Bob Baker's Full-Time Author Blog

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2010-04-20T18:16:00.001-04:00

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Marketing Yourself: You Get a Do-Over

2010-04-08T12:31:00.001-04:00

If you've ever read any of the YOU health books by Michael Roizen and Mehmet Oz, you may be familiar with their idea of a "do-over."

Here's an excerpt from a Q&A with them that explains it:

"You get to control your rate of aging if you want to. It isn't that hard and doesn't take that long ... Your cells basically have a memory of three years. So by changing your habits now, within three years, it's as if you have done your healthy habit all your life ... That's right: You get a do-over in life if you want it."

What does this have to do with book marketing?

A lot!

Just because you haven't put a lot of time and effort into book promotion up until now, that doesn't mean you are doomed to a life of obscurity.

So what if you are confused by all the marketing and book sales choices you have. Hint: We're all in the same boat here -- trying to figure it out and do the best we can as we go.

Just because you feel uncomfortable "selling yourself" now, that doesn't mean you can't get on friendlier terms with it and do better in the near future.

Promotion and sales don't have to be hard. They don't have to consume all your time and money. Doing a little something every day is all it takes to slowly gain traction and make progress over time.

Yes, you get a do-over with book marketing and sales if you want it. And like the cells of your body, if you do some simple things on a consistent basis for three years, you will reap many rewards.

And before long, other authors will come up to you and ask, "You're so good at marketing and make it look so easy. What's your secret?"

-Bob

How Will You Handle Criticism as You Grow?

2010-02-22T17:16:00.000-05:00

One of the highlights of the movie Spiritual Liberation for me was when Michael Beckwith asked, "Will you be able to handle what they say about you when you start to let your light shine?"

That question hit home with me just last week. And I bet there are times when it has (or will) hit home for you as an author/publisher too.

I'll explain. But first a little background ...

This year my goal is to step things up and expand. To try new things and formats, to impact more people, to crank out more useful resources, etc.

One of the factors that led to this new level of inspiration is my involvement with a mastermind group of local friends in St. Louis. We meet about every three weeks and listen, encourage and inspire each other.

Among other things, my mastermind pals have encouraged me to play an even bigger game, realize my true worth, and step into a greater expression of who I am -- things we should all be encouraged to do.

That led to the launch of my new Virtual Music Coach site last month. And just last week, I sent an email to my whole list about another new way I can serve: a four-week Guerrilla Music Marketing Mastermind & Brainstorming Group project, limited to 10 people.

I wanted to extend that mastermind group vibe I've enjoyed so much to a conference call environment (and charge participants $195 each to be part of it). I was excited about it and a bit apprehensive, wondering what kind of response I'd get.

Here are examples of the types of email reactions I've received:

"Great idea, Bob! I'm VERY interested in this. I hope I'm one of the lucky 10!"
"Sure. I'm game."
"I'm very interested, but I can't afford it right now. Maybe in a couple months."
"A little pricey, don't you think?"
"I'm very interested, but I don't want to pay. With my experience level, I'd be a great asset to the group. You should comp me in."
"This is a terrible idea! I can't believe you would charge people for such a mundane service. I'm tired of everyone trying to make a buck by any means necessary. Take me off your email list!"

Hmmm ...

So, which of these reactions should I pay attention to? Which ones are valid?

The truth is, they are ALL valid. They are very real for each person who took the time to respond. Each one represents that person's reality.

So, as a creative person stepping out to try something new, how do I handle this variety of opinions?

Actually, I honor them all. But I have no choice but to focus my efforts on the people who see the value and resonate with my message.

I read, respect and consider the other responses. But I don't allow them to take hold and create fear and limitations in my thinking. I won't water down my ambitions or lower my prices on this particular offering (since I have tons of no-cost and low-cost resources that make up for it).

The real question is ...

How will YOU handle what people say about you when you start to let YOUR light shine?

By being scared and apprehensive? By playing small so you don't offend anyone?

Or ... by being the empowered author and book publisher that you are!

-Bob

P.S. As it turns out, all 10 music mastermind slots have sold out.

Question: If I offered this same marketing mastermind group concept for authors, would you be interested? See how I set up the format for the music group here. And let me know what you think.

Question mark clipart above from Clipartheaven.com.

3 Ways Apple's Tablet, iSlate or iPad Will Change the Ebook Game

2010-01-27T12:17:00.001-05:00

Today Apple is set to finally unveil its newest creation, rumored to be a tablet-like ebook reader and multimedia mobile device. We'll know soon enough whether it's called iTablet, iSlate, iPad or something else ... but most tech experts agree its release will be a game changer.
Here are three ways Apple's new gadget may impact you as an author and book publisher:

1) Amazon Kindle royalties are now higher

In an effort to take some of the steam out of Apple's announcement, Amazon has raised the percentage it pays Kindle book authors and publishers from 35% to 70% for qualifying titles. See this Forbes article for some details.

Competition for ebook consumer dollars can be good for the creators of content. When authors have options, the companies that control the supply chain are compelled to make it more attractive for publishers.

2) More widespread acceptance of ebook readers and mobile reading

Ebooks and their acceptance as a viable reading format have been slow in growing over the years, but the past year or so (especially after the release of the Kindle) has seen a significant sales spike.

With Apple entering the ebook reader game, if its new device is even half as hip as the iPod, we could see an even bigger boost in the format.

3) An expanded definition for ebooks and the digital reading experience

According to this article, "It is believed that the Apple Tablet will change how electronic books are read because the new ebooks will be enhanced versions of their previous selves and will be accompanied by video, author interviews and social-networking applications."

