Author’s Bakers-Dozen Marketing Points

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The Author’s Bakers-Dozen Marketing Points
By Jan Nieman

  1.  Always carry your book with you. Even at the gym, someone will ask, “What do you do?” and as you flash your book, you answer with your one minute elevator speech.
  2. Don’t become so flustered when speaking to a large group that you forget to mention your book’s title and pass out business cards.
  3. If a vendor fee is over $50, it’s probably not worth it – even some under $50 aren’t, but you never know.
  4. Be aware, that at bazaars you’ll be tempted by other vendor’s merchandise. Do not — I repeat — do not stroll around the room. Ten-to-one you’ll spend more than you receive.
  5. Always notice the exit door location and beat your audience to it after your program.
  6. Do not be waylaid by audience members asking for advice on how to market their book. Give them your card, ask them to phone, and again, get to that door!
  7. Outdoor events are:
    • Hard on tootsies. Do not wear flip-flops.
    • Windy. Bungee-cord your poster to the nearest telephone pole.
    • Sunny. Don’t forget the SPF 30.
    • Rainy. Wet books do not sell — Cancel!
  8. Retirement homes can be challenging. Ignore the resident poking her couch mate in the ribs and shouting “Emma, wake up!” Pack throat lozenges to ratchet up your speaking voice when a resident sets off the panic alarm.
  9. Do not ship twelve books without insuring them!
  10. The “Today Show” will not contact you unless you’re famous, notorious, or have a fool-proof method for losing 50 pounds in 4 weeks.
  11. When program directors, event planners, or book-store manages fail to return messages, don’t be discouraged. After a dozen calls, you’ll hear from them simply to get rid of you.
  12. Purchase a new scarf or tie every month to fool people into believing you have an extensive wardrobe and are successful (also hides neck wrinkles).
  13. When your optimism is at a low point, out of the blue, a reader will remark, “You’re a good writer. I really enjoyed your book and it sounds just like you speak,”and you arc left wondering how you “do” speak. Nuts! Consider it a compliment.

***Every day is a new day – learn from your experiences***

Print PDF file of Author’s Bakers Dozen

Brenda Spalding — Speaker March 2022

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Speaker: Brenda Spalding
Topic: How to Publish Children’s Books
March 19, 2022, 10 a.m. to Noon

brenda spalding

Location: Map
Word of Life Church
6111 South Pointe Blvd.
Fort Myers, FL 33919

Note: Google maps or your GPS may direct you to the back of the building. The entrance to the parking lot is on South Point Blvd. between Quigley Eye Specialists and Buckets Restaurant.

Brenda Spalding will present what she has learned about creating and publishing children’s books.

Brenda is the founder and president of ABC-Books, Inc. a networking organization to help other self-published authors connect and share information. They are a 501c3 and promote literacy in the area.

Brenda is an award-winning author of many children’s and adult books. She is past president of the Sarasota Branch of the National League of American Pen Women, and a member of the Sisters in Crime, Sarasota Authors Connection, and the Florida Writers Association.
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Election of Officers will be held at March meeting.

Xander Blue

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xander blueMr. Blue is most recently from Vegas, and despite the rumors and photographic evidence, he did not work at Area 51 and has never met (several times) the aliens who reside there. Transition from desert to beach life has been a wonderful and welcome change for him. He finds that Krispy Kreme at dawn watching the waves meet the shore to be pretty inspiring.

Being a time traveler afforded Xander the opportunity to learn from various sources throughout multiple timelines. He has earned a couple degrees, and then there’s that Sumerian thing from 3142 BCE. It’s written in ancient Akkadian, and Mr. Blue just can’t figure out if it is a decree to vacate Sumer… or a degree. He would like to think it is the latter.

Creating / storytelling is something that just happens, Xander can’t stop it. He has been scribbling dialog and scenes in notebooks for many years. Many. It wasn’t until mid-1492 / early 2615 that he focused, allotted the time needed, and actually worked hard at finishing a book. His first novel, Whipping Up A New Past, was self-published thru Amazon in March, 2020.

Currently, Xander is working on two novels. The first is the tale of the daring-do of Janet, a futurepastian similar to Mr. Blue. She travels from the 23rd century to the American West of 1815 to live with a Native tribe. Some nights Xander just can’t sleep because he’s thinking about the trials Janet endures and the time traveling assassin that is plotting her demise.

The second is a romance based in 21st century Miami. It’s the typical modern Florida love story with murder, dark and light magic, a leprechaun bent on ruling the world, insane Fae, shifters, and a trip to Atlantis. Oh, and cereal. Lots of cereal.

Xander’s website

Xander’s books