Web Design/Development: Author Web Designs By Tara
Monday, June 23, 2008 at 11:14AM As many of you already know, I am a web designer and developer. Currently I'm managing Author Web Designs By Tara (www.authorwebdesignsbytara.com), however, I've designed to merge my web design/development skills with my marketing house. I'm pleased and excited to be adding in my web portfolio to Siren Projects website, and I am currently offering several Newsletter Design & Send packages.
Take a look around Siren Projects as I add to the web portfolio this week.
Thanks!
The Importance of E-Newsletters
Tuesday, June 10, 2008 at 03:08PM 
HIGH STAKES newsletter for Lisa JacksonThe topic of electronic newsletters sent out by authors to their readers & fans keeps coming up with my clients. I have a handful of clients who send them out to coincide with their latest release. Another handful of clients don't want to send newsletters, as they feel they are bothering their readers.
RIVALS FOR THE CROWN newsletter for Kathleen GivensI can't stress enough how important emailing out a MONTHLY electronic newlsetter to your readers is. As a reader, I personally love knowing what my favorite authors have been doing and working on. Even if they don't have a new release, I like to be in touch. I like to know when I can expect their next book, what they are struggling with while writing, how their family is, you name it, I want to read it. As a promoter, an electronic newsletter is key to bringing readers back to your website time and time again. While they are there, they might purchase your book, or even better, put purchase links to your in-print books within the newsletter. Do not underestimate this powerful tool to reach your readers. Give them the option to forward the email, opt-out if they want to, or print it off.
BEFORE THE STORM newsletter for Diane ChamberlainAre you an author? Send in a comment and let me know your thoughts on electronic newsletters.
Are you a reader? Send in a comment and let me know if you like receiving author newsletters.
Tara
Go-like-crazy publicist!
Thursday, February 21, 2008 at 05:44PM I have no idea why I am so lucky. I work with the most AMAZING authors. Perhaps it is because I feel I can only be matched well with authors who are open-minded, creative,but also have qualities of kindnest. Such as the case of Shirley Tallman who is wildly talented. She may by the Agatha Cristie of our time!
I have to say that I loved Shirley's latest blog post. It definitely stroked the ego ;-) but most importantly it let me know that I was doing my job. At times, I admit I'm afraid I'm pushing my clients too much. But the end results are amazing.
Here is an excerpt from her blog:
"Since hiring my go-like-crazy publicist, I feel like a prize race horse is pulling my wagon, whip cracking over my head. This fireball is making me work my bootie-buns off! Six, seven, eight emails in one day! This woman’s mind just doesn’t quit. Ideas pour out of her like an oversized sieve. Most unsettling, at least for my pride, is they’re all really good ideas!"
Read the full entry here!
http://www.shirleytallman.com/blog/2008/02/online-publicity.cfm
The Romance Book Club!
Tuesday, February 12, 2008 at 07:11PM Well, I am so excited! I've relaunched The Romance Book Club (www.theromancebookclub.com). I plan to spend a lot of time working on this website, featuring the books and authors that I love. I hope you all will participate. Soon I will be launching the sister site, The Mystery Book Club.
Reading continues to be my great passion in life. I hope you will join me in meeting new friends and escaping with some great fiction.
Tara
Tara's Straight Talk Tips For Authors (Part I) - How To Be A First Class Act
Wednesday, December 5, 2007 at 12:05PM I know you probably remember your parents reminding you to say your "please" and "thank yous". The same applies to how an author should deal with ALL online venues. Since many of your promotions are online, and you do not have that face to face contact, you must be extra careful how you treat people and organizations. Your author reputation is important and these are the movers and shakers of promotion on the net. You don't want to burn bridges and you want to keep things professional and courteous at all times. Here are some tips to keep in mind when dealing with review sites, promotional sites, and anyone you correspond with via the web:
Tara's Straight Talk Tips For Authors (Part I) - How To Be a First Class Act
- Remember to say thank you, whether they are updating a free listing of your bio or book on their website
- Use polite wording when requesting minor review error changes, and remember to say please. Everything takes time and you want to be sure what you are requesting is done and done correctly.
- Never place blame on the promotional venue if a "human error" occurs, give them time to correct it in a timely fashion - mistakes happen
- Never treat a promotional venue as if they are your employee -- they aren't, they are your colleague
- Don't be a tyrant ;-) Don't bark orders but make requests politely and clearly
- Don't approach a promotional website and say you are on a budget. Choose what works for you, and don't have unrealistic expectations. You aren't obligated to purchase anything and you can always try to negotiate the terms.
- Don't book promotions and then cancel at the last minute. Remember to give adequate and proper notice. These online promotional venues might have turned down other business for you or be counting on your payment
- If you agree to send a book, a contest prize, or promotional content, be sure to do it in a timely fashion
- Never threaten legal action lightly - you'd be surprised how many authors without a lot of experience with dealing with online venues bring out the big guns when something goes wrong. Don't threaten someone unless you really mean it. Try first to give the venue a chance to fulfill their obligations in a satisfactory manner
As always, please post a comment or question to my blog. I'd be happy to answer you.
Tara