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Where Hollywood Does Endorsements Wrong (and one celeb that’s right)

American TV is filled with commercials of Hollywood stars endorsing various products.

Copyright – Aveeno

Aveeno and the glowing skin of Jennifer Aniston. And since so many of her Friends co-stars look like plastic mannequins, it DOES make me wonder if her secret MIGHT be a lotion or a cream. (Doubt that it’s a drug-store lotion though!)

I used to LOVE the “What’s in your wallet?” commercials with Jennifer Garner. (I’m not actually a fan of hers but I thought the commercials for Capital One were hilarious.

And who can forget the sexy voice of Matthew McConaughey talking about a Lincoln car? Although THOSE commercials always seem strange and disjointed to me since the voice track doesn’t make SENSE.

Which leads us to celebrity endorsements for your book.

Sure these three stars have name recognition. And even if you don’t know their NAME – you can probably recognize their voices and faces. However, outside of the glowing skin of Jennifer Aniston, these endorsements don’t make SENSE.

What financial advice is Jennifer Garner qualified to give that means I should use THAT card?

If you’ve read “Green Lights”, Matthew McConaughey’s memoir, then you KNOW that driving a luxury car doesn’t exactly fit with who he is. He’s an old junker van or a beat-up pickup kinda man. (Seriously, he drove a tiny RV for YEARS – roaming the country.)

A celebrity endorsement for your book needs to be the RIGHT celeb – not just a giant name but a name and CREDENTIALS that make sense paired with YOUR book, YOUR message, and YOUR readers.

It’s not hiring a famous name – it’s seeking out the exact right person who will give your book a glowing blurb – and that helps sell books.

Having the right celebrity endorsement means that when a reader is cruising Amazon and looking between a few books, they are more likely to choose YOUR book. They won’t know who YOU are, and they might not recognize the name of the celeb giving the endorsement.

They can and will be swayed by the CREDIBILITY that an expert can bring. The titles, the credentials, the fact that that person is in a position of prestige and giving an endorsement to your book… matters. And it brings in more sales.

This doesn’t have to be a mystery!

In my new course, “Seek a Celeb: Getting Endorsements that Get Attention” I’ve given you my complete 3-part framework so that you can identify the {right} famous person to write a book blurb for you, how to ask them, and how to keep track of who you’ve asked and when you need to follow up. All so you can USE that blurb to sell more books without running around in circles.

This is the exact process that was previously only accessible to my highest-level publishing clients – and you can get it NOW for just $97.

Don’t wait! This is limited time pricing.

Get Early-Bird Pricing for Seek a Celeb

With Seek a Celeb you will be able to:

  • Create a list of people who would be perfect to give you a book blurb you can use in your marketing
  • Know exactly how to ask them – and what magic words will help them say yes
  • Have a plan to ask, receive, and USE the endorsement

All without asking the WRONG celebrity (that can actually HURT your book sales) or delaying your book launch because the celebrity is too “busy.”

And if your book is already PUBLISHED – then you can still use this to get celeb endorsements. They will 100% help your marketing efforts.

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3 Common Sense Tips for Saving Money on Your Book

Writing a book seems like it should be really inexpensive – or even free – right? After all, you don’t NEED anything fancy – just a pen and paper.

And when you go digital, you probably already have a computer and a way to type.

But writing a book DOES have expenses. And no, you shouldn’t try to do it ALL yourself to save money. (You probably don’t have all the skills needed AND it will cost you in another commodity – time.)

Here are three common sense tips for saving money on your book:

1. Start in the RIGHT place

Publishing is sexy.
Cover design is FUN.

And these aspects of PUBLISHING your book will need a monetary investment. But to save money on your book, don’t make that investment until the book is written.

(VERY common sense yet I see many authors jumping ahead in the process and spending money on a publishing package they aren’t ready for, before the book is even written!)

And yes, you should start saving money NOW for publishing later. While I can’t give you a firm budget because all authors have different goals for publishing and marketing, you will need money to go from written book to published book!

2. Don’t buy it JUST because it’s on sale

This goes for everything from writing supplies, software, and courses. While I LOVE to stock up on my favorite one-subject, blue-cover, college-ruled notebooks every fall (back to school sales!) I don’t buy them when I don’t NEED to replenish my stash. I also don’t buy notebooks I know I won’t USE just because they’re on sale.

The same goes for software! You don’t NEED any fancy software to write your book. Especially since most of them are designed for fiction authors.

The one caveat I have on buying software is you DO need a good cloud-based, automatic backup software. While waiting for a sale if okay, don’t wait MONTHS and run the risk of losing your hard work!

I DO suggest you invest in a course (or coaching) on how to write your book. My course, Finally Write Your Book, takes you step-by-step through the process. (FYI – I don’t offer seasonal sales.)

When you’re investing in a course, be sure that it’s a good fit for you and what your goals for your book are. Don’t buy it JUST because it is on sale/a “good” deal!

