If you are an author… you shine through your written word.  You are eloquent and witty and confident.  Because you are all of this your book is set to fly off the shelves, you just have this little promotional tour and some interviews….(Screech!)  What happened to the confidence that grounds the writer behind the keyboard?  It’s not unusual for a talented author to feel a bit askew when it comes to the promotional drive for their book.  In fact, it’s quite common.  With smaller publishing houses offering little to no marketing support, it is often up to the author to push the sales of the book with a face-to-face tour, complete with book signings and interviews. 

 It can be make or break time!  Don’t hesitate.

This is a campaign, my talented writer friends, and just like any politician starting on a campaign tour, clear preparation is necessary.  The book is ready.  Maybe the signing dates are set, but if you are not ready to handle the public and the interviews your momentum will come to halt.  Don’t chance it.

Invest some time in getting your key points down.

Like:

• Describe your book? (30 seconds or less!)
• Why did you write? (what drives you?)
• Why your book now? (what problem do you  address and how will you solve it?)
• Your call to action (buy the book, obviously!  But what else?)

You already have these answers, but work them until you can say them in your sleep.  They should become as much a part of you as your topic, or characters themselves. With these engrained in your head you should feel grounded and better prepared to take on the world!

Some other key things to consider;

• Is there any controversy surrounding your topic?  Be prepared for that!
• When being interviewed, for gosh sakes, please mention your title ONCE.  Let the interviewer promote you and your book.  Repeated mentioning the name of your book looks entirely too desperate.  Just don’t.
• Don’t forget your call to action… ever!
• What will you wear?  Seriously.  It is important!  This is your brand here. 

I think it is a great investment of your time to work on this preparation.  It has guaranteed payback if it is done well.

Specifically focused training can be a great way to accomplish a clear view of all of the above points before you head off to promote.  Contact us at Charisma on Camera, let us know what your plan is, and we can advise you of the best training for you! It is a free consultation.  www.charismaoncamera.com  info@charismaoncamera.com