Teaser Train

All Aboard! The Supersonic Teaser Train is leaving the station! But you can catch it, and fill your Amazon Kindle with great reads, today, February 2^nd through tomorrow, February 3^rd. Lots of genres to choose from, including children’s literarature, scifi, romance, mystery, and thriller. This is a Buy 3, get one free sale, and you can get up to three free books! “Wyndano’s Cloak” is in the sale, too! Climb aboard for a fabulous ride, courtesy of our friends at the Women’s Literary Cafe!

Oli Hille, Author of "Creating the Perfect Lifestyle"

Welcome to a four-part series on social media. Four authors will stop by each week to share their expertise and knowledge. Today, Oli Hille will join us to discuss social media in general. Then, Phil Torcivia will focus on Facebook. Next, Melissa Foster will discuss Twitter. Finally, Jason Baudendistel will discuss LinkedIn. Significantly, I met all of these folks directly or indirectly through social media sites.

I got the idea of doing this series on social media after Oli asked me if I wanted to read and review his book, “Social Media for Income, Influence and Impact”. The book is a gem, and I knew I had to interview him. He’s an international bestselling author. His first book, “Creating the Perfect Lifestyle,” was an Amazon #1 Bestseller within two weeks of its release in November 2011. His other Amazon Bestsellers are: “Internet Marketing – for Income, Influence, and Impact” and “Trading for Profit.” He’s also a science fiction writer, and is in discussions with a top Hollywood director on the screenplay of his science fiction novel “The Simulan Game,” due out in mid 2012. Join me in welcoming Oli Hille, and on to the interview!

What led you to social media?

I realized quite early that Social Media allowed me to do something that has never been possible in the history of the world until now:

-Connect with like-minded people in my specific niche, quickly and easily. And then interact with them.

What is social media, and why should authors do it?

Social Media is any internet platform that allows you to connect with people in your specific area of interest or expertise (i.e. your niche). By far the most important are Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

What have you gotten from social media?

For a start I have made wonderful new friends. This is not surprising because I am connecting with people who have the same interests and passions as me. But also I have a network of people who are connected to tens of thousands of other people who also share those interests and passions. Obviously as an author this means I have a very large potential audience for my books.

Why are Facebook, Twitter and YouTube so important?

Simply because that is where the people are! It is the old 80:20 rule. 80% of the people are on the top 20% Social Media sites. Except that it is really a 95% – 5% split. Facebook is the most important, especially for an author because it is so easy to communicate directly with your readers and potential readers. Although a number of authors have had excellent success communicating via Twitter.

You advocate that the largest portion of time be spent utilizing Facebook. Why?

It is much easier for people to personally connect with you on Facebook. They see your Facebook profile, your photos, your book covers, your “Likes” etc. It is also much easier to see people responding to your posts.

Do you see the various social media working synergistically?

Yes this is a big part of both of my books “Social Media for Income, Influence and Impact” and “Internet Marketing for Income, Influence and Impact”. You need to syndicate your content to all of the main Social Media platforms. For example your blog posts need to automatically go to Twitter and Facebook. And if you have a video as part of your blog it needs to be on YouTube. Also for authors, Amazon allow you to link your blog to your Amazon author page which is a great opportunity to engage your readers there.

How can fiction authors utilize social media to connect with potential customers in their genre?

That is a very pertinent question because my Science Fiction novel “The Simulan Game” is coming out this year. This is what I recommend and plan to do:

1.Have a website where people can sign up for the launch – I have a very simple one page website for this already www.TheSimulanGame.com

2.Set up a Facebook “Like” page specifically for your book.

3.Set up a Twitter account especially for your book.

4. Join Facebook groups in your genre.

5. Join the wonderful “Amazon Kindle Publishing Group” www.Facebook.com/groups/kindleauthors on Facebook, where all authors are mutually encouraged and mutually helped.

6.Set up a YouTube channel for your book and create at least one video.

7.Send out excerpts of your book (e.g. Chapter 1) on all the Social Media sites – i.e. link the URL back to your website where people can read the first chapter.

What are some social media do’s and don’ts?

Don’t use Social Media to sell. Social media is about starting conversations, helping other people and connecting socially. Once you have a good connection, and trust, then and only then talk about your book (or other product and service).

The more people you help and advise and be friendly to on Social Media, the bigger your impact will be.

