NOVEMBER CONFERENCE

BLOGGERS GET TOGETHER!

Hello Fellow Bloggers,
Welcome to our Publisher and Author friends too.

This November we are having a day of discussions for bloggers.  Vlogging, new publishers, good manners.  Blogger Legal No-No's

Vlogging - Is it the way of the future?  If so I need to go on a diet.

New Publishers - They are everywhere!  Who do you give a chance and even if you want to where can you find them?

Good Manners - What are they and why are they important in Blogging.  PS.  This means not naming your blog after one that already exists, not coping posts, Not just commenting to have your link somewhere. 

Legal Issues for bloggers - Covers, Music, Random Images, which are no-no's. 

If you have questions you can comment here or email me  - Terry Kate - romanceinthebackseat - at - gmail.com

REGISTRATION - $5 - THIS WILL BE A DONATION FOR A FOOD CARD GIVEAWAY TO A NEEDY FAMILY THIS HOLIDAY.

New Conference Details

Hello Conference Go-ers!

After great deliberation the Organizers of the Book Bloggers and Publishers Online Conference have decided to do a blogger day of discussion this November and Announce the next FULL FIVE DAY BBP for March 9-13 2011

Five Days you ask?  I say yes.  Here is the layout planned.

Wednesday is your intro day - Blogger discussions, Authors and Pubs are welcome.  During the day there will be classes for beginning bloggers and an intro course.  In the evening we will discuss the issues we are all facing.  As well as the new technology bloggers have as options. 

By doing Thursday and Friday we are able to have more publishers and publicity companies join in the panels while they are in the office.

Saturday and Sunday can be focused on this and more, also on the authors, who are more inclined and in some cases only able to give you weekend time.

Register before January 30th and the price is $45
Registration is open up to the day of the event, After Jan. 30, 2011 the price is $60
Registration is open Now till then.

Schedule of Events

Keep in mind these are all recorded and you can catch up on them any time! Everyone will be hanging about some from Thursday till Sunday night so we can have some fun!  Forums go through till August 13th.

Thursday

Fix Your Facebook - 9:30 - 10pm EST
You have one - you might as well make it work for you right?
- Presented by Terry Kate

Singles Mixer: Author, Blogger, Aspiring Author -  8-11pm EST
Make new friends, and keep the old.  We are all looking to meet up.
Chat Room and Forum - Post what you are looking to blog about - or the types of the guest blogs you are looking for - or if you want to find someone to help out with a blog, why not open your arms to those who might be thinking of starting a blog of their own.

Friday

The Art of the Review -  6:30 - 7:30pm EST
Here what some of the reviewers are doing, their approach and what authors think as well.
Panelists
Sabrina of Cheeky Reads - http://cheekyreads.blogspot.com/
Moderator: Jessica

How to be a better Guest Blogger - 7:30 - 8:30pm EST
Get more out of your time guest blogging.  Five easy steps that will save you time and bring in more traffic and more sales.
Panelists
Carla Capshaw - Author - www.carlacapshaw.com
Moderator - Terry Kate

What I wish I had Known before I started... :  8:30 - 9:30pm EST
Planning, before youu sell the book, after, and onward.
Panelists -
Laura Bickle - Author
Laura

Should Authors have Blogs? - 9:30 - 10:30pm EST
Well that is kinda the whole question.
Panelists
Gail Fraser - Author
Jeanne Adams - Author/Romance Bandit
Cinnamon - A Journey of Books
Moderator - Terry Kate






Saturday

Opening - Morning Announcements - 11:00 - 11:30am EST
The morning rundown - for changes and activities for the day.
Jessica - Phoebe - Terry Kate

Book Trailer Debate - 11:30am - 12:15pm EST
Should I make one?
If I have one where do I use it?
Pros and Cons.
Panelists
Martha -
Kendra - Creations by Kendra

Moderator :  Phoebe

Working with Authors and Publishers -  12 - 1pm EST
Approaching Authors and Publishers can be intimidating, but there are things that bloggers and reviewers can do to stand out and look professional.
Panelists
Lisa Dawn - The Wild Rose Press - Review Coordinator and Promotion
Mario Acevedo - Author
Moderator - Terry Kate

Finding the Right Blogs -  1pm - 2pm EST 
What makes a blog a good match for you and how can you search that out.  SEO - black magic - but not impossible.