Lesson: Be ready to embrace multimedia in a variety of forms. Paper books aren't going away, but consumers are increasingly absorbing information and entertainment on computers, cell phones, ebook readers, and other mobile devices.

How are you preparing yourself to make the most of this new era in book publishing?

-Bob

Branding Yourself Online

How to Use the Internet to Become a Celebrity or Expert in Your Field

Consumer Electronics Show: Lessons for Authors & Book Publishers

2010-01-07T12:54:00.001-05:00

The Consumer Electronics Show is taking place over the next few days in Las Vegas. According to an article on MSNBC ...

"After years of being about the Next Big Thing, the annual International Consumer Electronics Show this week is all about the next little thing - small-in-one devices that are blurring the distinctions among tiny netbook computers, dedicated media players, e-book readers and cell phones."

But it was these sentences that really caught my eye:

"... content is the new king. As different people use electronics in different ways, publishers are under the gun to deliver whatever content people want on whatever devices they have."

So, are you meeting your readers where YOU want them to, based on your idea of what the right platform is?

Or ... are you meeting them where they ARE?

Think about the next little thing as you plan your book promotion in 2010.

-Bob

Get Serious About Internet Book Marketing in 2010

This new title reveals the most practical and cost-effective ways authors and publishers can market themselves and sell books online. It demystifies Internet book marketing and makes it accessible to any self-promoter at any skill level.

Learn more about it here ...

Mega Book Sales 2.0 workshop w/ Peter Bowerman & Bob Baker Dec 28 in St. Louis

2009-12-21T14:40:00.001-05:00

If you're in the St. Louis area (or know someone who is), here are details on a great workshop just three days after Christmas. (Come on, you'll be over the holidays by then and ready to kick-start the new year!)

Mega Book Sales 2.0
Advanced Marketing Strategies for Serious Writers, Authors & Experts

Monday, December 28, 2009
7:00 to 9:00 pm

Ready to boost your book sales and income in 2010? Come learn as two full-time, self-published authors share their strategies for generating revenue with their books. While this workshop is best suited for non-fiction authors, it's also ideal for speakers, consultants and anyone who wants to make a living while making a difference with their knowledge and expertise.

Some of the topics to be covered include:

- How to create irresistible offers that inspire customers to spend more
- Best ways to pre-sell your book and start getting paid before you even finish writing it
- How to generate extra income via mentoring and coaching services
- When to use virtual assistants and how to delegate the workload
- Why taking a nontraditional, anti-mainstream route to publishing success works best
- The ins and outs of distribution for independent publishers

Your workshop presenters (both of whom make a full-time living from their self-publishing efforts) are:

Peter Bowerman is the author of "The Well-Fed Writer" (the revised and expanded 2009 version was just published), "TWFW: Back For Seconds," and "The Well-Fed Self-Publisher." The WFW books are how-to "standards" in the lucrative field of commercial freelancing -- writing for businesses, large and small, for hourly rates of $50 to $125+. His award-winning, independently published books have been featured selections for Book-of-the-Month Club, Quality Paperback Book Club, and Writer's Digest Book Club. Learn more about Peter at http://WellFedWriter.com.

Bob Baker has developed a successful niche writing about music marketing and self-promotion for indie songwriters and bands. He served three terms as president of the St. Louis Publishers Association, is a regular presenter at IBPA's Publishing University, and is an advocate for the self-publishing movement. His books include "55 Ways to Promote & Sell Your Book on the Internet," "Guerrilla Music Marketing Handbook," and many more. Bob publishes an ezine, blog, podcast, and video clips at http://FullTimeAuthor.com and http://TheBuzzFactor.com.

Admission: $20 at the door
($15 for current members of the St. Louis Publishers Association, National Speakers Association, and the St. Louis Writers Guild)

Doors open at 6:30 PM; Workshop starts at 7 PM.

Location:
The Heights
8001 Dale Avenue
Richmond Heights, MO 63117

This is the Richmond Heights community center. After going in the main front entrance, head down the hall to your right to find the conference room.

Presented by the St. Louis Publishers Association, http://www.stlouispublishers.org/

Indie Author or Publisher? The True Meaning

2009-12-15T14:05:00.000-05:00

We hear the term "indie" bounced around a lot these days. It's become quite a trendy word (although some of us have been preaching about it for more years than most :-). So, let me ask you …

What's your definition of indie?

Many people think of it as a reference to a musician, filmmaker or author who has no affiliation with a major corporation. That's true, but I believe it has a much deeper meaning than that.

(By the way, "indie" is an abbreviation for "independent." The "ie" at the end is the proper spelling, as opposed to "indy," which is usually a reference to Indiana or Indianapolis -- as in the Indy 500. There's your grammar lesson for the day.)

I think of indie in much the same way I think of the term "guerrilla." It's more than a simple, surface-level reference to your financial backing. I believe it's a state of mind and a way of life you must bring to your entire pursuit of publishing and marketing.

The best way to explain my angle on this is to use an acronym. So here's my definition of I-N-D-I-E, with every letter standing for a separate concept (and I didn't even use the word "independent," which was tempting considering I had two I's to work with).

I - Inspired

To embrace the indie frame of mind, you must be inspired. You have to know in your gut that sharing your gifts with written word is what you are meant to do. You must become energized when writing and speaking about the content of your books. Hopefully, this is something you already experience fully, without having to force yourself to feel that way.