Tell us about your book, “Social Media for Income, Influence and Impact,” and what authors and businesses will find there.

I desperately wish I had a book like this when I started out with Social Media. The information in the book represents thousands of hours of research as well as hundreds of hours using the Social Media sites.

I used the information and knowledge contained in this book to launch my first book “Creating the Perfect Lifestyle” which became an Amazon #1 Bestseller within two weeks of being launched. That success would not have been possible without the information in the book.

I have over 20,000 Twitter Followers – in my niche: www.Twitter.com/lifestyle_book

I also have over 3,000 “Likes” on my website www.LifestyleBook.com

My major blog posts routinely get over 300 “Likes” and “Shares”

I have had thousands of views of my YouTube videos.

In the book I give people my blueprint for being successful using Social Media – it’s as simple as that!

You’re a big believer in doing what you love and are passionate about. Tell us about that!

Life is too short to be spending time doing anything else! My books on Social Media and Internet Marketing are about using these tools to earn an income following your passions, NOT finding a way to make a few quick dollars. That way is usually unsuccessful and soul-destroying. If you do what you love it never feels like work and you can’t wait to be doing it! It is the only sensible way to make a living!

Tell us about your other books!

I currently have seven books on Amazon. You can see them all at a glance here:

www dot Amazon dot com/author/1 (please note the cool URL!)

I thoroughly recommend people purchase my #1 Bestseller “Creating the Perfect Lifestyle”. It took me seven years to research and write, is 266 pages long and currently has 42 Amazon “5 star” reviews. It talks in huge detail about designing a life centered around what you are passionate about doing. The reviewers say it is a life-changing bargain at $8.97, but please make up your own mind.

Oli, thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your insights!

Links:

Oli’s Website: www.LifestyleBook.com

Oli’s books on Amazon: www.Amazon.com/dp/B0060O1LLM

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/lifestylebook

Twitter: www.Twitter.com/lifestyle_book

Creating the Perfect Lifestyle

Nebulous

Greetings, fantasy fiction fans! I’m thrilled to host Keith Weaver, author of “Nebulous.” Keith was into fantasy as a young boy. No surprise then that “The Phantom Tollbooth” is still a favorite of his. He was drawn to horror in his preteen days, when he watched the original “Friday the 13th” movie. He’s been watching and reading horror, paranormal, fantasy, and sci-fi ever since. He took literature courses in college, when he started dabbling with his own writing. Lucky for us! Here are some of the raves “Nebulous has garnered on Amazon!

“Nebulous is a fantasy tale that brings all the stops to the table. I read Nebulous in two sittings. Each character came to life quickly and effortlessly. Author Keith Weaver did a wonderful job creating the comradery between Ty and his new allies Bake, Kits and Muji. I loved how the crew came together for the common cause of taking down the evil Queen Joro. This fantasy novel has it all, and I was truly impressed.” – Kim K, Amazon

“Keith Weaver’s “Nebulous” took me back to that feeling of fresh, fun, and innocent fantasy adventure that I enjoyed as a young reader. A few highlights of what I liked:

- Ty’s reactions and character were believable for his age. He wasn’t “wise beyond his years” or a 16-year old in a ten year-old’s body.
-This book definitely reminded me in some aspects of “Chronicles of Narnia” (not a bad thing at all, since I’m a fan of that series)
-I wanted to know more about Nebulous. There is definitely more to know and explore, so I look forward to what else Mr. Weaver may have in store.

My young daughter just started reading, and I’m definitely giving her Nebulous as part of an introduction to fantasy stories.” – Alesha P, Amazon

“This book was a pleasure to read, and grips you instantly within the first few pages as the adventuresome brother, Ty, begins his strange quest to recover his younger sibling, Xavier. Ty develops unbreakable camaraderie with an unlikely band of misfits and oddballs that, together, become a binding force to be reckoned with by the evil Queen Joro. Beautifully written to capture the heart and mind of even the most finicky and finely tuned Fantasy genre reader. Highly recommended, my friends!” – S Detherage, Amazon

“Lovely book that reminded me of the Princess Bride with the way the story seemed as if it were a father telling it little by little to a child of ten or so. I like that Nebulous is a world where Ty goes with all the attendant evil queen and helpers along the path characters. Very nice.” – Maureen H, Goodreads

Amazon link for Nebulous

Keith Weaver’s Website

Teaser Train

A. R. Silverberry

Two awesome interviews of me!

