Savvy Authors - Passionate about Promotion by Robin E. Matheson

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If you want to write a winning pitch, study winning pitches.

Savvy Authors - Results are in for the Pitch to Alicia Condon of Kensington Books
One way to write a better pitch is to study the components of winning pitches. Here's a list of the superb pitches that caught the eye of Alicia Condon, Editor at Kensington Books. A very real feather in these authors' caps. Great day to be on that list. Congrats to the writers, Ms. Condon, and, of course, Savvy Authors for holding the pitch contest.

Link to connect all the pitches submitted.
http://www.savvyauthors.com/vb/content.php?2210-Pitch-your-book-to-Alicia-Condon-Editor-at-Kensington
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Being a More Responsible Blogger | Smexy Books

Being a More Responsible Blogger | Smexy Books
Learn about copyright laws. Ignorance is not an excuse. Bloggers can be sued for images.
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Enough said.


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Developing a Marketing Plan Before You Sell Your Manuscript. Repost: Oh No, I Sold My First Book by Karen Sue Burns

Savvy Authors - Oh No, I Sold My First Book by Karen Sue Burns

BY KAREN SUE BURNS Author of IN HOT PURSUIT
Do not forget that everything comes back to your available time. Authors are busy people with day jobs, partners, children, parents, friend, pets . . . these are all things that suck time away from writing and then promoting. And they are all things that are a huge part of your non-writing life. Organization and planning ahead will work for you in conquering the writing part of your life.

There are other things I wish I had looked into or completed prior to my release day:


· Seriously thought about the target audience for my book
· Researched how to use Goodreads in general and as an author
· Set up an account on Pinterest and posted travel photo's and my favorite recipe
· Talked to published authors I know as to what promotion efforts have worked for them
· Developed a good list of review sites where I could send my book for an objective review
· Developed a good list of blogs that are receptive to guest blogs from romance authors
· Analyzed the usefulness of LinkedIn, Triberr, Squidoo, etc for promotion
· Researched how to do ads, contests, and sweepstakes to attract readers
· Looked into author newsletters and how to compile a mailing list of readers
· Prepared a list of blog topics for guest blogs as well as my own blog
· Researched blog tours and blog hops, what would work best for me?
· Created a template for a press release for my local newspaper
· Made a list of everyone I know who might have a media contact
· Researched vendors for print media — bookmarks, trading cards, postcards, giveaways, etc. — and don't forget about business cards
· Set up Google Alerts on my website
· Made a commitment to myself to post a blog on my website at least weekly
· Developed a list of organizations where I could promo my book or that might have a tie in to the novel itself (example: Yorkshire Terrier plays a key role in the plot, contact the local Yorkie Kennel Club, dog food suppliers, pet stores)
· Compiled a list of local groups for speaking, i.e. talking about writing or about travel
· Kept notes of good promo ideas from the many writing loops I read daily
· Made a list of vendors who could help me with any of the above

Isn't hindsight wonderful?

Let's be honest, no way can an author do ALL of the above. You must determine what you are comfortable with, what works with your goals, and what you have time for so that writing your next great novel isn't compromised. It's much easier to figure out your comfort level before your first release day than after. Planning is your friend!

Last thought: Document your plan for promotion and make a list of five concrete actions you will take. Determine the amount of $$, if any, you are willing to devote to the effort. Allow yourself the luxury of being flexible with your plan — it's dynamic, not static. Permit your innate creativity to color all that you do with promotion and marketing.

If you remain focused, your train will come.
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INCANDESCENT by MV Freeman. Romance Magicians: BOOK LAUNCH: Come Celebrate!

Romance Magicians: BOOK LAUNCH: Come Celebrate!:   Today is the debut of M.V. Freeman's first book, an Urban Fantasy Romance (or Paranormal, I'm not picky), Please come celebrate with her and fellow ...

M.V. Freeman's website.
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Writing Craft. Showing Emotions Instead of Telling. Part 1.

Blushing. Silently, effectively conveying discomfort or the "veil of love" as  Charles Darwin proposed in his book, The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals, 1872 (Third Edition edited by Paul Ekmann.)  How many times have authors written about that one feature? Countless.