When this kind of natural inspiration comes over you, it's a sure sign that you're on the right path. And you will need this desire to carry you through the ups and downs that you will surely encounter as you pursue indie publishing on your own terms.

N - Nontraditional

Indie authors don't mind learning about what has come before, and they are happy to listen to the "rules" that others say are required to have a successful publishing career. However, the smartest indie authors keep their minds flexible and constantly question whether the supposed "rules" of the past really apply to them. They actually develop a mindset that seeks out the road less traveled. And when they spot a good idea that's off the traditional path, they fearlessly go after it without apologies.

D - Determined

Successful indie authors are fixated on their goals and determined to reach them. They leave room to veer from the original plan, when needed, but they are steadfast in their desire to produce great material, reach fans with their message, sell more books, etc. With this attitude, obstacles become short-term learning experiences along the road to higher levels of success.

I - Innovative

Being indie means thinking outside of the proverbial box and looking at fresh opportunities from every angle. It means not promoting yourself the same way a thousand other authors have. It means being resistant to knee-jerk marketing tactics and open to new ideas and overlooked avenues for exposure.

E - Empowered

Indie authors don't wait for someone or something else to come along and rescue them. They don't pray for a "lucky break" or to "be discovered." They know to the core that the power to succeed with their books resides inside of them. And they understand that it's their mission to tap into that personal power and use it to share their message with the world.

Let's recap my definition of INDIE:

I - Inspired
N - Nontraditional
D - Determined
I - Innovative
E - Empowered

Commit this acronym to memory. Better yet, make a photocopy of this post and pin it up where you'll see it every day.

Being INDIE has nothing to do with what company you are or are not affiliated with. It has everything to do with how much you take control of your own life and take steps to build the kind of book career you deserve.

-Bob

Are You Ready to Fully Harness the POWER of the Internet to Market Your Book?

This new title reveals the most practical and cost-effective ways that Bob and other successful authors have promoted themselves and their books online. It demystifies Internet book marketing and makes it accessible to any author at any skill level.

Learn more about it here ...

7 Steps to Reaching Your Book Publishing Goals

2009-12-15T13:49:00.002-05:00

A couple weeks ago I posted this question on Facebook, Twitter, and other social networking sites:

What's the #1 Thing That Keeps You From Reaching Your Goals?
I received a flood of great responses, most of which I posted here. I encourage you to look over the list and see how many of them you can relate to. But don't use the list to get comfortable and think, "I'm in good company when I don't reach my book-related goals, so I should just relax."

Instead, use the list to realize that you are not alone when it comes to distractions, resistance, and excuses. Authors and publishers who succeed at greater levels don't have some secret code and aren't immune to the everyday obstacles we all encounter.

What they do have is a different mindset and a different approach compared to the masses that get lulled into accepting stagnation as a way of life.

Since this is such a widespread issue (and one I wrestle with myself), I wanted to share my version of the Cycle of Success -- a concept I first heard from Jack Canfield. It's a bare-bones outline of the simple steps you must take to accomplish worthy goals. It may appear simplistic at first glance. But I ask you ...

Honestly, how well do you embrace each of these steps ... and on which ones do you typically get hung up?

1) Decide

The first step to reaching any goal is to know where you're headed. The clearer the target, the more purposeful your actions will be. That's why the first step to accomplishment is to set a specific, measurable goal (or set of goals). "Be a successful author" is a nice idea, but it's a fuzzy goal. A more concrete goal would be "Book four speaking gigs a month that generate $3,000 in total revenue" or "Sell $1,500 a month in ebooks from my web site and $1,000 a month in paperback sales." Decide what you want and be crystal clear about what it is.

2) Plan

Once you know exactly what you want, the next step is to craft an action plan that will move you toward it. Take some time to brainstorm on paper. Make lists of the different types of activities you will need to engage in to reach the goal. Who will you need to contact, what do you need to learn, and what tools will help you get there? Work backwards from the goal and determine the specific steps you'll need to take.

3) Start

Now it's time to dive into the step that holds back most human beings: taking action! Look over your grand plan and ask yourself, "What's the very first thing I need to do in each category?" Focus only on those initial things and ... do them! Don't worry about the entire project or the immensity of your goal. Just do the very thing that needs to be done today: make a phone call, send an email, design a web page, buy a new software program, or sit down to write the next chapter (or finish one you started).

4) Continue

Taking those initial actions in the Start phase may actually come easy if you're exciting about the goal. Your enthusiasm is running high and you're eager to get busy. But what happens after a week or two, when other life demands grab center stage or when you don't make as much progress toward the goal as you had hoped? This step is another biggie that trips up many authors and publishers. But people who succeed muscle through the distractions and "continue" taking action, even when they're short on time and energy. If your goal is truly important, you will find time to chip away at it and make progress -- on a consistent basis.

5) Evaluate

If you get this far, congratulations! You've accomplished more than the majority of creative people (as sad as that is to say). You have decided what you want, created an action plan, started taking action, and have continued to work toward it, despite many temptations to do otherwise. Now you must take a little time to measure the results of your efforts. Don't just stay busy for the sake of movement without knowing how effective your actions are. Are you moving closer to the goal, or further away? What has generated the best results? Now is the time to evaluate your progress.

6) Adjust

Once you look at the actions you've taken thus far and measure the results (as in the number of books sold, number of new fans on your mailing list, amount of web site traffic, etc.), you'll have a clearer picture of where you stand. Then look over your plan and tweak it. How you do that is super simple: Do more of what's working and less of what isn't working. Also, this is a good time to introduce a new goal or strategy that makes sense based on what you've learned from your actions so far.