 Moderator: Jessica

Live Events: Good for Authors and Bloggers  - 2:30 - 3:30pm EST
The world outside the Internet.
We need to reach out as authors and bloggers - so lets talk about how to go about it.  Book signings, conferences, libraries, book stores and more.  Where to go and how to go about it.
Panelists -

Moderator - Terry Kate

Bloggers Working Together - Co-operation -  4:00 - 5:00pm EST
Blog hops, memes, networking, and reaching out to fellow bloggers.
Panelists -  
Rebecca - Dirty Sexy Books
Moderator: Jessica - Novel Reaction  


What Makes a Great Interview -   5:00 - 6:00pm EST
Authors Weigh in on what they like to be asked and bloggers what makes the returned answers stand out.
Panelists  - 
Ilona Andrews  http://www.ilona-andrews.com/  -    Stacia Kane  http://www.staciakane.com
Moderator - Terry Kate

Blog Tours: Pros and Cons - 6:00 - 7:00pm EST


Moderator: Jessica

Time Management with Janet Bailey of Mindful Time Management-  7:30 - 8:00pm EST

About Janet

For years, I’ve been studying what the experts — both popular and academic — have to say about time management and self-management. I’m familiar with the standard techniques…and where the gaps are.
I’ve had my own creative business since 1988. I’ve written for Travel & Leisure, Glamour, Good Housekeeping, and other magazines. I’ve led seminars throughout the U.S. and U.K. on writing, goal-setting, conflict resolution, and classic time management.  Before starting my business, I worked on staff in arts administration and PR as well as the publishing world.
In other words…I’ve set ambitious goals and reached them. I’ve also struggled with procrastination and writer’s block. I know what it’s like to try to balance the craving for freedom with the structure needed to meet deadlines and goals.
As a coach and workshop leader, I work with designers, writers, social service providers, coaches, consultants and others who value independence and creative thinking. I help them find greater focus, clarity, movement, balance — personally, professionally and creatively.
Her Site - http://www.mindfultimemanagement.com
Moderator: Jessica


How Can Bloggers and Authors do it Better? - 9:00 - 10:30pm EST
Wrapping up the ideas covered during the conference and discussing the future of Blogger author relations.
Panelists:
Marta Acosta - Author and Vampire Wire
Moderator: Terry Kate




Sunday

Meet and Greet
Panels and Chats




    

NetGalley is in the House! Or at the Conference!

Lindsey Rudnickas Digital Concierge of NetGalley will be joining us at the Book Bloggers and Authors Online Conference.  Hear an all new interview with her and she will be answering questions you might have as an author or reviewer/blogger.  I am so excited to get to interview Lindsey again.

If you are not familiar with NetGalley check them out at http://www.netgalley.com/ 

You can hear our first interview from the Book Bloggers and Publishers Online Conference this past March.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/terry-kate/2010/03/18/netgalley

I look forward to meeting new faces at the Online Conference this August 6&7, Register here to attend!

Updated Schedule!!! Great Stuff Added

Hello All,

So I have been going over more of the important elements that are involved for authors and bloggers and added some great new classes for those of us outside the US.  Discussing Book Trailers, and if people want to sign up I have added a special course on web design!  Learn what you need to know before hand.  One for published authors who already have sites and one for authors trying to figure out what they want now or in the future!  Email me if you are interested and register with the added 2 day web course!  Times will be offered for the free events so we can work around your schedule!  -  For more info on this class visit HERE
ALL TIMES ARE EST 

Schedule
FRIDAY 6th

Time TBA - Panel for International Bloggers -
What do international bloggers face that is different from other bloggers?
Panelists Larissa of Larissa's Bookish Life, and Doug the SciFi Guy!
Moderated by Jessica of Novel Reaction an What do international bloggers face that is different from other bloggers?


