I always get an extra thrill when one of my TARA (Tampa Area Romance Authors) sisters come to the jungle for a guest blog! I’m thrilled to welcome Terri Garey, the creator of the fabulous Nikki Styx series, to our home on the Internet! She’s a generous and kind woman with a wicked sense of humor and a wonderful storyteller’s spirit. And she’s a crack promoter, so she’s the perfect person to talk about book promotion. Please join me in giving Terri a big jungle hello! And read down to the bottom…because that generosity of hers shows in her wonderful giveaway!
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Hi, guys, and thanks for having me today!
Today is Craft Saturday here at Plotmonkeys, and while I could wax poetic over the benefits of an em-dash over an ellipsis, I thought I’d talk about something more practical—the topic of promotion. (Look! I just used an em-dash!)
My first novel (Dead Girls Are Easy) came out in October 2007, and like most authors, I was in a frenzy to do whatever I could to sell some books. I wanted to get my baby into the hands of as many people as I could, as fast as I could. I’d done my homework, had an entire list of things to do promotion-wise, and thought I had a handle on what would work, and what wouldn’t.
I was wrong.
So now, two years later, I’ve come up with a quick list of things I’ve found valuable, and things that weren’t, and thought I’d share them with you.
A website. If you have nothing else, you need a website. This is the age of Google (and Facebook and MySpace and Twitter, etc., etc., etc). You don’t have to be tuned in and turned on to everything, but someone Googles your name and can’t find it, you’ve not only lost a potential reader, but you’ve missed the chance to present yourself as a professional. You don’t have to spend a lot of money or a lot of time, either – at bare minimum, you can set yourself up a very nice site for free through Blogger or WordPress. And yes, I’ve heard the “you don’t need a website until you’re published” idea, and I strongly disagree – I had a website long before I was published, and when my agent and I were discussing representation, she was able to go to my site before she ever talked to me. Don’t fool yourself – if you’re unpublished and an editor or agent is interested, they’re going to Google you!
Bookmarks. An author’s business card. Have them professionally designed (I use Earthly Charms), and make sure they have your ISBN # along with an image of your cover(s). Send them to conference coodinators (RWA conferences are listed monthly in the RWR), leave stacks at local bookstores, hand them out to anyone who likes to read, mail them to readers groups and take them wherever you go. Offer them for free to your readers if they send you a self-addressed, stamped envelope. If you have a series or any type of backlist, include an image of every cover on the same bookmark so your readers to see what they’re missing.
Print Ads. Print ads are one of the most expensive method of promotion, with absolutely no way to measure your return on investment. A full color ad in Romantic Times Magazine, for example, runs from $3475 for a one time ad inside the magazine, and $4,415 for a small ad on the front cover. Full cover ads in the Romance Writers Report are $900.00 for inside front and $1300.00 for the back cover. Plus, you’re going to have to pay someone to design the ad to begin with. Is it worth it? Considering that you need to run repeated, consistent print ads in as many places as possible to make an impression on the average reader, I’m going to give this one a thumbs down.
Online ads and banners: Much cheaper than print ads, and you can usually measure how often you’re being clicked on. In fact, some major networking sites like MySpace and Facebook allow you to design and create your own banner ads, then let you set your monthly fee on a “pay-per-click” basis, meaning you tell them how much you’re willing to pay a month, and the number of times they display your ad will be determined by your budget. You’re also allowed to choose your target audience, as in “if you like that, you might like this” kind of way. I tried this with a MySpace, on a modest monthly budget, and the hits to my website doubled. While I can’t measure those visits in book sales, statistically it follows that if people clicked on the ad, they were interested in what they saw. The more people know about my books, the more I’ll sell. I think I’ll keep doing this one.
Goodies for conferences: It’s so easy to get carried away here, but think before you splurge! Those cute little goodies (nail files, mirrors, buttons, etc.,) add up quickly in price, but odds are they’re going to get thrown in a bag with a bunch of other goodies and quickly forgotten.
Book trailers: Having a trailer done can be very expensive, unless you’re savvy enough to do one yourself. Because I like a challenge, 
I did one for my last book, and posted it everywhere, including Amazon, Barnes&Noble.com and Borders.com (which is something that usually has to go through your publisher to accomplish). Did it help my sales? I have no idea, which is why I didn’t do one with the next book.
Group blogs (like this one): Nothing wrong with cross-promotion, but blogging takes commitment. Choose your group carefully, and be consistent. Developing a name for yourself in blogging takes time.
