The Eco-Friendly Book Tour

By Nikki Leigh

Each day we hear that the price of gas has hit an “all time high.” Those words don’t seem to mean much anymore. Unfortunately, any “all time high” will be obsolete within a day or two. We each battle the cost of driving and traveling every day. So, what is an author to do if they want to do a book tour to promote their book?

An Environmentally Friendly Book Tour
The environmentally conscious answer is - a virtual book tour. There are many benefits to a virtual book tour over a brick and mortar store tour. These benefits include:

· Conserve gas
· Save money
· Stay home with family
· No need to leave job in order to tour

We've all had book signings where very few people attended. Sadly, book signings aren't the big attraction they used to be – unless it is a big name author. It can be very expensive and disheartening to plan to book signing and have only a handful of people attend. Does that mean that mid list or small press authors can’t have a successful tour? There is another option. I suggest a virtual book tour or a virtual blog tours.

Define a Virtual Book Tour
A virtual book tour is held on the internet and it includes a series of guest appearances over a certain period of time. These appearances can be on blogs, chats, newsletters, radio shows and Web sites. Each online appearance can include: author information, book excerpts, book summary, book synopsis, a guest post about a topic that relates to the book topic or genre, a guest post about writing, author interviews, character interviews, radio show interviews and much more.

Any author can do a book tour from the comfort of their home. Weather has no effect on a virtual tour. Whether you have two feet of snow in your driveway or sweltering heat, you can still have a virtual book tour. It is critical that you have a computer, an internet connection and electricity - but it can definitely be done.

Find Your Target Audience

I highly recommend that the tour of blogs, radio shows, Web sites, etc are held on sites that have themes which are relevant to the book topic or genre. Writing and reader sites are good choices for part of the virtual tour. Any site that attracts the target audience for the book would be a great place to schedule a tour appearance. I explain this in much more detail when I work with an author to coordinate their tour. The virtual “tour” allows authors to reach many people as they travel through the blogosphere. Many people claim to find the target audience in their tours, but look for proof. Getting in front of the people who are interested in the content and who need your book can be very effective.

What’s holding you back? Do you have a book that you would like to promote? It would be great to get more information about how the tour works and what it could do for you. For more information, feel free to visit the Promo 101 Virtual Blog Tour blog - http://www.virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/. It can be very beneficial to take time to discuss your book promotional goals to see how a virtual book tour can work for you.

Nikki Leigh – Award Winning and Best Selling Author & Publicist (www.nikkileigh.com) is the owner of Promo 101 Virtual Blog Tours – www.virtualblogtour.blogspot.com

NETWORK WITH US

Here are some announcements from our newsletter readers this month:

Yvonne Perry will be leading a workshop for the Tennessee Writers Alliance 3rd Annual Writer's Conference. She will present two, 1.5-hour workshops on Book Promotion in the Digital Age: Online Book Marketing. The 2008 conference will be held at Battleground Academy in Franklin, TN June 6th (1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.) and June 7th (9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.) To register for the conference, go to http://www.tn-writers.org/Workshops.asp.

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Indie Excellence Awards Finialist!

Barbara Techel is the author of Frankie, the Walk ‘N Roll Dog, which was recently chosen as a finalist in the Indie Excellence Book Awards (www.indieexcellence.com) in the category of children’s non-fiction. Frankie, the Walk ‘N Roll Dog is a true, inspirational story about a dachshund whose life started out just like any other dog walking on all four paws until a spinal injury leaves her paralyzed. Frankie is custom-fitted for a wheelchair and learns to keep on rolling. Her zest for life will have you cheering and she will give you hope that all things are possible.

Frankie will leave an everlasting and loving paw print on your heart. This is a book for all ages to teach overcoming challenges and also compassion for the physically challenged. For more information about Barbara and to view a heart-warming video of Frankie’s story, visit www.joyfulpaws.com. Barbara was a guest on Writers in the Sky Podcast and you may listen to our interview at
http://yvonneperry.blogspot.com/2008/03/tgif-march-7-2008-frankie-walk-n-roll.html

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Black Petals Online Horror and Science Fiction Magazine, issue #43 is now available online. Click here for Black Petals issue #43 if that doesn't work, go to: http://www.blackpetals.net/ and click on the link to issue #43. The table of contents will display on the left side of the screen.

I am the featured author in this issue, and have a total of three stories in Black Petals #43. I was quite pleased with the quality of the illustrations chosen for the stories too. I hope that each of you will support me by going to the site and reading the stories, or at least clicking on the links to the stories to increase the number of page displays that the site records. (Feel free to click on my stories as many times as you want.)

Thomas Anthony Longo

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We all know that talent isn’t always enough. At least anyone that has been involved in the entertainment business knows that. What an entertainer needs is promotion and writing that is designed to sell. That is where I come in. Karen Magill Writing Services was founded to serve the needs of entertainers so take a moment to visit the site at http://www.ws.karenmagill.com and then email me and let me know what you need.

