Elizabeth Funderbirk's Blog - Posts Tagged "elizabeth-funderbirk"

In Honor of being Rim Readersinmotion Bookclub Junes author of the Month..."Love TORN Asunder" through the entire month of JUNE is on SALE! Retail price $15.95 SALE $12.00. Take the time to read my Feature by going to the "DEALS" tab on my website! To make of purchase of "Love TORN Asunder" visit "Literary Liz Writes" @ www.LiteraryLiz.com.

Lots of Love LiteraryLiz...♥
www.LiteraryLiz.co

What Have You Done to Market/Promote Yourself & Your Product! The skinny on Social Media in my Eyes!

Although I am new to the Literary Industry, I am learning quick. That once you have your book in publication the real work begins!

You can have a Book that is Beautifully written, a catchy cover, edited to perfection, available in hard cover, paperback, and e-book, and a synopsis that pulls the reader in... but if the reader doesn't know you exist, then what?

This where whether you are Published with a company or self published you have to put on your Business hat. Most people enter into the literary industry without a plan. They believe that they write a Fantastic story with all the right elements, Go to a Major Publishing house they fall in love with your words then you are on your way.... WRONG!

Even if you are one of the fortunate few that gets signed and locked with a Major Publishing house right out the gate. You are still an unknown Author and MUST gain a buzz about who you are and what you bring to the Table.

I don't have the Gold Key that will unlock all the answers of Creating a Boom of sales around you and your product. What It can offer is some advise and pointers that have assisted me along the way.

I currently have a FaceBook Fan Page https://www.facebook.com/LiteraryLiz . Not that I have such a big head, that I believe I should have fans. I use this page for constant access to what I have going on in ways of Interviews, Sales, Website Updates, Features, Book Club Promos, Etc... This is where a potential customer or reader can go and see a History of thing I have done and participated in. It's a one stop advertisement shop. I have a regular FaceBook Page as well. I will also make updates there regarding my work. However, not as often. I use that as a platform to Post things that pertain to be a person on the go in the daily scheme of things. A Fan Page (IMO) is a place where you have the liberty to show of your talent. Almost ALL companies/businesses have a FaceBook FanPage. Why shouldn't you as an Author?

On my page I even have Web Link Feature. If you go the left hand side of the page and click on the "My Site" tab. It brings up what I like to call a mini website. There I have provide all links to where my Novel "Love TORN Asunder" can be purchase.

Social media is a huge asset in this economy. You not only have FaceBook. There is also Twitter. Don't under estimate the power of a Tweet or Re-Tweet. That avenue opened me up to two people that inquired about Interviewing me. Use your twitter etiquette. Follow those that follow you. Interact. Don't just go there to solely sell your product. Because at the end of the day. You are NOT only selling your product. You are selling yourself, your Brand. If you plan for longevity,and you plan to have more books that come after your Debut. You want the readers to connect with the person so they become a Fan of the writer. Remember, you FIRST have to get them to pay attention and notice before they spend.

Don't box yourself into JUST FaceBook and Twitter. Research other social media outlets that might suit you and your Business. If you don't fit. Get creative and make it so...

Are you on LinkedIn, BFHS, Tunblr, and the list goes on. For my fellow authors are you on Shelfari, GoodReads. Let the Internet work for YOU!

There are so many sites with potential customers. Some don't even realize there need for your product ( In my case Novel) until you put in a place where they have the opportunity to fully appreciate it.

Please also Visit My Website "Literary Liz Writes" www.LiteraryLiz.com. Dont forget to sing the Gust Book on the last page.I would Love to know you came by :-)

This article is also available on my Literary Journal "Trials, Tribulations, and Torn" http://writingtorn.blogspot.com

Also on my website "Literary Liz Writes" http://LiteraryLiz.com There is a SALE for my Novel "Love TORN Asunder". In addition to the sale price there will be NO shipping cost added to your purchase.


Lots of Love Liz...

" You Can't Fool All Of The People All Of The Time...."