Booksignings: Every author’s dream, and one that can quickly turn into a nightmare. If you’re going to do booksignings, up your chances of success by sending out invitations to your friends and family, make up fliers and give them to the bookstore owner well in advance of the signing so they can hand them out at the register, and if at all possible, stick with group signings – they’re better attended.
Honestly, I could keep going, but I’ve talked long enough. Bottom line, you can spend tons of money on promotion, so do your best to spend it wisely. If nothing else, I recommend a website and/or blog, and some really nice bookmarks. If you can afford more and want to do it, then by all means, give it your best shot.
Anyone else tried anything they found to be helpful promotion-wise? And readers, what promotion–aside from word-of-mouth, because we know that’s the best–has made you pick up a book you might not have otherwise?
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Terri Garey writes paranormal romance for Avon HarperCollins. A Southern girl with an overactive imagination, she is a two-time RITA finalist and the winner of the 2008 RITA Award for Best First Book, as well as the winner of the 2008 PRISM Award. Visit her on the web at http://www.tgarey.com or http://www.harpercollins.com/TerriGarey.
To celebrate her trek into the jungle, Terri is giving away a copy of her first book in the Nikki Styx series, DEAD GIRLS ARE EASY, along with a custom made bookmark. Comment to win…US residents only (for shipping purposes!)
By all reports, Julie Leto was a sweet child once, somewhat shy, preferring to play quietly in her room making up stories. However, being raised with three brothers in a loud, primarily Italian household did have its influences and Julie discovered her inner tough girl. That’s probably why most of her heroines kick serious butt. Writing sassy heroines has worked out, as she’s sold nearly thirty books to three publishers featuring strong, confident women. Julie lives in Florida with her husband, daughter, spoiled dachshund, enormous guinea pig and a wide range of relatives all within driving distance.
ANOTHER WILD WEDDING NIGHT
Hard to Hold
Love Me If You Dare
Wild For Him
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Welcoome to the Jungle. It was nice to see what seems to wrk and what dosen’t I’m still in the writing my first book process, but am a new Tara member so I hope to meet you soon.
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Hi Michele, and welcome to TARA! It’s a fabulous, supportive group, and you’ll be glad you joined!
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Welcome to the Jungle, Terri! And thanks for sharing great and valuable info!
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Hi, Carly, and thanks for letting me hang out with you guys today! (Your smilie collection is awesome!)
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I’ve never been to a booksigning so I can’t comment to that. Although I hope to make it to Nashville next year. I go to author websites to keep up with what they are writing. Also many blog sites. I’m a collector of bookmarks so I love getting them, and cards. I’m one of those people who enjoy all the small stuff. Pens, pads, that type of things. I also like the calendars that some authors put out that tell you what they have coming out for the year. That way I can watch for them.
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Hi Linda – so nice to see you! I can’t wait to see Nashville this year! Calendars, huh? I’ve never seen one of those, but sounds like a great idea if you have more than one or two releases a year!
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I don’t know why publishers don’t do one that readers can have- showing all the dates of the books coming out that year. Even if someone doesnt’ get it out in time, at least you know what to watch for.
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This would be great, because it would save me so much time in my research of when new books are coming out. Especially since I read all over the board.
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Terri, this is wonderful information, thanks for sharing! See, I really wouldn’t have thought that a website for an unpublished writer would be that important–I’m so glad you’ve pointed out the value on an on-line presence. I imagine that will be my goal for the beginning of 2010, to find someone to design a site.
I am a huge fan of bookmarks. They are so beautiful, take up no space, and are fun to share with friends.
Have a great Saturday! :fallleaf:
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Hi, Gillian! Yes, I harp on the importance of a website every chance I get. :-) Stick your toe in by going to a site like blogger.com and finding out how easy it is to set up a blog.
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Hi Terri! Yes yes yes yes and yes! I’m not a writer – but I agree so much with this post. Author websites are so important. I’ve even blogged about “dos” and “don’ts.” Personally I agree with you about the book trailers too. I’m not a fan of them – never bought a book based on the trailer, and practically have to be forced to watch them. Most people I talk to seem to avoid them and think they’re pointless as well. I’ve asked people who said they like book trailers point blank if one has ever convinced them to buy a book – and never gotten a straight “yes.” But… can’t seem to avoid them these days.
