COOLCATS TECHNO-QUESTION

Since many of us are writers who are technically challenged when it comes to the mechanical operation of our blogs and Web sites, Jerry McEwen of Coolcats has agreed to answer one question each month posed by a subscriber to WITS newsletter. If you have a technology question you would like answered, please send it to writer@yvonneperry.net. Jerry’s answer will appear in next month’s issue. You may read all the WITS questions and answers at http://www.coolcats.com/techno/

QUESTION:

I've heard that we can increase our rankings by putting a widget from Alexa on the site so that it tracks visitors. And then start accessing our site to get that ranking up. Is this true? And if so, how do we do it?

ANSWER:

Alexa is never mentioned in the SEO/Webmaster discussions I've participate in for years, but there is evidence that it is worthy of our efforts, mainly if we (plan to) sell advertising on our sites.

All Alexa widgets are basically traffic meters which begs the question, how can an Alexa counter on your site help your site rankings? The answer is that you score points with Alexa when A) your page has an Alexa widget and B) someone visits that page and they have a toolbar installed that sends data to Alexa.

Since the major players — Google, YAHOO! and MSN — are known to regularly change their highly protected algorithms, no one can say for sure that Alexa rankings don't matter today or might matter tomorrow; and since improving your Alexa ranking costs just a little time, I say go for it.

Before I give you the lowdown on how to improve your Alexa ranking, let's discuss the Alexa Toolbar. I don’t want you to install it and then get upset when you discover it tracks your browsing habits.

Any browser plugin is known technically as a Browser Helper Object (BHO) and most anti-spyware programs label all BHOs as spyware. Alexa could be considered as spyware if it reports your online activity to a central computer without you knowing about it.

The Alexa Toolbar download page says this:

“Simply by using the Firefox and IE toolbars each member contributes valuable information about the web, how it is used, what is important and what is not. This information is returned to the community as Related Links, Traffic Rankings and more.”

In my opinion, that clearly states that the toolbar will send information back to Alexa about what sites I visit; and by the way, the Google Toolbar does the same exact thing if you have the PageRank button enabled.

I Googled and found several horror stories about the Alexa Toolbar causing browser problems and crashes, but that is not conclusive as Internet Explorer is so much a part of Windows that many software conflicts will manifest themselves in the browser. I can't remember ever having a computer with only one web browser, but if you do not already have Firefox, you might want to install it in case you install the Alexa Toolbar and Internet Explorer becomes unusable.

If the Toolbar causes weird problems in Internet Explorer, you can always go to Tools › Internet Options › Programs › Manage Add-ons and disable the toolbar. If Internet Explorer won't open, just switch to Classic Desktop (if you aren't already using it), then right-click on Internet Explorer, click on Properties and you can make those changes. I would also make sure Windows System Restore Point is enabled by going to Control Panel › System › System Restore and make sure that "Turn off System Restore" is not checked.

Personally, I don't use the Alexa Toolbar, but do use the SEOQuake toolbar (available for both IE and Firefox), which shows Alexa rank and much more. Their Privacy Policy looks great and as far as I can tell, they do NOT send information back to Alexa if that matters to you.

On to your original question, we need to add a widget to our site. There are two buttons (Alexa Site Stats Button, Alexa Traffic Rank Button) on that page and both look like they do the same thing. I don’t see any benefit to choosing the first widget (the graph) and it uses too much real estate for my taste.

In addition to adding an Alexa widget, I would encourage you to focus on Google, YAHOO! and MSN Search, as those are the major players.

I apologize for the long-winded answer, but browser toolbars can be dangerous things and I had to give you the facts. I hope this helps and good luck!

Mari San Giovanni TGIF November 30, 2007

TGI Friday! I have uploaded a new show to my podcast this week! Mari SanGiovanni joins Yvonne today on Writer's in the Sky Podcast to dicuss her book Greetings from Jamaica, Wish You Were Queer!

Raised by a pack of crazy Italian wolves in the rural woods of Rhode Island, Mari grew up with one older sister who convinced her she was an adopted Mexican boy who had her penis removed at the US border, and two younger brothers who convinced her she would never be as pretty as they were. She learned to draw as a kid simply because she could not beat her sister in any other sport (including Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots and Atari’s Pong). Eventually, their fierce competition caused her to attend Rhode Island School of Design where all the young artists tried to look different by wearing the same spiked hair and dirty black clothes and pierced eyebrows (She escaped with both of her virgin eyebrows unscathed, but her closet is filled with tons of black clothes.) She has just skidded past her 40th year and keeps waiting for her taste in humor to grow up. No sign of it yet.

Mari works full time for a large company in Boston as a Vice President of Product Development, which is a fancy way of saying that she leads a team of 7 designers who design products for the Home Décor, Giftware and tabletop industries (…which is a fancy way of saying there is a good chance you have had one of her forks in your mouth…Mari hopes it was as good for you as it was for her). Mari has written several unpublished books, three to be exact, but Greetings from Jamaica , Wish You Were Queer… is the first one to actually see the light of day.

Click here to listen to the interview...

Mari’s next book, Liddy-Jean, Marketing Queen will be released after January 2008 and it took first place in Bywater’s annual writing contest. She also has completed the screenplay version of Greetings From Jamaica. Besides writing, Mari likes to carve stone (it makes her feel so butch until she starts weeping over breaking one of her fabulous fingernails), and Mari loves her Miniature Pincher (named Cindy-Lu-Who).

Synopsis for Greetings from Jamaica, Wish You Were Queer

Marie Santora has a few secrets her wacky Italian family may not let her keep... After Marie comes into a windfall of cash, she surprises the whole clan with a trip to Jamaica where the family collides in a hilarious Caribbean romp filled with lies, lesbians and even a few lemmings.

Siblings, Sicilians, and celebrity stalkers...money, mothers, and wayward meatballs; all conspire to make a peaceful vacation anything but that! Marie learns the amount of money you need to live comfortably is directly related to your number of relatives; if they don't get enough of her money; she won't live comfortably.

Is it possible to find and keep the love of your life while on vacation with your entire family? The island of Jamaica just may not be big enough...

AVAILABLE NOW THROUGH AMAZON.COM or your favorite bookstore.

Visit Mari’s website http://www.greetingsfromjamaica.com/

******************************************

You may subscribe to Writers in the Sky RSS feed or listen online at your convenience by going to http://feeds.feedburner.com/audioacrobat/ZOhd

White collar crime and fraud James Ross tells the story

James Ross is discussing his book Lifetime Loser--a book about white-collar crime, especially fraud in a small business. The setting is in a public golf course environment.

YVONNE: Tell me something about your writing background.
JAMES: Actually it was something that I always wanted to do but didn’t have the time or the story. Writing has always interested me so I thought that I would take it to the next level.

YVONNE: Is this the first book you have written?
JAMES: Yes.

YVONNE: How long did it take to write this book?
JAMES: Friends suggested that the story would make a good movie so I focused on that at the start. I wrote the screenplay and then hired a consultant to help me with that. After ten rewrites and eighteen months I asked him what would help the screenplay to sell. He answered……the book.

So I used the screenplay as my outline so to speak. It took about eight months to write the novel and then another fifteen months with rewrites, editing, and proofing.

YVONNE: How did you publish your book? Tell me about your publishing experience and what you learned from it.
JAMES: I self-published, which is about the only avenue available for first time authors. We’re at the marketing stage currently. I wish that my publisher would be a little more aggressive with their contacts, but I am finding out that they will if I come up with the marketing dollars.

YVONNE: Did you work with an agent? If so, how did you find the agent?
JAMES: No. Agents and production companies will not accept unsolicited material.

YVONNE: Where is your book(s) available? Do you have a Web site or blog where we can learn more about you or your book?
JAMES: It is available through Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and Borders. I’ve been successful in getting it in the country club pro shops in the St. Louis area. It is also offered at the St. Louis airport as well as Pro Golf Discount.

