Winners of Free Books from September '07 Authors on Tour!

On behalf of the September '07 authors on tour, I would like to thank all the kind comments that were left on their tour stops. It just goes to show you that people are still reading and love winning books!

The winners chosen at random are:

Nick Oliva has won a copy of Yvonne Perry's book, RIGHT TO RECOVER: WINNING THE POLITICAL AND RELIGIOUS WARS OVER STEM CELL RESEARCH IN AMERICA!

Blackroze37 has won a copy of Hazel Statham's book, DOMINIC!

Malcolm Campbell has won a copy of Scott Zema's book, THREE STEPS TO INVESTMENT SUCCESS: BUYING THE RIGHT ART, ANTIQUES, AND COLLECTIBLES!

Yvonne Perry has won a copy of Nick Oliva's book, ONLY MOMENTS!

Yvonne Perry has also won a copy of Dwayne G. Anderson's book, PARTIALLY HUMAN!

Yvonne Perry has also won a copy of CJ Maxx's book, COMING BACK A VIRGIN!

Elizabeth Grace has won a copy of Nikki Leigh's book, LADY LIGHTKEEPER!

Larrimie has won a copy of Caridad Pineiro's book, SOUTH BEACH CHICAS CATCH THEIR MAN!

Rhonda (blessed heart) has won a copy of Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein's book, THE TRUTH, I'M TEN, I'M SMART AND I KNOW EVERYTHING!

All winners were chosen because of their sincere comments and were chosen by the authors themselves. To claim your prize, email me at thewriterslife(at)yahoo.com with your full name and address. Thank you for being a part of the Pump Up Your Book Promotion September Virtual Book Tour '07 and please stay tuned because the October '07 authors will start their tours on Monday!

Tags: Pump Up Your Book Promotion, virtual book tour

An Interview with Historical Romance Author Hazel Statham

We have a very special guest today at Pump Up Your Online Book Promotion! Welcome Hazel Statham, author of the historical romance novel, DOMINIC. Hazel is here with us today to tell us how she pumps up her own online book promotion!

This is also the last week of Hazel's virtual book tour so if you want to win a copy of DOMINIC, leave a comment below because the winner will be announced on Saturday, September 29 at http://www.virtualbooktoursforauthors.blogspot.com/.

Welcome to Pump Up Your Online Book Promotion, Hazel! Can you tell us a little about yourself and your book?

I live in the UK and have always been fascinated by history. I started writing many, many moons ago at the age of fifteen and have written on and off ever since. I write mainly in the Georgian and Regency eras and 'Dominic' is no exception as it is a Georgian Romance.

Dominic Blake, Earl of Vale, is a young man of privilega and breeding whose world is turned upside-down by Jack, a beautiful young girl in boys' clothing whom he finds sheltering on his doorstep after fleeing an attack by her brother. In turn, she becomes his pupil and his love and despite danger and misunderstandings, this is the story of their unconventional and delightful courtship.

Hazel, can you tell us how important online book promotion is to you from your perspective?

This is the age of the computer. Many people throughout the world turn to the computer for most things, not least of all what, where, when and how they can buy their books. Not only are they able to buy physical books but ebooks that can be downloaded to the computer, PDA and phone. Online promotion is the way to reach this wider readership.

Can you tell us ways you have been pumping up your online book promotion for your book, DOMINIC?

I am taking part in a virtual book tour and have arranged for interviews and reviews from several book-related sites. I have also placed banner and cover-art adverts on many sites.

Have you seen any positive results?

It's too early to tell as I have not received any sale figures yet but I do know that it has resulted in more hits on my website.

Hazel, you’re on a virtual book tour. Can you tell my readers why you chose to go that route?

I live in the UK but my books are published in the US so it would be impossible for me to attend actual book signings. A virtual book tour is a very viable alternative and reaches a wider readership.

How about offline book promotion? Can you tell us ways you have promoted your book offline?

Again, living in the UK it is difficult to promote in the US but I have sent out flyers and bookmarks to advertise my work.

I’ve often wanted to ask this question, so I’ll start with you. What is your definition of success regarding your book? What will happen when you finally say it was all worth it?

I will know I have arrived as a writer when I can walk into a bookstore and see one of my novels actually on a shelf.

Thanks for coming, Hazel. Can you tell us how we can purchase our own copy of Dominic?