6 - 6:30 pm - Opening Event - How the conference works - what we will be talking about.  Meet the Moderators.  Ask any Questions you might have and bring up any points you want to make sure we address. 

6:30 - 7:30pm - The Art of the Review
Hear how reviewers approach writing their reviews as well as authors weigh in on what they look for and appreciate.
Panelists - Sabrina of Cheeky Reads
Moderator - Jessica of Novel Reaction

  7:30- 8:30 pm - Be a Better Guest Blogger/How to Guest Blog
Learn what bloggers and readers are looking for.  What is important to include when you guest blog.  What is the blogger's part and what is the author's/guest's.  How to bring more attention to your guest blogs.
Panelists: Rachel Smith - Bitten By Books
Moderator:  Terry Kate

9 - 10:30 - Should Authors have Blogs?
A round table discussion on the benefits and downsides of authors having blogs and what other possibilities are open to them.
Panelists - Author Gail Fraser,
Moderator - Terry Kate


SATURDAY 7th

11am - 11:30 EST- Opening Panel
11:30-12:30 - Finding the Right Blogs
What makes a blog a good match for what you write?  How do you find them?  What can you do to work with them, how to get in contact, SEO and web search secrets.

12 - 1pm - Approaching Authors and Publishers
Bloggers, how do you approach authors and publishers?  What makes your blog stand out to them.  ARCs, Authors, Interviews, the important parts and procedures.
Panelists: Rachel Smith - Bitten by Books,
Moderator: Terry Kate

  1 - 2pm - The Book Trailer Debate
So to make or not to make a trailer.  Where can you put it, and who can you get to watch them?
Panelists - 
Moderator - Jessica

  2 - 3pm - Time Management - Promotion
This is a good thing for all of us in life.  We are bringing in some pros to talk about time management and the benefits it can have on your promotion.

3:30 - 4:30pm - Live Events and Happenings - Important to Bloggers AND Authors
We need to reach out as authors and bloggers - so lets talk about how to go about it.  Book signings, conferences, libraries, book stores and more.  Where to go and how to go about it.

5 - 5:30 pm - Get your books Reviewed
Authors roll in getting reviewed and why that is important.  Is it all on your pub?  What is the proceedure and what falls to the reviewers.  Discussing why it is important to get reviewed.
Panelists - Larissa of Larissa's Bookish Life, Rachel Smith - Bitten By Books,
Moderator - Terry Kate

5:00 - 6:00pm - Bloggers Working Together - Co-operation
Blog hops, memes, networking, and reaching out to fellow bloggers.
Panelists - Rebecca - Dirty Sexy Books
Moderator: Jessica - Novel Reaction 

6:00 - 7:00pm - Blog Tours Pros and Cons
Are they good for bloggers?  Do they benefit authors?  Hear from bloggers, authors, and those who organize the tours.
Panelists: Rachel Smith - Bitten By Books
Moderator: Terry Kate

7:00 - 8:00pm - What makes a Great Interview-
Authors Weigh in on what they like to be asked and bloggers what makes the returned answers stand out.
Panelists  -  Ilona Andrews  http://www.ilona-andrews.com/  -   
Stacia Kane  http://www.staciakane.com
Moderator:  Phoebe Jordan 

9 - 10:30 - How Can Bloggers and Authors do it Better?
Wrapping up the ideas covered during the conference and discussing the future of Blogger author relations.
Panelists: Marta Acosta - Author and Vampire Wire
Moderator: Terry Kate

Thursday Night - August 5th - to make sure your set up is working.

9 - 9:30pm - Fix Your Facebook
Authors and bloggers, face book is important.  It is an easy location to use for us to learn about each other.  It allows you to use links, display info and get together with readers and other industry folk.  Get yours set up the right way and get the biggest benefit from having a Facebook account.