Of course links to my publisher, Xlibris, and to the book title also are available.

YVONNE: As far as marketing, do you do more online publicity or print/radio/TV promotion? Tell me some ways you have promoted your book. Give examples and links to any sites you feel might help other authors.
JAMES: Currently most of our work is online. It is tough to get the local newspapers and media to cover a first time author.

YVONNE: Any other comments or things you would like for us to know?
JAMES: Writing a book has been a major accomplishment in my life and terribly rewarding. Making the book a successful seller is a different ballgame. That side of the business can be very frustrating.

YVONNE: Thank you for giving us the opportunity to get to know you and learn about your book. I wish you well.

Attention Authors: Find Free Online Publicity for your Book

Here are some sites where authors may promote a book. Each has a different focus, so choose accordingly. Click the How to Submit links to learn more.

Tell Us More About the Setting of Your Book
Main Page - http://www.itsallinthesetting.blogspot.com/
How to Submit – http://itsallinthesetting.blogspot.com/2007/07/its-all-about-setting.htm

Share Details About Your Heroine
Main Page - http://www.shareyourheroine.blogspot.com/
How to Submit - http://shareyourheroine.blogspot.com/2007/07/share-your-heroine.html

Share Information About the Hero
Main Page - http://www.shareyourhero.blogspot.com/
How to Submit - http://shareyourhero.blogspot.com/2007/07/share-your-hero.html

Tell Us About Your Bad Guy or Bad Girl
Main Page - http://www.badguysandvillains.blogspot.com/
How to Submit – http://badguysandvillains.blogspot.com/2007/07/bad-guys-and-villains.htm

Start With the Facts - For All Non Fiction Books and many Fiction
Main Page - http://www.startwithfacts.blogspot.com/
How to Submit – http://startwithfacts.blogspot.com/2007/07/how-to-submit.html
From Books to Movies
Main Page - http://www.frombookstomovies.blogspot.com/
How to Submit – http://frombookstomovies.blogspot.com/2007/08/how-to-submit.html

In Detail with Nikki Leigh
Main Page - http://detailwithnikkileigh.blogspot.com/
How to Submit – http://detailwithnikkileigh.blogspot.com/2007/09/how-to-submit.html

First Chapter Blog - Share the First Chapter of Your Book
Main Page - http://www.startatbeginning.blogspot.com/
How to Submit – http://startatbeginning.blogspot.com/2007/07/how-to-submit.html

Share Details About the Best Friend in Your Book
Main Page - http://www.mybestfriendsstory.blogspot.com/
How to Submit - http://mybestfriendsstory.blogspot.com/2007/07/how-to-submit.html

Share Your Book Cover and the Story Behind the Cover
Main Page - http://www.judgebookbycover.blogspot.com/
How to Submit – http://judgebookbycover.blogspot.com/2007/07/judge-book-by-its-cover.htm

Tie the Topic of Your Book to Current Events
http://inspiredauthor.com/v3/current-events-and-your-book-promotion-0

Nikki Leigh’s book: Book Promo 101 http://www.nikkileigh.com/book_promo_101.htm

COOLCATS-TECHNO QUESTION

Since many of us are writers who are technically challenged when it comes to the mechanical operation of our blogs and Web sites, Jerry McEwen of Coolcats has agreed to answer one question each month posed by a subscriber to WITS newsletter. If you have a technology question you would like answered, please send it to writer@yvonneperry.net. Jerry’s answer will appear in next month’s issue. You may read all the WITS questions and answers at http://www.coolcats.com/techno/

QUESTION:

I've heard that we can increase our rankings by putting a widget from Alexa on the site so that it tracks visitors. And then start accessing our site to get that ranking up. Is this true? And if so, how do we do it?

ANSWER:

Alexa is never mentioned in the SEO/Webmaster discussions I've participate in for years, but there is evidence that it is worthy of our efforts, mainly if we (plan to) sell advertising on our sites.

All Alexa widgets are basically traffic meters which begs the question, how can an Alexa counter on your site help your site rankings? The answer is that you score points with Alexa when A) your page has an Alexa widget and B) someone visits that page and they have a toolbar installed that sends data to Alexa.

Since the major players — Google, YAHOO! and MSN — are known to regularly change their highly protected algorithms, no one can say for sure that Alexa rankings don't matter today or might matter tomorrow; and since improving your Alexa ranking costs just a little time, I say go for it.

Before I give you the lowdown on how to improve your Alexa ranking, let's discuss the Alexa Toolbar. I don’t want you to install it and then get upset when you discover it tracks your browsing habits.

Any browser plugin is known technically as a Browser Helper Object (BHO) and most anti-spyware programs label all BHOs as spyware. Alexa could be considered as spyware if it reports your online activity to a central computer without you knowing about it.

The Alexa Toolbar download page says this:

“Simply by using the Firefox and IE toolbars each member contributes valuable information about the web, how it is used, what is important and what is not. This information is returned to the community as Related Links, Traffic Rankings and more.”

In my opinion, that clearly states that the toolbar will send information back to Alexa about what sites I visit; and by the way, the Google Toolbar does the same exact thing if you have the PageRank button enabled.

I Googled and found several horror stories about the Alexa Toolbar causing browser problems and crashes, but that is not conclusive as Internet Explorer is so much a part of Windows that many software conflicts will manifest themselves in the browser. I can't remember ever having a computer with only one web browser, but if you do not already have Firefox, you might want to install it in case you install the Alexa Toolbar and Internet Explorer becomes unusable.

If the Toolbar causes weird problems in Internet Explorer, you can always go to Tools › Internet Options › Programs › Manage Add-ons and disable the toolbar. If Internet Explorer won't open, just switch to Classic Desktop (if you aren't already using it), then right-click on Internet Explorer, click on Properties and you can make those changes. I would also make sure Windows System Restore Point is enabled by going to Control Panel › System › System Restore and make sure that "Turn off System Restore" is not checked.

Personally, I don't use the Alexa Toolbar, but do use the SEOQuake toolbar (available for both IE and Firefox), which shows Alexa rank and much more. Their Privacy Policy looks great and as far as I can tell, they do NOT send information back to Alexa if that matters to you.

On to your original question, we need to add a widget to our site. There are two buttons (Alexa Site Stats Button, Alexa Traffic Rank Button) on that page and both look like they do the same thing. I don’t see any benefit to choosing the first widget (the graph) and it uses too much real estate for my taste.

In addition to adding an Alexa widget, I would encourage you to focus on Google, YAHOO! and MSN Search, as those are the major players.

I apologize for the long-winded answer, but browser toolbars can be dangerous things and I had to give you the facts. I hope this helps and good luck!

November Network with Us

Add your announcement or brag about your writing accomplishment. Tell us about your book or business. Share information and ideas or send articles or advertorial for the next issue to writer@yvonneperry.net. Remember, you may post a comment on our blog http://yvonneperry.blogspot.com/ anytime. Here are some announcements from our readers this month:

******** ~@~ ********

Eloquence: Rhythm & Renaissance by Usiku (pronounced oo-SEE-koo) –A refreshing, poetic alternative. Literary poetry, prose and short stories in layman’s terms. Hardcover publication date: November 2007. Autographed and numbered copies available. Visit http://www.usiku.net/.

