Guest Blogger, Kristen Weber, Freelance Editor and Co-Founder of Shelf Pleasure

To listen to Kristen’s interview on the show: http://wp.me/p1KmwD-69n

We all know this scenario, we’re completely absorbed in a great book, we rush through it to find out the ending…and then what? So begins the search for our next read. It’s a problem even the most religious readers come across. In this age of rushing from one activity to the next, while also dealing with media overload,  it’s difficult to keep track of what our few favorite authors are up to, let alone find time to discover all those great new writers out there. We’re guaranteed to miss something! With so many books and authors vying for attention—and space on our shelves—it can be hard to figure out what will appeal to our own personal tastes.

We’ve tried to solve this dilemma by looking in newspapers and magazines but good review coverage is scarce these days. And sadly, you can’t always trust the online reviews. Often, the reviewer hasn’t even read the book or will give a poor review because they were bothered by the font size on their Kindle or the price was too high. Many times they will give a rave review because they have some connection to the author.

So where can you go for trustworthy recommendations? Bookstores and librarians are amazing resources, and it’s such a treat when you have the time to go in and leisurely browse the aisles. If that’s too time consuming (and for many of us, it is!) online sites can be a great option. We created Shelf Pleasure for people like us who are always on the go but like to have a good read at our fingertips. You can find new releases every week that you might otherwise not know about, new authors worth exploring, and features on established authors that you might not have had the chance to read. It’s a big world outside of the bestseller lists! Perhaps the most important thing we try to do at Shelf Pleasure is to let readers share the great titles they love. After all, one of the best ways to learn about a new book is from a trusted friend—and that’s what we’re aiming to become for our readers.

Online sites like Shelf Pleasure help book lovers get down to the more important thing…like actually reading.

By Jennifer S. Wilkov, host of the “Your Book Is Your Hook!” Show on WomensRadio
The Literary Agent Matchmaker™
www.yourbookisyourhook.com

As authors and writers, we’re always learning about resources and industry tools that we can use to improve our book project performance and the enjoyment of our writing and marketing experiences.  Today let’s talk about book covers and brand identity.

Even though the saying goes, you can’t judge a book by its cover, when you establish a unique look for your book’s cover it can actually become your hook!

For years, designers and publishers have gone for looks that will be consistent with the book’s content and encourage interest in the book itself.

There’s a whole lot of “real estate” on a book cover so think twice about how you’lll use this asset wisely.

A book cover is comprised of the front cover, the back cover and the spine. You may be thinking, “Jennifer, this is elementary!” And you’d be right, but these components deserve careful consideration, especially in the current day and age of publishing.

For hardcovers and paperbacks, the attraction starts with the front cover OR spine. If a book is put on the shelf with its spine facing out, you are limited to this itsy, bitsy amount of space to make a first impression on the buyer and reader. If you are fortunate to have your book face out on the shelf, then the front cover is your ticket to attracting the reader’s eye.

For the same book, if it is an ebook or if it is included in an online booksellers’ inventory, the front cover is your key to success since this is what the browsing reader who is looking for a great book will see.

The back cover, while effective in the physical bookseller where the consumer can pick up the book and turn it over, loses its value when it comes to the electronic world we live in.
Now I’m not saying that the back cover of your book is worthless. Hardly! The copy that you would use on your back cover – the text – is very valuable indeed. This is where you may include a synopsis, praise or bullet points about the contents of the book and story inside.

Book covers tend to house the brand identity of a writer’s work. Book brands that have multiple authors use book cover design to distinguish their books from others while keeping their presentation consistent to the consumer.

Today’s guest, John Kilcullen, was one of the key people behind the effective branding strategy of the …For Dummies books. While these books have different authors, the book brand itself is easily identifiable by its bright yellow color and its title on the chalkboard cover image. The icon of the Dummies guy is also just that – a recognizable icon that conjures up the brand identity of the …For Dummies books.

Other books like the …For Dummies books including The Complete Idiot’s Guide to… books which use orange, white and blue colors on their covers and which are published by Alpha and the …An Hour A Day social media  and Internet-oriented books published by Sybex which have all developed a consistent, repeated design for their books that is recognizable to the purchaser as a reliable resource.

The funny thing about consistency in the look of your books is that this subtly conveys to the reader that if they enjoyed reading a previous book in the same series, they can be assured that the next one they buy will be just as good and provide a similar structure.

Now if you’re thinking this type of book cover and brand identity is only for nonfiction how-to books like these – think again.

Fiction books in a series and that are by a particular author have clear brand identities too. Oftentimes, the book covers will include a font type for the name of the author and the book title in certain positions so that each cover reflects the “brand” for that author. Take authors like James Patterson, David Baldacci, Patricia Cornwell, Clive Cussler and John Grisham. While the pictures on their book covers differ from book to book to reflect the image relevant to the story inside, the position of the book title and their names as authors of the books appear in the same places so as to provide a brand identity.

