For years, I've had a love-hate relationship with MySpace.

When it first launched, I thought it rocked. There really wasn't anything quite like it. I met some cool folks in publishing, learned about new writers and groups and was able to keep up with some good friends.

It didn't take long for the Dark Side of MySpace (I'm in a Star Wars mood.) to rear its ugly head and make the site a cesspool of raunchy, troll behavior and youthful goth idiocy. They started an area for books, but it never seemed to work like the music section - which boomed.

When I finally joined Facebook, I found my audience. 

After about five years on the site, with few contacts and a LOT of spam and creepy emails, I decided to delete my account.

This wasn't an overnight decision. As much as I don't like the site, I had several qualms about deleting that account. I asked myself:

• Am I going to miss out on contacts? 
• What if someone takes my name and makes it a porn site and I lose out on work?
• What if someone needs to touch base with me and they cannot find me because they aren't on any site but MySpace?
• What am I missing if I'm not on MySpace?

After a lot of (unnecessary) soul-searching, I wrote out a list of exactly how I use MySpace. What I found was that I didn't use it often enough and got nothing out of it when I did log in. I was also concerned about hacking. I logged in so little on the site, I was afraid someone could easily tap into it and add some photos of genitalia or other equally mortifying flare. 

Since I don't log in much, I obviously don't keep up with folks on MySpace. Plus, when I am on there, I notice that many use third-party applications to update their streams. It's not like they are "live" where we can chat.

Branding is a bit of a sticking point - one that I haven't completely resolved. Do I really want to give up the network name? For once, I was able to get my own name without any numbers or extra letters. What if another Angela Wilson takes it over and makes it a porn site?

I have to remind myself that there are hundreds of social networks out there and I am only on a handful of them. I cannot control branding on each network.

Reasons I'm just not that into MySpace:

Loaded. When MySpace started putting up homepage backgrounds with heavy graphics and movie clips, my Internet connection revolted. No way can the AT&T crapless wireless connect handle these graphics - even in a 3G network. The site is not designed for anyone with less than high speed DSL, which eliminates anyone in rural areas and the occasional urban dial up pockets. It has definitely streamlined from the last time I logged in, but it still slow. For the most part, Facebook moves quickly, unless I'm in the highly-addictive Movie quizzes section. Then, all bets are off.

Trashy. Too many ads, worse "come-on" emails than lines I'd hear in a bar, few groups I like and too many nasty commenters. MySpace is bad about not patrolling profiles for inappropriate content, or managing bad comments. 

Unfriendly. On MySpace, I had 167 friends, many of them true friends and not just network contacts.  I have more than 800 on Facebook, many in publishing. Obviously, this is highly important for me personally and professionally. Also, several business clients are on Facebook and I can easily connect with them. I've sent pitches to reporters, responded to urgent questions, requested books and interviews and attended events on Facebook. I've had no luck with any of those things on MySpace.

Are you on MySpace? How has it worked for you? Share your thoughts and your handles in the comments.

You can find me on Facebook, or email

One of the most annoying questions I receive from authors and publicists is, "Where is my book review link?"

Book reviews are fluid animals in the online realm and are posted when 1) the post had been uploaded 2) the post has been edited and 3) when the host has a slot open for it. (Virtual book tours tend to have solid deadlines.)

Why is this so annoying? Most requests are so general, it is obvious that the author or publicist didn't even bother to check the site first.  As a VBT host, this says to me:

1. If they don't check the site, then they don't subscribe to our RSS or bother to visit at least once a week.
2. If they don't subscribe or visit, then they likely aren't driving traffic to our site.
3. If they aren't driving traffic to our site by adding us to a blogroll or checking it out themselves, then they don't care about our site.
4. If they don't care about our site, then why should I care about their books?

When the "Where's the Beef" lady asked that very question, she looked at the product before uttering the famous line from the Wendy's campaign. If you want links to your book reviews, shouldn't you at least look before you ask?

For those who appreciate vintage campaigns, I've included a YouTube snippet of one of the "Where's the Beef" commercials, the brilliant, long-lasting marketing campaign for Wendy's in the 1980s. Come on, how many of you still have a T-shirt with the phrase buried in the closet?

