Tag: Sally Shields

Guest Post

GUEST POST: 3 questions on Media and PR, and 3 fabulous answers from our “in-the-know” Author Sally Shields

This Guest Post was provided by Sally Shields, Outskirts Press Personal Marketing Assistant and published author of The Daugher-in-Law Rules and The Collaborator Rules. 

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Q: Okay, so what is the #1 secret for getting PR? 

A: Be Timely, and have a great Hook!  Here are two examples of how I got booked by being timely:  I was able to successfully use the #1 secret to getting PR by being timely– and got 2 immediate bookings.

First I was quoted in MomLogic.com (which is an offshoot of AOL Living) with this pitch during the primaries: 

Joe Biden’s Mother-in-Law Dies


How to Make Peace with Your Mother-in-Law, Before it’s Too Late! 

… and got booked on the nationally syndicated, The Daily Buzz with this one: 

October 26th is Mother-in-Law Day — How To Turn Your Mother-in-Law From Your Biggest Critic into Your #1 Fan in 3 Simple Steps!

I was able to get booked on Fox & Friends with this tweaked pitch: 


Barack Obama’s Mother-in-Law to Move into White House — How to Create a Lifetime of Peace With Your In-Laws!

So, try to have fun with it! You can set up a google alert with your keywords at www.google.com/alerts. For example, I have an alert with the keyword, “Mother in Law.” That way, I’ll be alerted to any breaking news story and can try to  creatively tailor my pitch so that I can be timely and present myself as a great source to the media! 

Q: You say that there are 2 ways to submit a media release. What are they, and to whom do you submit them? 

A: They are…

a) The Mass Media Approach in which you write one document and send it out to dozens, hundreds, even thousands of media at one time. Consists of a one page release and can be sent out through a free service such as Wireless Flash at (619) 220-8590 or  http://prfree.com  

b) The Custom Tailored Approach – in which you choose a publication or show that you want to give you publicity.  You study the kinds of things they like to cover and you send  them a personalized letter/email suggesting a particular story or show they could do around you as the expert. 

For example of the “Custom Tailored Approach,”  check out the next question and answer!!! 

Q: You say that there is a certain way to approach the media. How did you get in Star Magazine, for Example? 

A: Approach them in a fun, friendly way.  Here’s an example of what I sent to a Star Magazine editor:  

Dear Christina, 

Hi there! I absolutely LOVE your column and read the Hotsheet religiously. In fact, it is the first page I turn to when my mag arrives on Wednesday afternoon!  BTW, those Gracienne boots are to DIE for! You always pick out the BEST stuff––I am your biggest fan! (Of course, Fergie, Rachel and Kate would look good in army boots!) I wanted to suggest a cool new item for you – it’s called, The Daughter-in-Law Rules!  My vision is to inspire more harmony among mothers and daughters–in-law by teaching brides and wives the art of making friends with their husband’s mother.  This book is important for two  reasons; one, it helps  raise money for the National Breast Cancer Foundation, and two, it saves marriages. I thought that this book might be a great fit for your guide around Mother’s Day, as 55% of women surveyed have expressed a measure of tension with their future in-laws, especially during pregnancy, and after the baby arrives. I believe The Daughter-in-Law Rules will make a helpful book for moms of all ages!  Please note rule #22: Let Your Husband Be the One to Pick Out Gifts For Your MIL (Star Magazine is prominently featured) and Rules #13, 43, and 97 mention celebrities Pierce Brosnan, Daniel Craig, Sheryl Crow and Brad Pitt respectively. Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness and consideration in taking a look at my book, and I very much look forward to our continuing correspondence. 

With gratitude and appreciation,

Sally

And as a special guerrilla-marketing tactic, I attached a collage that I made, of me dreaming about my book on the Hot Sheet page of Star Magazine.

The results?…

As well, the number one thing that producers want to know, is that you’ve watched their show or read their publication. Nothing bothers them more  than an off-target pitch.

So, make sure to spend some time watching their show. Make reference to something they’ve covered, and how much you love their work. And make sure that if you’re pitching a book on dogs that do tricks, that you’re not contacting Downhill Ski Magazine! You get the idea!!!