Blog and Site Design Classes!

Starting June 28&29 into the next week leading up to the conference!

Conference Schedule is Announced

Goals of the Conference

Authors and Bloggers are both working together online to reach out to readers and spread the word about the books we read and love.  We all face challenges with online promotion that can be alleviated by working together.  By streamlining the process of co-operative work between Authors and Bloggers we can move forward using social media and online outlets to expose more readers to more books.


How it Works -
Never been to an online conference? - Well here is how ours works.  It is hosted through a private Ning.  The panels are audio using Blog Talk Radio and each has a corresponding chat room so listeners can discuss the topic together.  Panels can be heard live and will accept callers and questions.  After they can all be listened to in archive on the Ning till the end of the month. There is a $15 registration fee and spaces are limited.  This 2 day event is a great resource to network and meet fellow book lovers.


We have the tentative schedule for the BBA Online Conference with the announcement of panelists to be added soon.  Friday Night and all day Saturday August 6&7 radio panels and live discussions.  -  Look Below for a Listing of FREE Pre-Conference Panels

Schedule
FRIDAY 6th

Earlier, Panel for International Bloggers -
Moderated by Jessica of Novel Reaction and Panelists Larissa of Larissa's Bookish Life
What do international bloggers face that is different from other bloggers?


6 - 7pm - EST Opening Event

7:30 - 8:30pm - The art of the Review
Hear how reviewers approach writing their reviews as well as authors weigh in on what they look for and appreciate.
Panelists - Sabrina of Cheeky Reads
Moderator - Jessica of Novel Reaction

8 - 9pm - Be a better guest blogger/how to guest blog
Learn what bloggers and readers are looking for.  What is important to include when you guest blog.  What is the blogger's part and what is the author's/guest's.  How to bring more attention to your guest blogs.

9 - 10:30 - Should Authors have Blogs
A round table discussion on the benefits and downsides of authors having blogs and what other possibilities are open to them.

SATURDAY 7th

11am - 11:30 EST- Opening Panel

11:30-12:30 - Finding the Right Blogs
What makes a blog a good match for what you write?  How do you find them?  What can you do to work with them, how to get in contact, SEO and web search secrets.

12 - 1pm - Approaching Authors and Publishers
Bloggers, how do you approach authors and publishers?  What makes your blog stand out to them.  ARCs, Authors, Interviews, the important parts and procedures.

1:30 - 3pm - Time Management - Promotion
This is a good thing for all of us in life.  We are bringing in some pros to talk about time management and the benefits it can have on your promotion.

3:30 - 4:30pm - Live Events and Happenings - Important to bloggers AND authors
We need to reach out as authors and bloggers - so lets talk about how to go about it.  Book signings, conferences, libraries, book stores and more.  Where to go and how to go about it.

5 - 5:30 pm - Get your books Reviewed
Authors roll in getting reviewed and why that is important.  Is it all on your pub?  What is the proceedure and what falls to the reviewers.  Discussing why it is important to get reviewed.
Panelists - Larissa of Larissa's Bookish Life.
Moderator - Terry Kate

5:00 - 6:00pm - Bloggers working together - co-operation
Blog hops, memes, networking, and reaching out to fellow bloggers.
Panelists - Rebecca - Dirty Sexy Books

6:00 - 7:00pm - Blog Tours pros and cons
Are they good for bloggers?  Do they benefit authors?  Hear from bloggers, authors, and those who organize the tours.

7:00 - 8:00pm - What makes a Great Interview-
Authors Weigh in on what they like to be asked and bloggers what makes the returned answers stand out.  Panelists  -  Ilona Andrews  http://www.ilona-andrews.com/  -  Stacia Kane  http://www.staciakane.com

9 - 10:30 - How can bloggers and authors do it better?
Wrapping up the ideas covered during the conference and discussing the future of Blogger author relations.


Thursday Night - August 5th - to make sure your set up is working.