Lately, many authors and publicists have tried to dictate the time a review runs. 

Some have even suggested that they won't send books unless reviews post when they want them to.

It's not a bad thing to tell reviewers what period of time you'd like a review to run, but to try to specify a specific date - or a short time-span - that it runs is a bit obnoxious.

Trying to dictate a blogger's editorial schedule is like telling the editor of a newspaper what stories they will run and when. (Anyone who has dealt with the media knows just how far that goes - and also knows it alienates the media.)

Sometimes bloggers just cannot guarantee a review's post date - or even a time frame. Unlike virtual book tour slots - which are typically set in stone - reviews are much more fluid and are more likely to be bumped for breaking news or other items.

Bloggers might be able to post them during a certain time period, but likely won't be able to accommodate a specific date demand - and if they are smart, they will never do so. It sets a terrible precedent and gives authors and publishers too much control over blog content, which will eventually put the blog's reputation.

There are many reasons why reviews could take a while to post. Reviewers could be snowed under with ARCs. ARCs that have an earlier street date will take priority - especially if your book has been out a while. ARCs get lost in the mail and have to be resent. Reviewers quit. Servers go down. Natural disasters can hit and put everything on hold. (Yes, it has happened.)

One thing to remember is that many online reviewers are volunteers. They read and write reviews because they enjoy it. Sometimes, though, these review assignments must take a backburner to higher life priorities. That means that the deadline you've set simply cannot be met.

Most reviewers are going to post the reviews as close to the street date as possible. However, it never hurts to let them know your heaviest promotional time when you pitch your book to them. Be subtle, not demanding. Here is an example:

I think my latest SF/F novel would be a terrific fit for your site. The book will be available beginning Nov. 21 in bookstores everywhere, and on my Web site. I would love to offer a copy to your reviewers. From Nov. 15 to Dec. 21 I will be promoting the book through virtual book tour stops. If you have a date available and would like a guest blog or interview, please let me know.

Thanks for your time!

When you pitch your book, do you request a date for the book review?

Recently, I've received an influx of invites on Facebook from people who enjoy showing off their body parts.

Typically, I just ignore them until they go away. While I'm not a prude, I'm also not interested in networking with folks who cannot have some sense of decorum in a network I use for both personal and professional reasons. 

Last week, though, I received an invite from a woman who thought her breasts were her greatest asset. They spilled out of a teenie tank for all the world to see - including me, someone who does NOT know her.

I'd finally had enough. Who were these these people sending me friend requests? Was there something in my profile sending them my way? How could I make it stop? Were they following me from MySpace, which I dumped for this very reason?

I decided to check out this person's profile. Can you guess?

She was an author searching for an agent.

I was blown away. This sort of drunken-looking pose was supposed to make her a literary catch? I could not help but ask myself, What was she thinking?!?

For some, photos like this might be fun to take at parties and share later - privately - with friends, but to make it public for the viewing pleasure of millions is, in many instances, career suicide. Even if your profile is private, the profile photo is still available on most networks.

If you are serious about your craft,  think about your image with everything you post - especially photos.

If photos speak a thousand words, what do your public photos say about YOU?

Do you want to buy my book?!?!

Great advice, Angela! I wonder how you go about finding the right reader networks for your genre. I write YA fantasy, as yet unpubbed. What do you recommend? I want to be ready to build a reader network when I sell my novel. Thanks!

Coming up on Wednesday: Tips from authors on how to find your audience.

     
Gale Laure/Evolution of a Sad Woman

So you want to be an author. You have a wonderful novel that you have written. Your heart and soul went into this work. It is unique. You have been told it is quite good. So what is next?

You have to sell your novel to the world! This is the hard part. Writing the book was the easy part.

When I wrote my novel, <i>Evolution of a Sad Woman</i>, I was on top of the world. I thought everyone would find out about my novel and want to read it. My publisher had it listed on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Buy.com, Tower, Target, Hastings and everywhere worldwide. So I was all set.

