
Today's guest author is
Andrew Feder, author of the historical fiction,
The Heretic.
Born in Hollywood, Andrew grew up in a dsyfunctional Jewish family in San Fernando Valley, a suburb of Los Angeles. But that didn't stop Andrew from achiving his dreams who went on to become the author of a thrilling and thought-provoking novel that whisks readers back in time with an intriguing story of war and romance.
We talked with Andrew to find out why he wrote his book and what he was doing to promote his book online.
Welcome to Pump Up Your Online Book Promotion, Andrew. Can we begin by having you tell us why you chose a historical fiction to write? Did you choose it or did it choose you?It was something of a duality regarding why I chose it, and it chose me. It would be like Quantum Physics - Is energy particle or wave or both? Thus the similar quasi phenomenon happened with the choice of genre for “The Heretic.”
First having been personally regressed I wanted to create a story connecting past lives. I also have been intrigued with history since my youth. I chose the Alexander the Great period, because Alexander fascinated me with his military and political strategies which were so far ahead of his time. But then again by incorporating my theme both in moral and spiritual aspects, I was compelled and drawn to create historical novel that would while being entertaining and adventurous would also bring up several intriguing aspects like cultural vs. moral and regressions and past lives and how they relate to us in our present life in this embodiment.
In regards to promotion, what have you been doing to promote your book online?
After my experience with my first published book “When the Angels Have Risen” I knew what to do and what not to do - in regards to publicity for my newly released book, The Heretic .”
First, I got my website up and going for my book. I then went out to get reviews and continue to get reviews. Also I found word of mouth is the best publicity as well. So I always carrying business like cards of my book and wherever I am like Starbucks or stores or restaurant or etc I give out my card in casual way. I also use myspace, blog ads and blogs themselves to drive people to my website of my book. I am also a host at www.BBSradio.com for my show “When Pigs Fly and utilize advertising which compliments both my show and book. Some people will hear my show and what to read my books while others whom have read my books want to hear my show. And of course, I try the standard book-signing events though for a day may seem like not much compared to the internet have long range after affects – again word of my mouth. And of course I radio show interviews as well.
And now for the first time I am doing a Virtual Book Tour – oh yeah but you know that….
So bottom line, I continue all publicity no matter what while always being persistent, because the minute that you stop trying that’s when your book stops selling. So I consider it a never ending process that never ends utilizing whatever means as aforementioned.
Of all the promotional items (bookmarks, press kits, etc…) you have used to promote your book, which one was used most effectively?
If its just items I would say first business like cards and bookmarks would have been the most effective.
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?
If it wasn’t for the internet, most authors would still have their manuscripts sitting on a stack of other manuscripts while waiting forever for the all mighty call from your agent or publisher. And if the call did come that your book will be published, the odds of your book having a chance of marketing success were more dismal. The internet though there are many new authors getting their work in print still levels the playing field and opens the market worldwide.
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 would take off all my clothes (yeah I would be naked) and hang a big sign over my head showing book and yell over a megaphone, “The Heretic will always challenge us with our own belief system no matter what place, culture or time he/she might be found. The Heretic allows us the opportunity to grow and progress. Aias is that individual. Read The Heretic!”
If you could trade places with any author just for a day, who would it be and why?
If it was in past and he is one of my favorite authors, it would be Kurt Vonnegut. He was certainly well ahead of his time and his stories were to the point but with a sly satire.
But as far as adventure – hell that’s easy…. Ernest Hemmingway….
Lastly, how do you determine your book’s success?
My book is successful if it has opened one’s eyes, challenge our beliefs, questioned the things that we take for granted or have been taught to take for granted, given a sense of self-worth and of course been quite entertaining, then it has reached its goal…
Thank you for coming, Andrew. Can you tell us where everyone can pick up a copy of The Heretic?
You can check out my website at www.AndrewtheHeretic.com. At my site I have direct links to Amazon, Barnes Noble and directly to my publisher for my information and purchase. The Heretic is available at all major stores like Barnes Noble, B Dalton and Borders Bookstores as well as your local bookstore. The Heretic is also available at most internet stores and bookstores as well.
Andrew Feder will be on virtual book tour all this month. If you would like to follow his tour, visit www.virtualbooktours.wordpress.com.
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