******** ~@~ ********

Katmandu, Katmandu by von Satis Shroff

Satis Shroff’s anthology is about a poet caught between upheavals in two countries, Nepal and Germany, where maoists and skin-heads are trying to undermine democratic values, religious and cultural life. Satis Shroff writes political poetry, in German and English, about the war in Nepal (My Nepal, Quo vadis?), the sad fate of the Nepalese people (My Nightmare, Only Sagarmatha Knows), the emergence of neo-fascism in Germany (Mental Molotovs, The Last Tram to Littenweiler) and love (The Broken Poet, Without Words, About You), women’s woes (Nirmala, Bombay Brothel). His bicultural perspective makes his poems rich, full of awe and at the same time heartbreakingly sad. In writing ‘home,’ he not only returns to his country of origin time and again, he also carries the fate of his people to readers in the West, and his task of writing is a very important one in political and social terms. His true gift is to invent Nepalese metaphors and make them accessible to the West through his poetry.

(187 Seiten), Paperback: €13.84, Download: €6.25, Language: Deutsch & English

‘Through Nepalese Eyes’ By von Satis Shroffis is about the journey of a young Nepalese woman to Germany to meet her brother, who lives with his German wife and daughter in an allemanic town named Freiburg. It is a travelogue written by a sensitive, modern British public-school educated man. He describes the two worlds: Asia and Europe and the people he meets. There is a touch of sadness when his sister returns to her home in the foothills of the Himalayas.

(205 Seiten), Paperback: €12.00, Download: €6.25, Language: English. Both books are available at http://www.lulu.com/.

******** ~@~ ********
Book Bites for Kids is now a LIVE radio show every weekday afternoon at 2:00 (central time) on blogtalkradio.com. Host, Suzanne Lieurance, interviews successful children's writers and/or illustrators and talks to them about their latest books and the world of children's publishing.

Call in to the live show and ask a question or make a comment at 1-646-716-9239 - or listen to the show via your computer at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/bookbitesforkids. Shows are recorded and archived and are available at the National Writing for Children Center - http://www.writingforchildrencenter.com/ - or at blogtalkradio.com

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/bookbitesforkids - for download.

If you're a published children's author and would like to be considered as a guest on Book Bites for Kids, send an email to Suzanne Lieurance (Founder, Director, and Coaching Coordinator for The National Writing for Children Center) at suzannelieurance@hotmail.com.

******** ~@~ ********

Maine author Philip Harris has received “The LiFE Award: Literature for Environment” for his newly released book, Raping Louisiana: A Diary of Deceit. A resident of Somerville, Maine, this is Mr. Harris’ fourth published book since the summer of 2006.

Raping Louisiana: A Diary of Deceit (ISBN: 1-59431-495-0 paper, 1-59431-541-8 ebook ) by Philip F. Harris, with Stephen Burgoyne was published by Write Words, Inc. ebooksonthe.net, and Cambridge Books. The book is a non-fictional account of clean-up efforts after the ecological disaster caused in New Orleans and surrounding areas by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. This story puts a human face on an area that was raped by nature and then deceived by its government. Based upon the diary of a truck driver by the name of Stephen Burgoyne, we see a first hand account of the daily routine, the challenges and the bureaucratic ineptness that still plagues the residents of Louisiana. Steve tells a story in his diary entries that is far removed from the "official accounts" of government agencies and “spin doctors."

This is Phil's fourth book published since 2006. His third book, Jesus Taught It, Too: The Early Roots Of The Law Of Atraction which was released by Avatar Publication on August 1st. His second novel, A Maine Christmas Carol was released by Cambridge Books late winter, 2007. Phone: 207-549-5339, E-mail: sundiskhermit@yahoo.com

******** ~@~ ********

For a directory of book fairs across the US, see Carolyn Howard-Johnson’s Web site: http://www.carolynhowardjohnson.redenginepress.com/book_fairs,_tradshows.htm

******** ~@~ ********

Jamie Beckett film contest http://bookfilmcontest.com/

******** ~@~ ********

Cherie's Burbach's "This I Believe" essay will be featured in an upcoming newsletter for the Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts, and Letters. Her essay remains the second-most popular out of over 31,000 entries on the site. After a year and a half, it has been viewed by more than 36,000 people. Read Cherie’s essay here: http://www.thisibelieve.org/dsp_ShowEssay.php?topessays=25&&uid=12446&start

********~@~*********

SECOND 'Magical Jewel' contest for ENCHANTING THE LADY. ENCHANTING THE LADY is the first novel in the RELICS OF MERLIN series. Merlin used thirteen different jewels as a focus for thirteen mysterious spells, and the 'magical jewel' in ENCHANTING THE LADY is a pearl. For this second contest, the prize is a double strand Akoya cultured pearl bracelet. (See below for a photo and description of this 'magical' jewel.)This contest is all about helping to spread the word about my book. To enter, post the following blurb anywhere on the Internet (Err, no inappropriate sites, please. And the blurb cannot have already been mentioned on that site. If you don’t own the site, please verify that it’s okay with the site owner to post the blurb.)

ENCHANTING THE LADY: “The imagination of J.K. Rowling and the romance of Julie Garwood

all rolled up into one fabulous novel.”~Erin Grady, author of Whispers.

Please visit: http://www.KathryneKennedy.com

E-mail the URL link to your post to Kathryne with CONTEST in the subject line. A winner will be randomly chosen from those with a verifiable link. Only one entry per person. Entering the contest automatically signs you up for the author's newsletter. Your information will be kept confidential. Contest ends December 31st, 2007. Void where prohibited by law. You must be 18 years or older to enter. No prize substitution permitted. This contest is subject to all federal, state and local laws and regulations.

The RELICS OF MERLIN series from Dorchester Publishing:

ENCHANTING THE LADY~Five Stars! SingleTitles.com & Huntress Reviews~A Perfect 10! Romance Reviews Today~5 Ribbons! Romance Junkies http://www.amazon.com/Enchanting-Lady-Kathryne-Kennedy/dp/0505527502

DOUBLE ENCHANTMENT & ENCHANTING THE BEAST~Coming Soon!www.KathryneKennedy.com

Book Promotion

Nikki Leigh and Carolyn Howard Johnson will be talking about book promotion with Phil Harris on December 17th at 8pm EST. The call in number is 718-508-9893. All people are welcome and there will be a chance for questions and answers at the end of the call.

Greetings from Jamaica, Wish You Were Queer

Mari SanGiovanni will be Yvonne Perry’s guest on Writers in the Sky Podcast November 30, 2007!

Raised by a pack of crazy Italian wolves in the rural woods of Rhode Island, Mari grew up with one older sister who convinced her she was an adopted Mexican boy who had her penis removed at the US border, and two younger brothers who convinced her she would never be as pretty as they were. She learned to draw as a kid simply because she could not beat her sister in any other sport (including Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots and Atari’s Pong). Eventually, their fierce competition caused her to attend Rhode Island School of Design where all the young artists tried to look different by wearing the same spiked hair and dirty black clothes and pierced eyebrows (She escaped with both of her virgin eyebrows unscathed, but her closet is filled with tons of black clothes.) She has just skidded past her 40th year and keeps waiting for her taste in humor to grow up. No sign of it yet.

Mari works full time for a large company in Boston as a Vice President of Product Development, which is a fancy way of saying that she leads a team of 7 designers who design products for the Home Décor, Giftware and tabletop industries (…which is a fancy way of saying there is a good chance you have had one of her forks in your mouth…Mari hopes it was as good for you as it was for her). Mari has written several unpublished books, three to be exact, but Greetings from Jamaica, Wish You Were Queer… is the first one to actually see the light of day.

Mari’s next book, Liddy-Jean, Marketing Queen will be released after January 2008 and it took first place in Bywater’s annual writing contest. She also has completed the screenplay version of Greetings From Jamaica. Besides writing, Mari likes to carve stone (it makes her feel so butch until she starts weeping over breaking one of her fabulous fingernails), and Mari loves her Miniature Pincher (named Cindy-Lu-Who).

Synopsis for Greetings from Jamaica Wish You Were Queer

Marie Santora has a few secrets her wacky Italian family may not let her keep... After Marie comes into a windfall of cash, she surprises the whole clan with a trip to Jamaica where the family collides in a hilarious Caribbean romp filled with lies, lesbians and even a few lemmings.

