Going Viral - Every Writer's Dream

The publishing business has never been easy to break into, but in this brave new world of independent, digital on-line publishing, the business of writing is suddenly wide open.

With so many players in the game today, how do independent authors get their books noticed on a national and an international level?

First, write a great book; next, promote it; then, hope it goes viral on the net. Word-of-mouth sells novels. Blog it and flog it. Sounds easy, doesn't it? Try it sometime!

That's why I love articles like the New York Times story that I've linked below. Vintage Books is about to publish a trilogy that has been described by some critics as "mommy porn."

50 Shades of Grey has sold like crazy as an ebook on the net and garnered the attention of main stream publishing. The author recently inked a seven figure contact, and the publisher is creating a buzz in the book world - I hope it's more than just hype.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/10/business/media/an-erotic-novel-50-shades-of-grey-goes-viral-with-women.html?pagewanted=2&hp

Free Radio Booking Service for Authors

My publisher for Zug Island - Wheatmark.com - recommended a free internet radio booking service named radioguestlist.com which has worked quite well for me . Once registered with them, they send out daily listings of radio talk shows looking for interesting guests. A writer can simply look down the listings and choose a show that specializes in his/her area of expertise. I've contacted four stations, three with positive results and another I'm waiting to hear from.

On Monday night, I was interviewed on a Harlem radio show - Beefstewradio.com - which I have run as a link below. I also have bookings on "Sayinitplain.com" in February and on the "Hollis Chapman Show" in May. My website and blog helped me seal these deals, so I recommend that you have an engaging electronic platform. It is your 24/7 billboard and calling card.

Independent authors can use this service to get media exposure and advertise their books and future writing projects. Local advertising isn't cheap - this media service gives you national and international exposure for free! Give it a try.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/beefstewradio/2012/01/24/interview-with-author-gregory-a-fournier

Talk Radio - Why Not?

Looking through a newsletter from my publisher, Wheatmark.com, I discovered a free radio booking resource called Radio Guest List. Once you sign-in with them, they send out a daily listing of radio outlets requesting guests to interview for a wide range of topics.

Depending on the program's target audience, they are looking for authors, musicians, lifestyle commentators, financial planners, and "experts" in many areas. This website simply lists stations that need on-air talent. Once you find a request for a quest spot that is in your area of expertise, you contact their booking agent. That's it!

If they are interested, they will email you back to make arrangements. Within a week, I have been booked for two interviews to discuss my novel - Zug Island - one is for a show called Beef Stew, and the other is for a program named Sayin It Plain.

Other than readers, what new authors desperately need are publicity and exposure. This website provides both for free. Take advantage of it. Good luck!

www.radioguestlist.com