Phylira, LLC

Getting it done (marketing/promotions)

Many would agree it is hard marketing your newly published book(s) with a full-time job that pays the actual bills. I have been away for weeks with weeks to go completing one of many more of my military schools. I must say; the runs in the morning have changed. I no longer think of how tired I am rounding that last corner of my last mile. I now think of creative ways of getting it done (marketing/promotions) coming up with new marketing strategies and ways to get traffic to my site.

The air is clean, crisp and new and so are many of my ideas. When I say new I mean new for me, I am positive they have been done and are being done by many other authors. I completed my run yesterday, did my cool down and walked back to my room. I sat down and pulled out a notebook, I wrote down the question, “Why did I write my books?” Four pages later I realized I was not doing enough to get my books out there, I was not doing enough to getting it done (marketing/promotions).

I followed many of the suggested promotions listed that instructs us to:

1. Start a Blog
2. Create a Website
3. Network (on and offline)
4. Myspace (each book)
5. Facebook
6. iGoogle
7. Twitter
8. Technorati

There are many more but is it enough? Do they do what they say? I have networked with many positive encounters, while many turned out to be dead-ends. I did however come across a site today Nothing Binding that seems to do what they say they would do. This is the first of my getting it done (marketing/promotions). I pulled out the marketing section of my business plan and revamped a few things. I downsized many of my online networks and began to dig in my heels. I sent out a few book review request and have a blog talk radio interview tomorrow at 1:00 with Write Turns Allowed.

I wrote my first book Simon Says Share because I wanted to give back to the children. So now I decided with my one book, I will support three causes. My book is for the children and when you purchase it, it will be for their enjoyment and to benefit someone in need. This is my first getting it done (marketing/promotions) task.

So if it's a run, walk or vacation use it to take a fresh look at what you are doing and don't be afraid to take another approach. Forget that old saying "If it's not broke don't fix it" if you don't do anything your making a mistake. Happy Publishing.

Respect Your Business and Have a Plan

Let me start with a quote from Dr. Myles Munroe:

“Do not seek greatness, but seek to serve others with your gift to the maximum extent that you can, and you will become a sought-after person. In essence, Jesus defined true leadership as becoming a person who is valuable to others rather than a person of just position or fame.”

Authors have a talent, a gift God has bestowed upon them. Many chose to share this gift while others are still pondering the idea of putting pen to paper. No matter who you are or when you decide to do it TREAT YOUR BOOK LIKE A BUSINESS. Your books are going to make you revenue when people purchase them. Your book is a product and you should promote like one.

Many non-authors say, “If you are writing for the love of it, why have a business plan?” To sum it up, if we were only writing for the pleasure of it, our notes, short stories and poems would still be tucked away under our mattress for our eyes only. It takes a lot of work to get a book published; did I say it takes a lot of work to get a book published? So why would it not be for the money or at least some money.

I started my Simon Says Series because I want to make an impact on society. I wanted to reach children, parents, and teachers by sending a positive, creative message. I also wanted to make some money. Money was and is still not my motivation but it is part of the equation. I created a business plan, a working business plan; the same plan I keep next to my computer and follow. I make changes to it regularly by taking out what does not work and adding what does. I keep up with all the free promotional sites and online tours anything to make my book a success in progress.

Your book is your business and you must have a plan. Business plans are no longer the 100-page documents they use to be; they can be as simple as five pages as long as it fits your book needs and addresses all of your book needs. I have a few business plan samples that I cut and pasted from to create my business plan for my Simons Says Series, in fact, when I finish the entry I have to update it to add blogging.

Remember, treat your book like a business, and respect your business by having a plan. If you would like a copy of the sample business plans, I have just log onto my website Simon Says Books and send me an email. Happy writing and God Bless.

Fresh Start

Wow, a year has come and gone. GOD has blessed us. Now that we are well rested and recovered from the Holiday Festivities we must get back to work. We as self-publishers do not have time for New Year’s Resolutions, like loose weight, going to the gym and stuff like that. We have books to write, publish and market.

So what do we do first?

First, we must pull out those business plans that we have tucked away, dust them off and make the necessary updates. I know with all of the networks I have joined in just 2008, I know my marketing section needs to be updated along with adding the virtual book tours and blogradio shows that generated some revenue.

Second, pull out those first editions and look them over…is it time for another edition with a little flare? My friend just revamped her first book by making some suggested changes and is making more revenue from the second edition than she did with the first.

Third, look at your team, the people surrounding you. Think about what you did not like and what you will not stand for in 2009; address it now tomorrow will be too late. We never want to make the same mistake twice especially in our business, it cost us too much. Basically kick them to the curb, yes I know the pain of finding someone else is time consuming but it is better than settling when you are suppose to be in charge so take charge

Fourth, review your networks and myspace pages. Get rid of the ones you don’t use, try to consolidate the ones that over lap. I know I have so many NING accounts I am staring to get 10-12 emails from the same people because we are friends on so many of the same networks. If you must keep all the networks try to put them all on one page for easy access.

Lastly, enjoy what you do, stay strong and motivated. Distance yourself from the naysayers. Surround yourself with positive people, smile, believe in what you do and again enjoy yourself. We as self-publishers knew this was going to be hard work, sleepless nights in some cases and trying on the nerves at times, but we love it. Yes, the work is hard but look what we have accomplished. I am so proud of all of the people I have met since I decided to self-publish and proud to carry that positive relationship into my 2009.

Happy New Year Everyone….GOD Bless!

What Do I Want For The Holidays

Tis the season. The number one question right now is "What do you want for the holidays?" Well today I wish and want everyone to have a joyful, and safe Holiday. Often times we get caught up in our shopping, cooking and baking and forget to wish others well. We don't mean to but we do, we'll use the "It's Implied" line.

This is the time we as self-publishers put off our business and get involved with the Holidays all the while saying we're gonna make up the time. We know it's not true because the time is gone and our work can't be rushed or forced, but we say it anyway. It makes us feel better. So I am saying to you, all of you enjoy your holiday, be safe and get back to work on December 26.

Have a HAPPY....

GOD Bless

Lillie Walks With An Angel - Coming Soon

Lillie Walks With An Angel is a story about an 11- year old girl whose strong faith in GOD helps her through some tough times. Her mother died during her tour in IRAQ. Her grandparents move into the house to take care of her. Her father and brother are currently on tour overseas in Afghanistan. Lillie finds comfort by having a strong love for GOD, gratitude and family. While giving her testimony in front of the church congregation, Lillie is presented with a tear filled surprise. This story is a must read for everyone, girls, mothers and daughters, it will make you laugh, cry and smile. The book also includes bible scriptures and space to express yourself.

Title: Lillie Walks With An Angel
ISBN: 978-0-982879-1-6
Type: Paperback
Pages: 80
Price: $8.99
Genre: Religion, Children, and Faith
Author: Teresa Butler
Illustration: Marcello Milteer

To pre-order Lillie Walks With An Angel "CLICK HERE"