7) Continue

Once again, consistent action and progress is key. So with your adjusted plan in hand, continue to move forward. Another trait that will help you in this phase is the ability to simultaneously see two contrasting perspectives: 1) Keep the big picture vision alive of where you are headed -- the specific and measurable goal you have set, and 2) Focus on the micro task at hand and realize where you actually are on the path. There will almost always be a wide gap between where you are and where you want to be. But don't let that disparity frustrate you. Instead, let it pull you toward the goal even more fervently.

Bonus Step: Repeat Steps 5 through 7. From here on out, your progress will be a series of evaluating your efforts, adjusting your goals and action plans, and getting busy pursuing them again.

There you have it: 7 Simple But Effective Steps to Reaching Your Book Publishing Goals.

Are you truly incorporating all of the steps? Where do you get hung up the most? Did I miss anything? Let me know in the Comments section below.

-Bob

Featured Resource

Self-Publishing Success Secrets 101
Be Sure to Read This BEFORE You Publish Your Next Book!

The #1 Thing That Keeps You From Reaching Your Goals

2009-11-12T17:38:00.001-05:00

I posted this question on Facebook, Twitter, and other social networking sites this week and got a flood of great responses.

Below you'll find a summary of the top reasons that authors (as well as musicians and other creative people) cite for falling short of their goals and not making as much progress as they desire.

Recognize any of them?

Lack of time
Lack of money
Lack of confidence
Self-sabotage
Not setting goals to begin with
Not planning well enough
Procrastination
Having too many goals
Not prioritizing my goals
Spreading myself too thin
Lame but convenient excuses
Popular trends not going my way
Not knowing where to start
My day job
Not putting what I know into action
The government and its stupid rules
Setting really BIG goals
Perfectionism
Fear of failure
Not knowing how to raise things to the next level
Clutter
Me, Myself, My own mind
Facebook

If I missed something, please add your own obstacles in the Comments section below. Also leave some extra thoughts on what holds you back, along with any tips you have to overcome these hurdles.

I'll post my own ways of conquering these personal demons in future blog posts, and may even turn this into an ebook some day.

-Bob

Promote Your Book, Start a Group Online!

2009-10-29T12:21:00.001-05:00

15 Places to Start an Online Group or Community Around Your Topic -- and Attract Book Readers and Buyers

One of the things I stress on this blog, in my live workshops, and in my new book is the importance of identifying your ideal readers and fans ... and then going to the places where those specific types of people hang out -- both online and off.
But there's another aspect to this you can use to promote your book and your identity as an author. Instead of looking only for existing social hangouts, why not create one? Don't limit yourself to looking for targeted destinations. Be one yourself!

That's what I did with my Guerrilla Music Marketing and Internet Book Promotion groups on Facebook. In addition to seeking out your ideal fans, create an inviting place that causes them to come to YOU! What a concept!

Here are 15 ways to create your own group and community online (also see my warning note below):

Facebook Groups

Twitter Groups

LinkedIn Groups

Ning

Flickr Groups

YouTube Groups

Amazon Customer Communities

Scribd Groups

Slideshare Groups

GoodReads Groups

Shelfari Groups

Yahoo Groups

Google Groups

MySpace Book Groups

Friendfeed Groups

Warning: It would not be wise to start groups at all 15 of these places. Pick one to three sites to start with and concentrate on building those.

To make a group attractive to your ideal readers, you must be actively involved with it. So ... respond to member posts, start conversations, and generally be "visible" and proactive within the group.

Here are some links to additional resources on this topic:

Tips for Starting Your Own Facebook Group

How to Build and Grow a Successful Facebook Group

5 Tips to Revive a Fading Facebook Group

How to Create a YouTube Group

Ning Help Pages

Twibes - Create a Twitter Group for Free

-Bob

Are You Ready to Fully Harness the POWER of the Internet?:

This new title reveals the most practical and cost-effective ways that Bob and other successful authors have promoted themselves and their books online. It demystifies Internet book marketing and makes it accessible to any author at any skill level.

Learn more about it here ...

The Empowered, Self-Promoting Author

2009-09-30T10:49:00.001-04:00

Some authors disdain it, some rejoice in it, while others have a love-hate relationship with it.

I'm taking about marketing and self-promotion -- that important set of activities that communicates your message to an audience that is receptive to it.

Maria Schneider ran a great interview with Jonathan Fields last week on her Editor Unleashed blog that touched on this. Jonathan is the author of Career Renegade: How to Make a Great Living Doing What You Love. His attitude really resonates with the approach I've taken with my own writing and marketing for many years.

Here's an excerpt:

"It's no longer enough to write a great book, hand it over, go where you're pointed and hope for the best. If that's all you're willing to do, with rare exception, you should plan on keeping your day job.

"You need to be the lead partner in the marketing of your book. And, one of the most powerful ways to do that is to build layers of digital tribes that play different, yet critical roles in the marketing equation."

In another section, he adds:

"More and more authors have been telling me how disempowered they've felt for a lot of years and many are sensing that there's a window, now, to begin to reclaim power in the publishing equation."

I agree. Only I'll add that this window of opportunity has existed for many years. I've been actively promoting my message of music marketing and artist empowerment since 1995. And I recall then feeling that I was lagging behind in getting online.

But now, nearly 15 years later, it amazes me that there are still people saying, "You know, there might be something to this Internet thing. Maybe I should get more involved with it."

