Simon Says

Getting it done (marketing/promotions)

simonsaysbooks@sbcglobal.net (Teresa Butler) — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 01:13:00 +0000

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

simonsaysbooks@sbcglobal.net (Teresa Butler) — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 04:25:00 +0000

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

simonsaysbooks@sbcglobal.net (Teresa Butler) — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 02:56:00 +0000

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

simonsaysbooks@sbcglobal.net (Teresa Butler) — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 03:06:00 +0000

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

simonsaysbooks@sbcglobal.net (Teresa Butler) — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 15:23:00 +0000

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"

I love what I do

simonsaysbooks@sbcglobal.net (Teresa Butler) — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 02:03:00 +0000

I love what I do, I love meeting new people I love this. I have met so many people doing such wonderful things it amazes me everyday. I told someone yesterday, this is all worthwhile! Yes, I want to sell my books and make money but THIS is more than I expected. I have to talk about this book I love it, I love the message. When I first saw the cover on the Book Marketing Network I just had to ask the author who did the illustration. Since that first question Adonya and I have been communicating off and on about certain things and it is great.

In My Mind...
The World through the Eyes of Autism
by Adonya Wong

"“In my mind, I see many colors, bright like a rainbow, shooting about like comets in a night sky.” Take a closer look… What do you see? In My Mind, by Adonya Wong, explores the inner world of an autistic child—the world that no one else can see. From exciting adventures to silly games and conversations with friends, look closely and see how a child with autism sees the world…and how the world sees him. "

You have to go to her site M.O.C.H.A. Mothers of Color for Holistic Alternatives is a not for profit community based organization that sees as its mission to promotion of healthy, natural alternative and life choices for underrepresented minority women and their families.

So for those of us new to the POD game and still learning, try seek out people who will help. Yes, you will have those that want to keep the information to themselves but forget about them and move on. I love to share information and I love to receive it as well. Every good deed is recognized by others and by GOD. We believe in what we are doing and if we band together and believe in ourselves as a group, we would be a force to be reckoned with.

Watch the trailer for In My Mind

Find more videos like this on Book Marketing Network

Professional Criticism

simonsaysbooks@sbcglobal.net (Teresa Butler) — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 01:11:00 +0000

Many people do not like constructive criticism, and no one likes to be criticized on something they poured their heart into. Print On Demand authors I am here to say take it with a smile, it can only help you, make you better and strengthen your spirit. This is how my professional criticism about my book started. I met Courtney Crosslin of Have a Wonderful at a Cocktails and Connection Meet-up in New Haven, CT given by Apresenta Concept. Courtney and I spoke throughout the night and she mentioned Bea’s Book Store. The real name is A Walk In Truth Christian Books – Black Print Bookstore located at 162 Edgewood Avenue, New Haven, CT. Everyone knows it as Bea’s Bookstore because Ms. Bea Dozier-Taylor has been in the book business for 20 years. Congrats to you Ms. Bea. Courtney kept in touch by e-mail and sent me the information I needed to contact the bookstore. I followed up and talked with Ms. Jaymes Grace of Communication Works 4U on the telephone and we set up a date and time.

Needless to say I prepared for my presentation the night before, I knew what I was going to wear, backwards planned the time I should leave the house everything. Now for a 20-minute ride that took me 1 hour and 20 minutes, I could not believe this could be happening. I called ahead to inform her I was going to be late and the traffic was out of control. I’m in the military late is never an option but I was not going to let this turn of events spiral into something worse so I kept a positive attitude and I finally arrived.

I gave my presentation, my press kits; promotional items everything, I was proud of myself because I am new at this public speaking thing. Then Ms. Bea let me have it, now do not get me wrong, EVERYTHING she said to me was true and made so much sense but what I keep playing in my mind to this day and what we as self-publishers should always keep in mind. We are not like traditional authors/publishers with agents, these authors have a team of experts that are paid by the company to make sure the book is 100%, while we as self-publishers research and pay many people for a service to make sure our books are a 100%. We must not settle for anything less than perfection. Ms. Bea gave me some wonderful advice and I will take every single one of them with a strong embrace. I called my graphics guy and told him to do my bookmarks over – he agreed but I have to pay for shipping.

So I said all of that to say this, many of us do what we do for the love of writing, creative freedom and joy of it so do not allow ANYONE to take that away by giving you substandard service. If it is not what you want have them do it again or demand your money back. I am proud of my books and look forward to bringing them to Ms. Bea Dozier-Taylor and Ms. Jaymes Grace for their stamp of approval. Thank ALL of you ladies for everything.