Siblings, Sicilians, and celebrity stalkers...money, mothers, and wayward meatballs; all conspire to make a peaceful vacation anything but that! Marie learns the amount of money you need to live comfortably is directly related to your number of relatives; if they don't get enough of her money; she won't live comfortably.

Is it possible to find and keep the love of your life while on vacation with your entire family? The island of Jamaica just may not be big enough...

AVAILABLE NOW THROUGH AMAZON.COM or your favorite bookstore.

Visit Mari’s website http://www.greetingsfromjamaica.com/

Here is a book review that was posted on AfterEllen.com by Sarah Warn, Editor in Chief
September 14, 2007

IT'S LIKE A FUNNY HOW STELLA GOT HER GROOVE BACK, BUT WITH
ITALIAN-AMERICAN LESBIANS AND NO AGE DIFFERENCE

Recently I picked up the lesbian novel Greetings from Jamaica, Wish You Were Queer, by Mari Sangiovanni, and was immediately annoyed when the book jacket warned, "this book may make you laugh out loud in public." I'm always suspicious of books that say something like that, but damn if I didn't actually laugh out loud while reading it - several times, in fact. I hate it when the anonymous book blurb writers are right!

The gist of the plot is this: An Italian-American lesbian named Marie, who's just coming off a bad relationship with a cheating ex, inherits millions from her grandmother, takes her family to Jamaica to celebrate, and falls in love with a well-known American actress who's also vacationing there.

Much drama and comedic misunderstanding ensues when the actress mistakes Marie for a stalker, and Marie's family meddles in her affairs (when they're not trying to get their hands on her money). My favorite character is actually her brother and staunchest ally, Vince, who constantly tries to come up with new and different lesbian jokes to tease her with. If you're looking for a funny, well-written novel to help you forget that summer's over already, definitely give this a try!

According to Mari, there are three production companies looking at turning the book into a movie, which she's pitching as "a My Big Fat Greek Wedding, only with Italians, set in Jamaica, with a couple of lesbians thrown in!"

Gotta love Hollywood and their fondness for how something is just like something else, but different! Read more about the author and the book at www.greetingsfromjamaica.com.

********************************

You may subscribe to Writers in the Sky RSS feed or listen online at your convenience by going to http://feeds.feedburner.com/audioacrobat/ZOhd

Children's book author interview Grace Reddick

Children’s author Grace Reddick joins Yvonne Perry as a guest author to discuss her book ASHLEY'S UNFORGETTABLE SUMMER.

YVONNE: What is the title of your book? Give us the basic story line

GRACE: ASHLEY'S UNFORGETTABLE SUMMER is about a young girl with a pet chimpanzee. The story is full of humor and the mischievous adventures of Tina, the baby chimpanzee. It also has fifteen full page beautifully colored pictures.

YVONNE: What ages might enjoy this picture book?

GRACE: Ages five to fifteen is what my publisher says. However, many age groups from eighteen to fifty love it. Also, younger children really like the pictures.

YVONNE: Is this the first book you have written?

GRACE: Yes

YVONNE: How long did it take to write this book?

GRACE: About six months.

YVONNE: How did you publish your book?

GRACE: Self publish, through Xlibris--a self publishing Co. that uses "print on demand" technology. It was expensive for everything I purchased. I feel like a returnability program should be included but it isn't, and of course everything additional cost more. They took care of copyright and ISBN. The cover would have been included but I chose to use my own illustrator. I am not an expert with the computer, so they walked me through the process of submitting the book.

YVONNE: Did you work with an agent? If so, how did you find the agent?

GRACE: No

YVONNE: Where is your book(s) available? Do you have a Web site or blog where we can learn more about you or your book?

GRACE: Barnes and Noble, Amazon, Borders, Xlibris and my website http://www.grace4books.com (which links to Xlibris.) All of these are online.

YVONNE: As far as marketing, do you do more online publicity or print/radio/TV promotion?

GRACE: I've appeared on three local TV programs, three local newspaper articles and one magazine ad. I'm reading the Frugal Book Promoter and Frugal Editor. Therefore I'm spending a lot of time online applying this.

YVONNE: How did you manage to get on TV? What shows did you appear on?

GRACE: I contacted the TV stations, as well as newspapers. They were glad to promote a local author.

YVONNE: The Frugal Series is a great resource for authors. Carolyn Howard-Johnson is a dear friend of mine. How did you learn about her book?

GRACE: I subscribe to a lot of newsletters, search on other author's websites and follow up on a lot of advice that is offered. Carolyn's books were highly recommended. Everything I've learned & found has been through searching. I'm writing another book, for children, and have already paid Xlibris for it. I will probably go the traditional way after this.

YVONNE: Have you hired a publicist to help promote this book? Have you worked with a publicist on any of your books?

GRACE: No to both of these.

YVONNE: Any other comments or things you would like for us to know?

GRACE: Writing is a passion, and I plan to do what is necessary to make things happen for my success.

Get the most out of your Amazon.com book marketing efforts

Allyn Evans has posted some great tips for getting the most out of your book marketing efforts at Amazon.com. For example, did you know that you can:

1. Create a profile.
2. Invite Amazon Friends to add to your circle.
3. Create Listmanias.
4. Write Reviews!
5. Write Articles.
6. Use the "Your Search Suggestions" feature.
7. Check out Amazon's Amapedia.
8. Set up a Blog on Amazon.
9. Take advantage of the "Search Inside the Book" Feature.
10. Use the "Tagging" Feature.
11. Become an Amazon affiliate.
12. Submit fiction or nonfiction stories to Amazon's Shorts Program.
13. List your book on Amazon.com in other countries?

"Tame the Amazon," is posted on Allyn's blog at talkingallthingswrite. This post includes her recommendations and links to help you use features on Amazon.com.

TGIF November 23 Penny Sansevieri is here

TGI Friday! Penny Sansevieri will be joining Barbara Milbourn today on Writers in the Sky Podcast!

Penny C. Sansevieri, CEO and founder of Author Marketing Experts, Inc., is a best-selling author and internationally recognized book marketing and media relations expert. Her company is one of the leaders in the publishing industry and has developed some of the most cutting-edge book marketing campaigns. Her company researched, developed and implemented the first comprehensive Internet publicity campaign called The Virtual Author Tour™.

Penny began her career in the publicity, book marketing, and literary field over 15 years ago. During that time she has been an author, freelance writer, publicist, and instructor. She has been instrumental in creating several highly successful marketing and publicity campaigns for author events and book launches. Penny is also President and CEO of Author Marketing Experts, Inc. and has developed and implemented countless marketing and publicity strategies. She has worked with such high profile clients as world renowned psychic and ghost buster, Jane Doherty, Barney Rosenzweig creator of Cagney & Lacey, Jac Flanders (of the original Fantastic Four) and Tammi Menendez, wife of Erik Menendez and the first eBay auction of a Princess Diana gown (lot “9” from Christie’s New York). Her clients have been featured on The View, CBS The Early Show, The Today Show, Entertainment Tonight, CNN, CNN Showbiz Tonight, National Public Radio, Something You Should Know, The Heloise Show and in Publishers Weekly, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, Reader’s Digest, Essence Magazine, More Magazine, The Bridal Guide, Entertainment Weekly, MSNBC… and many others.

Penny's diverse background enables her to bring a multitude of talents to the table as well as a myriad of marketing techniques.

Click here to listen to this interview...

Penny recently signed a three-book deal with a mainstream publisher: Morgan James Publishing, to re-release From Book to Bestseller (January 2006) and Get Published Today (January 2006) as well as publish her upcoming book, Red Hot Internet Publicity (June 2007).

