Flora, Author at Self-Publishing Tips

Did You Cash in on 50 Shades of Pay?

Tie-in to 50 Shades of Grey brings 50 shades of pay

Photo by Flora Brown who thankfully has no aspirations for a career in photography

In the summer of 2012 I met a friend for lunch. As an avid reader, she always carries a book with her. This time I couldn’t help but notice her copy of 50 Fifty Shades of Grey on the table, covered by a yellow flower in her attempt to camouflage it. She should have used a larger flower. (I can sometimes get a sharper focus, but I had to be quick. I was sneaking this shot.)

This mixed reaction is typical from readers who are hiding or denying their attraction to 50 Fifty Shades of Grey, but are devouring it nonetheless.

The reaction by early readers foretold the book’s destiny. Check out its count of 29, 956 reviews as I was writing this article (that MUST be a record.) Many of the reviewers bashed the book as poorly written, amateurish, with unbelievable characters, but admitted they couldn’t put it down.

Even before the BDSM movie “50 Shades of Grey” opened in movie theaters on February 14th, the book-turned-movie sparked widespread reaction that will surely lead to 50 shades of pay for entrepreneurs, authors, psychologists, and others who are riding its popularity.

Quick-thinking entrepreneurs tie-in to the movie’s popularity

- A Texas church gave a twist to the message of the movie by offering “Right THEY Valentines Day weekend experience” where the book 50 Shades of They by Pastor Ed Young was the reading material.
- In an article titled 50 Shades of No Way, sex therapist says the book is the talk among her clients who worry that they are not steamy enough
- Always urging us to get free publicity, Joan Stewart, the publicity hound, shares how B.L. Ochman pulled traffic to her Google+ account when she shared the LEGO version of “50 Shades” a few weeks ago.
- Looking for more steamy romance? There’s an app for that. It’s called After Dark.
- You can get your 50 Shades of Grey Christmas tree ornaments if you order early
- Manicurists didn’t waste time creating nail art around this theme

Celebrities had their fun with parodies

Ellen deGeneres couldn’t resist starring in her own parody below
Later Ellen is confronted by Matt Lauer in a hilarious prank tied to the movie.

Negative reactions and repercussions get attention too

University of Chicago student charged with sexual assault after allegedly trying to recreate scenes from movie
Middle school students were unintentionally given 50 Shades of Grey crossword puzzles
American and Canadian activists who work to prevent domestic violence started a grassroots movement, 50 Dollars Not 50 Shades, urging us to donate to women’s shelters instead of buying movie tickets. Follow them on Twitter at #50dollarsnot50shades
Accusing 50 Shades of sabotaging intimacy, clinical psychologist Dr. Juli Slattery and Dannah Gresh are offering a free copy of their “Christian perspective” intimacy book, Pulling Back the Shades, in exchange for copies of the E L James novel. (Be sure to check out the authors’ poses on their website.)

“50 Shades of Grey” author was stunned her hobby piece became a phenomenon

No one is more surprised at the popularity and widespread reactions to her erotic romance trilogy starting with “50 Shades of Grey” than British wife and mom of two, E.L. James. She told TODAY’s Michelle Kosinski “This is my midlife crisis, writ large. All my fantasies in there, and that’s it.” James admits she’s not a great nor disciplined writer, and yet she brought a hot topic into the mainstream. That means lucrative pay for her and those who rode her popularity wave.

I’m a firm believer in promoting your book, business or service by piggybacking on holidays, special events and popular trends.

If you are opposed to the topic of a book or prominent political figure, where you draw the line on piggybacking to promote your book?

do you create your own book or movement presenting the opposing viewpoint?
do you quickly stock up on gray ties in your haberdashery?
do you could write an analytical work about the irony of the main character’s name, Christian, or write a parody about the political figure?
do you talk about how Jackie Collins is tame by comparison to “50 Shades of Grey”?

Would you let your distaste or disgust stop you from riding the 50 shades of pay possible for your business, product or service with a “50 Shades of Grey” tie-in? Speak up in the comments.

Leave your comment and share this article with others. I’m counting on you.