3. Watch my free training

In my free class, “How to Finally Write Your Book (5 Steps) in 2023 – Without Sacrificing Your Life!” you’ll learn:

  • All you need for your book is to write down your signature talk, right? WRONG! I’ll explain how your book needs to be so much more.
  • If you do this one thing you’ll be GUARANTEED to get MORE writing done… without giving up Netflix, your kids’ soccer games, or locking yourself in your office. (Hint: I’m a busy mom of three!)
  • My PROVEN system to write a message-driven book… so that you can reach the people you’re meant to reach! This is the system I use myself AND it has helped authors around the world to FINALLY start – and finish – their books!
  • AND debunking the Mental Monsters™ that keep you from even getting started… including my brand of Monster Spray that is sure to work. Get this wrong and you’ll NEVER finish your book.

Register Here!

It is so tempting to think you need to DIY everything on your book. But having the right system (and mentor) to write your book means that you’ll be able to do it faster and easier – and then stop wasting money on courses, coaching, and programs that we’re a good fit for YOUR book.

While free trainings like mine are GREAT resources, also be wary of spending all your TIME trying to cobble together success from freebies. I give detailed training in my free training but the REAL juicy stuff is in the PAID course. When you want real success in writing your book, you need the full course, “Finally Write Your Book”.

Enrollment opens soon so get on the waitlist.

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Your Input Matters!

As I’m working on The Big Picture for my business for the rest of 2021 and into 2022, I want to make sure that I’m going to be serving you in the best way possible.

So can you take a couple of minutes and respond to these questions? You can email me OR leave the answers in the comment section below. I’ll randomly draw from the responses to send a $50 Amazon gift card!

Fine print:

  • You’ve got to respond to ALL the questions in order to be considered!
  • Deadline is 11/15/2021

Podcast:

As I announced yesterday, I’m going to be launching a podcast in December. Broad topics I’ll be talking about are your message, storytelling, and how to stay in the writing flow (i.e. getting your writing DONE.)

Inside of those three areas, what specific things do you want me to talk about?

 

Gift Guide:

I’m working on the 2021 Gift Guide for Authors. This is THE single biggest blog post/free thing that I do each year. And I want to make sure it’s valuable to YOU (or the people who buy gifts for you.)

See the 2019 guide.
No 2020 guide because I was too sick.

  • Is this gift guide valuable?
  • What types of gifts would you like to see on it? (Please, no pitches for your own products and services.)

 

Future lower-ticket products:

I’ll be adding a few more lower-ticket products to my offerings in the coming months. Which of these should I offer FIRST?

A. How to Use Your Email List (so it never goes cold!)

This isn’t about BUILDING a list, it’s about emailing them!

B. Pricing Your Book for Maximum Sales

This would be a companion to The Complete Self-Publishing Toolkit

C. First Aid for Writer’s Block: Never get stuck again!

This would be a rare tool that would be good for non-fiction AND fiction. (I’m usually 100% non-fiction)

Or something else? Is there a burning need you have for a smaller product-style offer? (These are home study products with no live teaching or live Q&A.)

 

Now, tell me about you!

I’ve noticed that my BEST clients have certain things in common. (That have nothing to do with demographics! It’s not an age, race, gender, location thing!)

And I want to know what YOU like and dislike, in general, so I can better target my copy, social media, and marketing to bring in more folks JUST LIKE YOU. These two questions are about you IN GENERAL. It doesn’t have you be about writing or business.

What do you like? (In general! Things that make you go YESSSSS!)

 

What do you dislike? (In general! I’m not looking for anything specific here.)

 

And one last set of questions:

Many of my newsletter subscribers come from various giveaway events that target people with online businesses. However, it seems that when I promote those same giveaways, MY folks don’t like them.

Does this mean that you’re not in business?

Or that you just don’t want ME to promote those types of events?

Where are you at in business?

IF I were going to bring you “business things” – free or paid – what are you looking for specifically?

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Authors Need to Network Too (How to get into Kim’s personal database of resources!)

I’m always on the lookout to bring you great resources. HOW do I do that?

Through concentrated networking. Both in person and through virtual efforts. Why?

Because I love being a connector!

  • Have a podcast and need somebody who loves to knit? I know somebody!
  • Telesummit for boosting immune health? I’ve got three people you need to meet!
  • Need to know about Facebook ads? Two people depending on if you’re DIY or done-for-you.

My network is HUGE. And it’s what makes my clients’ book launches so successful. I’m able to introduce them to people they need to know.

So I’m bringing you another resource, ~Contact.FirstName~. It’s called “Collaborate Live!” from Rich German and Iman Aghay. (I’ve met Iman personally, taking a class from him, heard him speak – he’s the real deal!) This event isn’t just for networking; it TEACHES you how to make strategic, win-win partnerships.

Why is this important?

  • So you can get your message out there in a bigger way!
  • So you can build your email list.
  • So you can help the people you’re meant to help.