Penny’s innovative marketing strategies have been featured in Marketing Sherpa, Writer’s Digest Magazine, Book Marketing Update, The Publicity Hound, The San Diego Union Tribune, Working Writer Magazine, Vision Magazine, Writer’s Web, New Book Reviews, Romance Writers of America, RW of Europe and many more. She is also Editor for the e-newsletter "The Book Marketing Expert," which has a subscriber base in excess of 6,000.

Penny successfully marketed her first book, The Cliffhanger, which was released in 2000. After a strategic marketing campaign, it soared up the ranks at Amazon.com and held the #1 spot for three months. Her most recent book, Red Hot Internet Publicity, has been called “an indispensable guide to leveraging the Internet for success.”

You can visit her web site at http://www.amarketingexpert.com/

*********************************************************
You may subscribe to Writers in the Sky RSS feed or listen online at your convenience by going to http://feeds.feedburner.com/audioacrobat/ZOhd

Each show has multiple parts which last about 15-20 minutes each. The short-length classes are a great way to learn about the craft and business of writing while driving to work or sweating at the gym!

By following this link http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=192160101 you may download Writers in the Sky podcast shows from itunes.com. You must have iTunes software loaded on your computer but you can download the free software at http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/

**********
Next Friday Yvonne will upload her 2-part interview with Sheri Sinykin.

Award-winning poet Mary O'Connor Dreams of a Wingless Child

Today we welcome award-winning poet Mary O'Connor to our writing blog. Mary is the author of the recently published book, DREAMS OF A WINGLESS CHILD, a collection of poems that infuses everyday observations of the natural world with the sensitivity and thoughtfulness that define her experience of life. A champion of literacy, Mary is donating all book proceeds to the Freedom Writers Foundation in support of the power of writing to achieve personal dreams and to decrease high school dropout rates. Selections from the book and her paintings may be found on her website, www.mary-oconnor.com.

You'll want to read on to find out about her terrific marketing ideas!

YVONNE: DREAMS OF A WINGLESS CHILD is a collection of poems reflecting on nature and life in ways that remind us that we need not look far to find an element of peace, of celebration, of fulfillment of dreams in this extraordinary world in which we live. Is this the first book you have written?
MARY: Yes

YVONNE: How long did it take to write this book?
MARY: It is a collection of poems written over five years.

YVONNE: How did you publish your book?
MARY: I used a publishing service, Wheatmark, Inc. Founded in 1999 by Sam Henrie, a publishing entrepreneur who believed that what makes a book successful is not who publishes it, but rather quality content, access to the “apparatus” of publishing and savvy marketing. Wheatmark is a team of book-publishing professionals dedicated to helping self-publishing authors compete more effectively in today’s marketplace. It offers packages of optional services, including personal author support; custom book layout and cover design; ISBN, LCCN, and other bibliographic registrations; publication and distribution through Ingram Book Company, Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, and other major online bookstores; and various editorial and marketing packages.

YVONNE:. Did you work with an agent?
MARY: No

YVONNE:. Where is your book(s) available?
MARY: It’s available online at such sites as Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble, through the publisher, Wheatmark.com, or it may be ordered through your favorite bookstore. (It's also available at independent bookstores in the local Old Lyme, CT area)

YVONNE: Do you have a Web site or blog where we can learn more about you or your book?
MARY: YES www.mary-oconnor.com

YVONNE: As far as marketing, do you do more online publicity or print/radio/TV promotion? MARY: I try to do more print/radio/TV promotion based on local events, and post coverage on my Web site (see sample).

YVONNE: Have you hired a publicist to help promote this book? Have you worked with a publicist on any of your books?
MARY: No. My background in marketing/media publicity is rooted in journalism, having been editor of the college newspaper and following graduation becoming a reporter and then women's section editor of the Hartford Times. From there I joined the advertising/public relations agency world, where I was responsible for sales promotion and marketing programs for clients in industries ranging from food, sports and housewares to public utilities, banking and insurance, among others. Later in my career, I handled or oversaw media relations from within corporate or academic walls, much of which involved dealing with crisis or sensitive issues as well as building their corporate image.

However, regardless of whether I was representing a manufacturer of tableware, an HMO, or a life insurance company, one rule of thumb prevailed, that being the need to develop some sort of news item, e.g., a survey or competitive or recognition event as a means of attracting media interest. At the moment, for example, I am working with Trinity College and the Greater Hartford Literacy Council to put on a literacy celebration later this month. While promoting the need for additional support for literacy programs in the Greater Hartford area, the program ties in with my book, the proceeds of which are being contributed to the Freedom Writers in further encouragement of the empowerment and fulfillment that can be achieved through writing. The title of my book is drawn from the last line of a poem in the book, which was written in support of a literacy program for youngsters in homeless shelters and other difficult life situations (Books to Dreams). I will be presenting an award at the upcoming literacy celebration to the woman who founded that program. The award is actually a framed watercolor painting that I did for her of the butterfly that appears on the book's cover; award recipients will receive, among other things, a signed copy of my book and the area youngsters who are being tutored by Trinity College students will each receive a mousepad that reproduces the book's cover image. ...just a few more tie-in that promote both literacy programs and my book.

YVONNE: You really have a lot of community involvement as well as some great marketing ideas. Any other comments or things you would like for us to know?
MARY: Proceeds of the book are being contributed to the Freedom Writers Foundation in encouragement of the empowerment, personal fulfillment and energy that may be derived through writing and creative expression.

Author Interview with Christee Gabour Atwood

Today, we have an author interview with Christee Gabour Atwood that I would like to share with our WITS community. I think you will find this very entertaining as well as informative.

YVONNE: Welcome to Writers in the Sky Blog, Christee. It is a pleasure to have you share with us today. Let’s begin with the questions most writers like to know about one another. How did you get started writing? By that, I mean what inspired you to author a book?
CHRISTEE: We all have our vision of what being an author would be like. I wanted to hear someone call me “author”… as opposed to ‘Waitress!’ I wanted to sit and drink martinis and have people beat a path to my door. (Do bill collectors count as people?) I wanted to sleep late in my beach house and wait for checks to show up at my door. (I get up at 2:30 every morning and really enjoy those days that the number of checks coming in match up with the number of bills.)

And the funny thing is, even though the reality doesn’t match the dream, I wouldn’t trade being a writer for anything in the world. I’ve decided that security, a retirement fund, health insurance, and the four food groups are highly overrated. I am doing what I love and I’d do it for nothing. The fact that this is often the case is just an inconvenience.

I had a number of inspirations. My parents owned a little weekly newspaper and I slept in the bottom drawer of their file cabinet, so the sound of a typewriter has always had a good effect on me.

My mom is a writer who has been published in major magazines and newspapers. She taught me the power that the written word can have as she wrote to battle injustice, inequality, and bad politics in Louisiana. (But it’s not true that Louisiana politicians can be bought. Only rented.)

I used to watch the Dick Van Dyke Show and wanted to be a comedy writer because I loved Buddy and Sally and wanted to work with them. (My connection with reality has always been a tad thin.)

And I’ve found writing to be therapeutic. I can write and get things out of my system, and it’s much more widely accepted than wearing tinfoil in my hat and shouting at passing cars. Don’t know why I always thought that was the alternative, but I guess I’ll cover that in therapy when I can afford to go to a real psychiatrist.

YVONNE: What is the title of your book? Give us the basic story line so we’ll know what it’s about.
CHRISTEE: Three Feet Under: Journal of a Midlife Crisis

It’s a look at the episodes of midlife. That’s the time of life from when you’re first called ma’am or sir right on through to the point where you realize you’re being nice to people just to be sure there’s a crowd at your funeral. It’s when you realize that you use your exercise bike as a coat rack and you list your hair color as “Number 186”. It’s based on my theme for life, which is “If I laugh at myself first, then the rest of the world is laughing with me, not at me.”

