From Solo Artist to Social Media Sensation

by Shannon Milholland, Social Media Director


The toilet would not stop running. Certain my husband would be proud of my prudence, I shut off the water. Hours later I forgot and used that commode. Rather than congratulations, I received a lesson in plumbing maintenance. Despite my best efforts, I had done the opposite of what was needed.


Social media can be like that. You work and work certain you're on the right path but see no real results of your efforts. One of the most effective and underutilized social media techniques is to forge a group. With extra voices singing in your choir, your message is more likely to be heard.


For the last two Fridays, we've been exploring the value of teaming up with others for Social Media promotion. The first week we determined what qualities make an effective group. Last Friday we learned some places to find your fellow teammates. Today I have the privilege of interviewing the founder of one of the most dynamic social media sites. Please help me welcome Lexie Lane of VoiceBoks.

Shannon: Where did you come up with the idea for VoiceBoks?

Lexie: I purchased the domain name for another website idea I had. Then one day, I thought of The Voice of Motherhood and it just fit! 

Shannon: How many members did you start with? How did you solicit them? Did you know them prior?

Lexie: I started with three who were members of my pregnancy blog. Then I joined Mom Bloggers Club, Bloggy Moms, and Social Moms, and realized that there were a few things missing in those communities. So I applied the gaps to voiceBoks.

Shannon: What advice do you have for someone who wants to start a social media tribe?

Lexie: Get to know that social media really well and stick to it. There are so many networks out there that it can get really overwhelming, especially if you're a one man (or woman) band. Most of us are, so we need to make the best use of our time by concentrating on one area until we become experts of that area. "Jack of all trades, but expert of none" will make anyone crazy, especially after you realize you're doing a lot of work for nothing.  Stick to 2, 3, or 4 tops. Anymore than that and your family time suffers.

Shannon: What is your top social media tip for groups?

Lexie: Reciprocate. People will listen and pay attention when they know you're doing the same. If you ignore them, they will start to ignore you as well. 

Shannon: What has been the most gratifying part of leading your own tribe?

Lexie: The response I get. My testimonials are only a small part of why I do what I do. Being able to help others and them know that I do, makes it all worth it.

Shannon: What has been the biggest challenge?

Lexie: So many. I have learned a lot about SEO, Social Media, Web design, etc. on my own. When my site suffers from loss of data, lack of sufficient information, loss of traffic, etc., it makes me question what and why exactly I'm doing everything I'm doing.  

Shannon: What has been the #1 stimulant for the growth of your site?

Lexie: The members. I have been extremely blessed to have such a wonderful group of members who actually participate and do as they promise. They are also very loyal to the community.

In addition, certain events such as those that help teach members about social media, SEO, backlinks, etc. Group events such as Members to Remember, Twitter Face Share Time, and many others are also very helpful.

Shannon: Share anything else you think someone starting a group would find useful. :)

Lexie: It's hard work and dedication. You will go through ups and downs just as anything in life, but anyone who truly succeeds will tell you that the only honest way you can get to the top is if you never give up. 



Thank you, Lexie, for all this great insight into how to develop and grow and social media group. Whether you're looking for a few close friends or a whole posse, implement Lexie's wisdom and you'll be on your way from solo artist to social media sensation!

How to Create Your Own Luck as a Writer

by Deanna Albrecht

Ever wonder how some people get lucky and get published writer or author? Have you wished that you could find your own lucky charm to bring you the good fortune of getting published?

Writers can make their own luck by learning about writing and publishing.

Here is a list of tips to help get you started or unstuck.

  

Listen to your inner voice.

You know the voice - the one that whispers to you despite your decision to try to ignore it. It doesn’t listen to the amount of education, experience, or credentials you have – it only listens to your heart.

  

Listen to others.

We often shoo the complements of others away. Did a teacher, relative or friend give you a complement that you didn’t receive? For the first time, let yourself to hear and believe it.

  

Don’t listen to others.