This also occurs in romance novels and their popular authors like Debbie Macomber, Nora Roberts, Robyn Carr, Jude Deveraux, Linda Howard and Julie Garwood. In Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove series, the pictures and the colors of each book may be different; however, it’s easy to distinguish these books and the series by Debbie’s name which appears prominently and in the same font on each book.

For you children’s authors, keep this strategy in mind for your books too! Dr. Seuss had his name prominently appear in the same font type and branding on all of his books that were produced with bright book covers and characters of all shapes and sizes. When his name appears on the book, parents know they can rely on a great reading experience for their young ones.

When you think about your books and how and where they will appear to a reader – whether it’s on the shelf of a physical bookseller, online at an Internet website or in an ereader catalogue, or at the library in your local city – be cognizant that your book cover can also be an important hook for your book!

Jennifer’s show can be heard every week on Tuesday mornings at 9am when it is broadcast on WomensRadio.com and syndicated on Google News and Live365.com. Each show is archived for replay listeners in different time zones and countries.

For more information on this Education Corner topic and others, please refer to www.YourBookIsYourHook.com/blog for more articles and resources to help you with your books.

By Jennifer S. Wilkov, host of the “Your Book Is Your Hook!” Show on WomensRadio
The Literary Agent Matchmaker™
www.yourbookisyourhook.com

As authors and writers, we’re always learning about resources and industry tools that we can use to improve our book project performance and the enjoyment of our writing and marketing experiences.  Today let’s talk about why getting an agent is the same as hiring a business partner.

For many writers, there is a mad rush to approach agents with their projects and pitch them to take them on as a client. For some, it is a sign of validation that their work is “good enough.” For others, it is a choice and path to larger publishing houses. And for still others, it is a business and career decision.

Like other businesses, a successful writer’s career is the product of the work, strengths and resources of many. While the writer may be at the center of the writing work, it takes a lot of people to take that writing from the draft manuscript to a published book.

Some writers feel that they don’t need an agent. Others look to hire them and add them to their growing team of career supporters so they can simply focus on their craft and strength which is writing.

For these writers, hiring an agent is a business decision. Funny enough, for agents – taking on the writer is too.

Business partnerships in the writing world include the author-agent relationship. Just like in other business alliances, the relationship can last a very long time when the foundation for it is based on research, information and a good match of strengths and perspectives.

As a writer, it is your responsibility to prepare for the relationship with an agent. Do your homework, Learn about the agents you want to submit to before you send in your work and writing career for consideration. Look at their websites. Read their blogs. Follow them on Twitter. Listen to them speak at conference events. Get to know who they are and what interests they have so you can determine who resonates with your project’s genre, style and audience – and with you.

As agents and agencies, each one has a particular personality and specific genres they prefer to work with. If you are looking for them, they are easy to locate and learn more about.

Just like partners in a business, agents bring skill sets a writer may not have experience with and can take these tasks on while the writer focuses on producing the writing’s end product – a great book. Agents can contact the editors at the appropriate publishing houses, pitch the project and any follow-on projects associated with it, negotiate a deal, pursue foreign rights for it and much more. They are also a good voice of reason for determining projects to work on, suggesting new projects based on publisher mandates, deciding whether to work with the same publisher or to pursue a different one for each project, and other activities to cultivate your growing career.

When people with complimentary skill sets and strengths form a professional relationship that is respectful and supportive, inevitably both individuals and their business endeavors will grow as a result.

These are the ones that last and that stand the test of time.

As a writer, approach the agent process professionally – right from the start. Prepare for it. Align your efforts and energy accordingly. This is not an adversarial relationship you are about to engage in; it is one designed to support you with what you said you wanted: to get your book published and expand your writing career.

When you don’t approach the process of finding an agent professionally, agents most likely won’t want to work with you. For them, this is a business – one they love. They, like any smart business owner, want to invest their time and energy in supporting those who love writing and enjoy the craft AND who want to engage in a relationship that will serve both parties well.

Before you consider whether you want to work with an agent or not, decide whether you want to build a team of professionals around you to support you with your writing career – or if you plan to steward this on your own. Determine what you have to offer and then seek out the individuals who can jump on the bandwagon of your book and champion it to the industry with you.

When you do, you just may find that your book is your hook to finding an agent and so much more.

Jennifer’s show can be heard every week on Tuesday mornings at 9am when it is broadcast on WomensRadio.com and syndicated on Google News and Live365.com. Each show is archived for replay listeners in different time zones and countries.

For more information on this Education Corner topic and others, please refer to www.YourBookIsYourHook.com/blog for more articles and resources to help you with your books.

By Jennifer S. Wilkov, host of the “Your Book Is Your Hook!” Show on WomensRadio
www.yourbookisyourhook.com

BookExpo America (BEA) is bringing back New York Book Week to take place during the week of BEA, May 23^rd – 27^th, 2011. New York Book Week will include public “main stage” author programs as well as smaller events at libraries in the New York Public Library (NYPL) system and chain and independent bookstores throughout New York City and its boroughs.

New York Book Week embraces all literary and book activity, and expands the awareness of authors, books and publishing.

Most of the New York Book Week events throughout New York are FREE!