Author Spotlight

Self Publishing Author Spotlight: Sally Shields

 

Sally Shields is an award-winning pianist, composer, speaker, author and radio personality. Co-host of the exciting new BlogTalkRadio show, “Blurb!” Shields is a frequent contributor to various magazines, and has been featured in Star Magazine, Obvious, My Day, Girlfriendz, For the Bride and many others. Endorsed by Dr. Laura Schlessinger and Martha Stewart, she has appeared on Fox and Friends, and  is a repeat guest on the nationally syndicated The Daily Buzz with her Wedding Showers #1 Amazon.com bestseller, THE DAUGHTER-IN-LAW RULES!  Winner of the 17th annual Great American Jazz Piano Competition, she performs, speaks and gives workshops worldwide, and her music is currently featured on the ABC TV daytime drama All My Children. While not traveling and performing, she lives at home in New York City with her husband and two children.

 

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The Daughter-in-Law Rules
by Sally Shields

Skip the Linens, Fancy Crystal, and Fine China—The Daughter-in-Law Rules by Sally Shields is the Best Wedding Gift Money Can Buy!

Your mother-in-law is coming! As your husband announces that his mother is due to arrive in a couple of hours, your hands sweat and your heart begins to palpitate as you quickly try to neaten and straighten the house to perfection. Help! Can you possibly live up to her standards? Will anything you do be to her satisfaction? Why does the mother of your beloved always cause such fear and trepidation?

Sound familiar? Millions of women have strained or outright hostile relationships with their “MIL” (mother-in-law). But does it have to be that way? Absolutely not! Author Sally Shields comes to the rescue with a delightful and witty book on how to deal with the other woman in your husband’s life––his mom. “Although my own relationship with my mother-in-law got off to a rocky start,” says Sally, “by implementing the devices outlined in The Daughter-in-Law Rules, we now enjoy a special bond.”

Sally knew she needed to take matters into her own hands and change the dynamic with her MIL for the better, or risk her relationship with her husband. So she started jotting down every bothersome incident, misunderstanding, and irritating encounter and created a rule and a solution for each and every one of them. The Daughter-in-Law Rules covers everything from unwanted advice on childrearing to everyday household matters. It is chockfull of real-life situations and scenarios and how to deal with them all with grace and humor.

“The point of The Daughter-in-Law Rules is to help you stay one step ahead of your mother-in-law,” says Sally. With a little effort and patience, every new wife will be able to coexist peacefully with her mother-in-law.

 

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The Collaborator Rules
by Sally Shields

What does it require to be successful in any relationship? In The Collaborator Rules, Sally Shields spells out exactly how to identify the co-author of your dreams.

In this delightful new offering, many nuggets of wisdom will help anyone be a more effective collaborator. Chock full of great advice, The Collaborator Rules can make the difference between your writing partner becoming a trusted friend or mortal foe.

Laced with humor, these strategies combine wisdom with a light-hearted, humorous and entertaining style. Funny, insightful and full of great tips, The Collaborator Rules will make your next collaboration a successful and fun endeavor!

 

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Marketing Options, Testimonials

Self-Publishing Author Testimonial: Grady P. Brown

Successfully marketing a book can be a lot of work. A Personal Marketing Assistant is ideal for authors who want marketing assistance that is personal and specific. The Outskirts Press Personal Marketing Assistant is available to work with authors to promote your book in accordance with your plan and goals.The Personal Marketing Assistant will correspond with you to arrive upon a marketing action plan. You will agree upon the specific tactics that will be taken which may include things like soliciting book reviews, contacting local bookstores, completing the verbiage on an author’s webpage, improving your Amazon tactics, or any number of tasks.

Meet one of the Outskirts Press Personal Marketing Assistants:

Sally Shields is an award-winning pianist, composer, speaker, author and radio personality. Co-host of the exciting new BlogTalkRadio show, “Blurb!” Shields is a frequent contributor to various magazines, and has been featured in Star Magazine, Obvious, My Day, Girlfriendz, For the Bride and many others. Endorsed by Dr. Laura Schlessinger and Martha Stewart, she has appeared on Fox and Friends, and is a repeat guest on the nationally syndicated The Daily Buzz with her Wedding Showers #1 Amazon.com bestseller, THE DAUGHTER-IN-LAW RULES!Winner of the 17th annual Great American Jazz Piano Competition, she performs, speaks and gives workshops worldwide, and her music is currently featured on the ABC TV daytime drama All My Children. While not traveling and performing, she lives at home in New York City with her husband and two children.