Not everyone will cheer you on your road to writing. There will be people who

think writers are dreamers who just dream about writing, and they will say anything to shoot down your dream. Don’t write them out of your life; just don’t share your writing with them.

  

Don’t let the market rule your writing.

There’s nothing wrong with knowing what’s hot, what’s

on the N.Y. Times Best Seller lists, and what your favorite publishers want, but

never let it rule what you write, how you write or if you are going to write.

  

Create space to write.

What inspires you? Does music, quiet, sunshine or the dark spark something beautiful or fiery inside you? Sometimes our creativity needs to be prodded and poked to come out.  Find out what it is for you and let it do its work.

  

Find something to love in your writing.

In every piece of writing, find something to fall in love with. You can turn even the driest stories or topics into something unique and special if you do this.  It might take awhile to find that “something”, but it’s worth it and your writing will be better because of it.

  

Love people more than writing.

It’s easy to fall in love with writing, and the characters you create – but you were created to build relationships with the people in your family, workplace and neighborhood. They need you, and you need them. And just maybe you can sneak them in your stories later.

  

May the luck of the Writing Irish be with you.

  

Which one of these tips do you struggle with?

What is your favorite writing tip to share with others? 

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Deanna Albrecht writes short articles in her work-life and when she has spare time, she blogs at  www.love-laugh-learn.com 

Find Deanna on Twitter.

Emotion Becomes an Author

Our Editor-in-Chief, Susan Reichert, is taking a well-deserved break today. Please help us welcome Samantha Ryan Chandler to Suite T. Want to know how Samantha got 95,000 hits on her website? She wrote about it in the current issue of Southern Writers. Click here to get access.
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by Samantha Ryan Chandler

I sat down one day to write…to write to myself; to better understand all that had happened to me that was just not understandable. I never expected my story to become a book as it was simply a guideline to see where God was in my life and in the horrors I had experienced. I wrote everyday beginning with childhood abuse on into the annihilation called divorce. After several months, I wrapped up my life with The End and Amen. I clicked off my computer and went for a long walk pondering what I had just accomplished in seeing my life from a different focus. As I walked, I murmured to myself, “I am free.” By the end of four miles, I was shouting, “I am free!”

After the exhilaration subsided by weeks end, I was confronted by, what now? Could I possibly think my scribbling might be a book? I boldly copied the text from the computer, stapled it and promptly put it into the trunk of my car; where it safely lived for weeks. Never being known as a quitter, I was forced to take courage from the recesses of my existence and search for publishers. With sweaty palms, I sent out the “proper query” to a list of publishers.

The day I heard from CrossBooks Publishing was an incredibly sweet day filled with awe and wonder as I asked, “So do you think I have a book?” To which he replied, “Me thinks you have a book!” This was over a year ago and the term “author” still holds amazement when it is combined with my name.

It takes five to six months for a manuscript to turn into a hand held book. In that period of waiting, I had many revelations. My thoughts, heart, soul searching emotions were about to become a book. I then began to think of the ramifications of inscribing raw and vulnerable emotions with the outcome of people I don’t know or more importantly; the people I do know peering inside of me. When friends or new acquaintances inquired as to the status of my book, I had one answer, “Please do not read my book!”

I began to marinate in the thought of writing a manuscript, submitting it to be published and not wanting anyone to read it! Even I am not this absurd even on a good day. Before the manuscript became a book, my publisher contacted me with the request to write more chapters so as the book could be hardbound. In the months after finishing the manuscript, I had an epiphany...why I wrote the book. It is the last chapter and brought with it clarity.

It has indeed been a journey. I have learned to put away the emotions that first led me to sit down and write. It is so true; writing is cathartic. My story seems to resonate in vastly different ways with dissimilar people. I feel fortunate when a reader reaches out to me and tells how my story affected them. It has become a pleasure to bare my soul and hear the results of how it is received.