YVONNE: Is this the first book you have written?
CHRISTEE: No. I wrote the self-published version, Journal of a Midlife Crisis, first. Then it was picked up, expanded, revised, and sanitized for the new version with my publisher.

I’ve also got three business and training books, Succession Planning Basics, Presentation Skills Basics, and Manager Training Basics. Those are fun because I get a chance to write things to remind people to treat each other decently, even at work. I also get to laugh a little with business people who often take themselves much too seriously. That’s why I believe every corporation needs to have a rubber chicken in their boardroom.

And if we get into the books I’ve written that haven’t been published yet – well, that’s another kettle of monkeys. I’ve written enough books to wallpaper a medium-sized condo or a large-sized prison cell. Not that I’ve ever been in either of those. Really…

YVONNE: How long did it take to write this book?
CHRISTEE: Forty-five years. Mainly because this book built on the humor column I’ve been writing for many years. When it came time to actually put it all together and make it a book – that just took the six weeks of recovery time from getting spayed. A hysterectomy and all that medication made my writing seem incredibly brilliant. Although I had to discard a lot of those chapters because of a recurring use of the word “gnaarglesplact”.

YVONNE: How did you publish your book?
CHRISTEE: I did everything wrong. It was a lot of fun.

I got a lot of really good bites from publishers, but they didn’t seem to understand the concept of the book. They wanted me to rewrite it as fiction. I just couldn’t do it, so finally I self-published. It was wonderful to have total artistic control. I even designed the cover and it looked darn good to me … and my cat. Not sure how anybody else felt about it.

But, then I was able to prove that I really could market a book, so I got picked up by a publisher. They paid me seven strings of beads and tah-dah! I was a published writer!

YVONNE: Did you work with an agent? If so, how did you find the agent?
CHRISTEE: No. I want an agent!! Does anybody have any connections?? I’ve tried and tried, but they seem even harder to find than publishers for me. I think I scare them. In fact, I think I scare most people. You should see the college boys who live next door. I scare them frequently when I go into the yard to sunbathe. I think one of them changed to an alternative lifestyle because of me.

Oops, I digressed again, didn’t I? Did I mention that I have the attention span of a gnat? Back to the agent question…

I’m trying to find an agent for the sequel because I’m terrible at negotiating. I paid full price for a house. I bought a car to get the pound of free sausage that they gave out with it. Needless to say, I would prefer to have someone else go through that process for me. Wonder what J.K.’s agent is doing these days?

YVONNE: Where is your book(s) available? Do you have a Web site or blog where we can learn more about you or your book?
CHRISTEE: It’s available at online outlets and bookstores nationwide. Please go to your area bookstore and ask them to order it. Then email me and I’ll send you an autograph plate to put in it. It will make it priceless! Or at least worth 25 cents more…

I have a website – http://www.christee.biz/ -- but I admit that I haven’t used internet marketing enough. That’s what I’m trying to correct with this virtual book tour. I’ve realized that this is a wonderful opportunity to connect with more readers.

I’m working on my blog now and I’m creating podcasts and pod training, as well as related merchandise that will be available online. And I’ve learned to use terms like “sexy coeds” in the subject lines of my emails to get them noticed.

YVONNE: As far as marketing, do you do more online publicity or print/radio/TV promotion?
CHRISTEE: My marketing has mainly been through promotions on radio, television, print, and in personal appearances. I’ve gotten some great coverage through really silly methods. Yes, I wore a chicken suit and wrote a book in the window of a bookstore, but it got me on CBS news site http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/12/08/print/main2241177.shtml
I was also interviewed on syndicated radio programs and various television shows and I’ve gotten lots of print coverage from that one too.

Speaking engagements are a major part of my promotion efforts. I love captive audiences so I present sessions such as “Overnight Success … The 48-Year Method” that talks about all the things I did wrong on the road to publication. I teach sessions called “Fear of Frying: Presentation Skills for Writers” and of course, the always popular “101 Uses for a Rubber Chicken” which focuses on effective uses of humor.

I am currently working on a mall tour. I want to see how many food courts I can eat at before I add a full size to my wardrobe. I’m thinking of calling it ‘The Elastic Waistbands Tour. I really like to create events as opposed to just doing booksignings or readings’.

YVONNE: Have you hired a publicist to help promote this book? Have you worked with a publicist on any of your books?
CHRISTEE: This tour is the first time I’ve worked with a publicist. It’s nice to have someone working with you on a project, instead of going it all alone!

YVONNE: Any other comments or things you would like for us to know?
CHRISTEE: I believe every person in America should buy a copy of this book. It is safer than bungee jumping. It is lighter than a pair of concrete shoes. And it has not been shown to cause cancer … yet. What more can I say?

I’d also like to invite writers to join us for National Novel Writing Month this month. Go to NaNoWriMo.org to find out more. And you can join me (User Name: TheRubberChicken) and thousands of other crazy folks who are trying to write really bad novels of 50,000 words in one month.

And did I mention that you should buy a copy of Three Feet Under: Journal of a Midlife Crisis?

Well, back to the keyboard and my adventures of “will write for food.” Thanks for this visit!

YVONNE: Thank you, Christee, for giving us the opportunity to get to know you and learn about your book. I wish you well.

Ghostwriting & Editing Business

On Wednesday, 11/14/07 Staff Writer Andy Humbles of the Tennessean Newspaper (Davidson AM) wrote a terrific article that featured my writing and editing business. I'd like to share it with you. Here is the the full story: http://www.tennessean.com


Ghostwriter authors own book on stem-cell debate Yvonne Perry runs a writing-editing company out of her Donelson home

DONELSON — Yvonne Perry can write just about anything you want.

She opened her own writing company in 2003 that has ultimately led to her new book on stem cell research now available in bookstores. Perry's Right to Recover: Winning the Political and Religious Wars over Stem Cell Research in America is being published by Nightengale Press.

Perry began her company, known as Writers in the Sky Creative Writing Services, out of her home in Donelson in 2003 after working as an administrative assistant.

"I was already writing a lot, and I wanted to see how I could make money at that without being part of corporate America,'' Perry said.

"An absolute risk,'' Perry called it, but she took the leap.

Writers in the Sky offers ghostwriting books and any written material for individuals and businesses. Perry and her team also write brochures, press releases, case studies, resumes, business documents, bios, advertising copy and newsletters. She also offers editing and proofreading.

"A lot of businesses like to outsource their writing,'' Perry said.

Business made profit quickly

The availability to self-publish and print on demand have created a market for individual authors to write. A ghostwriter writes behind the scenes for another person or entity. Sometimes the ghostwriter is credited and sometimes not.

Writers in The Sky was profitable by its second year, Perry said.

About a year and a half ago Perry was able to add a team of writers she contracts with for such specialties as editing, press releases and character development for non-fiction stories. There is also a graphic designer. Four of the team members live in Nashville, one in New York and another in Kansas City.

Business comes locally and around the country. Perry has also done work for a client in England.

"She pulled ideas out of me,'' said James Whitley of Portland, Ore.

Whitley found Perry online after an extensive search on his book called Whose Rump Are You Roasting, a pragmatic lighthearted look at life. He credited Perry's questions and collaboration for bringing the book along.

Prices vary according to services requested.

She'll write from scrap paper

Perry can do the interviewing and research for written material. She also works with audio recordings, rough drafts and other ways stories are presented to her. One book was written from scrap paper presented in a shoebox, Perry said.

Perry's self-published book, Email Episodes, a compilation of humorous stories she started in 1995, gave her the confidence to start the business. It was published in 2004. Perry self-published More than Meets the Eye: True Stories About Death, Dying and Afterlife in 2005. Perry has also written a collection of children's e-books called The Sid Series.

Right to Recover is her first book picked up by a conventional publisher. Perry met with owner Valerie Connelly about a year ago about the idea and signed the contract the next week.

