by Scott Lorenz | Author Advice, Blog, Book Marketing, Book Promotion, Book Publicity, Television, ZOOM
By Scott Lorenz
Westwind Communications
Ever notice how some people look great on a Zoom call? What’s their secret? In today’s era of COVID-19, media interviews that were once conducted in a TV studio are now performed on Zoom, Skype, or Facetime. This presents more opportunities for interviews because you don’t have to go to a studio but there are challenges as well. Are you ready for your up-close TV interview on ZOOM?
My personal Zoom experiences and discussions with several experts in this visual field have allowed me to come up with a quick list of tips to help you crush your next Zoom call. Without further ado, here they are:
Dress Appropriately
You don’t have to dress up as much as you usually do. However, your attire should not be down more than one level from what you typically wear in the office. If you normally wear a suit and tie, for example, opt for a nice blouse or button-up shirt.
Jess Todtfeld, former producer and media trainer also recommends you avoid white, black, and red, ensure your clothing is wrinkle-free, remove distracting jewelry, and dress as simply as possible. “TV viewers should focus on your face and what you say, not your clothes,” he says.
You are the face of your company, your school, your brand. If you normally wear makeup to work, then you’ll need to wear it on a TV interview too.
Jess created a new video course on Udemy focusing on looking and sounding good for any online interview. He goes into much detail on doing the best job possible whether it’s for a media interview or a new job. Check it out at: https://bit.ly/ZOOM_Tips_JT
Invest in Reliable Internet Connection
Chances are you’ve seen someone freeze on the screen during a Zoom session. To reduce the risk of this happening to you, a reliable internet connection is a must. If you’re in the middle of an interview and your connection freezes, a TV station will stop the interview and go to someone else. A hardline wired connection to your computer vs. WIFI can prevent this issue. In the event you must use WIFI, request that others in your home or office stay off it during your interview.
Be Mindful of Your Background
Your background during a Zoom call is important. Do your best to make it visually appealing. Add fresh flowers, a potted plant, a painting, or your book cover enlarged on an easel. Remember that people will be able to read book titles so there’s a good chance they’ll notice dust, dirty clothes, and other imperfections in the background. Don’t sit in front of horizontal blinds as this confuses the camera and may cause pixelation of the image. (Vertical blinds are ok) Refrain from virtual backgrounds that come with ZOOM as they create distortion around your head and body. If you must use one due to a home office in a bedroom or hallway, then buy a portable green screen so you can choose a beautiful virtual background that’s free from distortions. You’ll look professional and feel good too.
Do you have a ZOOM Room?
TV and radio studios have acoustically padded walls, ceilings and are carpeted. The sound is absorbed and is not ricocheting around giving that ‘hollow’ effect. If your ZOOM Room is like a racquetball court then you need a new location or to figure out how to deaden the sound bounce with carpet, acoustic tiles, etc. Wearing a lapel microphone helps too. This should be needless say but, keep dogs, kids, and the neighbor’s lawnmower out of sound range.
Pay Attention to the Lighting
It’s essential that your face is well lit throughout the entire interview. If you’re in a dark room, use a circle light or lamp with a warm glow. Ideally, you’d be in a bright room with minimal windows. Excessive light may cause the camera lens to adjust when you don’t want it to. The cost is $50-100. I love mine and it’s really helpful on dark dreary days, late night or early morning interviews or when your spouse may need the living room light for reading!
Ensure the Camera is at ‘just a smidge below’ Eye Level
The camera should always be ‘just a smidge below’ eye level with you. Try your best to look at the camera instead of the screen at all times. Don’t let your eyes wander as this may cause others to believe you’re disinterested or disengaged in the interview. Put a little post-it notes near the camera lens on your camera to remind you to ‘look at the camera’ not the screen.
If you are using the camera on an iPhone or other smartphone, place it on a tripod and be sure to turn off the notifications and the ringer or everyone on the call will hear them.
Use the Skype App
For best results when using SKYPE use the SKYPE App and not your browser. The reality is that the browser accessed version won’t run at optimal speeds and there’s a good chance your screen may freeze. Download the app on your phone or tablet and test it out in advance to make sure it works well.