What emotions can become the author in you?
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The tale of Samantha Ryan Chandler's life is evocatively portrayed in her book: A Love Story, How God Pursued Me and Found Me. It tells of a life that is as disturbing and unsettling as it is uplifting and, in the end, gratifying. How "A girl from Nowhere, Louisiana" finds her way from such humble beginnings to live and walk amongst presidents and the supremely rich, only to find her trust and faith betrayed by those that she loved and trusted the most. She would be tested to the point where she began to doubt her own sanity and, at the moment of her greatest desperation and doubt, she was found by God and brought back from the brink of hopeless despair. Blessed with an almost unquenchable optimism and a unique sense of humor, she relates the story of a life that will speak to those who have encountered abuse, unfairness and anguish.  Her love for her children and her faith in God carried her through a crucible of fire and in the end, made her a better, stronger person, ready to carry on with a life that is again filled with love, joy and laughter. A Love Story, How God Pursued Me and Found Me will both inspire you and touch your heart.

The Politics of Logos

by Gary Fearon, Creative Director

We see them so continuously that they are burned into our brains. Much like the cowboys who claimed cattle via their initial on the end of a hot poker, companies spend millions reinforcing an identifiable brand logo in an attempt to claim customers.

The Burger King name inside a bun, the “e” in Dell resembling a circuit board being plugged in, the Fox logo with Hollywood searchlights, and the colorful NBC peacock all evoke a vivid representation of what the company stands for. While Colonel Sanders has gone on to that great deep fryer in the sky, his grandfatherly image remains more inviting than, well, that of a chicken. And the FedEx logo, with its subliminal arrow, does a fine job of telling you they’ll get your stuff from here to there.

You don’t even need the name to identify the logos above. (And isn’t it interesting that they’re all somewhat circular?)  Indeed, they’ve gone around and around in our consciousness so repeatedly that we see the CBS eye and instantly know what network they want us to watch with ours. From the cooperatively-connected colors of national flags to Alexander Graham’s Bell, these all convey a bit of what the company stands for.

But what if you don’t have a target, shell or bat in your name to get creative with?  That’s when you often see an extra graphic added to the equation:

Nike’s speed-suggesting “swoosh” is so famous it can stand alone without the company name (notice that both the name and the swoosh are trademarked). On the other hand, Walmart, Sears and Macy’s feature less meaningful symbols which cannot stand alone. Meanwhile, Pepsi’s design (another circle BTW) is unique enough to never be confused with another brand, plus it incorporates the red, white and blue befitting an all-American drink.

Which brings me to this (potentially unsettling) question: What do we authors have in common with politicians?  

Well, both we and they face an interesting challenge. Our successful marketing recognition depends on getting our name out there, just like Starbuck’s or Hershey. But an individual seeking to be in the public eye is not a product, or a company, but rather a person. 

Authors don’t do special logos with our name, but we still do branding. It comes in the form of our book covers. Our websites. Are they creative and appealing?  Distinctive?  Do they reflect what we write?  Before the audience reads the first chapter of a novel, or hears the first campaign speech, they’ve already formed an opinion of what we’re about, based on our visual introduction.  

Later this month I’ll show you some great graphicals that authors have used to successfully brand themselves. In the meantime, since we’re in the thick of political season, I though we might have fun today with a poll of our own.

Below are the bumper stickers of the five politicians campaigning for President this fall (in alphabetical order for impartiality). 

In your opinion, which of these logos works best? Try to dismiss your thoughts of the candidates themselves, and evaluate whose branding is the most effective, based purely on the visuals. It’s Tuesday, so cast your vote! I’ll give you the results next week, my fellow Americans.

(Look in the right hand sidebar to see our official poll and vote there. Also comment below and tell us specifically what do you like or dislike about a particular politician's logo.) 

Why Word of Mouth Fails

Today Managing Editor, Doyne Phillips, welcomes marketing expert, Rob Eagar to Marketing Monday. If you don't already receive Rob's Monday morning tips, sign up here.
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by Rob Eagar

Have you ever read a book, watched a movie, or visited a restaurant that you really enjoyed, but never told anyone until someone else brought it up in conversation? Once you were reminded, then you began to tell numerous friends. This situation identifies two common problems for authors, businesses, and non-profits who want to generate more word of mouth. First, most people won't tell their friends about your product or service unless you make an obvious request. Second, you must make the ability for people to tell friends as easy as possible.

