Marketing with Mandy~Author Michelle M. Pillow
A: I love working with Virgin Books. The company has been great to me as an author. I originally started working with the UK office and everyone there has been wonderful. Adam Nevill, my editor, is a gem. He does the work of twenty and still manages to answer all my emails. And, with Random House acquiring 90% of the company, there is now a USA office. In the US, I worked with Ken Siman–another gem. Both have put so much support behind me and my books.
Q: What tips/tricks do you use for marketing or promoting your own titles?
A: I do everything I can think of–interviews, guest blogs, my own blog, the Pillow Scavenger Hunt contest (with over 60 participating authors), The Raven with esteemed MwM Hostess Ms. Mandy Roth *waving at Mandy*, podcasting, free stories, contests, link exchanges, book videos, myspace and other social networks, a constantly updated website, conventions, promo mailings… I’m always willing to try new things when it comes to promotion and love it when people email me with opportunities.
Q: What is one thing you’d want to tell a newer author, just coming into the game?
A: Don’t get discouraged and don’t expect everything to happen overnight. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, especially if you’re on a publishers author group. That’s why they’re there.
This is a tough business and no one is going to hold your hand. I think the most “shocking” realization for new authors is how much of your career depends upon you. You have to market and promote yourself. Unless you’re an extremely rare case with a huge contract deal, no one’s going to do it for you. I so wish it was a matter of—write book, sit back and enjoy riches. I know I had to take a crash course when I first started. I taught myself how to do web graphics, make a website, make book videos, ect. The more you learn to do yourself, the cheaper it’ll be for you.
Q: Could you tell us a bit about your Virgin Book releases?
A: Of course! I have three books out with Virgin under their Cheek line. The first two, Opposites Attract and Fierce Competition were just reissued this summer in mass market. I also had a new series start last February, Matthews Sisters. Book one, Bit by the Bug, is out in stores. Book two, Along for the Ride (which I’m giving away a printed ARC of on this blog) is set to come out Oct 16, 2007 and is already on pre-order from Amazon.com. This book is one of the launch titles for Virgin’s USA office. Book three was just contracted. It’s called Recipe for Disaster. There are two more sisters in the works.
Q: What’s your favorite genre to write in and why?
A: Oh, that’s a hard one. I love to genre hop within romance. When I first started, it was nothing but straight historical. I didn’t think I’d ever do anything else. But, then I discovered paranormal, and then futuristics and then got offered a contract for a contemporary with Virgin. Switching genres is what keeps me prolific.
Q: Can you tell us a little about your current WIP’s?
A: I have several things going at once. With Virgin, I just finished Recipe for Disaster and about to turn it over to the editor. Next, I’ll be working on the last two sisters’ books.
At Ellora’s Cave, I just contracted Call of the Lycan 3: Call of Temptation. It’s the last book in the trilogy. I’m also working with Ms Mandy on Pleasure Cruise 3. We LOVE that series. It’s so fun and readers really seem to get into it. I honestly think 3 is our best Pleasure Cruise yet.
With NCP, I contracted and finished Space Lords 1: Frost Maiden–the next series installment in my Futuristic Universe.
And, with Samhain publishing, the third book in my Realm Immortal series, Stone Queen, will be in print Oct 30, 2007.
Q: What types of research do you do for your books?
A: The internet can be great for basic research, but you have to use respected sites. Anyone with basic computer knowledge can make a webpage and they may or may not know what they’re talking about. I have a huge non-fiction book collection for research that I often use. You can never do too much research.
LINKS:
Website
Blog
Michelle at New Concepts
Michelle at Ellora’s Cave
Michelle at Virgin Books
Michelle at Samhain
Preorder Along for the Ride
Preorder Recipe for Disaster
(PS– to be eligible to win… comment here, in this thread/blog post)
September 6th, 2007 | #
Great interview, Michelle (thanks Mandy
) ! You’re so prolific which also means you’re very busy! I congratulate you and wish you MUCH more success. 
I’m also flashing you.
I couldn’t resist.
September 6th, 2007 | #
I love your books, Michelle, and always look forward to yout new releases.