Wrong!

My novel was listed with all the other millions and millions of books. So it was just a little straw in a large pile of hay.

In the world today, an author must get attention for the book they have just written. You must draw attention to yourself. How do you do that?

My father who worked in sales his whole life once taught me a very valuable lesson. People buy from people they know. They must feel comfortable with you before they will buy from you. They must like you. It is no different for an author.

Readers must know you. Here are some tips to help you with your mission.

• People want to know about you. Get on every social media network you can. Join Twitter, Facebook, Authorsden, Goodreads, Shoutlife, myspace, YouTube and any other one you can find. Know that this will take time.
• Participate with the media networks listed above. Share little things about yourself. You do not have to get really personal if you do not wish. But they must get to know you.
• Tell them about your novel. Tell them about your writing experiences. It can actually be fun. You can make some wonderful, new friends.
• Plan a small book tour for yourself. Visit local bookstores first. Meet with the Book Manager. Tell them about your novel. Give them a copy to read. If they like your novel, they may be willing to host a book signing. Make sure to include a biography. Remember you must sell yourself first. Do remember they are busy people. Visit with them when it is convenient for them.
• Plan a virtual blog book tour. There are wonderful companies who can do this for you. You either can find a company or have your publisher find one for you. These companies can find the appropriate blogs for you book genre, set up the blog tour stops, help you decide what to write for the post and arrange stops at radio stations. Reviewers can also be arranged for you. You will have to write some, so be prepared.
• Always conduct yourself in a professional manner. Proofreading everything you write is a must. Look for errors.
• Always have business cards with information about your novel with you. You can give them out in restaurants, stores, waiting in offices or long lines. Do not just walk around handing them out. Strike up a conversation with someone. When – or if – the conversations get around to your novel, give them a card.
• Always smile. People love to be around people who smile. Make their day better with your smile.
• Have a launch party. My launch party was hosted in another town from my residence. A very nice art gallery was kind enough to host mine for me. Invite people and invite the media.
• Send out news releases to newspapers, magazines, radio and television personalities. Always include a biography. They must know you also. Sell yourself and you may sell some books.
• Organize your time every day. Plan how long you will spend marketing your book either on the Internet or in person.

Remember that you are selling yourself first. Once people – whether on the Internet or in the local bookstore – feel they know you and like you, they will want to buy your book.
Smile and keep it fun!

About the author

Gale Laure is known for her informal Southern style of writing. Books written by Gale Laure include her current debut, mystery,suspense, thriller romance, Evolution of a Sad Woman. It is selling as an e-book, Kindle and as a trade softcover paperback internationally.

For more information about Gale Laure visit www.galelaure.com (website), www.evolutionofasadwoman.com (blog) or the following: www.twitter.com/wwwgalelaurecom , www.facebook.com/Author.GaleLaure , www.authorsden.com/galelaure , www.goodreads.com/galelaureauthor , www.myspace.com/galelaure-author .

   
James Diehl/World War II Heroes of Southern Delaware

When it comes to promoting a new project, I like to use a lot of the new techniques available today, including Web-based press releases, blogging and online video. But I also use traditional methods like press releases, newspaper interviews, book signings and sending information out via “snail mail.” That’s particularly true for my latest project, World War II Heroes of Southern Delaware,” because the older segment of my target audience doesn’t necessarily use computers on a daily basis. As such, I felt it was necessary to reach out to them in specific ways.

I had good success with a simple postcard about the book that featured a discounted rate if orders were placed prior to its official release date. I sent these out to contacts in my local area who were already a part of my mailing list, as well as to people throughout the country who showed up on several Google searches I conducted. For this project, I searched for World War II groups, historians and veteran’s organizations – basically, any group I felt would be interested in a unique book about World War II.

In addition to the postcard, I also beefed up my Web site by creating a video trailer for my book. I worked with a very talented local videographer to develop the piece. Developing the video even morphed into a new project we’re working on together, a documentary about World War II from the perspective of men who were actually there. I posted my video on YouTube and on my Web site and sent out a press release about it. It really helped a lot in terms of exposing the project to a wider audience.