Testimonial from Grady P. Brown, author of The Young Guardians and the Genesis Spell:

You have been an extremely helpful and valuable resource and business partner. Before I was assigned to you, I was lost and did not know which direction I should go, but when I was assigned to you, your advice and support were just the thing I needed to be pointed in the right direction. I was alone and lost in a dark tunnel without a flashlight, but your support and advice became a light at the end of the tunnel that is guiding me towards the outside world. No amount of gratitude would be enough to repay you for all your help. I wish I could help you as much as you helped me. Thank you and I hope we can continue to work together.

The Personal Marketing Assistant is available as an a-la-carte option or as part of the Book Blast package where authors can save 25% on 5 powerful marketing services to blast their book into the stratosphere! Outskirts Press authors can easily and conveniently add the Personal Marketing Assistant option or the Book Blast package at any time from the Marketing Options screen of the author’s center. Outskirts Press has a team of Personal Marketing Assistants ready to help you in your book promotion efforts today!

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marketing support and services like this?

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Advice, Guest Post

Guest Post: Why You Should Consider Becoming an Amazon Bestseller

This guest post was provided by Outskirts Press Personal Marketing Assistant, Sally Shields.

Many of you either have a great idea for a book, or you’ve already written one.  You may be in the process of self-publishing or have a few hundred of them boxed up in your basement or garage, or sitting on Amazon, ranked in the millions. You’ve given away a few copies to your family and friends.  Very nice. Now what? 

One strategy is to use Amazon and best seller status to sell more of those books and I’m going to tell you about some the steps I took to get there so that you can apply them to your book.

Let me outline some of the benefits to an Amazon.com bestseller campaign.

It builds credibility and prestige. Being published alone, is a very substantial thing in people’s eyes because they realize it takes major commitment and dedication to finish, but being a bestseller gives you extra credibility.

When your book is a national bestseller, it generates more interest in your book and boosts its sales. 

When your book makes it to the bestseller list, influential members of the book world take notice. The media notices, as do industry insiders such as literary agents, book editors, and foreign rights buyers. The media loves to use that credential; it gets attached to your name, ‘bestselling author Sally Shields.”

It will help you acquire customers, and create hi-favorability among them.  You are now perceived as an expert and can then charge more for your services.

You have a much easier time selling your book to organizations and corporations in bulk.

You can become a speaker!  There are countless organizations who are looking for speakers everyday and you are much more likely to get booked if you have a bestseller status.  

So, how does this all work?

In short, the formula involves getting people with big email lists to send out an announcement asking people to buy your book on a given day at Amazon. This method isn’t “spamming” because only “opt-in” email lists are used.

To motivate people to purchase the book, you promise them a lot of digitally-downloadable “bonus gifts” for when they submitted their Amazon email receipt. For instance, buy a $20 book and you could get $500 of more of extra bonuses—a tremendous incentive to buy the book. Even better, because the formula uses email, it costs almost nothing to promote the book!Contrary to what you may believe, to launch your own successful online email campaign

You do NOT need any previous online or marketing experience 


You do NOT need to personally be a web designer,

You do NOT need your own mailing list

You do NOT need a fortune in cash because this formula uses email marketing it’s almost free to implement)


You do NOT need to leave the comfort of your home office

What you DO NEED is the right guidance from someone who has launched a successful best seller online email campaign AND experienced the high level of success that you desire.

Amazingly enough, online marketing is likely one of the most effective methods for marketing books today … WHEN it is done right.  For more information on how to run your own Amazon.com bestseller campaign, please visit: www.sallyshields.com/outskirtspress for more details.

 ***

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Testimonials

Personal Marketing Assistants for Self Publishing Authors

Successfully marketing a book can be a lot of work. A Personal Marketing Assistant is ideal for authors who want marketing assistance that is personal and specific. The Outskirts Press Personal Marketing Assistant is available to work with authors to promote your book in accordance with your plan and goals.

The Personal Marketing Assistant will correspond with you to arrive upon a marketing action plan. You will agree upon the specific tactics that will be taken which may include things like soliciting book reviews, contacting local bookstores, completing the verbiage on an author’s webpage, improving your Amazon tactics, or any number of tasks.

Meet one of the Outskirts Press Personal Marketing Assistants:

Sally Shields is an award-winning pianist, composer, speaker, author and radio personality. Co-host of the exciting new BlogTalkRadio show, “Blurb!” Shields is a frequent contributor to various magazines, and has been featured in Star Magazine, Obvious, My Day, Girlfriendz, For the Bride and many others. Endorsed by Dr. Laura Schlessinger and Martha Stewart, she has appeared on Fox and Friends, and is a repeat guest on the nationally syndicated The Daily Buzz with her Wedding Showers #1 Amazon.com bestseller, THE DAUGHTER-IN-LAW RULES!

