book promotion

How I Got to Speak to (and Pitch) a Top TV Producer

January 21, 2022 by Lisa Tener

Are you curious about how I got to speak—and pitch—to a producer at one of the biggest TV shows in the country?

My story begins in an unlikely place. Wednesday, I shared how I came to the conclusion that TV just wasn’t my thing. Maybe you found yourself nodding in agreement?

It certainly didn’t feel like my thing when I memorized 8 creative mood boosters people can use during a pandemic.

I mean, it was interesting. Researching the mood boosters proved enlightening and fun. I did okay. But okay is not exactly super-inspiring.

It felt like too much memorization. I just wasn’t coming from my core wisdom, from my deepest well of creativity. I wasn’t in alignment.

What Changed to Make Me Comfortable with TV

Robin Kall of Reading with Robin Interviewed me on Instagram on launch day where we chatted about creativity, journaling and how to tap into our creative source.

In the interim between my deciding not to pitch TV and September 22 when my book finally launched, I realized how much I loved talking about creativity and journaling on podcasts. I loved teaching people to tap into their creative source in my Get Your Writing Done program. I was back to my “zone of genius,” as Gay Hendricks would say.

Maybe I was just pitching the wrong story? Or maybe I just wasn’t ready for TV.

After my launch, over time, something inside me began to shift. The more I shared my passion for journaling specifically (vs. creativity more broadly), the more I found my message.

On his podcast, Ian Garlic shared how *The Joy of Writing Journal* stimulated his creativity when he produced marketing copy, scripts and other writing.

In being interviewed specifically about journaling and how it can stimulate our creativity and enhance our writing, marketing and other creative projects, I discovered the deeper source of my passion.

Chatting with podcasters—like book maven Robin Kall, creativity coach Sharon Burton, entrepreneur Josh Stiemle and marketing guru Ian Garlic—about journaling, helped me get super clear about the wisdom I had to offer on the subject.

I suddenly felt aligned.

What Happens When You Align

You know what happens when we’re aligned, right? Opportunities come to us.

Podcast guest — I enjoyed being featured for the inaugural interview on Sharon Burton’s Podcast series where we chatted and shared insights about “Creating Through Uncertain Times”

You do the work. You show up. Align with your gifts in a powerful way and things come your way without your having to do a whole lot of work.

I Imagine you’ve experienced that too, from time to time.

That’s what it felt like. I was ready for TV, but I didn’t know it yet.

The Email That Got Me in Front of a Top National TV Producer

Each time Chris Winfield and Jen Gottlieb open the doors to their Be on TV Bootcamp, I spread the word enthusiastically. In fact, I became a paid affiliate for their program — something I don’t do for many people or programs — because I believe so strongly in their methods—and I’ve seen the results first hand.

But I’m busy. Yeah, I knew the program was coming up and we would promote it. And yeah, they have those trainings for their affiliate partners. But who has time to attend yet another training to be told how to market a program? Couldn’t I just write my own email based upon my great experience—and those of my clients?

Well, my appointments that Wednesday moved and I happened to open an email saying, “Today is that magical day” and I realized they were starting in 10 Minutes! Maybe my appointments shifted for a reason. Chris and Jen have great energy and I always learn something from them. Why not hop on the call and see what they have to share?

I had no idea what I was in for. These passionate superstars had lined up an incredible half day of training that had more to do with creating a powerful, transformational and informative training for us to help us in our businesses than it was to promote their work.

We enjoyed a half hour of asking our burning questions of marketing, SEO and branding guru Neil Patel, a half hour with a producer from on the of the biggest national TV shows on the air, and similar Q&As with Actress/Singer/Comedienne/Influencer B. Simone and host of the top 100 ranked podcast, The Good life Project, Jonathan Fields. And then, after all that, Chris and Jen took us behind the scenes of their own success.

I Just Raised My Hand on Zoom

I sent a few emails to clear my calendar for the rest of the afternoon into the early evening. And I soaked up the lessons from these experts. I normally don’t have a great deal of bandwidth for free trainings but this was invaluable.

The producer shared the hot themes for 2022 and what she wanted to see in a pitch. When she offered to answer questions, my hand (icon) shot up. I wasn’t even sure what I wanted to ask but a chance to speak with a top TV producer doesn’t come along every day.

You likely know that, in general, any pitch is not about the book, but in this case, I figured everybody and their sister are talking about the benefits of journaling. I wanted to talk about journaling in a new way, call it, “the new face of journaling,” if you will.