Most people are willing to spread word of mouth, but they're busy or forgetful due to all the distractions in our hectic society. Thus, if you want more people to tell others about your product or service, you need to make it blatantly clear. For instance, if you're an author, you must specifically tell people, "Please tell your friends about my book." Then, provide free tools on your website that makes it easy for readers to do so. If you run a non-profit, you must openly ask people to donate. Then, provide compelling success stories and easy ways for people to contribute to your cause. Otherwise, most people will never stop to think about forwarding your information to someone else. State the obvious in order to start a word of mouth wildfire.

Rob Eagar is a marketing consultant, author, and speaker who helps individuals and organizations spread their message like wildfire. His clients include businesses, non-profits, and bestselling authors.

Amplifying Your Social Media Sound

by Shannon Milholland

Social Media can be daunting by the sheer numbers alone. By the end of 2011, Facebook was approaching 800 million users. Each of us is just one voice. Doesn't it seem unlikely for that voice to be heard among millions? What if you could amplify your impact by adding 5, 10 or 20 additional voices to your social media choir?

In last week's post, we talked about how to build an effective social media group. This week we will explore where to find people to team up with.

Conferences - Professional gatherings are wrought with individuals pursuing your same dreams. Use your next conference not just to grow in your knowledge but to grow socially. Intentionally connect with as many people as possible and a natural group will form.

Local Affiliations - Do you belong to a writer's group, faith body or civic group? There are likely others in your community with whom you regularly interact that have a talent they are promoting through social media. Don't limit yourself just to authors. Artists, songwriters and nonprofits all use social media to further their message. Your team can be as homogeneous or heterogeneous as your community as long as you're committed to helping one another.

Smaller Social Media Sites - Within the larger sphere of social media, websites exist that aggregate individuals. Examples are BlogFrog and VoiceBoks. In these virtual worlds you can quickly target associations with others who are utilizing social media and team up together. The great aspect of cultivating online friendships is the diversity of locations. Your social media can go nationwide or even global overnight by connecting with like-minded individuals in a variety of locations.

All around us there are others who want and need help. Let's begin finding and cultivating those relationships so we can amplify our Social Media sound.
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Maybe you're feeling the tug at your heart, to head up a social networking group. Next week I will be interviewing the founder of VoiceBoks, Lexie Lane, who will share with us her tips for building and empowering social media teams.

Overcome Your Limitations and Write!

by Kimberly Standard

I have had a few limitations with life. We all do. I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) thirty years ago when I was about twenty. I wanted to keep living a normal life so I tried to ignore the MS and tried to live like everyone else.  

A few years passed by when I met my hubs. We started building a life together by having two beautiful children. There were many uncertainties with the MS and kids back then but I am so thankful that I took the risk. I do not know how I raised them. I claim, Post Traumatic War stuff as my excuse for my loss of memory.

I began my blog three years ago with a thought of what do I want to say to the world. Maybe you can say whatever you want to with a blog.  I wanted to exclaim remember, "Stuff Could Always be Worse". My aunt had been bedridden most of her life so she helped me to keep things in perspective.

When I began my blog I could not use my fingers very well since the MS had taken the dexterity of my fingers away. I certainly said to myself, “You are not a writer,” and “Your fingers do not work good anymore, so you can not type”.   However, my typing has improved tremendously since I began on the computer. That is still a miracle to me.

We all seem to have limitations to overcome. 

A lack of self-confidence is a tough hurdle to leap but it is possible.   

Most of us have time constraints to deal with. We can have excuses of “I do not have the tools I need.” “I do not have a talent to write.” “I am too boring with nothing to write about.” “I am too busy with no time to write.”

The limitations we put on ourselves never end. So try to overcome your limitations in whatever area of life you need to.  Your readers will thank you!