DOMINIC is available as both an ebook and paperback at http://www.wings-press.com/

Tags: author interviews, online book promotion, free book publicity, author interview, public relations, virtual book tour, Hazel Statham

An Interview with Caridad Pineiro, Author of SOUTH BEACH CHICAS CATCH THEIR MAN

We have a very special guest today at Pump Up Your Online Book Promotion! Welcome Caridad Pineiro, author of women's fiction with smarts and spice, SOUTH BEACH CHICAS CATCH THEIR MAN (Downtown Press, September 2007). Caridad is here with us today to tell us show she pumps up her own online book promotion!

This is also the last week of Caridad's virtual book tour so if you want to win a copy of SOUTH BEACH CHICAS CATCH THEIR MAN, leave a comment below because the winner will be announced on Saturday, September 29 at http://www.virtualbooktoursforauthors.blogspot.com/.

And...take it away...Caridad!

Welcome to Pump Up Your Online Book Promotion, Caridad! Can we begin by having you tell us what your book, SOUTH BEACH CHICAS CATCH THEIR MAN, is about and why you wrote it?

SOUTH BEACH CHICAS CATCH THEIR MAN is a follow-up to SEX AND THE SOUTH BEACH CHICAS. When I was writing the first Chicas book, I absolutely fell in love with Sylvia and her mother, Virginia. They were both strong, empowered women who shared a great relationship, but were pushing away the men in their lives. I wanted to find a way to resolve those commitment issues and SOUTH BEACH CHICAS CATCH THEIR MAN was born.

SOUTH BEACH CHICAS CATCH THEIR MAN is, as you describe women's fiction with smarts and spice. Why did you choose this genre to write? Did you choose it or did it choose you?

I’ve written in a number of genres – contemporary romance, paranormal romance, romantic suspense just to name a few. While SOUTH BEACH CHICAS CATCH THEIR MAN has elements of romance, the story is also very much about female relationships. Because of that, it seemed that writing it as women’s fiction was a more appropriate genre since the relationship story is on a par with the romantic elements in the novel.

In regards to promotion, what have you been doing to promote your book online?

I’m a strong believer in the Internet as a tool for increasing awareness of my work. Because of that, I upgraded my website and feature a lot of different content, from free reads to videos to a blog where I write on almost a daily basis. I like interacting with readers – their one of the main reasons why I write! I also use Myspace, Gather, Shelfari as well as a number of key genre-specific blogs and websites to get the word out about my work. Online press releases are also a very useful way to increase awareness of you as a writer.

Of all the promotional items (bookmarks, press kits, etc…) you have used to promote your book, which one was used most effectively?

It’s tough to pinpoint just one. I think that in a good publicity campaign, all the different types of promotional materials should be used in a cohesive campaign for the greatest impact. So, press releases, promotional mailings, blog tours, etc. should enhance your brand and provide a steady stream of information for the public.

Do you feel that the Internet has opened doors for authors who never dreamed they’d ever see a publishing contract and how has it influenced you in regards to your own publishing journey?

I definitely see more and more authors using non-traditional publishing to achieve their dreams. Many have parlayed success at the e-publication level into more traditional publishing venues. With respect to my own publishing journey, I find that the Internet provides me greater opportunities to meet fans and provide them with extra content for their enjoyment. For example, at the website for my vampire novels, www.thecallingvampirenovels.com, I often provide behind-the-scenes reads, deleted scenes and totally new content that provides new views into the various characters in the series.

If you were in the middle of Manhattan (or any busy thoroughfare) and you wanted to call attention to your book, what would you do and what would you say?

I’ve always wanted to see an ad on the side of a bus or have one of those cars totally wrapped with my covers whizzing by on Fifth Avenue.

If you could trade places with any author just for a day, who would it be and why?

Wow, that’s a tough one. I guess I’d have to pick one of my all time favorites – Nora Roberts. I just love her JD Robb novels and would love to trade places with her and be able to write a chapter with Eve Dallas.

Lastly, how do you determine your book’s success?

You can track a lot of things, like Amazon rankings, etc. The business person in me recognizes that for the publisher the measure of success is seen when the royalty statements come out and you know how what were your sell-through and numbers. The artist in me tracks success by the comments of the people who took the time to write and say they liked the book.

Thank you for coming, Caridad! Can you tell us where everyone can pick up a copy of SOUTH BEACH CHICAS CATCH THEIR MAN?

SOUTH BEACH CHICAS CATCH THEIR MAN can be pre-ordered from any of the online stores right now and will be on shelves during the second week of September. The novel will also be available in e-book format at Simon & Schuster and other e-book vendors.

Tags: author interviews, online book promotion, free book publicity, author interview, public relations, virtual book tour, Caridad Pineiro, chick lit

Interview with Young Adult Science Fiction Author Dwayne G. Anderson

We have a special guest with us today. His name is Dwayne G. Anderson and he's the author of the young adult science fiction novel, PARTIALLY HUMAN. You can visit his website here.

