Little Shepherd VBT 2013 Days 3 & 4

So, in case you haven't guessed, I'm running around like a chicken with my head cut off; trying to promote four other books along with my own tour. It probably doesn't help that I manage so many blogs and contribute to others. I simply must put it all in the hands of the Lord and believe He'll work it out.

I have some special posts for you to look at.

At I'm A Reader, Not A Writer I talk about message-driven fiction and how the goal should be to empower children, not preach to them. You can find my article, "Share Your Message, but Don't Beat Readers over the Head with It" at http://www.iamareader.com/2013/11/little-shepherd-by-cheryl-c-malandrinos-guest-post-giveaway.html

Next you can move on to Sharon's Garden of Book Reviews where I answer her five questions. Then Sharon provides a lovely review that brought tears to my eyes. You can find this at http://www.garden-of-books.com/2013/11/five-questions-with-cheryl-malandrinos.html

Little Shepherd also picked up another glowing review at Margo Dill's Read These Books and Use Them! What I really like about the way Margo reviews books is that she provides ideas for book discussions and activities. You can find her review at http://margodill.com/blog/2013/11/06/little-shepherd-a-perfect-book-for-christmas/

My fellow Guardian Angel Publishing author, Donna J. Shepherd, asked me about a "topsy turvy" moment in my life. It took a while to choose one--since there are so many--but I hope you'll stop by and see what I have to say. You can find me at http://donnashepherd.blogspot.com/2013/11/topsy-turvy-moment-and-blog-tour-with.html

You'll also find chances to win a set of 2 Little Shepherd mugs if you visit these blogs. Good luck!

Christian Non-fiction Titles on Tour with Pump Up Your Book

As a book publicist, I don't always get a chance to choose the books I represent. I do, however, try to stick with books in certain genres when I can. Here are two books I'm representing in December that I thought might be of interest to you.

Taken word for word as heard from God, Closet Words is a collection of powerful and penetrating words written down in the stillness of a prayer closet. Hearing from God for several years, Kim Hilton began writing down what she heard. Encouraging, uplifting, and challenging words with a clear message to His servants, Closet Words gives a renewal and refreshing word to the Christian believer.

The world cries out for the fulfillment of Christ's model prayer. The opposite of some foolish utopian dream, here is an imaginative but realistic Biblical guide to that world. Thy Will Be Done presents a powerful depiction of a sinful earth redeemed and transformed by Christ as proclaimed by the prophets. A lifetime study of the Bible's specific instructions for loving God and loving man fuels the author's thoughtful extended, everyman essay. A few simple Biblical principles guide a systematic and practical approach to a fulfilled Gospel life, providing the needed tools.

The author weaves a tapestry of possibility–Christ's people growing as salt and light, putting flesh on the Bible's vision of blessing in every aspect of human life and endeavor. The message brings joy to all peoples and glory to the One who came to save the world. Let us hasten the day!

"Ron Kirk comprehensively applies the Lordship of Christ to all areas of life." (Peter Hammond, The Reformation Society, South Africa) Hammond, The Reformation Society, South Africa)

Little Shepherd VBT 2013 Day 2

Abi from 4 The Love of Books was kind enough to feature the Little Shepherd video trailer I created back in 2010. I'm thinking of making a new one since it's a bit long. But for now, I hope you'll check it out at http://myheartbelongs2books.blogspot.com/2013/11/little-shepherd-by-cheryl-c-malandrinos.html 

When I think about online book promotion, my mind instantly floats to bloggers like Abi, who help authors, publishers, and publicists by sharing their love of reading with others throughout the blogosphere. Managing multiple blogs, I know how much time blogging takes if you care to do it right. I am grateful for bloggers like Abi who are willing to take time out of their busy days to share my books with their readers.

Little Shepherd VBT 2013 Day 1

And so it begins. Today is the first day of my virtual book tour for Little Shepherd. There have been a few changes to the schedule, which often happens. But you will definitely find me at A Story of a Writer, run by my friend and critique partner, Beverly Stowe McClure. She has posted a nice spotlight with a reprint of her review of Little Shepherd from when it was first released. You can find it at http://beverlystowemcclure.blogspot.com/2013/11/little-shepherd-blog-tour.html

If you've never read anything by Beverly, I encourage you to check out her books. Whether she's writing contemporary fiction or historical fiction, she knows what's important to young readers. She just finished touring with A Pirate, a Blockade Runner, and a Cat, which I think might be my favorite of hers that I've read.

On another note, if you visit my book's tour page at http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/2013/08/01/little-shepherd-virtual-book-tour-november-and-december-2011/ you can enter for a chance to win a set of 2 Little Shepherd mugs. Nothing like curling up with a hot cup of tea and a book.