YES! You should get more involved with it. There's no need to know and understand it all from the get-go, but you should be taking some small step every day to get familiar with the tools and use them to attract and nurture your "tribe" online.

Here's the bottom line: Opportunities to empower yourself are all around you at all times -- both online and off. It's your job to get on friendly terms with this marketing thing and keep your eyes open for new and creative ways to connect with readers.

Doing so isn't a burden. Quite the opposite. It's an invigorating way to share your ideas and make a difference in people's lives.

-Bob

Are You Ready to Fully Harness the POWER of the Internet?:

This new title reveals the most practical and cost-effective ways that Bob and other successful authors have promoted themselves and their books online. It demystifies Internet book marketing and makes it accessible to any author at any skill level.

Learn more about it here ...

Seth Godin on Building an Author Platform

2009-09-25T11:12:00.001-04:00

Seth Godin gives a good dose of modern marketing reality with his blog post titled "The platform vs. the eyeballs." It's not intended for authors only, but the message certainly applies. Especially this excerpt:

Authors have traditionally relied on publishers to bring them readers. The author gives up the majority of the income and the publisher brings them the readers.

But then you see someone like Frank at Post Secret who builds his own audience for his (sometimes nsfw) content. He owns a platform, it's not something he rents.

Now, using a publisher is a choice, not a necessity. Just about every successful author going forward (except for the lucky exceptions like Dan Brown) will own her own media channel.

This dovetails perfectly with my own philosophy -- and the factors that allow me to make a living from my independently published books and resources for musicians and authors.

For years I have implored creative people to stop looking outside themselves for all the answers. Yes, you have to work with other people to share your message. But it all starts from a position of self-reliance.

Instead of asking, "How can I get the approval of a gatekeeper at some conglomerate and get access to their audience?" ... ask, "How can I build my own audience -- one that is loyal and supportive because I deliver value to them in an authentic and personal manner?"

That's the key to success today!

-Bob

Google Book Promotion: 5 Easy Ways

2009-09-18T10:21:00.001-04:00

If you think this is going to be about search engine optimization, a Google AdWords campaign, or Google Book Search ... think again. Here are five things Google offers that you should consider using to connect with readers and promote your books:

1) Display your live event schedule with Google Calendar. Most people use this popular feature for personal appointments and scheduling. But you can also choose categories on your calendar to make public -- and even embed them on your web site ... AND make it easy for people to add your events to THEIR personal calendars. Visit this page for more details.

2) Help fans find your public appearances with Google Maps. This popular application is the next best thing to having a GPS system in your car. You can use it to find places you drive to, of course. But a really smart idea is to include Google Maps links to each event you speak at, not just the venue address.

Sure, fans can "map it" themselves. But why not save them a couple extra steps and provide a direct link? Learn more about Google Maps here.

Tip: Look up a venue address on Google Maps yourself first. Then click on "Link" just to the right of "Print" and "Send" to get the code.

3) Turn your web site into a social networking playground with Google Friend Connect. Make it easy for people to join your community of readers and fans using the cool features of this Google tool. Read more about it and watch the video here.

4) Add your books and merchandise to Google Product Search. It's kinda like Google's version of Ebay -- but there are no listing fees. Learn more on this page.

5) Power up your communications with Gmail. I've been using Gmail for more than four years and love it. Lots of features and gobs of storage space to archive years of email exchanges. You can filter and label messages, send canned responses, and so much more. Go here for more info.

Google has a lot more up its sleeve. In fact, a big one is coming later this month (more on that soon). In the meantime, investigate these five Google features and see how you can use them to promote your books better online.

-Bob

P.S. For a lot more Internet book marketing ideas, see the 55 Ways to Promote & Sell Your Book on the Internet page!

Is Your Book 'Findable' Online?

2009-09-08T21:04:00.003-04:00

Last night I read through Mark Penn's book, Microtrends: The Small Forces Behind Tomorrow's Big Changes. It's a fascinating read based on some in-depth research, but one microtrend in particular caught my eye ...
It's a category of consumer that Penn refers to as "New Info Shoppers."

From the book:

"A whopping 92% of respondents said they had more confidence in information they seek out online than anything coming from a salesclerk or other source. They believe the information they find, not the information that is spoon-fed to them ..."

Consider that again: Smart consumers these days trust what they find -- or discover -- on their own first and foremost!

Another passage from Microtrends:

"An astonishing 70% of Americans now say they consult product reviews or consumer ratings before they make their buying decisions."

Admit it, you often do this yourself before spending money on a product or service. Which begs the question ...

How 'Findable' Are You Online?

When someone searches for your name, your book title, or your topic ... what will they discover?

Here are just some of the ways savvy customers find the info they're looking for today:

Google (or Yahoo or Bing) search results
Customer reviews on Amazon and BN.com
What they find via Google Blog Search or on Technorati
What other shoppers are saying on photo- and video-sharing sites like Flickr and YouTube
What their immediate circle of friends think about it on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and more.
How other book lovers rate it on sites like Shelfari and LibraryThing
What they uncover on wikis and other online forums

Finally, what steps can you take today to improve the odds that you'll be found and revealed in a positive light via the online avenues listed above?

Your mission: Go forth and make yourself findable!

-Bob

P.S. For more reading on this topic, check out How social media and search can reach the pickiest audience at iMediaConnection.com.

Are You Ready to Fully Harness the POWER of the Internet?:

This new title reveals the most practical and cost-effective ways that Bob and other successful authors have promoted themselves and their books online. It demystifies Internet book marketing and makes it accessible to any author at any skill level.

Learn more about it here ...

