You wrote a book? Congratulations! Now the work begins. “But I’m an author”, you say. “I’m only supposed to write… right?”.

Unfortunately, most of the world does not know that your incredibly moving story exists. This truth often provokes manic-depressive behavior followed by extremely unproductive melancholy. It’s time to turn that frown upside-down. The marketing process can be just as technically and creatively satisfying as penning the book itself. And guess what? A lot of the work necessary to find your audience is more writing! Which, you happen to know a thing or two about. You’ll be interviewing, signing, Facebooking, and blogging yourself silly. However, there are new tools and new rules you can apply to give your marketing that extra edge.

One of the latest and greatest additions to marketing your novel is the Book Trailer. These 30 second to 3 minute previews add unlimited value. Not only do you get to wet the pallet of your already interested readers, but you reach a whole new demographic. People who are on the go (with short attention spans) don’t always take the time to pick up a book and read the back cover. Book Trailers are your visual synopsis for our new attention-challenged society.

The ways you can utilize the trailer are endless. You can pair it with online marketing campaigns, air it via traditional media (T.V., Cable, Local Theaters), or use it to pitch your novel as a movie or television series property. Want more people to stop by your signing table at the bookstore? Throw your trailer up on an iPad and crank the volume! The marketing potential is endless.

When producing your Book Trailer there are a few very important things to keep in mind. This visual aid is a creative and quality representation of your book. If it looks cheap and slapped together, people will assume you put the same effort into writing your story. Make it movie quality. People love watching great movie trailers and being the first to share a hidden gem with friends. Produce a trailer that people want to share. Sharing is also directly related to social media and internet trends. This means your trailer should always be made with relevant search tags in mind. Search engines are the new library index cards. Use them to your advantage. Always think about your book from the reader’s point of view. Sometimes authors can be too close to their own story for advertising purposes. They already know all of the connections between complex characters and elaborate plot points, so they forget to share them outside of their mind’s eye. That is why we write the scripts for our authors. Our process is longer than most because we read each book (often several times) and write a script for the trailer based on the scenes and story lines that impacted us as a reader.

It is important for authors to adopt a small-business mindset while marketing. Quality is key. The more you invest initially the higher your rate of return will be. This investment is more about time and creativity than money. Invest in your product and make sure you are being seen. Consistently add fresh and exciting content and watch the sales follow. Being a small business ourselves, we understand the struggle to receive quality at an affordable rate. We take great pride in our work and invest all that we have into creating the best possible product for our clients. Our work ethic is an extension of our passion for visual story-telling and growing together with fellow entrepreneurs.

About Bring Media:

Bring Media, Inc was founded in 2010 by entertainment industry siblings, Melissa Bring and Kyle Bring. The digital media production company draws upon over six years of experience in commercial photography, film and television production. Bring Media focused on providing high quality advertising materials at an affordable rate. The company has had the pleasure of working with celebrity talent and companies such as Nike, Sanrio, Vogue ES, Hello Kitty, SpaceX, Etc.

The company recently added the Book Trailer production as a passion project for their mother and author, CN Bring. After watching her struggle with book marketing for a long time, it became a personal objective to create something effective and affordable for the indie author. “We asked friends and industry connections until we were blue in the face. We thought about what would grab our attention as people who eat, sleep and breathe online. A lot of companies were doing book trailers and we thought that was a really great idea. Unfortunately, they were just words floating over pictures. We said we should make book trailers like movie trailers! We became really excited about the idea and our clients can see that the passion grows with every production. Every author gets the “Mom” treatment.”

Bring Media
Co-Owner/Director: Kyle Bring
Co-Owner/Producer: Melissa Bring
(818) 268-3082
info@bringmedia.tv

Find them online: www.bringmedia.tv | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube

The great thing about this project is that it puts the power of illustrations in the hands of any reader….in this digital age, control of content is something we’re always hungry for. Imagine creating illustrations with your kids for those make-believe stories they tell. The possibilities are endless…

Here’s the man behind it all, Tom Anderson:

Check out the Kickstarter page here.

