by Scott Lorenz | Author Advice, Author Spotlight, Blog, Book Promotion, Book Publishing, Writing a Book
MasterClass Review: Take your writing skills to the next level with online courses from the authors who have perfected the craft.
By Scott Lorenz
Westwind Communications
One of my favorite things for authors is MasterClass. Imagine having a one-on-one lesson with the best writers of our day. That’s what you get when James Patterson speaks to you directly in his MasterClass. Same with Dan Brown, Malcolm Gladwell and many other bestselling authors.
I’ve gained much insight from these top writers who are eager to share their methods and thought processes. MasterClass is an invaluable resource especially if you’d like to improve your writing skills and succeed as an author. It offers seemingly endless engaging online courses taught by some of the best authors in the world. Don’t worry, there’s no test either, just good helpful info.
These authors know what it takes to write a unique, compelling book that sells. They’re dedicated to their craft and are generous in sharing their knowledge and insight with you. Here’s a closer look at the various courses you can take. Click on the link to watch a customized trailer for each.
Neil Gaiman – The author of Coraline and The Sandman shares his unique approach to storytelling. With his course, you can find your voice, come up with exciting ideas, and give your characters life.
James Patterson – If anyone is in a position to help you start and finish your book, it’s James Patterson. He’s the author of 19 consecutive No. 1 New York Times bestsellers and shares a variety of tips in his course. “My first novel was turned down by 31 publishers. It’s rare that somebody comes up with a totally fresh idea out of nowhere. Write the story. Don’t write sentences,” said Patterson.
Malcolm Gladwell – Outliers and The Tipping Point are two of Malcolm Gladwell’s books that have allowed readers to understand complicated ideas such as performance prediction and behavioral economics. Gladwell can teach you how to write powerful stories that help others learn. “The job of the writer is not to supply the ideas. It’s to be patient enough to find the ideas.” he explained.
Dan Brown – Known for The Da Vinci Code and other best-selling thrillers, Dan Brown reveals how he turns ideas into narratives. Find out how he researches, comes up with characters and keeps suspense throughout all of his books. “Write as though nobody’s watching because nobody’s watching,” said Brown.
Margaret Atwood – When it comes to creative writing, Margaret Atwood is the expert. She’s the author of The Handmaid’s Tale and provides a roadmap for developing ideas into novels that attract and inspire all kinds of readers. Atwood is a firm believer of the idea that you become a writer by writing.
David Sedaris – David Sedaris is well-respected for his bestselling books like Calypso and essays in the New Yorker. His course can teach you the art of personal storytelling. Learn how to use humor to write openings that pique interest and endings that satisfy readers.
Joyce Carol Oates – Become a better short story writer with Joyce Carol Oates who’s published 58 novels and thousands of short stories. She’s a creative writing professor at Princeton University and will teach you how to explore your own imagination and write works that people want to read.
R.L. Stine – If you want to write for young audiences, R.L. Stine can steer you in the right direction. For over 20 years, Stine focused on funny stories and jokes. He eventually transitioned to writing horror stories for youngsters and is best known for The Fear Street and Goosebumps series. You can count on him to show you how to develop plots that intrigue young readers.
Billy Collins – With Billy Collins’ poetry course, you can find your voice as a poet and appreciate “the emotional pull of poetry.” Collins is a former U.S. Poet Laureate who will read his poems out loud and explain how he wrote them.
The Bottom Line: If you want to become an outstanding author then master the craft of writing from the most successful authors through MasterClass.
Book publicist Scott Lorenz is President of Westwind Communications, a public relations and marketing firm that has a special knack for working with authors to help them get all the publicity they deserve and more. Lorenz works with bestselling authors and self-published authors promoting all types of books, whether it’s their first book or their 15th book. He’s handled publicity for books by CEOs, CIA Officers, Navy SEALS, Homemakers, Fitness Gurus, Doctors, Lawyers and Adventurers. His clients have been featured by Good Morning America, FOX & Friends, CNN, ABC News, New York Times, Nightline, TIME, PBS, LA Times, USA Today, Washington Post, Woman’s World, & Howard Stern to name a few.