Events around New York City can be found at the Apple Store in Soho, various Barnes & Noble locations, the Borders at Columbus Circle, Symphony Space on the Upper West Side and several locations of the New York Public Library. There are also events scheduled at the Center for Fiction in Midtown, The Bryant Park Reading Room, New York University, the NYU Journalism Institute, the McNally Jackson Bookstore in Soho, the Steuben Flagship Store, 192 Books, the Brooklyn Public Library, The powerHouse Arena (Brooklyn), the Greenlight Bookstore (Brooklyn) and Word (Brooklyn). For a full listing of the events, times and locations, refer to http://www.bookexpoamerica.com/Concurrent-Events/New-York-Book-Week/.

BookExpo America (BEA) will be featuring events and conferences which will be held at the Jacob Javits Center before and during New York Book Week. BEA’s Global Market Forum: Ciao, Italia! which will be held on Monday, May 23^rd, 2011, focuses on publishing in Italy. BEA will present conference sessions, exhibits, and off-site cultural events focusing on Italy’s rich literary heritage as well as the business challenges the Italian publishing industry faces as globalization and competition both intensify. The Big Ideas at BEA Conference will be held throughout BEA and features fresh sessions where you’ll learn about the latest trends, developments, and technologies affecting the book industry.

For those who are interested in Do-It-Yourself or DIY publishing, BookExpo America will once again offer The BEA DIY Authors Conference & Marketplace on Saturday, May 21^st. This conference is where aspiring writers will get critical information and solutions to help them get published or self published. They will also meet the industry’s most respected DIY service providers who are offering services to aspiring authors or those looking to package your content in book form.

There are also simultaneous conferences taking place this year at the Javits Center before and during New York Book Week.

The International Digital Publishing Forum (IDPF) Digital Book Conference held Monday and Tuesday. May 23 – 24, 2011, will include what’s new in devices, apps, business models, publishing “best practices”, EPUB, and more.

The American Booksellers Association (ABA) Day of Education at Book Expo America will be held on Monday, May 23, 2011. The ABA’s learning sessions are designed to help bookstores achieve profitability, differentiate themselves from their competition, and adapt to a constantly evolving retail landscape. The Day of Education continues and builds upon the program begun at ABA’s Winter Institute in Washington, DC, in January 2011. The Day of Education curriculum also includes programming for children’s booksellers from the Association of Booksellers for Children.

The Audio Publishers Association Conference (APAC) at Book Expo America will be held on Monday, May 23, 2011, and is the premier event in the audiobook industry designed to address industry trends, meet the varying needs of audiobook industry professionals, and provide networking opportunities for industry leaders and newcomers.

The second annual Book Bloggers Convention will take place on Friday, May 27, 2011, and is a one-day event providing instruction, interaction, and creative space for book bloggers and publishing industry professionals. Programming includes a keynote address from Sarah Wendell of the popular romance blog Smart Bitches, Trashy Books and offers participants the opportunity to choose from five workshops and break-out sessions with leading bloggers and industry pros.

The Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) Annual Publishing University at BookExpo America will be held on May 22 – 23, 2011, at the Javits Center just prior to BEA and brings you hands-on tools and techniques to succeed in a world where the only constant is perpetual change. The keynote address entitled “Unlocking Your Future: Paths to Success In A Changing World” will be delivered by Skip Prichard to open the conference and the presentation of this year’s Benjamin Franklin Awards will occur at the end of the conference.

The new BlogWorld Expo & New Media Expo NY will be held on May 24^th – 26^th, 2011, and provides opportunities to learn about Content Creation, Distribution, Monetization and Social Media Marketing strategies. “After a record-setting 40% attendance growth at our event in 2010, and due to a huge demand from bloggers and social media professionals from across the eastern United States and Canada, we decided it was time to launch our East Coast event this year,” explained BlogWorld & New Media Expo CEO and co-founder Rick Calvert.

“By co-locating BlogWorld East with BookExpo America, we are creating the first real convergence of new media and traditional media. The capital of traditional media is playing host to the largest gathering of social media professionals and new media content creators in the world. Both communities have a truly unique opportunity to learn from the brightest minds each has to offer.” explained Calvert. “It’s exciting to think about the potential for new ideas and business opportunities that will result from BlogWorld and BookExpo America happening side by side.”

Steven Rosato, Show Manager for BookExpo America commented: “This is a perfect fit for BookExpo America. We have been building our blogger base and social media has emerged as a powerful force in book publishing and marketing in recent years. We are a vested partner with BlogWorld & New Media Expo and we will work closely with them to sell, promote and build their show.  We expect this association will strongly benefit our respective attendees and exhibitors for many years to come.  Reed Exhibitions has wide international reach and as a leading organizer of business to business events we not only plan to build awareness for BlogWorld & New Media Expo in America but throughout the world as well.”

The new Publishers Launch Conference will be held on Wednesday, May 25^th, 2011, and supports attendees with mastering the opportunities (and overcoming the challenges) of the digital transition. Publishers Launch Conference at BEA: eBooks Go Global is the first-ever all-day BEA event specifically addressing the educational needs of high-level international visitors and those who do business with them. It’s also directed at those who want to exploit one of the deep pockets of digital growth: global eBook sales.

