In this episode Chris invites publicity expert Sandra Beckwith to answer a listener's question about the difference between an agent and a publicist and what each does. And do you need either? Links & Show Notes: -The job description of a publicist and how they help authors. Also, what they don't do. When would you want one? -The job description of an agent and how they help authors. Also, when you might want to use one.  -What you can expect to pay and what you'll get. -What to watch out for. -Sandra's tip: do you own research! Links - Click 'em, they're live More information on Sandra and what she does for authors Sandra's blog post on why you should hire a publicist How one author got ripped off and how to avoid it       

Episode 106 - What's the Difference Between and Agent and a Publicist?

The podcast that helps authors make sense of all the social media marketing options out there and gives practical tips on how to sell more books and build loyal fans with social media. Based on award-winning marketer Chris Syme's 20+ years in marketing and bestselling indie author Becca Syme's self-publishing journey,  the show features successful self-published authors and book marketing experts weekly.

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In this episode, Chris and Becca talk about their favorite podcast episodes, what's next, and a very surprising announcement at the end.  Show Notes & Links -Chris and Becca talk about their favorite podcasts, their favorite guests, and encourage new listeners to go back to the beginning and listen to all the episodes. Kinda like binge watching Stranger Things. -Becca talks about her new venture to help authors: The Better-Faster Academy and The Quitcast on YouTube. -Why you should always start off a new venture with a bang. -Why Chris thought the podcast would never get off the ground. -Becca's favorite podcast episodes and guests. -Chris' new venture. -Where the podcast is going from here. Links: -The Quitcast on YouTube -Becca's Better-Faster Academy -Chris' new venture: Women Finishing Well How to contact Chris: -email: chris@cksyme.com -bookmarketing website: cksyme.com -Facebook page: cksyme -Sign up for her free weekly book marketing tips newsletter  

Episode 136 - An Ending You'll Never Forget

In this short ten-minute episode Chris talks about the new book by marketing wise guy Mark Schaeffer titled, Marketing Rebellion - the most human company wins. Schaeffer talks about the importance of adjusting to the new culture of buying: connecting with real humans. The book is filled with stories and data and cutting edge marketing advice. (This is not an affiliate show--I just love this book) Links & Show Notes: 1. Why consumers aren't responding to ads like they used to. 2. The value of long-term strategic marketing over short-term tactics-based marketing. 3. Why career authors need to think of themselves as brands and business owners. 4. The four principles that guide personal brand success:  Accurately define your place. Define a space to tell your story. Create effective content (this is called content marketing). Build an actionable audience.   5. Why all this is important to you. Links: Link to Mark Schaeffer's book, Marketing Rebellion

Episode 135 - Welcome to the Marketing Rebellion

In this episode Chris interviews author and copywriting expert Brian Meeks. Brian, best known for expertise on Amazon ads, has a new book on how to write winning copy that will sell more books. The episode starts with an update on Amazon’s new lockscreen ads. Show Notes & Links: -Are the new lockscreen ads (Amazon) the old product display ads? -Why the goal in copywriting is not the same as in writing a book. -The difference between structure in ad copy and prose writing. -Why using a summary of your book as a description to sell your book is a bad choice. -Why authors hate copywriting and Brian’s solution. -What is a hook and why every piece of copywriting needs one. -Should you put your social proof (Amazon bestseller, USA Today bestseller) in your book description? Links: click ’em, they’re live: Check out Brian’s new book, Mastering Amazon Descriptions, here Brian’s Facebook group page on Mastering Amazon Descriptions here Becca Syme’s new podcast, The Quitcast Becca’s new book, Dear Writer, You Need To Quit

Episode 134 - How Good Copywriting Sells More Books

In this episode Chris interviews Ricardo Fayet, one of the founders of Reedsy, about their new Book Promotions Services data base. This searchable data base helps authors find specific promotions that fit their platform level, their budget, and their goals. Show Notes & Links: -What in the heck is Reedsy? -Sorting through the Book Promotions Services data base by criteria. -How was the Reedsy list curated? -Is a BookBub Featured Deal really worth the investment? -What are the best alternatives to a BookBub Featured Deal? -Why a lack of budget shouldn't stop you from applying for a BookBub Featured Deal. -What is the value of running free promotions? -Ricardo's smarty pants tips: why authors don't need to be doing everything. Links - Click 'em they're live: Reedsy.com website Reedsy Book Promotions Tool 2019 Link to Becca's new nonfiction book (a sneak peek)

Episode 133 - The Best Book Promotion Tool Out There

This reprise of our interview with David Gaughran on his blockbuster book Strangers to Super Fans is part of our Summer Blast From the Past. This show was one of the most downloaded podcasts we've done in three years. You won't want to miss! In this episode, Chris interviews author David Gaughran about his new book, Strangers To Superfans. In the show Chris calls this "possibly the best book marketing book ever," a must-read for authors at every level. Links & Show Notes -Why it's important for authors to understand the "reader's journey" and how that knowledge informs the marketing process. -Why the "Discovery" piece of the journey is the "easiest problem to solve and also the easiest to screw-up." -Why authors need to understand the role that data plays in making marketing decisions. -Why most authors look at marketing their backlist backwards and how to fix it. -Why a smaller, more engaged mailing list is better than a huge disinterested one. -Why you need to pay attention to the production details of your book first: quality of writing, cover, blurb, keywords. Links - Click 'em, they're live Link to David Gaughran's new book, Strangers to Superfans.  Link to sign up for his regular newsletter and receive a free copy of his book, Amazon Decoded.

Episode 106 - What's the Difference Between and Agent and a Publicist?

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