Learn more about Westwind Communications’ book marketing approach at https://www.WestwindBookMarketing.com or contact Lorenz at [email protected] or 734-667-2090 or fill out the form below. Follow Lorenz on Twitter @aBookPublicist. Want help titling a book? Check out Scott Lorenz’s new award winning, bestselling book: Book Title Generator- A Proven System in Naming Your Book www.BookTitleGenerator.net.
Would you like help promoting your book?
If so, tell us a little about your book. What is the title? Do you have a publisher? What is the publish date? How many pages is your book? What is the cost? Do you have web site? What is your specific goal I.E., to make money, raise awareness, get the attention of an agent or publisher, sell the story to a movie or TV studio or something else?
Submit the form below with this information and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you!
by Scott Lorenz | Blog, Book Publishing, Book Title Generator, How to title a book, Writing a Book
Struggling to come up with a good title for your book? Try these online tools.
By Scott Lorenz
Westwind Communications
Coming up with a title for your book is easier said than done. The good news is there are online tools you can use to jump start the creative process. Use them to help create a compelling, attention-grabbing title that speaks to your audience. A good book title is the key to increasing sales, interest, and impact. Here are several worth considering
1. Portent’s Content Idea Generator: Simply enter the subject of your book and this generator will give you some ideas. You can continue to click the arrow until you find a title that piques your interest.
2. Kopy Writing Kourse Book Name Generator: Once you type in your subject, it will give you a long list of hundreds of book titles. Chances are you’ll find one (or a few) that suit your book.
3. Awesome Titles Title Generator: Believe it or not, this generator can open your eyes to 700 catchy titles. Enter a main keyword and you’ll get 3 pages worth of ideas.
4. Selfpublishing.com Nonfiction Book Title Generator: If you’re in need of a title for your nonfiction book, this generator is invaluable. Enter a word that describes its topic. After you click “Generate,” it’ll deliver some good options.
5. Ruggenberg Title Generator: Get six titles at one time with this generator. All you have to do is click “Give me some titles,” sit back, relax, and allow the tool to work its magic.
6. Adazing Book Title Generator: This book title generator will give you “perfect titles in less than 30 seconds.” It’s a bit more involved than other generators because it asks you to select your genre and type in details like the occupation of the protagonist and main character’s goal.
7. Serendipity Fantasy Novel Title Generator: For a simple generator for your fantasy book, the Serendipity Fantasy Novel Title Generator a solid pick. Continue to click “Another” until you see what you’re looking for.
8. Sumo Kickass Headline Generator: The Sumo Kickass Headline Generator allows you to choose the type of title you want: a numbered list, how-to, controversial, playful, etc. Once you do, it’ll ask you to enter a topic and desired outcome before it spits out an option.
9. Writing Exercises Story Title Generator: With the Writing Exercises Story Title Generator, you can click back and forth between the “Adjective” and “Noun” buttons to create a unique story title.
10. Book Title Generator: Using online book title generators are just one ‘tactic’ you need to consider while titling your book. If you want a thoughtful, insightful and scientific approach check out my award-winning book for authors called: BOOK TITLE GENERATOR at https://www.BookTitleGenerator.org. Using the latest methods of getting a book ranked on search engines and in Amazon, I show you a plan to help you get the right title for your book. Before you title your book, I ask you to consider all options in the quest for the perfect book title. From using numbers, alliteration, idioms, and keyword research, Book Title Generator (The Book) covers them all.
The Bottom Line: Your book title is one of THE most important tasks for authors. Don’t make it an afterthought.
Book publicist Scott Lorenz is President of Westwind Communications, a public relations and marketing firm that has a special knack for working with authors to help them get all the publicity they deserve and more. Lorenz works with bestselling authors and self-published authors promoting all types of books, whether it’s their first book or their 15th book. He’s handled publicity for books by CEOs, CIA Officers, Navy SEALS, Homemakers, Fitness Gurus, Doctors, Lawyers and Adventurers. His clients have been featured by Good Morning America, FOX & Friends, CNN, ABC News, New York Times, Nightline, TIME, PBS, LA Times, USA Today, Washington Post, Woman’s World, & Howard Stern to name a few.
