall Asleep.  It is a children’s book by a Swedish psychologist named Carl-Johan Forssen Ehrlin.  It is about getting your child to fall asleep using hypnotism.

This is a major breakthrough in the self-publishing world.  It is the first tine a self-published author has held the number one spot on Amazon.

I have to say, the main character is called Roger.  Really? I loved the movie Roger Rabbit as well but I think maybe Robbie or Randy would be better.

This is a major win for self-publisher like Amazon Create Space.  The company said the title benefited from word of mouth marketing.

Here are some tips for word-of-mouth marketing:

1 .  Post articles and comments on social media like Twitter.

2. Network online and off-line.

3. Write about something you know and that will fix a problem you readers have.

4. Get reviews!

5. Reach out to readers personally.

 

What Authors Need to Know, Part II

August 6th, 2015 | Posted by Sara in Uncategorized - (0 Comments)

Happy Thursday!

I’m continuing with my post from Monday about PR and what authors need to know.

Number six is simple.

6.  Be willing to go the extra mile.  Bookstores will not bend over backward for you.  Neither will media, distributors or readers.  You must drive, fly, spend money to get noticed.  If you are lucky enough to get a mention by a celebrity that garners more PR, that is great but it is part luck and part hard work.

7. Be sure to work with a publisher that has distribution.  This will open doors to getting into more stores and it will give you needed credibility.

8.  Take your time.  Send the book to numerous publishers and find the right fit.  Traditional publishing has gatekeepers for a reason.  They want the best product and they don’t want to rush.

9. Beef up your social media.  I recommend using Twitter.  Facebook is OK if you want to see baby pictures or know what your second cousin is doing today, but Twitter, Instagam, Snapchat,Pintrest are where Millennials hang out.

10.  Lastly, think about what else you can talk about beside your book.  What did you learn while writing it?  You are now an expert on that topic.

Also, if you need help, let’s talk.

Sara

Happy Summer!

June 16th, 2015 | Posted by Sara in Uncategorized - (0 Comments)

Finally, summer is here.

Here is my summer reading list:

1. Grey by EL James:  It is set to be released on Thursday, June 18.

2. Summer Secret by Jane Green

3. Royal Wedding by Meg Cabot

4. After You by Jojo Moyes

5. Audrey at Home by Audrey Hepburn’s son Luca Dotti.

More titles to come on Thursday!

New books

May 20th, 2015 | Posted by Sara in Uncategorized - (0 Comments)

There are so many celebrity authored books out there.  It takes a lot of work to write a book and it seems there are so few celebrities who do it well.  There are celebrities who write children’s books, cookbooks and memoirs. I often wonder how many of the celebrity books would get rejected if they were presented under different names.

It was just announced today that Julianna Margulies is going to publish a children’s book called Three Magic Balloons.  It will be published by Random House Books for Young Readers.  The book is based on her father Paul’s unpublished work.  Paul Margulies was an advertising executive who came out with the Alka-Selzer ad – Plop, Plop, Fizz, Fizz.

Another book was announced today.  Viking announced that it would publish Barbra Streisand’s memoir in 2017.  I’m a huge Streisand fan and I can’t wait to read this book!  She has experienced so much in life and in entertainment. I’m sure she will be honest about her experiences and will have many lessons to each us!

Here are some other celebrity memoirs worth a second look.

Prime Time by Jane Fonda

Knock Wood by Candiace Bergan

Moving Pictures by Ali MacGraw

 

Kevin Trudeau

March 18th, 2014 | Posted by Sara in Uncategorized - (0 Comments)

Good morning!!

Here is book-related breaking news.

A Chicago federal judge sentenced TV pitchman Kevin Trudeau to 10 years in prison for bilking consumers with his infomercials.  The judge asserted Trudeau “steadfastly attempted to cheat others for his personal gain.”

Trudeau was a hugely popular author.   I saw his books at Wal-Mart, Target, Sam’s Club, etc.  His books were about natural cures, weight loss and debt cures.

I guess one always has to be aware and adhere to “Caveat Emptor,” buyer beware!

Innovative book publicity ideas

March 13th, 2014 | Posted by Sara in Uncategorized - (0 Comments)

The book industry is constantly changing and as a result the book publicity industry is changing.  This post is about innovative ideas for book publicity.