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Article by Flora Brown

Flora Brown is an author, blogger, speaker, and publishing coach. Check out her books on http://amazon.com/author/florabrown

If you like this post, you can keep up with the latest information from Color Your Life Published by subscribing to updates at the top of this site. When you do, you’ll be able to download a free copy of the eBook, “It’s Time to Write Your Book.”
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Filed Under: self-publishing Tagged With: book promotion, marketing

How to Take Book Publicity Baby Steps

By Flora Leave a Comment

Writing your book is the easy part. It’s selling your book that’s the challenge for you and every author.

To sell your book people have to know it exists. That’s where learning how to skillfully publicize your book comes in.

If publicizing your book is overwhelming you, Joan Stewart, the publicity hound, has created exactly the program for you.

Book Publicity Ideas You Can Use Today to Sell More Books Tomorrow

Format: A webinar. Attend live or watch the video replay later.

Time: 4pm ET (Time Zone Converter)

Date: February 12, 2015

Your cost: $49.95

This program will give you lots of ideas for baby steps that you can take one day at a time. It’s the smartest, most efficient way to market your books because you can follow through on all of Joan’s ideas without an exhausting time commitment.

You will learn:

Where to find one hour of free consulting every week to help with book marketing and many other aspects of publishing
4 places in your own community that can help you sell books
A special place that’s so eager to hear from you it will help you publicize your books and your expertise several ways–and it won’t cost you a cent
A simple tweak you can make on Amazon to become a best-seller in your category
An easy way to convince a magazine to feature your new book and the one thing magazine editors tell me will increase your chances of being featured

and a dozen other ideas and tips you can do right away.

In addition to the value-loaded webinar, Joan is also offering fabulous bonuses.

Get all the details and discover the bonuses now at Book Publicity Ideas You Can Use Today to Sell More Books Tomorrow.

I’ve been a pleased customer and fan of Joan Stewart’s publicity tips since the internet was in its infancy. Following her advice helped me fill workshops, profitably promote my products, and double the response to my offers.

Now I’m proud to be a compensated affiliate who earns a commission on this product and I’m offering it because far too many authors don’t know how to promote their books.

Because I’m still a customer, I’ll be on the call on Thursday, February 12, 2015. Join me there by signing up for Book Publicity Ideas You Can Use Today to Sell More Books Tomorrow

Filed Under: self-publishing Tagged With: book publicity, marketing, selling books

Promote Your Book or Business by Piggybacking on Holidays, Observances, and Events

By Flora 1 Comment

I hope you’re not one of those people who grumbles about stores rolling out their displays and items many weeks before a holiday or observance.

If you want to stimulate sales in your business, service, or book, you can’t afford to think like the average consumer. Instead, take a lesson from the retailers

Tweet: Promote your business by creating a tie-in to holidays, observances, and events. http://ctt.ec/76802+

This is a smart move for two reasons:

The popular holidays and observances already have high visibility because of pervasive ads and their many followers, devotees, Facebook fans and so on. In addition, you can get loads of ideas from the groups and websites that already promote them.

It’s no wonder that just before the Super Sunday businesses offer a “Big Game Special” or a gift basket retailer names a design Extreme Tailgate Super Sunday Party

Tip: If you decide to tie in to that big game on Super Sunday, however, don’t use the actual words “Super Bowl” in your promotion. Not only do you want to keep the focus on your brand, but you want avoid getting sacked by the NFL.

The media is always looking for stories.

Tweet: Capture attention by creating a clever tie-in to lesser known or bizarre celebrations or newsworthy events. http://ctt.ec/76802+

In July 2011 when Los Angeleans learned that a 10-mile stretch of the busy 405 freeway would be shut down for 53 hours, they dubbed the expected traffic delay Carmageddon. Some businesses announced they’d be closed. Others got creative. Jet Blue Air, for example, launched an “Over-the-405” promotion offering special nonstop flights between nearby cities Long Beach and Burbank priced at just $4 each way, taxes and fees included.

Use holidays and special observances to call attention to your book or business

Just as big events and news tie-ins can help you get media attention, pairing your business with month, week and special day observances can help uncover hidden profits.

When you find a way to share your knowledge, expertise, and skills to help your readers, subscribers, social media contacts and customers, you enrich your value and uncover potential profits you may otherwise have missed otherwise. These tie-ins are also great content for compelling press releases.

Here are a few ideas to get you rolling.