Learn more about Westwind Communications’ book marketing approach at https://www.WestwindBookMarketing.com or contact Lorenz at [email protected] or 734-667-2090 or fill out the form below. Follow Lorenz on Twitter @aBookPublicist. Want help titling a book? Check out Scott Lorenz’s new award winning, bestselling book: Book Title Generator- A Proven System in Naming Your Book www.BookTitleGenerator.net.
Would you like help promoting your book?
If so, tell us a little about your book. What is the title? Do you have a publisher? What is the publish date? How many pages is your book? What is the cost? Do you have web site? What is your specific goal I.E., to make money, raise awareness, get the attention of an agent or publisher, sell the story to a movie or TV studio or something else?
Submit the form below with this information and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you!
by Scott Lorenz | Blog, Book Marketing, Book Promotion, Book Publicity, Book Publishing, Book-TV, Marketing a Book, Promoting a Book
By Scott Lorenz, Book Publicist
Westwind Communications
Want to get your book in front of millions of book lovers? BookTV can help. BookTV is a program that airs on C-Span every weekend from 8:00 a.m. EST Sat to 8:00 a.m. Monday. It’s been around since 1998 and dedicates 48-hours to non-fiction books and authors. In addition, it offers live coverage of book events across the nation.
Here are a few examples of authors who have been featured on BookTV:
- Tara Westover: Author of Educated: A Memoir, a memoir about family, loss, and struggle that was honored by the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Boston Globe Bestseller.
- Jodi Picoult: Author of 24 novels, eight of which have earned a #1 spot on the New York Times bestseller list. Her books include My Sister’s Keeper, Small Great Things, and A Spark of Light.
- James Comey: Former Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Author of A Higher Loyalty: Truth Lies and Leadership, a book about his career in the previous two decades of American government.
BookTV grants readers the opportunity to listen to non-fiction authors speak from the comfort of their own homes. If you’re a non-fiction author, you may be asking yourself, “How do I get my book on BookTV?” After all, this is a great opportunity to promote your book(s) and put yourself in front of the ideal audience.
To start, you can email BookTV at [email protected] or leave a phone message at 202-737-3220. When you email or call, make sure you state the following:
- Your name.
- The non-fiction book(s) you’ve written.
- Why you believe you’re a good fit for BookTV.
- Anything that makes you and/or your book(s) unique.
C-SPAN has an editorial board that meets on a daily basis to determine which authors and books to cover. If they have an interest in covering you, they’ll get back to you.
Before you pitch BookTV, it’s a good idea to check out its archive of programs and schedule for upcoming programming. This way, you can get a feel for what piques their interest and what they typically cover.
“My advice for authors and publicists who want to be carried by BookTV: Know our mission of promoting nonfiction, public policy, history, biography, and science books and authors. And keep pitching us! Also, join the over 100,000 book lovers who follow us on twitter, @booktv,” says Peter Slen, BookTV’s Executive Producer.
Remember that since BookTV delivers 48 hours of programming every weekend, there’s plenty of room for authors like you. If you don’t get a response right off the bat, keep trying as there is a good chance you’ll hear back eventually.
The Bottom Line: BookTV is an excellent way for non-fiction authors to gain exposure. While getting on BookTV may take some time and persistence, it will certainly pay off.
Book publicist Scott Lorenz is President of Westwind Communications, a public relations and marketing firm that has a special knack for working with authors to help them get all the publicity they deserve and more. Lorenz works with bestselling authors and self-published authors promoting all types of books, whether it’s their first book or their 15th book. He’s handled publicity for books by CEOs, CIA Officers, Navy SEALS, Homemakers, Fitness Gurus, Doctors, Lawyers and Adventurers. His clients have been featured by Good Morning America, FOX & Friends, CNN, ABC News, New York Times, Nightline, TIME, PBS, LA Times, USA Today, Washington Post, Woman’s World, & Howard Stern to name a few.