What I've learned through this writing process is that there will always be people that will say things to discourage you. They're not obvious about it... They couldn't do that. Then people would see them in a different light. Especially those who try to maintain the image that they're more then the others around them. These people will use slick comments and things that really don't concern them to put doubt into your mind. I was a victim to this behavior. Was....I now recognize what to look out for. I now know the reason why these people try so hard to belittle others....with a smile plastered across their face all the while. Its because they're not happy with themselves. They're not happy with their circumstances. They too have made choices that they are not proud of. Which has landed them in a less desirable situation. Because they're so scarred that people will see that they are not who they're fronting to be. They try to ensure that there is always someone that appears to be worst off then them. I have also learned that these people are not fooling everyone. It reminds me of the adage... " You can fool some of the people all of the time and You can fool all of the people some of the time, But You can't fool all of the people all of the time."
I allow these people and their insecurities to fuel me. These people make it possible to see the bigger picture. My knowledge and my capabilities frighten them.
As I near the end of writing this book I have discovered so much about myself. I know now that writing was always suppose to be my outlet. People have different outlets. Ones that make them feel creative, Ones that make them feel free, Ones that make them feel fulfilled, Ones that make them feel accomplished, Ones that make them feel empowered....Writing make me feel all of these things. Writing this book has given me what I have been looking for.


Thank You for reading. Please follow more from me on my website http://LiteraryLiz.com

What have you done to Promote/Market yourself and your Project today. The skinny on marketing on a Budget As I see it.

I have gotten a wonderful response from my previous article/post regarding Promotions/Marketing in the world of Social media. ...However, please don't let your Grind stop there.

Me like many others go into this venture and have no idea of the funds it takes to get this sort of project off the ground. In the beginning of your Journey you funds will be used to put your book together EX: Editing, Typesetting, Printing, A book cover, and host of other services that you will need to make your presentation professional. More then likely your first venture out the gate will not turn a huge profit. The money you do see SHOULD be invested back into you. In order to pave the way for the future. Your ultimate goal should be to see longevity in your field/career. To build your brand. To spread the word. To make your name. In order to do so you can NOT only boxed yourself into the computer box. You must spread your wings and stretch your legs and get out in the world and let them know, You are here and you have what they need/want.

Once your project is out, in my case, my book is in publication. The funds are low. This is the beauty of Social Media. However, it does not stop there.
Here are some things I use from my trick bag... lol

I carry my book everywhere. Tucked in my arm. I do this because as a reader myself, if someone is carrying a book around and they seem approachable I will ask what are you reading? I find that MOST book lovers can't help themselves when they see someone toting their latest novel around. Right there at that moment you have a potential readers attention and all you did was carry you material around. Cost you nothing to run your errands and your own personal billboard. Have T-Shirts made. Wear it whenever you know you are going to be in high traffic areas. Wear it when you go to the Book Store, The nail salon, Barber Shop, The Mall, The Park, Anywhere. If you cant have multiple T-Shirts made. Have one and you Wear it until you can have more produces, then sell those as apart your Brand as well.

Get Creative. Make a simple but effective T-Shirt yourself. That simply states your product info and where to find it. This may be less cost then having to find a 3rd party to mass produce them. This way you can make them in different colors and have your friends wear them as well.
When I go to Walmart, Target, etc... I always have my business cards or book marks with me. I hand them out and let people know who I am. About my work, my website, where to find me and my book. I am local Author and have a book available on-line through all major book retailers. I also extend them a discount if they would like to purchase on the spot. (BTW, Never leave your house without your product) I have a bag that I never leave the house without. I carry 3-5 books everywhere I go. I also have extra in the trunk. It does not stop there though. I go to the book section and Ummm.... :-) I place my book marks and/or business cards in as many books as I can. :-)
Not just my genera. Which is Contemporary Fiction. In as many books as I can. Magazines as well. I want to at the very least get the purchaser to go to my website and read my synopsis. Maybe I will have piqued there interested enough where they go to Amazon. There they will find my reviews, and just maybe I will have made a sale.