PS: Everyone should attempt to seek out a Ms. Bea Dozier-Taylor and Ms. Jaymes Grace they will be your best resource, nothing but positive things can happen.

Praising Networks Again

simonsaysbooks@sbcglobal.net (Teresa Butler) — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 18:04:00 +0000

Praising networks again, I met another self-published author doing great things on Book Marketing Networks. Ms. Chaun Archer wrote the children's book "Wonderful Wigs" a story of an 8 year old girl copying with cancer and hair loss. Wonderful Wigs makes it possible for cancer patients and survivors to have beautiful, quality wigs at little or no cost. You have to check out her site Chaun Archer and see what great things she is doing. Her book is currently available on Lulu or contact her at sales@chaunarcher.com. You can also become friends with Chaun on her MySpace page. Another example of Wonderful people doing Great things, that's what networking is about sharing the information and encouraging creativity.

Getting Started

simonsaysbooks@sbcglobal.net (Teresa Butler) — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 06:13:00 +0000

Hello Everyone, I know many self published authors out there get asked the questions "How did you start?", "Was it hard?" and although this is not a question, it is my favorite "Oh, I always wanted to write a book". Well many people have asked so I decided to put what I did in writing - this is what I did, I am not saying this is the right or wrong way to do things it is just what got me to the finished product of Simon Says Share. I am going to break this into different segments and going to start with the basics so please don't take offense.

Get organized - get your office supplies, notebooks, computer, printer ink, pens, pencils and a quiet place to work. If you are lucky enough to have a home office get a file cabinet and mark your folders for your every need. The dollar store sells office supplies, you don't have to break the bank going to Staples, or Office Max. If you are working out of a small area in your home buy a travel size file cabinet, they have great stylish ones at Job Lot or Wal-Mart. You notice I said get organized, staying organized is another subject all together but just know when you initially set up your space it will be easy to put back into place because everything is already labeled. My desk is a mess but once I week I go through everything and put it where is belongs just so I can start over again.

Take your time - research the steps you want to take for your book, print on demand or a traditional publisher either way both take research, and there are a lot of sites out there. Use more than one URL to conduct your search Google is great but it's not the only one. I typically will use Yahoo, MSN and others and Google last, type your search the same way each time. I created folders in my bookmarks for those I find interesting and I want to look into a little more. I must warn you, this process is long or as long as you want it to be and will have you spending less and less time with family and friends so monitor the time you spend researching. If you are only getting negative feedback from what you are attempting to do, you know what to do. Not everyone will understand what you want to accomplish and not everyone will believe what you are doing is important. Negativity is not your friend so stay away from it. I have lost people I considered friends because of what I want to accomplish but guess what when my first book was released they reappeared (SURPRISE). So let me make myself clear - I am NOT saying get rid of your family and friends, I am just saying stay away from the negativity. Go to the library and check out books, you can buy them from Barnes and Noble, Amazon and other online book stores but if you want to save money check them out of the library. I photo copy the pages I find interesting and filed them away in my labeled folder. If you must buy the book, check out Amazon's used books before you buy new. Many of these books have minor markings in them and your just going to do the same thing. If you no longer need the book, put it back on Amazon and sell it, why not make a little money in the process.

Network - although you are in the beginning stages, you want to begin to establish some networks. I placed the networks I belong to the right of this post for you to look at. Many are great but remember only sign up for as many as you can handle. I found an illustrator for my second book "Lillie Walks With An Angel" on one of my networking sites and he is great. Start with one, my favorite is Book Marketing Network everyone has something positive to say and much advice. Join networking groups I find many on Meet ups, you can use this site to search by genre and your town.

The Pain of finding an illustrator

simonsaysbooks@sbcglobal.net (Teresa Butler) — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 22:36:00 +0000

Okay most of us have been there. Trying to find an illustrator for our books and as the search goes on you get more frustrated. So now I'm here to tell you to take a deep breath, relax and refocus, use all of the networks you belong to and make them work for you. I will tell you for my Simon Says series of children books I have the best illustrator in the game Mr. Mike Motz, he was able to put every vision I had on paper. The illustrations came out great, no they came out perfect. My Simon Says series are going to sky rocket because of his creativity.

For my second book, I wanted to use someone else, not that I don't love Mikes work I just wanted to give someone else a shot, it's a about creativity but it was back a square one. So I took a deep breath and started my postings and for a couple of days not response but then it happened on my Book Marketing Network a friend on my page Bobby Ozuna gave me a name and I contacted him not only was he available he nailed my book cover on the first go, so THANK YOU BOBBY for the hook-up. I was at work when I opened it and let out a scream of joy I love it so THANK YOU Marcello for the excellent cover, you are a natural talent.
So for everyone out there going through the frustrations of finding an illustrator, proofreader, graphics artist, promotion material etc use your networks, that's what they are for. So now when someone says happy hunting, they mean it. Have a Wonderful Holiday.