Opt for Wireless or Wired Earbuds
Speakers on your computer are ok. But, if you want best results, get wireless or wired earbuds. They can enhance your sound quality and help you sound great on camera. If you use wireless earbuds, don’t forget to charge them completely before the interview.
Have a Glass of Water Handy
You can enjoy a number of benefits if you keep a glass of water by your side during your interview. Since talking a lot and being nervous can lead to dry mouth and throat, water can help you keep your vocal cords moist. It can also serve as a prop so if you’re asked a tricky question, you can take a sip of the water and give yourself some extra time to think of a good answer.
Don’t Forget Pen and Paper
With a pen and paper nearby, you’ll be able to jot down the reporter’s name, questions you may have, and anything that you’d like to remember after the interview. If you take notes on your computer, you’ll distract the interviewer so doing so the old-fashioned way is ideal.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Make sure you know how to work ZOOM, SKYPE, and Facetime and are comfortable with all of the options. Practice using all of these with friends and family. Don’t let your big interview on national TV be a flop because of some technical issue you could have avoided.
The Bottom Line: By following these tips, you can nail your virtual Zoom interview and meet your goals from the comfort of your own home or office.
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://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://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, Book Clubs, Book Marketing, Book Promotion, Marketing a Book, Promoting a Book
By Scott Lorenz
Westwind Communications
When promoting a book, many authors think national promotion. And that’s fine, but I also suggest authors consider solid local promotion using book clubs. While national campaigns can be effective, reaching out to a nearby audience is certainly cost-effective and, when done right, can help start word-of-mouth promotion every author covets.
The obvious appeal of a book club is that it is a prime niche target. The simple equation is that book clubs consist of people interested in books and people who like books can like your book as well as any other.
The investment is driving 15-20 minutes to where the club meets, speaking for 30 minutes, answering questions for 10-15 minutes, and then greeting members as they depart at a table filled with your books.
If 20 members attend that week’s book club session, and six buy your book, they will return to the following month’s meeting and at least two or three will talk about your book. Others will then go out and, on the recommendation of club members, purchase your book. All will tell friends outside the club, some of whom will buy your book. It doesn’t take long for 100 sales to rack up from a 90-minute investment by the author.
And, by the way, a book club in another state or another country still can have value to an author because it can easily be arranged to “appear” as a speaker to any distant club by using SKYPE, Facebook Live or other technology. Visiting a book club offers many benefits beyond sales, although generating sales should be number one. Other benefits include:
- A way to better identify target audiences.
- Getting new thoughts and ideas for future books
- Increased understanding of what characters or plot lines were of interest to readers in your target audience.
- Having an instant focus group without having to pay for one.
- Meet and relate to reviewers who often are book club members.
- Meet people from all different walks of life, greatly adding food to the writer’s observational brain.
- Learn about new books to read. Remember Stephen King’s advice: “If you don’t have time to read, you don’t have time to write.”
To find book clubs nearby do a Google search. Then, (now don’t laugh), actually go to your local library and ask the librarian! Chances are some book clubs may even meet in the library. Others will meet in private homes, but the librarian will know. In fact, the librarian will belong to local book clubs and probably would be willing to recommend you as a speaker at a club event or at the library itself. Besides the library, visit local community colleges and universities to get information on book clubs.
Book clubs also can be located by searching on Facebook, Goodreads and other online sites. You can visit local coffee shops, sandwich shops and even bookstores and look for a community bulletin board that book clubs are apt to use for announcements.
Another way to locate nearby book clubs is to go to www.readerscircle.org, https://www.readinggroupguides.com/ and https://www.bookbrowse.com/bookclubs/.
There are some things an author should do to make the visit worthwhile to club members so they will be invited back or invited to another club, such as:
- Provide study questions in advance.
- Have some great stories ready to talk about writing and the creative process.
- Seek their help by asking them to review your book on Amazon, BN, Goodreads, or talk about it on Facebook or Twitter
- Keep in touch. Take a picture with the group and offer to email it to them. Save the contact information and email them updates.
- Bring something – bookmarks, a bottle of wine, or a batch of homemade cookies. Best of all bring free books to give away.
