BookSparks PR » Book Publicity

Two New Books ~ Two Cool Contests

Crystal — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 21:05:36 +0000

Two great books out today: Jenny Nelson’s debut novel Georgia’s Kitchen (if you like women’s fiction, romance and a taste of Italy) and bestselling author Lisa Unger’s Fragile (for you Jodi Picoult and Anita Shreve fans who love family drama with some suspense. People Magazine called it a “nail-biter”).

Must-reads for summer and each author has a fantastic contest~ check it out:

Fragile Contest
Order Fragile between now and August 6^th and you could win an iPad. Just leave a comment on Lisa Unger’s Facebook page telling her where you picked up her book and then a random drawing will take place August 10^th.

About Fragile:
Everybody knows everybody in The Hollows, a quaint, charming town outside of New York City. It’s a place where neighbors keep an eye on each other’s kids, where people say hello in the grocery store, and where high school cliques and antics are never quite forgotten. As a kid, Maggie found the microscope of small town life stifling. But as a wife and mother, she’s happily returned to The Hollows’ insular embrace. As a psychologist, her knowledge of family histories provides powerful insights into her patients’ lives. So when the girlfriend of her teenage son Rick disappears, Maggie’s intuitive gift proves useful to the case – and also dangerous.

Eerie parallels soon emerge between Charlene’s disappearance and the abduction of another local girl that shook the community when Maggie was a teenager. The investigation has her husband, Jones, the lead detective on the case, acting strangely. Rick, already a brooding teenager, becomes even more withdrawn. In a town where the past is always present, nobody is above suspicion, not even a son in the eyes of his father.

It’s a page-turner and the Associated Press says “Unger fans won’t be disappointed.” For more info: www.lisaunger.com.

Georgia’s Kitchen Contest
Georgia’s Kitchen is a dazzling debut made with the finest ingredients: romance, cooking, Italy, New York, and one woman’s appetite for more. Order Georgia’s Kitchen between now and August 6th (it’s only $10!), email your receipt to jennynelsonauthor@gmail.com and be entered to win Georgia’s Kitchen Giant Giveaway which includes a bag full of these great novels, your choice of a food magazine (a full year subscription!) and more. The other great books you’ll win in this giveaway are:

Everyday Italian by Giada DeLaurentiis, After You by Julie Buxbaum, Super in the City by Daphne Uviller, She’s Gone Country and Flirting with Forty by Jane Porter, Girls in Trucks and Men and Dogs by Katie Crouch, I Loved, I Lost, I Made Spaghetti by Giulia Melucci and Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert.

PLUS A one year subscription to the food magazine of your choice (Food and Wine; Bon Apetit, Fine Cooking or Everyday with Rachael Ray) and a $50 gift certificate to Crate & Barrel.

WOW!! What are you waiting for? Enter to win now.

Happy reading and good luck!

Tuesday 5

Crystal — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 04:16:30 +0000

I’m super excited to be heading to L.A. this week – for a press junket with some fabulous mom bloggers. Also, will be joining some great women authors like Irene Zutell, Lisa Steinke & Liz Fenton and Laura Dave to swing by Borders in Westwood for Allison Winn Scotch’s The One That I Want book signing. I love these women and feel blessed every day to work with them. And who doesn’t love a GNO in L.A.?

So before I head on over to Hollywood, wanted to give out the Tuesday 5 for ya – 5 great things to check out this week.

The Tuesday 5

#1 People Magazine
Pick up this week’s issue of People and you’ll see an incredible list of summer reading recommendations including Fragile by Lisa Unger – which the mag calls a “nail-biting, nuanced whodunit.” Pre-order Fragile (August 3 release date). As an added bonus, the issue just happens to be the 50 Most Amazing Bodies, uhm…hello Zac Efron! (#cougar).

Earlier this week on People.com, the lovely Emily Giffin was asked what’s on her summer reading list and she recommended The Opposite of Me by Sarah Pekkanen, which is in like its 4th printing. Congrats Sarah!

#2 Sand in my Eyes by Christine Lemmon
Looking for the perfect beach book? Check out Sand in my Eyes from Christine Lemmon, which according to this fantastic book blog review, is the pefect beach book “to lose yourself in for those precious hours by the pool, the beach or just in a quiet room.” Sand in my Eyes is coming out July 1, pre-order the book.