The 2013 IPPY Book Awards had over 5,000 book entries in 77 categories…. less than 300 awards total. This is World’s largest international and regional book awards competition.

Category:  Best Children’s Illustrated E-Book
Gold: Red Is… by Ivy Wong (Ripple Digital Publishing)
Silver: Every Whale Can Fly, by Brian Phillips (The Basement)
Bronze: Egg Mania, by Sherry Maysonave (Empowerment Productions)

IPPY Awards Ceremony

On Wednesday, May 29th, from 6-9 pm, the 17th Annual IPPY Awards will be presented at a big bash in New York, kicking off the annual BookExpo America convention. The event will be held at Providence NYC, 311 W. 57th St. Tickets for additional guests will be available for $75 each.

She and many other celebrities that have participated in this campaign by the Association of American Publishers (AAP) are proof that it’s not a month we made up just because we’re obsessed with books. Maybe you recognize some of the “Get Caught Reading” posters from the past too.

Here are some of the books that the PR by the Book staff has been caught reading this month:

Marika Flatt – Double Click by Lisa Becker
“I just finished reading Lisa Becker’s Double Click– After reading Becker’s Click: A Love Story last Fall, I cringed when it ended and was anxious to read the second installment. This fun, breezy 2013 version of a ‘St. Emo’s Fire’ type of story is based on a 30-something gal’s relationship with her close group of friends and her fiance. But what makes this such an entertaining read is that it’s written in emails, back and forth between the group of friends…and, these people are super witty. I laughed out loud at some of their humor as they crack each other up via email. Honestly, when I started reading Click, I didn’t think I’d care for this format; however, it’s brainless reading, which is what I need on the weekends. Tip: Pay attention to the subject lines of each entry!”

Elaine Krackau – Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
“I’m in a book club and each month has a theme. For May, we had to choose a banned book, so we chose Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. It’s a dystopian novel that depicts a world where books are outlawed (gasp!) and firefighters burn any house that has them.”

Claire Hardee – Divergent by Veronica Roth
“I’m also reading a dystopian novel, Divergent by Veronica Roth. I got caught reading the first chapter of this book at my aunt’s house. When I left her house, I found myself wondering what would happen to the main character, so I went and bought a copy for myself. I’m hooked and can’t wait to get to the next 2 books in the trilogy!”

Rebekah Epstein – Come to the Edge: A Love Story by Christina Haag
“I’m obsessed with the Kennedy family! I love picking up any book that gives an insider’s look at their private lives. Right now I’m reading Christina Haag’s book about her 5-year love affair with JFK Jr.”

Jason Jones – Life of Pi by Yann Martel & The Grand Miracle: A Collection of Essays on Theology, by CS Lewis
“I just finished Life of Pi.  Awesome.  If you’ve read it, which story do you choose to believe?’(I choose the more beautiful and unbelievable one…).

Also, I’m currently reading The Grand Miracle: A Collection of Essays on Theology, by CS Lewis (my all-time favorite author).   Lewis is not only one of the most brilliant writers and theologians of the 20th century, but growing in relevance by the day, week, month, year.  I go back to him, over and over and over again.”

Tell us, what are you reading?

It’s a big crazy world out there for a little book.

It feels repetitive to tell you that we’re feeling a lot of change and transition in the book industry. Actually, someone recently explained the flux of the book industry very aptly by saying “even the nature of the flux is up for grabs.” During all of this change, how do we know what tools and trends to give our attention to so that our books might find the right path to the rest of the world?

Perhaps the key to this discoverability conundrum lies within us (cue zen music).

Here are some basics that remain within your own control and can help lay the foundation for finding your book online.