Learn more about Westwind Communications’ book marketing approach at https://www.WestwindBookMarketing.com or contact Lorenz at [email protected] or 734-667-2090 or fill out the form below. Follow Lorenz on Twitter @aBookPublicist. Want help titling a book? Check out Scott Lorenz’s new award winning, bestselling book: Book Title Generator- A Proven System in Naming Your Book www.BookTitleGenerator.net.
Would you like help promoting your book?
If so, tell us a little about your book. What is the title? Do you have a publisher? What is the publish date? How many pages is your book? What is the cost? Do you have web site? What is your specific goal I.E., to make money, raise awareness, get the attention of an agent or publisher, sell the story to a movie or TV studio or something else?
Submit the form below with this information and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you!
by Scott Lorenz | Author Advice, Book Marketing, Book Promotion, Book Publicity, Book Publishing, Marketing a Book, Promoting a Book, Speaking Gigs
By Scott Lorenz
Westwind Communications
Book publicity can change an author’s life. Don’t put off the most important part of publishing a book. Book marketing costs money but obscurity costs more!
Authors will often wonder what book publicity all about is and ask me about the benefits of marketing their book.
Here’s a list of 127 reasons authors should seek out book publicity.
1. An agent will ‘discover’ your book and offer to represent you.
2. Publicity is Free. Advertising costs money.
3. Your book marketing will spark ideas for new offerings.
4. You’ll get good (WOM) word of mouth advertising.
5. You’ll become the go-to author the media seeks out.
6. You’ll get new business because of all the publicity.
7. You’ll create positive energy generating more good book ideas while book marketing
8. Book publicity success will lead to loyal employees.
9. You’ll be a more driven, optimistic, and secure author.
10. Other authors will be blown away by your book publicity.
11. Book publicity will pay off because you’ll be able to work less.
12. Your book will inspire you to create another product or service.
13. Well-known TV shows will reach out to you because they’ve ‘heard of you.’
14. Readers will become loyal to you and demand you write more!
15. Demand for your services allow you to raise your prices.
16. Third party media endorsements will result in new business, speaking engagements.
17. Media stories about you will help your website show up first on internet searches.
18. Celebrities will be reaching out to you to learn more about your book.
19. Those who previously never paid attention to your book want to be your friend.
20. Random strangers come up to you and remember you as an author they saw on TV.
21. Your Amazon.com orders will skyrocket.
22. Your book publicity will help you create a name for yourself in politics.
23. New found ‘fans’ will ask you for your autograph.
24. Your book promotion will turn into sales.
25. The online ads for your books will lead to sales and consulting deals.
26. You’ll get more inquiries for your business or practice.
27. Your book marketing will spread across the Internet
28. Your employees will be proud of working with you.
29. Legislation that you initiate or inspire gets enacted.
30. When the economy gets tough, your book will keep you thriving.
31. You’ll be invited to prestigious events
32. Customers will gladly buy your book.
33. Book buyers will ask for your book in stores.
34. You can charge a higher price for your books
35. Since people are pre-sold about you and your book they’re predisposed to work with you.
36. Book publicity is more credible and therefore more believable than a paid ad.
37. Media outlets will reach out and offer your book more free publicity.
38. You may have the opportunity to write a syndicated column about your book
39. You may get paid keynote speaking engagements.
40. Book deals will come to you.
41. Your book will be purchased by a major company for promotional purposes
42. Your compensation as an author will grow over time.
43. Book publicity will help you become well-known in your specialty.
44. You’ll get your own TV or Radio show.
45. Those who were skeptical about your book now own it.
46. Big-name media outlets will feature your book.
47. You’ll make $$$ speaking about your book.
48. Your book publicity will help you brand yourself.
49. Major magazines will feature you and your book on their front covers.
50. Your book will become so popular that it’ll be time for you to host a radio show.
51. Framed articles about you and your book will decorate your office
52. Articles about you and your book will get shared all over Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter etc.