Sand in my Eyes was also a finalist in the fiction category for the 2010 National Indie Excellence Awards – congrats Christine!

#3 Unabashedly Bookish Blog
We love Lisa Steinke and her Monday posts for this popular B&N book blog, especially what she had to say about Jane Porter’s upcoming novel, She’s Gone Country – that from the moment she picked it up, she couldn’t put it down. We hope you are all as excited about She’s Gone Country as Lisa is- and we are. Pre-order She’s Gone Country (coming August 23).

#4 Georgia’s Kitchen by Jenny Nelson
Congrats to Jenny Nelson whose debut novel, Georgia’s Kitchen, has been selected by Target as a Break-out Book for August (Pre-order, it’s coming August 3!). Be sure to become a fan of Georgia’s Kitchen on Facebook and follow Jenny on Twitter to stay up to date on the latest news and contests for this fabulous debut. And one of our favorite book bloggers, Luxury Reading, is currently giving away an early copy. Enter to win.

#5 Cupcakes!
We love author Jennifer Ross’s book, The Icing on the Cupcake, and how she shared delicious cupcakes at the beginning of each chapter. Now she’s doing something super fun on her blog. She’s having guest bloggers share their favorite recipes handed down from their grandmothers, like this one Allison Winn Scotch provided – Allison’s Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream. Yum!

And last, speaking of Tuesday – Holly Christine, author of Tuesday Tells it Slant, is sharing her 5 favorite big books (over 700 pages) that she couldn’t put down. Great list!

Happy reading, y’all! Or as they say in Hollywood, have your peeps call my peeps!?

Thursday Must List

Crystal — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 00:14:02 +0000

It’s back by popular demand! The Thursday Must List – I know, I know. You’ve been missing it – not sure how you’ve been getting along without it: my rants and raves on everything from books, to movies to pop culture to beauty products.

Well, be still your heart: The Thursday Must List is back!

#1 The One That I Want
Redbook, Glamour and Cosmo agree: New York Times bestselling author Allison Winn Scotch is back with a must-read book for summer. The One That I Want hit stores on Tuesday – and Allison is giving away some fantastic prizes for anyone who orders before end of day on June 4th (tomorrow!) Buy the book, email a copy of your receipt to allisonwscotch@gmail.com and you’ll be entered to win a cool FLIP cam, a new Blackberry, a sweet pair of Oakley women’s sunglasses and a beach bag full of other fantastic books for summer. Details on the contest are here. Hurry and enter to win!

#2 Georgia’s Kitchen
This sizzling debut novel by Jenny Nelson is one you won’t want to miss – and I’m giving away an advanced copy of it. All you have to do is became a fan of on Facebook and leave a comment with your favorite Italian dish (mine is Pasta Milano!) and you’ll be entered to win. Check out this book summary of Georgia’s Kitchen and you’ll be craving more!

#3 Cake Boss
So after spending a weekend couped up in a hotel room, I’m suddenly addicted to the fabulous TLC show “Cake Boss” – it’s a serious problem. I did nothing Saturday except watch this show and crave cake. I love watching Buddy and his team make some of the most amazing cakes I’ve ever seen. The new season just kicked off – so check it out on TLC – and follow Cake Boss Buddy on Twitter. Love this show!

Tell me what’s on YOUR must list! And don’t forget to buy Allison’s new book - GREAT book, GREAT prizes!

5 Tips on Book Publicity & 2 Super Cool Contests

Crystal — Wed, 26 May 2010 17:11:49 +0000

In this guest column by Livia Blackburne, an MIT neuroscientist by day and a YA writer by night, she talks about book publicity tips she got when she recently attended “Publishing Books, Memoirs, and Other Creative Nonfiction,” at Harvard Medical School. The tips came from Rusty Shelton, managing director of Phenix and Phenix Literary Publicists, who spoke about book publicity at the event.

I picked a few of the tips below and think you should check out Livia’s fascinating blog, A Brain Scientist’s Take on Writing. And read to the end for details on 2 Super Cool Contests you won’t want to miss!