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iRockTalkRadio.com is looking for over 100+ Poets to perform online, unplugged and unedited in the “comfort of your own home” to our quarter million listeners worldwide. The performance (MP3 recordings) will be recorded and unedited, and launched to iRockTalkRadio.com for many to enjoy globally! This project is sponsored by SuperStar Broadcasting Group and a few of our partners of iRockTalkRadio.com. There is a $50 fee associated with this opportunity. Please reply to Brandon Royce, Co-Producer & College Inter (Morgan State University) at brandon_royce@irocktalkradio.com, 410-581-8100, or visit the Web site www.iRockTalkRadio.com.
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Steven Clark Bradley, author of Nimrod Rising, has spent a good deal of the past twelve years writing what he firmly believes to be a treatise on America. Read more at http://www.bordersstores.com. Nimrod Rising is about the history of life and the origin of evil and the final culmination and result of evil. This novel poses the questions, Who are we? Where did we come from? What was here before us? Where are we going? What is the power behind the current Islamic fascists now wreaking havoc in the world? Are there answers to these questions and why the world faces its condition today? Nimrod Rising offers answers to those questions and will awaken the imagination and cause self-perception as you read. Watch the book trailers here: http://stevenbradley.blogspot.com.

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Nonagenarian Writer Writes On

Will you be writing when you are 92? Read about someone who is writing poems, songs, and novels--and leaving a literary legacy: Erwin A. Thompson. Here's the link for Stephanie Kiszczak's article in The Telegraph titled “The Write Stuff: Writers' Club Founder Speaks to Students." And start making your lifelong writing plan today! Visit Janet's blog “Riehl Life: Village Wisdom for the 21st Century” at http://www.riehlife.com for connections through the arts, across cultures and generations.

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$1,000 for the First Chapter of a Novel? Now That's a Writing Contest!

The third annual Writing Show First-Chapter-of-a-Novel Contest is awarding $1000 for the best first chapter of an unpublished novel. We're also offering four other cash prizes and ten 750-word critiques.
Early deadline May 20, 2008; late deadline June 20, 2008. Winners announced on October 1, 2008. Full rules, instructions for entering, and more detail can be found on The Writing Show Web site at http://writingshow.com/contests/2008/2008callforentries.html.

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I was diagnosed as being bipolar about ten years ago. It was hard to accept this diagnosis. There is yet today-stigma concerning mental illness. Everyone has a purpose in life; we don't have to allow disability to keep us from fulfilling this purpose. I have been writing poetry for several years now. I never wrote a word while I was able to work every day. I selfishly guarded the words I wrote, but lately I have been sending in submissions. To my delight, several have been published, but no pay yet.

I attend a weekly writing group that has helped me edit and improve some of my poetry. Recently my teacher, Sidney Saylor Farr-Pulitzer Prize nominated poet and writer, who finds delight in helping new writers, told me it is time for me to get my work ready to publish. I have found the writing is easy, getting it ready to publish is the hard part. Also finding a reputable publisher is not easy, but I am working on this. I hope to get guidance from the book Poets Corner. I have applied for a grant to help me with the expenses connected to getting my work ready to publish. I have found the courage and conviction to believe I can accomplish my goal of being able to get my book ready and see it published. I am also working on a book, my memoirs about my life growing up with bipolar disorder which was not recognized/and or diagnosed. Wish me luck!

Gail Livesay

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The Morning Nudge

“When your pen won't budge, read The Morning Nudge.” To sign up for free daily inspiration and motivation for your writing, go to: http://www.workingwriterscoach.com
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Destress Yourself, A Guide to Stress Management is now available at www.destressyou.com . What makes this eBook so different? The author, Karen Magill, is not a professional therapist. Rather she is an ordinary person going through stressful situations and finding realistic, and easier, ways to deal with each occurrence. This eBook is filled with common sense solutions to many everyday hassles. Nothing fancy, just remedies that most of us can use. Stress can’t be abolished but it can be managed. Reasonably priced at $12.95 USD, Destress Yourself, A Guide to Stress Management is destined to become a guide to assist those overwhelmed by stress.

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Promo 101 Virtual Blog Tours - June 2008

Mirella Patzer Promotes Her Medieval/Adventure/Romance - Bloodstone Castle
Details - http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/05/bloodstone-castle-by-mirella-patzer.html
Schedule - http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/05/mirella-patzer-virtual-book-tour.html

Xujun Eberlein Promotes Her Short Stories - Apologies Forthcoming
A Book of Short Stories Set During and After the Chinese Cultural Revolution
Tour Invitation, Details and Schedule -
http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/05/apologies-forthcoming-by-xujun-eberlein.html

Dyan Garris - Radio Tour to Promote Her Healing Journey Toolbox
Tour Detais and Schedule -
http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/05/dyan-garris-radio-show-tour.html

For much more information, www.virtualblogtour.blogspot.com Nikki Leigh – nikki_leigh22939@yahoo.com

The Virtual Book Tour Web site

I invite each person to visit the new site. The address is www.inspiredauthor.com/promotion. This is a site that was created exclusively to promote author book tours and to make it easy for potential readers to learn more about a wide variety of books and authors.

I'm writing a short e-book for each of our touring authors to help them learn to use the site, how to create a variety of items to post during their tour and ways to make the most of their tour. I'm also available to help with questions and to offer suggestions of ways to make the most of your tour. Another great advantage is that each author can benefit from the traffic generated for the other touring authors on the site.