I’ve also taken greater advantage of the Internet by embarking on a six-week virtual book tour. This is a new concept to me, but one that I see a lot of potential in. I’m anxious to see what the long-term results are from this tour.

While utilizing all of these new elements, I’m also staying true to the time-tested methods of promotion. I’m a partner in a Delaware-based public relations and marketing company, and I know that traditional marketing methods can still produce good numbers if done correctly. Through content marketing, I’m working on establishing myself as a local and regional expert on World War II and am also making as many appearances in the area as possible. One day, I could be speaking to members of a historical society; the next, I could be holding a book signing at a community event. The more you get out there and talk about your book, the better off you’ll be.

That’s really what it all comes down to. You could write the greatest book in the world – if no one knows about it, it won’t matter one tiny bit. You have to get out there and speak about your project with passion and with zest.

Believe in yourself and in what you’ve been able to put together. After all, if you don’t, who will?

Thanks again for allowing me this time to talk about the many opportunities available in regards to book promotion. I wish you all the very best.

About the author

James Diehl is an award-winning journalist who has covered Sussex County, Delaware for various media outlets since 1998. Since 2007, he has owned and operated a freelance writing company based in Seaford, Delaware and is also a partner in a Lewes, Delaware-based public relations and marketing firm. He is the author of one other work of non-fiction – Remembering Sussex County, from Zwaanendael to King Chicken, published in 2009 by The History Press.

James can be found online at www.twitter.com/sussexwriter, at www.facebook.com/sussexwriter, at www.worldwar2heroes.blogspot.com or via www.ww2-heroes.com.

Time management is key to writing - and marketing - success!

No matter where you are in the writing process and how many books you have written so far, I'm sure you agree with me that writing is one of the most fulfilling activities in the world (with a few frustrations every now and then). However, most authors, including me, need to divide their time among writing, their day job, friends, family, hobbies, and yes, we would also like to sleep sometimes. (Although if your best writing ideas wake you up at 3am every night, you stand no chance. Since I started writing, I've been building up a serious sleep deficit.)

When I was writing my newest book, Tales for Delicious Girls, I felt like I didn't have time for anything and especially for myself. When I was working, I wanted to write, when I was writing, I wanted to spend time with my family and friends, and my beagle was getting seriously obese because long walks were something he couldn't even dream of.

Soon I realized that I couldn't carry on like that much longer and I needed a strict daily schedule so that I could squeeze in writing, my work and some fun too. It was not that difficult in the end and I think I managed quite well, so let me share a few tips for busy writers which I hope make your days a little bit less crazy.

Get your priorities straight. You're not a superhero, you can't do everything and you shouldn't even try to unless you want to go insane. When you're writing a book, it should definitely be one of your top priorities, so put it on the list. Your job is another priority because unless your name is Dan Brown, you probably need some extra income (at least until your book becomes a bestseller). Friends and family should be on the list too - for an absolutely selfish reason: You need someone who supports you when you get desperate or develop a writer's block. Hobbies? Be realistic about them and keep just one. I suggest it's a physical activity because the lack of it is a common issue with writers.

Be creative about your schedule. If you work nine to five, it's pretty clear how much time you spend at work. If you're a freelancer like me, your schedule is probably more unpredictable but try to be reasonable about your projects. Remember to organize your work around your writing, not vice versa. Decide to dedicate a certain amount of time to writing every day, without exception. For example, I usually write in the morning, work in the afternoon and do book marketing in the evening. When things get really busy, I get up one hour earlier in the morning to write.

One day for yourself, one day for your family and friends. In order to stay sane, you need time for yourself. For me it's usually Saturday when I try not to work and not to write, unless it's absolutely necessary (and I mean absolutely necessary), and I do things that have nothing to do with work, writing and other people. It doesn't really matter what you do as long as it makes you happy. Go on a day trip out of town, go on a hike, get your hair done, be a couch potato, it's up to you! Just switch off your brain and do something for yourself. When you feel relaxed and happy, you can dedicate the next day to your family and friends, which is what I do on Sundays. Have lunch at your parents', meet friends in the afternoon, make time for all the people you love.