Produced by two renowned thought leaders about digital change in publishing – consultant Mike Shatzkin, founder of The Idea Logical Company and blogger at The Shatzkin Files, and Michael Cader, creator of Publishers Lunch (the world’s largest book publishing daily) and PublishersMarketplace.com – Publishers Launch Conference at BEA: eBooks Go Global will feature presentations from those in the US who already have deep digital experience alongside key international executives and representatives from the global giants who are building the world’s eBook infrastructure and sales channels.

This day-long program will cover the big North American-based retailers and distributors (Apple, Amazon, Google, Ingram, Kobo and Overdrive – plus Barnes & Noble and more) who are building distribution networks that will extend to every language and every corner of the globe, and will suggest how international publishers – which in the new paradigm will be most publishers – can maximize the opportunities they present.

In addition to these conferences, BookExpo America will host more than 775 authors in the Author Autographing Area and In-Booth Autographing session happening daily. John Lithgow, Michael Moore, Charles Frazier, Jane Lynch and Jane Fonda will be appearing during Signature Events scheduled through BEA. This is your best opportunity to meet them all one-on-one, from best-selling to first-time and up-and-coming, representing a full spectrum of topic areas. Plus you’ll also see previously published authors in addition to newly published authors.

There will also be special events with authors including the Author Breakfasts emceed by Julianne Moore (Children’s Breakfast held Tuesday, May 23^rd), Mindy Kaling (Adult Breakfast held Wednesday, May 24^th, including an appearance by Diane Keaton), and Jim Lehrer (Adult Breakfast held Thursday, May 25^th, including an appearance by Roger Ebert) and the APA Tea held on Wednesday afternoon, May 24^th, which will be emceed by Star Jones.

BookExpo America also caters to other cultural venues in New York City by offering Museum Day at BEA on Wednesday, May 25^th, during which BEA will welcome museum store buyers to discover unique books, remainder books, stationery, educational toys and games, and other non-book items.

Attendees of BEA can take advantage of the BEA Coupon Book and discover New York City with more than 50 discounts to area dining, retail and entertainment venues exclusively for BEA attendees.

With more than 1,300 exhibitors, 775 authors, 8 simultaneous conferences and booksellers, librarians, and a variety of other book industry professionals and writers, not to mention the vast number of events being offered around New York City throughout the week, New York Book Week is your week to plug into the book publishing industry.

Jennifer’s show can be heard every week on Tuesday mornings at 9am when it is broadcast on WomensRadio.com and syndicated on Google News and Live365.com. Each show is archived for replay listeners in different time zones and countries.

For more information on this Education Corner topic and others, please refer to www.YourBookIsYourHook.com/blog for more articles and resources to help you with your books.

By Jennifer S. Wilkov, host of the “Your Book Is Your Hook!” Show on WomensRadio
www.yourbookisyourhook.com

As authors and writers, we’re always learning about resources and industry tools that we can use to improve our book project performance and the enjoyment of our writing and marketing experiences.  Today let’s talk about the key to your debut in the publishing world.

Many writers and also those who want to work in the book publishing field don’t know where to begin. Debuts in any industry can be challenging; however, they don’t have to be impossible.

Creativity is one of the keys when it comes to debuting your talents and work. Oftentimes there are great opportunities to get support for your work within the very venue you wish to reach. The publishing world provides these in a variety of ways but first, before you approach the very world you want to be a part of, learn about it. Take the time to better understand the landscape.

In publishing, you’ll find a world that is in constant flux. Publishers and booksellers are contracting while opportunities in digital media continue to expand. Last year more than half of reported sales from major booksellers were ebook sales.

As a writer, you must learn the publishing lingo and process in order to determine the highest and best path for your book. There are lots of outlets to take advantage of for this including blogs, conferences, workshops, webinars, home study courses, books, consultants and others.

What’s important is for you to make the time and take the action to learn about the lay of the land before you go to market with your project or professional desires. Do your homework and prepare your project or resume accordingly to show your best self and your best work to those you want to reach.

If you are looking to connect with an agent, read some blogs. Get to know the agents out there and understand what they have to offer. Some even take questions from time to time and write about the answers to them to help writers better prepare for their publishing path. Here is a smattering of examples to check out:

• Rachel Gardner, a literary agent at WordServe Literary, and her blog and post about How to Get Published on her blog at cba-ramblings.blogspot.com

• Janet Reid, a literary agent at FinePrint Literary Management, who often writes about queries and rejections like this post http://ht.ly/3IozR on her blog at queryshark.blogspot.com

• Scott Eagan, a literary agent at Greyhaus Literary Agency, whose posts like this one about older writers can often be insightful and found on his blog at scotteagan.blogspot.com

A great new resource that is more personal than just a blog post is the new project debuting from today’s guest, Bree Ogden, called Operation Virtual Agent where you can submit questions to Bree via video. Bree is taking the time to create a video answer that she posts on her blog called This Literary Life at agentbree.wordpress.com.