Author Lynette Smith used World Gratitude Day, September 21^st to urge her subscribers and readers to express their appreciation to another person in tangible, written form. She directed followers to her site, GoodWaysToWrite.com , for the best tools available.
In preparation for Family Reunion Month in July, a marriage and family therapist could offer a workshop on mending fences or an event planner could offer tips on creating a successful reunion.
Life coaches, self-help authors and spa owners could suggest ways customers can practice mindfulness during Spiritual Wellness Month in March or host meditation and weekend retreats.
National Financial Literacy Month in April is a great time for financial planners, accountants, schools and financial institutions to offer workshops, checklists, and planning tools.
You can even create an anti-holiday tie-in or call attention to the dark side of popular days such as when I remind my subscribers in February that Love Shouldn’t Hurt on Valentine’s Day or Any Other Day.

Discover these holidays and observances

There are many sources listing these observances, some even quirky or a day in history. Here are a few sources to get you started.

http://www.celebratetoday.com/callinks.html
http://nationaldaycalendar.com/
http://www.holidayinsights.com/
http://www.brownielocks.com

Create your own day

Until the early 80’s in the USA only the President and Congress had the right to declare a day a holiday. But it was decided that Congress was spending too much time in approving and denying holidays, so the practice was abandoned. Now anyone can declare and publicize a holiday, recognition or awareness day. You are free to publicize and celebrate it.

How about creating your own celebration day. There is even an official day set aside for you to do just that. Chase’s Calendar of Events has listed March 26th as Make Up Your Own Holiday Day

Chase’s Calendar of Events is the authoritative guide to special occurrences, holidays, anniversaries, celebrity birthdates, religious observances, sporting events, and more from around the world. It was created in 1957 by two brothers, William D. Chase and Harrison V. Chase, to provide a comprehensive reference to calendar dates and observances. If you want your celebration listed in their directory, submit the required information. Get the details here

Even if you can’t get your day listed in Chase’s Calendar, you can register it http://nationaldaycalendar.com/register-a-national-days

You don’t have to get permission or wait to be listed in either of these directories before creating your day.

Promote your day

Creating your day is just the start, however. You must get others involved, promote your day, and create buzz. You can garner publicity by creatively and assertively tying the day to your book, business or service like these companies did:

When speaker Jacqueline Whitmore created National Cell Phone Courtesy Month she got recognition in USA Today when she sent out a press release.
In 2007 Tropical Smoothie Cafe started National Flip Flop Day and thanked the first 500 customers wearing flip flops with a free smoothie. Part of the proceeds go to help Camp Sunshine, a camp for kids with life-threatening illnesses.
In 2010 I declared my mother’s birthday, August 9^th, Color Your Life Happy Day and invited my readers to share a photo showing them enjoying an activity that made them happy. I posted them on my Facebook fan page.

Go ahead and get busy piggybacking on holidays, observances, and newly created events or your own day. Just don’t forget to send out your press releases, announcements on social media and email to your subscribers.

Filed Under: self-publishing

9 Ways to Avoid Creating Lame Book Titles

By Flora 4 Comments

An ad from my local hardware store featured a party cooler for sale. The cooler was pictured filled with ice and canned soda, but printed in parentheses was “Sodas and ice not included.”

Most of us would realize that the ice and soda were intended as a suggested use. This disclaimer was necessary, however, for those dodo heads who would insist that the picture misled them to believe the ice and soda were included.

Just as clearly stating what is being offered is critical in advertising, so is it important in your book title.

Your book title is a billboard, a promise, an agreement to deliver certain content.

[tweet_dis]A book cover may draw the reader’s attention, but it’s the title that gets him to venture inside.[/tweet_dis]

If you’re eager to avoid lame book titles, here are some 9 tips that have worked for others.

1. Create one sentence that boldly sums up the contents or main point of your book.

Within that sentence are the keywords that should be in your title or it may be your full title.

When Robert Kiyosaki wrote his book If You Want To Be Rich and Happy, Don’t Go To School, a publisher suggested he change his title to The Economics of Education. I’m glad he didn’t listen.

2. While titles cannot be copyrighted, steer clear of emulating popular titles.

Chicken Soup for the Soul, Fifty Shades of Grey, and an alphabet mystery series starting with A is for Alibi, have already been done, for example.

