Purple SnowFlake Marketing

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promote books
book marketing
sell your book
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name recognition
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self promotion

FAQ's about Purple Snowflake Marketing:

Q: Why is it so important for a new author to promote their own book?
A: It does not matter how well established or how large a publisher you are working with - unless you are already a well-known author, no publisher is going to invest big money in promoting your work until the sales start coming in. Realistically, a publisher has limited resources to push the books they produce so they must choose which ones to back. It seems logical that a publisher would choose to back those authors that have a proactive and effective marketing tactic.

Q: What if my budget is small and I can't travel to do book events?
A: Purple Snowflake Marketing teaches you to design your marketing plan according to your budget and your personal strengths and abilities. It can be acheived from your home computer with the click of a mouse! With over 900 links to resources for marketing and promotion you can start right away.

Q: Where do I start?
A: Start by building your name recognition via a website and blogs and forums. Purple Snowflake Marketing will teach you how to research the target audience you are wanting to sell to.

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Book Marketing Woes?

Too many new authors believe that once their book is written the sales will just come pouring in and they will make a bundle. Sadly, this disillusionment is shattered when they receive a royalty check. The honest to goodness truth of the matter is that the writer's work is only started when the book is released. Even the huge author names of today began by peddling their books out of the back of their car. Many big-name authors also began by self-publishing because no one recognized their talent. They did not start off their career with a huge bang. They did not have the money to afford publicists and big marketing firms when they started out and yet they are super successful now. Take heart from their examples. Marketing, promoting and networking must be done every single day, for the life of the book, in balance with your other activities and obligations.

Many new authors feel their only way to success is through book signings and bookstores stocking their book. They are wrong. While in larger centers with good promotion a book signing event or book reading event may result in as much as a couple hundred one-time sales... most smaller venues can only expect less than 10 sales. Is this worth the 2 hours or more that you spend at the event? Not counting all the preparation, marketing the event, promotion materials, time taken from work and any displays that you have designed and possibly paid for ahead of time. These events do not pay authors to host an event so any sales they do have may not even cover the traveling costs, hotel cost, meals, parking or supplies - let alone the time they put into it. Nor do they usually result in long-term sales - sales are often only during the few days around the event.

Bookstores can only realistically stock less than 1% of the 3 million books available on the market. Their discount with the publisher/distributor is large. Authors are paid royalties only on what their publisher has received. So is all the time and effort going into attaining spots on bookstore shelves worth it?

While the markets above are valuable and important to any author - what authors need to do is think outside the box. Figure out where your efforts will bring the greatest results. Don't expect immediate and overwhelming acceptance by the media or your audience. Marketing, networking and promoting are long-term efforts that will reap greater rewards as efforts continue.

Many authors live in tiny towns and hold down jobs or have physical limitations that prevent out-of-town promotions; much like ourselves. This can be overcome. Again, think outside the box, use the Internet and your contacts - and be persistent.
Newspapers, libraries, and bookstores are only the most obvious markets and also are the most difficult to gain the attention of without a strong image because everyone is vying for their attention. Work on your image and get strong promotion materials that help you stand out among the hundred thousand or more new books released annually.

Newsletters can be small but effective markets for your work. On average, they can range in size from 1000-17,000 readers or more. E-zines typically reach an audience larger than 5000. Get a few of them in one month and you are reaching a wide audience! You don't need to be rich or famous or have a publicist if you are determined and able to commit effort every single day. (Do take some time for yourself, though!)
It is important to mention here that some authors will feel overwhelmed by the immense amount of effort it takes to market a book. If we take one day, one step at a time we will find it is not so overwhelming. I find it works best to figure out what you will concentrate on this week and then set a goal for today. I do this nearly every day. It helps me keep a steady pace going, without taking on too much or too little.
Remember too, that efforts you are making today may not reap immediate results. You may have to hit a market several times before they pick up your proposal. For instance, some contacts from nearly a year ago are now resulting in promotions in their publications. So be patient and professional in all that you do. Again, keep records so that you can follow up.

So develop a long-term marketing plan and stick with it for the full term of your contract with the publisher. The market plan will grow and change as time goes on. And keep good records so you can determine how you will go about marketing the next book.

~ Lillian Brummet: co-author of Purple Snowflake Marketing (www.brummet.ca)

What to do First?

There are a number of things I look into when writing a book is: First - what do I know that can help others with their issues in that genre, what can I offer that is unique? The second thing I will look at is determining the individuals or organizations that I can utilize from our existing contact list for both marketing and as resources. One must write for an intended audience and knowing exactly what you can provide those readers is the key.

Being clear about the initial marketing efforts for each project and having a general marketing plan outline, makes all the difference as to whether a publication or publisher will be interested in a project. Show that you are respectful of the staff, their time and schedule, by providing everything they need, before they need it. And finally – but most importantly – always thank them regardless of the outcome.