There are a plethora of options outside of the agent world where you can still get published if you choose to take it on. Like today’s show guest, actress Tanya Wright, you can opt to independently publish or self-publish your book too. For example, Tanya used Amazon’s CreateSpace platform to self-publish her book in conjunction with the independent film she wrote, produced, directed and starred in by the same name called Butterfly Rising.

If all of this seems confusing, there are also consultants like me and others who offer support and assistance with this somewhat overwhelming landscape so you can better understand your role, the options you have and your responsibilities in the industry.

Creativity is the hub for your entrée into the publishing world. Getting to know the business so you can put your best foot forward is the key to your success.

For if you are planning to use your book as your hook in today’s publishing industry, you won’t be able to move forward until you have a book – and more importantly, more knowledge about the book business.

So get busy and get down to business with the preparation for your debut in the book industry!

Jennifer’s show can be heard every week on Tuesday mornings at 9am when it is broadcast on WomensRadio.com and syndicated on Google News and Live365.com. Each show is archived for replay listeners in different time zones and countries.

For more information on this Education Corner topic and others, please refer to www.YourBookIsYourHook.com/blog for more articles and resources to help you with your books.

By Jennifer S. Wilkov, host of the “Your Book Is Your Hook!” Show on WomensRadio
www.yourbookisyourhook.com

As authors and writers, we’re always learning about resources and industry tools that we can use to improve our book project performance and the enjoyment of our writing and marketing experiences.  Today let’s talk about the benefits of staying with your long career in publishing.

As a writer, you’ve heard the advice about how important it is to stay the course; keep writing; keep submitting your work to literary agents and publishers; and to continue your efforts in the face of rejections and rewrites. You’ve heard people say it, but are you listening?

Many of us have found significant benefits that have come from staying with it in an industry that is forever in flux.

The publishing industry is a hot bed for multi-faceted experiences. You may start out as a writer and then find yourself in the position of an editor, agent, publicist or others. Conversely, industry professionals often find themselves as authors at some point.

There are a variety of aspects to this ever-changing world of books. These days, there is digital publishing – of both books for your Kindle, Nook, Sony Reader, iPad or phone and also digital magazines about publishing and writing that you can subscribe to and write for.

The landscape of publishing is inconsistent. It contracts and expands all at the same time. The beauty of this is we as industry professionals find great opportunities to expand our work as a result of the changes we see occurring.

For example, this week’s show guest, Rick Frishman, has been in some facet of the industry for more than 33 years. While you may think – wow, he must have seen it all…he’ll tell you as he did in today’s interview that the industry has changed tremendously since he got into it so many years ago. His career has also expanded from the hallways of Planned Television Arts and becoming its founder to being asked to be a co-author and having national bestselling books. He was also invited to join Morgan James Publishing as its Publisher and he’s been running Author 101 University for more than a decade. Rick has supported his own career by supporting the careers of others in his various capacities. He is a fountain of knowledge and experience because he’s done it.

Other professionals, who like Rick, have expanded their careers by supporting the careers of others include:

Phil Sexton, the Publisher and Community Leader of Writer’s Digest Magazine, has been in the industry for over 20 years. During that time, he has served in numerous capacities, including Vice President of Sales for F+W Media, Sales Director of Adams Media, and the Director of Merchandising for United Magazine Company and Independent Bookseller. He has sold to Barnes & Noble, Borders, Amazon and most every other major book retailer and wholesaler. These days he is at the top of one of the industry’s leading publications. Separately, he is also the author of A Picture is Worth 1000 Words and Legends of Literature.

Peter Rubie, the CEO of FinePrint Literary Management, was a former BBC Radio and Fleet Street journalist prior to his book publishing career. He was also a professional jazz musician. For several years he was the director of the publishing section of the New York University Summer Publishing Institute. He was a member of the NYU faculty for 10 years, and taught the only university-level course in the country on how to become a literary agent. Prior to becoming an agent, he was a publishing house editor for nearly six years, whose authors won prizes and critical acclaim. He has also been the editor-in-chief of a Manhattan local newspaper, and a freelance editor and book doctor for major publishers. He was also a regular reviewer for the international trade magazine, Publishers Weekly. These days, he runs his literary agency and FinePrint Productions and continues to represent authors as an agent. Separately, he is a published author of both fiction and non-fiction. Quite an array of experiences indeed!

Maxwell E. Perkins was an editor who was the literary intimate of almost every great American writer of the first half of the twentieth century: Thomas Wolfe, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings (The Yearling), and many others. As an industry professional, he eventually expanded into the role of the author himself and published the book, Editor to Author: The Letters of Maxwell E. Perkins, which according to an Amazon reviewer, “…was almost a textbook on how to get along with authors.”

My career has also expanded as I’ve continued to stay with it in the publishing industry.

My experience started out as an author, a publisher and a book marketer. Following my success as a bestseller and an award winner, I received requests from other authors and writers to become a consultant for them to help them get published. I obliged and a brand new career unfolded for me, one I never planned on.

