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Blog: An Awfully Big Blog Adventure (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
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Today is the first launch day of the "the writers who are bloggers who think they are fashionable and who are also starting to post book reviews about great children's books"! Yes I know....we thought it was too long too. So we did what any respectable group would do, we came up with a name! Oh yeah and our very own logo! Even a short book review policy (wow now we are an official group!)
We are the: Bookanistas: Books are the New Black!
Who are the Bookanistas?
We are a group of writers - in various stages of the publishing process – who have decided to band together and review the special books of our peers. This fashionable badge represents our group (club/gang/posse/secret society/peeps/the cool table).
How and what do we review?
The Bookanistas review any children's books but focus mainly on YA and middle grade (yes middle grade too! shocker!) We – as fellow writers – have decided to only post positive reviews, therefore, only reviewing the book we LOVE. No negative reviews here!
Yes that's right! We Bookanistas give nothing but love!!!!
When do we post reviews?
Starting today, we will post reviews every Thursday on various book topics– upcoming ARCs, books we love, diamonds in the rough, classics, and even, cover reviews.
Come join us on Thursdays and you can be be fashionable too. Because we think books are the best accessory!
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Sarwat Chadda's Dark Goddess (sequel to Devil's Kiss!)
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Hi Sarwat! Thanks for joining us today. Can you tell me a little about yourself?
Oh, I’ve been writing serious for about five years and my book DEVIL’S KISS is out here in sunny Britain and will be out in even sunnier USA 1st September (this photo is the US cover) .
It’s about a fifteen year-old girl, Billi SanGreal. She’s a recruit into what remains of the Knights Templar, a secret society of demon killers. I love Gothic horror and medieval history, especially the Crusades period. Though set in modern London my stories are a mixture of all those things, basically monsters, religion and sword fights.
I found my agent, Sarah Davies at Greenhouse Literary, through entering a writing competition. It’s a fantastic way of avoiding the slush-pile scenario, so do look bear comps in mind if you’re keen to break in. Plus it gives you an idea if you’re ready or not since a lot of these comps will include honourable mentions and runners-up.
Do you/your agency/your house have a website/blog? When did you start
it and who manages it?
I manage my own website, sort of. I also have a blog in there that I started as a bit of fun a year ago, but have recently really gotten into it. It’s mainly me rambling on about writing and getting stopped at airports. My UK publisher has also set up a website for Devil's Kiss.
In your opinion , what are the top 3 things every author should and
must do to promote their book?
1) Okay, if you’re a kids’ author you really should visit schools. It’s not just good publicity but I think it helps remind you of what you’re doing. However much you think you remember your childhood, you don’t (especially if you’re my age).
2) Tours are something publishers organise and may seem a bit overwhelming, but just do your best to enjoy them, rather than dread them. They really aren’t that bad and audiences are humans too.
3) Websites go without saying, not sure about blogs. I can understand how they might end up being a chore. No-one forcing you into this job, so do make sure you remember to have fun. Even if you don’t become a blockbuster, being a writer is about loving what you do.
Did you think about marketing before your book was published? Did you
start prior to getting an agent or selling your book? If so, when and what
did you do?
There was never a formal marketing strategy because I think we were all caught a bit by surprise when the book went to auction the way it did. Therefore, I’ve spent the last year desperately playing catch up. I’m having to find out about the publishing industry very quickly.
Meanwhile I’m concentrating on writing, which should always be the priority, don’t you think?
However, marketing is hugely important and there are some writers out there that have built awesome fan-bases over the Internet. Maybe it’s a generational thing but I’m a bit old fashioned about this. I really enjoy the school visits side of things so will probably build my marketing around those and the school visits are really best once the book is out.
What other advice do you have for authors/writers regarding marketing?
Mold the marketing to suit you, rather than try and copy someone else’s strategy. If your strength is face to face and mixing it up with an audience, do that. If you’re a great blogger and write entertaining blogs and die at the idea of standing in front of a crowd, focus on the Internet stuff instead.
But remember, you can be taught. If you want to do audience work, so go on a public speaking course. Or learn website design. Play to your strengths. That’s the best way to enjoy marketing, which otherwise can feel a bit like a chore.
Do you have a formal marketing plan or is your marketing more random?
If not, why? Would you like to?
My marketing’s pretty random right now because I’m trying a few different things and haven’t quite decided what works best for me. This’ll carry on for a bit longer then in the fall I intend to be a bit more organised. I recently did my first writing workshop and that was fun. It was centred around why The Devil Wears Prada is the same plot as The Godfather. It’s all smart suits and power. Now I know I can make that work and enjoy doing it, I’ll do a few more.
What creative things have you done to promote a book?
I love role-playing so wanted to get the audience to participate whenever I do an event. I’ve got a few props so we get a few kids up to act out a scene they themselves make up. It’s usually pretty gruesome, but very funny. It keeps you on your toes too since you never know what they’re going to come up with and somehow you’ve got to help them turn it into a semi-coherent scene.
How did you market yourself to agents/editors before you were published?
I didn’t. Let’s not forget this is about the book. The book must stand alone. My background is in construction, so I knew nobody in publishing at all. I only joined writers groups AFTER I had an agent and book deal. I think people might believe that there’s some secret trick to getting published. There isn’t. Learn how to write. Write a great story. Agents and publishers are DESPERATE to find great new novels. Be charming, funny, approachable and clever all you want at agent parties and signings and publisher events. It’ll all help BUT only once you have a great book to sell.
I believe the marketing will be built around that. Not the other way around.
Thank you for joining us today!
Thanks Shelli.
Great review. I haven't heard of this series but will add them to my list. I'm so glad you're only going to be positive. And I heard you designed the logo. It's awesome.
If you need any more reviewers, please let me know. I was reviewing for Pretty Little YA Books, but that site is now defunct. I've got a bunch of reviews already written that were never posted and get tons of ARCs at my job.
Should I read this...check check and check!
Thanks for all the details on this book! The Bookanistas are off to an awesome start :)
Thanks for this. I just downloaded Devil's Kiss onto my nook, so Im sure I'll be eagerly awaiting January 2011!
Yep, sounds pretty stinking awesome. Thanks for pointing it out Shelli! :)
The first one was fantastic, so I can't wait to read this one too!
This sounds soooo great! I can't wait to get my hands on it!
I am so super proud to be part of the Bookanistas launch!!! So exciting and TOTAL goose bumps!
xoxo -- Hilary
LOVE this idea!
Sounds like a terrific book - thanks for the tip! :)
Great review, Shelli. Everyone is doing a great job on their reviews!
人生是故事的創造與遺忘。............................................................
人生是故事的創造與遺忘。............................................................
ooo I love that cool cover! Great review :)
So you're saying you liked the book...? ;) I have never heard of the author or his first book, so thanks for the review! Now I can read Devil's Kiss without going crazy waiting for the next in the series. Have a great weekend!
Fancy may kill or cure...................................................
與其期盼別人疼你,不如自己疼自己。..................................................