When Dwayne queried me about signing up with my company to represent him on a virtual book tour, what intrigued me more than anything was that Dwayne was the author of three books and yet he was only twenty-four. In fact, he'll be twenty-five this Sunday so everyone wish Dwayne a Happy Birthday!

I've been working with Dwayne and helping him set up a blog when he had no idea how to set one up or how to promote his book through his blog to aid in his virtual book tour promotions. He's done a wonderful job keeping the blog updated, I must say. If you want to see his blog, visit http://www.partiallyhuman.blogspot.com/.

And it's amazing he has done all this with Asperger's Syndrome. I related to this author immediately as I have a son, 24, with Marfan's Syndrome. Both kids look perfectly fine to look at them; but inside them, things are a little different. Where my son is not led in the right direction as far as what he wants to do with his future with Marfan's, Dwayne took the bull by the horns and became a published author.

I talked to Dwayne about online promotions and what it was like having Infinity as the publisher, as well as other things. I hope you enjoy the interview and if you leave a comment below, you will become eligible to win a copy of his book at the end of the month, which is coming up fast. Also, don't forget to wish him a Happy Birthday!

Thank you for coming to Pump Up Your Online Book Promotion, Dwayne! Can you tell us what your book is about?

Partially Human is a general fiction story that tells a story about the power of true friendship and love, while dealing with issues that are very real to youths, teens, and young adults such as ignorance, prejudice, acceptance, tolerance, being different, and equality. Each of the major characters faces their own issue and deals with it in their own way.

Who are you published with and how have your experiences with them been so far?

Infinity Publishing was my publisher this time around. My experience with them was satisfactory as they offered outstanding service, book returns to stores in case I wish to get them to stock the book, quality printing product, fast publishing time, and they allow me to keep all my rights. I am so satisfied with their service, I've decided to use them as my publisher from now on.

Can you tell us ways you have been promoting online?

Not only have I created my own website which I'll update as I publish more of my works, but I've been advertising on other sites and in newsletters, got the book listed on several web pages, joined a book club, posted on forums, and now I'm using Pump Up Your Book Publicity which I know will help boost my campaign!

Can you tell us ways you have been promoting offline?

I've purchased copies of my book from the publisher and sold them in dad's store, sent out a few copies for review, gotten interviewed by my local paper, and telling people about it, and they're really happy and excited for me.

In your own opinion, what has been the hardest part about being a published author?

Breaking into the publishing world through a traditional publisher is very hard, they're only willing to accept you if you're Steven King, R.L. Stien, J.K. Rowling, or other bestselling authors. Finding the right publisher is hard but getting the word out is even trickier unless you've got a plan of your own and you use the right strategy.

In your own respective, how do you define success?

Success in my opinion is if at least one person's life is affected by my book in a positive way. Sharing stories and messages is what I hope to do through my works.

What’s next for you? Do you have more books in the works?

Currently, I have another book ready for publication that I hope to have published by the end of the year. I'm also currently proofreading another book I've written which is the sequel to my first written work. I also have planned a sequel to my second book. Both these sequels will be superior to their predecessors in every aspect. I've also planned another general fiction story, two romances, and a medieval fantasy which I believe will be my finest work.

Thank you for stopping by, Dwayne, and much success to you during the last leg of your virtual book tour!

And thank you for helping me take the biggest step in raising the publicity for my book! I look forward to doing my part and enjoying the fruits of my labor! I'll do my best!

Thank you for coming, Dwayne! If you would like a chance to win a copy of PARTIALLY HUMAN, leave a comment below. All winners will be announced at http://www.virtualbooktoursforauthors.blogspot.com/ on Sept. 30. Good luck!

Tags: author interviews, online book promotion, free book publicity, author interview, public relations, virtual book tour, Dwayne G. Anderson

How to Create Pre-Buzz for Your Virtual Book Tour by Networking Early

If you are an author embarking on a virtual book tour, here are some helpful hints to get some pre-buzz started before it starts!

Visit www.bookmarketingbuzz.authorsabode.com.

Author Interview: CJ Maxx, author of COMING BACK A VIRGIN

We have a very special guest today at Pump Up Your Online Book Promotion! Welcome CJ Maxx, author of the erotic romance, COMING BACK A VIRGIN. CJ is here with us today to tell us how he pumps up his own online book promotion!

C. J. Maxx has always enjoyed writing, whether in the military writing citations or efficiency reports, in the private sector writing articles for trade journals, or in his personal life writing in newsletters for volunteer organizations. He turned his interest in writing to fiction in 2002. C.J. and his wife live in northern Alabama.