You’ve got three steps:

1. Register for the free ticket here >>> https://bit.ly/3oWDwAu

2. Upgrade to the $47 VIP Ticket so you can attend the networking portions of the event.

3. (BONUS) After the event, you and I will jump on a 15-minute “interview” where I’ll learn about you so you can be part of MY trusted network – and I’ll happily introduce you to people who will need you. (They may be potential interviews, JV partners, clients, etc.)

Here’s the fine print:

You’ve got to register and PAY for the event through my link. I want to KNOW you’ll be a good partner for my people; and that starts by investing in learning HOW to be a good partner.

The deadline for you to register AND do the VIP Upgrade, using my link, is November 10. (They also track through Infusionsoft so I know it’s solid!)

Here’s to building our connections so we can all thrive!

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Guest Post: Kathryn Calhoun

Baby Girl Galloway is here! To make my life a bit easier, I’ve reached out to some of the best voices in my sphere of influence and asked them to share their wisdom with you. Each guest author was chosen because I KNOW you’ll learn something from them.

Kathryn also has a great gift for you, “Tech Resource Guide”, that I want you to download here >>> Get “The Resource List”

For Entrepreneurs: The Only 3 Techie Tools

You Need to DIY a Simple, Successful Online Business

When it comes to putting together an online business, the simple truth is that we have a tendency to overcomplicate things…

Some good (?) news though:

It’s almost certainly not your fault.

I mean, if your Facebook feed or email inbox are anything like mine, they’re full-to-bursting with pitches for things that seem like they would be super-duper helpful for your business…

As a result, your online business to-do list ends up looking something like:

  • Build/tweak website
  • Figure out ideal client
  • Get following on social media
    Start doing Facebook Lives
  • Create online course
  • Make Powerpoints
  • Put together a webinar
  • Figure out what the heck a funnel is
  • Learn Facebook Ads
  • Record videos
  • Find affordable tech person

Oof. It’s a lot.

Worse yet, trying to do all that stuff leaves you spending more than you need to, feeling like a failure, struggling with shiny object syndrome, and spending way, way, way more than is necessary.

If you’re somewhere in that ballpark and/or the above feels overwhelming to you, I have MORE good news:

You don’t need to do ANY OF THE ABOVE in order to have a successful online business.

In fact, you can keep it so simple that you can handle the tech BY YOURSELF without an expensive techie person or virtual assistant…

…Even if you’re not techie.

…Even if you’re really, really, really not techie.

I promise.

Keep Reading!

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Can an “Older” Book Be a Best-Seller?

I totally understand the quest to be a best-selling author:

  • That title can give you credibility to your readers and to your potential clients
  • It makes you feel famous
  • It sounds cool

Here’s the truth of how being an Amazon Best-Selling Author works:

There are no “checks and balances” and to way to research which books are best-selling books and which… aren’t. That means that you might have been #1 in a category for a matter of minutes – or it might mean that your book never was, you’re just claiming that you’re a best-selling author.

Learn the TRUTH about being a best-selling author! Click To Tweet

Then, you have to create your personal decision about what exactly is a best-selling book or a best-selling author.

  • Best-selling in a category – no matter how many titles are in the genre?
  • #1 or anywhere in the top-ten? Top 5?
  • Best-selling in another country – where the competition might be less?
  • Kindle book or physical?
  • How long do you have to be on the list?

With so much emphasis on book launches and when a book is freshly released, what happens to books that are a year old? Or two? Or FIVE?

Can an older book still be a best-seller?

Teehee – GREAT question! And the answer is (drumroll please)

Keep Reading!

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Take CARE of Your Computer!

November is always the month where I start thinking about computers – and taking care of my computer system. Strange, I know, but I have a really good reason for it…

110116-deadlineWhen I was graduating from the University of Arizona – getting my degree (with honors) in Creative Writing – I had to write and submit a thesis. 270 pages of all original writing: poems, stories, plays, and an essay. It was the culmination of a year’s worth of creative work – and was the piece of writing that had to be completed and turned in so I could graduate, and graduate with honors.

That was the semester that my computer decided to be a PITA. (Pain In The A$$). So at Thanksgiving, I asked my dad to bring me a new one. I spent nearly the entire holiday weekend setting up programs, transferring files, and working on my thesis – it was due the next week. I missed out on making tamales with my family (our Black Friday tradition), I missed out on the U of A/ASU football game, I missed out on a precious weekend with my grandparents, greats aunt and uncle, and my folks.

I had a deadline.

Then, Monday morning, when I was working on the thesis before class…

BANG!

I threw myself on the floor, convinced that somebody had just done a drive by on my aunt’s house. (It wasn’t a sketchy area of Tucson AT ALL but for a country girl it sure sounded like a gunshot!)

After my heart stopped pounding and I could hear again, I heard… nothing. An eerie silence that could only mean one thing.

Keep Reading!

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