And worse for the promo items – it seems a lot of people who go to conferences etc just toss stuff. One of my favorite promo items, however, was a little compact mirror. From Plotmonkey Janelle, actually. I keep it in my purse – its so handy, and reminds me that I need to keep up with Janelle’s books.
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That’s funny you mention a mirror – the only goodie I keep in my purse from a conference is a mirror, too, so that’s obviously a good promo item. (Vanity thy name is “writer”).
I thought book trailers were a great idea in the beginning, but the market got inundated by them so quickly, and not all were well made. I think after you’ve seen a few bad book trailers, you lose your enthusiasm for them.
There are some really good ones out there, too, of course!
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Hi Terri,
I agree that a website is a must. I’ve heard from several agents about what they look for in an unpublished writer’s website. Custom design doesn’t have to be expensive either. After all, you don’t have 100 books to list, plus excerpts, reviews, behind the scenes info, etc.
Bookmarks – love ‘em. Every book seems to have a bookmark in my house. And if it doesn’t I go to my little Bookmarks bucket and select one. Yes, I have a bookmarks bucket. lol
I think a Press Kit is important. I dislike going to an author’s site and not having information prepared that I can use to help promote the author. I’m usually looking for a brief bio, a photo, review teasers, and a fun fact or two. The bigger your career, the more your press kit can contain, but the things I mentioned are a good starting point I think.
I’ve found ads in RWR to work fairly well. When you buy print advertising you’re not just buying individual sales. You’re buying name recognition. If I see an author’s ad on the front page of RT or the back page of RWR I know they’re a serious author, and honestly, there’s a voice in my head that whispers “that person has made it.” I pay more attention to any author who advertises anywhere. Why? Because they’re putting money behind their book. They believe in their book and they’re willing to put $$ behind it. $$ are different than time spent blogging, visiting readers groups, or attending a conference where you’ll sit with 50 other authors at a book signing.
Online ads – The average internet click through ratio hovers at 1%. So when I buy online ad space I like to know how many impressions my ad gets, not just clicks. Clicks are icing on the cake, a bonus only. If you buy ads with an expectation for clicks, you may be disappointed. The best options, in my opinion, are highly targeted sites in your niche or sites that get so much traffic it doesn’t matter if it’s a niche. Places like google ads, facebook, myspace. I’ve had luck with both.
But, at the end of the day, the very best promotion is something you cannot buy or solicit. Word of mouth. Offering a product that is so wonderful that others talk about it and promote it and recommend it and tell everyone they know to go buy it right this minute… that’s every author’s dream. Or at least it should be. Because it works.
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Excellent point about the psychology behind the ads in the RWR, Alice. Impressions are important, and so is an author’s belief in her work. Remember though, going to conferences is an investment of money, too, so an author has to decide which is the better investment for her at the time – spend $1000 on a one-time ad, or $1000 on a conference. I’m not against ads, I’m just pointing out that conferences are invaluable for networking, craft seminars, and for meeting readers.
Couldn’t agree with you more on the online ads, and love that you have a bookmark bucket! I have one, too!
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It’s not that I think conferences aren’t worth it, it’s that they aren’t a promotional avenue. Writing conferences I mean. The booksigning, yes. Promotional. But when I go to a conference I go to network and to learn. That’s not to say I don’t pick up the promo goodies or think they’re a bad idea. But a conference is multiple things. You go for you, not just to sell another book. If, however you have an opportunity to turn a conference into a sales tool, then it’d be different. Recently attended a conference where an author had big, beautful bags emroidered for all attendees. She also spoke at the conference. These are not disposable bags. I imagine she spent as much on them as a full page ad. Now that’s advertising. She found a way to turn a conference (a for me event) into a sales tool that stands apart from the crowd ( a for my book event).
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I’m always looking for new authors and series to read, count me in!
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oh, you’ll love this series. I haven’t met a person yet that has started it that hasn’t fallen in love with it.
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Ok, so I am not a writer, but a reader and stopped in and stayed because you were here Terri!! I love the Nikki Styx books and can’t wait to read the new one. I actually have to go to the store for it, since i have them in pb and not on my ereader, so I must keep up the collection. I only do that for certain authors now.
Right before I headed here, I did one other thing that you forgot to mention. I read your latest newsletter in my email. I have a seperate email for newsletters so I always have the reminder of when a new book comes out. I don’t always have time to check on all the hundreds of websites that I have bookmarked, but I do read the newsletters. Sometimes I may get a chance to visit the website if there is an interesting contest. I seldom read the snippets of the book that are given though- to me it spoils it.