3. Settle on a working title while you’re writing your book.

The perfect title may not be apparent at the start. By the time you finish your book, however, the right title will likely emerge.

4. Reflect the tone of your message in the title.

If you’re writing a how-to book, you don’t want your title to mislead your readers into thinking it’s a sizzling romantic novel. It may result in sales, but readers will be disappointed and unfulfilled. Readers who feel betrayed can leave nasty reviews.

5. Notice the nickname or short name you gave your book while you were writing it.

One of the actors from the sitcom, That 70′s Show, revealed that this was not the original title. It was the nickname the cast gave it during rehearsals. By the time it was ready for launch, the producers decided that the nickname was the right name for the show.

6. Listen to how you respond to questions about your book when you are speaking to groups or your accountability partner.

In an effort to explain the differences in men and women during one of his live presentations, John Gray responded with “Men are from Mars, women are from Venus”.

Bingo! He had found the right title for his book on relationships.

7. Go for a simple and clear title rather than fail at being clever.

The “how to” title is still the most popular because it appeals to our never-ending quest for doing things, taking action, and making improvements.
“Murder at the [location]” will still grab mystery lovers.
The [odd number] Ways to [do or accomplish something that we want] is irresistible with its promise of actionable steps.

8. Give your book a subtitle, if necessary for clarity.

One book that could have benefitted from a subtitle is How to Avoid Huge Ships by John W. Trimmer.

When Captain Trimmer got tired of running into small boats, he wrote this serious book directed at small boat owners/operators to help them avoid getting into the pathways of big boats which can not always see much less miss hitting them. Unfortunately, many of the 1,226 Amazon reviewers had a lot of fun with this book title. With the original price tag of $75, many of the reviewers may not have actually bought the book, but they couldn’t resist taking aim at that title.

Here are some of the reviews of Trimmer’s book that made me laugh out loud.

Read this book before going on vacation and I couldn’t find my cruise liner in the port. Vacation ruined.
Huge ships have been the bane of my life, so I was very excited when I bought this book. However, Captain Trimmer does not provide the helpful and insightful advice that I had hoped for and I did not feel that this book had any noticeable effect. If anything, I now encounter more huge ships than ever! Would not recommend.
After reading this book, I relized [sic] exactly what I was doing wrong everytime I was run over by bardges [sic] on the mighty Mississippi. I always played dead and hoped the boats would go away, like I was taught by a book I read, “How To Survive Bear Attacks.” I guess I thought the lessons taught by that book applied to everything life, but it clearly meant just bears. Now I am surviving the waterways better than a BP oil rig.
I give this book five stars because it is by far the best treatise to date regarding the avoidance of huge ships. BUT C’MON, PEOPLE! Did you learn nothing in the sixties? Avoiding huge ships won’t solve the problem. Separate but equal waterways only drives us further apart. It is the lack of understanding between the huge and non-huge vessel communities that lead to well-intentioned but misguided tomes such as this. We must begin a dialogue with our huge brethren. Remember–we are all floating on the same ocean. I have a dream… that one day ALL vessels will be judged not by their tonnage, but by the content of their cargo. Next time a huge vessel approaches, just ask yourself “WWPD?” (What would Popeye do?)
WHY NO KINDLE EDITION??????

Given that there is a huge ship bearing down on me RIGHT NOW I am extremely disappointed that I cannot get inst

9. Be outrageous with a risky, even risque title.

Forget about being modest or politically correct when you want to grab your reader by the collar.

Shit My Dad Says, by Justin Halpern–a coming-of-age memoir wrapped about his father’s profane, profound and funny sayings

Another Bullshit Night in Suck City by Nick Flynn–a moving memoir about the troublesome relationship between Nick and his father

Assholes Finish First by Tucker Max–a funny book about Tucker’s misadventures. Some criticized it for being too vulgar, but one that didn’t deter its popularity.

Writing a compelling title for your book is an important part of your job as an author.