I subsequently got asked to be a freelance writer and to write a variety of pieces for all sorts of magazine publications. I ended up winning one of the most prominent awards, the 2009 Silver Eddie Award in my category from Folio Magazine, for a piece I wrote for a national women’s magazine at their request that was published in 2008.

I then received an inquiry about becoming a ghostwriter that I accepted. That led to being invited to qualify for and become a subcontractor for the nation’s leading ghostwriting company.

These days, in addition to continuing to write my own books and consult and ghostwrite for others, I’m also the popular host of this show, Your Book Is Your Hook!, which I got invited to create by the founder of WomensRadio, Pat Lynch.

I’m also still a speaker, trainer and educator for other authors and writers who are coming into the industry for the first time or who are seasoned writers and bestsellers.

These days, I expand my services to support the needs of authors and writers as the industry continues to change. I’m now also a Literary Agent Matchmaker who helps writers to better prepare their submissions to agents, present them properly, and reduce the confusion about which agents to submit to and the respective roles in the agent-author relationship. This way when the writers submit to an agent, they’ll have the best chance at getting picked up and moving forward with their own publishing career.

I even created a new workshop called The Next Bestseller to provide a venue for select writers to work with me and six additional industry professionals at the same time so as to provide a dream team of expertise to support the writer with their preparation for and to practice their approach to agents, publishers, publicists, speaking bureaus, booksellers and others. It’s a unique opportunity for writers to be up close with live industry professionals who are focused on facilitating the writers in the workshop and who are not limited to just presenting information for the attendees to absorb and make sense of on their own.

I even got asked to be an agent – twice. My response in these conversations was, “Then who would help the writers get prepared to meet and work with me as an agent like I do?” So far, I’ve chosen not to expand my career into the world of agenting – not yet anyway.

I continue to enjoy expanding what I do and seeing how others expand their careers in this industry too.

Whatever you do, a career in the publishing industry holds many opportunities for a variety of experiences.

Any way you slice it, your book is your hook to a long-lasting, ever-expanding career in publishing.

So keep writing.

Jennifer’s show can be heard every week on Tuesday mornings at 9am when it is broadcast on WomensRadio.com and syndicated on Google News and Live365.com. Each show is archived for replay listeners in different time zones and countries.

For more information on this Education Corner topic and others, please refer to www.YourBookIsYourHook.com/blog for more articles and resources to help you with your books.

By Jennifer S. Wilkov, host of the “Your Book Is Your Hook!” Show on WomensRadio
www.yourbookisyourhook.com

As authors and writers, we’re always learning about resources and industry tools that we can use to improve our book project performance and the enjoyment of our writing and marketing experiences.  Today let’s talk about why writing for the genre you love can make for a great writing career.

One of the consistent tips offered by agents, publishers, editors, industry consultants like me and other successful writers and authors is this: write about what you love. We all repeat this over and over again during our conversations on this show, at industry conferences and talks, and during individual consulting sessions.

Too often writers who feel desperate to get published want to write about the trendy topics because they think they’ll get published faster. The downsides of writing about trendy topics are:

1) What’s trendy and hot right now may not be by the time you get published. Remember: if you choose to get an agent and you want to be published by a larger traditional publishing house, your book will take 18 – 24 months to hit the stores after you get an agent to agree to represent you and your project – however long that process takes for you. If you choose to self-publish or go with a smaller publishing house, it could take you 6 – 10 months on average before your book is available and on the scene. That means you could miss the scene entirely with your book if you’re looking to hit the top while the topic is hot.

This can most easily be understood by looking at the vampire books. Before the Twilight series from Stephenie Meyer, there were the popular books by Anne Rice. Nowadays, agents continually say that vampire books are passé and more often than not will receive an automatic “no” from agents and publishers. As per a recent post on Ayesha Pande’s Twitter account @agent_ayesha yesterday: “Dear Authors: it’s official. The publishing industry has vampire fatigue.”

2) When you write about trend topics that are not your passion, it shows in your writing. When you write and speak about something you love and are bonkers about, it shows! The way you express yourself exudes the joy you feel when you write, talk and read about it. After all, it’s cliché: it’s written all over your face. In our case, it’s also written all over the pages of your book. And that passion, my friends, is hard to fake.

3) One trendy book does not a career make. When you write solely on trend, you have to recognize that trends change. Some of the most successful authors write about topics in the same genre because that’s what they enjoy writing and it’s also what they enjoy reading. They’ve built their following and fans because of their consistency. Readers can count on their books being a good read in the genre they love so they continue to stay loyal to the author because of this.

Examples of successful authors who have done this include Debbie Macomber in romance and women’s fiction, James Patterson in mysteries and thrillers, Dave Ramsey in finance, Marci Shimoff in women’s nonfiction and others.

4) Writing for the trends does not an audience make either. When you write for the trends, chances are, you’ll find your liturgy of books all over the place and you’ll constantly be seeking an audience for your work instead of building a consistent community and fan following with the work you love.