You can visit his website at http://www.cjmaxx.com/.

Welcome to Pump Up Your Online Book Promotion, CJ! Can we begin by having you tell us what your COMING BACK A VIRGIN is about and why you wrote it?

COMING BACK A VIRGIN is a story about a fiction writer who cannot write romance in a meaningful and entertaining manner. What he writes is pure pornography. He uses the same female in all of his books. She's known as such a slut up there in the sky where the fictional characters live that she can't even get a date. She comes to Earth to teach her author how to write romance. I wrote this book because I couldn't write romance scenes.

COMING BACK A VIRGIN is an erotic romance. Why did you choose this genre to write? Did you choose it or did it choose you?

Originally this wasn't an erotic book. As I stated earlier I wrote it to help me write romantic scenes. I couldn't sell that story so I made it erotic. No problem selling it after that.

In regards to promotion, what have you been doing to promote your book online?

The normal things that most e-book authors do. I have a website, a myspace.com site, and an authorsden.com site. I've also posted on numerous groups. Now, through the PUMP UP YOUR BOOK TOUR, I'm posting on a lot of blogs.

Of all the promotional items (bookmarks, press kits, etc…) you have used to promote your book, which one was used most effectively?

I don't know but I suspect posting on the blogs will be most effective. I won't know the sales numbers until after the quarter is over.

Do you feel that the Internet has opened doors for authors who never dreamed they’d ever see a publishing contract and how has it influenced you in regards to your own publishing journey?

It definitely opens the door. The odds of someone, other than a celebrity, breaking into the New York book publishing market are slim. They just don't want to take a chance on an unknown. I went to the Internet after a year of so of futility in trying to sell my books to the traditional publishers and agents. I have contracts now and published books.

If you were in the middle of Manhattan (or any busy thoroughfare) and you wanted to call attention to your book, what would you do and what would you say?

I'd use advertising on the sides of buses like they did in SEX AND THE CITY with Carrie. The ad would say something like "Ramp up the state of arousal, improve your love life, read C.J. Maxx"

If you could trade places with any author just for a day, who would it be and why?

Michael Crichton. I'm a big fan of his. I'm amazed that he can write so well on such a wide range of subjects.

Lastly, how do you determine your book’s success?

I enjoy writing. Someone telling me that they enjoyed the book makes me feel successful. I'd like to be rich and famous but doubt that will happen.

Thank you for coming, CJ! Can you tell us where everyone can pick up a copy of COMING BACK A VIRGIN?

You can purchase it at Whiskey Creek Press-Torrid.

Thank you for coming, CJ! If you would like a chance to win a copy of COMING BACK A VIRGIN, leave a comment below. All winners will be announced at http://www.virtualbooktoursforauthors.blogspot.com/ on Sept. 30. Good luck!

Tags: author interviews, online book promotion, free book publicity, author interview, public relations, virtual book tour, CJ Maxx

FREE BOOK PROMOTION FOR AUTHORS

Would you like to be interviewed? Would you like to tell your readers the story behind your books? Now you can! All for free and no strings attached? And all it would take is a simple email to moi for this to happen?

I've just opened two new book promotion blogs for those wishing to take advantage of my wonderful generosity! Here are the details and how to submit:

Beyond the Books
http://www.beyondthebooks.authorsabode.com/
In-depth interview questions that will be syndicated through Google News, guaranteed. Go to the link and look in the left hand sidebar for the link that says "How to Submit." All interviews are guaranteed to go up in 3 days max, unless there's a waiting line.

Publishing Success Stories
http://www.publishingsuccessstories.authorsabode.com/
First hand accounts of the inspiration, the method of publication and other insider thoughts of authors who will tell it like it is. How did they get inspiration for their book? How did they get it published? What's it feel like to become a published author and what are their words of wisdom for those who choose the same path? If you are a published author and would like to tell your story, go to the link above and click on the "How to Submit" link in the left hand sidebar. Your story is guaranteed to be published in 3 days max, unless there's a waiting line.

This is a great way to get added promo for your book and it's absolutely free, so take advantage of it today while the promotion mama is hot!

Tags: free book promo, online book promotion, author publicity, book publicity

Pump Up Your Book Promotion September Virtual Book Tours - Day 8 & FREE BOOK GIVEAWAY

Virtual book tours with Pump Up Your Book Promotion continues! All authors on tour in September will be giving away FREE copies of their books to a few lucky people who comment on their blog stops. Winners will be announced at http://www.virtualbooktoursforauthors.blogspot.com/ on September 30!

