Virtual Book Tour

BEE BALMS & BURGUNDY Virtual Book Tour Continues We have a great guest today. Nelson Pahl is the author of the romantic fiction BEE BALMS & BURGUNDY and he's here to tell us how he pumps up his online book promotion! Welcome, Nelson! We've had many authors of all genres coming to Pump Up to tell us how they market their books. Yours is a romantic fiction. Why did you choose this genre to write? Did you choose it or did it choose you? The genre really chose me. It's a story that came from nowhere, and, quite honestly, it might be the only book I ever write in the genre. My second release is in a different genre, and my next three books will be as well. Really, it just found me. In regards to promotion, what have you been doing to promote your book online? Well, we learned the whole SEO game recently. That, to this point, has been our only real online promotion. We're in the process of establishing an affiliate program, as well as a couple of other unique angles, but thus far the SEO has yielded roughly 10,000 unique visitors per month. Of all the promotional items (bookmarks, press kits, etc…) you have used to promote your book, which one was used most effectively? Word of mouth, hands down. Now, that doesn't mean that we receive a majority of our books sales via word of mouth. It merely means that when someone recommends our books to a friend, family member, or colleague, the close rate--or "sell rate"--is almost 100%. That's gold to anyone marketing themselves. Do you feel that the Internet has opened doors for authors who never dreamed they'd ever see a publishing contract and how has it influenced you in regards to your own publishing journey? Absolutely. Anyone that would argue that is pure fool. What we like so much about today's opportunities is the number of independent/small presses that have made it. And, remember, the best writers are not on major imprints; best SELLERS are on major imprints. So--and I think my acclaim speaks for itself--a lot of TALENTED writers now have the opportunity to do things a different way, a more personal and fulfilling way. There are so many wonderful independent presses the world over that would be dead and buried without the Internet. Think of it this way: Even a bookstore can more easily be sold on a title or publisher if the author or publisher need to little more than point them to a Web site. Everything is better today in regards to publishing; it may not be better in regards to America, but it IS better than it was ten years ago in this industry--much better. If you were in the middle of Manhattan (or any busy thoroughfare) and you wanted to call attention to your book, what would you do and what would you say? I'd look for every 25 to 45-year-old woman I could find, flash them a smile and say, "How'd you like to read the best love story you've read all year?" Then, I'd offer them a 20% discount just for enduring New York day in, day out. If you could trade places with any author just for a day, who would it be and why? John Grisham. I'd simply like to know what runs through his mind when he looks in the mirror. Is he humble? Does he respect greatness in spite of his sales? Or, does he believe himself to be the next coming of Buddha? Lastly, how do you determine your book's success? A number of reasons: accolades, readers, sales, cover art, interior design, feedback, and what I, personally, think of the book a few months removed. Thank you for coming, Nelson! Can you tell us where everyone can pick up a copy of BEE BALMS & BURGUNDY? You can buy my book at nelsonpahl.com or beebalmsandburgundy.com.