NEW VIDEO: Sharing Some Great Book News with YOU

2009-08-25T12:55:00.000-04:00

Two significant things happened on August 18, 2009 -- and in this video I reveal exactly what they were, and why you should care!

-Bob

Are You Ready to Fully Harness the POWER of the Internet?:

This new title reveals the most practical and cost-effective ways that Bob and other successful authors have promoted themselves and their books online. It demystifies Internet book marketing and makes it accessible to any author at any skill level.

Learn more about it here ...

Free Sample of My New Book on Internet Book Promotion

2009-08-21T20:02:00.000-04:00

Are You Ready to Fully Harness the POWER of the Internet for Book Promotion? If so, then this is for you!

After spending nearly 20 years building a thriving, home-based publishing business in the music marketing niche, for the first time I have published a title about online book marketing.

It's called "55 Ways to Promote & Sell Your Book on the Internet." Here is a generous free ebook sampler that highlights nearly 25% of the book.

Promote & Sell Your Book on the Internet: 11 Secrets to Online Book Marketing

This new title reveals the most practical and cost-effective ways that I and other successful authors have promoted ourselves and our books online. It demystifies Internet book marketing and makes it accessible to any author at any skill level.

For details on the complete 202-page book, visit www.IndieBookPromotion.com.

-Bob

The Groundhog Day Book Publishing Success Formula

2009-08-13T18:15:00.000-04:00

Remember the movie Groundhog Day, starring Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell? Murray plays a weatherman who finds himself living the same day (February 2) over and over again in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania.

No matter what happens on any given day, the next morning he wakes up at exactly 6:00 AM to the sound of Sonny and Cher's "I Got You Babe" on the alarm clock radio. Even though his memory of the previous day is intact, everyone he encounters is seeing him for the first time -- going through the exact same motions as the previous day.
That plot is a good metaphor for your success with book publishing and promotion -- or anything else, for that matter.

Let me explain what I mean by first taking a quick detour that will bring this all into focus ...

Earlier this year Oprah Winfrey admitted that she had lost a lot of ground with her weight -- even showing unflattering before and after pictures on the cover of her magazine.

Bob Green, her personal trainer, was interviewed on Larry King Live soon after. He recalled a time a few years ago when Oprah celebrated her weight loss by saying something like, "I've made it. I finally conquered the weight demon."

Green said that was part of her relapse problem. She considered her weight issued solved instead of something she had to work at every day. That's when this Groundhog Day Success Formula idea started to form.

How often do we do that with our personal endeavors? We reach a goal, overcome a challenge, attend a workshop, read a book, have a new insight, enjoy a breakthrough, or attain a new status level ... and we celebrate!

Don't get me wrong. Celebrating is good! You should savor all the small and large victories along the way.

But sometimes that celebration can turn into laziness -- especiallly if you adopt the "I've arrived" mentality.

The solution: Treat every day like you're Bill Murray in Groundhog Day. No matter what happened the day before, treat today like you have to do it (and earn it) all over again. The slate has been wiped clean and it's up to you to make something happen again.

And that goes for both positive and negative results of the past. If you reached an important milestone yesterday, you can enjoy the memory. But get to work striving for something new today. If you fell flat and made a giant mistake yesterday, don't focus on it. Because today is a brand new opportunity to start fresh.

This way of thinking also helps you cultivate what's called the "Beginner's Mind." Remember when you were just starting to write, or when your first book was published? And how everything was so fresh and exciting then? Bring that same state of childlike being to everything you do in the present.

You'll never know it all. You'll never have it all. You'll will never "arrive"! So don't kid yourself into thinking that's where you are or that's where you're headed, because you'll never get there.

Appreciate the past, affirm your positive future, but live and enjoy life in THIS moment. It's the only one you have, and it's the only time when you can truly make a positive impact -- on a consistent, daily basis!

Treat every day like you're doing things for the very first time.

Which reminds me ...

Remember the movie Groundhog Day, starring Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell? Murray plays a weatherman who ...

:-)

-Bob

How Publishers Can Succeed Online Where Others Failed

2009-07-30T13:33:00.001-04:00

With all the mistakes and radical changes that have taken (and are taking) place in the music industry, where is the book publishing world headed? How will emerging digital technologies continue to impact authors and publishers at all levels?
Those are the ideas discussed in this awesome audio, recorded in New York a couple of months ago at Book Expo during a panel called "Jumping Off a Cliff: How Publishers Can Succeed Online Where Others Failed."

Moderated by Andrew Richard Albanese, New Features Editor at Publishers Weekly, this panel features Chris Anderson, editor-in-chief of Wired magazine, and author of Free: The Past and Future of a Radical Price; Jared Friedman, co-founder and Chief Technology Officer for upstart social publisher Scribd; and Nick Bilton, Design Integration Editor and User Interface Specialist at the New York Times.

Listen to it now using this streaming audio player:

Or click this link to download the MP3 audio file.

You'll find more free Book Expo podcasts here.

-Bob

Join My New 'Internet Book Promotion, Marketing & Sales Strategies' Group on Facebook

2009-07-30T12:50:00.000-04:00

I just launched a new group community on Facebook called Internet Book Promotion, Marketing & Sales Strategies. I encourage you to join. Here's a description:

A group for proactive, self-promoting authors and book publishers who want to discuss the ever-changing landscape of online book promotion.

I especially welcome people who have read my book, 55 Ways to Promote & Sell Your Book on the Internet, and are eager to report their progress and share their journey.