After you have visited all the book clubs within a 50-mile radius, you will have become an expert at promoting books using book clubs. After all, paid speakers begin by speaking free to local civic clubs and become better speakers by this training method. The same goes for authors and book clubs. These new skills will prepare you to speak at seminars, workshops, book fair conferences, etc.
One more thing. There are several celebrity book clubs promoted by Reese Witherspoon, Jimmy Fallon and Sarah Jessica Parker to name a few. Getting picked up by these are a long shot at best for most authors. So, for best results and mental satisfaction, I’d focus on the plan I’ve outlined above.
The Bottom Line: Authors, pursue book clubs to promote your book and get the local buzz going!
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://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
by Scott Lorenz
Westwind Book Marketing
When it comes to book marketing, of the many tactics, authors can employ once the book is written and published are those that are cost-effective and produce results. Besides free publicity, if you would like to reach a large, targeted audience efficiently then consider conducting a webinar.
What’s a webinar? A webinar is an online interactive meeting where the author is able to educate, demonstrate, entertain, and sell their book to their audience of potential readers. It can be held at any time of the day—live or recorded.
“Doing webinars is a way to reach much larger audiences – often in the thousands – without leaving your home or office and for less than the cost of one night in a hotel,” says Bill Harrison, co-founder of the National Publicity Summit in New York City. “Many authors do bookstore signings to promote their books, but it can be expensive to travel and unless you’re a celebrity, you’ll be lucky to have 15 or 20 people turn out.”
“JJ Virgin used webcasts to hit the New York Times Best Seller List in one of the most competitive markets of all—health and nutrition,” says Mike Koenigs, #1 Bestselling Author, and Serial Entrepreneur. Koenigs encourages authors to “Write Your Book From A Webcast” as it’s perhaps the most cost-effective way to capture one’s knowledge effortlessly.
Author media trainer Jess Todtfeld, President of Success In Media, uses webinars to build a relationship and rapport. “The advantage is that they see and experience who I am and receive something of value at the same time,” says Todtfeld. “I’ve conducted many webinars with authors, and they are particularly useful for keeping your network warm and staying on the radar. I’ve then transcribed the recording and created content I can repackage and offer to my audience.”
Put webinars into your book marketing mix. It will reach your most interested market.
– Scott Lorenz – Book Publicist
One book marketing pro I know has been conducting at least two webinars per month for more than four years. Brian Jud, Executive Director of the Association of Publishers for Special Sales, and the author of How to Make Real Money Selling Books, uses webinars for several reasons. “First, it keeps my name in front of a targeted audience on a regular basis. And scheduling speakers for my webinars, many of which are authors, gives me access to people who might not otherwise accept my call. Also, by listening to experts in a wide variety of book-publishing topics I learn something from every webinar. Finally, preparation for webinars in which I am the speaker forces me to update my material and solidify my reputation as a knowledgeable expert in non-bookstore marketing.”
Brian conducted a webinar with me a few months ago about how to name a book and from the transcription of the recording I created two articles and found plenty of new material that came out during the interview process. The best part is that I was able to communicate my expertise to his list of contacts. How’s that? Prior to the webinar,
Brian emailed a note to his list of a few thousand authors and publishers telling them about my upcoming webinar. Some of those people signed up for the webinar and others simply read that email so it served as a form of an advertisement for my book publicity services.
Tapping into someone else’s list of contacts is one of the big benefits of using a webinar. Nobody can know everybody, and a webinar offers an endorsement, in effect, from the person conducting the webinar.
“The purpose of your webinar series is not only to promote book sales—although it will do that anyway,” says Gihan Perera, author of There’s an I in Team, and eleven other books. “It’s also to continue positioning yourself as an expert, and to remain in front of your target market’s mind, so that when they’re ready to buy what you’ve got to sell, you’ll be their first choice.”
What’s the next step?
1. Research who conducts webinars in the genre of your book or someone who covers your topic if it’s a ‘how to’ or ‘business’ subject. Go to both Twitter and Google and search the term ‘webinar + YOUR TOPIC’ to find them.
2. Sign up for some webinars as a participant and listen in so you can see how they work. For author related webinars check out the Writer’s Digest website.
