You Didn’t Know That?

I was reading an article in one of the trade publications for the public relations industry – PR Week –and I wondered aloud why it featured such basic tips on blogging, a subject any PR pro should know well. I think the article shows that if practitioners of publicity are missing some basic knowledge or perspective about something like blogs then we must realize individual authors and even book publicists at the publishing houses don’t necessarily ‘know it all.’

That is okay. We should not assume anyone knows everything and even the few who know a little about a lot lack depth in a lot of things. And of those in the know, not all have the time or ability to convert what they know into productive action steps. So don’t feel bad if you are floundering with your book publicity or book marketing. You are not alone.

I would suggest you rethink what you believe you know. It never hurts to learn more and figure out some new tricks. I would also suggest you consider hiring an expert to help you in areas that are your weak links, freeing you up to excel at what you do best and at what you enjoy doing. Take time to evaluate your weak points and look to solidify them now. Otherwise you will be reading another article about something you should know how to do.

Interview With Author  Lori Verni-Fogarsi

1.      What is your newest book about? My novel, "Momnesia" was released this March. It's about an unconventional suburban mom who, struggling between her "momminess" and her "sexiness," diagnoses herself with Momnesia and sets about finessing a new version of her old vivaciousness. She has some adventures along the way, but it isn't until she tosses the Invisible Rule Book altogether that she discovers life--and love--have more to offer than she ever imagined!

2.      What inspired you to write it? When I read women's fiction, some of the aspects I enjoy most include the sense of feeling understood, having something in common with the character, feeling inspired, and some humor is nice too. I went through a time in my own life when I experienced "Momnesia"... I was so consumed with caring for my family, my career, and other responsibilities, I'd forgotten about my Self. I think this concept of finding balance is one that many women can relate to, and I hope my readers enjoy the same feelings when they read my work as I experience when I pick up a good book.

3.      What are you doing to market and promote it? My marketing campaign has been widespread, ranging from segments geared toward libraries and bookstores, to developing relationships with book clubs and women's groups, and much more. One of the most effective and fun things I do is throw occasional Momnesia Parties, which attract a lot of fun people. Of course, I'm very active in social media and I've executed a multifaceted Internet marketing campaign and blog tour. I intend to focus more on these avenues with the release of "Gramnesia" in spring, 2013.

4.      What are the rewards and challenges of writing? Some of the rewards include making my own schedule, the good feeling when I receive positive reviews and nice feedback from readers, and knowing that I've brought pleasure and inspiration to many. Without question, the two greatest challenges I've experienced have been equally difficult to come to terms with. One is breaking through the "guards" of the industry, trying to gain publicity from notable sources without already being a New York Times Bestselling Author. The second? Accepting the fact that because my novel is written in the first person, each and every reader assumes that the whole story is my actual real life!

5.      Any advice to a struggling writer? Just go ahead and write your book. Don't worry about what you're going to do with it later. I've had so many people say to me, "I'd love to write a book but I have no idea how I'll get it published." My response is, "If you don't write it, it can never be published." My other piece of advice is that I don't care how great a writer, editor, or proofreader you may be, you need to use the services of a professional editor. And I don't mean your spouse or your sister--not even if they're an editor. I mean an impartial professional who is going to tell you when your story stalls, praise you when it sings, and not be afraid to identify a chapter that needs to be chopped.

6.      Where do you see book publishing heading? Obviously, there's a huge movement toward self-publishing, which I think is great. I think talented writers have tired of trying to jump through hoops of fire to try and land a big publishing house, and readers are becoming tired of being fed the same small selection from the "surefire" authors the big houses tend to put out. However, I also think self-publishing has some growing up to do, and the industry (meaning authors, bookstores, libraries and the readers themselves) are going to have to create some standards to help identify the talented authors with clean manuscripts and skillful storytelling, from the crowds who are pumping out unedited "books" every month as if it were a get-rich-quick scheme. I think we're at a turning point right now and I look forward to seeing some progress made in this direction.

Lori Verni-Fogarsi is the author of the hot new novel, "Momnesia." She has been a freelance writer, columnist, journalist, and seminar speaker for 15+ years, and has authored one nonfiction book, "Everything You Need to Know About House Training Puppies and Adult Dogs," which has been widely acclaimed in its genre. Lori is a happily married mom of two, step mom of two more, and has two cats, both rotten. She invites you to learn more at www.LoriTheAuthor.com and join her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/LoriTheAuthor

Brian Feinblum’s views, opinions, and ideas expressed in this blog are his alone and not that of his employer, the nation’s largest book promoter. You can follow him on Twitter @theprexpert and email him at brianfeinblum@gmail.com. He feels more important when discussed in the third-person.