This group is also a place where I will ask for examples and opinions on topics related to my other upcoming books, programs and articles. So I welcome your participation in this Internet Book Promotion, Marketing & Sales community!

Go here to join the group now. You can also friend me on my personal Facebook profile or my Fan Page.

-Bob

The Art of the Start for Writers & Authors

2009-07-01T02:43:00.000-04:00

In one way I feel blessed. But that doesn't mean I am off the hook. Not by a long shot.

Let me clarify ...

I have rarely encountered the malady known as "writer's block." If anything, I am usually cursed with having too many potential ideas to write about.

So coming up with the right words to express what I want to communicate has rarely been a problem.

But ...

What I do suffer from is something you might call "starter's block."

In other words, I often have a resistance to starting the writing process. Like when I'm working on a book project, I'll find lots of other things I need to do before working on the chapter at hand.

I'll check email, update Twitter, log into Facebook, eat a snack, make a phone call, see if the snail mail has arrived, rearrange my sock drawer -- anything to deter me. Can you relate?

I usually know what topic I'm going to write about. That's not what stops me. The block comes because I put off starting to write.

When I finally commit and say, "Enough with the distractions! It's time to sit my butt down and type," an interesting thing happens.

At first, I grudgingly write an opening line for the section I need to work on. The sentences get pecked out slowly at first, as I rationally search for word choices that express the idea I want to get across.

These opening lines lead to other ideas that further flesh out the concept. Then some word or phrase triggers an association I hadn't thought of before, and it sends me off on an expected tangent that magically reinforces the message.

Then I'm off and running. That's when I get into an almost cosmic state of flow. The writing then ceases to be a mechanical task and transforms into a heightened state of consciousness as my fingertips race to keep up with the ideas I'm downloading.

This is the fun part of writing. It's at times like these, when I'm fully engaged in capturing the river of ideas, that I remember why I'm blessed to make a living doing this. I feel completely on purpose -- like it's what I'm meant to do.

And I believe you can and should feel the same way when you write!

But here's the key thing to understand about this process:

To reach that magical state of flow, you must START writing before you actually feel that way.

Too many writers wait to feel inspired before they'll even start putting words on paper (or on the screen). That's rarely worked for me.

Most of the time, it only comes when my butt hits the chair and my fingers hit the keyboard.

Learn to master the art of the start. It's the key to getting things done and being a prolific writer and author!

-Bob

Instant Book Promotion

2009-06-16T15:13:00.043-04:00

A couple of weeks ago Pooki and I headed to New York City for a six-day adventure.

I presented two classes on book promotion at Publishing University, we attended the huge Book Expo trade show for two days, then spent the rest of the time catching up with music friends and exploring Manhattan.

As I've done on many of my previous trips, I recorded a lot of video and audio while there. But this time I did something different -- something I recommend YOU do too, if you don't already.
Instead of waiting till we returned home to edit and post video clips/photos (which often appear weeks after the events), I uploaded and published them right away, sometimes within hours of recording them.

In addition ...

I regularly updated friends and followers of my activities on Twitter and Facebook. It was fun and immediate -- nearly instant communication and promotion.

Treat your readers and fans to the same intimate view of your activities -- when you're at home working on a new book, traveling to do research, attending a conference, giving a live talk, meeting other authors and fans, or just doing something cool or unusual.

I love meeting people (both famous and obscure) and capturing the moment with still and moving pictures.

On this trip, I was thrilled to meet Rupert Jee (of the Hello Deli, pictured above), Tavis Smiley, Cornel West, David Meerman Scott, Paulette Ensign, David Mathison, Dan Poynter, Kathleen Gage, and even Dr. Ruth Westheimer!

In addition, I saw Tom Paxton, Judy Collins, Peter Yarrow, Mary Jo Buttafuoco, Bill Cosby, Jackie Mason, and a certain hotel heiress with a French sounding name :-) We even came close to seeing President Obama!

For a quick look at some of the photos I posted from this NYC trip, go to Flickr.com/photos/bob-baker/

And here's a chronological list of the short video clips I posted throughout the journey:

IBPA's Publishing University Opening Night
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-cGzXNarG0

Book Trailers, Low-Cost Video, Book Promotion
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0KcJwXX46E

30 Rock, New York City, Book Expo, BEA NYC
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXejo5uGNb8

Mary Jo Buttafuoco, David Meerman Scott, Dr Ruth
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JFNFZ_wijs

Tom Paxton, Judy Collins, Peter Yarrow & The Kiss
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TC2mh0BDArA

Espresso Book Machine & Dan Poynter at BEA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTJnUPvwl70

President Obama, Greenwich Village, Indian Food
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bg3DdjttTuQ

Bob Baker's New York City Tweetup Meet & Greet
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hEhEutjn-Y

Paris Hilton Outside the Late Show with David Letterman
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Byv85CrzCdo

I learned to edit these videos quickly on my laptop and keep them short -- most are between 1 and 2 minutes each. Pooki recorded me using the video feature on an 8.0-megapixel Canon PowerShot A590 IS camera, which records as a high-quality AVI file direct to disk. I edited on a PC laptop using the free Windows Movie Maker program.

Also, my intention was to make these clips lighthearted, so you won't find any deep thoughts here. But a lot of people really appreciated being able to track us on our New York journey.

Online promotion is about interaction and involvement. And you can't get more involved than instant digital communication -- without actually being there!

-Bob

Get Bob's newest book:

An online promotion guide for authors and book publishers who want to market their books effectively on the Internet.

Learn more about it here ...