I like being able to sign up for a newsletter from an author I enjoy. And there are a lot of them. So keeping up on when new books come out isn’t easy, and invariably I miss something. But newsletters do give me a reminder and let me put them on my calendar so I can download or pick them up.
Welcome to the Jungle Terri! I hope we see more of you! And yes, there are some really cool smilies on here!
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Aw, ev, thanks so much for stopping by, and I’m so glad you enjoy the newsletter!
Hope you enjoy Nicki and Joe’s latest adventure!
Yes, there were a lot of topics I could’ve talked about today, including the newsletters and contests. (I love doing the contests – I think I have more fun with them than anyone who enters!)
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Hello Terri,
Welcome to the Jungle! Thanks for the contest. Have a great day.
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I love the Nikki Styx books and can’t wait to read the new one.
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Hi Terri – Welcome to the jungle and thanks for the tips!
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Hi Terri
Welcome to the Jungle. Great tips on promotion especially the On-Line ads and banners at My Space. Thank you for stopping by and have a great day.
Cher :fallleaf:
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Hi, Cher! :turkkey: (I just had to use that smilie!)
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Hi Terri,
I have to admit that thanks to blogs, I have a growing list of new to me authors to try… love finding more and more books and authors to read!!! Have a wonderful Holiday Season!
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Hey, Colleen – yes, it’s easy to get addicted to great blogs like this one, isn’t it? :jive: (Oh, goody! I got to use the Jive Turkey smilie!)
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:thankstable: :thankshappy:
Hi Terri, welcome to the jungle! Thanks for sharing your knowledge on marketing. I personally love visiting websites for my favorite authors. One thing I find to be simple and great for authors are printable bookmarkers. Debbie Macomber offers a new one each yearon her website. Just thought I’d share that.
Have a great weekend everyone.
Talina
Please pass the pumpkin pie!!1
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Hi, Talina! Yes, I’ve seen that on a couple of other author’s websites – a “print your own bookmark” file. I just haven’t figured out how to do that yet. So many different things to try!
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DO NOT ENTER ME IN CONTEST!
I just wanted to comment. Great post on promotion!
I posted it on my blog.
Love & Best Wishes to you & yours,
RKCharron
xoxo
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Hey, RK, nice to see you.
Thanks for the cross-post!
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Welcome to the jungle! That’s some great advice for upcoming authors. I see you’ve been through the ends and outs. I hope someone was there to help you through it all. Thanks!
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Hi Terri,
I’ve found some great authors and books from yahoo group chat’s, and guest blog posts. There is usually great fun facts about the author, with a nice selection of excerpts that give me a good feel for the author’s storytelling.
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Hi, Terry and welcome to the Jungle. Thanks for some great advice. My first book releases next April, so I’m always looking for ideas and discovering the tactics that have worked for other authors. I had a website/blog presence before I first sold and I’m slowly building up a group of regulars who hang out there. Hopefully, word of mouth (the best advertising a writer can have!) will kick in when the book comes out.
The Jungle does have to coolest smilies. I love using them!
:thanksbig:
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Hate to hijack the thread, but what is your new book?
SEE Blogs are great, I just found a new aurhor…now to google. LOL
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:fourturks: Good post. Thanks for visiting with us.
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Awesome post to read! Hope you enjoy your weekend! :jive:
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Hi Terry, great post! Thanks for coming by the Jungle and sharing your promotional tips, they sound like some great ones!
Have a great weekend!!! :thanksbig: :jive: :thanksbig: :jive:
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Websites are definitely a must with a complete back list. I read on average 10 books a week and almost all of them are from blog recommendations or other book sites that offer blurbs and reviews.
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Hi Cybercliper,
Thanks for the affirmation about websites. I think they’re vital.
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Hi, Terri: You provided some some really interesting info. I’m a reader that “buys by author”. I update a “Publication Releases” list, which I keep w/me & check frequently, so I know the release dates of books I want to buy. One thing I frequently discover is that authors do not keep their websites up-to-date w/respect to uncoming releases & excerpts from them. For instance, almost every mo. I buy from eHq.com all Series releases in which I have an interest under its “Upcoming Books’ ordering system, i.e., 1 mo. in advance of release date. I only order once, & so many times the authors’ websites are not up-to-date, &, thus, I don’t include those books. So, updating one’s blog 2 weeks before the release date is not soon enough for me. I’m certainly aware of time limitations on writers, but, for me, this aspect is what makes my decision to buy. I think it’s very important.