Winner of the 17th annual Great American Jazz Piano Competition, she performs, speaks and gives workshops worldwide, and her music is currently featured on the ABC TV daytime drama All My Children. While not traveling and performing, she lives at home in New York City with her husband and two children.

Testimonial from Elise Cooke, author of The Grocery Garden:

I recently purchased a five-hour Personal Marketing Assistant block of time. Sally Shields taught me how to successfully pitch my frugality books to advertising-dependent media outlets, which is really on the order of selling surfboards in the Sahara! She truly understands how to make a product stand out, and how to get busy reporters and talk show hosts to take notice.

Sally answered all my questions promptly and completely; she encouraged me all along the way. I’m truly impressed with her work ethic. Even though I’m a real tightwad, I feel I got more than my money’s worth from Sally Shields’ publicity training. Sally taught me invaluable skills and techniques I couldn’t find anywhere else.

The Personal Marketing Assistant is available as an a-la-carte option or as part of the Book Blast package where authors can save 25% on 5 powerful marketing services to blast their book into the stratosphere! Outskirts Press authors can easily and conveniently add the Personal Marketing Assistant option or the Book Blast package at any time from the Marketing Options screen of the author’s center. Outskirts Press has a team of Personal Marketing Assistants ready to help you in your book promotion efforts today!

Ready to get published and start receiving
marketing support and services like this?

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Author Spotlight

Fox News, Barack Obama, Sally Shields, Outskirts Press, and Self-Publishing

What do you do if you’ve written a book about getting along with your mother-in-law just when President Obama’s mother in-law has moved into the White House? If you’re Sally Shields, author of The Daughter-in-Law Rules, you appear on Fox television.

Turns out, Ms. Shields has a lot of advice for President Obama and his mother-in-law, as you can see in this screen shot from a five minute segment that aired on television.

Press “Play” below to listen to Outskirts Press author Sally Shields discuss in her own words the process of self-publishing her book and how her opportunities opened up for her.

 Visit her Author Webpage

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Author Spotlight

The Daughter-in-Law Rules by Sally Shields

What do Dr. Laura, Star Magazine, and Martha Stewart have in common? They all love The Daughter-in-Law Rules, written by Sally Shields and published by Outskirts Press.

We recently caught up with author Sally Shields during her whirlwind promotional efforts to learn about these latest accomplishments.

We understand Dr. Laura recently recommended your book to all her listeners. Congratulations!

Yes! Ever since Dr. Laura recommended the DIL Rules on her show, my book made it to #5 in the Parent/Adult Child category on Amazon.

And just last Friday you appeared on Martha Stewart Whole Living Radio with Emily Hoffman to discuss your book, The Daughter-in-Law Rules: 101 Surefire Ways to Manage (and Make Friends with) Your Mother-In-Law!

The interview went well, but because it was Sirius Satellite, they are not able to provide me with an MP3. Oh, well…

But that’s okay, because Star Magazine recently mentioned your book, too!

 

The DIL Rules was picked up as a Hot Book for Star Magazine’s Hot Sheet.

We can tell you’ve been busy. Just look at this email our marketing department received recently, all the way from Ireland. Looks like you’re going international!

I’m getting in touch with you from the Life with Orla Barry show in News Talk 106-108 FM, a national radio station in Ireland. We saw details of Sally Shields’ new book, The Daughter-in-Law Rules, and we’d love to have a chat with her about it on our show. If you could get in touch with me as soon as possible, I’d really appreciate it.

Kind Regards,
Helen McCormack.
Researcher – News Talk 106-108

Congratulations on all your success, Sally!

Top 3 Tips You Can Learn From Sally Shields’ success:

  1. When you are interviewed, always request a copy of the recording (.mp3 for radio shows and .wmv for television). Upload them to itunes.com and youtube.com
  2. Success breeds success. One accomplishment will lead to another, which will lead to another, getting bigger and bigger, like a snowball rolling downhill.
  3. Keep on promoting! The Daughter-in-Law Rules was published in February. It took Ms. Shields over 4 months to start securing national radio interviews.

Start self publishing publishing today…