April 2012

April is almost over, but I will never forget April 2012 because my book: Clinging To Deceit was released to the public. For those of you who have not yet purchased a copy, you can find it at AuthorHouse, Amazon, and other online booksellers. The price is $14.95 for softcover book, and $4.99 for E-book (electronic book).

You can also purchase an autographed copy for $20.00 by sending a check or money order directly to: ELENA MARTINA, 171 Braham Lane, Suite 10 -204, San Jose, CA 95136 (this includes a signed book, taxes, plus shipping and handling). 

I truly appreciate everyone for buying the book!

ElenaMartina.

P.S. Send questions to: onlyelenamartina@aol.com

==> FIND YOUR OWN WAY==>

Unpublished writers should stop giving advice to published authors. I often hear a few that love to offer their expertise in the world of publishing to anyone who will listen. But, if they have not ventured past the writing stage, why should you bother heeding their (unpublished) point of view?

Unpublished members of the pen club believe they can offer "critical pointers" but it may prove detrimental to your writing progress. Sometimes it is best to pretend to be ignorant about certain things when hearing "advice." It is either that or yelling: "Hey! You shouldn't throw out pointers unless you have tried it yourself."

Listen to and follow published authors in your field. For instance, if you are writing fiction, do not follow a non-fiction author. Pair up with someone who does what you do. You have to choose. Many folks enjoy writing but have not crossed the very thin bridge into the published world (a very critical step).

Ask what sort of publishing they have done. A professional field article? A sports report? A children's book? A "How-To" pamphlet? Whatever they have accomplished, assess it fully to see if it pairs up with your writing style and vision.

By the way.... You will find that an author's One Way is not necessarily the Best Way for you. Every one does things differently and their "stroke of luck" just might not work for you. ~ Strive to find your Own Way.

ElénaMartina, 
Author of Clinging To Deceit, 2012.

...HAPPY LIVING: ONE DAY AT A TIME!

My Happy Living facebook page reached 4,OOO fans early this week. That milestone made me feel just wonderful! Some of you do not know this but the page came out as by-product of the newspaper column I created back in November 2010 when I began to write for the Tri-City Voice.

The name skyrocketed with facebook viewers when I created the page and every day, multiple times a day, I post my own quotes, offer advice, and post daily observations that helps people achieve happiness by simply paying attention to their surroundings. It's that simple.

Well... life isn't really simple but we make it complicated day in, and day out. We forget what happiness is all about and concentrate much more on our problems or other people's drama. It is very easy to be drawn into daily downers at home, at work, at school, at the store, etc. Remaining "down" becomes our way of life and it becomes hard to get out of because we need pity for our "awful" day.

I said, Enough of that! I want to attract happiness not sorrows, then I thought of a good title to go along with my positive thinking... That is how Happy Living: One Day at a Time column and page started because it fits the bill. So  Don't Worry, join my page and Be Happy.

ElenaMartina.

THE AUTOGRAPHED BOOK.

My hand is shaking. Looks as if I have forgotten how to sign my own name. Am I using the correct pen? Should I use blue or black ink? What if I mess it up? Think, please think. Concentrate. Execute. Smile. Give the book to its new owner. Wave.

You might think is silly, but this has happened to me quite a few times already and I am still getting the hang of it. Before I published my novel, I was on the other side of the table, you know, as a reader or a fan watching the author in front of me and looking forward to a signed copy to take home.

The other day I heard that autographed copies of first edition books might have some value in the future... that is if the author becomes famous, right? Well, no one knows for sure who will or will not turn to fame so it might be wise to get a copy. I also heard that having it autographed and dedicated might drop the price down. Oh, the rules...

The business of pre-signing books is good too. Bookstores are required to keep them if not sold. I was given a few "autographed stickers" at Barnes and Noble to place on signed copies. It gives the book a Je ne sais quoi of sorts. I signed 10 books at home and put the rest of the stickers away. The things they think about to make a book more attractive!

By the way, my book Clinging To Deceit is first edition.... Just saying.