The following authors on tour and their tour stops today are:

Caridad Pineiro, author of the book, SOUTH BEACH CHICAS CATCH THEIR MAN, is appearing at The Debutante Ball at http://www.thedebutanteball.com/!

Hazel Statham, author of the book, DOMINIC, is appearing at Publishing Secrets of Authors at http://www.publishingsecretsofauthors.blogspot.com/!

Dwayne G. Anderson, author of the book, PARTIALLY HUMAN, is appearing at Mary Emma’s Potpourri of Writing at http://www.maryemmallen.blogspot.com/!

Nick Oliva, author of the book, ONLY MOMENTS, is appearing at Share Your Hero at http://www.shareyourhero.blogspot.com/!

Scott Zema, author of the book, THREE STEPS TO INVESTMENT SUCCESS: BUYING THE RIGHT ART, ANTIQUES, AND COLLECTIBLES at Plug Your Book at http://www.plugyourbook.blogspot.com/!

Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein, author of the book, THE TRUTH: I’M TEN, I’M SMART AND I KNOW EVERYTHING! is appearing at Start at the Beginning at http://www.startatbeginning.blogspot.com/!

Nikki Leigh, author of the book, LADY LIGHTKEEPER, is appearing at Muze’s Musings at http://www.muzesmusings.blogspot.com/!

Dwayne G. Anderson, author of the book, PARTIALLY HUMAN, is appearing at Bad Guys and Villains at http://www.badguysandvillains.blogspot.com/!

Nick Oliva, author of the book ONLY MOMENTS is appearing at The Book Connection at http://www.thebookconnectionccm.blogspot.com/!

Scott Zema, author of the book, THREE STEPS TO INVESTMENT SUCCESS: BUYING THE RIGHT ART, ANTIQUES, AND COLLECTIBLES, is appearing at Judge a Book by Its Cover at http://www.judgebookbycover.blogspot.com/!

Caridad Pineiro, author of the book SOUTH BEACH CHICAS CATCH THEIR MAN is appearing at The Writer's Life at http://www.thewriterslife.blogspot.com/!

ADDED BONUS!!!

Kim Baccellia, author of the book, EARRINGS OF IXTUMEA, makes a special appearance at Beyond the Books at http://www.beyondthebooks.authorsabode.com/!

All authors (with the exception of Kim Baccellia) will be giving away free copies of their books to a few lucky readers who comment on their blog stops. Don't miss out on this opportunity to win free books!

These virtual book tours are brought to you by Pump Up Your Book Promotion at http://www.pumpupyourbookpromotion.com/.

An Interview with Art Appraiser & Author Scott Zema

We have a very special guest today at Pump Up Your Online Book Promotion! Welcome Scott Zema, author of the book, THREE STEPS TO INVESTMENT SUCCESS: BUYING THE RIGHT ART, ANIQUES, AND COLLECTIBLES. Scott is here with us today to tell us how he pumps up his own online book promotion!

Welcome to Pump Up Your Online Book Promotion, Scott! Can we begin by having you tell us what your book, THREE STEPS TO INVESTMENT SUCCESS is about and what compelled you to write it?

It's about successfully investing in art, antiques, and collectibles. I can't find another book like it in print.

I felt compelled to write it because as a professional appraiser and evaluator of valuable properties I began to see things that other people in my business were apparently not seeing. Like its actually possible to successfully invest in valuable properties that other 'experts' say is impossible to do. Kind of like Galileo looking through his telescope and seeing things other people sternly told him weren't there. Like Columbus seeing the earth was round when the powers that be told him he had to be wrong...

Your book is self-published. Would you mind sharing how you self-published your book?

I had a website design team design my book and put it into adobe format. Then I featured my book for sale on my own website, downloadable (with a security key to prevent unauthorized internet distribution) and payable with a credit card.

Do you feel it's harder for a self-published author to promote his book as opposed to a mainstream publisher?

I am not yet familiar with the results that would answer that question. It certainly seems cheaper and easier, and perhaps more lucrative if done correctly...

I have been published by small press publishers, but I also have self-published.

Do you find there's a stigma with self-published books?

Don't know...

Have you tried to get any of your books into bookstores or libraries?

Not yet.

What have people's reactions been when they find out your are self-published?
Do you sense any negativity or are they in awe you have managed to pull a book together yourself and successfully got it out into the world?

You know, I get both reactions. The negativity stems from people who are somehow against the basic premise of my book.

In regards to promotion, what have you been doing to promote your book online?

