I’ve always loved audio books, and now they’re catching on with the rest of the country. They’re not new — audio books have been around for nearly a century. They date back to 1931, when Congress established the talking-book program to benefit blind adults. But they’ve become more widely available, affordable and convenient.

Most public libraries have large collections of books on CD and tape that you can check out for a small fee or even at no cost. Services such as audible.com, lit2go and iTunes allow you to download the book to your mp3 or iPod. Families planning a summer road trip can buy audio books at any of the ubiquitous Cracker Barrel restaurants along the way and when they’re finished listening, drop them at the next Cracker Barrel and get a refund minus $3.49 per week of use. (So much better for children than playing video games or watching DVDs in the back seat! - getting children hooked on audio books might even improve listening skills, a skill which has greatly deteriorated with the influx of technology)

There are some critics who say audio books are “lazy” and “take away from the reading experience”. While these naysayers are absolutely entitled to their opinions, I’ve found countless benefits to this old, yet budding, medium. For one, having a book read to you, as opposed to reading it yourself, is a whole new experience. The narrators (many of them are acclaimed actors) add emotion, accents and pronunciations you might not have included in your own internal dialogue. They bring the story and its characters to life.

Audio books have allowed me to tackle, and thoroughly enjoy, tomes that I might not otherwise have had the time or patience to try. They’re a great way to experience the classics, those books you’ve always thought, “I really should read,” but never seem to surface from beneath the pile of mysteries and romance novels. (“War and Peace” comes to mind!) They’re great for shortening a commute and long drives with young passengers, who gain listening skills and a boost in vocabulary.

The critics who say audio books are not “functional literature” seem to miss the author’s whole point: to share a story with an audience.

Much like e-books, audio books are great for saving space on crowded book shelves. They’re absolutely wonderful for people with busy lives because they’re always accessible. Listeners can go for a walk or bike ride, sew, or vacuum the floors while “reading’’ a book.

With all of the exciting changes and breakthroughs within the book world in the form of digital media, the pioneering audio book stands strong next to newcomers like e-books.

While my first choice for reading remains sitting down with a good book, often life gets in the way. In the crowded daylight hours, I seldom have time to read for pleasure, reserving that pleasure each night before falling asleep where I prefer short, page-turning chapters.  However, since I am often too tired at night to do as much reading as I’d like, I have found audiobooks to be a godsend. As many of us strive to write, just as many strive to be avid readers. And as on of those in love with the written word, Audiobooks now fill most of my down time. I usually have one with me on my morning walks, while driving, getting dressed, or while doing any other myriad of other untold mindless tasks.

Talented narrators bring a new dimension to works of many of the authors I enjoy. My iPod is filled with audiobooks I have purchased or borrowed from the library, filling my head with marvelous action verbs, descriptions, and plot variations.
Because I read and listen to a wide range of authors, I have also found that I have recently started making it a point in adding new authors to every other book I read or listen to. I found myself doing this at first to be supportive of new authors, however, I have also benefited personally by expanding on my reading lists. Without the aid of audiobooks for downtime, I would have missed some wonderful new voices.

While many forms of book promotion are important in gaining momentum in overall book sales, one of the most important methods in book promotion and marketing come out of book signings themselves.  So why is this form of marketing so important, when promoting a book through virtual platforms is so much easier and sometimes even more cost effective?  The pure and simple fact is that there is no substitution for the face-to-face interaction that comes with physically greeting readers and visiting stores.

Creating a successful book signing event requires a great deal of careful planning and legwork.  Here are some tips to consider when setting out to do a book signing.

• The key to a successful book signing is getting the word out.  If you can arrange it, try to get interviews on local radio or TV shows, mail out postcards, print fliers, put an announcement in a newspaper, and anything else that might bring attention to it.  The more media attention you are able to attract, the larger the probability you will have a successful signing.
• To prevent being faced with talking to empty chairs, in areas where I am unknown unless the bookstore has their own audiences, I scheduled a “Meet and Greet” rather than a talk. (For those unfamiliar with the terminology for author signings, I will give a full explanation of the various types at the bottom of this blog)

• For book tours outside your own home town, decide what cities have the best potential for a book signing.  From there decide on your method of travel, flying vs. driving distance.  For those authors starting out, picking high traffic areas within driving distance might be the best way to test the water. Before you have more than a couple of books, you may decide that a tour is not the most cost effective or the best use of your time. On the other hand, if you are planning a vacation to areas away from home, you may want to add book events along the way.