Writing about what you love opens your heart and the window to the world of creativity that is bursting inside you, just waiting for an opportunity to come out.  Sometimes, when you write solely for trend topics, you may find that you have to force that creativity window open instead of letting it fly open so you can let loose.

And as a gentle reminder: reading the genre you love is just as important as writing in it. Get familiar with those who are successful with their books in the category you intend to write about it.

If you’re serious about building a lasting writing career and you want to use your books as your hook to entertain, educate and enlighten others, then choose the genre you love and start writing.

Jennifer’s show can be heard every week on Tuesday mornings at 9am when it is broadcast on WomensRadio.com and syndicated on Google News and Live365.com. Each show is archived for replay listeners in different time zones and countries.

For more information on this Education Corner topic and others, please refer to www.YourBookIsYourHook.com/blog for more articles and resources to help you with your books.

By Jennifer S. Wilkov, host of the “Your Book Is Your Hook!” Show on WomensRadio
www.yourbookisyourhook.com

Click Here to listen this interview any time after 9:00 am EST Tuesday February 1^st, 2011 on the WomensRadio Network

Dan Poynter, a publisher since 1969 and the author of more than 100 books, will appear as a guest on the Your Book Is Your Hook! Show on WomensRadio.com.

Mr. Poynter will talk about how writers can determine what to write about and why it’s important for you to make the time to write your book. He’ll also discuss why he wrote the book, Is There A Book Inside You?: Writing Alone or with a Collaborator, and how he’s using it as his hook to help others write theirs.

NEW YORK, NY (February 1st – February 7th, 2011): Dan Poynter, a publisher since 1969 and the author of more than 100 books, will talk with radio personality and host Jennifer S. Wilkov about how writers can determine what to write about and how to determine if there’s a book inside them.
Mr. Poynter will discuss how writers can find the time to write and the variety of publishing options available to them. Known as a book futurist, he’ll also share his perspective on the future of the publishing industry.

Dan Poynter is also the author of more than 100 books including the book, Is There A Book Inside You?: Writing Alone or with a Collaborator, and he will discuss with radio personality and host Jennifer S. Wilkov why he wrote this book with Mindy Bingham and how he’s using it as his hook to help writers understand what to do next to write their books when they have a great idea for one.

Mr. Poynter will also talk about how to decide whether to write a book on your own or if writing with a collaborator is an option for your idea. He’ll also talk about the pitfalls of collaborating and share advice for writers who are writing their first book.

Host Jennifer S. Wilkov will discuss the choice of writing alone vs writing with a collaborator during her Education Corner segment on the show.

Click Here to Listen Now: http://bit.ly/fv80Cj

If you have questions about any of these interviews or the education corner topic included in the show, please put them here in this discussion thread and I’d be happy to answer them.

By Jennifer S. Wilkov, host of the “Your Book Is Your Hook!” Show on WomensRadio
www.yourbookisyourhook.com

As authors and writers, we’re always learning about resources and industry tools that we can use to improve our book project performance and the enjoyment of our writing and marketing experiences.  Today let’s talk about the customer service provided by you as an author.

“Customer service” is an anomaly for authors. It is usually associated with products, services and companies. However, as an author, your books are your business and so customer service must therefore be a part of your overall platform.

Wondering what “customer service” means for you as an author?

Let’s take a few moments to better understand the nature of what customer service is. By definition and simply stated, a customer is one who purchases a commodity or service according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary definition. The word service means the work performed by one who serves – i.e.; a contribution to the welfare of others (Merriam-Webster).

Your book is a commodity purchased by others, namely your readers. You wrote it in service to and as a contribution to the welfare of them, whether you entertainment, educate or enlighten them with your book.

Therefore, there is a responsibility you have as an author to provide good “customer service” to the audience and following you’ve cultivated.

There are easy ways to provide this so no need to feel this is a daunting task. Much of it can be accomplished via a simple website with a few specific sections that make you more accessible to the reader – oh and the media.

In service to readers:

1)      Make it easy for them to find your website by using your name and separately the name of your book. Own both domains and make sure that each one leads to the other.

2)      Include a calendar of appearances so readers who want to meet you in person and hear you speak can find you.

3)      On this same calendar, be sure to list media appearances. This is not only so readers can watch and listen, it also informs other journalists and media reps that you’re available for interviews and guest spots on their shows.

4)      Provide a blog where you share your thoughts on writing, ideas for your next book and a place where readers and fans can communicate with you through comments. This requires less of your time and at the same time provides interaction opportunities for your audience.

5)      Consider a social media forum. Set up a Facebook page where you can easily be found posting and engaging in a short dialogue with readers. This is another place you can show up when you want to and interact through comments. For those who are bolder and more consistent, try Twitter, a 140-character forum where you will need to take some time to learn the lingo to have quick, snappy exchanges with readers and the press. You can also create a simple automatic stream of the posts you want to make on both Facebook and Twitter using social media scheduling tools like HootSuite and Social Oomph.

Most of all, keep writing. The best customer service you can provide in service to your readers is to write your next book. If they like the first one they read, they’ll certainly be on the lookout for more.