Using your service... I tried to buy adwords through the website designers which they were promoting, but they were basically disinterested in focused marketing of my product.

Of all the promotional items (bookmarks, press kits, etc…) you have used to promote your book, which one was used most effectively?

Still waiting to see!

Do you feel that the Internet has opened doors for authors who never dreamed they’d ever see a publishing contract and how has it influenced you in regards to your own publishing journey?

I feel that it has to open doors for authors, and that correctly done, it must prove some kind of threat eventually to traditional publishers. Anybody can publish now.

If you were in the middle of Manhattan (or any busy thoroughfare) and you wanted to call attention to your book, what would you do and what would you say?

Go onto wall street with a sandwich board with a large photo of the cover and collar
investment people. Perhaps give them free copies.

If you could trade places with any author just for a day, who would it be and why?

JK Rowling, to experience the expansive affirmation of her vision by the reading public.

Lastly, how do you determine your book’s success?

By the compliments of its readers who have found it a useful addition to their knowledge of the world!

Thank you for coming, Scott! Can you tell us where everyone can pick up a copy of THREE STEPS TO INVESTMENT SUCCESS?

You can download your own copy at http://www.arklimitedpublishing.com/.

Thank you for coming, Scott! If you would like a chance to win a copy of THREE STEPS TO INVESTMENT SUCCESS: BUYING THE RIGHT ART, ANIQUES, AND COLLECTIBLES, leave a comment below. All winners will be announced at http://www.virtualbooktoursforauthors.blogspot.com/ on Sept. 30. Good luck!

Tags: Pump Up Your Book Promotion, virtual book tour, author publicity, book promotion, online book promotion, author interview, Scott Zema, art appraiser

Stem Cell Research Author Yvonne Perry on Virtual Book Tour

We have a special guest today at Pump Up Your Online Book Promotion! Yvonne Perry, author of RIGHT TO RECOVER: WINNING THE POLITICAL AND RELIGIOUS WARS OVER STEM CELL RESEARCH IN AMERICA , is here with us today to tell us how she pumps up her online book promotion!

Yvonne Perry is a freelance writer, author and keynote speaker who enjoys assisting people on a spiritual path. She is a graduate of American Institute of Holistic Theology where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Metaphysics.As a writer, Yvonne enjoys helping people get their message into a well-written book or article that is ready to publish. She is the owner of Write On! Creative Writing Services—a team of freelance writers located in Nashville, Tennessee. Yvonne publishes a monthly newsletter about writing, publishing and marketing books. You can visit her website at http://www.right2recover.com/.

Not only are we privileged to interview Ms. Perry, but we're also ecstatically happy to host her on her virtual book tour with Pump Up Your Book Promotion. But, there's even something in it for you, my visitors at Pump Up Your Online Book Promotion. We are hosting a book giveaway! All you have to do is leave a comment in the box below and your name will be put in a pot to win a free copy of her book, RIGHT TO RECOVER: WINNING THE POLITICAL AND RELIGIOUS WARS OVER STEM CELL RESEARCH IN AMERICA. Winners will be announced on September 30 at our blog at http://www.virtualbooktoursforauthors.blogspot.com/. So, leave a comment and have a chance to win one of Yvonne's books!

Welcome to Pump Up Your Online Book Promotion, Yvonne! Can you tell us a little about yourself and your book, Right to Recover?

I am a freelance writer, editor, speaker, as well as an author. I am the owner of Write On! Creative Writing Services, based in Nashville, TN. I graduated from American Institute of Holistic Theology with a B.S. in Metaphysics. As a Distinguished Toastmaster, I put my speaking skills to good use on Writers in the Sky Podcast—my weekly show in which I interview guest authors, publishers, and book marketing experts. Each Friday a new show is available on my company’s blog http://yvonneperry.blogspot.com.

My latest book, RIGHT TO RECOVER Winning the Political and Religious Wars over Stem Cell Research in America, is an educational book that puts stem cell biology in laymen’s terms. It also addresses the political and religious issues surrounding blastocyst (embryonic) stem cell research and gives a logical appeal to those who are straddling the fence.

RIGHT TO RECOVER is a book that gives more details about stem cell research. Who will benefit from your book?

Those who are undecided about where they stand on the issue of blastocyst stem cell research and those interested in knowing more about all types of stem cell research and its medical potential will appreciate the educational component. Those who are fed up with religion and politics will probably relate to the chapter on the Separation of Church and State.

In regards to promoting your book, what have you been doing to promote online?