Thanks for your support.

Guest Post: How to Tell if Your Book is Ready to be Published bu Jessica Jimenez

You’ve spent a long time pouring over your book making sure that every part is flawless. Your book has been sent to friends, old English teachers, and even a few editors. However, you haven’t taken the plunge and had it reviewed. This is the most crucial step because publishing houses will determine if they want your book based on these reviews. You need the review to be successful if you want your book to be printed and sold in stores. The following list will help you know if your book is ready to be officially reviewed.

1) Make It Typo-Free Your book needs to perfect – grammatically speaking. If not, then you run the risk of an editor closing the cover at the first typo or misspelled word. Ensure that everything is correct before you send it off. It always helps to have another person read your work because s/he can help you identify any redundant passages or phrases that are confusing for the reader. Your overall goal is to present the publisher with a hard copy ready to be sold. Even if s/he wants to make some edits, your book needs to be as close to perfect as you can get before you send it his/her way.

2) No Second Guessing If you’re second guessing a character’s development or any plot holes, then don’t send it to be reviewed. You need to work through these problems before the book is reviewed. If people have questions, then you need to be able to answer them confidently and knowledgeably. Someone who is unsure about his/her work won’t be able to sell it. Thus, any doubts over plot devices need to be quelled now if you’re going to proudly stand by your book’s content, no matter what.

3) Give it to Friends You should give your book to friends to read and review. If it resonates with peers, then you know you’ll have a good chance of selling it. However, you need to pick truthful friends who like to read that are in your target demographic. Don't send it to an under-critical relative because you want positive reinforcement!

4) Create a Substantial First Sentence Many publishers will give your book the first line test, and if it doesn’t pass, then it goes in the trash. In short, your book needs to capture the reader’s attention from the very start. If a publisher cannot sit through your material because s/he finds it dull, then there’s no chance that it’ll get put onto store shelves. Make your first sentence interesting and dynamic enough to get people wanting to read more. This is just the beginning of knowing if your book is ready or not to be reviewed. Ultimately, you’re the only person who knows the answer. As the author, you’re the one who knows the soul and essence of the book. If it’s ready, then you’ll be ready to promote and sell it to the highest bidder.

Jessica Jimenez writes all about social media, networking and the business of communications. Her recent work is on the Top 10 Best Online Masters in Marketing Degree Programs.

Updated Little Shepherd VBT Schedule

More generous people have agreed to host my Little Shepherd VBT. Below you will find my updated schedule. I hope you'll follow along. I'll also be blogging here along the way.

Thanks for your support.

Little Shepherd Virtual Book Tour Schedule

Nov 4

Book spotlight at The Story of a Writer

Book review at Margo Dill’s Read These Books and Use Them!

Nov 5

Book review and interview at Sharon’s Garden of Book Reviews

Book trailer reveal at 4 the Love of Books

Nov 6

Guest post at I’m A Reader, Not A Writer

Nov 7

Guest post at This Little Book of Mine

Guest post and book review at Topsy Turvy Land

Nov 8

Interview at Between the Covers

Nov 11

Guest post at Marilyn’s Musings

Guest post at Authors and Appetizers

Nov 12

Book review at Janet Ann Collins On Words

Guest post at Bookingly Yours

Book review and giveaway at Mom Loves 2 Read

Nov 13

Book review at Maureen’s Musings

Nov 14

Guest post at The Children’s and Teens’ Book Connection

Nov 15

Guest post at Paperback Writer

Book trailer reveal at Broken Teepee

Nov 18

Book review at Blooming with Books

Nov 19

Book review at Nancy Stewart Books

Radio interview at Stories from Unknown Authors at 1 PM.

Nov 20

Guest post at 4 the Love of Books

Book trailer reveal at Thoughts in Progress

Nov 21

Guest post at Literarily Speaking

Nov 22

Book review at Cheryl’s Book Nook

Nov 23

Book review at Freda’s Voice

Nov 26

Book trailer reveal at CelticLady’s Reviews

Nov 27

Book review at ASC Book Reviews (ASC Photos and Designs)

Guest post Tribute Books Reviews and Giveaways

Nov 29

Book spotlight at Cheryl’s Book Nook

Book spotlight at Rose & Beps Blog

Book spotlight at Frugal Canadian Coupon Mom

Book review at IE Mommy

Blogging at Christian Children's Authors

I'm blogging today at Christian Children's Authors. You'll find my review of A Star in the Night by Jennifer Gladen posted at http://christianchildrensauthors.com/2013/11/01/book-review-a-star-in-the-night-by-jennifer-gladen/ I hope you'll stop by.