Getting Ready for a Book Signing

Today I'm getting my promotional items ready for a book signing event this Saturday, July 18, 2015.

 Oregon Writers Fair

10 am - 6 pm

Adult and Teen Challenge

31700 Fayetteville Dr. 

Shedd, Oregon

 Some authors pack up their books, a pen, and a bookmark or two and head to a signing.

Unfortunately my giving personality won't allow me to do something so easy. Oh no! I have to make labels with my books and promo for water bottles. I made the labels in Publisher, then made them a JPG and added them to a word page. Using a paper cutter, I cut them in strips and used clear package tape to adhere the labels to the bottles.  I just have to make sure the bottles don't set in water and they should hold up. I'll see if I can find a short, aluminum looking tub to put them in on my table.


Another promo item I've made before is a small booklet with the first chapter of each of my mystery books.

I used publisher to make two booklets per page. That gets more items for a better price. There are the chapters, a cover and back cover with information about the mystery series, my website and Windtree Press. I sent the pdf of the booklet to Staples. They printed, cut the pages in half, stapled, and folded the booklets. All I had to do was sign them, put them in a clear envelope along with bookmarks and a caramel(Shandra Higheagle's favorite flavor).

 I also made signs to put on my book displays and signs with prices. I have a banner with my website header, table cloth, bookmarks, and extra candy.

Yes, I can't just walk into a signing with books and a pen. I have to make sure everyone who stops by my table goes away with something that has my website on it whether they buy a book or not. The back of my Volkswagon Sportwagon is full! Now to find room for my clothes!

Do you like to get freebies at book signings?

Friday Five- Promotion

Last night I was the speaker at my local writers group. My topic was Promotion 101. I gave suggestions on places you can promote. While not all the places get you the biggest bang for your time, they all can draw in potential readers. Here are my five main things I think work.

1) Website- You need this for book stores (when you are setting up book signings) to give to agents and editors you submit too, to give to conference coordinators if you wish to speak at conferences and to lure in readers. This is your resume, your bio, and your ad campaign all wrapped into one element.

2) Blog- I believe in blogging. I spend a lot of time not only on mine but other people's to promote my name. And by guest blogging I hit a new audience each time I visit another blog and when I invite others to post on my blog I am bringing in a new audience with their readers.

3) Join chat groups. I'm on quite a few, but I don't 'chat' on them every day. I skim maybe comment back to someone I know and leave promo e-mails for my stuff. But I still keep a small presence. It is the best way to put information out to readers about what I am doing.

4) Ask to do author promo day son review sites and chat sites. This is where the review sited keeps your interview up for a month or you have the whole day to chat with others about your books and you.

5) Blog Talk Radio- I don't know how many people listen to blog talk radio, but it is an experience that is helpful for any type of interview you may come across about your book. It's less intimidating because it is done by phone, but you still have to think quick on your feet.

And those are the five things I feel help you with promotion that are the simplest and cost the least amount of money.

Any authors out there have some they would like to share? Or your feelings on these?

Wednesday Promo - Misc.

I haven't scrounged up too much info for today. I still have company and am finding it hard just to squeeze in some time to work on my writing let alone dig around and find authors to promote.

I do know Elisabeth Naughton has a book release party tonight at the Blue Pepper internet cafe in downtown Salem, OR from 6-9 pm. I wish I could be there but I have to cross the mountain pass and we've had some weird weather here the last few days.

I'll be at a couple chats this month and will start e-mailing authors to see who wants to blog here on Wednesdays to promote themselves and their books.

If you still want to vote for Outlaw in Petticoats at Love Western Romances for 2008 Best Western Romance I won't stop you.

Anyone who reads this blog and would like to blog on a Wednesday, contact me.

Friday Five- Bonus day!

First off- I'm blogging about my horse, Bud, over at Nicole McCaffrey's today, so hop over and learn about my 1200 pound puppy!

My Friday Five- I read Agent Jessica Faust's blog regularly. I like the things she says about the business and agents. On Wednesday, she wrote about an author questionnaire some publishers send out to help them with marketing and promotion of an author or book. She listed the questions that she felt would also help an author, any author, in their planning and writing stages. These are questions that will make it easier for you to talk to others about your book when promoting.

Here are all nine:
• What are the main points about you and/or the book that should be emphasized to the media?
• Who do you think will buy your book (i.e., your market)?
• If you could construct an interview for yourself, what questions would you want to be asked? Can you come up with about 5 to 10 questions and answers for this self-interview?
• Are there any anniversaries, occasions or events upcoming to which we might tie the publicity for your book?
• Is there any competition for your book? How are the other books alike? How are they dissimilar?
• What was your inspiration for the book?
• Who are your favorite authors?
• Tell us anything about you as a working writer that you think might be interesting or unusual.
• What do you hope readers will learn/discover from reading your book?