3. Reach out to those hosts you’d like to talk to and ask if they would like to interview you.
4. Then once you’re ready to host your own webinar check out webinar providers such as GoToWebinar, GoToMeeting and WebEx.
The Bottom Line: Put webinars into your book marketing mix. Using a cost-effective webinar is an easy-to-use promotional tactic to reach the most people ‘of like minds’ at the same time. Do it today!
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://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 Fairs, Book Festivals, Book Marketing, Book Promotion, Book Publicity, Marketing a Book, Promoting a Book, Writers Conferences
By Scott Lorenz
Westwind Communications
Have you ever attended a writers’ conference? Here’s why you may want to consider adding one to your calendar.
A writers’ conference is a think tank for authors to build on each other’s ideas and inspire new achievements in their own work. For the cost of lodging and registration, the payoff for attending a writers’ conference could be tremendous.
Attending a writers’ conference gives you a chance to pitch your book, learn about the various publishing options and meet book editors, agents, and book marketing specialists. If your book is six months or a year from being finished, you can talk to people with valuable input on shaping your book. At a writers’ conference, you’ll get all sorts of advice to help you wrap up your project when you return home.
Of course, you will want to prepare for any writers’ conference you attend by having a plan of what you want to find out and what you will do while there. I suggest you develop an ‘elevator pitch’ about your book that you can deliver in 30 seconds. Have a one-pager available with your book cover, author headshot, short 50-word synopsis, short bio, website URL, Twitter handle and your contact information. You never know who you’ll meet so be prepared for that moment!
Here are some upcoming writers’ conferences in 2019 for your consideration
- February 23, 2019: New Orleans Writers Conference (New Orleans, LA)
- March 2, 2019: Writers Conference of Minnesota (St. Paul, MN)
- March 8, 2019: The Alabama Writers Conference (Birmingham, AL)
- March 9, 2019: Atlanta Writing Workshop (Atlanta, GA)
- March 30, 2019: Kansas City Writing Workshop (Kansas City, MO)
- April 5-7, 2019: The Muse & the Marketplace Writers Conference (Boston, MA)
- April 6, 2019: Get Published in Kentucky Conference (Louisville, KY)
- April 13, 2019: North Carolina Writers Workshop (Charlotte, NC)
- April 26, 2019: Kentucky Writers Conference (Bowling Green, KY)
- April 27, 2019: Seattle Writers Conference (Seattle, WA)
- May 2-4, 2019: Las Vegas Writers Conference (Las Vegas, NV)
- May 3-4, 2019: Northern Colorado Writers Conference (Fort Collins, CO)
- May 4, 2019: Michigan Writers Conference (Detroit, MI)
- May 9-11, 2019: Storymakers Conference (Provo, UT)
- May 10-11 2019: Washington Writers Conference (North Bethesda, MD)
- May 17-19, 2019: PennWriters Conference (Pittsburgh, PA)
- May 17-19, 2019: Missouri Writers Guild (Cape Girardeau, MO)
- June 16-21, 2019: Santa Barbara Writers Conference (Santa Barbara, CA)
- June 29, 2019: The Writing Workshop of Chicago (Chicago, IL)
- July 28-August 2, 2019: Napa Valley Writers Conference (St. Helena, CA)
- August 1-3, 2019: Mendocino Coast Writers Conference (Mendocino, CA)
- August 3, 2019: Tennessee Writers Workshop (Nashville, TN)
- August 22-25, 2019: Killer Nashville Writers Conference (Franklin, TN)
- August 23-25, 2019: Writer’s Digest Conference (New York, NY)
- October 25-27, 2019: La Jolla Writers Conference (San Diego, CA)
- October 12-13, 2019: James River Writers Conference (Richmond, VA)
- November 23, 2019: Philadelphia Writing Workshop (Philadelphia, PA)
Select a writers’ conference of interest to you and be prepared to enjoy the benefits of meeting other writers, acquiring knowledge you can use immediately, learn about different genres, find a new market for your book, elevate your professional effectiveness, meet editors, agents and publishers, become inspired and return home energized.
The Bottom Line: Make a commitment to attend at least one writers’ conference this year. You’ll be glad you did!
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://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!