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Kimberly  was diagnosed with MS (Multiple Sclerosis) 30 years ago. She married 25 years ago and has been blessed with 2 wonderful children.  She lives a normal life now and writes on her blog to share with other the Stuff Could Always Be Worse.


Connect with Kimberly online on Facebook, Twitter or her blog.

Do You Feel Lucky?

by Susan Reichert, Editor-in-Chief

Everyone can tell a particular incident where he or she felt lucky or unlucky.  Is there such a thing? Some say yes, others say no. When I was in school and passed a test, I didn’t feel it due to luck. I knew it was because I studied for the test; on the other hand, if I didn’t pass it you can be sure it was because I didn’t study.

When it comes to writing a book and seeking an agent or publisher, we move in to a different arena where we think luck may play a part, don’t we? Would you feel lucky if you found someone who wanted to represent you or publish you? I suggest it might not be luck. Maybe your novel is good and that’s why they want to represent/publish you.

Sometimes we don’t know why we are chosen or why we aren’t. There could be many reasons. This post isn’t to give you answers as to why or why not but to explore other ways. Sometimes good happens and sometimes it doesn’t. If they want to represent/publish your novel, could it be they liked it? Possibility right? I’m just saying, rather than feeling like you are on a see-saw and the cosmic fairy is deciding whether today you are going to be lucky or not, wouldn’t you feel better to know you had some control in the outcome?

Maybe we could double check that manuscript one more time for errors, style, and grammar and story flow.  Then there is spending more time researching agents before we send our manuscript out. Make sure we do our part. Will that guarantee the agent or publisher will want us? No. However, is does help us have more control and depend a lot less on being LUCKY; something that may or may not exist.

The Flow of Passion

Today staff writer and author Londa Hayden takes a turn at the Tune-In Tuesday wheel. Gary will be back next week.

by Londa Hayden

One of my favorite singers is Josh Groban. In fact, it was his music that initially inspired me to write in the first place. It started with his work in Africa for an orphanage filled with children who had lost their parents to AIDS or war. After viewing the video where Josh visited the children of Soweto, my heart was captivated by their spirit. Thus began my journey with the Grobanites for Africa charity. I was inspired to write a poem that captured the essence of Josh's work with the children of Africa. I grew as a writer and revised the poem many times over to simplify the thought pattern. I decided it would work best in a children's book format.

My good friend, Connie Orlando who happens to be a gifted artist, created and contributed two beautiful watercolors to my project. When I saw the first picture, I was awestruck with the beautiful, vivid colors, and I knew immediately that would be the cover of the book. I spent several months researching the various and languages so as not to offend or cause misunderstanding in the text of the poem. Then it was time to find an appropriate publisher. I settled on Blurb.com, a publish on demand firm that allows you to create your own book and provide your own pictures at little to no cost. My obligation was to purchase the final edited version to get it published and posted in the online bookstore. You have the option to purchase copies at a discounted rate and you can set your own retail price.

But before I could finish my layout, I needed more pictures. I researched the Internet for photos of Africa and African children that were royalty free and in a public domain status, which meant they were absolutely free to use for whatever purpose I had in mind. There are lots of free photo websites out there, but not all of them offer royalty free and public domain status photos—so it is important to do your homework. I found out the U.S. Army offers free photos and they had many options available on their website. With my chosen photos properly resized and stored, I finished the layout of my first picture book In the Savanna. The whole process was fun as the website software is very user-friendly.

All the proceeds go to an orphanage in Africa, namely the one supported by Grobanites for Africa. You can get a free preview and purchase In the Savanna at blurb.com. I also offer it on my website at http://londahayden.com. I have received feedback from many of my Grobanite pals who have purchased a copy for themselves, their children, or grandkids. Last year, I was fortunate enough to learn that Jon Christos, another well-liked operatic singer in the Great Britain area, read it on his radio program.