Being an author "was one of the reasons I got into this,'' Perry said.

Blog Meme--Online Game of Tag

I found a very interesting comment on my blog today. Ginger Simpson from http://mizging.blogspot.com/ tagged me. As I understand it, this honor is described as a “meme.” Here is how it works:

Copy the five questions below and put in your answers. Post the completed Q&A on your blog, then tag three people to do the same.

1. How long have you been blogging?
Since 2005.

2. What inspired you to start a blog and who are your mentors?
Linda Woods introduced me to blogging via a class she was taking with Andy Wibbles and Suzanne Falter-Barnes. I think it was called “Blog your way to a Bestseller” and since I was promoting my book More Than Meets the Eye: True Stories about Death, Dying, and Afterlife at the time, I set up a blog to get things going. I didn’t like having to pay typepad to have a blog, so I discontinued their service when I found out that Blogger.com was offered at no cost for as many blogs as I wanted.

3. Are you trying to make money online, or just doing it for fun?
Both of my blogs are for making money but also for giving information to other writers and those interested in stem cell research.

I found that a long URL http://right2recover.blogspot.com was hard to remember. I bought a domain name right2recover.com and forwarded it to my blog where I am promoting my latest book RIGHT TO RECOVER Winning the Political and Religious Wars over Stem Cell Research in America. The other blog is for my business Writers in the Sky Creative Writing Services at http://yvonneperry.blogspot.com

4. What 3 things do you struggle with online?
a) Having time to do all the networking I would like to do and stay current with client projects.

b) Giving away too much of my time without pay. But, blogging and network is so much fun, I can’t help myself! Besides, others help me in the process so it evens out in the long run.

c) I hate the password and user sign in. It slows me down. I keep a 4-page log on my desk with all the passwords and user names to all the sites where I am a member. When one of those doesn’t work it is very frustrating—especially when that user and pw worked last time.

5. What 3 things do you love about being online?
a) Meeting people I would never have met without the Internet. I enjoy helping others learn how to promote their book or business.

b) Education. I learn something new everyday on the Web. I think it is one of the best things ever invented!

c) Being able to contact someone by email is so cool. Being on the phone with non-productive chit-chat wastes so much time and I am not a phone person to begin with. I may not get an immediate response to my email, but I can go on to other things while I wait for my answer. For a multi-tasker, time management is very important.

The three people I am tagging are:

Hal Manogue is my poet friend who loves to blog. This type of online adventure is something he would be interested in.

Nikki Leigh - She's one of the busiest people I know but manages to organize and involve people in so many wonderful online adventures. If you want a terrific virtual blog tour, you must contact her. She has so many blogs, I don’t know which one to highlight here!

Carolyn Howard-Johnson – The best networker I have ever met; and I know a lot of them! J Her books are a must-have for authors and writers who want to produce quality books and promote them without breaking the bank.

Let’s see what they have to say when I pitch this idea to them!

Yvonne Perry

www.yvonneperry.net

John O'Hurley, of "Seinfeld" on Penguin Podcast

John O'Hurley, of "Seinfeld" and "Dancing with the Stars" fame, joins us this week on the Penguin Podcast. He will discuss his new Hudson Street Press book, Before Your Dog Can Eat Your Homework, First You Have to Do It, and will offer some sound advice, courtesy of his beloved dog, Scoshi.

Check out the podcast and our featured author at http://us.penguingroup.com/static/html/podcast/index.html

Red Hot Internet Publicity

Penny Sansevieri will be Barbara Milbourn’s guest on Writers in the Sky Podcast November 23rd, 2007!

Penny C. Sansevieri, CEO and founder of Author Marketing Experts, Inc., is a best-selling author and internationally recognized book marketing and media relations expert. Her company is one of the leaders in the publishing industry and has developed some of the most cutting-edge book marketing campaigns. Her company researched, developed and implemented the first comprehensive Internet publicity campaign called The Virtual Author Tour™.

Penny began her career in the publicity, book marketing, and literary field over 15 years ago. During that time she has been an author, freelance writer, publicist, and instructor. She has been instrumental in creating several highly successful marketing and publicity campaigns for author events and book launches.

Penny is also President and CEO of Author Marketing Experts, Inc. and has developed and implemented countless marketing and publicity strategies. She has worked with such high profile clients as world renowned psychic and ghost buster, Jane Doherty, Barney Rosenzweig creator of Cagney & Lacey, Jac Flanders (of the original Fantastic Four) and Tammi Menendez, wife of Erik Menendez and the first eBay auction of a Princess Diana gown (lot “9” from Christie’s New York). Her clients have been featured on The View, CBS The Early Show, The Today Show, Entertainment Tonight, CNN, CNN Showbiz Tonight, National Public Radio, Something You Should Know, The Heloise Show and in Publishers Weekly, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, Reader’s Digest, Essence Magazine, More Magazine, The Bridal Guide, Entertainment Weekly, MSNBC… and many others.

Penny's diverse background enables her to bring a multitude of talents to the table as well as a myriad of marketing techniques.

Penny recently signed a three-book deal with a mainstream publisher: Morgan James Publishing, to re-release From Book to Bestseller (January 2006) and Get Published Today (January 2006) as well as publish her upcoming book, Red Hot Internet Publicity (June 2007).

Penny’s innovative marketing strategies have been featured in Marketing Sherpa, Writer’s Digest Magazine, Book Marketing Update, The Publicity Hound, The San Diego Union Tribune, Working Writer Magazine, Vision Magazine, Writer’s Web, New Book Reviews, Romance Writers of America, RW of Europe and many more. She is also Editor for the e-newsletter "The Book Marketing Expert," which has a subscriber base in excess of 6,000.

Penny successfully marketed her first book, The Cliffhanger, which was released in 2000. After a strategic marketing campaign, it soared up the ranks at Amazon.com and held the #1 spot for three months. Her most recent book, Red Hot Internet Publicity, has been called “an indispensable guide to leveraging the Internet for success.”

You can visit her web site at http://www.amarketingexpert.com/

*************************************

You may subscribe to Writers in the Sky RSS feed or listen online at your convenience by going to http://feeds.feedburner.com/audioacrobat/ZOhd

Publishing poetry book with iUniverse

Today we welcome poet Janet Grace Riehl to our writing blog where she is discussing her book of poetry titled Sightlines: A Poet's Diary. Find out more about this down-home family love story that endures beyond death as it is told in accessible story poems and archival photos.

You may also want to listen to my podcast interview with Janet.


YVONNE: Is this the first book you have written?
JANET: Yes.

YVONNE: How long did it take to write this book?
JANET: Nine months

YVONNE: How did you publish your book?
JANET: iUniverse--I actively art-directed it.

YVONNE: Was this a good experience for you? What do you mean by actively art-directed?
JANET: Publishing with iUniverse (which describes itself as "assisted
self-publishing") was a good experience for me, and yes I'd recommend them. iUniverse has a variety of publishing packages. I chose a mid-line version and was very satisfied with the service and the result. I could not have published it as cheaply on my own.

I believe it's important to have a vision for your book and not to just turn it over to someone to do it for you. I'd been a professional writer and editor for decades, so I felt confident in staying in charge and asking for what I wanted. I supplied the photo, concept, and copy for the cover front and back. I shaped Sightlines into five sections and illustrated it with 25 archival photos. I set-up a schema for presenting these photos as snapshots in a family album and gave them details specs on how to do that in terms of double frames and the spacing, for instance. I cared how the book looked, and wouldn't step down and sign off until it got there.

YVONNE: Where is your book(s) available?
JANET: The book is widely available in on-line bookstores. My Web site & blog is www.riehlife.com "Creating connections through the arts, across cultures and generations." Readers can browse sample poems, talks, and background information on the sidebar. Visit my blog "Riehl Life: Village Wisdom for the 21st Century" at http://www.riehlife.com for connections through the arts, across cultures and generations.