It's easy to see how knowing the answers to these questions would help you better promote your book and your knowledge of the industry. Thank you Jessica for once again, broadening my knowledge!

Friday Five- Internet Promotion Presence

YEEHAW! The DH headed to Elk camp this morning!! If I didn't have a list a mile long of things to do BESIDES writing, I'd be dancing a jig! But I do plan to get as many writing hours in as I can. I want this latest project done! The characters from the next Halsey brother book have been haunting me. They are ready to jump onto the paper, and I can't unleash them just yet.

I had grand hopes of unveiling a new format on this blog today, but I have two little glitches I'm trying to work out. I'm hoping by Monday to roll out the new look.

It is kind of ironic that I was asked by the Willamette Writers organization to put together an article on how to do a virtual tour (a member noticed, on my website, the list of places I've been this month promoting the release of Outlaw in Petticoats ) Then last night at the local writer's meeting our speaker, George Byran Wright, talked about Marketing Strategies. And one of the things he stressed was an Internet presence. So here is a list of ways to make an internet presence when marketing your work.

1) Website: spread the word about the website through friends, colleagues
2) Attempt to link website to book letters, blogs, and other internet sources
3) Have an e-mail newsletter
4) Revise and update website on a regular basis
5) Create a professional press release and send it to websites that promote books like yours

Wednesday Promo- Helen Hardt

I met Helen Hardt this past summer at RWA Nationals and not only found a friend but a wonderful writer. Here is the blurb for her recently released Scarlet debut rosette at The Wild Rose Press, "Seduced in Seoul".


The last thing Allison Sanchez expects when she arrives in Seoul is the Asian god waiting for her at the airport. Right away it's obvious he can't understand a word she says. But body language is universal, and Allison soon casts aside her inhibitions in favor of engaging in one of her secret fantasies with the hot chauffeur. Talking dirty during sex takes Allison to an all new high until she discovers her exotic lover is only half Korean--and her brother's American roommate.


"Seduced in Seoul" has been a bestseller in Scarlet Rose for over two months, and it's one of the highest rated short stories for TWRP at Fictionwise. She recently won first place in the Spicy Category of the Colorado Romance Writers Heart of the Rockies Contest, and her ms was requested by the final judge. She also won both second and third place in the short contemporary category of the same contest, with two of her contemporary western romances.

Award-winning author Helen Hardt grew up in Ohio, and attended college in Minnesota. She met her husband when she moved to Colorado to attend law school. They married and stayed in Colorado to raise a family. Their two sons are now teenagers. Helen is a member of Romance Writers of America and Colorado Romance Writers. Her non-writing interests include Harley rides with her husband, attending her sons' sports and music performances, traveling, and Taekwondo (she's a first degree blackbelt.)

If you like HOT reads, this is for you!

Wednesday Promo- not much

I've put out feelers that I'm looking for other authors to let me know when their stuff is coming out to promote on this blog on Wednesdays. So far I've had one person contact me and she wants to wait until her release dates, so you get the same old stuff about me.

I blogged on the RWA chapter blog on Monday- Yesterday I dropped off posters to the book store where I have my book signing on November 7th. I need to get posters to the other book store for the signing on the 8th.

The local writer's group- Central Oregon Writers Guild, is hosting their Fall Literary Harvest this Friday, October 17th in Redmond at the Comfort Suites. Local writers submitted work that was judged and ten people will be reading their work on Friday night.

Next Tuesday I'm blogging on the Cactus Rose blog. My topic is Cowboy Cussin'. I've been researching the topic looking for new and different ways for my heroes to express themselves. ;)

And don't forget you can get your name in the running for a SONY eReader from The Wild Rose Press if you purchase one of my books or one of the books of the long list of authors from the TWRP. Check out the website and click on the Win Me! on the home page to find out more.

Wednesday Promo

Today I'm promoting two authors who have very different styles, voices, and genres, but both write great characters and fun reads.

Lauri Robinson's fifth book, Shotgun Bride; Book one of the Quinter Brides will be out November 14th in ebook through The Wild Rose Press. If you haven't read any of Lauri's books you're in for a treat. Her historical western romances are fun, with quirky secondary characters, main chracters you want to cheer for, and a touch of intrigue. She writes sweet stories that capture your heart.