You should write what you know and even though I've never been to Africa, I definitely had a passion to know more about what was going on over there. The Internet was a great tool to find lots of information along with several books and periodicals I researched at the local library. I even interviewed with people who have either lived or visited various places in Africa on mission trips. It was an inspiring adventure that opened my eyes to a world way beyond my own. I have now set out to write my first action/adventure/romance novel Rescue in the Congo.

Go with the flow of your passion in whatever you choose to write, you will accomplish something far greater than you ever thought possible.

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“In the Savanna” is Londa Hayden’s beautifully illustrated picture book with watercolors and photographs that offer a gentle introduction to young children about the orphans left behind, because of the AIDS pandemic in Africa. It offers positive reinforcement to find a cure in this next generation through a simple poem that will inspire compassion and hope for the future of Africa and the world. 100% of all profits will go to a charity that help the orphans of Africa.

Solutions For Your NEADS

by Doyne Phillips, Managing Editor

Tom Hopkins’ NEADS acronym found in his book Low Profile Selling, Act like a Lamb…Sell like a Lion, concludes with the letter S for Solution.

N – NOW E – ENJOY A – ALTER D – DECISION S – SOLUTION

In marketing we must find the customers’ current situation, what they like about it and what they would change. We then must determine who will be making the decision to change. We then present that person a solution.

In marketing we present a solution that best satisfies the customer’s desires based on the information we have collected. They told us what they liked and what they would change. We address both and present a solution. Of course the solution always has options. The options are there for several reasons. The most important one is should they have to choose between two or more solutions, they will choose one of the solutions we present and not one of our competitors.

A great example of this is a recent auto purchase my wife and I made. Her desire was a midsize car easy to maneuver around town with specific options. My preference was a large vehicle because when I drive it we are usually on a road trip and I wanted the smooth ride of the larger vehicle. This decision included what we liked about our older vehicle and what we would change as well. We opted for a larger vehicle with the options she wanted. The choice was made easier when we found the midsize vehicle did not have those desired options. As for the Decision it was up to her. She is very happy with our choice.

In life our solutions may appear to have a single solution but we will usually find there are options. These are not only options which we look for but also options that may be forced upon us. The example here was the midsize vehicle did not have the desired options. We must go in open minded with a clear idea of what we want and look for what we want and even something better. Each and every solution has an option and also has an expiration date. We must continue to evaluate and upgrade along the way. Be sure to take time to take time and go through the steps of the NEADS acronym.    

So you have the final step of the NEADS acronym. You must first have an honest evaluation of where you are NOW. You then determine what you ENJOY about your current position. You determine what you don’t like about your current position and would CHANGE. You determine who will be involved in making the DECISION to change and move ahead? And finally you must determine the SOLUTION.

This is a process that must be repeated as necessary. You can use it at the drop of a hat when making daily decisions or you can have a weekly, monthly or annual appointment to sit down and take a look at all that is important in your life. NEADS is a great tool and one that I have gone back to again and again. I hope you find it as useful as I have. Try it and let me know what you think. 

The Social Media Groupie

by Shannon Milholland, Social Media Director

Groups. Cliques. Circles. Call them what you may but they exist - even in cyberspace. We tend toward our own kind.

Amish fiction with Amish fiction (Do you ever wonder if they hand write their manuscripts by candlelight?)

Nonfiction with nonfiction

Mystery with mystery

The idea of joining a group may cause a guttural reaction as you recall lonely middle school days when there was never a seat at the lunch table. Or the thought may energize since you're such an extrovert and writing is an introvert's sport. Whatever your reaction, may I make a case to become a joiner?

You will experience the greatest success in social media when others are blowing your horn. So find a tribe of 5-10 people with whom you want to band, pick up an instrument and start playing each other's tune. When you do, use these components to make your group a success:

Give - It may sound obvious but each group member must contribute. Good intentions don't compose tweets or Facebook posts, so choose individuals who have the capacity to be givers.

Receive - A healthy group also contains members who know how to receive. They thank instead of deflect attention, understanding that to receive someone's gift of help, brings joy to the giver. Go football here and get some wide receivers.