Maintain Your Website

You need a website. When people go looking for your name and title of your book, you want them to be able to find the most up-to-date important information about what you do and where to find your book. Building and branding a good looking website can take some time, I know, so at the very least make sure you have a landing page that lets people know your website is under construction and directs people to Amazon or any other social platforms where they can find you for now.

Don’t be gun-shy about launching your website either. You don’t need to wait for your book to be published before you start sharing your site.

Don’t Be Afraid of Social Media Either

You don’t need wait for the perfect social media strategy or for some great event to launch your acivity on Facebook and Twitter.  In fact, even if you have yet to grab your web domain, social media can be great for getting the conversation started in the meantime.

Start building buzz on social platforms and when you’re ready to announce that your site is live, your book has launched, etc, you will have already started building an engaged audience that will help you spread the word.

You Don’t Need to be Everywhere

The foil to being social-media-shy is having social media ADD. This is the guy who has every social media badge on his website…even the ones no one recognizes. He probably stopped paying attention to his profile on many of these months ago, making him look outdated to anyone who finds him there.  How can he possibly be having genuine interactions with people in all of these places?

It’s best to do less and do it well. You can rely on Facebook and Twitter ruling the social media realm and on reaching your audience in both of these places—they are very good starting points. Don’t let FOMO (fear of missing out) let you get lost.

Just because you don’t need to be everywhere doesn’t mean you shouldn’t educate yourself on trends that come up. If you deal with a topic that might be highly visual, Pinterest should pop up on your radar. Did you write a business book? Look for opportunities on LinkedIn.

Get on Goodreads

You published a book, right? Well, Goodreads is the one social network site that is only populated by readers. Create an author page and utilize tools like the Goodreads Giveaway to start getting your book on the radar of interested readers.

It’s really quite simple. Those still looking for the Golden Goose of book discovery might just be overlooking the opportunities of this platform.

Lastly, Create Content  

The best example of this is Hugh Howey, author of WOOL. He began by writing a novella and after his readers reviewed and pleaded, he developed the novella into a series. Answering the call of his fans created a groundswell. Despite newfound fame, Hugh continues to reach out to his fan base and new readers by constantly updating his blog.

These days, no one will listen if you don’t have something new to add to keep the conversation going. Putting a little more of yourself out there – on a blog, website or social media platform—can be the fuel you need to get to success.

“The Art of Moving Books” Exhibit

Thursday, May 9, 7 – 10 p.m.

Wardenclyffe Gallery, 1101 Springdale Rd. Austin, Texas.

Artists entries in The Nobelity Project’s Art of Moving Books competition will be showcased at an opening night exhibit and reception at Wardenclyffe Gallery in East Austin.

The Art of Moving Books Exhibit is free and open to the public.

Complimentary beer, wine and cocktails by Dulce Vida Organic Tequila, Tito’s Vodka, Shiner Beer and Troublemaker Wine.

The Art of Moving Books is part of The Nobelity Project’s partnership with Sandcastle Library on Roatan, Honduras to build a bookmobile that will carry a world of learning to 14 fishing village schools and 3,500 students. Artists of all ages to submit their designs to the competition, with sales of all submitted artwork helping fund the bookmobile.

Competition has been lively for the Bookmobile Exterior Design category, with the winning artist receiving a trip to Roatan Island to help paint the converted school bus with the artists’ custom design.

Competition jurors included Cameron Sinclair, founder of Architecture for Humanity, Paul Miller (aka DJ Spooky), Artist in Residence at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Austin sculptor Karen Hawkins and Katie Rose Pipkin, artist and director of Wardenclyffe Gallery.