Writing for emotion impact is the challenging part of story creation. Not news, right? But what's the answer for such a simple question. Study emotions. Simple answer but not so easy.

Learning to see with the non-verbal eye beyond what others say or, perhaps don't actually say. Words are tricky, getting in the way of what we wish to convey, limiting us as soon as they are spoken.  We have word choices to connect as well as disconnect, distance, or hide our true feelings.

In writing, the words we choose, placed just so, imbue a scene or exchange between characters with emotional charge that will connect, bond, and resonate with our readers. World building, creates the illusion that we share the story. The ability to draw a reader, begins and ends within the emotional landscape of the story, binding our readers to our characters, their conflicts, so that the lines and boundaries of the book or screen fall away.

What are the tools ?

Comprehend how emotions play out from psyche to physique. We come from a species that has limited and highly recognizable ways that emotions are displayed. There are seven core emotions: anger, joy, rage, sadness, disgust, contempt, and surprise. The face is a "snapshot" of these emotions that can be studied. Appendages accessories to further speak the unspoken. Once the keys are known, it is far easier to unlock or show character action that fully convey invisible emotions rather than tell.

Reknown pyschologist, Paul Ekman's Facial Action Coding System offers training in recognizing feelings in those close to us as well as strangers who we people watch.

F.A.C.E. Training Link

For thirty years, Dr. Edman has studied and teaches others how emotions impact facial muscles, changing the appearance of the face.




Charting the muscles underlying facial actions (AUs), here in the upper face. AUs 1 & 2—inner and outer parts of the frontalispull the medial and lateral parts of the forehead skin up; AU 4—combination of corrugator, procerus, and depressor supercilii pull the brow down and together; AUs 6 & 7—outer and inner parts of orbicularis oculi raise the cheek around the eye and tighten the eyelid. Image from a revised CD-ROM version of Facial Action Coding System by Paul Ekman, Wallace Friesen, and Joseph Hager.
Above Reference:http://cabinetmagazine.org/issues/31/turner.php

How can facial mapping help a writer?

Dialogue in writing is nothing like real life. Character speech that is on-point can be toxic to excitement. Hidden meaning, using dialogue to uncover character personality attributes, motivation, and emotional context is well down by the use of facial mapping. The pulling together of brows, flattening of the nose, slight flare in the nostrils could be a sign of anger characteristic of the hero who never says what he thinks or the person who is not at liberty to relay their emotions.

Along with the visceral reactions, internalizations, accurate body language ties an emotionally charged scene together, creating greater depth in writing by autheticity.

It's not enough to research scene environments, historical movements, political unrest. An author first and foremost must be an authority on knowing the human emotional signals.

Stay tuned for Part 2 - BODY SPEAK- Nonverbal Communication
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Savvy Authors - Writing Books in a Series by Billi Jean

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Savvy Authors - Pitch your book to Libby Murphy, Editor at Entangled Publishing


by Dawn McClure
Published: August 26th, 2012

Article Preview

The last (but certainly not least!) pitch session of the week! Libby Murphy, Editor at Entangled Publishing, will be reading three line pitches one day only, August 26, 2012. This opportunity is open to all Premium Savvy Authors Members.

Savvy Authors - Pitch your book to Libby Murphy, Editor at Entangled Publishing

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INBETWEEN New Release by Tara Fuller

NEW Inbetween by Tara Fuller: Cover, Book Trailer, and Excerpt!
Jul 16, 2012
by StaceyONeale
Entangled Link: Inbetween Post by Stacey O'Neal at Entangled
Since the car crash that took her father’s life two years ago, Emma’s life has been a freaky—and unending—lesson in caution. Surviving “accidents” has taken priority over being a normal seventeen-year-old, so Emma spends her days taking pictures of life instead of living it. Falling in love with a boy was never part of the plan. Falling for a reaper who makes her chest ache and her head spin? Not an option. It’s not easy being dead; especially for a reaper in love with a girl fate has put on his list not once, but twice. Finn’s fellow reapers give him hell about spending time with Emma, but Finn couldn’t let her die before, and he’s not about to let her die now. He will protect the girl he loves from the evil he accidentally unleashed, even if it means sacrificing the only thing he has left. His soul.
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Help us share BLISS...