Having a strong marketing plan is the key to moving forward with any project, for the life of that product. So if you have a book with a 4-year contract, you need a marketing plan to last the 4-years… and possibly longer, if you decide to do more with that project. Or here’s another example: If you hope to have an article published on a blog, show them how you’ll promote the event and you’ll have a much greater chance of being considered.

I’m on most of the major social networking sites and drop in them occasionally, but only have time to maintain a few including: MySpace, FaceBook and Twitter, among a few others that I drop into occasionally. I also manage a daily blog and a weekly blog, as well as 2 online radio programs and a bi-weekly newsletter that I offer. Between all of this I find time to appear in the media and in the public through speaking events, interviews, articles and so on.

Since our first book Trash Talk was released in 2004, I have participated in literally thousands of events, in fact we appear are appearing online or in the public between 4-12 times per month during the slow periods and as much as 24 times in one month! Each event brings me closer to feeling confident about the content I can provide to the next interview or presentation. With every interview I learn something about myself, how to word things better or how become more familiar with a medium I haven’t had experience with.

I love experimenting with marketing techniques, trying new ideas out as time allows, and I find there are more opportunities than time. One day we might be working on a new advertising campaign, the next day we might be doing an online TV program, then arranging the schedule for an out-of-town tour, or Skype video interview… or visiting a new social networking site to see what it has to offer. The only way to keep track of all of this is by having file going of all the resources so that I can follow up on them whenever my schedule opens up – this way I don’t miss out on any opportunity if I can help it.

Managing a career, or hobby, in the world of writing requires flexibility and persistence, good record keeping skills and the self-discipline to stay organized. Without these skills, a writer can easily become overwhelmed and find themselves floundering in a sea of endless confusion.

~ Lillian Brummet; co-author of Purple Snowflake Marketing (www.brummet.ca)

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Testimonials/Reviews:

"...Online, offline, in person, in taxi cabs, by mail, at events, anywhere and everywhere, their marketing reach tries to touch every potential reader. ...Could easily add hundreds if not thousands of orders to any book published today."
~ Frank Hilliard, Author of Deeley - Motorcycle Millionaire; former television journalist, video producer, magazine editor, security consultant and currently a semi-retired web-database developer. http://www.frankhilliard.com

"...Your questions about how to get reviews, what to do in internet marketing, making media kits and writing press releases will all be answered. This book is a Godsend to new authors..."
~ Betty Fasig, Author of Wooffer: Stories You Can Read To Your Dog (And Other Children) http://www.wooffer.com

"...one of the best guidebooks any writer could have on the journey of guiding their work to its final destination. ...Sound knowledge of how the market works and what it takes to reach the reader. Their advice is invaluable. The information you'll find here is exhaustive. The range of materials and resources in the appendices is truly mind-boggling."
~ Lois J. Peterson, Author of 101 - and more - Writing Exercises to Get You Started & Keep You Going (Metta Publications). She operates the writing, editing, consulting, and workshop business LPwordsolutions http://www.lpwordsolutions.com

"...doesn't just expose authors to opportunities; it also helps steer them away from pit-falls in the publishing industry. ...advice on marketing your book, beginning with the day you sign the contract, paints a realistic outlook on what a new or relatively unknown author can expect and how to employ research and preparation to make a memorable first impression. ... Purple Snowflake Marketing offers fresh ideas and a realistic view with statistics to assist in making informed decisions as you put together a marketing plan."
~ Donna Sundblad, author of Pumping Your Muse and Fantasy Editor at Inspired Author.

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Trash Talk It's Easy To Be Green - Book One

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reduce
reduce your trash
recycle
reuse
waste reduction
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save time
save environment
environmental footprint
landfill contribution
green living
eco-friendly

FAQ's about Trash Talk:

Q: Why is it so important to implement the 4 'R's of waste management in the proper order?

A: If we strive to first Refuse to buy products with non-recyclable packaging - we then Reduce our consumption of needless trash - next try to Reuse as much as possible - then lastly anything left can be Recycled. This way you are not filling up that blue bin so quickly.

Q: How does Trash Talk save me time and money?

A: By reusing items formally destined for the landfill you can reduce the amount of money you spend. Eg: Instead of buying plastic plant tags for garden transplants, cut a yoghurt tub into strips. Plastic peanut butter jars become endless storage containers for the shop or pantry. When no longer usable, these plastics are still recyclable.

Q: Where do I start?

A: Start by doing one small thing at a time. This way you won't overwhelm yourself trying to change everything in one day.

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Efficiency Equals Reduction

Imagine that if at the grocery store the person bagging your purchases left empty, unused spaces in each bag causing you to carry 10 instead of 5 bags out to your car then into your home. You would be investing some extra time, energy and space when it was unnecessary. Now transfer that thought to the waste and recycling industry. Instead of filling a trash bag or bin with large empty spaces, we can all do some simple acts to help keep transportation costs down while reducing fossil fuel consumption and saving ourselves some time and money.