Photo courtesy of canstockphoto.com

Most first-timers have trouble with just getting started on the contents, much less
finding the right title. If your dream of writing a book has been stalled by fear or uncertainty then Rockin’ My Book is for you. I’ve made it easy for you to get started by creating it as 4-week e-course. Once you sign up you receive one email lesson per week with encouragement, steps to take, examples, suggested activities, and an opportunity to get feedback from me if you wish. I’m eager to share your publishing options and answer the many questions all writers have. Work on your own time and at your own pace in the comfort of your home or office.
Check it out at Rockin’ My Book.

There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you. Maya Angelou

Rockin’ My Book helps you begin to relieve that agony. Get the start and momentum to move forward with writing your book now.

Filed Under: book writing, choosing a book title, self-publishing

If Your Book Isn’t Selling, Do the Hokey Pokey

By Flora 7 Comments

Image from freedigitalphotos.net/Vlado

I popped into one of my favorite blogs recently and read a short post
reminding authors we must constantly build an audience in order to succeed.
It was only 126 words long, but it touched a nerve in one of the commenters
who whined that she didn’t need reminding, she needed to know “how”.

This imagined omission hurled at the blog owner was particularly unfair
since the entire blog is devoted to telling authors how to build an
audience and create effective marketing plans. The commenter clearly hadn’t
read the years of posts giving specific strategies, tips, resources, and
tools. She obviously hadn’t downloaded the free information nor taken the
available courses on this particular blog.

And yet, the commenter’s frustration was real and common. She finally
admitted she had invested in books and coaching, but rationalized that her
inability to successfully market her book(s) MUST be the fault of those
resources. The gurus had let her down because whatever they suggested didn’t
work for her, assuming she even tried any of their techniques consistently.

So, if you’re also wondering what to do to make your books sell I say do
the Hokey Pokey.

What is the Hokey Pokey?

The Hokey Pokey is a song of uncertain origin. Some say it’s an anti-Catholic taunt, while others say it was originally a homage to an ice cream vendor. Still others see sexual innuendos in it or believe it is a Satanic ritual.

The version we know best in America was written by JoAnn Greer and is often enjoyed as a harmless participatory song. If you don’t remember the song or have never heard of it, listen to the original recording by Ray Anthony or watch the kids’videos showing the steps. I enjoyed this song in my Girl Scout days because it was impossible to sing along without being uplifted and having fun. The slow and rhythmic moves and gestures are simple enough for everyone to follow.

How does the Hokey Pokey apply to selling our books?

In spite of its questionable origin, I’m using the Hokey Pokey as a metaphor for making full commitment to your goal of selling your books. Join me in taking a positive look at what we can learn from the Hokey Pokey.

Right hand

Identify your target reader.
Write the best book you can to help, encourage or entertain your readers.
Hire a professional editor. Skip this step at your peril.

Left hand

Offer your book in print and ebook versions, at least. Readers want choices.
(When I’m eager to read a book right away, I don’t want to wait for the print version to arrive.)
Employ effective marketing techniques from experts like Joanna Penn.
Get celebrities to endorse your book.
Get others to help fund your book promotions.

Right foot

Capture the emails of visitors to your site with a signup on your website.
Stay in touch with your list before and after your book is published.
Learn social media marketing techniques.
Greeting Dan Poynter, godfather of self–publishing, when he spoke at the
Publishers and Writers of San Diego meeting.

Left foot

Build relationships with your fellow authors and indie publishers online and offline.
Stage your own book signings.
Join groups and attend events to build your craft and learn marketing skills.

Right arm

Attend book signings and launches of fellow authors.
Participate in events like NaNoWriMo where writers from around the world
gather to write and exchange marketing tips in a supportive setting

Attending Sonia Marsh’s book signing at Costco. She is the author of From Freeways to FlipFlops.

Left arm

Encourage and support your fellow authors by reading their books and leaving reviews for them,

Head

Apply what you learn from books, classes, and colleagues. No one can guarantee what will work best for you.
They can only tell you what worked for them. It’s up to you to test ideas and track their effectiveness.
Try some of these 50 ways to promote your book.

Butt

Write guest blogs (here’s a list of 140+ guest blogging sites)
Comment on other blogs
Ask the top reviewers in your genre to review your book.

Whole self

Commit to taking care of yourself so you’ll have the creativity and energy to market your book.
–Eat a healthy diet
–Stay hydrated
–Get plenty sleep
–Engage in the right exercise for you
Surround yourself with positive people and uplifting activities

Take your whole self out