First, lots of folks have said that they love my website, so my web designer, Diane Whiddon, of Novel Website Design, interviewed me about how she came up with a design that reflects my brand as a fantasy author. Post a comment or question. Let’s discuss what creates a compelling brand. Follow this link to the interview!

Then,

The Road to Publishing: Check out the up front and personal interview of me on Rebecca Blain’s Blog, especially the intriguing question at the end about!

Wyndano's Cloak

Wyndano’s Cloak is participating in two fabulous book giveaways. All of January, author S. M. Boyce is hosting 31 DAYS OF GIVEAWAYS on her blog! It’s easy to enter, and you’ll even get a chance for extra entries! One book is featured each day! Wyndano’s Cloak is scheduled for January 30^th! I’ll be sending the lucky winner a personalized, signed copy of the hardback edition! Each giveaway is open for seven days. So hurry, hurry! Enter while you can! Grab awesome reads in Fantasy, SciFi, Romance, Chick Lit, Mystery/Suspense, Paranormal, Comedy, and Children’s literature. Starts January 1^st!

And tomorrow is the last day of the Women’s Literary Cafe celebration, The Year of the Indie. Buy three, get one free!

Load your Kindle in both of these wonderful events!

Book Review! Easily Mused gave Wyndano’s Cloak five stars, calling the book “An intricately-woven tale . . . I devoured this book from beginning to end . . . Silverberry . . . entrances . . . leaving me in a state of wonder.” Read the entire review on their blog!

Happy New to All!

A. R. Silverberry

Year of the Indie!

Wyndano’s Cloak is participating in two fabulous book giveaways. First, Women’s Literary Cafe will be running a special book event, The Year of the Indie. December 24^th through 31^st, we’re featuring WLC authors; bringing to readers hidden talents and household names, side-by-side. With over a hundred books and authors to choose from, there’s something for everyone, including Women’s and General Fiction; Romance; Mystery, Suspense, Thriller, and Horror; Paranormal and Urban Fantasy; Science Fiction and Fantasy; Children’s, YA, and Middle Grade, and more! If you read from Kindle, you’ll want to load it with great reads from this celebration! Buy three, get one free!

All of January, author S. M. Boyce is hosting 31 DAYS OF GIVEAWAYS on her blog! It’s easy to enter, and you’ll even get a chance for extra entries! One book is featured each day! Wyndano’s Cloak is scheduled for January 30^th! I’ll be sending the lucky winner a personalized, signed copy of the hardback edition! Each giveaway is open for seven days. So hurry, hurry! Enter while you can! Grab awesome reads in Fantasy, SciFi, Romance, Chick Lit, Mystery/Suspense, Paranormal, Comedy, and Children’s literature. Starts January 1^st!

AR Silverberry signing books at a benefit

Greetings from Aerdem!

Lots of exciting news!

Catch my radio interview on the Children’s Author Show, 12/21 and 12/22. I discuss the real magic in Wyndano’s Cloak, the book’s three extraordinary heroines, and more! The Author Show claims the highest ratings on internet radio, with over a million listeners. The interview will run continuously both days. Here’s the link! http://www.TheChildrenAuthorsShow.com

Many thanks to Barnes and Noble for hosting my fall book tour, and to the many customers who stopped by to talk to me. Over ninety books were signed in December alone! But the best part was all the wonderful children I got to meet. Several them want to be writers! I look forward to seeing their books in print!

I finished the first draft of my new novel. I haven’t settled on a name yet, but I’ll reveal this: It’s part survival tale, part spiritual journey, and all fantasy!

In November, I participated in the launch of Melissa Foster’s novel, Come Back to Me. It was a huge success! Now, Melissa’s Women’s Literary Cafe will be running a special book event, The Year of the Indie. For 7 days we’ll be featuring WLC authors, bringing our readers hidden talents and household names side-by-side. If you read from Kindle, you’ll want to load it with great reads from this celebration! Here’s the link! http://womensliterarycafe.com/content/year-indie

Many thanks to Silvy, my first blogger and reader from the Republic of Macedonia! She gave Wyndano’s Cloak five stars on Goodreads! Silvy is a book lover, mother, wife, and Latin language teacher. Check out her blog, Books are My Life, and her review of Wyndano’s Cloak!