The flattening of boxes greatly increases space efficiency in a bin. This does not just apply to cardboard boxes, but also includes any paperboard (cereal or pet food) ones as well. Crushing cans before recycling is much more easily done if it is possible to remove both the top and bottom lids first. Foil products are easily flattened by hand.

Periodically crush your garbage bag down to its true size – you will find that it does not need to be placed on the curb as often. Fewer trips to the dump means less fossil fuel consumed and reduced curbside idling – idling is known to be terribly inefficient and more polluting than vehicles on the move. Garbage collection fees are more easily maintained by the company due to reduced costs per bag, and some companies even offer a discount for those who produce less waste. Also worth noting is that the household will go through fewer plastic garbage bags.

Some kitchen waste disposal units tend to put unnecessary pressure on overtaxed sewage plants. A much better option is to practice composting or vermiculture methods instead. Composting organic waste reduces household trash by approximately 30%. Go one step further by reusing various plastic bags to isolate smelly meat, bones and pet waste. By controlling odors in the garbage, the bag will not have to be put out on the curb as often.

So, imagine that if your waste and recycling was now half the size that it typically was before. That means in theory the waste pickup service would decrease costs by 50%, the landfill would be receiving half of what it used to, fewer trips to the recycling depot, less pollution…

Well you get the picture. It is easy to make a difference and we can all start at home. Right where we are.

-- Written by Dave and Lillian Brummet, authors of the book Trash Talk - It's Easy To Be Green (www.brummet.ca)

Reuse in the Workshop

The workshop is a great place for reusing items formally destined for the landfill. Even if you do not have a shop or craft area you can always donate the items mentioned in the following paragraphs to friends, schools, shops, youth centers… The concept of reusing is as limitless as your imagination.

Screws, bolts, picture hooks, plant hangers, curtain hooks, and hinges are common hardware items used in most homes. Although not overly costly when purchased a few pieces at a time, they can add up over the years. Salvage any reusable hardware and parts from old cabinets, furniture or mechanical items before discarding. These can easily be organized and stored in plastic containers of different sizes. Shop with this in mind and purchase items like peanut butter or mayonnaise in clear plastic containers. These are our favorite as they are recyclable, sturdy and you can easily determine the jar’s contents at a glance. When buying screws and bolts avoid the small plastic packages and try to find a store that sells these items out of bulk bins. You save money and packaging too.

Strong plastic jugs from juice, milk, or detergents make excellent storage containers for tools, rags or parts in the workshop. At a section near the top of the jug remove all but a flap of plastic to attach it to a wall or post. Any rough spots can be filed off or covered with tape. Drill a few holes in the bottom for drainage and use in the same way outside in the garden and for storing clothespins.

Any clothing or towels too ragged to donate to a thrift store still have value. Cut the material into squares of different sizes to use as cleanup rags. Many garages, cabinet shops and backyard mechanics will gratefully accept excess rags. Sewing groups would gladly accept the buttons and zippers gleaned from the clothing. Children’s programs and daycare centers also use buttons for crafts.

Small household appliances that are no longer working can be salvaged for parts. If you are not familiar with this type of operation don’t attempt it - you can always donate them to handymen types that you may know, or appliance repair classes in your community. Handles from pots and pans can come in handy for fashioning custom tools, or they can be used to make a storage box easy to carry. Old utensils can be bent and made into various picks and scrapers.

The workshop can become a veritable stew pot of reuse ideas. As it is not a place commonly viewed by guests or neighbors it will not matter so much if the look is compromised by the reused items. Of course, the most important thing is the fact that you are reducing your landfill contribution by taking the matter into your own hands and making a difference!

-- Written by Dave and Lillian Brummet, authors of the book Trash Talk - It's Easy To Be Green (www.brummet.ca)

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Testimonials/Reviews:

"...a compendium of ideas for a Refuse, Reduce, Reuse strategy before you even get to Recycle. This… very comprehensive guide is full of ideas for ways to maximize the use and minimize the impact of everyday stuff on the health of the planet. …an excellent resource for teachers wanting to instill a “green” mentality for recycling, gardening, composting, vermiculture and crafts using waste items.”
~ Diana Mumford, Canadian Teacher Magazine

"...written out of a labor of love for mother Earth. ...the numbers will stun you... a great learning tool for youngsters to start getting involved. ...I have learned many new things that I can put into practice... I strongly recommend this book!"
~ Ameasha Brown (Canada) - book reviewer

"...an accessible hands-on guide for reducing waste..."
~ Ann Leonard - Global Anti Incinerator Alliance

"...reaching beyond simple recycling, the authors take a look at everyday household items and offer practical - and often downright clever - approaches..."
~ Back Homes Magazine (USA)

“…Frugal and resourceful living techniques for the individual… full of good information on how you can change the world for the better by reusing everyday household items instead of throwing them out…”
~ Robor Writing & Editing E-newsletter (www.jeanbaileyrobor.com)

"...a most welcomed resource for simple, easily assimilated time and money saving habits that actually make an appreciable difference in our planet's overall health... not the typical tree-huggers tome commonly associated with the practice of conservation and recycling... drawn from generations of practical experience... extremely informative and helpful manual... a call to consciousness..."
~ DeVoll Reviews - Cheers E-zine.