5 Tips on Book Publicity…

1. Media is changing
Before the Internet era, the media landscape was like a classroom. The teacher (i.e., The New York Times or the Washington Post) stood at the podium and disseminated information. Now, with social media, the students are passing notes amongst themselves. Plus, if a note gets very popular, the teacher picks it up and reads it to the class.

2. Your website is not about selling your book
Many authors mistakenly think their website is about selling their book. But in that case, people would have no reason to visit your website except to buy your book. Instead, make your website useful to people so they keep coming back. Keep a blog so there’s always fresh information. Then, you start building up a base of followers who may not only buy this book, but future books as well.

3. It’s more important than ever to write a good book
With the old media landscape, you might have been able to trick people into buying a bad book with advertising or a high-profile review. But now with social media, people are sharing information, and people trust their friends more than they trust professional book reviewers.

4. Don’t be a media snob
There is an urban legend about an author who went to New York City for a book signing. He couldn’t book many venues, but he was offered an interview in a small upstate New York radio station. A NY Times reporter was driving through, heard his story, and write a feature story on him. The moral of the story? You never know who’s watching or listening.

5. On choosing a publicist
Look at their recent media bookings to see what kind of media contacts they have. Also, be wary if the publicist agrees to take you on without even looking at your book. The publicist should be interviewing you the same way an agent does so he can make an educated decision about whether he can help you.

Read the full guest post with even more tips, here.

And 2 Super Cool Contests…

Aspiring Writers – Your break-out opportunity is here!
For all you aspiring writers out there – don’t miss this fantastic contest that bestelling author Allison Winn Scotch is currently running – her amazing agent, Elisabeth Weed, is opening her inbox to your submissions. Get your query lettters and first chapters all snazzy and enter this outstanding contest. Check out the details and don’t miss Allison’s new novel coming next week: The One That I Want.

Bestselling author Lisa Unger Fabulous Giveaway
Just in time for your summer reading pleasure, bestselling author Lisa Unger is giving away a complete set of her hardcover novels – signed! All you have to do is “Like” her Facebook page and leave a comment to be entered to win. Her 4-year-old will pick a winner on Friday – you’ll be all set to read her incredible books all summer long … and then dive into her new highly anticipated, superb novel Fragile, coming in August!

Best Mother’s Day Books

Crystal — Fri, 07 May 2010 15:30:24 +0000

I’m a mom of three (including this cute little stinker playing in the rain the other day) so Mother’s Day is one of my favorite times of year. I get to sleep in, have breakfast made for me and do what I want – all. day. long. What’s not to love? And, for me, that will involve lots of reading and napping!

If you’re like me, you’ve waited until the last minute to think about mom…and now you need a gift, and quick! I recently put together a fabulous Mother’s Day Book Gift Guide – a great list of book ideas for every type of mom. The perfect book is the perfect gift, I say!

Next up for me- I’m working on a super fun Summer Entertainment Guide which will highlight what fabulous books are coming out all summer long. So if you’re a book publicist or author and want me to consider your book for my Best Books of Summer list, send me an email.

Oh, and if you haven’t entered this fabulous contest to win Emily Giffin’s Favorite Things - then you must do it! There are tons of chances to win and some of the best prizes (a new Blackberry, a pair of designer shoes and more!) I absolutely loved her new book, Heart of the Matter, which comes out on May 11th.

To all you mamas out there – Have a wonderful Mother’s Day and Happy Reading!

Friday Reads/Spring Break

Crystal — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 16:44:59 +0000

It’s Friday and I wanted to share what I’m reading this week (or recently finished) for all you book lovers looking for a book recommendation for Spring Break.

First of all, last night we had a great SheKnows Book Club conversation with author Irene Zutell on her book, Pieces of Happily Ever After, on the SheKnows Book Club message board. Irene joined in and answered questions from members and our amazing, fun Official SheKnows Book Club bloggers. And even our new SheKnows Book Club Radio Host, Robin of Reading with Robin, joined in. (Speaking of Robin- she’s interviewing Real Housewives of New York’s Jill Zarrin and her sister Lisa tomorrow on her show. Tune in from 7 to 8 a.m. EST at www.920whjj.com.)

If you haven’t joined this free, easy, online book club – please check it out and come join us. In April, we’ll be talking about Jodi Picoult’s new novel (her 17th) House Rules.

Okay, what else am I reading?