Help us share BLISS...

Bliss Launches this Saturday, August 25th!
Find your bliss during this amazing launch celebration. Win an eReader from Entangled Publishing and prizes from the following author sponsored contests!
Grab our button and share on your blog. We’d appreciate the love!
* * *
Coming tomorrow!

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LUCKY BREAK
by Kelley Vitollo

GET YOUR LUCKY BLISS BREAK
For readers and their sweethearts! We are inviting couples to share their love story with Bliss. Two winners will receive the following prizes: A cameo appearance in one of Kelley’s upcoming novels and a free signed copy of Lucky Break (via Kindlegraph), or a set of his and hers Lucky’s beers mugs.
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THREE RIVER RANCH
by Roxanne Snopek

SHOW YOUR WILD SIDE & WIN!
Service dogs and horses are a big part of Roxanne’s story so we’re asking readers to share their favorite picture of their pooch or horse for a chance to win one of the following prizes: A cameo appearance in one of Roxanne’s upcoming novels or a gift card to Pet Smart!
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SUGAR RUSH
by Rachel Astor

TEMPT US & WIN!

A chocolate competition is at the heart of this novel and we are asking readers to name a decadent chocolate confection. Entrants have the chance to win a gift certificate to Godiva !
Contest details will be announced right here on the Entangled in Romance Blog , author websites, and social media outlets beginning Tuesday, August 28th! Share the spoils with your readers! Follow and friend the authors to stay connecected during the launch celebration.

Find your Bliss at Facebook and on Twitter
And now a message from Stacy Abrams, Editorial Director of Bliss, the newest digital imprint from Entangled Publishing!
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SFR Brigade: One small step against Piracy?

SFR Brigade: One small step against Piracy?: A short while ago, author Allie Ritch did a post on ways for people to have free reads without using pirate sites and ripping off authors an...
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Science Fiction Meets Romance. Oh, Baby!

By Susan Taylor



With a new manuscript, really a new world, I wanted to discuss the subgenre or rather lack there of. Science fiction romance, also known as romance attached to timetravel, futuristic, dystopian, speculative fiction as well as YA subgenres. I belong to the Romance Writers of America (RWA) because of my interest in promoting the reading and writing of love stories. This is a place, online and within my community where I can find support for my craft.  But we need to pursue starting a charter that distinguishes science fiction romance. Now. 

Why? Unfortunately RWA does not provide a subgenre category yet for science fiction romance and still places futuristic tales within the subgenre of paranormal. According to RWA.org science fiction, "Romance novels in which the future, a fantasy world, or paranormal happenings are an integral part of the plot." http://www.rwa.org/cs/romance_literature_subgenres

Linnea Sinclair, RWA Member
Well, not that holding court with Twilight would ever be a bad thing, it's just that I'm not writing about a vampire or a shapeshifter or using magic.

My aim is the creation of technology to create worlds that are different from the one we currently inhabit. So before going on, we should further define what science fiction romance is before we delve into the topic.

From Science Fiction Romance Brigade (SFR Brigade) http://sfrbrigade.webs.com/aboutus.htmsure "Science Fiction Romance, within the context of this blog, is any original work of fiction that contains futuristic or imaginative settings where technology (not magic) and human or alien characters are the focus (not vampires, werewolves, shapeshifters or other traditional fantasy characters)."

Here's an article from Harlequin about sci-fi.Please visit Carina Press to learn more about science fiction romance available today.nLink: Carina Press Imprint of Harlequin

Sci-fi is for women, too



J. L. Hilton, circa 1978
I remember when the first episode of “Star Trek: The Next Generation” aired, and Patrick Stewart declared that the crew of the Enterprise would “boldly go where no ONE has gone before.” In the original Star Trek, they were only going where no MAN has gone before.
As a girl who grew up with Star Wars and Battlestar Gallactica toys instead of Barbies, that difference meant the universe to me. But guys didn’t get it. They would say, “When Captain Kirk said ‘man’ he meant the whole human race, OK?” OK. But with ST:TNG, I finally felt included in the ranks of sci-fi geekery.
Science fiction continues to be viewed by many as a man’s genre. Women, in their Federation-issue miniskirts and skinny cylon hotness, are just there as fanboy eye-candy. Did Han Solo ever end up in sexy slave garb? No, he did not.