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Towards Understanding

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FAQ's about Towards Understanding:

Q: Please tell us about Towards Understanding, revised edition.

A: Towards Understanding has to be the most emotional ride I’ve been on as a writer, surpassing the experiences I have ever had in the past in any other career or writing project. This book tells of my true-life journey as a young pre-teen female growing up on my own, struggling to survive, breaking the chains of inner issues from childhood abuse and neglect - and all the while, growing towards understanding of my value and purpose in life, but not quite reaching it. Thus the title… Towards Understanding.

Q: What inspired you to share this poetry collection?

A: The reason behind the release of this raw and emotional book was to show other victims of abuse, violence and neglect that they can live a wholesome life without baggage from the past. Second to that I wanted to provide a roadmap that showed the healing process that victims go through, letting others know they are not alone. People who are involved with victims can learn what that person is going through, or will go through, and therefore they might be able to provide a better support system.

Q: What kind of person would read this book?

A: Towards Understanding is for the youth who are dealing with angst and are struggling to understand society and their purpose in life – it is for the abused adult who has not dealt with their pain and has not found a voice to release their anger and shame. It is my way of encouraging empathy for those who have gone through difficult time, while providing comfort and hope that they can move beyond the past.

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The World of Writing Poetry

Poetry is a difficult genre for writers to find publishers and an audience for. One of the more difficult things about this genre is it requires the ability to read the work out loud to a live audience, and on radio shows as well. Learning how to orate the piece so that it resonates with the emotion and flow that you intended is not an easy task that requires practice to master it. Poets will learn to find unique ways of reaching an audience, since most traditional book promotions do not suit this genre.

What I love about poetry, besides the incredible healing power of it, is that we can explore rhythm and rhyme. The experiments with creative use of words – sometimes creating new words and new worlds – is a fun and exciting process.

My journey began with entering a few contests, and after winning several and getting several awards, my confidence built to where I felt I could query print and online publications with my work. After some success with this, I felt the book might have a chance out there in the world of books, and began the query process to publishers.

The second query letter I sent out was accepted; and the publication roller-coaster began. In my query letter I highlighted written achievements, awards and listed numerous publications of where my work had been published. I also offered a brief outline for a marketing plan that I created based on the unique situation that I was in at the time.

Marketing began with the basics – press releases, website design and getting book reviews. Later, the marketing plan evolved to include interviews, excerpts being published and reading the poetry live to groups and on radio shows. And then the marketing plan grew from there. We are still marketing that first book (2005, first edition) but are now busily promoting the new edition, and as I mentioned, looking at affiliate opportunities.

~ Lillian Brummet: author of Towards Understanding (www.brummet.ca)

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Testimonials/Reviews:

"...grabs your heart... stories seemed to pour out of her life with nothing held back gave me inspiration and hope... made my heart shake, feeling things one seldom does." ~ Ronald Nussbeck, Author of: The Deception, Retribution and The Coin

“… Her writings take the reader on an emotional journey. For every poem that strikes the heart and brings tears, there is another one that offers hope and promise for a tomorrow. I recommend this book of poetry to any survivor of abuse that is seeking to heal. Her writings will be their companion on the journey to healing. Her words will guide them and teach them along the way. …This book is excellent!” ~ Hope Fields (www.hopefields.com)

“Lillian drives it home… I felt like we were sisters sitting and talking about our lives. …The inner suffering revealed; yet gripping to life's blessings. …a heartfelt collection of life’s experiences.” ~ Mary Muhammad, author of: Echoes of an Era
(www.marysbookplace.com)

“…a diverse collection of observations and emotions… moments of pain and longing… of simple joy and abiding love… a wonderful reminder that memories do not have to be grandiose in nature to be fulfilling… The emotional honesty of the writer is sure to strike a chord with many readers.” ~ Fallen Angel Reviews (www.fallenangelreviews.com)

“…You’ll never look at poetry the same way again… beginning with her childhood trauma and leading into her journey of finding healing and self worth. You’ll feel her anguish, anger, and finally, her recovery as you travel with her page by page.” ~ Robor Writing & Editing E-newsletter (www.jeanbaileyrobor.com)

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