53. Well-known personalities will endorse YOU!
54. Your book promotion will pay off because you’ll buy your dream home.
55. Your writing techniques will be taught at schools globally.
56. Your book will create a business big enough to franchise.
57. People will be inspired and positively impacted by your book.
58. Significant mistakes will be prevented thanks to your work as an author.
59. Issues you discuss during your book publicity will be taken seriously.
60. Those who appreciate you and your book want to be in your company.
61. Lots of money will come your way when you act as a celebrity endorser.
62. You’ll make money when ideas from you book are licensed.
63. Book groupies will follow all of your public appearances.
64. You’ll be flooded with bulk book orders by organizations who love what your book.
65. Your message becomes part of the lexicon of the language.
66. Major stores will want to sell your book to their customers.
67. You’ll get discounts from those who are interested in a business opportunity.
68. Promoting your books to international markets will be possible.
69. Your book promotion will motivate others to pursue their dreams.
70. The cause outlined in your book will receive grant money from foundations
71. Your family will admire your achievements and be inspired by your success
72. Your children will be inspired by your success.
73. Your closest friends will proudly brag about your book
74. Book promotion will be more fun than you think!
75. Once your book publicity efforts pay off, you’ll enjoy greater self-esteem.
76. Your book publicity success will inspire you to take better care of yourself
77. Others will view you as an author and expert.
78. You’ll have an edge over your competitors
79. Your customers will see your book solidifying a positive image.
80. Investing opportunities will come to you from venture capital companies.
81. Your success as an author will attract experts to help you.
82. People will take your advice to heart.
83. Your love life will improve as a result of the fame your book publicity has brought you.
84. Your name will be in the databases of TV & Radio producers and journalists.
85. Your book publicity will earn you various awards and nominations.
86. Your legacy will be as a successful author.
87. Other authors will covet your level of success.
88. Your book will be at the front and center at indie and big box bookstores.
89. A commencement speech at your alma mater will be offered to you.
90. Those who once looked down upon you as an author will now see you everywhere.
91. Other people will become passionate about the cause your book revolves around.
92. The Wall Street Journal, USA Today and The New York Times name your book a BESTSELLER.
93. You’ll make more memories with your loved ones.
94. You’ll be a media darling and will be recommended as a “Great Interview.”
95. Your book publicity will connect you to people you would’ve never crossed paths with.
96. Your success as an author will give you more faith in yourself.
97. Your book publicity will lead you to earn an honorary doctorate degree.
98. Your debts will disappear thanks to the great results of your book marketing.
99. You’ll be outlived by the legacy you leave as one of the greatest authors.
100. You’ll get a ‘command’ performance by the President of The United States.
101. An early and wealthy retirement will be your option.
102. Words you invent for your book become household terms.
103. Your success as an author will allow you to achieve even more than you ever thought.
104. Your book could be turned into a movie.
105. You could get a deal to collaborate on a new book with a well-known author.
106. Your book will win awards at major book festivals.
107. You’ll be asked to sit on a panel of expert authors at writer’s conferences.
108. Your book will be required reading at universities worldwide.
109. People will buy your book to send to their Congressman.
110. A book award will be named after you and your book.
111. Your book will attract a global audience.
112. Young children will look up to your success as an author.
113. Aspiring authors will consider you their role model.
114. Traveling the world and marketing a book will become your reality.
115. Millions of people will follow you on Twitter.
116. Cruise ships will be calling you talk about your book.
117. The dream life of fame and fortune will now be yours.
118. Once you’re famous and don’t need it, Banks will want to loan you money.
119. A TV producer will want to collaborate on a new series on your book.
120. Your side of the story will be told to the public thus helping your lawsuit.
121. The U.S. Senate will ask you to testify about issues in your book.
122. New laws will be passed as a result of your book.
123. Book publicity is like a drug, the more you get the more you’ll want.
124. Your book publicist will work for free… (Ok that’s not happening!)
125. Marketing a book will become second nature to you.
126. You’ll accomplish what you’ve always wanted to do i.e. make money & get a movie deal.
127. The more book publicity you get the more publicity YOU’LL GET!
The Bottom Line: Book publicity can change an author’s life. Don’t put off the most important part of publishing a book. Book marketing costs money but obscurity costs more!