If you're a blog or Web site owner, feel free to contact me for more information. I can be reached at nikki_leigh22939@yahoo.com. I would love to talk to you about the options to promote your book.

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Yvonne Perry did a Podcast Interview with me in April. It was a great success. Since then I have been interviewed on radio several times and at numerous signings. My subject is very thematic and the topic is of great interest especially during this time of economic upheaval and unrest. You can learn more about me and my book Fire Your Financial Planner at my new Web site: www.ronfirmin.com .

WITS Hosting Karen Salmansohn's Virtual Book Tour

Today we welcome Karen Salmansohn to our blog. She is discussing The Bounce Back Book – how to thrive in the face of adversity, setbacks and losses.

YVONNE: Tell me something about yourself and your writing background.
KAREN: I am a best selling self help author with over 1 million books sold with past titles like How To Be Happy Dammit. Journalists have called me “Deepakl Chopra meets Carrie Bradshaw” because I offer empowering psychological self-help ammo, delivered with a feisty sense of humor. (Luckily, I have Carrie’s shoe collection and not Deepak’s.)

YVONNE: What is the title of your book? Give us the basic story line so we’ll know what it’s about.
KAREN: This new book is called The Bounce Back Book. It has a symbolic red rubber cover on the outside, and inside tips on how to thrive in the face of adversity, setbacks, and losses, covering everything: a bad breakup, a serious illness, the loss of a job, the death of someone close, bankruptcy, slander, rejection…all kinds of life challenges.

YVONNE: What inspired you to write this book?
KAREN: A few years ago I went through a sexual assault and was going through my own tough time of needing to bounce back. Because I’m a self-help book author for a living, I became very aware of wanting to learn all the best principles of resiliency–to not only help myself, but share what I was learning with others. This book is filled with interesting research studies, nutrition tips, and personal advice to help folks going through tough times. Inside is all the stuff which helped me, so I might help others.

YVONNE: Is this the first book you have written?
KAREN: No, I have a bunch of best-selling self-help books like How To Be Happy Dammit – and its sequel books, like Enough Dammit and The 7 Lively Sins (how to enjoy your life dammit) …and some business books, like the best seller How To Succeed In Business Without A Penis (where I explain a woman doesn’t need a penis to succeed—just ballsiness!).

YVONNE: How long did it take to write this book? Any interesting tidbits about your writing method or how the book developed?
KAREN: The Bounce Back Book took about a year to write and six months to creative direct. I also package my books. I used to be in advertising, so I am involved in the whole creative directing process of my books. My goal is to create cool and fun self-help books for people who would not normally be caught dead reading self help books. Or self-help you could give to a friend as a gift and they wouldn’t slap you.

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?
KAREN: More info about The Bounce Back Book is at my site www.notsalmon.com. It’s available in book stores everywhere as well as amazon.com etc.

YVONNE: As far as marketing, do you do more online publicity or print/radio/TV promotion?
KAREN: I’m a big fan of doing blog tours like this one to get the word out about my books. But really as an author you need to do a media mix. Repetition works, repetition works, repetition works. My book is also very visual as well as verbal, so on my site I have flash art of some of the inside pages for people to see (www.notsalmon.com). I also am working on a contest–collecting the most inspiring bounce back stories–and giving away prizes like a luxurious spa trip. More info about this will also soon be posted up at my site.

Enter my Bounce Back contest for a chance to a free Fairmont Spa vacation! (A fabulous spa package for 3 days/2 nights for two people, and two personalized spa treatments for each person at Willow Stream Spa in gorgeous Fairmont Newport Beach, California. You will be indulged like never before in one of seven decadent treatment rooms appointed with over-sized spa beds!)

Simply buy The Bounce Back Book before July 1st and send me the proof of Amazon receipt to notsalmonstafff@notsalmon.com. Then you have until August 1st to send me an uplifting story of glory over a tough time. Submissions should be between 400 and 1200 words and depict your personal tale of "woe" to "wow." Looking forward to hearing about your incredible come-back!!

YVONNE: Any other comments or things you would like for us to know?
KAREN: Hmmm… I guess I’d love to give a tip for folks going through a challenging time…something from my book. One of my favorites is “If you ask depressing questions, you will 100 percent get depressing answers.”
Many people going through a challenge ask themselves questions which further weigh them down like: “Why didn’t I . . .?” “What if . . .?” “Why me?” We wouldn’t accept some of the mean and nasty questions we ask ourselves if they came from an outside source! So you need to stop and swap these questions immediately for these questions which bounce you upward, like: “What’s within my control to change?” “What can I do to move forward?” “How can I grow from this challenge?”
For me…writing this book to help others helped me to personally grow from the challenge I went through. And I hope my book helps others to grow as well.

YVONNE: Thank you for giving us the opportunity to get to know you and learn about your book. I wish you well.
KAREN: Thanks! Right back at ya!

