Authors in today’s competitive publishing climate must be creative in how they market a self-published book. Book tours are a great way to connect with readers, but not necessarily the most affordable method of promotion. However, technology opens up an attractive alternative.
Take note from self-publishing Outskirts Press author, Linda Naomi Katz, who is taking her latest book, Surviving Mental Illness, on tour – a virtual book tour. She will be featured on several blogs over the weeks and months ahead so keep your eyes peeled to learn more about her and her book.
Linda was kind enough to answer a few questions as the tour was getting started so that we can give you a sneak peek into the mind of the creator of Surviving Mental Illness.
OP: Tell us a little bit about Surviving Mental Illness. What is it about?
LNK: It is about how I overcame the heartbreaks and challenges of bipolar disorder and making my way back toward recovery. It also provides general information about mental illness, valuable tips on treatment and medication, and lists resources and organizations that help those with mental illness.
OP: Why did you decide to write this story?
LNK: It helps break through the fear and stigma that is associated with mental illness. Also, if I can help one person with mental illness by telling my own story, I consider it a mitzvah, a good deed.
OP: What types of readers would be interested in this story?
LNK: People with mental illness, organizations in the mental health sector, such as National Alliance for Mentally Ill, NYS Office of Mental Health, Mental Health Association of NYC, National Institute for Mental Health, etc. Also, those who are psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and others who treat people with a mental illness. Also, Jewish organizations within the community, such as synagogues, Jewish community centers like the Queens Jewish Community Council, YMCA/YWHAs, etc., since this a book written by someone who is Jewish.
OP: What is special about your book? What differentiates it from other books in the same category?
LNK: It’s special because I tell my life’s story directly from the heart.
OP: Have you published any other books? Do you plan to publish more?
LNK: Surviving Mental Illness is my first book. In the future, I might want to write a children’s book on mental illness, but for right now I want to concentrate on promoting this book.
OP: Thanks for your time, Linda! We look forward to learning more about you as you visit other bloggers!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Linda Naomi Katz born on March 21, 1969, by the name of Linda Naomi Baron, raised as a modern orthodox Jew, where mental illness has been a factor throughout most of her life. Through the years she was faced with challenges that were difficult to overcome, but has been working hard to achieve recovery. As part of her recovery from mental illness, she became active in the mental health field. Linda is a member with the National Alliance for Mentally Ill and has published articles in New York City Voices, a newspaper that helps fight against stigma and other issues pertaining to mental illness. Soon after, she found employment working for agencies that help others with mental illness reach their goals and dreams. Today, Linda is happily married, a college graduate, and continues her work as a mental health advocate. Linda lives in Flushing, NY. Surviving Mental Illness is her first book.
For more information or to contact the author, visit www.outskirtspress.com/survivingmentalillness
This author purchased the Virtual Book Tour marketing option, which allows self-publishing authors to connect with bloggers and harness the power of the blogosphere by taking their book on the “virtual road.” Learn more about this service by visiting your Publishing Center and reviewing the available marketing options.
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