Jo Linsdell is originally from The UK but has lived in Rome, Italy since 2001. She came there for three days and ended up staying and meeting her husband at Piazza di Spagna. They now have two wonderful little boys.
Although she’s been writing pretty much since she could hold a pen, her writing career officially started in 2006. That was the turning point for her as it made her realize that she could write about things that interested her and actually make a career out of it.
Enjoy this interview.
Tell us about Virtual Book Tours: Effective Online Book Promotion From the Comfort of Your Own Home
I love virtual book tours and have found them to be one of the most effective marketing methods when promoting my books. In this book I cover everything you need to know to be able to organise and carry out your own virtual book tour. It’s packed full of useful links and resources too.
What I want readers to realize is that anyone can do a virtual book tour. Traditionally or self published authors, and new authors and those with several titles already under their belts. They can be done at little or no cost too and all from the comfort of your own home.
What is the first thing you recommend authors do when they decide to organise a virtual book tour?
Put together a media kit. In creating a media kit you have all the information regarding your book, you as an author, and your virtual book tour, all in the one place. This makes it a useful reference tool for you, but also a valuable tool you can use during preparations for your tour. It looks professional and creates a good impression. I also makes life easier for your hosts as they have all the information they might need for your post all in the one place.
You created the cover art for the book yourself. What was your inspiration for the design?
I wanted a cover that was thumbnail friendly as, more often than not, it gets seen online in that format. That meant the text needed to be easy to read and the whole look needed to be clutter free. Too many details or fancy fonts don’t look good in thumbnails. I also wanted an image that quickly portrayed what the book was about. I choose the theme “sending your book around the world” and played around with some ideas based on this idea. I’m really pleased with how the cover came out.
Care to share a link to a favorite blog post of yours?
I’ve written so many over the years it’s hard to pick a favourite. A recent post that is going down well is http://writersandauthors.blogspot.it/2013/08/20-ways-you-can-promote-your-book.html which listed 20 ways you can promote your book.
Why did you choose to self publish using Amazon’s KDP program?
I’ve always been very pro self publishing. For me, it’s always been my plan A. I choose Amazon because it’s the leader in its field. Everyone knows Amazon. Using the site is super easy and through KDP your book can be available to the public in just 12 hours from hitting the publish button.
I like that through KDP setting up a free day is easy. It’s a great way to spread the word about your book and get readers to take notice. I like that you can update your book information as and when you please and have full control over pricing. They also have one of the best customer services I’ve come across. If that’s not enough, they bought Goodreads earlier this year (one of the top sites for book lovers).
What’s the most interesting book you’ve ever read?
Now that’s a tough question. Books can be “interesting” for different reasons. (Editor’s note: Yes, I know! That’s why I like to ask this question J )
One of the most thought provoking books I’ve read that has stuck with me over the years in Anne Frank’s Diary. I read it for the first time in school and have read it several times since. It’s one of those books that definitely has an impact on the reader.
Favorite authors?
I have very varied tastes in books and I’m always trying out new genres so it’s hard to pick just a few authors. I’ve been a big fan of both Dean Koontz and Sophie Kinsella for years though so I’d definitely include them on my list.
What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
Spend time with my kids and husband, go shopping (I’m a shopaholic), hang out with friends, read. In the summer I love to go to the beach or lakes. I also like to watch my favourite series on TV. Current favourites are ; Castle, Suits, and Person of Interest.
Book you’re currently reading?
Self-Editing for Fiction Writers, Second Edition: How to Edit Yourself Into Print by Renni Browne, Dave King
I always try to read books that help my craft. I’m also reading The Beardless Man of Tornabia and Other Stories by Bernice Agyekwena
I like to try out new genres and I got asked to read this book and write a review. It’s interesting to read about the folktales’ of other countries. Some themes really are universal.
What is one of the things you’re most thankful for as a writer?
I love the flexibility of being a writer both because I can write when and where it suits me, and because I can write what I want to write.
What is one thing that frustrates you about being a writer?
Often people don’t understand how much work we put into writing and marketing our books. It’s as if we just sit around drinking tea and coffee all day and then magically publish a book.
In your opinion, what’s the measure of a successful writer?
Success is relative. Authors that have reached the top of the New York Times Best Sellers list are obviously successful authors. Authors that reach best seller status in their category on Amazon are successful authors. I think when it comes down to it, you can consider yourself a successful author when you reach YOUR goals. That might be getting one 5 star review or 100. Each author has a different success rating. If you’ve written a book and published it I think you can class that as success. There are so many people out there that dream of doing that but never actually do it. Getting it done should count as a success.
Where can we learn more about you?
My website http://www.JoLinsdell.com has information about my projects and myself. You can also find all my social media links, blogs, newsletter, and email information there.
Anything else you’d like to add?
My book Virtual Book Tours: Effective Online Book Promotion From the Comfort of Your Own Home is available to buy at the discounted price of $2.99 for the whole month of September to celebrate its release (normal price $4.99)