• Once you’ve decided the area you want to visit, decide the number of meet and greet or book signing events in that area you actually have time for.  Not all book stores are set up to do author events, in those cases you can offer to do stock signings.  Just remember to check with management first because generally as a rule, once a book is signed it usually cant be returned to the manufacturer.

• Never rely completely upon the efforts of the book store itself for marketing efforts.  Management may or may not be experienced, have the time, or even have the budget to create materials for promotion which is why it is up to the author to take the initiative to promote their own materials.

• Be sure to pick out a date far in advance! Bookstores are often scheduled several months in advance. The longer they have time to set up for or promote your signing, the more successful it will be.

• Once you have the date set, start planning weeks in advance.  Make sure that all travel accommodations such as hotels, flights, and rental cars have been taken care of.

• Invite friends and family, especially if they live in the area.  Having a good support group will help generate interest in the overall event.  However, don’t be discouraged if your book signing doesn’t turn out a lot of people.  You should not judge the success of a book signing by the number of books sold. More often than not, customers enter a bookstore with a specific book in mind. What the signings do is give you visibility. (more on that further on)

• Take advantage of the news.  Ask yourself, “Does my book have a newsworthy tie in?”  If it does, try tying your book signing into a relevant holiday, news story, and event.  For example, if your book happens to be on the endangered ecology of theEverglades, a calendar event such as “Earth Day”, or “Green Week”.  Whatever it may be, believe in yourself and believe in your message!

• Be prepared!  It is your job, as the author to have all materials ready and at hand on the big day.  Pack a kit, including essentials like a favorite pen, bookmarks, tape, business cars, thumb tacks, scissors, and anything else that might be uniquely essential to your book.

• Beyond the kit, make sure that you are rested and prepared to interact or speak with people.  A large part of signings entails social interaction.  While some people are interested in the autograph they might receive from their favorite author, many more come to actually meet the person.  By offering personal insight into yourself or your work, you increase the likelihood of creating a deeper connection with your audience.

Furthermore, keep in mind that author signings are not necessarily restricted to one type of venue.  Church functions, book fairs, book clubs and associations, local book stores as well as larger chains like Barns and Noble are all great places to target for book promotion.  Remember, if you are a self-published author, or one not represented by a major publisher, you will most likely be required to pick up the brunt of the cost of your book signing promotion.  While the book store itself might initially design some form of a promotional piece such as a flyer, or in-store announcement, it is still your job to do the overall legwork.  Be sure to factor in costs including transportation, housing (if needed), and all the materials necessary to publicize it. Keep track of all expenses for your income tax filing.

So what are the benefits of having a signing?  A signing is a way to be in touch you’re your readers, store managers, book sellers, and browsers who will remember you and your book, and then who will hopefully recommend it to more readers.  Even if the turn out isn’t as full as you might want it to be, a successful signing doesn’t necessarily come from numbers, it comes from the effort behind it.  That said, a good impression no matter what will stay in the minds of those who ultimately supply the books.

The best way to get your book on the public radar is through distribution and a signing is one of the best methods of distribution available to an author.  Remember, have fun!  A book signing is one part of a much larger picture – the increased sale or notoriety of your book.

Types of Author Events:

Author Signing Event: This is the type venue where potential readers come to meet and hear the author give a talk and perhaps give a reading. As mentioned above, I do this only where I am assured that I can attract a large group through pre-promotion or where a group is provided.

Meet and Greet: The author is placed in a high traffic area of the store (usually at the entrance) with a table containing their books. Bookmarks are the most cost effective promotional items. For these events you should provide something to attact customers. (A Meet the Author Sign, with your book cover/s and your photo, if you have a trailer you can have that running on a laptop, and any other promotional tools) Engage the customers by handing out promotional materials when appropriate. Get to know the staff of the booksellers and give them an ARC (advanced reader’s copy) if you have one. If not, it is good PR to give a book to an interested staff member for placement in their break room.