ElenaMartina.

How Many Books Should You Order?

How many books should a published author order for himself? More than just a few.

If you only order 10 or 20 books for "just in case" scenarios, that number will likely not be enough. Your mission is to sell-sell-sell and having 10 or 20 copies will not last you very long.

My first Clinging To Deceit order contained 40 copies, but after placing the purchase, I knew it would not be enough. So I called my publisher AuthorHouse back the following week and swiftly ordered another one hundred books.

The first 40 arrived on April 23rd and I managed to sell three autographed copies the very next day! Two orders came through in the mail with checks and I sold the other one to my writing friend Stephanie K. at our weekly meet in Barnes and Noble. She was so excited!

Writers need to start thinking about their creation as a hot product to sell before all the "newness" and publishing "glory" slowly fades away. And when someone asks us to buy our recently published book, we better have one handy.  Sure, we can tell them to search our website, blog, or Facebook page to buy it, but chances are that they will never purchase it once they walk away from us.

ElenaMartina.

REAL TWITTERS.

Other than write and edit, I love to photograph. I tend to take along my Nikon Coolpix P100 everywhere I go. Some great shots have been captured simply by paying attention to what is going on around me.

Birds and flowers are the best subjects to shoot for me. This morning a tall California Jay visited my yard and kept showing off while striking several poses for the camera. Its hollering is not very pleasant that is why I had to check it out. But it makes up for it with a bright blue plumage and a stunning size of about eight inches tall.

Every other month, I look forward to the hard knocking of a Woodpecker searching for a quick meal in the trees, and every single day, I see multiple Sparrows and Finches that circle my two bird feeders. (I also see Squirrels, and a few Crows that I'd rather not see, but...)

So there you have it folks, a writer can write and also "tweet" at the same time.

ElenaMartina.

Promoting and Selling Your Product.

When a book is "hot off the presses," it is crucial to promote it anyway you can. If you are going to wait for an invitation... It might never arrive so you have to be proactive and productive. My public scope is limited, but I am working it long and hard. I talk about it all the time on Facebook where I have 2,219 friends, on this blog with 50+ subscribers (but that many more read).

Last Friday, I did a radio interview where possibly hundreds of listeners tuned in to hear about my book. Last night, I sent a mass email to all my contacts introducing them to my book. But I need more venues to reach larger numbers of readers.

It is fantastic that Clinging To Deceit  comes as a soft cover book and as an electronic book. It is currently available at global booksellers such Amazon and others. That alone helps tremendously in selling as many books as possible. In a week or so, I will be interviewed by two newspapers Santa Clara Weekly and Tri-City Voice, and will do a book launch at a local place (TBA). But all of this takes planning... perseverance... patience... and dedication.

I admit. I need all the help I can receive. I will look at folks who support my endeavor and who lend a hand because in return, I will help them, when their time arrives. I keep serious notes about this.

Another thing is that I need to prepare to speak in front of audiences. I have to learn to be "attractive" "engaging" and even "funny" in order to sell my product. I have spoken in front of many audiences when I was in the public eye, and as Managing Editor of  Acento Latino (a Spanish newspaper co-created with DicksonPress.) One time I spoke at a Chamber of Commerce with 120+ people present but it did not require me to sell anything only introduce the hot of the presses bilingual newspaper I had co-produced.

This time is different... This is my book, my baby, my creation, my focus. It just feels different, you know? Self-published writers need to do a much greater job selling their product as it requires more talent from them. Doing it alone without agents and publicists is very difficult but not impossible.

Authors must be creative in situations they are not comfortable in and market their books one way or another. So, if there is a chance *you* can assist me in buying MY BOOK, please do.

ElenaMartina, Author of Clinging To Deceit.

Book Retail Strategies.

Marketing your novel to internet book giants is a lesson I will never forget. The first day that my book was offered via Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-a-Million, Books Inc. and others, I noticed they priced it at the regular retail price of $15.95. I knew that was not a suggestion but a set price, I also knew that my book was released the prior day.