Should I, in fact, speak about the unique and rich journaling experience I offer my readers? Should I even begin my pitch with that? Or was it too book-focused?

The Joy of Writing Journal: Spark Your Creativity in 8 Minutes a Day

I described to the producer how the QR codes in The Joy of Writing Journal help readers/journalers to connect with inspiration, get past the blank page, experience my coaching, passion and enthusiasm, experience their own inner creative source through several audio meditations, and also connect with other journalers/writers through the many videos the QR codes connect to. In this way, during an isolating pandemic, readers can get a rich and engaging experience that goes beyond the typical journal.

She loved the idea and told me to start with the QR codes. I asked if I could send her a pitch and she said, “Yes!”

Getting Pitch Support

While it’s true that Chris and Jen teach you to pitch yourself, I knew I could use some professional insights. So I contacted my awards consultant, Melissa Sones, who drafted a pitch for me that I sent off the next week.

Now, I’m waiting to hear. And I know Melissa will give me advice on how to follow up if needed.

What Can Be on TV Bootcamp Do For You?

What I want to share with you is this:

Jen Gotlieb and Chris Winfield, creators of Be on TV Bootcamp

Where else can you get access to producers of top TV shows?
Where can you get training so you feel—and are—prepared to Be on TV?

Chris and Jen are two very special super-connected people who delight in creating opportunities for regular folks like you and me.

And for just $17 you can get into their 5-Day Be on TV Bootcamp and receive invaluable training, experiences and access to experts to gain the confidence, knowledge and skills to be on your way to TV appearances.

As an affiliate for their program, I earn a commission if you sign up for the programs through my link. I do this only rarely, when I know that a program is extraordinary and especially valuable to authors and aspiring authors in my community, like you.

I’ve seen how Be on TV Bootcamp has worked for me, my clients and fellow participants. I’ve never seen such extraordinary value and support offered in any other introductory program anywhere. And for a mere $17! Go, register now! I’d love to see and hear what this program does for you!

I feel absolutely thrilled to share this opportunity with you today. If you have questions, please email me and I’ll be happy to share my answers with you.

Featured by Oprah Network: Author Spotlight on Cara Bradley—Again!

April 19, 2017 by Lisa Tener

author book signing — Cara Bradley at her first book signing for On The Verge (published by New World Library)

I had the pleasure of working with Cara Bradley on her book proposal for On The Verge: Wake Up, Show Up and Shine and introducing her to her literary agent, Rita Rosenkranz, as well as her editor, Kelly Malone.

In the process, I witnessed how willing Cara was to take my coaching, as well as Rita’s, and keep improving the proposal, deepening the writing, working on platform. So, it’s no surprise to see how much attention the book is getting. Still, the specifics carry an element of suprise. It thrilled me to hear from Cara that four pages of her book would be featured on the Oprah Network.

Lisa: It’s every author’s dream to be discovered by Oprah. How did it feel when you first heard that four pages of your book On The Verge would be featured by the Oprah Network?

Cara: Time slowed down. Upon reading it a second, third, and fourth time, time stood still. At first I was confused. What does this mean? How did the folks at Oprah.com get my book? How is this possible? What’s going to happen next?

Amidst my questions, a light began to shine through. “Yes, Dear One,” my wiser self said to my confused mind, “It’s true.”

In realizing I’d been granted every author’s dream opportunity, the floodgate opened and the tears poured out.

Lisa: Tell us more about the experience. What did you learn from it and why do you call it “a pivotal moment,” beyond the idea that it is every author’s dream to be discovered and shared by Oprah?

Cara: There are pivotal moments in life when time stands still, the world seems to pause and everything goes quiet. These moments seem to last forever, for better or worse.

These moments grab your attention. They wake you up. Pivotal moments are often our gateways to directly experiencing the undeniable brilliance of being fully alive.

Minutes after realizing what I’d read in the email was true, there were tears of joy mixed with pent up exhaustion of months and months of book promotion. The emotional release was fueled by the vulnerability hangover of putting myself “out there” in countless interviews, blogs and podcasts, endless and oftentimes uncomfortable Facebook posts and Tweet after Tweet after Tweet.

I cried, shedding the small setbacks since my book launched, the minor disappointments, the unanswered pitches. I cried, laughing at the little victories, the emails from readers, the unknown awards, and the spike in book sales here and there. Lastly, I cried for whatever may come, for I have no idea.

Could the post on Oprah.com be the “big break?” Sure, it could. But I’m also savvy enough to not count on one post to do anything but give me the drive to keeping sharing my passion.