Stock Signings: Book stores are contacted in advance so they are aware that the author will be in their area on a given date. Be sure to contact stores at least three weeks before your expected arrival so they have time to order your books, then call ahead to make sure the books have arrived. The author stops in and signs the books and a “autographed by author” sticker is placed on the book. The books are usually displayed on the customer counter or face out on the shelf.

The advantage of all of the above is the fact that the store now both carries and displays your books. By doing so, you have gained valuable bookstore real estate which major publishers pay a great deal for.

Maintaining a blog can be daunting, even for the most seasoned blogger.  Nevertheless, at its base, there are a few rudimentary reasons why one should start a blog:

Furthermore, blogs as they standon their own can actually create a foundation for all of your social media activities by allowing you to create a base for which all of your hard work and ideas are anchored.  For example, done right, a blog post allows you to build a fuller picture of yourself, one which would not have otherwise been translated onto platforms such as twitter where your posts are limited to a mere 140 characters.Twitter, Facebook, or any other social media outlets may generate interest about your material.  In fact, blogs benefit from a steady, consistent social following.  Followers, who already like what they see on your social forum, will most likely want to visit your blog to learn even more about you.

Blogs however, are more than just social tools; they also serve as a platform to build you as an expert.  A good blogger knows how to balance personal and professional essays.  The idea is that well-researched articles can establish and put your knowledge and talent on display. With the occasional personal anecdote, your blog will not onlygive you more visabilitybut gain respect among the online communities.   Remember, the more helpful, truthful, and knowledgeable posts you provide for youraudience, the more they will grow to trust you and keep returning to your blog.

Finally, layout is a huge part of blogging as well.  If the site is hard to navigate, or a strain to read, keeping an audience might be difficult no matter how solid the content provided is.  Here are some design tips to consider when setting up your blog and website.

1. Create a short, easy to remember domain name for your website which should include a visible, easy to find tab or navigation bar to your blog.  Ideally, the blog should be located as part of the main site itself in order to drive traffic directly to the website without a lot of extra effort on the reader’s part.
2. Make sure that the site is easy to navigate.  All tabs, links, or navigation bars should be easily seen and clearly readable.  By creating a clean, beautiful site, your blog appears more professional and more likely gather return visitors.
3. Have a well-written “about the author” section included on your website.  People who visit will more than likely also want to learn more about the person whose articles they are reading.
4. Include high quality, relevant content and images.  Text is fun, but a good visual can give it that extra oomph that’s sometimes needed.
5. Maintain a social presence.  Encourage interaction through comments and links to other websites and respected fellow bloggers.  This gives the blog an all-inclusive feeling of community.

Don’t fret over time.  For those concerned that setting up and maintaining a blog might eat up too much time, the key is not to over think it.  A blog doesn’t have to be a six page essay on the subject of the day.  The beauty of a blog is that it can be as long or as short as the author chooses.  If you find yourself on a time crunch, try setting a schedule of 30 minutes to 1 hour at least once a week, or spread out over the week to jot some ideas down.  The key is to budget your time, a blog shouldn’t feel like a chore, it should be fun!

Now that you’ve committed to the idea of keeping a blog, how do you set one up?  There are lots of good examples of services such as WordPress, Blogger, Tumblr, Squarespace, and Typepad out there which will guide you through the process of setting up a blog of your very own.  For your convenience I have included links to a couple of articles which might help you find a setup that is right for you:

1. Blog Setup: 40 Practical Tips – offers several useful tips on what to consider when setting up your blog.
2. How to Start a Blog – Offers practical information on setting up a new blog.
3. 40 Blog Hosts - A relatively thorough list of free blog hosting sites.

Blogging can be a lot of fun and a very effective tool when done properly.  Don’t get discouraged if your followers don’t flock to it right away.  Even the best blogs can take up to six months or more to build a steady following.  So, whether you’ve been blogging an hour, or for several years always keep in mind why you started blogging in the first place - to share what you have to offer with your readers and fellow authors.  Then, sit back and enjoy it!

You’ve invested hours upon hours of blood, sweat and tears on that book.  Well, maybe not actual blood, but you might as well have with all the time spent invested in writing it, publishing it, and marketing it.  Why then do some authors choose to give it away?