Putting your free time, hobbies and friends on the schedule might sound a bit weird at first, but it's the best way to juggle writing and work and still have some fun. Ian Fleming said in 1962: "Being a comparatively successful author is a good life." Which is very true if you know how to organize this good life of yours.

About the author

Barbora Knobova/Tales for Delicious Girls

Barbora Knobova is a writer, love coach and expert in Delicious Life. A world traveler, she is one of those rare world citizens who live everywhere and nowhere. Barbora is a firm believer in female friendship, loyalty and bonding. She writes hilarious, sharp-witted, caustically apt, ironic, moving, true books for strong, independent, smart, fearless women. Barbora has also written several self-improvement books and teaches women about the importance of self-love in relationships and life in general. Barbora speaks eight languages and has found her home away from home in New York, London and Milan. She is always on the move, accompanied by her beagle Brinkley, the nasty dog from her new book Tales for Delicious Girls. http://www.barboraknobova.com

Carol Buchanan

Ever been caught in the “if onlys”? If only you had more time you could write a novel. If only you didn’t have to clean the house, wash the dog, or change the oil in the car.

If only we had more time. Guess what? Everyone has all the time there is. 24 X 7. That’s it.

Telling myself that “if only” I had more time I’d write a great novel is my best excuse. “If only” I had more time, I’d have written this post last week. Instead, I’m on deadline because I didn’t act on four principles of managing time:

• Set a Goal
• Make a Task List
• Prioritize the Tasks
• Schedule the Tasks
• Focus

Set a Goal

What do you want to accomplish?

To meet your goals, set them with reasonable expectations and make them controllable. If you haven’t written a novel before, setting a goal of publishing one in 2010 is neither reasonable nor controllable. It’s a recipe for failure.

A reasonable goal might be to learn how to write a novel. It’s also controllable. You can take classes, read books on how to write novels, join a critique group.

Unless you self-publish, a goal of publishing a novel is not under your control. It depends on agents’ and publishers’ opinions of your work, which you can’t control.

Assuming your goal is under your control, how do you accomplish it?

Make a Task List

What must happen in order for you to achieve that goal? Write down everything you can think of. Your list might be something like this:

Take classes in writing fiction.
Read books on writing fiction.
Join a critique group.

Then list all the items you need to accomplish each one. Taking a class might involve:

Find the right class.

• Research classes at local colleges.
• Research online classes.

Decide on a class.

• What can I learn from this class?
• Can I afford it?
• When is it offered? Does it fit my schedule?

Register for the class.

Making a list is continuous. I adjust mine frequently, and revise as needed.

Prioritize the Tasks

Assign A, B, or C to each task. Most time management systems suggest making task lists, but seldom do they suggest prioritizing them. Yet without prioritizing tasks, I jump from one thing to another with little progress toward my goals.

Assigning priorities can be difficult. We all have families that depend on us, jobs with bosses, household chores. We shop for groceries if we want to eat. Babies have to be fed, the cats has to be taken to the vet, the horse has to be shod.

In general, assign A to necessary tasks, i.e., those that have to be done, that are time-sensitive, or that are more important than others.

Assign B to tasks that aren’t so important as A but can’t be put off very long.

Assign C to tasks that can be forgotten about for the time being. In fact, C tasks are those that you need not think of until someone else (your boss, your spouse, your child) reminds you: “What do you think of my planning memo?” (Great, but I haven’t thoroughly absorbed all of its points.) “Did you take the lawnmower to be sharpened yet?” (The grass is only six inches high.) “Did you take out the garbage?” (Oh, that’s that funny smell.) “Did you fix my bike?” (You can get your driver’s license is ten years.)

In general for me, writing is A; watering indoor plants, marketing, and answering e-mail are B; and housecleaning is C.

Schedule the Tasks

Get tough, unless it’s not possible. Find a time when you can write, block it out for yourself, and stick to it. Be as serious about it as you are with any other block of time you consider inviolate. For a writer, writing time is sacred. If you don’t hold it sacred, no one else will.
I’ve arrived at a point in my life when I can declare writing time off limits to anything else.

