News

Does a new author need a publicist?

If you read the websites of the PR specialists, they say you can’t afford to NOT have one. But, of course, what are they going to say? There are only so many marketing dollars available to all of us, and in these tough economic times, even less than usual. So, do you spend your hard earned dollars on a publicist or do you do try to do your own publicizing?

And if you do hire a publicist, how do you chose one? Of course, referral by someone you trust is probably the best way to go, but when you’re new to the industry you may not know anyone who can make that referral. And then there’s their area of expertise. Do you hire someone who is an expert in internet marketing or brick and mortar? Both would, of course, be ideal if you can find it. But if they do both, do they know both? Or are they spreading themselves too thin and not giving anything?

I have spoken to several authors who have had bad experiences with publicists, mostly the same complaint, “It was a waste of money.” I’m not suggesting this is a fact. I’m sure there are plenty of authors, novice and experienced, who have had success with their publicist. So, what does the new novelist do? Does one do his or her own promoting? I’m sure you’re all familiar with the saying, “An attorney who represents himself has a fool for a client.” That is certainly true in the legal field, but does it apply here? I’m just askin’. www.teresaburrell.com

Get In Line



So, I wrote the book, The Advocate. Then I rewrote the book. Then I rewrote the book again…and again…and again. I finally found a publisher willing to take a chance on me and guess what? She had me rewrite it again. But I’ve got to tell you, this process is great fun, every step more exciting than the one before. Look at that book cover….It’s gorgeous! And here is a description about the story. I’ll give you a minute to read it….

For Sabre Orin Brown, life is good; she has it all…or would have, if only she could solve the mysterious disappearance of her brother. The search for her brother and her career as a juvenile court attorney collide when she defends a nine-year-old whose father will go to any length to obtain custody.

Sabre finds herself immersed in a case with too many unanswered questions. Her quest for the truth takes her coast to coast and five years into the past. Confronted with mysterious clues and strange occurrences, Sabre is threatened by someone wanting to make her suffer the unbearable anguish of losing everything—including her life.

As Sabre’s passion to find the answers intensifies, she discovers a twisted history of desperation, deceit, and revenge. And she discovers how obscure and treacherous the truth can be.

…See, isn’t that just the coolest? Makes you want to read the whole thing, right?

My head is spinning with news from my publisher. Right now, I’m thinking the only thing better than writing books is marketing books. We’re planning all these exciting things: speaking engagements, charity events, races, book launches, press releases, and other promotional activities that are brand new to me. I have no clue what I’m doing half of the time. I’m blogging, and twittering, and facebooking, and linking in, and linking on, and learning, learning, learning. Sheer excitement is carrying me through the process and I’m smiling like a Cheshire cat all the way.

The Advocate will be released in August 2009. Yes, I said August 2009! That’s just around the corner. So, you might want to get in line now at your local bookstore to make sure you get a copy.

It’s Just Mind “Bloggling”

I recently signed a book contract with Echelon Press Publishing. My legal drama, The Advocate, will be released late this summer or early fall.

Since I now have a book contract for The Advocate, I was told I should start blogging. So this is my first attempt at this incredible new communication system. This stuff still boggles, or should I say “bloggles,” my mind. But then I’m still amazed every time I fly, that those gigantic metal birds can stay up in the sky. I’m also impressed with robotic vacuum cleaners, cars that park themselves, and microwave ovens. So, you see, it doesn’t take much to impress me or “bloggle” my mind.

Once I get through this initial stage of figuring out how this all works, learn the mechanics, and get comfortable with the process, hopefully, I will come up with something intelligent or at least interesting to blog about. Meanwhile, if you want more information about my exciting new novel, The Advocate, (I keep saying the title because I just like seeing it in print.) please check out my website at https://www.teresaburrell.com.