9 - 9:30pm - Fix Your Facebook
Authors and bloggers, face book is important.  It is an easy location to use for us to learn about each other.  It allows you to use links, display info and get together with readers and other industry folk.  Get yours set up the right way and get the biggest benefit from having a Facebook account.

FREE PANELS

Ask these fabulous bloggers any questions you might have.

July 26th, 9pm EST - My Friend Amy - Q&A - here http://www.blogtalkradio.com/terry-kate/2010/07/27/my-friend-amy-blogger-qa
July 27th, 9:30 EST - Rachel of Bitten by Books - Q&A - here http://www.blogtalkradio.com/terry-kate/2010/07/28/rachel-of-bitten-by-books-qa

A Run Down of the Conference by Sarah of She Never Slept

This weekend was the first annual Book Bloggers and Publishers Online Conference. Organized by Terry Kate, of Romance in the Backseat (with assistance from Phoebe Jordon, of Talk About my Favorite Authors), this event was three days of panels on subjects like: Building Online Community, the Business of Blogging, Ask the Agent or Editor, and so much more. All of the panels were live on Blog Talk Radio, with the opportunity for people to call in and ask questions. There was also a forum set-up on Ning for discussion, as well as an online chat room. I am not sure what the official head-count was, but I know there were over a hundred bloggers, authors and publishers in attendance. From amateur to professional, the bibliophiles were out in force!

I had never been to an “Online Conference” before, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. The thought of networking in my pajamas was mighty appealing and the topics were interesting, so I went into it with an open mind. Just like every conference or convention I have been too, there was just no way to make every single panel (but luckily with this conference I have two weeks to go back and listen to the ones I missed!). So, today I am just going to talk about the panels that I moderated, was on, or listened to.

Day One

The first panel I listened to was “Publicity Departments and What They Do”. Terry Kate was the moderator and Director of Publicity from Tor & Forge Books Patty Garcia – along with Digital Concierge of NetGalley, Lindsey Rudnickas were the panelists. This was a very interesting panel for me because most of the books we get at SNS are sent directly from the author. I learned a good deal about what it is publicists are looking for, so it was a terrorific way to start the day.

“Wordpress Friday” was the second panel I attended. This was a pre-recorded panel modertated by Terry Kate with Peter Ferguson from iCrackerJack as the panelist. Though the information in the panel was pretty basic, it was informative and Peter was around in the chatroom for Q&A afterwords.

The first panel She Never Slept participated in was called “What Bloggers Want”. It was moderated by Terry Kate and the other panelists were Doug aka SciFi Guy and Alyssa from Teens Read and Write. Most of us don’t make money with our blogs/review sites. We work full-time jobs or go to school. So for us, this is a labor of love. We discussed what publishers (and authors) could do to make it easier on us as bloggers/reviewers. It was a very interesting panel. Doug, the SciFi Guy was hysterical and very knowledgeable. And Alyssa, though young and new to reviewing, had some wonderful insights on the topic. I was glad to be on a panel with two such interesting folks. Now if only some publishers would give it a listen… *laughs*

Next up on my agenda was “Business of Blogging”. I moderated this panel and Rachel, from Bitten by Books and Terry Kate, of Romance in the Backseat were the panelists. This panel was of great interest to me so I was happy to be the moderator. Rachel and Terry both spoke on different ways to monetize your blog/review site, so that (at the least) you are not loosing money. Rachel was very clear that it should always be about the content and I whole-heartedly agree. (Though I am not opposed to accepting advertisers or donations!*wink wink* *nudge nudge*) But if you are looking for ways to support your site (getting to conventions, hosting upkeep, etc.), there are some interesting options out there. I found this panel very informative.

The last panel I attended on Friday was called The Legal Side of Blogging. Once again moderated by Terry Kate with Mr. Bruce C. Cohen, Attorney at Law as the panelist, this panel was setup to discuss FTC regulations and bloggers/reviewers rights. It was chocked full of great and vital information. Mr. Cohen patiently answered all of our questions and I learned a lot.