I’m doing this tour with you, and I’ve been blogging on my own site (www.right2recover.com) as well as other related sites. I’ve been talking it up in my newsletter each month and I have some Internet Radio interviews lined up. I have several book reviews posted on the Internet as well as media releases to many online outlets. I am also a member of an online book marketing network: http://bookmarket.ning.com/profile/Nashvillewriter. I’m planning an Amazon.com blitz to launch the book.

Of all the promotional (bookmarks, press kits, etc.) items you’ve used to promote your book, can you tell us which ones were the most beneficial?

There does seem to be a lot of interest in RIGHT TO RECOVER, but it’s hard to say which effort produces which results. The more I network, the more interaction I have with people who might want a copy of the book. Online networking and personal emails to people seems to generate a lot of business leads, so I’m hoping it will do the same for the book. Since the book is not available in bookstores until October 1, it’s difficult to say what the sales will be.

Do you feel that the Internet has opened doors for authors who never dreamed they’d ever see a publishing contract and how has it influenced you in regards to your own publishing journey?

The Internet has opened doors for many businesses. I would not have been able to become a successful freelance writer with my own company without the benefit of online marketing. The Internet has allowed authors who are self-published or published via POD companies to promote their book without a conventional publisher. Those large publishing houses do very little for an “unknown” author. Since it’s up to the author to promote their own book, the Internet is probably the most valuable marketing outlet available.

If you were in the middle of Manhattan (or any busy thoroughfare) and you wanted to call attention to your book, what would you do?

Put an ad on a billboard.

If you could trade places with any author just for a day, who would it be?

Dan Brown

Lastly, how do you determine your book’s success?

If my book changes the minds of Americans about blastocystic stem cell research and influences policy makers to approve federal funding for it, I will have accomplished my purpose.

Thank you for coming, Yvonne! Can you tell us where everyone can pick up a copy of RIGHT TO RECOVER?

It’s available on Amazon.com and in bookstores after October 1. You can preorder from my Web site: http://www.right2recover.com/. Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of this virtual tour!

Tags: Pump Up Your Book Promotion, virtual book tour, author publicity, book promotion, online book promotion, author interview, Yvonne Perry, Right to Recover, stem cell research

LADY LIGHTKEEPER VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR BEGINS TODAY AT PUMP UP

We have a special guest today at Pump Up Your Online Book Promotion! Nikki Leigh, author of Lady Lightkeeper – Book Two in the Misty Cove Chronicles is here with us today to tell us how she pumps up her online book promotion!

Welcome to Pump Up Your Online Book Promotion, Nikki! Can you tell us about yourself and your book, Lady Lightkeeper?

I’m a full time freelancer and I have fiction and non fiction books in print. I’ve always enjoyed creating and as a kid, my family was sure that I would create board games as an adult. I loved to write and even my second grade teachers remembers that I wanted to be a writer. At this time, I’m working on three series – Lady Lightkeeper is the second book in my Misty Cove Chronicles. It’s the continuing story of Lizbeth Sullivan Kinsey – a strong and independent woman in 1840’s and 1850’s Cape Ann, Massachusetts. She has strong ties to the local lighthouse since her father died in 1841 when the lighthouse wasn’t shining as a bad storm approached the Cape Ann coast.

Lady Lightkeeper is women’s fiction and not strictly a romance. Can you explain this?

As I mentioned above, Lizbeth is a strong woman. She is determined to do things her way. That does cause some problems for her – independent minded women weren’t the norm in the 1840’s. The stories – Widow’s Walk and Lady Lightkeeper focus on Lizbeth’s struggles and how she grows as a person. But, romance fans should not despair. There is a hunky hero. Most readers have fallen in love with Lizbeth’s husband, William. As Lady Lightkeeper opens, William’s ship is late coming home and Lizbeth is sitting on the catwalk of the Stormy View lighthouse watching for his boat to come home.

In regards to promoting your book, what have you been doing to promote online?

That sounds like an easy question. I have an extensive website (just over 100 pages) which deals with each of my books, the setting, the background, the characters and more. I participate on a number of message boards. Readers’ Station is a group that I founded with a group of author friends (http://www.readersstation.com/). I’m the Self Promotion Topic Editor for Inspired Author (http://www.inspiredauthor.com/) and I have a number of blogs. Muze’s Musings is my primary blog and on that page (http://www.muzesmusings.blogspot.com/) you can find the list of my book theme promo blogs that other authors can post on. In addition, I have several My Space pages and I’m a member on several ning.com networks. In August, I began working with you at Pump Up Your Book Promotion. There’s probably more, that’s just the things that come to mind at the moment.

Of all the promotional (bookmarks, press kits, etc.) items you’ve used to promote your book, can you tell us which ones were the most beneficial?