For more information about The Bounce Back Book Virtual Book Tour, visit http://thebouncebackbookblog.com/

Writing News

February Network With Us
Here are some announcements from readers of our newsletter:

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Linda Della Donna, author of http://www.griefcase.blogspot.com/, founder, director of http://www.griefcase.net/, is now host of her own weekly cable TV program. Della Donna, as you recall, discovered her writing niche after the death of her husband, Edward Sclier. A Platinum author, her free ezine articles, for widows only, and all individuals going through the grief process, can be found at http://www.ezinearticles.com/. Look for her upcoming cable TV show to debut in February. Della Donna will interview guests going through the grief process, highlight resources, and answer questions. Della Donna's message to widows of the world--We're not alone!

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The Corner Cafe is a small critique group looking for new members. If you are a writer looking for readers and honest critiques of your work, willing critique other writers in return and can commit to regular participation, then contact the moderator for a copy of the group's guidelines. You do not need to be published. You do need to be able to make constructive comments on the material you critique. Contact cornercafe-owner@yahoogroups.com.
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Book Promo 101 - Learn the Basics of Book Promotion

Print format to be available by March 2008 - to know when the books are available you can sign up for Nikki Leigh's mailing list - nikki_leigh22939@yahoo.com and put "Mailing List" in the subject line. An announcement will also be posted on her blog http://www.muzesmusings.blogspot.com/. You can also visit Muze's Musings and click on the link near the top left corner to subscribe to her blog.

If you can't wait - the e-book version of the book is currently available. For more details and for links to purchase, visit: www.nikkileigh.com/book_promo_101.htm

The print book is about 200 pages and the book is oversize - 8" x 10". This format was chosen because the book can be used as a promotional workbook.

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Pastor Two Bears book Lessons from the Desert is now available. http://outskirtspress.com/webpage.php?isbn=1432715283

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Eliz Joyner, author of Love Renewed: Looking Into the Heart and Soul of the One You Love has a book for true romantics and those wanting to increase intimacy and communication in their relationship. See
http://www.loverenewed.net/.

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Missing my Body Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Taryn Simpson has written an inspirational story about Jason Walker's courageous battle with a severe form of Muscular Dystrophy. Jason is a Duchenne survivor with incredible faith, character and determination that far exceeds his years. He hopes to inspire others facing similar difficulties. Feel free to email Jason at jasonwalker8217@yahoo.com or visit http://www.cureduchenne.citymax.com/jasonwalker.html to see photos and learn more about Jason. After reading this story, you will come to know what it is truly like to live as a quadriplegic and to be missing your body.

Order the paperback book ($11.89) or download the eBook ($5.00) at http://www.lulu.com/content/684054

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Promotional Opportunities and Author Virtual Book Tour Site

Nikki Leigh has launched a new book blog tour website (www.inspiredauthor.com/promotion) where there are opportunities to learn more about writing and promoting. There are also a variety of authors to learn more about each month. There are several ways for authors to promote their books. First register on the site to create your profile page. While you're on the site, check details about being a site sponsor and feature author opportunities. Any questions, contact author Nikki Leigh at nikki_leigh22939@yahoo.com.

For more information, visit:
All Readers (fiction and non fiction) - http://inspiredauthor.com/promotion/?q=Readers+Are+Welcome
Feature Authors - http://inspiredauthor.com/promotion/featured-author
Member Authors - http://inspiredauthor.com/promotion/be-registered-author
Site Sponsors - http://inspiredauthor.com/promotion/how-and-why-be-sponsor

Nikki wants to give you a free promotional page on her new book tour site. It’s very easy and you will have a full page to promote your book, your blog, your newsletter, your business or something else. For more details, visit
http://muzesmusings.blogspot.com/2008/01/i-want-to-give-you-free-promotional.html

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Congratulations to Loree Gold, who had a story ("In Touch With My Inner Elf") published in CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL, CHRISTMAS IN DECEMBER. The book is available in all bookstores, amazon.com, and other online bookstores.

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On January 18, 2008 Usiku (pronounced oo-SEE-koo) was nominated for a 39th NAACP Image Award in the category of Outstanding Literary Work – Poetry. ELOQUENCE: RHYTHM & RENAISSANCE is the first title published by Usiku and Usiku.net. “ELOQUENCE is a rejuvenated journey of art, inspiration and life. Within its pages are possibilities and an immeasurable Spirit.”

The NAACP Image Awards honors projects and individuals that promote diversity in 44 categories, including the arts in television, recording, literature, and motion pictures. A special committee of 300 industry professionals and NAACP leaders selected the nominees. The 39th NAACP Image Awards will air live on Fox Thursday, February 14th, 8:00 PM ET. Usiku.net is an online provider of hardcover and electronic books. Read excerpts at http://www.usiku.net/.

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February 8th - Nikki Leigh was interviewed by Yvonne Perry
The interviewed will be posted at http://yvonneperry.blogspot.com/ and available for listeners on February 8th.

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The Jaguar Legacy
by Maureen Fisher
A Paranormal Romantic Suspense where ancient danger stalks the jungle on velvet paws …
http://www.booksbymaureen.com/

Strong Enough for a Man … But Written for a Woman

Despite baffling panic attacks that devastated her career, journalist Charley Underhill barges in on a Mexican archaeological dig, bent on sniffing out a juicy exposé that will restore her reputation and earn enough money for her mother’s life-saving treatment. Haunted by past betrayals, Dr. Alistair Kincaid isn’t about to let a smart-mouthed reporter leak word of his latest discovery, an ancient Olmec city, to the press. A battle of wills and wits ensues. Strands from a past life intertwine with the present, drawing the couple into a vortex of chilling evil. Torn between redeeming her soul and betraying the man she loves, Charley faces impossible choices.