Sitting in 2014, the book industry is still searching for its feet.  Barnes & Noble is struggling and Amazon seems to be the dominate seller.  They are not necessarily friendly to authors or publishers.  E-books are becoming more and more prominent and it’s a struggle for new authors.

First, I want to make one thing clear with PR.  There is no magic bullet!  Book PR is hard work and an author and publicist need to work together as a team.

The following are some ideas and also some realistic advice.

1. There is nothing wrong with selling books out of your car and leaving books at coffee shops for others.   Most successful authors did it.  So when asked about your book, say you have some with you if they are interested.

2. Always think like a journalist.  If you want to get on any media outlet, you need a story.  Publicist sit for hours thinking about the best way to pitch something.  Read their work and pitch accordingly.

3. The media are very competitive.  If you think you will get on two TV stations on the same day or even week, think again.  If this is a goal, ask yourself what your story is and how will it be different for each.

4. Make sure you have the best marketing materials.

5. Make sure your book does not look self-published.  Go to the library and bookstore.  Does your book match up? If not, you have some work to do.

For any questions, email me at sara@lienpublicrelations.com.

Love, Love this Post

December 19th, 2013 | Posted by Sara in Uncategorized - (0 Comments)

Being a PR professional is not easy but here is a list of tactics that every PR person should follow.  Thank you to NY PR girls for this wonderful list.  http://nycprgirls.com

    • Respond quickly and accurately. Time is of the essence. If you’re not sure of an answer, double check and let the reporter know you’ll get back to them. (My comments: Always, always stop what you are doing and response with information.)
    • Be respectful of deadlines. Don’t bother them when they’re on one.  (They are always on a deadline.  Always ask if they have time to hear your story.)
    • Stick to your word. Always follow through with what you say you’ll do and send. (Honesty is the best quality.)
    • Stay truthful. Getting caught in a lie ruins any relationship.
    • Give instead of receive. Don’t be selfish in thinking that a reporter should write about everything for you without anything in return. Offer them an exclusive or an interview if you can.  (Never be selfish with them.  Be a diplomat! People always want something from the media.  Be the person who sees their side.)
    • Don’t be spiteful or rude. If the story from a reporter doesn’t come out as planned, remember it’s editorial and you can never fully control a story. The reporter is just doing his/her job. Don’t take it personal and give attitude in return. (Mean people suck!)
    • Show you’re grateful. Letting them know how much you appreciate their feedback or support by sending a little something (product from around the office, etc.) goes a long way.
    • Send a thank you. An old fashioned note in the mail is much better than an email. Or a nice holiday card. (This is the best tactic!)
    • Don’t be pushy. If you ask them for something and they don’t send the first time, don’t ask again. Being that annoying PR pro is a sure way to the naughty list.
  • I’ll add:                 * Be on Time:  No matter what make sure your client is prepped and on time.

* Don’t backpedal.  If you want press, you may get it.  Don’t turn them down!

* Make sure to tell a good story.  If you are not interested, they won’t be interested.

Happy Holidays.   I won’t be blogging next week.  Take care!

Writing to Tell a Story

October 8th, 2013 | Posted by Sara in Uncategorized - (0 Comments)

In my line of work, I see a lot of manuscripts come and go.   While I applaude writers for putting pen to paper,  not everyone should be an author.   Let me repeat, authors are a unique breed of workers who take pain-staking care with every word and phrase. Not everyone should be a writer.
Writers tell stories and are trying to entertain and educate the reader.
In this blog, I would like to give readers my thoughts for creating wonderful words.  A small disclaimer, I am not saying I’m the best writer in the world but these are my thoughts.
1.  Do not assume you know how to tell a story.   Take a writing class and develop your voice.
a. Many times writers will write as they speak.   This means run-on sentences and bad grammar.  Try to be consise.
2. Please buy a grammar and style book.  Strunk and White, AP style, Chicago Style Manual.  The rules do apply to you as well.
3. Learn how to synthesize your thoughts.  Do outlines before you start to write and organize your thoughts.  When a writer rambles on and on they will lose their reader.
4. Always write for story.  This was the number one rule in journalism school.  We are constantly telling a story.
5. Show me, don’t tell me.  We are not writing a police blotter.  We are writing for a diverse audience. Describe what you see for the audience.
6. Always remember your audience.  Do not assume I know all about religion, the military, the media, and medieval times.  Educate me!
7. Have beta readers!  Before you show the work or submit to any publisher, find a reader who will tell you the truth!
Those are my tips!
Have a great day!