I’m not sure any promo items have been great. The oversize postcards for Lilah worked well with bookstores and made it possible for them to recognize me and the book when I walked in the door. I think my promotional samplers have worked very well and they are a great way for people to learn more about my series and to get a sense of my writing style. I send those to anyone who sends a message and asks for them. If you’d like to see them, drop me a message at nikki-leigh@excite.com.

Do you feel that the Internet has opened doors for authors who never dreamed they’d ever see a publishing contract and how has it influenced you in regards to your own publishing journey?

The internet has been invaluable for honing my writing skills, getting motivated to stick with writing, finding a publisher, doing extensive research and to promote. I honestly could not do the same quality of research and include the same degree of authenticity in my stories without the internet. I feel sure that I wouldn’t be published and I wouldn’t be a successful freelancer without the internet.

If you were in the middle of Manhattan (or any busy thoroughfare) and you wanted to call attention to your book, what would you do?

I’d take my dad with me. We make a great promotional duo and we proved how good we are while we were on the Outer Banks promoting Lilah.

If you could trade places with any author just for a day, who would it be?

I’m not sure. But, it would involve spending a day at a huge writer’s conference where I could meet a lot of readers. I’m actually pretty happy to be Nikki Leigh at the moment.

Lastly, how do you determine your book’s success?

I treasure messages from readers. Lately I’ve gotten a number of messages requesting that I hurry up and finish the Misty Cove series. There is another bunch of people who are pushing me to write the next Cape Hatteras book. Hearing that people enjoy my stories is golden to me. I love book sales, but reaching the reader is my biggest success.

Thank you for coming, Nikki! Can you tell us where everyone can pick up a copy of Lady Lightkeeper?

Lady Lightkeeper is listed on Amazon or you can visit my website and order an autographed copy from me. I even offer a special price for people who buy more than one book – you could get the first and second book in the Misty Cove Chronicles. Visit my site at www.nikkileigh.com/books_4_sale.htm for links to all sale sites.

Okay, guys, now's the time to win a copy of LADY LIGHTKEEPER! Leave a comment and you'll be put in the pot to receive a free copy! Winners will be announced at our blog at http://www.virtualbooktoursforauthors.blogspot.com/ on September 30!

But the fun doesn't stop there. Here's a note from Nikki on another great contest she is running:

Each person who decides to buy a copy of Lady Lightkeeper, needs to email me a copy of their receipt. I just need a receipt that shows you bought a copy of Lady Lightkeeper and I'll enter you in the drawing for a copy of Widow's Walk. That seemed like a good giveaway since the story starts with Widow's Walk. However, if the winner already has a copy of Widow's Walk, I'll be happy to send a copy of Lilah and the Locket instead.

So, leave a comment to enter the drawing to win a free copy of her book, LADY LIGHTKEEPER, but if you can't wait and want to pick up a copy of her book now, email Nikki your receipt and you'll be put in the pot to win another book!

Tags: Pump Up Your Book Promotion, virtual book tour, author publicity, book promotion, online book promotion, author interview, Nikki Leigh, Lady Lightkeeper, lighthouse

GET IT WRITE - The Women's eGuide to Writing, Publishing and Promoting Your Book by 20 Bestselling Authors FREE

For many people the thought of writing a book can seem overwhelming. In fact, people who have never written a book think it takes a lot longer than it actually can and often does take. Some writers spend years laboring over every word in their book and therefore, a project that could take one to two years to complete takes several. And others find a way to get their book onto paper in months, weeks and even days!

Introducing GET IT WRITE GET IT WRITE! – The Women's eGuide to Writing, Publishing and Promoting Your Book by 20 Best-Selling Authors.

Special thanks to Linda Alexander, Moira Allen, Linda & Allen Anderson, Laura Backes, Jo Condrill, Kathleen Gage, Donna Gunter, Marilyn Jenett, Sheri McConnell, Ann McIndoo, Elizabeth Parsons, Dan Poynter, Linda F. Radke, Fern Reiss, Heidi Richards, Lynn Rosen, Melissa A. Rosati, Rosalind Sedacca, Cathy Stucker, Dorothy Thompson and Debra Shiveley Welch for their contributions to GET IT WRITE!. On behalf of each of them, we hope you enjoy reading GET IT WRITE! and use the information to further your own writing career. There is no time like the present to get your book onto paper and into the hands of your readers!

Get your FREE copy by visiting http://wecai.org/wwps/html/getitwrite.html.

Tags: Pump Up Your Book Promotion, The Writer's Life, free ebook for writers, Get It Write!, online book promotion