Elisabeth Naughton's debut novel will be out December 30th. Stolen Fury is the first book of a Romantic Suspense trilogy being published by Dorchester. Elisabeth's characters are snarky and the stories are edgy. Her stories make you hold on to the edge of your seat to not only find out the who did what, but to see if the hero and heroine really will have a happy ever after.




And lest you forgot. ;) The second book in my Halsey brother series, Outlaw in Petticoats will be out in print November 7th. This historical western romance has humor, unconditional love, and conniving outlaws.

Wednesday Promo- Author spotlight

All this month I'm the spotlight author at Love Western Romance. Carol and Karyna have put together an awesome website for lovers of western romance. Please stop by and see what I have to say and check out all the other western authors promoted at the site.

Also, today is the official start up date for the Cactus Rose blog. This is a blog for Cactus Rose authors (historical western romance) to talk about things they've learned while researching for books and to talk about their books. There have already been some great topics covered and I can't wait to read more!

Also a fellow Hearts Through History member, Caroline Fyffe has started up a blog all about horses. It's a must for anyone writing anything that has a horse in it.

Wednesday promo- SONY ebook Reader

The second round of the SONY eReader contest kicked off yesterday at my publisher, The Wild Rose Press.

If you check out the website and click on the SONY eReader picture
that says WIN ME you'll find all the details but basically the rules
are easy; purchase any story from any of the participating authors
listed on the web site and you can enter to win a FREE eReader. Last
quarter's winner was Dianne Miley and she received a gorgeous dark
blue reader with a flash drive full of information from the authors
and a free book of her choice.

The contest began September 22 and will continue until Tuesday, December
16 when they will announce the winner in the Tuesday night chat. You don't have to be at the chat to win. Anyone is eligible to participate except TWRP staff members.

If you purchase several stories, you are eligible to send in several
emails to enter. Simply send an email to
SONYREADER@thewildrosepress.com and include your name, the date of
the purchase and the order number. You can do this even if you
bought it at a distributor, simply indicate where and when you bought
the title and the order number so we can verify you did purchase the
story.

Any questions, Martha (martha@thewildrosepress.com).

Here is the list of authors participating. Remember if you purchase one of their books you can enter to win the eReader! And look who is participating???? Me! So if you purchase an ebook or a print book, send the info to the above e-mail address and you could be a lucky winner!

Jean Adams
Kim Amburn
Clare Austin
Clover Autrey
Carol Braswell
Sharon Buchbinder
Anne Carrole
Lynda Coker
Wendy Davy
Tabitha Gibson
Devon Gray
D.K. Harper
Cierra James
Paty Jager
Jennifer Johnson
Sylvia Kaye
Dayana Knight
Renee Knowles
Sharon Lanergan
Liana Laverntz
Hywela Lyn
Cara Marsi
Bess McBride
Lily Rose Moon
Skyhe Moncrief
Beth Morrow
E.G. Parsons
Victoria Pitts-Caine
Amber Polo
Sky Purington
Rynee Raines
Judith Rochelle
Jocelyn Saint James
Jan Scarbrough
Tarah Scott
Susan Shay
Patti Shenberger
Robin Shope
Linda Swift
Margaret Tanner
Sara Thacker
Pam Thibodeaux
Deborah Tompkins
M.K. Trent
Beth Trissel
Shereen Vedam
Lisa Wells
Anne Whitfield
Sandy Wickersham-McWhorter

Patrice Wilton
Michelle Witvliet

Wednesday promo

First thing- if you like historical western romance take a peek at the new blog set up for the Cactus authors at The Wild Rose Press. We talk about our books, how we do research and what triggers our stories.

Second- at my RWA (Romance Writers of America) chapter meeting last night, Lisa Catto showed us how to use My Space and Facebook to promote ourselves. I don't have a My Space account and don't plan on getting one, but if you have facebook, you can friend me. I'm not sure when I'll have the time to add some of the cool features she suggested, but I do plan on trying to make it more of a "free" promotional tool.

Third- I'm blogging at Helen's Heroes on Monday, September 22nd. Hop over see what I have to say and leave a comment.

Fourth- I'm working on a newsletter to hopefully go out by the end of the month.

Wednesday Promo

This week has been easier to work on promotion stuff than write. The five grandchildren that were here have left. However, I've acquired two more. While my daughters were good about keeping the kids busy or quiet for a few hours so could write, my son usually takes off leaving me in charge of a 5 year old and a three year old. they don't require constant vigilance, but I still can't get deep into writing after they wake up, so I've been working on promo stuff.