The school of thought behind book giveaways on sites such as Goodreads, Amazon, and other book sale outlets have caused a definite divide within the book marketing aspect of the writing community.  For some authors, the very idea of giving away something that is in many cases like a child to them is simply unheard of.  For others, it’s a means of finding exposure for their work of literature where it might otherwise end up buried in pages upon pages of virtual book sales.

With so much hard work, what could possibly be the outcome of an author offering up giveaways?

• Exposure!  Book giveaways on sites like Amazon offer the author’s book exposure to new audiences.  The theory behind this is that by offering a book for free is that the consumer will be more likely to download or order the book, giving it a chance of being read.

• Inflated ranking among book selling lists.  In spite of the book being “free”, the download of a giveaway still technically counts as a sale.  Therefor the idea is that the more giveaways that an author can muster, the higher their book climbs in popularity ranking.  This in turn moves the book closer to the top of a search, giving it more visibility to the casual shopper.  Furthermore, it increases the chances to accumulate book ratings and reviews, which are also crucial in a successful book campaign.

• Word of mouth.  Another hope behind giving away books for free is that someone will read it, love it and recommend it to friends.  While this is almost akin to dial-a-prayer tactics, it still gets the book out there, especially for those authors working under a budget.  Just remember to watch those marketing techniques when promoting a free book.  Too many ads can overload readers and end up turning them away because they feel overloaded by them.  Subtly is usually the best way to go if one chooses to promote their book as a giveaway.

While these sound like fairly solid reasons to explore book giveaway strategies, one must also consider the downside of giving away their literature.  Unquestionably, giving away one’s book does gain a certain amount of exposure, but what are the chances of someone actually reading the book once it’s been downloaded or gotten?

As a society of hoarders, it seems that more and more people are apt to jump on the word free just because it’s listed as free, not because it’s something that they actually want or need.  This sort of need to collect also chances the item ends up lost among dozens of other free materials also collected by the consumer and never even looked at.  By that philosophy, one could wonder if charging at least a dollar for an item ensures it to be at least peeked at because the buyer feels some sort of investment in the material.  Ultimately, giving away a book for promotional reasons in a personal choice, one simply has to remember to weigh the benefits against the negatives of such advertising so they may make an informed and educated decision.

Take the traditional method of print.  Arguably, there is nothing like the feel of the weight of a book in your hands, the feel of turning the pages, and of course the visual library.  You can “dog ear”, wedge placement holders between the pages, and even highlight sections you with to keep.  But let us also not forget what happens to those beautiful pages if they got wet or torn.  Also, the sheer bulk and expense of a good library can be a space buster, especially if you’re the type that enjoys holding onto your books rather than passing them along.

Digital on the other hand, weighs its benefits in volume.  Depending on the amount of storage the device of your choice has to offer, you can have hundreds of materials available nearly anywhere you choose to go.  Its light, effective, and oftentimes much more cost effective as well.  However, not all screens are compatible with different light sources; some versions of the popular iPad for example become an absolute nightmare to read from when used in bright, natural light.  Like its paper counterpart, it is also subject to water damage, but unlike its counterpart can be re-downloaded from an off-site location.  Furthermore, digital media is more accessible, cheaper, and oftentimes, much faster for authors to distribute their work through.

Yet, the larger question remains.  What has the impact of the so-called digital age had on our want and ability to read?

While many would argue a possible decline in the reader’s interest, there is arguably evidence of an altogether different effect these e-readers are having on the future of our reading.  Because the digital material is available in such high volumes for oftentimes much lower prices, coupled with the fact that its portable to an extent where one can carry up to hundreds of articles, novellas, textbooks and other literature all at once, it is possible to consider that digital materials have if anything, helped to re-spark an interest in reading as a whole.  That said, there still is nothing like the nostalgia, and feeling that comes with curling up with a good book.  Whatever you’re reading preference be, the choice is a personal one, so long as we all agree that it’s important that we all keep reading.

The term “over- the-hill” is a frightening prospect for almost everyone at some point in their life.  Honestly, who can blame them either?  In a society where economic climates and longer lifespans have increased the overall age of retirement among the general population, there is still an overwhelming and sometimes biased emphasis on the age.  Whether you are male, female, young or old, as it stands, age at its simplest is only a number.  How you old you feel on the other hand, is a state of mind.

