For many self-publishing authors, it can be a challenge to come up with creative ways to market a self-published book. While book tours are a great way to connect with readers, they may not be cost-effective, especially if you want to reach a nationwide audience. However, technology makes it possible for authors to reach a larger audience, without all of the costly travel.
Take note from self-publishing Outskirts Press author, Marina Polukhina, who is taking her latest book, Confession or Miracles Happen, on tour – a virtual book tour, that is. 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.
Luckily for us, Marina 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 Confession or Miracles Happen.
OP: Tell us a little bit about Confession or Miracles Happen. What is it about?
MP: The book is about 25 years in hell. It is about a woman, who had to go through a lot of pain, abuse, depression and even suicide attempt, who was struggling and suffering for years until God gave her another chance. She discovered herself, came back stronger and wiser. She shared her story with the rest of the world to give hope, to change people’s lives.
OP: Why did you decide to write this story?
MP: I have never planned to write a book. But after what happened to me, after I lost almost everything to suicide, I remembered something I’d learned many years ago, when I was taking psychology classes. I decided to write down everything happened to me before and after suicide attempt. This is how my 5 years healing began. I wrote a few pages, felt better. In a few months wrote more, felt empty and stopped. Came back to my story in 2 years, wrote more and stopped again because felt like I went through the same emotions one more time. It took me a year to recover, so that to keep writing and finally finish my story.
Back then I already knew that I wanted to share my tragedy with others, I wanted my story to be read (I have never read anything like my own story before), I wanted to help those who needed help.
OP: What types of readers would be interested in this story?
MP: Ordinary people; those who are in tough situations, stressed, depressed; who feels lost, who is thinking about ending their lives.
OP: What is special about your book? What differentiates it from other books in the same category?
MP: Frankly, I do not know my book’s category. It is not self-help, not just memoir, not family/relationship category. It is all the above or something different. I shared my inner thoughts and feelings, honestly told what was going on with me and what happened to my family before and after suicide attempt. I told my story like I would talk to the close friend whom I haven’t seen for a long time.
OP: Have you published any other books? Do you plan to publish more?
MP: On July 14th I lost my dog. Hamlet, the Papillon was only 9 years old. He died of heart attack. Actually he had heart attack, and after that his heart stopped beating 4 times. The 4th was the last. I wrote and published myself on CreateSpace a book for children Dogwood Final Destination, which I dedicated to my favorite doggy boy son Hamlet.
I will keep writing and hopefully publishing.
OP: Thanks for your time, Marina! We look forward to learning more about you as you visit other bloggers!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Marina Polukhina (maiden name Granova) was born on March 26th 1966 in Leningrad, USSR (Saint Petersburg, Russia). She finished High School with extensive learning of English in 1983. In 1985 she graduated technical college. In 1986 completed “State Courses” of British English. In 1987 Marina got married; and in 1988 her daughter Arina was born. When Arina was 5,5 years old her parents got a divorce. Marina worked in Medical Genetic Center of St.-Petersburg till March 1st 2003. On March 21st Marina together with her 15 years old daughter Arina moved to the USA. Marina got married on May 16th 2003. Lives together with her husband in Maryland.
.
.
For more information or to contact the author, visit www.outskirtspress.com/confession
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.
Are you an author looking for help to market your self-published book?
