C. Elizabeth lives in St. Albert, Alberta, Canada. She stumbled upon writing, it found her, she finds writing a peaceful escape and is very excited to have her characters come alive in her readers’ minds. Her contemporary romance novel, Absolute Obsession, is about 42 year old Rose Gerbaldi who by an intervention of fate unites her heart and soul with 30 year old British movie star, Michael Terrance. Please visit and blog with her at www.celizabeth.ca. Connect with her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/search/users/CElizabeth4 and Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1567713637.
Welcome to Book Marketing Buzz, C. Elizabeth. Can we begin by having you tell us a little about your book?
Thank you for having me, I’ve been looking forward to this.
Absolute Obsession is about loving wife and mother, 42 year old Rose Gerbaldi, who, through a sequence of remarkable events, falls in love with 30 year old, British movie star, Michael Terrance, a man she has never met and one who she can never have. Though her decisions are made, unbeknownst to her, fate is conspiring to put her back on the path that it had so lovingly entwined for her and Michael.
What is the first thing you did to promote your book once your publisher accepted your manuscript?
The first thing I did was create a website and contacted book stores for in-store signings or to stock Absolute Obsession on the shelves.
After that, what happened?
Things went a little crazy. There was always so much to do to get the word out and along with my full time job and family, the hours ran out very quickly – it was time bring in the professionals. I hired Pump up Your Book to put me on a virtual book tour for a month and it was great, people got to know me and Absolute Obsession was getting some attention, not to mention giving me some free time to focus on other things.
What did your publisher do to promote your book?
Wings ePress Inc. promoted through their website as well as all the bookselling websites, such as Amazon and Fictionwise.
What’s your opinion on blogging? Do you see that it is helping sell your book or is it not making much difference in terms of sales?
I love blogging, whether it makes a difference or not I don’t know, but one thing it does do, it keeps my creative side moving along. Never stop writing, you might lose it.
I understand using the social networks to promote your books is also an effective marketing tool. Do you find it is or isn’t?
I use as many social networks as I can. Does it help? It’s too early to tell at this point.
Besides blogging and using the social networks to promote your books, what other ways are you promoting your book?
I am using two PR firms, Pump Up Your Book for my virtual online visibility and Gal-Friday Publicity out of Vancouver, BC for the personal touch, face to face interviews, etc..
If you had to pick just one book marketing tool that you’ve used to promote your book, which would you say has been the most effective?
Up till now I’d have to say Pump Up Your Book, but the other marketing plans are just starting up, I’m certain they will have an impact as well.
What are your experiences with offline promotions such as booksignings?
The majority of my book signings have been a wonderful experience. I do love meeting the people and hearing some of their stories. So far, it has all been a great and wonderful unexpected journey thanks to everyone.
Thank you for this interview, C. Elizabeth! We wish you much success!
Thank you for having me, it was fun. Cheers!
Giveaways, Contests & Prizes!
Join C. Elizabeth at the Pump Up Your Book Live! November Author Chat / Book Giveaway Party on Friday, November 18 starting at 8 p.m. eastern!
Char will be giving away a copy of her book! You could win a beautiful copy of Absolute Obsession simply by attending the chat and asking her a question. All there is to it!
For details on chat, visit the official chat page for the November authors at Pump Up Your Book Live!
