Mary Ann Loesch is an award-winning author living in the Austin Area. Teacher by day, writer by night, Ms. Loesch has an extensive background in Theatre Arts and education. In 2009 her novel, Nephilim, won the Writers League of Texas Manuscript contest in the category of Science Fiction/Fantasy. Having published short stories in SNM Horror Magazine, A Side of Grits, and Red Fez, she is also a proud contributor to the blogs All Things Writing and Loesch’s Muse, both guides for beginning writers. Lyrical Press, Inc. published her urban fantasy, Nephilim, July 2011.
You can visit her website at www.maryannloesch.com or her blog at http://www.loeschsmuse.blogspot.com.
Welcome to Book Marketing Buzz, Mary Ann. Can we begin by having you tell us a little about your book?
Nephilim is an urban fantasy set against the eclectic cityscape of Austin, Texas. My protagonist is Nathan Ink, a heavy metal music loving angel who lives on Earth as a tattoo artist. His specialty is tattooing clients with symbols that represent the seven deadly sins. However, these tattoos tend to take on a life of their own, and often the client ends up dead. Nathan is feeling jaded about his job until he meets Faye, a half angel. Stalked by a creature who wants to create a whole new race of beings with her, she reluctantly turns to Nathan for help. Together they must find a way to stop the hellish plans of the creature or else the consequences will be devastating for Heaven and mankind.
What is the first thing you did to promote your book once your publisher accepted your manuscript?
I made sure that my website was up to date, along with my personal blog, Loesch’s Muse (http://www.loeschsmuse.blogspot.com). I also became active on Facebook and Twitter.
After that, what happened?
The process of getting published took about nine months. I worked closely with a terrific editor, Tiffany Maxwell, and together we ironed out the rough edges of Nephilim. I was amazed at the amount of editing goes into the creation of a book. I know that I polished and polished the manuscript before submitting it and still there was work to be done.
What did your publisher do to promote your book?
My publisher, Lyrical Press Inc., has been terrific about finding promotional opportunities for all of its authors whether it’s as a guest blogger or by getting us reviews. They are a small press with a big heart! One of the most exciting promotions they provided was ad space in Women’s Day magazine which has a huge circulation.
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 think blogging is important, but time consuming. It’s one way that a reader can find out more about you and decide whether or not they want to read your book. I also think that hearing your blogging “voice” can influence a reader into buying more books in the future.
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 think it is effective if you stick with it! Facebook and Twitter have been vital for me because I’ve connected with other authors and readers. It’s a great way to get the word out about you and your book while being cost effective on your pocket book.
Besides blogging and using the social networks to promote your books, what other ways are you promoting your book?
As I mentioned earlier, I was fortunate enough to get ad space in Women’s Day magazine. However, I also really enjoy connecting with readers at Goodreads and Shelfari. I’ve sold a number of books through those sites and received invaluable feedback on my writing. I highly recommend looking into those sites for new authors.
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?
Tough call…So many have been helpful. I think using a service like Pump Up Your Book is a great opportunity to reach audiences you might not otherwise get to. But I also have to sing Goodreads praises, too.
What are your experiences with offline promotions such as booksignings?
Nephilim is an ebook at this time so I haven’t done any official booksignings. I plan to take a dip into that pond next month with an anthology I’m feature in called All Things Dark and Dastardly. I’m really curious to see how face to face book selling compares to the internet.
Thank you for this interview, Mary Ann! We wish you much success!
Thanks for having me!