Open - A group solidifies when associations are made beyond the surface. Be willing to share with your group areas of struggle, personal difficulties and victories. As you wrestle through the mud of life and celebrate each achievement, your alignment and loyalty will benefit.

Unique - Each must contribute their individual talents to the group. Were you a copy editor early in your career? Give away some free editing to the group. Did you major in graphic design? Volunteer your skill to design one sheets and bios. Are you know for your speaking ability? Offer to review a speaking segment for each person and offer a couple of home run tips.

Persevere - You may not see instantaneous results. An effective group continues for an extended period to experience the long term benefits of relationship. So make adjustments as necessary but keep going and eventually you'll experience the power of a group.

Are you ready to find some running buddies? Next week we'll explore places to find them.
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The Makings of a Book Review

by Donna McBroom-Theriot

One afternoon after I had spent several hours putting together book reviews for my blog, I began thinking that the process might make a great story – well an okay story at least.

Most writers – published and non-published - have blogs, and we all know that writing is a process that takes time – lots of time. I admire those who have managed to string together enough words to make a book and then to go through the publishing process. But, that is only the beginning. Once the books are published, book reviews are needed, and that is where I (and others) come in.

When I receive a book for review, before I even sit down to read the book, I spend at least an hour on the computer researching the author and previous books they have written. It is at this point that I begin putting together my book review material and setting up my document sections so that when I complete the book, I can sit down and concentrate on writing my review. When the author (or publisher) does not include the information I need for my book review, I’m off to do a little deeper investigative work. I search for a picture of the book (not always provided), the date published (not always provided), author information and picture (again, not always provided), where the book is being sold, and the book blurb.

Once I have gathered my information, I begin reading the book. Reading a book can take anywhere from 6-8, and sometimes more, hours to read. Add to that, the time needed for writing notes for the review. Using my Kindle comes in handy for this part as it is easy to mark passages that I want to quote in my review as I read, as opposed to having a gazillion pieces of paper sticking out of a book.

When I finish reading the book, I begin the writing process. I search the highlights on my Kindle that I marked during the course of reading and decide which quotes I think will draw the reader in or make them laugh, etc. I like to find just the right quote that will make a potential reader think, “I really need to read this book.”

At this point, if the author and I have not already agreed on a Q@A or guest post, I will contact the author and request one or the other. I will also set up a giveaway of their book to go along with the review. I find out the sites where the book will be for sale (not always provided) so I can post my completed review on those websites. I also encourage the author to tweet the review and stop by for a visit and to comment. The readers like the personal attention that authors give to the review and to their comments. In my opinion, it is important for the author to interact with those commenting. It definitely has the potential to make or break the sale of a book.

Waiting for information from the author sometimes takes a while, depending on how busy they are. While waiting, I begin the process of posting my reviews on the different sites (sometimes 4 or more sites). This process can take upwards of two hours. As I post, I also add the book to my blog’s sidebar to be permanently displayed – example: Shelfari, Goodreads.

Once the author returns the guest post, and I add it to my review, the post goes live on my blog. I take the time each day to tweet and post the review to facebook and other sites for exposure. I am a member of a website that thousands of other book reviewers belong to, which means I have access to thousands of other bloggers. I am also a member of twenty groups on this site and I promote the books I review on each group’s page. What this means to an author, is I promote their book to thousands of potential buyers on this one site. I have memberships on several different websites, and I spend quiet a large amount of time promoting books.

I think most authors appreciate the work that book reviewers such as myself do, and the exposure that book review blogs can offer. I am not sure, however, how many realize the time and effort some of us put into the review process. I find book reviewing quite enjoyable, and I am always looking forward to the next great book. Will it be yours?

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Donna is a writer, book reviewer, baker, and a Southern Lady as you will see on her blog: My Life. One Story at a Time. She's been writing for four years. As luck would have it, the very first short story she wrote was published within months of writing it. Grab a glass of sweet iced tea and sit for a while. Southerners love company. 


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