Guest Post & Giveaway: Charlotte Bennardo & Natalie Zaman


Reading Lark is excited to be part of the Sirenz: Back in Fashion Blog Tour. We'd like to welcome Charlotte Bennardo & Natalie Zaman to the Nest today. Check out their fabulous guest post, learn more about this series, AND enter for your chance to win an amazing prize pack!

"Second Chances" by Charlotte Bennardo & Natalie Zaman

 They say you never get a second chance to make a first impression—that’s not *entirely* true. We have the unique situation of having a debut novel that was co-authored, which means, when the day comes—and it will!—when our individual projects hit the shelves (we’re currently shopping some around now), we each get to go through the debut process again. In some ways, it’s kind of like starting over, so, given the second chance, here are a few things we’ll be doing differently: 

 • Maintain (for those still working on getting a first novel out there, read: START) building a following. Not just for your/our books—but for you, as an author. You are the pebble that’s dropped into the middle of a pool—you’re going to want the waves you make to reach as far out as possible. 

 • Start pre-buzz earlier. Once the ink is dried on the contract, get out there and start promoting. Talk to bloggers, readers, other writers. Do guest posts, have a cover reveal tour, put the WORD out! It will build anticipation and get people talking about you and your book. 

• Take some time to plan. There’s LOTS you can do—blog tours, signing tours, and so SO much pretty swag to make and distribute… Depending on your book, your budget and how much time you can devote to promotion (and you’re going to have to devote a little at least), some things may be more effective than others. Take the time to figure out the most effective way to get the word out about your book—any products you can connect to? Any blogs that connect to a prime audience for your story? There’s a lot to consider, and it’s tempting to try anything and everything. 

 • Consider hiring a publicist. Publishers—even the big ones, put out HUNDREDS of books a year, which means they have only so many resources for your book. If your book isn’t a lead title, consider getting some professional help. Many publicists will work on a project by project basis, and a good one will know and be immersed in the industry. How to find a good publicist? Talk to other authors—there’s nothing like a word of mouth recommendation ☺

About the Book


In Sirenz, boarding school roomies Meg and Shar learned the hazards of making a deal with Hades, Lord of the Underworld. The wearing of a Tiffany's diamond ring in Sirenz Back In Fashion reactivates their contract, they find themselves back in his employ as sirens. And things are a little different this time; Shar is whisked off to the Underworld to play hostess as the dark god attempts to win her affections, while Meg is stuck topside, obligated to send spoiled rich girl Paulina Swanson to the Underworld. Hot gods, mere mortals and the Underworld have their secrets. Will Meg and Shar ever ditch Hades, and keep their wardrobes and souls intact?

About the Authors

Nat: When not playing with pointed objects, Natalie Zaman is usually writing. She lives in central New Jersey with her family and several fine looking chickens.
Char: Lover of sparkly things, Char doesn't have as many shoes as she'd like, but wouldn't have time to wear them anyway with her three boys, husband, cat with issues, demented squirrels and insistent characters all demanding her time. She is represented by Natalie Lakosil of the Bradford Literary Agency and is hoping to get all her characters into print just so they'll be quiet.


Want to win this awesome prize pack? Fill out the Rafflecopter Below! Giveaway is open to US Residents.


Comments

  1. What a great guest post!! I've been wanting to get my hands on this one for months. Thanks!

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  2. Nat and Char were brilliant as usual! Great Great interview! Can't wait to get my hands on this!

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  3. This looks like a fun read! :)
    Thank you for the info and giveaway!

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  4. Oh my God, I loved the first book. I can't wait to read Back in Fashion!

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