Fireworks Over Toccoa by Jeffrey Stepakoff
I loved this book and could not put it down – it’s a wonderful love story. You know that part in the Titanic movie when Rose (Kate Winslet) is on the floating piece of ice and holding on to Jack (Leo, oh Leo!) and then has to let him go? This book is just like that moment for me – sad and brilliant and beautiful and so emotional. It’s about first love, true love, WWII, the beauty of the South and a girl from a small town there, the expectations, the obligations, true and passionate love and those moments in our lives that change us forever. Follow Jeffrey on Twitter, become a Facebook Fan and buy the book. It comes out on Tuesday and you will be mesmerized and wanting more from this debut author (but who has written for TV for years – The Wonder Years, Sisters, and co-exec producer of Dawson’s Creek.)

Love in Mid Air by Kim Wright
Of all the books I have read in the last six months, this book has resonated with me most. I LOVED this book and I cannot say it enough – buy this book. buy this book. buy this book. Kim is a debut author and getting people to buy the book is critical. Because, well I can’t wait for the next one and the next one… and a lovely career from this fabulous woman! It’s about marriage, sex and friendship, infidelity, community….a group of amazing and different women who belong to the same church and book club, who are all at different places in their marriages. Mostly it’s about Elyse – a woman who risks everything after a chance encounter with a stranger she meets on an airplane. It’s about women in marriage and what makes them stay or what is the straw that breaks the camel’s back to make them leave, it’s sexy and relatable…it’s so RICH and FULL and FABULOUS. Okay. read it, buy it, love it. Enough said.

And last but not least, I’m reading The Other Side of Organized: Finding the Balance Between Chaos and Perfection – a great book by my new client and professional organizer of 20+ years Linda Samuels. Perfect timing for Spring – it’s all about how to let go of the clutter (you know you hang on to stuff because emotionally you don’t want to let it go!) and finding the sweet spot where you are comfortable (not necessarily perfectly ordered and organized) in your life.

And I wouldn’t be a good publicist if I didn’t tell you that you should check out The Opposite of Me by Sarah Pekkanen…. talk about a perfect Spring Break book! People magazine gave it 3.5/4 stars, The Washington Post gave it a good review, Redbook magazine picked it for March… it’s a great story about sisters and the roles we are assigned (pretty one, smart one). Learn more about The Opposite of Me.

What are YOU reading?

Happy Friday, Happy Reading!

P.S. Don’t forget to check out my lovely Q&A with fab YA author Josie Bloss on her book Albatross and my Q&A with Jodi Picoult on House Rules – both for the Indianapolis Star.

Thursday Must-List

Crystal — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 20:35:22 +0000

It’s literally cold enough in the midwest today for winter coats … my feet are perpetually cold. I am chilled to the bone. I am fantasizing about Phoenix weather and sand between my toes. I am drinking coffee all day instead of just first thing in the morning. And today I’m being continuously interrupted by my comedic five-year-old and his impersonation of the president from the Monsters v. Aliens movie. He keeps coming up to me and pretending he’s sipping from my coffee cup, and says “Oh, that’s a good cup ‘o joe,” and rubs his tummy. (If you’re a friend on Facebook, you saw the video!) And how can you not stop what you are doing and laugh at this?

So, finally, despite numerous interruptions, here is this week’s Thursday Must-List!

Vampires v. Werewolves
With all the Twilight hype on the upcoming release of New Moon, fans are picking sides. Are you Team Edward or Team Jacob? Well, I happen to adore both and I am ….Team Sam. Who? Sam, my new favorite wolf. Check out my article on Vampires v. Werewolves to read more about Sam – a wolf who comes to us from the magically fantastical mind of Maggie Stiefvater in her new comtemporary fantasy novel Shiver.

And here is the New Moon trailer I reference in the article, the one that Gave. Me. Goose. Bumps.

The Looking Glass Wars
I recently had the chance to interview movie producer of There’s Something About Mary and author behind The Looking Glass Wars trilogy – a fantastical and utterly creative genius this man, Frank Beddor, and so very warm and friendly. The third book in the trilogy – Arch Enemy - is out today. I will post my story when it comes out, but meantime, you can learn more about The Looking Glass Wars and Frank Beddor.