Endorsements

"THE JAGUAR LEGACY is a terrific paranormal romantic suspense thriller starring two likable lead protagonists...” — Harriet Klausner, Top Amazon Reviewer

"An intricately woven tale of mystery, romance and the supernatural. Maureen Fisher has redefined paranormal romance, breathing life into magnificent characters and scenarios that demand to be applauded. … Thoroughly researched, highly entertaining and well written, this one is DEFINITELY a keeper!" —Euro-Reviews

"Mysticism, a suspenseful plot, complex characters and a sizzling romance set apart this intriguing tale. Fisher's fully developed characters and steamy romance will keep you turning the pages..." — Romantic Times Book Review

"Outstanding and Powerful! The Jaguar Legacy by Maureen Fisher had me hooked from the first word to the last. Fisher has woven ancient mysteries, past lives, and pure evil, into a story that left me begging for more. These characters were so well-developed, the storyline so well-written, the setting so perfectly described, that I felt I knew these people and followed them along their journey into darkness. I eagerly await Maureen Fisher's next release...." —Cheryl Malandrinos, the Book Connection

"Hilarious banter, scorching sexual tension, gripping suspense, mysticism—The Jaguar Legacy has it all! Page-turning paranormal romance as hot and steamy as the jungle setting” —Sharon Page, author of Blood Red

"A skillful mix of intrigue and the paranormal, The Jaguar Legacy is a fast-paced, sexy thrill ride of a tale that combines danger, magic and romance for a highly entertaining read" — Kathryn Smith, USA Today Bestselling Author of Night of the Huntress

"The Jaguar Legacy has it all. A lush, exotic setting that feels so real you'll believe you're there, characters that come alive on the page, and a superbly intriguing story. You won't want to put this book down. I highly recommend Maureen Fisher's The Jaguar Legacy!" —Opan Carew, author of Swing and Twin Fantasies

Letter to my Lover Valentine's Day Contest!

Since February is the time for cupids and hearts and all things romantic and sometimes not-so-romantic, what better time than to write a letter to your lover?

On February 1, 2008, Rachel Greene Baldino and Judy Ford, authors of the book, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Enhancing Sexual Desire, are embarking on a virtual book tour around the world collecting letters from bloggers who would like to tell their lovers how they really feel about them - the good and the bad - and become a part of their tour!

If you would like to become involved in their contest, this is how it works:

1. Think of the things you would like to say to your lover, but haven't had the time or the reason, whether it's to say how much you love them or how they drive you up the wall. Yes, the good and the bad and the funnier or more outrageous the better! Let everything hang out!

2. Do not use names. Name your blog post "Letter to My Lover" and begin your post with "Dear Lover" They'll have to guess who it's for!

3. Post your message on your blog between now and February 14th and send us the exact link to thewriterslife(at)yahoo.com. Please put "Letter to my Lover" in your subject line.

4. When we receive your link, we will add it to Rachel and Judy's tour at http://virtualbooktoursforauthors.blogspot.com/2008/01/complete-idiots-guide-to-enhancing.html.

5. But, that's not all! Rachel and Judy will pick one of the bloggers who participate a FREE copy of The Complete Idiot's Guide to Enhancing Sexual Desire! That's their Valentine's Day present to you!

6. And not only that, we will promote your blog through our daily promotions using your blog post as part of their virtual book tour, thus bringing you lots of traffic during February!

7. We also ask that you include a jpeg copy of Rachel and Judy's book, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Enhancing Sexual Desire, in your blog post. You can find their book cover at http://virtualbooktoursforauthors.blogspot.com/2008/01/complete-idiots-guide-to-enhancing.html (you are welcome to copy and paste from there).

8. All participants will be listed on Rachel and Judy's tour page so that everyone can read YOUR letters to your lover!

That's all there is to it! Hurry before time runs out. Become involved in a nationwide campaign to tell the world what you think about your lover and see how much fun it will be to read the letters of others. Share your letters and become involved in RACHEL AND JUDY'S "LETTER TO MY LOVER" VALENTINE'S DAY CONTEST!

Rachel and Judy's virtual book tour will be highly publicized including press releases and other promotions and is brought to you by Pump Up Your Book Promotion, an innovative public relations agency specializing in online book promotion. You can visit their website at http://www.pumpupyourbookpromotion.com/.

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

Last Three Days of Yvonne Perry's Book Tour

Only three days left of Yvonne Perry's virtual tour for RIGHT TO RECOVER, Winning the Political and Religious Wars over Stem Cell Research in America.

Be sure to visit these blogs and find out more about stem cell research and Yvonne's writing and publishing process.

Sept. 24 - Cheryl Malandrinos - http://thebookconnectionccm.blogspot.com/
Sept. 25 – Judge Cover - http://judgebookbycover.blogspot.com/
Sept. 27 – Muze’s Musings – http://www.muzesmusings.blogspot.com/

You may purchase Yvonne's book on stem cell research at Amazon.com

Week Three of Virtual Tour

Join Yvonne Perry, author of RIGHT TO RECOVER Winning the Political and Religious Wars over Stem Cell Research in America this week as she tours the Web on her virtual blog tour.