(Please don’t include me in the give-away.)
Patricia
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This is an inherent problem with websites, Patricia. We pay someone to set them up, and then we don’t know how to update them, which needs to be done frequently. Blogging relieves this problem, because it’s easier to update your content. If you do pay someone to set up your site, ask them about either setting it up so you can easily change content, or arrange a payment schedule that includes montly updates.
I update my website once a month without fail,(but I’m a former computer geek, and do it myself), and blog as frequently as I have time.
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And I just have to say that I’m very jealous of this smiley :fallleaf: , because we get no fall colors or falling leaves where I live.
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love nikki!
you and nikki rocks!
an love your bookmark
blackroze37@yahoo.com
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Hey, Roze – glad you like the bookmark!
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Hi Terri!!! and HAPPY BIRTHDAY
I don’t have this book yet!
BUT I’m still looking for it.
I LOVE the book marks that authors give out. If I get more than one then I keep one for my collection and pass the others onto friends that I’m sure would be interested in that authors writing. And even some friends that I’m not sure about.
I also like winning books! But then again, who doesn’t? That’s actually how I found out about you and the Nicki Styx series, is I won your book YOU’RE THE ONE I HAUNT from Janice Lynn off of a drawing on eharlequin.
I admit I’m a Googler. If I hear of a new writer,or at least new to me, I will google them to see what they have written and if I’d like their works. If I can’t find them on google, I hope for a hit on amazon where I can get a sneak peak at a book of theirs. If that doesn’t work, they usually get put lower on my list till I have money to spend and the authors that I know and love don’t have a new book coming out. Which doesn’t happen often. I think there were 2 months this year that one of my authors (yes MINE, you all belong to me! *evil laugh* ok, so not really. :) ) didn’t have a book coming out.
I also LOVE anthologies. I know you have to be published to be in one of these, but that’s another way I find new authors. SO if you are an author and you get offered to do an anthology. PLEASE DO!!!!!
Of course there is word of mouth…but you asked us not to mention this one sins it is widely know that it is the best method. Take for instance your latest book SILENT NIGHT, HAUNTED NIGHT I’ve talked about it every where! To the point that some people that read the same blogs I do have commented on it. And said that since I keep raving about it they will have to check it out!
SO, if you haven’t gotten your hands on it yet. You have to check out Terri’s latest book SILENT NIGHT, HAUNTED NIGHT! This book is incredible, awesome and so many other words that I can’t come up with right now that mean awesome and great! I recommend this book to EVERYONE! Even if your not a fan of paranormal, give Terri’s book a try, I’m sure you’ll fall in love with it and with the characters, so much so that you will feel the need to buy all the books in the series! If you do get this urge, don’t forget the Nicki Styx short story in the anthology WEDDINGS FROM HELL. There’s romance, suspense, humor, intrigue, and a sexy devil. No really a sexy devil…you gotta read it to find out more!
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Dorthy, I think I need to hire you as my publicist! :gobbler: Thanks so much for all the kind words – nothing works as well as word of mouth, truly!
Thanks for the birthday wishes, too – I had a great day!
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Terri! I just went to your blog and saw that it is your birthday today! I’m doubly honored that you spent it with us in the jungle!!!
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Yes, Julie – 39 again, what can say?
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Interesting info. The book sounds really interesting!
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Seeing Authors Covers all the time on the computer .makes me wounder if the book is good and I will go to the Authors Page to Check it out and see what the Authors Books are about. :jive:
sasluvbooks(at)yahoo(dot)com
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Hi Terri, I am a little late to the party, but I would also like to send out a ginormous WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE! as well as to wish you a very
. Thank you for swinging with us today. I really loved your blog; it was quite informative, and I really learned some great tips for promo. I am so not good at that. I love bookmarks, newsletters and blogs. This blog is my all time fave because I get to learn so much about four of my favorite authors in this genre. And, I also get to meet new authors like yourself. Thanks again for stopping by.
Peace and love,
Paula R.
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I love your Nikki Styx series I got started reading from a suggestion of a cashier at a bookstore she told me how good they were and she was so right. I think they keep getting better. I love bookmark and have a bunch that I’ve got from authors I also like when they give ink pens. Never been to a book signing would love to go to one but I live in a small town and we only have a little bookstore and Walmart so thats not going to happen. Can’t wait to read your new book.
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The information here is great. I will invite my friends here.
Thanks