If you enjoy an author’s work, be sure to let them know! Spread the word about the books you enjoy by posting a review on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Goodreads! There’s no better way to show support! Here are the links for Wyndano’s Cloak:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Goodreads

Wishing everyone a Wonderful Holiday and Happy New Year!

A. R. Silverberry

Year of the Indie!

The Nightmare Club #3

I’m thrilled to be hosting Howard Hopkins this morning on Teaser Train. Howard is a Fictionwise #1 Best-Selling and Eppie-nominated author of horror stories and children’s horror stories, which he writes under his own name in the tradition of Stephen King and Dean Koontz. He also writes western stories under the pseudonym Lance Howard. Today, Howard will share an excerpt from his children’s horror novel, “The Nightmare Club #3: The Willow Witch”:

Allie May Carpenter knew she had seen a witch flying across the face of the moon three nights ago after she and the Nightmare Club solved the case of the dragon boy’s ghost.

She’d only caught a glimpse from the corner of her eye, but she had seen the witch, cape fluttering out, black as night, headdress billowing, whisking on a broomstick through the frosty November sky.

That’s how she came to be at the wooden bridge on the old road leading out of New Salem, Maine, heading towards the creepy New Salem Cemetery. She was sure the witch had flown in this direction.

The night carried a brisk chill and the full moon glowed like a big orange pumpkin in a sky speckled with diamond-chip stars. She shivered beneath her New York Yankees windbreaker and her ponytail, sticking out of the back of her Yankees baseball cap, bobbed as she pedaled across the rickety bridge. She remembered this bridge only too well. Not too many weeks ago, on Halloween, the ghost of the Headless Paperboy had haunted it, kidnapping unsuspecting kids and taking their heads because he wanted revenge on the school bully, the Gibb. The Gibb was lucky to be alive, she thought, because it seemed every ghost in New Salem was out to get him and that didn’t surprise her. The Gibb dressed like a 1950s’ reject in a leather jacket and had greasy, slicked-back hair in a “duck tail” style. He was always tormenting some poor kid and had been responsible for the Headless Paperboy losing his head in the first place, and for the dragon boy getting smooshed by a train.

Allie wouldn’t be surprised if the Gibb had somehow awakened the New Salem Cemetery Witch, too.

Allie May Carpenter liked to be called by her nickname, “Alliecat”, by her friends. Well, if she actually had any friends, except for those misfit kids in the Nightmare Club. She wasn’t even totally sure they were her friends, because they wouldn’t let her join their ghost hunting group and constantly called her a pest.

She supposed she was kind of a pest, but she wanted in, and sooner or later they were going to let her join. She had already convinced one of the members, Moose Turcot, because he was sweet on her, to accept her as a member, but the rest would be a tougher sell. Still, she bet if she found out something about this witch that would do it. They’d have to let her into the group, then!

Unless of course she got herself kidnapped again and this time nobody was around to save her.

Dead leaves swirled up around her bike tires as she pedaled towards the cemetery. Woods rose up to either side of her, dark and eerie, and the stench of rotted leaves filled the frosty night air. Moonlight cut across the old road in jagged patches, like orangey skeletons lying on the ground. Her front tire thumped in a pothole and she nearly flipped over the handlebars, grabbing them hard at the last minute to stop herself from ending up in the road.

“Sheesh!” she muttered, sweat trickling from her brow, despite the chill in the air. She couldn’t help it. She felt a little scared now that she was actually out on the road leading to the cemetery. Alone.

A sound came from the forest, a screech of some sort, probably an owl. A rustling noise followed the screech, like an animal dashing through the brush. She shivered. This road sure was creepy at night. Maybe this hadn’t been such a sweet idea after all.

No, she had to go through with it and prove to those guys she was worthy enough to join their group. A woman had to work twice as hard as a man in this world, after all, at least that was what she had heard, and they were all a bunch of male chauvinist pigs! But she would show the Nightmare Club she was just as good as any of them, maybe even better.

That’s when something black flew across the face of the full moon.

Learn more about Howard and his books on his Website

Purchase“The Nightmare Club #3” on Amazon

AR Silverberry signing books at a benefit

Greetings from Aerdem!

Author Stacy S Eaton interviewed me today on her blog. Check it out to learn about the unusual place I wrote the first draft of Wyndano’s Cloak!