Video: The Shocking Truth About Self-Published Books

2009-05-01T12:48:00.001-04:00

I just posted a new video clip called "Self-Published Books: The Ugly Truth." In less than 2 minutes I reveal a surprising truth about self-published books and the book "industry" in general.

Watch it below or on this YouTube page.

Sure, there are rare exceptions to this truth. But for the most part, once you realize this, it will set you free.

Recorded last month at Borders in Creve Coeur, MO, during a "How to Publish Your Own Book" workshop presented by the St. Louis Publishers Association.

Look for more video clips coming soon.

-Bob

Will I See You at Publishing University Next Month?

2009-04-21T13:15:00.000-04:00

The traditional book publishing business is crumbling -- right along with the global economy. But the news is not all doom and gloom -- not by a long shot.

We live in an incredible era where average people can enter the marketplace with their self-produced music, films and books ... and reach a worldwide audience.

The industry Gatekeepers of old have lost touch with the changing times and lost power in the process.

And that's good news for you!

That's why I've been such a proponent of taking the indie, DIY path in all creative fields for many years.

That's also why I'm a member of the Independent Book Publishers Association (formerly PMA). They are the primary organization leading the charge for indie authors and publishers.

This year I'll be speaking for the third time at their annual conference, called Publishing University.

If you've never attended, here's what you can expect:

Three days filled with more than 50 class on marketing, sales, publicity, finance, legal, editorial, printing, design, and more.

This year I'm organizing two classes:

"Octopus Marketing: The Multiple Tentacles Approach to Creating Book Buzz Online." Joining me will be Deltina Hay of Dalton Publishing and Maggie Lichtenberg of Open Heart Publishing.

"Book Trailers and Beyond: How to Use Online Video to Boost Your Book Sales." I'll present with Steve O'Keefe of Patron Saint Productions and Rocky Lang of BookstoFilm.TV.

Publishing University takes place May 26-29, 2009, in New York City at the Roosevelt Hotel.

For rates and details, visit www.thepublishinguniversity.com

More more info in IBPA, see www.ibpa-online.org

If you attend, be sure to find me and say hello. It would be great to meet you in person!

-Bob

Get Bob's newest book:

An online promotion guide for authors and book publishers who want to market their books effectively on the Internet.

Learn more about it here ...

How to Get Your Name in My Next Book

2009-04-06T13:31:00.000-04:00

Last week I officially pre-launched my new book, called "55 Ways to Promote & Sell Your Book on the Internet."

But I did it in a very unusual way. Some might even call it "revolutionary."

See what I'm talking about at www.IndieBookPromotion.com.

Actually, I borrowed this idea from the indie music world. Many bands over the years have turned to their fans for help. They pre-sell a new CD before it's even recorded. And they give the fans who support them early on a lot of perks, like free downloads of early song demos, their names in the CD sleeve credits, etc.

I'm doing something very similar with this next book, which will be my 7th published paperback -- but my very first title specifically for authors and book publishers.

So I invite you to be part of this unconventional book launch. You'll get your name and web address in the printed book, along with lots of other goodies.

See all the details at www.IndieBookPromotion.com.

Yes, this isn't your typical book publishing formula. Then again, I'm not your typical author.

And I encourage you to think outside the octagon as you build your own author career too.

-Bob

13 Author Radio Interview Tips

2009-03-11T19:09:00.001-04:00

So you've just booked an interview on a major radio show or podcast. Congratulations! Your voice and message about your book will reach hundreds or even many thousands of listeners. This interview will make a huge impact!

Or will it?

Make the most of your radio and podcast interviews by being prepared. Here are 13 of the best tips I found from three different sources.

1) Disable call waiting: dial *70 first and then call the studio number. This disables call waiting for the duration of the phone call. As soon as you hang up, it will be reactivated.

2) Smile, smile, smile! Whether you are on radio or TV ... SMILE. You'll feel better and sound a lot more interesting too.

3) Know exactly how much time you will have on the air as a guest. Three minutes or 30 minutes? You want to tailor your answers to the time allotted.

4) Practice some prepared sound bites before the interview. Communicate your main points succinctly. Practice this out loud.

5) Don't oversell. You have been invited to provide useful information to the listening audience. Limit yourself to two mentions of your book. It takes finesse but you can do it. And often times the host will do this for you and you won't even need to mention it.

6) Have three key messages. Short ones, not sermons. Sometimes the host opens the door, other times you have to answer a question and segue to a key message. A compelling message will have the host asking for more. But even if you squeeze in only one or two, you'll get a big return for the time invested.

Source: Scott Lorenz

7) Try to avoid doing interviews using a cell phone or a headset. Both are unreliable.

8) Submit suggested questions ahead of time, and focus on giving your best answers to the questions you have provided.

9) Compliment the host when a good question is asked: "That's an excellent question" or "I'm glad you asked that." It also helps to draw in your audience.

10) Use the interviewer's name in conversation. It creates a more intimate connection that the audience feels privy to. And it makes the interviewer feel good too.

Source: AnnieJenningsPR.com

11) Have a glass of water handy (at room temperature). When your throat is lubricated it's easier to talk. Plus, the water serves as a "cough button" if needed.

12) Try standing while you speak -- even for a phone interview. Your voice will carry further and you'll sound more animated.

13) Get your listeners involved. For example, before a commercial break, ask them to get a pencil and paper to write down the three tips you are about to share. Then they'll have something to write with when you give out your book title, web site, or phone number later.

Source: Joe Sabah

I hope these 13 tips help you make the most of your next interview!

-Bob