Day Two

Becuase the conference was EST and there was a last minute scheduling change, I was a little late on Saturday. (Thankfully there was noone to comment on my slippers, bed-head or morning breath. *chuckles*)”Building Online Community” was the first panel of the day. I was the (slightly tardy) moderator of the panel with Molly from The Bumbles Blog and Mary from Pajamas and Coffee as the panelists. Though both Mary and Molly have more generalized blogs with occasional reviews as opposed to being strictly review sites – they had great ideas on how to build, grow and substain your “audience” or “community”. Really, as with many of the panels, it all boils down to content, content, content!

The next panel I attended was the “Independent Press Panel”. Terry Kate moderated this panel with Renee Rocco of Lyrical Press and Tina Burns from Liquid Silver as the panelists. This panel was setup to demonstrate what is different about Independent Presses and how we, as bloggers/reviewers, can work with them. It was an interesting panel with a lot of great Q&A. (Quick SNS PSA to fellow reviewers: Support Indie Press! They need us!)

The last panel I attended on Saturday was called “Standardizing Review Practices” and was again moderated by Terry Kate with Lisa Dawn of Wild Rose Press and Sabrina from Cheeky Reads as the panelists. Sabrina was a little late getting in and I think that the direction of the panel seemed to meander a bit. Some of the conference goers were confused by this. But towards the end, when the questions and comments started rolling in, the subject came back around to the main topic. I learned some new things, and really that’s what I want in a panel.

Day Three

I didn’t attend many live panels on Sunday because I was getting tattooed. But I did get some networking done… and because of the killer way these ladies set this conference up… I was able to call in and ask questions on two panels from the bus. The first panel I called in on was “Ask the Editor or Agent” moderated by Phoebe Jordon featuring Laurie M. Rauch, Executive Editor from Samhain Publishing and Agent Lori Perkins from Ravenous Romance. The second was “Authors and Publishers Work Together”, due to scheduling issues it was only moderator Terry Kate and panelist Kylie Brant. I listened to both panels when I got back home in the evening and found them to be well rounded and interesting.

Wrap Up

This conference was a great experience. It was well worth the $20 entrance fee. I learned a lot and met quite a few interesting folks. If you are a blogger/reviewer, publisher, author or industry pro and you are interested in listening to the panels, they will remain up for the next two weeks. It’s not too late, you can still obtain a membership and hear what we all had to say this weeked. After the two weeks are up, they will be opening up the Ning to the general public (minus the audio panels)… so if you are interested in helping to plan next year’s event or want to talk about what we did this year – be sure to stop by next month. I am glad I was able to participate and would like to thank Terry and Phoebe for inviting SNS to be on panels and moderate. We would be happy to come back next year, and perhaps I will even drag some minions along! Mwahahaha!

She did such a great job why not utilize it?
Read Sarah's Blog - She Never Slept here - http://sheneverslept.com/newsandreviews/

Today's Scedule!

Okay today we will be welcoming more authors into the fold.
We have some panels just for them.
So on to today's Sceduled Panels.

GREEN ROOM
- Moderated by Terry Kate

Panel 1 - YA Authors and Bloggers
Join those working in YA on the front lines.  What are they working on and what are they reading?

Author - Erik Bergstrom - www.erikbergstrom.com/
Bloggers - Teens Read and Write - www.teensreadandwrite.com/

Panel 2 - Reaching Out Beyond the Internet
What can authors and bloggers do to reach out and bring new readers into the online book community.

Author - Linda Wisdom - www.lindawisdom.com/
RomCon Director - Tiffany James -  www.romconinc.com/

BLUE ROOM

Contracts for Authors
Lead by Author/Lawyer  Caridad Piniero -  www.caridad.com

Blog Tours - Good  for Authors Worth it for Blogs  
Rachel of Bitten By Books
Author Leanna Renee Heiber 


Social Networking - Building a Platform

How the Conference Works