Charisse
September 6th, 2007 | #
I would love to win an ARC.
Thanks!!
September 6th, 2007 | #
Crap… I should say that to be eligible to win an ARC you need to comment here in this thread.
LOL
September 6th, 2007 | #
Michelle, I enjoyed reading your interview. Especially the advice for a new author. I would really enjoy reading the ARC of ALONG FOR THE RIDE!
September 6th, 2007 | #
I’m going to take my name out of the drawing. Right after I commented I went to Michelle’s blog and found out that I won an ARC from there.
I want to give others who don’t have the ARC a better chance!
Thanks!!!
September 6th, 2007 | #
Hi Michelle!!
Your books were one of the first I got with Cheek! When I found your book there, I then found others I reconized. I did read some black lace prior to this but Cheek is another line under them right? I have the BUG on my wishlist to get! I think all the covers they gave you both in the trade and mass market were great! Congrats on more coming with them!
Is it hard keeping all your books you doing straight? Do you keep like a checklist or anything to help you with keeping data together for each book to refer to?
September 6th, 2007 | #
Michelle, you said next out is your print of REALM with Samhain. Do you have more projects scheduled with them to do? Any more REALMS books?
September 6th, 2007 | #
I would love to win an ARC! Your book covers are always so nice! And you did great in the interview
Hugs!!
September 6th, 2007 | #
“I think the most “shocking” realization for new authors is how much of your career depends upon you. You have to market and promote yourself.”
You are so right, Michelle. I’ve just started a new fall schedule and I made a slot to promote every day, but it’s tough. Thanks for sharing your story…it’s inspiring to see your hard work is paying off.
~Margo
September 6th, 2007 | #
Mandy - thanks for having me
Karen Erickson - I love being busy. When I have nothing to do I get into trouble, LOL
Charisse Greene - I’m going to have to hug you!
Jambrea - Chocolate bribes do work and congrats on winning at my author blog!
Melissa Lawson- I just hope it helps someone. I know that promotions was the biggest “surprise” when I got started.
crystal adkins - Thanks Crystal
Margo Lukas - LOL. I love playing with the emo guys. Doing a little every day or having a plan is very smart. It helps the task of promotion not be so overwhelming.
September 6th, 2007 | #
As of right now, I have nothing else on my Samhain schedule. That doesn’t mean I won’t in the future, just nothing but the last written Realm Immortal book in print Oct 3oth. It’s already in ebook.
I love the Realm Immortal series and do hope to visit the world again soon.
September 6th, 2007 | #
Great interview! I love Michelle’s books! Don’t put me in the drawing for the ARC since I already won one on Michelle’s blog. I want to give others a chance to win one.
September 6th, 2007 | #
I am the queen of multitasking, lol. And I keep most things filed in my head–which could explain alot.
Mandy is the organized one. I have post its on my computer.
September 6th, 2007 | #
greetings from Idaho
September 6th, 2007 | #
Cherie J - Aw, thanks Cherie! And congrats on your win over at my blog!
September 6th, 2007 | #
Hi Phyllis! Thanks for stopping by!!
September 6th, 2007 | #
I love your books! Do you have any new projects? I’d love to read them!
September 6th, 2007 | #
Greetings from Florida! I love your books.
September 6th, 2007 | #
September 6th, 2007 | #
I Lurve your books. And yours too mandy.
September 6th, 2007 | #
September 6th, 2007 | #
I’ve been reading your books from Ellora’s Cave and Samhain, I’ll have to look up what you have available from the other publishers. I’m new to ebooks but can tell you they are very dangerous. I started a month ago and already have close to 200 ebooks. Luckily they don’t take up much space . I’m looking forward to Lycan 3, as I have a definite weekspot for shapeshifters of any kind.
September 7th, 2007 | #
Great interview, Michelle! You are one of my favorite authors and I truly love your books!
Rhonda
September 7th, 2007 | #
Michelle, I had to drop in and say your books are so YUM I could even bite the cover.
And Mandy M. Roth, I think we share an EC release date. What honor is that bestowed upon me?
Hugs to you both!
Red
September 7th, 2007 | #
Greetings from Ohio!!!! I absolutely love your books!