What then constitutes as “over-the-hill”?  Men and women for the most part tend to view this side of life differently based again, on various social constructs which build towards an uneven representation of age, especially in media.  Daily we are bombarded with ads of women who appear barely over the age of twenty-five touting creams to hide “fine-lines” and “wrinkles” that don’t exist, or hair dyes to cover those “pesky grey hairs” which may or may not exist.  Movies, working on the same theme of eternal youth have almost painful habits of presenting women nearing the age of thirty managing some kind of a mid-life crisis where they must choose between work or love before they become too old to experience one or the other.  For men, a grey hair or two makes them distinguished and experienced while wrinkles add character, yet women are taught on a subconscious level to hide their age and even throw in the towel after they reach a certain number in years.

The underlying question remains:  Why can’t we have it all?  There’s no rule book that says a person male or female, has to achieve everything before that magic number, whatever it may be.  True age, is a state of mind.  Take for example, the recently departed Zelda Kaplan, who until the ripe age of 95 dressed up and went out for all night social gatherings in some of the “hottest” nightlife scenes.  So many like her have said “no” to the social constrictions of acting age appropriate and have embraced life to the fullest instead.

Therein lays the challenge.  Whether you are a man or a woman, to embrace life to its fullest one has to look beyond such barriers and push towards their dreams and goals.  Over-the-hill is just a state of mind and some even say that 70 is the new 40.  So, no matter what your age might be, remember one thing.  You are as old or as young as you choose to be.

Blogs also give you more credibility as an author and they make you an expert writer beyond your genre or published portfolio.

Also, blogging simply gives you an opportunity to be read by more people.  If you establish a blog that people follow for your useful or enjoyable content that is easy and a pleasure to read, these blog followers, readers and those who are newly introduced to your blog may one day convert to book sales.

If you are a freelance writer or new to the industry, creating and maintaining a blog is a great way to be noticed as a writer and to establish your portfolio. For established authors, blogging keeps you relevant in the minds of your readers and fans.

So what goes into a good blog?

Here are JUST a few things that I believe every blogger should consider.

•    After fashioning your blog, review it very carefully. Obviously grammatical errors should be eliminated. Above and beyond the obvious, be sure to eliminate redundant patterns of thought. Do not believe that people have 35 minutes to read your blog.

•    Use bullet points when you can; short paragraphs keep your blog moving. Consider changing your blog format during each post to add freshness.

•    Be creative and real about your headlines so your readers know exactly what to expect.

•    Being too formal can turn your blog from a pleasurable read to a real bore. Imagine you are sharing lunch with your reader. Be causal without being silly; be insightful while also being humorous and share personal experiences whenever possible.

•    Select topics that are important to you. However, be sure that others may also embrace it.  Writing about your weekend at the park is considered open content, but it should be done with style, should offer the reader a chance to learn something and maybe even have a few laughs along the way.

•    Another important aspect of blogging is to share interesting blogs of others. I regularly feature a guest blog on my web site in an effort to help promote others the work. Not only will they be inclined to reciprocate, this also demonstrates that you are not the only voice in the world and that you are inspired by the work and insights of others.

In this ever changing world, it’s quite simple: writing and sharing blogs give you increased visibility, which you may be otherwise missing out on if you haven’t yet adapted to the digital content era.

Wishing you a great day of inspiration! Now go start blogging and share that inspiration with others. After all, who doesn’t need to be inspired and given hope?

Wow! What a mission!

In business, knowing your competition is one of your best tools for creating a marketable product and placing yourself at the top of your field. Great doctors constantly read the works of other doctors for new insights into the latest trends, procedures and related news. I consult others for creative ideas for my book marketing, publishing and business decisions. I do this because the world of publishing and marketing has and continues to change and evolve. I want to explore the best options.

As with writing, I may have the blue print, characters, storyline and ability to write based on life experiences and skills that I have acquired over the years; however, to not learn from, be inspired by and actively be engaged in the work of others, I am isolating myself and stifling my ability to grow as a writer.

It’s simple: by reading the works of others, your writing horizon will be expanded dramatically.

When you read the works of others,  your creative mind will  open up to a whole new arena of vocabulary, character development, plot structure, tricks, deceptions, stylization and everything else that we as writers obsess over.

I’m not saying that you should plagiarize the work of others (for that would be professional suicide). However, knowing how other writers accomplished their literary goals will help you accomplish yours.