Leave your business cards in establishments that will allow. Like the doctors office, Restaurants, etc.Pass out Fliers.... Since we are talking about budget friendly strategies, you can make you own. Some people will scoff at that. Saying that it will taint your image if you don't have it done by a professional. I don't know about that. I see it like this. I am responsible to get the word out about myself and my project and if I'm doing so on a budget I have to do it the best way I see fit. You can find a program on-line for Free. Take your time to make your flyer as professional as possible. Go to Fed-Ex, Kinko's, Or any other company that provides printing services and have it printed on Quality paper. Then get out and Pass it to whomever will stand still long enough to listen.

I learned this in one of my FaceBook Groups. You need to have an elevator speech ready! That is just 1- 3 lines that is selling yourself. Enough time it takes to ride the elevator from one floor to the next. Sometimes that is all the time you have to get someone to pay attention.

Attend Fairs and Other functions. These will cost you a pretty penny to be apart of. If you are unable to pay the cost. Don't extend yourself. Attend as a spectator. Make connections. Chat up what you have going on. Pass out your promo material. Self made or if you had it designed.

Something you can do that is Free to set up is a Website. If you have a PC or even if you don't. You can set up a Website to Display yourself as an business, Your work, and your future projects. If you don't have your own PC. You can utilize the ones at Libraries and Community Centers. It may be daunting but if you are not fully invested and focused who else will be? Sometimes you have to take baby steps before you can "leap tall buildings in a single bound". It's OK to work with what you have at your disposal while you lay out future plans. Everyone has a different starting point. It's important to work within your means in order to be able to continue on your path.

One of the Best ways I Promote/Market on a budget is through my readers , friends, and family.

Word of mouth is true indeed a powerful tool. Because I know people in several states I utilize them in my marketing plan. I ask that they go to Major Book Stores in their state/town and request my book for purchase. Once they read it, I ask them to tell their friends and family to do the same. I even have them go to the extent of asking why my book is not available on the selves. This has to be continuous. This tactic has worked in my favor and has made my book not only available on-line through Major Book retailers. I am also on the self of a Barnes and Noble in major city.
Money talks! If you can get consumers to create a demand for you, then the retailers will listen.

I send Promo material to Friends and Family in different states. I have them to pass my info around. At the book stores, Salons, etc. Nothing that will take them outside of there normal lives and make it work for them. I just ask that they keep my material in mind on their everyday dealings. This way I can reach a base of people in a State that I may not have had exposure in otherwise.
Readers that enjoy your work will talk you up to other readers, they know will also enjoy the read.

Reach out to these satisfied readers and ask that they post reviews to different sites. Also ask if its OK if you mail them Book Marks/Business Cards to distribute to friends and co-workers. The beauty in this, is that they can speak about your product/Book through the eyes of a reader just passing along a Good Read. Not as a sales person looking to gain a profit. It adds credibility to what you have put out.

Cross promote with others in your field. It's great to set up connection with other like minded people and have them promote you to their audience and vice versa. It works as a win win for all parties involved. I myself will be utilizing this in the near future.
There are many avenues in order to Promote/Market yourself and your project on a budget you just have to get creative and think outside the box. Most importantly do what you feel is best. There will always be nay sayers. However, YOU are responsible to make it happen. Only you!

For more information on Me, Author/Writer/Blogger Elizabeth Funderbirk. Please visit my Website "Literary Liz Writes" http://LiteraryLiz.com also My Literary Journal where you will find this Article/Post and many others "Trials, Tribualtions, and Torn" http://writingtorn.blogspot.com.

ALSO Google "Publishing A Body of Work" and "What Happens After You Have Finished Writing Your Manuscript" to see MORE Articles/Post by ~Elizabeth Funderbirk

Lots of Love LiteraryLiz....

TO see this article in it's entirely please go to link below....

http://bfhsnetwork.com/forum/topics/l...

Love TORN Asunder.... Is a twisting Drama told in the voices of 5 very different characters (Leslie, Lincoln, Kendrick, Devine, and Her). In this real tale of Lust overruling Love, you will be invoked with emotions as you read a book that plays out like a movie and might have you talking back to the pages, in anger or in sympathy.