All Aboard the TeaserTrain! November 17 Howard Hopkins features an excerpt of Wyndano’s Cloak on his blog! This will be part of the TeaserTrain blog tour he and I are participating in.

Stay tuned for more interviews and posts. On November 20, fantasy author Lorna Suzuki will interview me on her blog, and on November 21^st, Part II of the Art of the Meet and Greet will be posted on Indiewriterszone. Then stay tuned for more excerpts from the TeaserTrain. I’ll be hosting authors here, and they’ll be featuring a large amount of chapter one of Wyndano’s Cloak on their blog! Happy Reading!

A. R. Silverberry

Do you have a physical edition of your book? If so, live events at bookstores can be an important part of your book marketing plan. Benefits include the opportunity to meet readers in person, increase exposure, generate publicity, and build a local or regional following. There are different kinds of events that authors can do at bookstores, including author talks, author panels, book fairs, and meet and greets. This is the first in a two-part series on the art of meeting and greeting. In today’s blog, I’ll discuss the benefits of doing meet and greets, and how to set them up. In part two, I’ll show you how to maximize sales at the meet and greet.

The first step is to look for a high-traffic store in your area, such as Barnes and Noble. Call the store and ask to speak to their community relations manager, or the manager in charge of booking author events. Tell them you are an author, and would like to set up a meet and greet at their store. They will ask you for the ISBN number to see if they can order the books from a distributor or wholesaler. Most stores will prefer to order books this way, even if you offer to provide them. If your book is only available through you, ask them if they can buy them from you on consignment. Most consignment sales are for the same price the store would have paid the wholesaler.

The bigger stores may not be doing author events during the holidays. They may have a black out period any time from Thanksgiving through Christmas. I’ve been able to get into stores as late as December 11^th, so it’s well worth a try. The increased foot traffic from shoppers looking for gifts can increase your sales.

Schedule the event on a Saturday or Sunday, 1 – 4 PM. Ask if they can place you at the front of the store. All of the Barnes and Noble stores I’ve worked with do this routinely, so it shouldn’t be a problem.

Barnes and Noble likes to order books into their warehouse, which then ships them to the store. If there’s a time crunch, they may order the books from a wholesaler, such as Ingram. If you use a distributor, you’ll need to allow 4-6 weeks for the store to get your books. If you will be providing the books, make sure you allow time for you to receive them.

How many books should you or the store order? This will depend on many factors, including time of the year, the kind of book you are selling, and your ability to sell the book to customers. I’ve sold anywhere from 6 to 14 books at a meet and greet. Initially, I encouraged the store to order 15. A lot of books arranged on the table looks attractive, and it can be problematic if you run out. As I’m moving into the Christmas season, the stores are ordering 20 – 30 books for me. You should ALWAYS have books that you bring with you, so even if the store is ordering them, you’ll have some as a back up. However, ultimately, this decision will be up to the store manager. Politely accept what they want to do. Recently, a manager told me that they had ordered nine books. I encouraged them to order more. They didn’t, and I sold out very quickly. This wasn’t a bad thing. The store was so impressed, they invited me back for the Saturday before Christmas, at a time they never allow author events!

Take advantage of the fact that you are having an event. Send out press releases on the internet. Send press packets with a copy of your book to local media, and suggest that they do an interview or feature article about you and the book. If you can, tie this into something timely, or that has local interest. Being a local author is compelling for many small-town papers. Highlight exceptional reviews, awards, or testimonials that you have. Announce the event on your blog and social media.

Three weeks before your event, call or email the manager to confirm that all is set and that they were able to get your book. If there is a snag, offer to bring books. I’ve seen consignment sales done three ways. First, I’m paid on the spot for the books. Second, the store has me fill out a W-9 form, and the company cuts me a check later. Third, the store orders books from the distributor, and gives me back the books that I sold at the store. In California, the Board of Equalization (BOE) requires the store to complete a California Resale Certificate that includes their sellers permit number. This is required to prove that the store collected the sales tax. Don’t be surprised if large stores, like Barnes and Noble, won’t do this. Check with your state’s BOE for guidance if this happens. Finally, you should have an invoice prepared which documents the sale, and retain a copy for your records.

Next week, I’ll guest post Part II of “Art of the Meet and Greet” on Patricia McCallum’s blog, Indiewriterszone. I’ll describe how to maximize sales on the day of the event. Happy Selling!