Elisa Lorello, a local author and friend from the Write2Publish Meetup group, has recently published a Kindle Edition of her novel “Faking It,” and I thought it would be a good idea to have her provide a guest post today and talk about her book. Publishing and marketing activities, especially for first-time authors, involve some trial and error, and Elisa’s experience is no different. You’ll see, however, that Elisa’s community-building investment through Facebook and her personal involvement with independent bookstores is paying off. It can for you, too!

She’s also giving out a free PDF version of her book to the first three people who comment about it, so comment away!

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Henry, thanks so much for allowing me to be a guest on your site. You’ve been an excellent consultant these last few months, and I look forward to continued success thanks to your help.

Tell us a little about FAKING IT.
FAKING IT is a romantic comedy set mostly in New York City (think *When Harry Met Sally* meets *Sex and the City*). Andi, a thirty-something writing professor, meets Devin, a handsome, charming escort, and proposes an unusual arrangement: lessons in writing in exchange for lessons on how to be a better lover. When Andi and Devin break the rules of their contract that forbids them from seeing each other socially and become friends, complications ensue. FAKING IT is witty and fun, yet also has some poignant moments. If you like Jennifer Weiner’s books, you’ll love FAKING IT.

In fact, it’s the perfect summer read!

What made you decide to self-publish?
FAKING IT is my first novel. Prior to writing it, I was solely engrossed in the academic world, and didn’t know anything about querying agents or any other aspect of the publishing world of publishing. When I relocated to North Carolina, Stacey Cochran was one of the first people I met, and he mentored me through the process, as well as introduced me to the Write2Publish group. I am indebted to Stacey!

I queried at least sixty agents and got some encouraging rejections, but rejections nonetheless. So, I decided to look at self-publishing, namely print-on-demand (POD) sites. After a bit of research, I chose Lulu.com and the rest is history. I got in on it at the right time. With social networking and digital media, getting the word out about FAKING IT is much easier than it would have been five years ago, when I first wrote the book.

What has been the most successful method of promotion for you?
Facebook, without a doubt. I’ve always been a fan of networking, no matter what profession I’m in. Facebook has connected me to all kinds of people, including readers. Like any other kind of networking situation, you’ve got to put your name out there, but not do it in a self-serving way. Just get involved in the groups you’re interested in and have fun with it.

I recently joined Twitter, too, but I’m not having as much fun there. It’s also important not to spread yourself too thin. If you’re having success in one or two specific areas, then keep your attention there.

Can you give some examples of specific successes as the result of Facebook?
A friend of mine started the Faking It Fans page, and I think it’s up to 120 members now. I also post regularly on the forum of someone of whom I am a fan, and as a result have come into contact with some great people and new friends. And never once did I say, “Hey, you gotta read my book.” By getting to know me, and enjoying my posts, they bought my book.

In another case, I commented on a link posted by best-selling author Jennifer Weiner (Good in Bed, Certain Girls), whose writing style and books are quite similar to mine. A fan on her site contacted me and asked if she could review my book. She bought it and is enjoying it.

And on the same day that I released the Kindle version of FAKING IT, one of my new Facebook friends announced it on her profile page. By the end of the night, my sales total doubled. And one of her friends recommended it to *his* friend just after reading the first page!!

Have you made any mistakes that proved to be valuable lessons?
I think the reason why I got so many rejections from literary agents was because of my query letters. I made a lot of mistakes during that process. For one thing, I didn’t research these agents carefully enough. For another thing, I crafted one letter and used it as a “one size fits all.” Not good.

The irony is that I’ve taught business communication—I should’ve known better! Writing a query letter really isn’t all that different from writing a cover letter to request a job interview. In a cover letter, you emphasize how you are a good fit for the company, what skills you have that set you apart from the rest. You do your homework on that company, and you think carefully about your audience. In a cover letter, you ask for the interview, not the job. In a query letter, you ask the agent to look at your manuscript, not for the book deal.

Everything I’m doing with this novel in terms of publishing, sales, and promotion – from start to finish – is a lesson, really. By the time I’m ready to publish and sell the second book, I’ll know what worked and didn’t work. One thing I didn’t realize was how time-consuming promoting and selling is. You have to constantly keep up, keep your name fresh in people’s minds, keep finding new ways to spread the word.

I have no regrets, however. In fact, I’m more confident than ever in my ability to be a successful commercial fiction author, no matter which route I take.

Can you tell us what’s next?
I’ve just released FAKING IT on the Amazon Kindle for under two dollars, and I’m so glad I did it! I’ll be spending a lot of time promoting that.

After this blog tour, I’m planning to release the sequel to FAKING IT, called ORDINARY WORLD. Another thing I’ve learned is how important it is to get some buzz going before the book’s release, so I’ll be seeking previewers for that book to read and post reviews. I’m also in the process of getting FAKING IT into a few more independent bookstores in Massachusetts and New York as well as North Carolina.

And I’m currently co-writing my third novel with my good friend S.R. Paquette, which has been a blast. I teach at NC State U as well, so I make the most of my summer vacation to get as much done as possible. It’s really hard when school is in session.

FAKING IT is currently available at Lulu.com, Amazon.com (Kindle version), Quail Ridge Books and Music in Raleigh, NC, and Baker Books in North Dartmouth, MA. Also, be sure to join the group Faking It Fans on Facebook, and follow Elisa’s blog, “I’ll Have What She’s Having.”

Thanks again, Henry! And I’d like to know some of your readers’ promotional successes. In fact, I’ll give away a FREE download of FAKING IT (PDF) to the first three readers to post a comment!