Tom Samuels was born in Tom has published his second book, St
op Making Music, based on a character he created who is guaranteed to provoke a response with the reader. The book contains 136 essays written in the voice of an arrogant nitwit who wrestles with “evil” musicians, songwriters and producers. He developed this persona through essays he wrote on a blog, http://www.last.fm/user/bigsexyshaq/. Two years ago he published a book called Talm Psalms: The Complete First Season. It is a collection of futuristic, silly stories that incorporate humor and philosophy. Welcome to Pump Up Your Online Book Promotion, Tom Samuels. Can we begin by having you tell us what Stop Making Music is about and why you wrote it?
The book is about the strange behavior of a college student who misses too many hours of sleep and eats too many bags of Doritos chips. He finds himself writing derogatory blog entries about famous musicians. The student wakes up out of his daze to find thousands of responses to his blog. He decides, although his writing is incomprehensible at times, that he has the material for a book.
Stop Making Music is a satire. Why did you choose this genre to write? Did you choose it or did it choose you?
It was hard to decide between the two genres, satire or furry fandom.
In regards to promotion, what have you been doing to promote your book online?
I sent email spam to all my relatives, or at least the ones that have jobs. The one I sent to my grandmother came back with an advisory that I will “receive no more $5.00 checks, as I am now an adult.”
Of all the promotional items (bookmarks, press kits, etc…) you have used to promote your book, which one was used most effectively?
I do not recommend using “Money back if not completely satisfied.” That one really backfired on me.
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 love that these Machiavellian publishers are now on the run. We don’t need them anymore. I’m living proof that ANYONE can become an author. I laugh at their rejection letters. Why doesn’t anyone love me?
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?
Not only am I a great writer but I can sing better than any Broadway star. I would stand on 42nd and Broadway and sing through a selection of songs from Hairspray, South Pacific and Mary Poppins. People would stop to enjoy my performance then I would tell them about my book, Stop Making Music. I’m sure I could sell at least one or two copies.
If you could trade places with any author just for a day, who would it be and why?
Nicholas Klar, the self proclaimed "World's worst author." I would like to know that I’m not the worst.
Lastly, how do you determine your book’s success?
As long as the police stay away, I know the book is doing OK.
Thank you for coming, Tom! Can you tell us where everyone can pick up a copy of Stop Making Music?
You can buy it on amazon.com: www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0615197132
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