Authors Helping Authors

   We’re All on the Same Team  

by Lois W. Stern

I attended the Infinity Express Yourself conference once again this past September, 2007. But this year was a bit different than last, because I attended both as a participant and a panel presenter, along with Susan Haley, Michael Kleiner, Donna Jaske, and Jerry Simmons. Melanie Rigney was our moderator.

Our theme of authors helping authors as we navigate our way through our individual marketing paths is a helpful mindset to develop. As marketers of our books, we embark on an uncertain voyage. Our panel members have learned that the trip is far more productive (and fun) if you go it as a team.

I don’t deny that there is no one who can promote your book as well as you. After all, you are the one who has poured your heart, soul, and untold hours of labor into creating it. As a result, no one understands its voice, content, and messages, or will be as deeply committed to it as you are. No one will feel the same depth of passion. But that doesn’t mean we can’t help one another.

Let me share just a few things our small group has done to further the magic for one another. First, we have all purchased one another’s books and or audios, read, enjoyed and encouraged one another through our written reviews. But that was just the first step. We brainstormed and explored alternate markets for one another. Since our books are dissimilar in genre and theme, our markets are quite different. 

Michael’s book is about Norway – its culture, language, geography and people - told through his warm memories of the many extended trips he has taken to this country. Michael had already been successful in getting fine reviews in several Norwegian publications. Our team is moving forward to promote  Beyond the Cold by contacting the Sons of Norway presidents in our local areas. Can you imagine how many books Michael could sell if each of you Googled “Sons of Norway (your town)” and made a couple of phone calls for him?

Susan’s audio of Rainy Day People was just released by Talking Books Publishers. Her book is superb and the audio, equally magnificent!  Since this is a work of fiction, we needed a different approach. Susan made a number of press kits, including information about her, her book and audio with the reviews they have received. Although library budgets are tight, currently many of them are spending money to expand their audio collections. We are each asking our friends in neighboring library districts to approach their reference librarians with a request to purchase this audio. Libraries like to please their own patrons. (And by the way, while they are at it, maybe they would order her book as well.)

Donna’s daughter, Kat, has written a trilogy of fiction books on fencing and musketeers geared to the high school and adult population. We are working on a unique fundraising effort for Kat and her books, but cannot share it yet.

Now for my book, Sex, Lies and Cosmetic Surgery,  I have a wonderful set of reviews from both readers and professionals. The ASPS (American Society of Plastic Surgeons) placed my book as number 1 on their online bookstore after having it reviewed by 5 different Board Certified Plastic Surgeons. I have narrowed my niche market to the facilities of plastic surgeons, estheticians and salons. These professionals will purchase my books in quantities of five or more at a 40 % discount, and sell them to their patients and/or clients. An additional bonus: Those purchasing fifteen copies or more will be listed on my website homepage under the heading “Winners Circle”. Everyone loves being called a winner! Members of my panel are introducing my book to several plastic surgeons, estheticians and salons in their local areas.

I must reassure you that if you adapt a team approach mindset, it will pay many dividends. Generosity reaps its own rewards. When you reach out to help others, it truly does come back to you – perhaps not in the same form – but in a positive form nonetheless. I encourage you to give with an open heart rather than a quid pro quo attitude. Go that extra mile for others and watch the synergy build.

We have some shining examples to look toward for inspiration. Dahris Clair is one of them. Her e-zine, Infinite Writer, is a labor of love and elegance. John Wolf brings us another e-zine, Fox and Quill, filled with a potpourri of writer contributions from as distant as India. Although John is geographically separated from those living on the east coast, he is always there to help in times of need. What about Jerry Simmons and his outreach to independent authors through his Nothing Binding web-site? Speak of generosity of spirit!

I encourage you to remember the words of this ancient scripture as you reach out to help your fellow authors:

“If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If I am only for myself, then what am I? If not now, when?”

Lois W. Stern is the author of Sex, Lies and Cosmetic Surgery, a book that candidly shares the cosmetic surgery experiences of over100 women, including her own, while focusing on its emotional impacts, including the very words inherent to its title.

Both her website: www.sexliesandcosmeticsurgery.com/ and her monthly newsletter are packed with information, resources and timely articles.

You can contact Lois or sign up for her monthly newsletter at: cosmeticsurgery@optonline.net