Still, I could not shake off their ad where they were offering my book as "used." Not only that, the following day my book was selling at a much lower price. I could not understand why. I immediately called my publisher AuthorHouse and demanded an explanation since they worked a book selling arrangement with them.

Who had control over this? Will I get my book royalties at such lower prices? I was distraught. I was then calmly informed, rather educated, in how book retailers do their business. It turns out these giant resellers can sell a book at whatever price they wish and for however many days they wish. Further explanation eased my mind when I was told they do it to sell as many books as possible initially, they want it in the hands of the public, get people talking about it, then they raise the prices to regular retail or even more, if they see fit.

"Will I still receive a royalty from each book sold?" I asked and added, "They seem to be selling it for less than what I can buy it through you, and I am the author!" The representative told me not to worry, that I was going to receive a royalty from each book sold no matter how low they go. I was finally relieved.

So, don't despair nor wonder why your book prices keep changing, these giants know what they are doing!

ElenaMartina.

Talk Radio, Public Readings, and Newspapers Interviews.

Do you know someone who would rather die than attempt to do a speaking engagement, a radio interview, a newspaper article? Some folks can not bear such opportunities because they might have a nervous breakdown manifested in a full panic attack.

What can folks do in such situations? My immediate suggestion is to "bite the bullet," because the less you do to for your book, the less exposure (and sales) it will receive. Even famous -reclusive- writers cannot afford to stay away from the spotlight.

When writers are not prepared and willing to assist their publicist, agent, and publisher, then why are they in the business of authoring a book that hundreds or thousands of people will read? I hope that I am getting through to people with my point.

Ah, and it does not help one bit to be surrounded by "friends" who support those attitudes. I shake my head every time I see it or hear it.

Writing and publishing a book is not a game. It is a serious business. Readers and fans want to talk to authors, listen to what they have to say, have a picture taken with them, have their book autographed, ask them questions. Granted, most readers buy many books and might never wish to get to know or speak to those authors.... but some do. And this number is not small.

The ideal scenario for folks scared to face "reality" is that their fabulous book will sell itself. Now, how realistic is that... It is not only illogical but incomprehensible. Writers who have the guts to do all above mentioned succeed in this business. Of course, when some only aim to sell 40-50 books, then their wish will come true.

Once a serious writer understands that writing and publishing a book does not stop there, they find themselves facing their fears, and positively overcoming them.

ElenaMartina.

The Back Cover.

The front and back of any book are very important. Clinging To Deceits back cover, for instance, includes a great endorsement, the book's teaser, and a short bio with a current picture of me.

Let me tell you about these four:
1) Book Endorsement: The President of the California Writers Club showed his support by writing a formidable foreword. I was thrilled to hear from him in a timely manner before the novel went to the printers. Writers are encouraged to send their complete manuscript to others for possible endorsements. I chose five people who I knew could give me their honest opinion, and perhaps an endorsement.
Person No.1, A TV personality; who surprisingly did not respond to my request at all, but wished me the best after the book came out. Person No.2, A published author; with four books under his belt answered me and said he would be happy to do it. Astonishingly, 17 days later, he never even read chapter one and consequently failed to keep his word. Person No.3, The California Writers Club President, came through for me with flying colors. I was really appreciative for his time and effort! Persons No.4 & 5 were actually never sent a manuscript so I cannot blame nor thank them for anything. The reason I never asked was because I was certain the first three folks were good for it. What a lesson that was!

2) Book's Teaser: My publisher asked me to write a brief summary of the story (teaser). It describes the main characters and their themes in only two paragraphs. Space is limited so I had to be very concise.

3) Author's Bio: A short biographical brief about myself. It is hard to describe yourself in third person, but that is just the way it is done. I said where I was from, where I went to school and my previous writing ventures. Key words such as countries, locations, schools, professions, etc. are extremely good for connecting with readers.

4) Author's Photo: I have had two professional glamor shots done beforehand but since I colored my hair recently I thought that I should present my current look and quickly had a photo taken in my dining room!