Writing can be at times a struggle; it can be a frustrating challenge to realize perfection and can drain you of your creative and motivational fuel. Reading, on the other hand, can be and should be a pleasure.  Plus, reading stimulates ideas and language.

Whether you read a sappy romance novel, a thriller or a technical manual, simply exercising your brain is great. It becomes a brain building, vocabulary strengthening and wisdom acquiring exercise that can help your words flow more effectively—perhaps in new and progressive ways you may have never considered before.

With all due respect to those who may not agree, being serious about writing and not about reading is like trying to be creative without wanting to learn how.

We may be the most creative and fabulous writers alive: yet, if we do not attempt to find inspiration from our peers, we will always believe our work is the only work.  Our representation of characters, plots and storylines becomes the only way. The lack of expanding our minds with other’s works may be why we never grow as writers.

We have all heard the mantra that to be a writer you must write. I would like to amend that to say, “To be a writer, you must write and be a voracious reader.”

For others, self promotion is easy and glides through Facebook like a bad virus. For the everyday family member, friend and fellow writer, the multiple postings and unreciprocated feedback can be distracting and downright annoying.

The key to promoting your book on Facebook is to let others do it for you, while you promote the work of others.

The number one rule of Facebook is to be Social, not self-centered. You cannot build meaningful relationships with fans or fellow writers by talking about yourself all the time.

That said, consider these points in regard to promoting literature on Facebook.

Announcements for book releases, awards and other literary achievements should be shared in a modest, yet effective, way. You on the other hand should also share the achievements of others within your network and groups. It’s so much easier for the Facebook audience to respond to a  “suggested reading” or  a “have a look at this new cover art” posting or “take a look at this new book trailer”  share in the form of a third-party endorsement. This represents a trusted friend recommendation, as opposed to a used-car salesman’s approach to self-promotion.

Are you getting the picture here? How many times have you entered a group and saw one random member monopolizing the posting thread with his or her own self promotion and thought,” OMG, he or she is at it again!”

Imagine the power in numbers if we writers took one modest, yet effective, post and shared it with our friends and fellow writers. That is the viral power of Facebook.

Over post about your own achievements and be ignored. Post modestly and at a reasonable and tolerable rate, and be admired. Share postings from others and they in turn will feel gratefully obligated to share yours.

We writers need to be active in promoting one another out of obligation to our industry and our craft, to show that we are socially engaged and interested in our fellow writers. Simply put, sharing and promoting others is what puts the “social” in social networking.

Think about what a pleasure it is to see your latest literary achievement, book cover or posting shared by your fellow Facebook friends. It’s magical!

I am not saying that posting your book sale or promotion is wrong; it is your obligation to get the promotion started. However, do not over post it. Do not assume everyone within your network admires your genre; do not assume that your book is the only literary achievement within your group or network. Put it out there; if it is shared by others, you gain access to other’s networks and potentially more readers who would admire your genre or theme.

Therefore, if we all made it our goal to promote two other posts for every one we posted, think of how much more audience we would all command. So writers, authors, poets and dreamers, let’s promote one another. From the shortest of poems to the longest of novels, from new awards to holiday sales, from children’s illustrations to medical text books, let’s spread the word about one another’s work often.

United we are promoted, divided we stand alone and ignored.

However, there are a lot of people out there in desperate need. Your local food bank could use a donation, for example. Ditto your local animal shelter.

I am still running my charity drive via Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, an organization that helps people living with this illness in all 50 states.

I am also donating ducks again via World Vision. So many people in developing nations have lost their livestock and livelihoods due to flooding. Ducks help solve that problem. They provide eggs for food (and sales) and ducklings can also be sold for extra income.

Perhaps instead of rushing around to big box stores and standing in insane lines for the latest electronic gizmo or game, a smaller sum can be used to provide help to those in need. Just a little food for thought during this season of giving.

About Sharon

Books by internationally published author Sharon E. Cathcart provide discerning readers of essays, fiction and non-fiction with a powerful, truthful literary experience.

A former journalist and newspaper editor, Sharon has been writing for as long as she can remember and generally has at least one work in progress.

Sharon lives with her husband and an assortment of pets in the Silicon Valley, California.

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2962472.Sharon_E_Cathcart