My pivotal “Oprah” moment shifted me. It’s given me confidence to trust that my hard work carried my book to the folks at Oprah.com (and maybe even Oprah herself).

Cara Bradley on break from recording the audio for On The Verge

Lisa: I’m so thrilled for you. Having worked with you on your proposal and seen all you were willing to do to make your proposal, sample chapters, platform, promotion plans—everything—be compelling to agents and publishers, I knew you had he persistence and resilience to make things happen. You’ve put in a ton of work to get the word out there about On The Verge. I’m sure that played a role in being discovered by Oprah. Do you know how they found you?

Cara: I have no idea.

Lisa: I guess that’s kind of fitting. When you put in the work and keep stepping out in faith, you don’t have to worry about how things happen. You trust. And you still don’t know the mechanics behind it. Your shining, miraculous moments happen. That’s what matters. You do work hard though. How many hours do you put in a week on average to get the word out about your book?

Cara: Since my work is intertwined with the message in my book it’s hard to pinpoint exactly when I’m in pure book promotion mode. I am, however, pushing content out daily in the form of blogs, Vlogs, podcasts, videos and social media posts.

Lisa: What activities have you participated in to promote On The Verge?

Cara: My biggest promotional expense (and time burner) was creating a free app to support my book. I find it easier to suggest someone download my free app instead of asking them to buy my book. The most satisfying (and free) activity I participate in is my weekly podcast called On The Verge. It’s been a great platform to share my message, it’s easy to promote, and I have a blast recording each episode.

Lisa: I always encourage authors to develop a sustainable model for their book promotion efforts—that there’s a business plan behind it. What activities are you doing that bring in income in addition to book sales?

Cara: In addition to running my business, Verge BodyMind, I earn additional income teaching sports teams, schools, corporations and speaking at conferences.

Lisa: What percentage of your time is spent on activities that bring in income like speaking, teaching or consulting and how do you see those activities also supporting book sales?

Cara: Everything I do supports book sales in some capacity. Last week I agreed to speak at a corporation for free which is something I don’t often agree to as I make my living through teaching and speaking. After the talk the group asked to buy 75 copies of my book.

Lisa: Wow, that’s terrific. What book promotion activities have seemed to have the biggest impact on book sales?

Cara: I saw a big jump in sales when the print versions of Mindful Magazine and Oxygen Magazine reviewed my book. While it’s challenging to get magazines to cover books, I’m creating monthly bodymind video column for Mindful’s digital version.

Lisa: What are some of your favorite ways to share the message of On The Verge?

Cara: I love the podcasts.

Lisa: What activities have not really paid off or have taken too much time and energy for the effect they had?

Cara: During the launch of my book I said yes to every interview request regardless of the scope and size of the show. While doing so gave me valuable interview experience I don’t think they provided much of a boost in book sales.

Lisa: What advice do you have for authors who are just putting together a book marketing plan? When do you suggest starting? What should they do and not do?

Cara: Know your strengths and weaknesses. If you’re a natural verbal communicator then look for ways to promote your book through live videos on social media or starting a podcast. If you’re a natural writer then a blog may be how you promote your book. Whatever you choose to do, however, be consistent. It’s the only way to build a platform that cares about your work.

Lisa: Excellent advice. What are some of the biggest surprises in launching and marketing On The Verge?

Cara: Those you think are going to be your greatest assets are not. Those you never considered would be able to support you will surprise you.

Lisa: What are some of the things you’ve heard from readers about your book and its impact?

Cara: I heard from at least a dozen people that On The Verge sits on their bedside table and provides support to them either upon waking or just before they fall asleep. This brings me incredible joy. I’ve also heard from more than a few CEO’s who have been inspired by my book.

Lisa: Wow, that’s exciting when you think of the difference it can make in a company to have that kind of mindfulness and consciousness come from the top. What an impact your book can make! What else would you like our readers to know?

Cara: While writing On The Verge was one of the most challenging periods of time in my life, I would do it again. I love what came through me during that time. I love the message of my book and if my words can help one person wake up, show up, and shine then it will have been worth the challenge.

Lisa: Beautifully put. Any parting advice?

Cara: If you feel the impulse to share your story, just do it. Get it documented any way possible. Write your insights on a napkin, record them into your phone, take a quick video. Share your wisdom. The world needs you to.