It was important to me, when I wrote STELLARNET REBEL, that I created SF for everyone.
There’s technology, video games, lasers, aliens, fights and explosions. But the main character, Genevieve O’Riordan, is a woman. Not a man’s idea of a woman, like Robert Heinlein’s “Friday,” who felt just fine after being brutally raped and tortured. But an individual with realistic feelings, reactions and faults.
And Genny’s fellow heroes are not “typical” men—since they’re not men at all, they’re aliens. Duin and Belloc are Glin, a race in which the sexes are the same size and gender characteristics only appear after puberty. This not only shapes the dynamics of their culture, but affects how they relate to Genny throughout the novel.
My heroine is not just eye candy. Her genetic modifications might make her attractive by human standards. But that doesn’t mean much to aliens derisively called “frogs” because of their skin colors, large eyes and webbed fingers. It’s her personality, intelligence and loyalty that make her desirable. She’s no damsel in distress but saves her own butt and the butts of others—usually by some combination of wit, resourcefulness and courage, not just brute strength and a gun.
Who is your favorite SF heroine and why? Is SF still dominated by men, or is this changing? I’d love to hear your thoughts. One lucky commenter will receive promo items including your very own labradorite nagyx pendant on recycled sari silk cord—designed to look just like the “soul stone” necklace that plays an important role in STELLARNET REBEL—and a $10 gift certificate to ThinkGeek. Recipient will be announced in the comments on January 11.
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Welcome to Asteria, a corporate-owned, deep-space colony populated with refugees, criminals and obsessive online gamers. Genny O’Riordan has shifted in from Earth determined to find a story that will break her blog into the Stellarnet Top 100, and even better—expose the degradation of the colony’s denizens.
Duin is an alien—a Glin—a hero of a past revolution against the Glin royal family, yet branded a terrorist. Duin speaks every day in the Asteria market, hoping to spur humans to aid his home world, which has been overtaken by the evil, buglike Tikati.
When Genny and Duin meet, what begins with a blog post becomes a dangerous web of passion and politics as they struggle to survive not only a war but the darker side of humanity…
Read an excerpt of STELLARNET REBEL or buy it now.
Follow Genny and Duin on Twitter. Belloc will join them at the appropriate point in their timeline.
Follow the author at JLHilton.com or Facebook, Twitter, deviantART, Goodreads and Google+.
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Savvy Authors - Pitch your book to Susan Sipal and Ellen Brock, Editors at Musa Publishing

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Savvy Authors - Pitch your book to Carina Press!

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Traction and Momentum for Book Releases


After the cake is eaten, the friends leave, and book blog tours wind down, what is an author to do between book releases? Yes, writing the next story takes top billing but what about the "to do" list for the current book on the market? Somewhere, some how an author, especially today, must find the means to get the word out about their book. Do you have the funds to hire a PR team or are you a new author, who is being held accountable for doing their own shout-outs? Along the spectrum, you pose and look for ways to not only find your footing but keep the buzz going, at least, long enough to see you through to the next release. That's the sounds like a reasonable scenario. Right? But where are the directions on what to do?

Look no further! Below you'll find several some good ways to keep your book in public view.
Lulu's Blog-How to Get Your Book Into Libraries

Quality – Give Them Something to Work With:

A quickly diminishing stereotype of self-published books is that they are of poor quality. Lulu works to erase all of the preconceptions about self-published titles and helps authors create quality products that can sit on a shelf next to any best-seller. As long as an author takes his or her time to create a professional book that is formatted and edited well, then there is no reason a Lulu book can’t make it into a library.
It is important to note that some libraries do prefer certain bindings and can be reluctant to stock others like comb bound and saddle stitched (stapled) books. If you’re thinking about pursuing library distribution, it might be a good idea to call ahead to see what their requirements for submittal are.
Donations – You Get What You Give:
Many authors starting out find themselves donating copies of their works to gain some initial traction. Libraries are typically not-for-profit organizations and many have to pay for the books they loan out. So when it comes to donations, libraries are no different than any organization, they like free stuff. Some libraries have a system in place for self-published donations and will provide you with information on how to donate copies of your work to a specific branch if you ask.
“I was able to get my book into [the library] by providing them with five copies” says L. Jones, a Lulu author. “In these tight budgetary times, they were happy to get it.”
Most libraries do reserve the right to do whatever they want to with your work however, such as selling copies at annual book fundraisers. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing though and a lot can depend on how your work fits in with the scope of the library’s collection.
Reviews – A Few Choice Words:
An acquisition librarian is a person that purchases books for one or many branches of an acquisition library. One of the best methods for getting an acquisition librarian’s attention is to get your work reviewed in one of the pre-publication review magazines like Library Journal, CHOICE, or Booklist.
If you can’t land a review, there are also programs that will send a flyer or pamphlet about your book to various libraries, reviewers, and schools for a fee.
Requests – Ask and You Shall Receive:
One way that a lot of libraries find out about content is good old fashioned word of mouth. It’s the basic rule of supply and demand. Many libraries actually take reader requests very seriously and will pick up a book if they receive enough legitimate requests.
Try getting friends and family members to stop by their local libraries and request your book. But just like any form of marketing, don’t inundate librarians with email spam or fake requests for your book. They can tell what a legitimate request is and you risk offending them if you waste their time. Local book clubs and book organizations can help request copies of your work also.
If you have any friends that are involved in academics at a local college or university, that can be a big bonus. Some libraries will take direct requests from academic staff and won’t even bother with reviews because they consider faculty members to be the experts in their fields and trust their judgement on whatever material they’re requesting.
Speaking Engagements – Help the Library Out:
One rule of marketing your book that I cannot stress enough is to build yourself up as a reputable source. It is only when people realize that you really know what you’re talking about that they’ll seek out your book to learn more. A great way to build a reputation is the become a part of the conversations going on about your given topic or genre.
What’s even better than being a part of the conversation is starting one of your own. Some libraries will let authors hold speaking engagements or at the very least rent out a room for a panel discussion. This places you and your book at the focal point of the conversation and brings in more potential readers for the library at the same time. The more willing you are to work with the library, the more they will want to help you and your work out.
Some authors believe that libraries won’t carry or even look at a self-published book. They absolutely will. But just like any distribution channel, agent, or business, you have to market yourself and your work in a professional manner. As long as you show a library you are willing to work with them and that you can provide a quality product that you truly think people would benefit from, they are likely to be receptive. Enthusiasm and professionalism can go a long way in sharing your remarkable works with the world – even if you’re sharing for free.




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PROVOCATIVE ENOUGH TO WAKE YOU


CLASS & SASS ---provocative enough to wake you out of that slumber.

IMAGES - Sensual and Seductive. Inspiration for writing romance.

Facebook Link to Class & Sass

Beware, the content is Adult 18+. They mix it up with an eclectic smattering of oh-so-sexy photographs ranging from glam, "pearlz", vintage appeal, hairstyles, lingerie, lovely faces, through alluring tattoos.

"A lil' Class & a lil' Sass. Come laugh with us, flirt with us, play around with us…well, you get the drift. ;-)"  
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Website Crush #1 Downton Abbey



Not a television program or story, a life that we are privy to each week and have held our breath since the end of Season 2. Our dear family will not join us during the Autumn but shall begin anew on January 6, 2013.

Masterpiece Theatre never disappoints and the Downton Abbey website is as rich as is to be expected.


    What is there to love? Oh, but where to start?
1.     Character profiles. Delicious.

2.     Video snippets tantalize.
     3. The world of Downton per season that includes a synopsis, character guides, video interviews, twitter events, behind the scene slide show, and you can vote on characters. Too fun.
       4.    Countdown til season three, maybe gauche but a lesson to learn for those with release parties. Don’t snicker…  your turn is coming.

5.     Style of dress discussion. “The World of Downton Abbey: Styles From Formal Dining to the Front.” 

6.     Insight to world-building aka historical context.  

So, regardless of my infatuation with Downton Abbey, the website is just as grand. Top of the morning to this site.
 
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My recommendation for the holidays!

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