Stop by and leave a comment or question on any or all of these blogs this week:

Sept. 17 – Straight from the Author’s Mouth http://www.straightfromtheauthorsmouth.blogspot.com/
Sept. 18 – Inspired Author Self Promotion - http://inspiredauthor.com/v3/node/12
Sept. 20 – Author Talks http://www.authortalks.blogspot.com/


You may purchase RIGHT TO RECOVER at Amazon.com

The Tour Continues...

Join Yvonne Perry, the author of RIGHT TO RECOVER Winning the Political and Religious Wars over Stem Cell Research in America, this week as she tours the Web on her virtual blog tour. Gain information about Yvonne Perry, stem cell research, and Yvonne's publishing experience.

Stop by and leave a comment or ask a question on any or all of these blogs:

Sept. 10 – The Story Behind the Books http://www.thestorybehindthebooks.blogspot.com/
Sept. 11 – Start with the Facts – http://startwithfacts.blogspot.com/
Sept. 13 – Start at the Beginning - http://startatbeginning.blogspot.com/
Sept. 14 – Publishing Secrets for Authors - http://www.publishingsecretsofauthors.blogspot.com/

Anyone who comments on any of these blogs is automatically entered in a drawing for a free copy of RIGHT TO RECOVER. See www.right2recover.com for more information about this book.

Virtual Book Tour

I’m going on a book tour, and I’m not even leaving home!

I’m doing a virtual blog tour for my book RIGHT TO RECOVER Winning the Political and Religious Wars over Stem Cell Research in America.

Join me for information about stem cell research and my book publishing experience. You may stop by and leave a comment or question on any or all of these blogs:

Sept. 10 – The Story Behind the Books http://www.thestorybehindthebooks.blogspot.com/
Sept. 11 – Start with the Facts – http://startwithfacts.blogspot.com/
Sept. 13 – Start at the Beginning - http://startatbeginning.blogspot.com/
Sept. 14 – Publishing Secrets for Authors - http://www.publishingsecretsofauthors.blogspot.com/
Sept. 17 – Straight from the Author’s Mouth http://www.straightfromtheauthorsmouth.blogspot.com/
Sept. 18 – Inspired Author Self Promotion - http://inspiredauthor.com/v3/node/12
Sept. 20 – Author Talks http://www.authortalks.blogspot.com/
Sept. 24 - Cheryl Malandrinos - http://thebookconnectionccm.blogspot.com/
Sept. 25 – Judge Cover - http://judgebookbycover.blogspot.com/
Sept. 27 – Muze’s Musings – http://www.muzesmusings.blogspot.com/

You may purchase Yvonne's book on stem cell research at Amazon.com

PUMP UP YOUR BOOK PROMOTION SEPTEMBER '07 VIRTUAL BOOK TOURS!

I'm very happy to say that Pump Up Your Book Promotion has broken a record. We have NINE talented and gifted authors going out on tour in September. To celebrate, we're doing something special for our readers!

All our authors on tour will be giving away copies of their books and bookmarks to readers chosen at random. How do we decide who wins?

Anyone who leaves comments on at their stops which are located on each individual author's tour pages gets a shot. If you don't want to miss out on your chance to win free books, visit all the stops and leave comments because you won't know which one will be the lucky stop!

All winners will be announced on the blog at http://www.virtualbooktoursforauthors.blogspot.com/ on September 31, so be sure to check back at the end of the month to see if you're one of the lucky few! If you see your name on the list, all you have to do is email us at thewriterslife(at)yahoo.com and leave your physical mailing address. All there is to it! So, without further ado...here are the wonderful and talented authors going out on virtual book tour for the month of September!

Our September authors on virtual tour are in alphabetical order:

Dwayne G. Anderson, author of PARTIALLY HUMAN. I have loved Dwayne from the get go. Just under twenty-four-years-old, Dwayne has authored three books with PARTIALLY HUMAN being his third. If you'd like to read up on this delightful young and talented author, visit his tour page here.

This is Barbara Becker Holstein's second month of tours for her book THE TRUTH: I'M TEN, I'M SMART AND I KNOW EVERYTHING. I've read this book myself and I thoroughly enjoyed it. If you'd like to find out more about her book and to find out which stops she'll be stopping off at, visit here.

Nikki Leigh joins us this month on her first virtual book tour with Pump Up Your Book Promotion for her book, LADY LIGHTKEEPER. If you're a fan of the Outer Banks of North Carolina, you will throughly love her book. If you'd like to follow her tour to have a chance to win one of her books, click here. (Note from author: Each person who decides to buy a copy of Lady Lightkeeper, needs to email me a copy of their receipt. I just need a receipt that shows you bought a copy of Lady Lightkeeper and I'll enter you in the drawing for a copy of Widow's Walk. That seemed like a good giveaway since the story starts with Widow's Walk. However, if the winner already has a copy of Widow's Walk, I'll be happy to send a copy of Lilah and the Locket instead.)