Cara Bradley, author of On The Verge: Wake Up, Show Up, and Shine is an innovative leader of bodymind training, founder of the award-winning Verge BodyMind Center and mental strength coach to CEOs, corporations, universities, and sports teams. You can find Cara’s bodymind practices on her weekly podcast and free app both called On The Verge. For more info visit www.carabradley.net. You can also follow and engage with Cara on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Steps to Take After Writing a Book: Book Marketing, Publishing and More

March 24, 2014 by Lisa Tener

your book writing coach Wow, we had a great call on how to get started writing a book. I’ve answered over a dozen of the 224 questions and comments in the posts on how to start writing and how to write a memoir.

Several people wrote to say they’d finished writing their books. What next? How do I market my book? How to publish? Digital or print? Here are some of their questions and my answers. Don’t see your question? Feel free to ask as a comment below and I promise to answer!

Terrance asked: “Are there any useful hints/steps to take between a final edit and actually publishing?” First, I would say before final edits, definitely read out loud and get feedback from your target market as well as an editor and, finally hire a proofreader. But let’s say now you’ve done the final edits and proofreading. I would suggest you develop a book marketing plan that includes income generating activities (such as speaking, teaching, consulting, coaching or something along these lines) so that your book generates money for you. Ideally, it can be beneficial to hire a publicist, but do your research and ask for references.
Mary Lee asked: “Assuming my ideas and scribbles are marketable..how do I go about the business end of a book?” Mary Lee, start with my answers to Terrance. These are ways to make sure your book generates income and also these activities will help you to reach people who are likely to buy your book and recommend it to others, so these activities feed each other and book sales.
Justin asked, “Do you need to do a book tour for your book to be successful?” No, Justin, there are so many options for writers now that you can be creative. However, you do need a book marketing plan. Rather than an expensive and time consuming book tour, you may consider a blog tour (guest blogging or interviews or blog reviews) or a virtual book tour (similar to the blog idea but broader).

Becca, Blue and others asked, “Do you recommend publishing as an e-book or print or both?” Generally, I recommend both. You’ll sell more books offering both options and some people even buy both!
Mare asked, “Hi! I just finished writing a book and it is now being formatted. Do you have any tips for promoting a book?” Mare, think about where your readers hang out online and offline. Are they on Pinterest? Or do they read Fast Company online? Or mommy blogs? Do they go to workshops? Are they members of particular organization? Do they read Self Magazine? Mother Earth News? Glamour?” Think about where they go and then which of these venues fits your interests and skills. Do things you will enjoy. Also, read my answers to Terrance and Justin above.
Eileen asked, “How do I get the money from somewhere to publish in color?” Eileen, we live in exciting times, where funding is a just a crowdfunding campaign away. Crowdfunding is where you can ask people (colleagues, friends and strangers) to fund your project and in return you offer prizes for each level of funding, such as an autographed copy to those who donate $50 or more. Maybe a party with those who donate $150 or more. A special dinner with the author for $500 donors, etc. You can theme your prizes to match the book topic. Here is a great video on crowdfunding tips for authors, an interview where bestselling author Erik Qualman offers advice and tips on crowdfunding from his campaign for What Happens in Vegas Stays on Youtube.

Several people asked about whether to self publish or traditionally publish. In this blog post, I discuss the pros and cons of self-publishing and traditional publishing.

Shannon asked several questions: 1) What format to write it in? 2) How do I land a publishing deal? 3) How do I position myself as an expert author? All great questions. 1) Microsoft word works well. Manuscripts and book proposals should be double spaced in a twelve point font like Times New Roman. Do not skip extra lines between paragraphs. 2) In this post you will find FAQs on how to write a book proposal. I also have several blog posts on how to write specific sections of a book proposal and interviews with literary agents about their tips for writing a book proposal. Search my writing blog and you will find those specific posts. In addition, I recommend Michael Larsen’s How to Write a Book Proposal to lead you through the whole process of writing a book proposal, writing a query letter, identifying agents and querying them. 3) Before writing the book, you may want to blog to establish your expertise. In addition to promoting your blog posts on Twitter, share the work of your colleagues and journalists who write on the subject. Once you write the book, these colleagues will be more likely to support your work. Also, consider applying for awards.

Did I answer your question in this post or my other two? If not, please write your question below as a comment and I will answer.

Book Promotion: Out of the Box and Onto the Bulletin Board

March 9, 2011 by Lisa Tener

monica strobel — Monica Strobel, author of the Compliment Quotient

Bring Your Book to Life Graduate and author of The Compliment Quotient: Boost Your Spirits, Spark Your Relationships and Uplift the World, Monica Strobel just sent out a newsletter offering a new free gift:

She says, “Here it is, now, for you! This Take a Free Compliment Mini-Poster will make you an instant complimentologist. Download it here and print it out.”