While your book is your hook to more readers and the media, it’s also your job to use it responsibly to continue to deliver great value while creating an ongoing conversation with those who consume it and come back asking for more.

Jennifer’s show can be heard every week on Tuesday mornings at 9am when it is broadcast on WomensRadio.com and syndicated on Google News and Live365.com. Each show is archived for replay listeners in different time zones and countries.

For more information on this Education Corner topic and others, please refer to www.YourBookIsYourHook.com/blog for more articles and resources to help you with your books.

By Guest Blogger, Rusty Shelton, Shelton Interactive
www.SheltonInteractive.com

Click Here to listen this interview any time after 9:00 am EST Tuesday December 14^th, 2010 on the WomensRadio Network

The media environment has changed dramatically over the past four years. According to Forrester Research, between the years 2000-2008 one in four media jobs disappeared. As startling as that statistic is, when you consider that the time period surveyed is before our current recession really got underway, you can start to appreciate why media members aren’t responding to your pitches.

There are fewer of them covering more stories than ever before and the last thing they have is time. They are so deluged with pitches and phone calls, that often the best way to reach them is not by chasing them—it’s by giving them a reason to chase you.

As counter-intuitive as that sounds, based on a variety of factors, media members are increasing taking a “don’t call us…we’ll call you” approach to selecting those they will cover.

A recent Cision/George Washington University study backs up this trend, finding in a survey of journalists that when researching stories:

-           89% look to blogs

-          65% turn to social networking sites

-          52% use Twitter as a resource

This shift in the way that media members operate has the potential to play right into the hands of authors who understand it and widen their net to catch those queries. When journalists hit Google or Technorati looking for a “Cardiologist” or “Grieving Expert,” those credentialed authors who have developed unique and interesting content surrounding the topics journalists are searching for have a great opportunity to not only provide their readers with great value—but also position themselves for more traditional coverage.

Here are five ways to make Google your publicist:

1. Push out timely blog posts. Every author should have Google Alerts set on at least five keywords related to their topic area. Each morning, review the stories that are running in your topic area and consider how you can add to the discussion. Odds are the media members are searching for resources and insight on those timely topics and when you create a blog with your take and tag it correctly, you widen your net to attract attention from journalists looking for experts just like you.

Extra tip: host your blog on your website and make sure one of the main links will take media members to a “press room” where they can find links to previous media coverage, press materials and contact information for you or your publicist.

1. Conduct an online brand audit. If I am a radio host and someone has told me what a perfect guest you would be for my show and I Google your name to book you, what will I find? If you don’t currently have a website or any online platform, do I have any way of getting in touch with you? If I can’t find you quickly, I’m moving on to the next guest. If you do have a website or blog, is what I find when I arrive there going to reinforce my decision to have you on my program or make me wonder about your credibility? Also, think about those media members who may not know your name, but are searching for someone with your exact credentials…does your website or any of your blog posts come up in even the most specific search?

Extra tip: Watch every single video that comes up in a simple search for your name on both Google and YouTube. Put yourself in the shoes of a producer at a top morning show and ask whether or not the video would encourage or discourage them booking you. Take down any videos that detract from your brand.

1. Pay it forward to journalists doing a good job in your topic area. When you read articles or hear stories in your topic area that you believe are well done, pay attention to the name of the media member responsible and find a way to help them drive traffic to the story. The best way to do this is to search for the journalist’s Twitter handle and drive your followers to the story with an encouraging tweet: “Love this story by @JohnSmith in the Wall Street Journal today (link) Really smart take on this, John.” While most journalists get hundreds, if not thousands of emails a day, they get far fewer @ replies and often pay attention to those talking about them on Twitter. One key point is to never pitch with an @ reply on Twitter…all of your journalist-related content should add value and contribute to the discussion.

Extra tip: Use MuckRack.com to sort and find journalists on Twitter by category and media outlet.

1. Consider your social media infrastructure as an online press kit. In today’s changing media environment, the first place that readers, media members, colleagues and others are likely to interact with you and your book won’t be at Barnes & Noble or even Amazon – it will be on your website, or perhaps more likely, via your various social media extensions. In many ways, these online extensions make up your virtual press kit, and you must make sure that your branding is consistent and you are providing value across each.

Extra tip: Nothing looks worse to media members or readers than a social media extension that hasn’t been updated in months. Don’t set up a Facebook page or Twitter account unless you intend on engaging and providing consistent, valuable content there. If you have social media accounts that you don’t update, cancel the accounts.

1. Be interesting. Your odds of getting your content in front of a journalist within social media are dramatically improved if you are writing pieces that your readers want to share with their networks. People don’t engage with those who stay in the middle of the road—so be interesting and thought-provoking with your content and make sure you give people a reason to share your insight.

Extra tip: Blog titles often make all the difference in the world. Consider ways to spice up your headlines to attract more attention from journalists online.

If you have any questions or want to bounce an idea off of someone related to any of the insight above, don’t hesitate to email me or connect with me on Twitter. You can also visit our website to learn more about additional ways to build better relationships with colleagues, readers and media members online.