September 7th, 2007 | #
Thank you ladies!
I always have new projects in the works. The one fans seem most excited about is the new addition to the Dragon Lord futuristic Line–Space Lords. It continues the series where Lords of the Var 5 leaves off.
September 7th, 2007 | #
Hi Stephanie!
Niki- I love working on the PC series with Mandy. We are cracking ourselves up writing 3. LOL, we just hope everyone cracks up too.
Pam & Jamie & Rhonda & Kara - Thank you ladies!
September 7th, 2007 | #
Here’s a link to all my books — http://www.michellepillow.com/booklist.htm
Let me know if you have any questions about the titles. If you haven’t read any of my NCP books, I recommend either the futuristics or the dark fantasies. Dragon Lords and Lords of the Var are fan favorites .
September 7th, 2007 | #
Apparently, biting the actual models of the books is frowned upon…. who knew.
September 7th, 2007 | #
great interview! nice to know what you have coming out!!
September 7th, 2007 | #
I knew.
Don’t ask how I found out though.
September 8th, 2007 | #
September 8th, 2007 | #
Thanks Titania
September 8th, 2007 | #
*tapping foot* And you didn’t feel compelled to share this info when you sent me out to… *looking around* Oh, hi, everyone…
LMAO
September 8th, 2007 | #
Rhonda
September 8th, 2007 | #
It’s so true about the marketing and if you don’t have the time or don’t feel up to it (as was my case last month when I was awaiting my cervical fusion) I did promos but not nearly as many as I should have or would have. It DOES make a difference.
September 9th, 2007 | #
Hi, Michelle! Love your books and I always look forward to any new ones coming out! I’d love to win an ARC.
September 9th, 2007 | #
Rhonda, glad to hear you enjoy the hunts! I plan on organizing another very soon.
September 10th, 2007 | #
Hi Sherri– thank you
Tianna — Yeah, it can be hard doing something all the time, so it’s best to pace yourself and just do what you can. every little bit helps.
September 10th, 2007 | #
Wow - this is a popular thread! But then again, it just shows how much we love your books!! I am a huge fan of both Mandy & Michelle! I’ve never been disappointed by anything I’ve read by either lady!
September 12th, 2007 | #
September 12th, 2007 | #
September 12th, 2007 | #
I so couldn’t resist with Mandy up there–OUCH! *rubbing head*
Just kidding you know i lubs you…
September 12th, 2007 | #
Hey, wait, that looks like it’s pointing at my name.
Hi Robin and Tami,
I love Talons! And those covers–beautiful! Ann Cain did a magnificent job!
September 12th, 2007 | #
Hi Mandy and Michelle!
I discovered your book OPPOSITES ATTRACT by having read many of your others and found out you had two books with Cheek! I was thrilled and love them! So I do have BIT BY THE BUG on my wishlist and too see the upcoming one ALONG FOR THE RIDE (love this cover!). So I’m glad I found you wrote under more publishers and found too more publishers to read as well!
Is there another genres you’d like to write under Cheek? Do you have some favorite authors there as well? I love to hear your recommendations while waiting for more of yours out
September 12th, 2007 | #
Right now, Virgin’s Cheek line is straight erotic contemporary, though I do think they snuck a light paranormal through one time, lol. (it wasn’t mine) I’d love to do more for them, regardless of genre and if they open it up more, I’ll definately submit more than just contemporary–though writing those is a nice break from some of the paranromals. I like changing up genres.
They do have the Black Lace line of books, which is just erotica. It can be any genre and some do have romance in them, but it’s labled erotica. There are many great authors in that line–check out Deanna Ashford, Portia da Costa, Sophie Mouette, erm, Mandy, help me out here. There is a LONG list.
They are all so nice! For Cheek, try Anne Tourney. She’s a doll and she is one of the USA launch authors with me this Oct with her book Lying in Mid-air.
Some of the Virgin authors have a blog, http://lustbites.blogspot.com/
I’m no longer a member, due to time constraints on my end, but they’re a great bunch of ladies and I do plan on going back to do guest spots when I can.