Other items may be displayed on back covers and it is your prerogative (when self-published) to chose what to put on there. Just remember: the cover is how you connect with your readers!

ElenaMartina.

"How to FINALLY Self-Publish Your Book!"

I sincerely want to help other writers achieve their publishing dreams.

My book Clinging To Deceit, was finally published last week! and as busy as I am right now with promotion and marketing, I've decided to put together a class that will show other writers how to do it. I've titled it: "How to FINALLY Self-Publish Your Book!"

Self-publishing is a lot of work and I'm glad to have done it. Tons of writers opt to do it themselves because the dream of getting an agent to sell their book to big publishers is relatively low.  Don't get me wrong, it still happens, but not to the extend we all wish it would.

My class will illuminate the ins-and-outs of self-publishing when using a self-publish company. Why deal with every issue when these companies have it all worked out for you? That's what I said when I approached the subject on my own. There is nothing more exhausting and time consuming than doing the work all by yourself.

These companies have every detail worked out. From custom full color covers and interior designs, to providing you with an ISBN number, to online book distribution. Do not be afraid of venturing into self-publishing. Lately, it looks like everyone is doing it!

ElenaMartina.

Changing Your Life's Blueprint.

This week, I attended the 2012 National Achievers Congress where 16 millionaire entrepreneurs spoke to an audience of 3,000+ people. Three billionaire moguls: Anthony Robbins, Robert Kiyosaki, and Donald Trump were keynote speakers.

The reason I found myself spending $375.00 for this 3-day event was not solely to see Tony, Robert, and "The Donald," but to make a drastic change in my personal life, and business mindset.

In life, I've been fortunate to be the captain of my ship and able to accomplish personal goals that I have set forth for myself. My latest goal was to write and publish a book, and that has now been achieved. I don't know what the future holds, but I was willing to admit that I needed a fresh way to look at things. So, when I learned about the event, I didn't hesitate and signed up. I already knew what I was going to receive because I was READY.

The very first speaker was my favorite: Tony Robbins. He gave everyone five solid hours of full fledged energy boosters along with common sense segments. His main advice was about changing our current blueprint (specially if it's not working) and strive to become better people in order to achiever our dreams. I could have simply left the event after him. I felt that I got my edge back, but decided to stay for the rest.

Robert Kiyosaki taught me key tips to remain successful in any business, and to surround myself with successful people in my line of work. Donald Trump shared valuable tips in business and in relationships. His common sense approach in dealing with people was useful mainly because he advice us not to lie to ourselves about people that surround us. The entire event was great and I feel like I've gained so much!

Many times it takes successful people to speak about common sense, and logic, for us to pay attention.


ElenaMartina.

My Number One Book.

Clinging To Deceit, by Eléna Martina.

It is a very exciting time when a writer publishes their first book. The comparison is as close (to me) as having and raising my first born. Bear with me as I review the similarities. The initial elation of knowing that you are going to be a mom (book author status) -thrilling!, the growing pains (body of the book, chapters), the subsequent labor pains (book and text interior design), and then, the time to enjoy the baby (the book in its final form).

Crazy comparison, eh? Well, those experiences are as close as I can demonstrate my feelings about authoring a book. And of course, who can forget what comes next! A lifetime of caring (marketing), educating (book promotion), and the final empty nest (when your book stops selling, yikes!).

Nobody can accuse me of not having a vivid imagination! But seriously, publishing a book is not always fun times as we must deal with critics (positive and negative ones). Oh yes, and our lovely readers, the people we depend on for survival and notoriety.

As long as our books sell we are very happy. Even with negative criticism or low sales, authors are confident people simply because they made their dream come true... That of being a Published Author.

ElenaMartina

P.S.1 My book has a Facebook page, Clinging To Deceit. 

P.S.2 To purchase a book, please visit www.AuthorHouse.com and type: Clinging To Deceit, on the search box, or ISBN: 9781468558159 ($14.95) - E-Book's ISBN: 9781468558166 ($4.99)