Everyone in my house is devouring these books and the world Beddor created in the series – which all started when he came across an incomplete deck of cards in a British museum that reminded him of Alice in Wonderland. Beddor’s Alyss and Wonderlandia will BLOW you away. And for young adults who are reluctant readers – both boys and girls – Beddor and his trilogy (and accompanying graphic novels, virtual games and fantastical world) is your answer.

Bent Objects
Since this list seems to be continuing along the line of …out there (vampires, werewolves, the bizarre and fantastical world created from Alice and Wonderland), I wanted to share this …er, interesting book I was emailed about this week from an Indianapolis area author, Terry Border, whose passion for Bent Objects has now been made into a book. Somehow, I think I need to meet the person behind this.

Here’s the book trailer…

Uhm…. Happy Thursday, y’all!

Must-Read Monday

Crystal — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 13:08:30 +0000

Must-Read Monday (Tuesday edition)

So, I’m a bit behind the eight ball today. Which is good. It means I’m busy…which is better than that alternative, I suppose. Lots of great stuff going on that I can’t wait to share…. and lots to read these last few days. It was hard choosing just a few must-reads.

But, here goes:

Mom in the City
I recently re-connected with a college friend of mine on Facebook. We both graduated from ASU J-School together (Go Devils!) and both dated Sigma Chi frat boys. Needless to say, times have changed and now we’re both busy moms with a shared passion for writing.

She sent me a wonderful story she wrote on leaving suburban life behind and heading back into the city where she belongs – a tough choice she recently made with her family, but the right one for them. Read her article, Mom in the City: Leaving the Suburbs, and let her know what you think and where your family thrives.

The Nicholas Effect
This wonderful story breaks my heart and gives me hope at the same time. Read about one family’s tragedy in losing their son Nicholas – who has become known as the boy who saved thousands of lives. And think about it, could you do what they did? It’s a tough subject, but an important one. When you leave your comments on the story, you could win one of 7 copies of the book we’re giving away.

Ruined giveaway
Speaking of giveaways, author Paula Morris is guest blogging over at SheKnows about her teen ghost story -Ruined. Read about how Paula came up with her love story set in New Orleans, her love of Wuthering Heights and enter to win the Ruined giveaway: a cool digital camera and autographed copy of the book. And check out the Ruined book trailer as well.

Julia Roberts Scandal
Want to know how Irene Zutell came up with the idea for her new novel Pieces of Happily Ever After? Well, it all started with a Julia Roberts scandal.

Irene dishes about the scandal and her book over at My Daily Find.

First paragraph contest
Speaking of how a book gets started, check out this fun contest on the best first paragraph challenge. Put on by Curtis Brown literary agent, Nathan Bransford, on his popular publishing blog for writers and industry peeps, the Third Sort-of Annual Stupendously Ultimate First Paragraph Challenge is going on until this Thursday at 4 p.m. PST.

You could win your choice of a partial critique, query critique, or phone consultation with Nathan on your work in progress and a copy of The Secret Year by Nathan’s client, debut author Jennifer Hubbard, which will be published by Viking in January 2010. The book is a young adult novel about a secret love affair between two teenagers – being touted as mixing the romance of Romeo and Juliet with the violence of The Outsiders.

I’ve read The Secret Year for an upcoming review I’m doing, and Hubbard is one to watch. Her subdued voice throughout the book reminded me of one of my favs (Curtis Sittenfeld) – Hubbard pushes and pulls you in subtle ways you can’t put your finger on, with emotions and realizations simmering just below the surface and, at times, crashing into you like the river in the novel. It’s a must-read and I look forward to Hubbard’s career.

So, enter Nathan’s fun contest, and maybe you’ll win the chance for some advice from him on your career as well.

Okay, Happy Monday …er, Tuesday, y’all.

Thursday-Must List

Crystal — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 17:10:38 +0000

This week has completely flown by and I’m shocked that it’s already time for my Thursday-Must List again!

Thursday-Must List

Warriors in Pink
I had such a great interview with some folks at Ford yesterday about the AMAZING things they are doing for Breast Cancer Awareness (for October and beyond.) For 15 years, Ford has supported Susan G. Komen and breast cancer awareness. Their line up of Warriors in Pink apparel is rockin’ – so no matter how you are supporting this great cause, you can look good doing it. Check out their Warriors in Pink site and apparel. My fav is this Warrior Cap but I love the Warrior t-shirt, the new scarf and so many of the items! Follow Ford’s Warriors in Pink on Twitter.