YVONNE: As far as marketing, do you do more online publicity or print/radio/TV promotion?
JANET: It's been mostly on-line.

YVONNE: Have you hired a publicist to help promote this book?
JANET: Yes, I did work with a publicist.

YVONNE: What did the publicist do for you that you could not have on your own? Do you think it is worth the money to hire a publicist?
JANET: I've been extremely active in promoting "Sightlines: A Poet's Diary" in every conceivable format. Reader Views www.readerviews.com has very cost effective packages and I did find what they did for me helpful in terms of their Internet press release and the interview. There is no charge for a regular review. They charged one tenth of what I paid another company.

I felt I didn't know enough of the book business and PR business to rely solely on my own efforts. I wanted to offer the best for my book. I'd bought Dan Poynter's packet on how to send out for book reviews and felt overwhelmed. I'd been getting a marketing newsletter from a company that was chock full of good tips and gave me good confidence in their capability and credibility. I borrowed what amounted to one third of my income at the time to hire this company to send Sightlines out for review and send it on a virtual tour.

Probably my expectations were too high. I had hoped they could hook me up to places I couldn't get to on my own...one of my dreams was to see if Garrison Keeler would be a champion for "Sightlines" for instance. That was my version of the more popular wish to appear on "Oprah," I guess. I thought they'd set up a book blog tour for me.

It's not that I think they didn't do a good job...I just don't even know what kind of results I should have/might have gotten that are realistic. It didn't lead to book sales, but I have come to think that's maybe not the point...it's about something else and something that we really cannot measure.

I'm not sure what long-term results were gained. A number of leads were generated, and I think that's all they remain...unless I take the trouble to follow-up. The reviews were oriented on-line and not for print, but we did receive reviews of Sightlines on TCM Reviews and Muse It Up (as well as an interview there). Another good result for me was an ongoing contact after the tour with the reviewer for TCM...who published some more print interviews with me, and I helped him promote his work as well.

I'm glad I hired the publicist, because now I'll never have any unanswered questions of what might have been. It was disappointing, but perhaps it was something I needed to do at the time. And, perhaps I learned something from the doing of it. What my father calls "part of my education."

One of the good things that came out of my marketing experience was an ongoing relationship with Writers in the Sky. When I found your site, I shared it with others. So, in that way, my publicity tour has opened the door to be helpful to many other clients and readers and listeners of the Writers in the Sky podcast.

During the Gold Rush, very few miners hit a vein of gold they could mine or a rich claim. The big money in the Gold Rush was made from the support services (eating, sleeping and so
on) of taking care of the people who came out West to strike it rich. Some of that is going on now with the explosion of the publish-your-own-book-boom. You could spend endless amounts of money and time promoting your book, all to no avail. That's why the Frugal Book Promoter is so good. That's why it's so important to have a plan and clear benchmarks of what you want to achieve.

YVONNE: So, you have also read Carolyn Howard-Johnson's book? She is one who truly wants to help authors avoid some of the pitfalls of book marketing. I recommend THE FRUGAL BOOK PROMOTER: How to do What Your Publisher Won't to every author I know. I interviewed Carolyn on my podcast. You may listen to the interview here. http://yvonneperry.blogspot.com/2007/07/tgif-july-13th-2007.html

Any other comments or things you would like for us to know?
JANET: It's important for us to make our wit and wisdom available however we can. With the explosion of options on the internet for assisted self-publishing, there are many pathways to do that.

"Sightlines" recently won honorable mention for the DIY (Do It Yourself) festival out of Los Angeles. I've just finished proofing an article that will appear in a Northern California print publication this fall. I've hosted several blog tours on www.riehlife.com. I think in the future I could set up a blog tour for myself now that I've been networking in the blogsophere for the past year.

YVONNE: Thank you for sharing your publishing and marketing experience with us. I've read your book and it is a great collection of very meaningful poems.

Learn How to Write a Book Proposal for 49 cents!

I just spent the best 49 cents of my life!

That's right for less than a dollar, I purchased Carolyn Howard-Johson's new Amazon Short, the Great First Impression Book Proposal: Everything You Need to Sell Your Book in Twenty Minutes or Less. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000YG6O5U/

You can't get much more frugal than that!

There are books out there about writing proposals but that's the problem: They are books! Long complicated, whole books!!

Writers generally hate to write proposals. Most don't even want to learn about writing them. So, why a whole book when you can do it in 20 minutes or less?

Carolyn's offer is a sneak peak, a sneak purchase! And you'll have what you need to not only get an agent or a publisher but also to plan your next book and get a handle on its future.

(Note, the link in this e-mail will only be good until Amazon posts it in their regular Short program. After that you'll need to search by author or title at www.amazon.com/shorts. )

TGIF November 16, 2007 Susan Schaab

TGI Friday! Susan Schaab will be joining Suzanne Lieurance today on Writers in the Sky Podcast November 16, 2007!

Susan Schaab is a New York attorney who, for more than eight years, practiced technology and intellectual property law with various firms and as in-house counsel in New York, Texas and California.

She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 1985 and established herself as a systems designer and consultant in Dallas, Texas, writing software in a variety of programming languages. In 1989, she moved to California to attend law school. While a law student, she participated in a “study abroad” program in London and clerked as an unpaid stagiaire in a small international French firm. She graduated from law school in 1992. She has licenses to practice law in New York, Texas, California and D.C.

She began developing material for a novel in 1998. In 2002, she attended a workshop for lawyers writing legal fiction. She was also accepted into the 2002 Summer Seminar for Writers at Sarah Lawrence College, but was not able to attend due to unexpected obligations. She is a member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime and Authors’ Coalition.

Click here to listen to the interview...

Below is a synopsis of her book, Wearing the Spider.

It starts with a simple unwanted kiss…and evolves into a labyrinthine trail of forgery and illusion…a hijacked identity, a corruption scandal involving a U.S. Senator accused of channeling illegal benefits to a shady South American firm…even kidnapping and murder. Wearing the Spider by Susan Schaab, first in a series of fiction titles from Galavant Press, may be the only novel to combine elements of sexual harassment, identity theft, and political scandal into one sophisticated plot set in the hard-driving corporate culture.

Evie Sullivan, a rising legal star on the fast track to partnership at her respected New York law firm, is being set up for a fall…a BIG fall. Besieged initially with seemingly innocuous recordkeeping errors, she overhears portions of a shocking telephone conversation. Then, she is blindsided by discoveries that are much more troubling: impersonation of her email username and unmistakable sabotage of one of her client projects causing a groundswell of doubt within the firm about her competence. Once her name is linked to a deal containing a questionable, and possibly illegal, arrangement, she has no choice but to conduct her own clandestine investigation to clear her name.

An FBI agent confronts her with tough questions about murder and fraud for which she has no answers. As she searches for the truth, the electronic evidence shifts and transforms behind a dynamic veil of security—and certain pieces of the puzzle simply disappear. How will she gather tangible evidence to prove her innocence among the elusive clues and carefully woven traps? At stake: not only her professional reputation and her future with the firm, not only a commission worth $25 million—but several lives.

In this intricately plotted and memorable thriller, attorney and former computer consultant Susan Schaab draws on her expertise in intellectual property and technology law as well as computer systems design to create a fast-paced and thoroughly believable journey through corruption and intrigue…an exhilarating joyride that explores the complex relationships in a big-city law firm, where sexual harassment and manipulation may be more common than any statistics suggest.

Click here for a sneak preview of the show!

Author Photograph by Pamela Einarsen

For more information about Susan Schaab please visit http://www.susanschaab.com/.

***************************

You may subscribe to Writers in the Sky RSS feed or listen online at your convenience by going to http://feeds.feedburner.com/audioacrobat/ZOhd