September 12th, 2007 | #
Sounds like a great book. :-)
September 12th, 2007 | #
Thanks, Larena
September 13th, 2007 | #
“Along for the Ride” has a really gorgeous cover! Did you hire the entire Arts Dept. for this Mich? LOL
September 13th, 2007 | #
I can’t help but notice the titles (supposing titles only w/o seeing the cover) of your new series:
- Bit by the Bug sounds like chick-lit or paranormal with humorous undertone
- Along for the Ride sounds like teen fiction with a dash of erotica
- Recipe for Disaster sounds like a romantic suspense thriller
No offense to Michelle Pillow or anyone, I’m just fascinated with the titles..but of course when you see the covers, you’d know the real deal.
Sign me up for the ARC. 
September 13th, 2007 | #
September 13th, 2007 | #
LOL, I have nothing to do with the coverart. I just get it like a big present in my inbox.
September 13th, 2007 | #
LOL Amrose, I liked “fun” titles for this series since it’s some of my “lighter” work.
September 13th, 2007 | #
I really enjoy your books.
September 14th, 2007 | #
Thanks, Marlene!
September 14th, 2007 | #
Great interview. I really enjoy your books Michelle. I would love to win an ARC book.
September 14th, 2007 | #
September 14th, 2007 | #
Great interview! I haven’t tried your books. Looking forward in trying your books.
September 14th, 2007 | #
The series sound promising! Do the characters Megan and Ryan resemble actual people you know in real life?
September 15th, 2007 | #
Amelia - Thank you. If you need any help with suggestions, feel free to email or post a query to the blog and I’m sure someone could point you to one of my books you might like. Just let us know what you like to read.
September 15th, 2007 | #
Thanks, Anicz! I take elements from my life, but I can’t write people I know. I tend to worry too much about what they would do, not what the characters would do–if that makes sense. With these jobs, it was more I wanted to research NYPD detectives and forensic photography. Ryan’s laid back nature resembles me in some ways, but I wouldn’t say I’m him. I’m not quite so obsessive as he is, lol.
Great question! Thanks!
September 15th, 2007 | #
I am newer to your books and just wanted to say thank you for writing the books that I and many others love to read.
September 16th, 2007 | #
Hi Gayle! Thank you for taking the time to let me know! As an author, it’s always great to hear!!
September 16th, 2007 | #
WOW!! There were a lot of comments on this one, awesome!! I knew about PC 3 (which I am sooooo excited about BTW) but had no idea about Call of the Lycan 3!! I’m gonna have to check out your blog and site to see if i can find out more!!
September 16th, 2007 | #
Just make sure you go to the new blog, lol. The other one crashed and burned. I can’t even access the address to put a forwarding one up.
The new addy is http://www.michellepillow.com/blog
September 16th, 2007 | #
I’m sooo going to hack her computer and get Call of the Lycan III!
September 17th, 2007 | #
FYI… We’re keeping this contest going because of the great response to it!
We’ll be giving some extra things away too!
September 17th, 2007 | #
Michelle- don’t worry- I’ve been visiting your blog for about a month now and have never had a problem. I must have been going to the new one all along. Sorry about your troubles though, damn computer gremlins!!!
Mandy- that is so awesome of yall to be keeping the contest open! Maybe one of the prizes can be a copy of Call of the Lycan 3 that you “borrow”- LOL
September 22nd, 2007 | #
I managed to get my hands on some extra ARCs and because of the great conversation and number of entrants, Mandy and I decided to draw 5 winners!
AND THE WINNERS ARE:
Gayle Oreluk
Karen Erickson
Kara
Tianna Xander
Charisse Greene
Please Email me by SEPT 30th to claim your prize or it will be void. Sorry, this is for my sanity. Email michelle(at)yahoo(dot)com with your name, address, and if you’d like me to throw in any extra signed bookmarks for your friends and how many.
Thanks so much to Mandy for having me!! And for all you wonderful readers coming out to play!
September 23rd, 2007 | #
Consequently, I would LOVE to win your ARC.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I can’t even repurchase some of the ones I lost due to the sites no longer being around - DARN DARN AND DOUBLE DARN
September 28th, 2007 | #