I've scheduled a book signing for November 8th at Camalli Books, in Bend OR. The second Halsey Brother book, "Outlaw in Petticoats" is being released in print on November 7th.

I'm also scheduled to teach a workshop to my online RWA Historical chapter (Hearts Through History) the second week of September.

I won't be online next week as we'll be at our other property sowing fall grain.

Wednesday Promo- Talk Radio

In June, I participated in a blog talk radio show with Regan on the Air. I have no clue if it upped my sales since I haven't received any numbers from that time period yet. But it was free advertising and it was a good way to work on my PR skills.

At the RWA conference in San Francisco, I met Renee Bernard. We happened to both be sitting in a large room waiting for the workshop "From Midlist Hell to Lead Title Heaven". The ironic thing- no one ever showed up to teach the class. Those of us sitting in there waiting felt like they were showing us exactly what midlist hell was like! LOL

Anyway, I met Renee, who happens to host a blog talk radio show, "Canned Laughter and Coffee with Renee Bernard". Again, this is free advertising so I've signed up to do the November 4th show since Outlaw in Petticoats will be out in print November 7th. You can see all the blog talk shows at: www.blogtalkradio.com And after the show, I can put the talk up on my website for all to hear.

Do you ever listen to blog talk radio? Does it seem like a silly thing to do or one more 'free' possibility to reach one more person who might purchase a book?

Promo Wednesday

Who came up with Wednesday as being a promo day anyway? LOL

Let's see... I'll be at RWA Nationals next week in San Francisco. I'm excited, nervous, and a little stressed. I'm not a fan of large crowds- hence our property in an area where the closest neighbor is 1/2 mile and the town is made up of the post office and one manufactured home. But I'm going to be tough and chatty and get to know more people. If by chance you are going to be at the conference please snag me and say "hi" or better yet participate in one of the following happenings at the conference.

1) I'm teaching a workshop Wednesday at the Historical conference in the Marriott at 11:10 am "Wild West Characters". I have free books and goodies to the people who ask questions.

2) Wednesday night I'll be set up as one of the signing authors at the Literacy book signing from 5:30- 8:00 pm.

3) Thursday morning, I'll be on a panel of historical authors at the Hearts Through History general meeting/breakfast.

That's the promo info I have for today.

I believe I have internet access at the hotel (I better for the price I'm paying) . If so, I'll try to post while I'm at the conference.

Anyone out there have any good news or if you're a writer anything you'd like to post in comments or have me post here on a Wednesday? If you're a writer and would like me to post your promotion items e-mail me at: patyjage@patyjager.com

Promo Wednesday

Not much happening in the promo department here. I've slowed down on the big push of promoting Outlaw in Petticoats. The next big push will be when it comes out in print in November. Right now I'm gearing up for RWA Nationals at the end of the month. I'm blasting out pages on the WIP so I can pitch it and have it ready to go if an agent or editor wants to see it. I'm working on my pitches. Glad my RWA chapter is having a pitch meeting next week. I can use help and practice giving my pitch.

I found out I give my workshop at the Historical Conference the Wednesday of Nationals in the morning. Which means I'll help with the literacy signing set up in the afternoon. That first day I have a pretty busy schedule!

I received a print copy of my critique partner, Nicole McCaffrey's book "The Model Man" autographed by her and I can't wait to read it again. This is a feel good, sexy read that you want to read over and over again. IF you don't have a copy you need to get one! You can download it electronically here or buy it in print here.

Another author friend has been raking in the good reviews for her two latest published works. Lauri Robinson's short story "An Unbelievable Journey" and her novel, "A Wife For Big John" are two feel good, funny reads. You can find these at The Wild Rose Press.

Anyone else have any exciting news?

Glad That's Done

I survived my marathon promo weekend! The Petticoats and Pistols Blog went well. Lots of comments and some good publicity, I think. And the Blog Radio Interview went well, considering the interviewer was using a cell phone and cut out on me several times and I didn't know what she was saying. LOL But a friend who listened said I sounded professional, I hope that doesn't mean stuffy!LOL When they send me the URL to listen to the interview, I'll post it here and on my website.

Speaking of website- if you haven't entered the June contest, hop over and do. It's fun this month and I already have two winners! But everyone who gives me a correct answer is a winner this month!

Last week I didn't get any writing done. It was all promotion and getting other things done- I'm hoping to make up for the lack of writing this week. But we'll see, I also have to get the presentation done for the Nationals! It's putting together the Power Point. I'm having a hard time finding Free photos that are clear enough and look good. ~sigh~

Hope everyone has a productive week! What do you have planned?

