Diary of an Author - Day 64

C.j. Ellisson, Humpty Dumpty, and the Publicist
I had the privilege to chat with C.j. on the phone yesterday. For those of you who are not familiar with the name, she is a fellow author. We both write paranormal, but her sex scenes are far more graphic than mine.
Like, I'm PG-13 and she's XXX.  :D 
She was sharing her knowledge about publicists with me. I contacted her because as of late, C.j. has been very fortunate with TV appearances and possible magazine features. (How cool is that?!)
Of course, hiring most PR firm comes with a big monthly ticket, starting at $800 for one month. Ouch! But as C.j. can confirm, it's been worth every penny.

Doing a little of my own research on the topic, I've come to learn that not all PR places are created equally.
*There are some that will guarantee your name to be on the first page of a Google search.
*There are those who will send your name out to 5,000 twitter followers.
*Some send out enticing emails to large companies who might be interested in your product.
*Others register you at book signings, conventions, and other public appearances.
*List you in a popular magazine where agents might discover you.
My advise to you: go online and compare as much as possible before your write out a check.  Don't be in a hurry. Ask about refunds if you are not satisfied.

Of course there are fairly free ways you publicize yourself.
*Give out free copies of your book on Smashwords.com
*Ask independent book stores to carry your book. 
*Do your own research and send our your own enticing emails and tweets.

Also, if you know a teacher, perhaps you can visit the English class, join the local book fair, or at least donate a few copies to the classroom and library. Both C.j. and I have had luck with this. Ok, I know what you are thinking.....an XXX rated author at a local elementary school??? Gads!

Let me assure you that C.j. did not talk about Humpty humping Jill as Peter pumped Polly while she was gettin' her kettle on. Instead, C.j. gave a short presentation on how to write a book and then let the kids write their own story stores. I think the kids even voted on best story afterwards. You see, C.j. is also a Mom of young children.

So where does the sales pitch come in? Maybe none. Or maybe interested Mom's will ask C.j. what kinds on books she writes. I've been to the PTA meetings and I know there are a few mom's who will enjoy a little sex with a vampire.

If you are interested in reading any of C.j.'s books, they are sold at most book outlets including Amazon, Smashords, B&N.