The gift is a poster you can print out with tear off sheets at the bottom. Each tear off is a different compliment.

“Watch the fun, the quick connections, the joy–Start your own ripple of compliments!”

What I love about this book promotion is:

1. It’s all about giving.

2. It has the potential to go viral.

3. It’s fun.

4. It’s out of the box.

5. It’s simple to implement.

I invite you to print your free mini-poster and passively offer compliments to your family, co-workers and guests by hanging it in your office or on your fridge. Or take it local and hang it at your local cafe or deli. Or you can check out her book to become a more active complimentologist.

And share your out-of-the-box book marketing ideas here (or share your compliments!).

Authors Need to Social Network; Try a Few Apps

August 5, 2009 by Lisa Tener

As an author or aspiring author, you need to use social networks to help create your platform and, eventually, promote and sell your books.

Yet, social networks can eat hours or days of your time with little impact. This is because social networks aren’t generally built in a day. If your social network is going to work for you, you want it to be filled with people who know and love you.

Should you friend or follow just anyone who asks? I say no. Be picky. That way, when you send messages or invitations to people on your list, you know they actually care and that they won’t report your communications as spam, for one thing.

If you’re a busy and successful professional, I suggest just taking a couple of hours a week to build your networks and friend/follow people on Facebook, Linked in, twitter, etc. whom you know well from different walks of life.

If you are just joining these networks, create a profile. Ask colleagues for recommendations on Linked In.

Then try a few apps (applications). Here’s the latest application I tried on linked in. It’s a one question poll on whether you want to write a book in the near future. I’m wondering how it’ll work. Here, you can take the poll right here.

I’d love to hear from you. What social networks do you belong to? What strategies do you use? What are your favorite apps?

Can You Work on Two Books at Once? Is it Wise?

August 3, 2009 by Lisa Tener

Eric Pfeiffer, M.D. asks if he will scatter his energy with too many projects.

Dr. Eric Pfeiffer, one of my book proposal clients, just signed a contract with Sunrise River Press for his upcoming book Happy, Healthy and Wealthy: 14 Winning Strategies for Successful Aging. About a week later he e-mailed me about ideas for his second book, about Alzheimer’s, since he is one of the nation’s top experts on this disease.

“Please tell me if I am crazy,” he wrote me. Of course, Eric isn’t crazy. But is it realistic to write one book and a book proposal for another book at the same time? Does it make sense? As a writing coach, here’s my answer for Eric, and for you, if you are considering more than one project at a time.

Writing a book is obviously a significant undertaking. However, many people write a book while doing other things. Dr. Ellen Weber Libby wrote her book, The Favorite Child, due out later this year from Prometheus Books, while running one of the busiest and fullest psychotherapy practices in the Washington D.C. area. Most of my clients write their books while continuing demanding careers.

Dr. Pfeiffer, on the other hand, is retired. I’m sure he has obligations to the Suncoast Alzheimer’s Center recently re-named in his honor, family obligations and other activities in his life, but because he’s used to very demanding work, I think it’s worth entertaining the idea of working on a proposal for book two while completing book one.

However, he also needs to be working on his author platform, the foundation for promoting his book, and taking steps to complete his book promotion plan, before the book ever comes out. These steps are all critical for getting the first book into the hands of his potential readers.

Estimate project hours in detail to "get real" and gain clarity.

My advice to Eric was to estimate the number of hours needed for each of the following:

– Writing book one

– Writing the book proposal for the book two

– Developing and beginning to implement the book promotion plan for book one.

I asked him to refine his promotion plan into distinct steps, with an estimated number of hours for each. Then he needs to estimate how many hours a week he will work on each of the three main projects, and how long it will take him to complete these three, given such a schedule.

While we creative types often rebel against these number crunching activities, this is the only way to “get real” about whether this plan is realistic or not.

Ask me your book writing and publishing questions as a comment in this post. — Ask your book writing and publishing questions as a comment in this post and book writing coach Lisa Tener will answer.

The last thing you want to do is overextend yourself and scatter your creative energy in too many directions. On the other hand, different projects, and different aspects of the same project, can certainly feed each other. You can work on one while you hit a block in another area, or where you just need some space from one project to let it ruminate.

The upshot? Work out the details and see if it makes sense. Then try it. If it’s working, great. If not, shelve the second book proposal for now.

Feel free to add your book-writing and publishing questions as a comment to this post. I am happy to answer all questions that come my way.