I recommend "Love TORN Asunder" to Groups and Book Clubs, it will absolutely insight a fevered conversation. Perfect read for those that are no stranger to relationship interference. Woman and Men that have dealt with cheating. There is nothing missing in this is Gripping and Sensual read.
Author/Writer/Blogger Elizabeth Funderbirk's Debut novel is receiving AWESOME reviews.... Get your copy NOW on her website "Literary Liz Writes" www.LiteraryLiz.com, and ensure that YOUR review is posted ...NEXT!

TWITTER:
@ELFunderbirk
FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/LiteraryLiz
WEBSITE: www.LiteraryLiz.com

Three Things I Have Learned Since Becoming A Published Author....

There are so many things that come to mind when I contemplate the knowledge I have gained since beginning my literary journey. Most of the articles I write in my Literary Journal “Trials, Tribulations, and Torn” are about my path to get on the shelves. Now, that I have rightfully obtained the moniker “Published Author” I now know the hard work it really takes to sustain in this industry. There are many things I can share on this topic and actually, I could write a book about it J but this particular article I will focus on three things I’ve learned.

The first thing that I have learned for sure is that marketing your book is a must. Some people get so caught up in social media they forget to shut down their PC’s and hit the pavement.
I was one of these people. Don’t get consumed in the social networking machine. It is definitely an invaluable tool and has made it so much easier to reach the masses; however, don’t under estimate the power of the original hustle and get out and meet and greet the public. These are the folks who will remember you took the time to sign and autograph your book that they’ve purchased. It will also exemplify that you are hungry enough to be out and about to spread the word on your work. In turn, these people will continue to spread the word too. Word of mouth is the BEST advertisement you will ever get and the most cost effective.

Marketing and promoting yourself, your work, and your brand, can and will get costly. So it is a MUST to use creative strategies when you begin to hear echoes in your wallet. You can’t put your business on hold when you hit road blocks. Think outside the box to keep your progression going. If you are not being seen or driving traffic your way then you will have sacrificed for nothing.

After you have posted in every and all social media sites, gone out and made yourself known amongst the consumers, and set up a website for all of them to reference … NOW what? Cross promote. Team up with someone in your shoes or shoes that you one day wish to fill and target one other supporters. This is a win, win situation for both parties. You know for sure that if they are making sales and doing well they have obtained a fan base. Readers are waiting on their next read while in the middle of their current book. You know that they have a need for what you have, you just need to gain their attention long enough to tell them. What better way to do so than to get someone they already support to pass along your info. It works both ways. This creates great networking connections and customers for all parties involved.

Don’t forget to ALWAYS give your supporters a deal. Not a hook up but a deal. We all love a deal and if you have people who have been on the fence about your book, a good SALE may just be what they need to take a chance on you, especially if you are new on the scene.

Remember there are always marketing options that will not leave you in financial straits.

The second thing I have learned is ALWAYS be professional. Your professionalism is your brand. Always keep that in mind when you are working and even when you are not. I mean are authors ever off the clock? Your office is not a conventional one. You are a public figure so to speak. Your demeanor in social settings, social media included, will propel your success OR send it diving.

Your conduct as a professional is imperative no matter the genre you write. Consumers want to spend, and support businesses that show longevity and give their clients respect. Becoming an author is starting a business essentially, especially if your goal is to continue writing as a career. Approach each encounter with a buyer, or potential buyer like they have stepped into your office and you need to impress them with not only your business savvy, but your product.

Conducting yourself in a professional manner on social media is MUST! It is so easy to get caught up in the fact that you are behind a screen. Your internet footprint is lasting and can be accessed by almost anyone. If you’re on your social media pages fussing back and forth or get caught up in senseless drama it is unbecoming as a professional and a turn off to potential readers/buyers. Don’t take the bait and allow someone to take you outside your character. The anonymity can make it so easy and although social media should not be your only form of marketing/promoting it IS a wonderful asset. Don’t get a reputation in the negative regarding your interaction or comments made in a public forum. The word of mouth can work both ways.