The Nobelity Project is an education and action nonprofit, Connecting hearts, heads, and hands to create positive change in communities around the world. Learn more about our award-winning feature films and our partner projects in the U.S., Kenya, Nepal, Honduras and elsewhere at: www.nobelity.org

Sandcastle Library and PIER/Partners in Education Roatan are at: www.pierroatan.org

Wardenclyffe Gallery is a collective exhibit space helmed by Olivia Pepper and Katie Rose Pipkin, More info about the gallery at:

http://wardenclyffegallery.org
For questions about the exhibit, email Erin Binder; competition@nobelity.org

Qualifications:

-Self-starter with initiative and literary creativity
-2+ years of PR campaign development/management, and execution
-Proactive problem solver that is solutions oriented
-Interest in books
-Positive attitude/ team player
-Understanding of Cision, PR Newswire, Blogdash and MediaBistro
-Excellent communication skills
-Proficiency in social media:  Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest
-Independently manages work flow

Responsibilities:

-Write press materials, client bios, sample media questions and media pitches.
-Communicate with potential leads and developed PR campaign proposals.
-Manage campaign execution and client communication.
-Identify opportunities for contributed articles and tip lists for client.
-Develop, identify and maintain relationships with the media.  Pitch and secure placements in traditional and online media outlets and manage/schedule media requests for clients.
-Maintaining database with media contacts and media results.
-Attend client events/book tours as needed.
-Occasional travel to attend industry conferences and assist Senior Publicist with media meetings to develop relationships.
-Attend client and potential client meetings(evening/weekends occasionally).

Researching

-media, newsworthy topics/events and angles/pitches online.
-Social media outreach and write blog posts for company website.
-Work closely with chief publicity strategist to craft and execute PR campaigns.
-Maintain communication with client via phone, email for monthly updates and goal setting.

IT Qualifications (hardware/software/applications):

-Mobile phone(preferred – not required) – Apple 4g(iOS5) or Android 2.3(Gingerbread)”
-High Speed Internet Connection(3mb down and 1mb up)
-Microsoft Office
-GoogleApps for Business (gmail, Google docs)
-Basic understanding of Google Analytics
-Wordpress
- Filemaker
-VOIP phone system
-Mac or PC basic skills
- Solve360

Publicist Skill Sets

-Carry out solo regional/local media meetings and client media escort
-Good client and team communicator
-High level PR knowledge
-Book Industry knowledge
-Consistent local/regional/quality/notable media hits with inconsistent national media hits
-Exceptionally creative – hooks/angles/proposals/press releases/pitches
-Attend conferences/industry meetings/panels
-Primarily executes B/C media relations campaigns and blog tour/online media campaigns
-Sales development – write proposals for B/C clients

Autonomy

-Self-directed work flow within scope of work
-Attempts to proactively solve problems
-Solutions capable/limited solutions oriented execution
-Adheres to company policy and procedures
-Independently manage work flow within scope
-Delegates to Assistant Publicist, support staff and Interns

Leadership

-Consistently needs assistance pulling team members together to resolve campaign issues
-Able to regularly spot and resolve client/campaign issues, but inexperienced at handling consistently without assistance
-Consistently contributes at client strategy sessions
-Vocal and active at team meetings and other company functions
-Mentors Assistant Publicists and Interns on publicity knowledge/creativity, book industry knowledge, professionalism and company culture

Client Confidence

-Inspires confidence and high level of trust with clients
-Needs limited assistance at understanding and communicating client’s message

PR by the Book, LLC is a boutique publicity firm specializing in literary media relations campaigns, social media campaigns, publishing consultation, small business publicity, and publicity tours for authors and experts.  We pride ourselves in offering a lifestyle company culture which includes a flexible schedule, virtual office and co-working options.

To apply, send your resume to babs@prbythebook.com. Please indicate the position you are applying for.

One of our Austin friends, Brooklyn James has a new release out on Amazon Kindle – a feel good contemporary romance with some ‘steam’ about second chances at love – Let It Go:

Savannah Bondurant, a marriage and relationship columnist for the Savannah Sun Times, just signed her divorce papers. Brody McAlister, the elusive and smoking hot gym boy, has finally recovered from his divorce three years ago. Be it spurred by loneliness or sheer attraction, the two slip into the sheets for a memorable one-night stand. Savannah’s pesky ex-husband continues to try and worm his way back into her life, insisting they remain friends, even though he is living with his jealous new girlfriend.