And check out these 10 other great pink products that support breast cancer awareness.

Dana’s story
Speaking of breast cancer, I want to introduce you to fab mom, wife, career woman, reality star and breast cancer survivor, Dana Hooper. I’ve had the honor to get to know Dana over the last several months through the Real Moms reality show I help promote – Dana is one of four real AZ moms from the show. She went public about her breast cancer on the show and is such an inspiration to all. Please check out Dana’s story and watch her on season one of RealMomsGuide.

Author Susan Crandall
Yesterday, I had the pleasure of meeting women’s romance and suspense novelist Susan Crandall for lunch. I’m doing a feature on her for The Indianapolis Star. We met in person not too far from her Indiana hometown and talked about her 9 books, reading, writing, growing up in Indiana and so many wonderful things. Her newest book – Sleep No More - will be published soon and I devoured it in hours. It’s got everything women want: suspense, romance, danger, passion and characters that are relatable, going through real-life things. You can stop by Susan’s site to register for a chance to win a copy of her new book (beware, however, once you read it you will want to immediately go out and buy all 8 of her other books). Also, several of you have already taken my advice to become a fan of Susan Crandall on Facebook, so thank you! If you haven’t, please become a fan of Susan Crandall here. And follow Susan Crandall on Twitter. You will love her work!

Birthdays
Today is my aunt’s birthday – my aunt who I adore. My aunt who bought me my first bra, embarrassed me in front of high school boyfriends, shares my love of reading, helped me plant a garden. My aunt who showed so much love and forgiveness and grace when my dad died – who also made me get up and dance in front of all the old folks at the nursing home because life is what it is and sometimes you just got to dance. So Happy Birthday Auntie!

And speaking of birthdays, my fast friend, Chick Lit Is Not Dead blogger, and client Liz Fenton has this funny and relatable post on her husband’s Birthday Blunder that is a must-read. Not only did it make me laugh, it made me realize I am also high maintenance when it comes to birthdays and gifts. Thank you for the laugh Liz.

Happy Thursday, y’all!

Must-Read Monday

Crystal — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 22:24:13 +0000

The autumn chill has kicked in full force where I am today, so this will be brief (After all, I need to get back on the couch under my warm fuzzy blanket and catch up on my DVR episodes of Brothers & Sisters and Mad Men!)

So, without further ado, Must-Read Monday:

#1 City Dog by Alison Pace
My lovely client, fab friend and Chick Lit guru – Lisa Steinke – put together this lovely review of City Dog by Alison Pace for SheKnows.

Lisa’s review makes me want to run to the book store and grab a copy. If it weren’t so cold. Shout out for whoever invented online shopping.

#2 Pinch me, am I dreaming?
Speaking of clients, the fabulous Sarah Pekkanen shares an amazing story over at The Debutante Ball. It was a dream day for her when she headed to New York last week to meet the publisher and team working on her debut novel, The Opposite of Me. Be sure to read about her lovely day playing dress up and heading into the city and how she asked her publicist to pinch her. A publicist, mind you, that she shares with the likes of Jodi Picoult! And, not me obviously, her other publicist!

Be sure to check The Debutante Ball on Tuesdays, when Sarah posts updated blogs about being a debut author. And don’t forget to sign up for Sarah’s monthly newsletter – she gives away chocolate. Enough said.

#3 My Invented Life
I’m currently reading a book that officially launches tomorrow about sisters – My Invented Life by Lauren Bjorkman. Lauren has launched a fun blog – Girl Power - with contests, giveaways and an Ask My Sister section (where readers can ask Roz from the book questions.) Fun girl stuff – and I love girl stuff! I can only imagine what my sisters would say if you were to ask them questions. You can enter to win a copy of the book and a set of Sister Necklaces made by the author herself!

Anyway, My Invented Life is being described as “a comedy of errors with mistaken identities, ambiguous sexuality, skate gods, theater geeks–and true love.” And, I’m looking forward to a Q&A with author Lauren Bjorkman.

That’s it, y’all. Happy Monday!