Wednesday- Promo Day

Sorry there wasn't a blog on Monday. We went to Princeton and didn't get home as early as expected. We have company this week. My dad. And I had to go over the mountain to my RWA meeting last night. So the beginning of the week was busy.

But I have some great stuff coming up this weekend! I'm guest blogging at Petticoats and Pistols and I'll be "on Air" with Regan on the Air on Sunday, June 22nd at 2PM PST. The number to call to ask a question is 1-347-324-5063 or you can listen to the interview at: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/

Next Friday the 27th, I'm hosting a guest blogger, Mirella Patzer. She'll be talking about writing and her new books Blood Castle and Italian Medieval.

Wednesday- Promo Day

Today I am chatting with fellow Wild Rose Press authors at Coffee Time Romance - this month is Cowboy month at my publisher. We are promoting the both western lines- Cactus Rose (historical westerns) and Yellow Rose (contemporary westerns). Since I fit in both lines with my historicals and "Perfectly Good Nanny" in the Yellow line, I get to do lots!

Also go to the Wild Rose Press Website and enter the cowboy slang contest at the Yellow Rose page and check out the new serie the Cactus line is starting. Earth Songs- Native American love stories.

And tonight I am the guest author at Romance Book Junction. I'll be there chatting from 5-6 PM PST and 8-9 EST. At the RBJ chat I'll be giving away a T-shirt with my book cover from Outlaw in Petticoats and a pdf of Outlaw in Petticoats. So stop by and ask a question and I'll drop your name in the hat.

Then on Thursday, I'll be chatting all day at Brenda Williamson Romance Party. and on Monday the 16th, I'll be at Kwips and Krits chatting it up. As you can see this is my big promo month for Outlaw in Petticoats.

And don't forget on June 27th, I'll have a guest blogger here. Her name is Mirella Patzer and she will be talking about her book, "Bloodcastle Castle" a medieval story set in Italy.

That's what is in store for me this week. How is your week going? Anything exciting happening with you?

Monday, Monday!

Gray and gloomy again today! Sheesh! We had gorgeous weather half of Saturday and all day Sunday, but today, we're back to cloudy skies that look like they would like to down pour!

I've shifted gears from the western historical series to a contemporary western. It's the book that has been calling to me, and I've decided with some nudging from writer friends to go with the book that is swirling in my head. Don't fear, the series wasn't the Halsey brother books! I'm working up the fourth book as well as working on the contemporary.

I'll be chatting at Coffetime on Wednesday- day and I'm the featured author at Romance Book Junction Wednesday evening 5 PM PST and 8 PM EST. Then I'll be all day at Brenda Williamson Romance Party. So this is busy promotion week. Stop by one of the chats if you can.

What are your plans for the week? Are you having typical summer weather in your neck of the woods or has it been cool and wet as well?

Promo Day!

So far the sun is shining! We have had unusually wet and depressing weather. In fact my dh who usually doesn't complain about the weather has been.

There is a lot going on at Wild Rose Press this month and all of it good stuff! They are promoting both the lines I have books in. Yellow Rose and Cactus Rose. Yellow Rose has a cowboy trivia contest going on so stop by and check that out. Then in the Cactus Rose line they started a new series called Earth Songs for Native American love stories 40K and under. And they have a new contest going where you can win a Sony E-Reader! So stop by and check all those out and my latest release Outlaw in Petticoats. Oh, and they have free reads! Romances 2500 words or less for free written by their authors. So you can get a taste of a line or author before you purchase their books.

One of my writing friends, Lauri Robinson, has her miniature rose(short) story, An Unbelievable Journey, available at Wild Rose Press. It is a time travel. The heroine is from contemporary times and is transported to 1880's Nebraska. It is funny, warm, and a delight.

My CP from way back has her contemporary "Model Man" our in print. This is a witty, fun, and HOT read. So check out "Model Man" by Nicole McCaffrey.

One of my RWA chapter mates received a three book deal from Dorchester and her first book "Stolen Fury" will be out the end of the Year. So watch for Elizabeth Naughton's book in the Romantic Suspense section of your local book store.

I'll be on an all day chat at Love Romance Books this Friday. Outlaw in Petticoats will be featured at allromanceebooks all next week and I'll be the featured author at a Romance Book Junction chat on Wednesday, June 11th and at an all day chat the next day at Brenda Williamson's Romance Party.

And that's only the beginning of the month! I have lots of promotion gigs all month long! So this month is going to fly by!

What do you have planned for the month of June? Anything exciting? Trips, vegging, I'd love to hear.