Before that, I wrote in cracks of time. Now, the cracks are wider, but I’ve also gotten tougher about maintaining my writing time. I told a friend that I guard writing time like Mama Grizzly with cubs. She said, “I know. I know.”

Pick the time when you do your best writing. Or make time when you can. Some years ago, I heard Mona Van Duyn, America’s first woman Poet Laureate, speak. Afterwards, I asked, “When do you write?” She said, “In the bathroom at three o’clock in the morning.”

If you must write, you will find the time.

Focus

To make the most of whatever time you have, focus. Concentrate. On the story, the characters, the language. The writing.

This may sound like sacrilege, but forget word counts. For some people, setting a goal of X words is a fine idea. For me, it’s not.

I like Truman Capote’s take on word count. An interviewer asked how many words he had written that day.

“One,” said the writer whose In Cold Blood broke new literary ground.

“One word for a whole day’s work?”

“Ah, but it was the right word.”

Sometimes during my writing time I make a decision or have an insight into a character that needs thought. I might not write a word, but during the next days my fingers fly and the story rolls.

Final Words

If life happens, and the dog sicks up on the rug, or the baby does, or you can’t put off the laundry another moment because public nudity is not socially acceptable and besides it’s cold out there, don’t beat yourself up.

Writing will happen. If only you give it a chance.

Book Reviewer Linkup Meme

John Ottinger's Grasping the Wind blog offers an incredible resource for speculative fiction, horror and fantasy authors searching for sites that will review their work. Today, Ottinger shares how his blog started.

In 2004, at the prompting of a friend, I began a little blog called Grasping for the Wind. After some time flailing around to find my voice, I finally settled on covering the literature of science fiction and fantasy, with occasional forays into other media.

During my flailing period, I used all sorts of marketing tools. One of these was something called the Z-list, a list of websites that when you found it, you were supposed to copy and paste to your own site and then add your name to the bottom. The idea was to use the linking power of the internet to increase everyone’s pageranks in things like Technorati and Google. And it worked.

So one day in December 2008, as I was pondering how best to promote my blog now that it had found its voice, the old Z-list idea came back to me, but with a twist. I would focus exclusively on science fiction and fantasy review blogs. I started the list with only 30 sites listed, and asked everyone to take the list, put it on their blog, and I would use the referring links to build up the database. So I built the SF/F/H Reviewer’s Linkup Meme. (i.e. science fiction, fantasy, horror)

This was a lot of work, and took me several weeks with multiple daily updates to keep track of all the links flooding in. But even so, it wouldn’t have gone very far except that GalleyCat, a premier publisher’s blog, picked up the concept and announced it to the world, and Tor.com, then in its fledgling stages, also took the list and posted it to their site. Between these two and all the mentions on other small to medium size blogs like mine, everyone’s page rank and Technorati rating got a boost. Many new readers were introduced to blogs they would not have found otherwise. The list even spawned a song and had one blogger review each blog in the list.

In August of 2009, I decided the list needed another update, and although the response was not as heavy this time, there was still a good response, even getting the list posted at Publisher’s Weekly Genreville Blog as the first place to go to look for other reviewers. This time, I added the ability to sign up through a simple form that made it easier and less time-consuming for me to collect all the information, and made it easier to add the new blogs rapidly to the list. The second iteration did well, and there are many new blogs on the list to find in all the various subgenres. I still get emails from people thanking me for the concept.

I expect that in the future I will have other iterations of the SF/F/H Reviewers Linkup Meme. Several ideas are bouncing around in my head for using the simplest aspect of the internet, the link, to promote all that is great in science fiction and fantasy.

About the blogger:

John Ottinger is an unemployed teacher who lives in Orlando, FL. His reviews, interviews and articles have appeared in Publisher’s Weekly, Strange Horizons, The Fix, Sacramento Book Review, Stephen Hunt’s SFCrowsnest, Thaumatrope, and at Tor.com. He blogs regularly at Grasping for the Wind.