Book publicist Scott Lorenz is President of Westwind Communications, a public relations and marketing firm that has a special knack for working with authors to help them get all the publicity they deserve and more. Lorenz works with bestselling authors and self-published authors promoting all types of books, whether it’s their first book or their 15th book. He’s handled publicity for books by CEOs, CIA Officers, Navy SEALS, Homemakers, Fitness Gurus, Doctors, Lawyers and Adventurers. His clients have been featured by Good Morning America, FOX & Friends, CNN, ABC News, New York Times, Nightline, TIME, PBS, LA Times, USA Today, Washington Post, Woman’s World, & Howard Stern to name a few.
Learn more about Westwind Communications’ book marketing approach at https://www.WestwindBookMarketing.com or contact Lorenz at [email protected] or 734-667-2090 or fill out the form below. Follow Lorenz on Twitter @aBookPublicist. Want help titling a book? Check out Scott Lorenz’s new award winning, bestselling book: Book Title Generator- A Proven System in Naming Your Book www.BookTitleGenerator.net.
Would you like help promoting your book?
If so, tell us a little about your book. What is the title? Do you have a publisher? What is the publish date? How many pages is your book? What is the cost? Do you have web site? What is your specific goal I.E., to make money, raise awareness, get the attention of an agent or publisher, sell the story to a movie or TV studio or something else?
Submit the form below with this information and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you!
Would you like help promoting your book?
If so, tell us a little about your book. What is the title? Do you have a publisher? What is the publish date? How many pages is your book? What is the cost? Do you have web site? What is your specific goal I.E., to make money, raise awareness, get the attention of an agent or publisher, sell the story to a movie or TV studio or something else?
Submit the form below with this information and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you!
by Scott Lorenz | Author Advice, Blog, Book Marketing, Book Promotion, Book Publicity, Book Publishing, Marketing a Book, Promoting a Book
By Scott Lorenz
Westwind Communications
Hundreds and even thousands of years ago, it was essential for creative folks to recruit sponsors to help fund their masterpieces so they could succeed.
Things haven’t changed as sponsorships are still important for creative people, including writers. Writers continue to recruit sponsors and patrons to promote their books and help them earn a spot on the best-seller list without clearing all of their savings.
Kickstarter is an invaluable resource for authors who would like to raise some money for their books. It is a website that gives authors, musicians, app developers, inventors and others the opportunity to recruit people to support their creative project.
Kickstarter is a for-profit company that was created to support creative projects (for a 5% fee against the funds collected) because they believe creative projects make for a better world. Since its inception there have been hundreds of thousands of successfully funded projects for billions of dollars! Although the majority of projects raise less than $10,000, an increasing number have reached six, seven, and even eight figures.
Here’s how Kickstarter works:
Project creators join Kickstarter and set a funding goal and deadline. If people like their project, they donate money to support it. An author can use the money for publishing or distribution costs, to upgrade to a better distributor, or to pay for the costs of the book publicist hired to give your book the push it needs.
Kickstarter has an all-or-nothing policy that states you must reach your goal before receiving any money. However, don’t let this scare you because even if you don’t receive a penny, you can get your book in front of more readers and obviously, that’s never a bad thing.
I’m going to be frank here: The reality is that while many authors have benefited from Kickstarter, a lot of the campaigns flat out failed, especially when the creative person tried to run their own campaign without first researching what works or asking for professional assistance.
“Book publishing isn’t a huge portion of Kickstarter’s revenue — the “Publishing” and “Journalism” categories together account for just 9% of their successfully funded projects and 4% of the total money pledged. But the industry’s “outsize cultural impact” makes it critically important to the Brooklyn-based public-benefit corporation,” explained Adam Rowe, a Forbes contributor who discussed the conference in a recent Forbes article.
As a book publicist, I have been involved on both sides of a Kickstarter campaign and have witnessed how authors have used the platform to attain the funds needed to publish and promote a book. Let’s take a closer look at some Kickstarter author success stories.