This is CJ Maxx's second visit with us at Pump Up Your Book Promotion, but this time it's for another erotic romance novel titled COMING BACK A VIRGIN. A must read! You can find out where he'll be virtually touring at his tour page by clicking here.

Nick Oliva joins us for the first time at Pump Up Your Book Promotion for his book, ONLY MOMENTS. If out of body experiences and time travel are just what the doctor ordered, you will love his books. Follow along on his tour by clicking here.

Stem cell activist and author Yvonne Perry joins us for the first time for her book, RIGHT TO RECOVER, an interesting, yet controversial, look at stem cell research. If you would like a chance to win one of her books, visit her tour page by clicking here.

Caridad Pineiro, named Golden Apple Author of the Year by Romance Writers of America, and who visited us in May is back with a new book, SOUTH BEACH CHICAS CATCH THEIR MAN. If women's fiction/chick lit is up your alley, visit Caridad's stops so you can have a chance at winning one of her books Click here to find out where she'll be touring.

Our friend from England, Hazel Statham is trying out the virtual book tour waters with her historical fiction book, DOMINIC. Hazel has always been fascinated by history and writes mainly in the Regency and Georgian eras. DOMINIC is a book you will LOVE. If you would like to try for a chance to win one of her books, visit her tour page here to see where she'll be virtually touring.

Scott Zema is our resident expert on anything in the appraisal business - whether it be for art, antiques or collectibles - is touring for the first time with Pump Up Your Book Promotion with his book, THREE STEPS TO INVESTMENT SUCCESS: BUYING THE RIGHT ART, ANTIQUES, AND COLLECTIBLES. Find out what he has to say about the business by visiting his tour page here and get in the running for a copy of one of his books!

We wish our authors a lot of luck and we'll see you in the blogosphere!

What is a Virtual Book Tour?

A virtual book tour is a way to have a book tour, without leaving your home or the extreme expense of traveling to visit book stores. Instead, a virtual book tour gives you a chance to visit blogs around the world. In these days where the cost of gas is increasing, this is a great way to meet different authors and to learn much more about their books.

Dorothy Thompson and Nikki Leigh of Pump up your Book Publicity have arranged Yvonne Perry’s virtual book tour for RIGHT TO RECOVER Winning the Political and Religious Wars over Stem Cell Research in America.

Each tour stop is scheduled for a different day and gives potential readers a wealth of information about the author, their experience, and their book.

Here is the schedule. I hope you will stop by and leave a comment or question on any or all of these blogs:

Sept. 3 – The Writer’s Life http://www.thewriterslife.blogspot.com/
Sept. 4 – Pump Up You Online Book Promotion http://www.pumpupyouronlinebookpromotion.blogspot.com/
Sept. 5 – Family, Fun and Faith – http://communati.com/main/blog/familyfunandfaith
Sept. 6 – Plug Your Book http://www.plugyourbook.blogspot.com/
Sept. 7 – Be My Guest! http://www.bloggingauthors.blogspot.com/
Sept. 10 – The Story Behind the Books http://www.thestorybehindthebooks.blogspot.com/
Sept. 11 – Start with the Facts – http://startwithfacts.blogspot.com/
Sept. 13 – Start at the Beginning - http://startatbeginning.blogspot.com/
Sept. 14 – Publishing Secrets for Authors - http://www.publishingsecretsofauthors.blogspot.com/
Sept. 17 – Straight from the Author’s Mouth http://www.straightfromtheauthorsmouth.blogspot.com/
Sept. 18 – Inspired Author Self Promotion - http://inspiredauthor.com/v3/node/12
Sept. 20 – Author Talks http://www.authortalks.blogspot.com/
Sept. 24 - Cheryl Malandrinos - http://thebookconnectionccm.blogspot.com/
Sept. 25 – Judge Cover - http://judgebookbycover.blogspot.com/
Sept. 27 – Muze’s Musings – http://www.muzesmusings.blogspot.com/

Contact Nikki Leigh, Promotional Consultant and Tour Coordinator at nikki_leigh22939@yahoo.com.

What is a Virtual Book Tour?

A virtual book tour is a way to have a book tour, without leaving your home or the extreme expense of traveling to visit book stores. Instead, a virtual book tour gives you a chance to visit blogs around the world. Each blog you visit, will expose your books to different visitors who have a wide variety of interests.

The author doesn’t have to travel to the store to share information about their book and potential readers can learn about your book in more detail from the comfort of their home. More and more people are shopping and researching their future purchases online, so offering this kind of exposure for books online makes a lot of sense.

Each tour stop is scheduled for a different day. The author visits each blog and this simply means that the blog owner has asked the author a list of questions or they may chose to share a chapter or an excerpt from the book. Various blog hosts give additional dimension to the tour. Each blog host will pose different questions and this can offer a lot of variety to the tour.

Each day of the tour gives potential readers a wealth of information about the author, their experience, and their book. Many of these days, the tour stops are posted on a blog and we invite blog readers to ask questions. You can post your question on the blog or email the author. We love to hear from people who are interested in our books. In these days where the cost of gas is increasing, this is a great way to meet different authors and to learn much more about their books.