The third, and most important thing I’ve learned is to believe in your vision. When I started I knew what I wanted. I knew what I wanted my book cover to look like. I knew I wanted to work with a company as opposed to self-publishing. I knew the market I was targeting. I knew what I hoped to grow into as an author. Keep your vision. In this business you will gain a wealth of knowledge from those who have done it before you and their advice will be valuable and help you to get to another level. That does not mean that your game plan is all wrong. That means that you may have to grow your vision or shelf certain ideas until you can bring them to fruitation, but never let them go. Your vision is what brought you this far.

Opinions will come at you, which you need to modify this and do away with that. However, that may not be exactly what you envisioned. As the head of your new literary venture you must take control and make the final decision. It may not be the right one, but it will be yours and you will know that you took control. The mistakes is where the learning process begins. If anyone tells you they have the formula for success and it is 100% guaranteed they are fooling you and themselves. They too had growing pains. Some will reach out and express concern because they failed in the direction in which you chose to take. The thing is they cannot tell which path will bring you success. You have walked your path and only you know your circumstances. You can’t follow someone else’s blueprint to the letter because their start and their finish will be different than yours. Although they have obtained success doing exactly what they explained you should do, there is no way to know if that same advice will work in your favor. That is why you can’t look at the next person and wonder why this is not working for me? Or if you are successful you should not question why are they going about things that way? Believe in you and take it all in. Learn your business, research everything! Then research again to make informed choices.

Please base you business decisions on what you KNOW will work in your favor. Base them on what you KNOW you can accomplish on your means. By all means take advice and apply where you can. What you can’t, like I stated before get creative, and stay on the path to your vision.

Three Things I Have Learned Since Becoming A Published Author. By: Elizabeth Funderbirk for Urban Bookshelf.
This article along will many other will also be featured on the Author Literary Blog “Trials, Tribulations, and Torn” http://writingtorn.blogspot.com
For more information on Elizabeth “LiteraryLiz” Funderbirk please visit “Literary Liz Writes” http://LiteraryLiz.com

SALE SALE SALE!!! "Love TORN Asunder" is on SALE for the entire month of SEPTEMBER! In celebration of my up coming wedding in 9 days!!! I have discounted the price of "Love TORN Asunder" on my website to $12.00 with NO shipping included on your purchase. Kindle, Nook, & E-Readers.... The price has also been cut down to ONLY $5.99. Please go to http://LiteraryLiz.com and read the Synopsis, Reviews and make your Purchase TODAY!!! :-)

Lots of Love LiteraryLiz......♥
http://LiteraryLiz.com

In support of Domestic Violence Awareness month in October, a portion of all sales of "Love TORN Asunder" made from my website "Literary Liz Writes" www.LiteraryLiz.com for that entire month, will be donated to The Saving Lives Through Lit project. For more information on their efforts, please visit http://savinglivesthroughlit.org.

Lots of Love LiteraryLiz.....♥
www.LiteraryLiz.com

Please support Saving Lives Through Lit & Join us on The Delicious Talk Show with Host Gayle Johnson along with Co-Host Rhea Banks. If you have contributed a piece and would like to share call in on the number listed below.

Call in number to speak with the host! (646) 652-2877 Fri, Oct 14, 2011 11:00PM EST.

click the link to join in the chat room.
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/deliciou...

To HELP spread the word of Awareness against Domestic Violence please join
http://savinglivesthroughlit.org

The entire month of October I will be acknowledging Domestic Violence Awareness. A portion of the sales from the Literary Liz Writes website will be donated to Saving Lives Through Lit; Domestic Violence Awareness & Outreach program.


The Saving Lives One Book At A Time series will be publishing it's first book "Voices Behind The Tears" mid Oct. This novel will be touching, emotional, raw, and inspirational. Take a stand and spread the message of Non-Violence.

For more information please visit the Saving Lives Through Lit website www.SavingLivesThroughLit.Org & the support page on Face Book clicking this link -----------> http://www.facebook.com/SavingLivesTh...

If you are interested in becoming a part of this project or volunteering your skills/talent send an email to savinglivesthroughlit@ymail.com .

To read the Synopsis, the Reviews, and to make a purchase of "Love TORN Asunder" please visit "Literary Liz Writes" http://LiteraryLiz.com.

Lots of Love LiteraryLiz....<3
http://LiteraryLiz.com