Author Jen Marr of Washington DC used Kickstarter for her book, “Paws to Comfort”, a book designed for anyone who has ever felt awkward when reaching out to someone who is struggling. It empowers readers with simple tools and inspirational stories that can help them break through the awkward zone and become better comforters.
Her campaign received the support of 221 backers who pledged $33,819. The money raised went toward creating a manuscript, book production and delivery, and launch and promotion.
Art Brooks of Providence, RI is another example of an author who used Kickstarter to their advantage. His Kickstarter campaign is designed to support the “Star Wars The Vintage Collection Archive Edition”, a comprehensive historical manuscript and detailed visual archive of The Vintage Collection, one of Hasbro’s most popular lines of Star Wars action figures.
That campaign had 1,058 backers who pledged $133,887. Brooks offered various perks to backers who pledge a certain amount. For example, anyone who pledged $100 or more received one printed copy of The Vintage Collection Archive Edition book and one limited edition 24×36-inch The Vintage Collection compendium poster.
Believe it or not, there was a Kickstarter campaign for 9-year-old author MaKayla Rose Hubbs from Mantua, NJ. She wrote the book “Why Bedtime Sucks: The Opposite of a Bedtime Story.” The book begins with her witty objection to the various reasons she’s been told it’s important for her to get a good night’s rest. Her campaign had 124 backers who pledged $9,588. Anyone who pledged $10 or more will received an e-book as well as a downloadable coloring page.
These authors didn’t just get lucky and raise money for their books with minimal effort. Many of them were strategic in how they designed their Kickstarter campaigns and came up with incentives for pledgers. In order to attract pledges as an author, you can offer the following:
- Digital copies of your entire works if you have written three or more books.
- Autographed, limited edition copies.
- Free editing and critique of a donor’s draft writing
- A free review of a donor’s published book
- Your illustrator to draw an image of the donor to place in your book.
- An in-person meeting with the author for a formal English tea
- Mention of the donor’s business with a testimonial given by a character in the book
- A gourmet meal prepared by the author of a cookbook at the donor’s home.
If one of my clients decides to pursue a Kickstarter campaign, I’ll help them design an appealing message, create a great video, and promote their campaign outside of the Kickstarter platform.
Other Crowdfunding Options
Indiegogo: A crowdfunding website founded in 2008. One compelling feature, if you don’t reach your goal, you can still keep the funds pledged.
Ulule: This is the only international crowdfunding platform where the majority of projects get funded. It strives to empower creators and entrepreneurs.
The Bottom Line: If you’re an author looking for funding then check out how Kickstarter can pay for your book publishing and promotion.
Book publicist Scott Lorenz is President of Westwind Communications, a public relations and marketing firm that has a special knack for working with authors to help them get all the publicity they deserve and more. Lorenz works with bestselling authors and self-published authors promoting all types of books, whether it’s their first book or their 15th book. He’s handled publicity for books by CEOs, CIA Officers, Navy SEALS, Homemakers, Fitness Gurus, Doctors, Lawyers and Adventurers. His clients have been featured by Good Morning America, FOX & Friends, CNN, ABC News, New York Times, Nightline, TIME, PBS, LA Times, USA Today, Washington Post, Woman’s World, & Howard Stern to name a few.
Learn more about Westwind Communications’ book marketing approach at https://www.WestwindBookMarketing.com or contact Lorenz at [email protected] or 734-667-2090 or fill out the form below. Follow Lorenz on Twitter @aBookPublicist. Want help titling a book? Check out Scott Lorenz’s new award winning, bestselling book: Book Title Generator- A Proven System in Naming Your Book www.BookTitleGenerator.net.
Would you like help promoting your book?
If so, tell us a little about your book. What is the title? Do you have a publisher? What is the publish date? How many pages is your book? What is the cost? Do you have web site? What is your specific goal I.E., to make money, raise awareness, get the attention of an agent or publisher, sell the story to a movie or TV studio or something else?
Submit the form below with this information and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you!