Visit Your Secretary Of State Website

simonsaysbooks@sbcglobal.net (Teresa Butler) — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 15:16:00 +0000

If you have not visited your states Secretary of State Website, you are making a big mistake. I visited the Connecticut Secretary of State website, they have free seminars and networking events for business owners. For those of you who established a business to publish our own books, this is a perfect opportunity to get your name out there. Visit your states Secretary of State Website today.

Essex Library Signing

simonsaysbooks@sbcglobal.net (Teresa Butler) — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 03:52:00 +0000

I don't know how many people are from Connecticut but you have to go to the Essex Library. It is beautiful and the Librarian Judie McCann is WONDERFUL, she is just WONDERFUL. I was able to read my book to the children, take a few photos and admire the great job they did on the remodel. I can't wait to finish my second book to go back. I was a little nervous on the drive down because it was my first official engagement but as soon as you walk through the front doors you are relaxed.

The children enjoyed the story and I enjoyed them. I had friends tell me don't do in person signings, go the virtual route...are they crazy? Yes, I plan to do virtual touring but I could never give up the person to person contact I just caught the bug. This is what I was meant to do, write books and share them with people. I can't see why I can't do both.

Again, check out the Essex Library it is BEAUTIFUL.

GOD Bless

The Book Release

simonsaysbooks@sbcglobal.net (Teresa Butler) — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 05:16:00 +0000

Simon was a hit, I will have pictures posted shortly. EVERYONE showed up, my family, my friends and my church family. I have not smiled that much in a long time, I even had the people from my local Chamber of Commerce show up. The restaurant was nice, the food was good, it was GREAT.

Now that I have had this official release I feel a little lost, I keep asking myself what am I suppose to do now. I know what I'm suppose to do, get out there and network, make connections and sell my book. I am doing that everyday but it just felt like everything built up to the release party so now I need to regroup.

If anyone is out there that felt the same way, I would love to hear what you did after your successful book lauch.

GOD Bless

I Met An Angel Today

simonsaysbooks@sbcglobal.net (Teresa Butler) — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 02:12:00 +0000

I may have not mentioned but earlier today I had my very first Blogradio interview with no other than Ms. Dawn Martin of Divas By Design. It was great but I didn't know how great until she really revealed to me today that she is an ANGEL. She introduced me to some wonderful authors, she introduced her wonderful way of communicating through oovoo and she has started her very own webinar university called DIVA University. Her ANGEL status comes in because she has a program called The Princess Club, I don't want to talk about it because I could never do it any justice so I urge everyone to contact her and get the information. If you live in an area where little girls need positive empowerment and you want to do something CALL her, if you feel you can make a positive difference in a little girls life CALL her, if you want to ensure you don't leave this earth without making a contribution CALL her. The program is wonderful, I was so inspired, I'm going to start one in my town. Why? because of an ANGEL named Dawn.

Dawn if you are reading this, YOU ARE DOING Wonderful things, keep opening those doors GOD has put in front of you. You are truly a BLESSING, you and Ms. Angie.

This is Dawn's contact info:
Dawn Martin
CEO/Just Dazzlind Productions
justdazzlind
937-270-8118 Office
937-837-2938 Fax

Simon on Diva By Design

simonsaysbooks@sbcglobal.net (Teresa Butler) — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 20:24:00 +0000

Hello EVERYONE,
I just wanted to inform everyone Simon Says Share is making its debut today. Today has just been awesome, first my interview with Dawn Martin on Diva by Design was WONDERFUL, you have to check out her blog, she is doing great things Divas By Design. The guest she had on today to include me are walking through all the doors GOD has opened for them. I wish them great success.

She introduced us to a new system called oovoo.com it work wonderfully, I can wait to check out her new Diva University tomorrow. I feel so blessed to be doing something I love to do, to do something GOD lead me to do. Dawn's show is enlightening and insightful, if you haven't checked it out you should. Special props to Angie Bee for holding it down during technical difficulties. I can't wait to read S.I.S Morgan's book Living testimonies and Honey for the Soul and most definetly the book Strong Black Coffee. Can't wait to get to Cananda on April 26 for that Diva Tour.

I can't say enough Dawn is doing WONDERFUL things, GOD bless to her and all the women out there working it. Thank you and keep an eye out for Simon Says Share and future books published by Phylira, LLC.

Today @ six the OFFICIAL book release is happening at Kumo's Restaurant, 780 Lakewood Road in Waterbury, CT.