An up-and-coming woodworker artist, Brody has every socialite cougar in town promising him success and riches, for a price, of course. With two advice-giving older sisters, one fiercely single and one seemingly happily married, Savannah learns her parents’ long and successful relationship does not come without its own secrets. Why should she believe in happily ever after? Her constant overanalyzing and skepticism bodes well in her profession as a journalist, but proves counterproductive in her personal life. Divorce, guilt, suspicion, holding on to the past—can Savannah trust in Brody to help her Let It Go…
 

Brooklyn is a talented writer and singer/songwriter. We have had the pleasure of having her perform at on of our book industry happy hours and are happy to share her work!

Qualifications:

- Self-starter with initiative and creativity’
- Internship or experience equivalent in PR campaign development & execution
- Proactive problem solver that is solutions oriented
- Interest in books
- Positive attitude/team player
- Proficiency in Social Media Applications:  FB, Twitter, Pinterest
- Understanding of Cision, PR Newswire, Blogdash and MediaBistro
- Independently manages work flow
- Excellent communication skills
- Strong writing skills

Responsibilities:

- Write press releases, client bios, sample media questions and media pitches.
- Occasional travel to attend industry conferences and assist Senior Publicist with media meetings to develop relationships.
- Research media, newsworthy topics/events, angles/pitches online and social media trends.
- Develop, identify and maintain relationships with the media.  Pitch and secure placements in traditional and online media outlets and manage/schedule media requests for clients.
- Maintain database with media contacts and media results.
- Attend client and potential client meetings(evening/weekends occasionally).

IT Qualifications (hardware/software/applications):

- Mobile phone(preferred – not required) – Apple 4g(iOS5) or Android 2.3(Gingerbread)
- High Speed Internet Connection(3mb down and 1mb up)
- Microsoft Office
- GoogleApps for Business (gmail, Google docs)
- Basic understanding of Google Analytics
- WordPress
- Filemaker
- VOIP phone system
- Mac or PC basic skills
- Solve360

Skill

- Attends media meetings with Publicists or Senior Publicist and solo client escort for event campaigns
-Solid overall communication skills
-Limited PR knowledge
-Limited book industry knowledge
-Creative – hooks/angles/proposals/press releases/pitches
-Attends conferences/industry meetings/panels
-Primarily executes C campaigns, Social Media Campaigns, blog tours, online media campaigns, tour media and  event planning campaigns
-Executes delegated assignments from Senior Publicists/Publicists
-Solo media escort for tours
- Autonomy
-Limited self-directed work flow within scope of work
-Attempts to proactively solve problems within scope of work
-Solutions capable
-Adheres to company policy and procedures
-Independently manages and communicates delegated workflow/assignments
-Limited delegation to interns

Leadership

-Gains awareness of client issues and works with the team for guidance to proactively solve problems
-Consistently needs assistance pulling team members together to resolve campaign issues
-Contributes ideas at client strategy sessions
-Positive attitude, vocal and active at team meetings and other company functions
-Mentors interns on company culture and professionalism

Client Confidence

-Inspires confidence and high level of trust with client with some clients
-Direct assistance needed at understanding and communicating client’s message

If you’re interested in applying, please send your resume to babs@prbythebook.com. Please indicate which position you are applying for.

The natural beauty of Green Pastures will serve as an amazing backdrop for up to 450 guests to enjoy a silent auction, exciting children’s events and inspirational words from Honorary Chairperson, Kristin Armstrong. All proceeds go to the support of Austin-based non-profit, St. Louise House, whose mission is to help single-women led households rebuild their lives and their children’s lives after being homeless.

When: Saturday, May 4 12:00p.m.- 3:00p.m.
Where: Green Pastures 811 Live Oak
Tickets are $35 for children and $50 for adults

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit SaintLouiseHouse.org