Dorothy Thompson and Nikki Leigh have arranged Yvonne Perry’s virtual book tour for RIGHT TO RECOVER Winning the Political and Religious Wars over Stem Cell Research in America.
Here is the schedule. I hope you will stop by and leave a comment on any or all of these blogs:

Sept. 3 – The Writer’s Life http://www.thewriterslife.blogspot.com/
Sept. 4 – Pump Up You Online Book Promotion http://www.pumpupyouronlinebookpromotion.blogspot.com/
Sept. 5 – Family, Fun and Faith – http://communati.com/main/blog/familyfunandfaith
Sept. 6 – Plug Your Book http://www.plugyourbook.blogspot.com/
Sept. 7 – Be My Guest! http://www.bloggingauthors.blogspot.com/
Sept. 10 – The Story Behind the Books http://www.thestorybehindthebooks.blogspot.com/
Sept. 11 – Start with the Facts – http://startwithfacts.blogspot.com/
Sept. 13 – Start at the Beginning - http://startatbeginning.blogspot.com/
Sept. 14 – Publishing Secrets for Authors - http://www.publishingsecretsofauthors.blogspot.com/
Sept. 17 – Straight from the Author’s Mouth http://www.straightfromtheauthorsmouth.blogspot.com/
Sept. 18 – Inspired Author Self Promotion - http://inspiredauthor.com/v3/node/12
Sept. 20 – Author Talks http://www.authortalks.blogspot.com/
Sept. 24 - Cheryl Malandrinos - http://thebookconnectionccm.blogspot.com/
Sept. 25 – Judge Cover - http://judgebookbycover.blogspot.com/
Sept. 27 – Muze’s Musings – http://www.muzesmusings.blogspot.com/

Nikki Leigh, Fiction Author
Promotional Consultant and Tour Coordinator
Author of Book Promo 101 – Basics of Book Promotion Nov 2007
www.nikkileigh.com/book_promo_101.htm
Owner of S & C Consulting – http://www.sandcconsulting.com/

Nikki Leigh is the pen name of Shri Henkel, who has over 20 years of business management and over 16 years of promotional experience. This background has been very helpful with the business books written by Shri Henkel. She has eight books in print and several more scheduled for release in 2007.

Under her pen name, she writes fiction and is releasing the first book in the Book Promo 101 series. She offers a wide range of business, writing, ghostwriting services, in addition to promotional services and virtual tour coordination for writers. Feel free to contact Nikki for more information at nikki_leigh22939@yahoo.com

Right to Recover Virtual Book Tour

I thought you might like to view Yvonne Perry's promotional tour video for her virtual book tour next month. Quite an interesting and controversial subject her book has.

RIGHT TO RECOVER Winning the Political and Religious Wars over Stem Cell Research in America has.

You can check out the video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UuUYFA6f7Zw or Yvonne's tour page at virtualbooktoursforauthors.com

Dorothy Thompson

PUMP UP YOUR BOOK PROMOTION VIRTUAL BOOK TOURS
"Leave your tour in our hands!"
http://www.pumpupyourbookpromotion. com
http://www.virtualb ooktoursforauthors.blogspot. com

Pump Up Your Book Promotion PR

I am having Dorothy Thompson with Pump Up Your Book Promotion PR conduct a virtual tour for my book Right to Recover: Winning the Political and Religious Wars over Stem Cell Research in America.

Pump Up Your Book Promotion PR is a public relations firm that will give your book the best online distribution that money can buy. This PR service concentrates on those millions of people who buy books online every day. Read more here: http://www.pumpupyourbookpromotion.com/virtualbooktours.html

Jamieson works with Dorothy and he is creating a video trailer for my book. It’s not ready yet, but you can check out other video trailers to get an idea of his work: http://www.virtualbooktrailers.com/

Find out who is on tour now at http://www.virtualbooktoursforauthors.blogspot.com/

My Abundant Gifts Virtual Book Tour

Diane Eble’s “My Abundant Gifts Virtual Book Tour” is Tuesday night, and she would appreciate it if you can join her. Here is her note about the tour:

I have some great stories to share that I think will inspire you. Plus, people have asked some interesting, even challenging, questions about faith and finding God in everyday life.

You might also be curious about what a "Virtual Book Tour" is. I think it's a very exciting way to share a message in an easy-to-access format (a simple phone call). If I were doing a book signing at a bookstore, I'd invite you, but you could only come if you were local. This way, anyone with access to a phone call participate. Pretty cool.

Plus, as you'll see, you get to ask the author any questions you want ahead of time.

If you can't make the live call, a replay line will be available shortly afterward, and you can listen on your computer (even download it to your ipod if you have some such device).

Here's the signup link: http://www.askdiane now.com

If you want to get a copy of the book for yourself or a loved one (makes a nice gift--only $10--and 'm signing each one), you can order online, or if you live near me, you can call me and save yourself the shipping.

I would be honored if you could join me tomorrow night, at 8 p.m. Central, or on the replay line later.

Would You Like to Pump Up Your Book Promotion?

Let us send you on a virtual book tour!

If you would like to sell your books from the comfort of your home with no mess and no fuss, sign up for the Pump Up Your Book Promotion Virtual Book Tours and let us do the work for you. Visit our website at http://www.thewriterslife.net/virtualbooktours.html or email: thewriterslife@yahoo.com.

Quality service at an affordable price!