Marques Peterson believes that if you can’t find a story you really like in a bookstore, you should write it.  Find out more about his marketing efforts and why he believes you have to invest in your own product for it to be a success.

1. Give me the “elevator pitch” for your book in five to ten sentences.

I think the best way to tell you about my story is to tell you how I came up with this idea.  Toni Morrison once said, “If there’s a book you really want to read but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.”  So I began to outline and I created a character that must go through hell to accomplish his goals.  So I started thinking, what if a cunning, bold, twenty-one year old sorcerer witnesses his mother’s death to save his skin?  It would make him very angry because he was too weak to save her and it would also make him vindictive because now he wants to get his brother for what he has done to her.  But, since his mother is gone now, he also has the burden to save the world because he must collect the ancient stones of immortality before his brother can.

So the sorcerer begins his adventure to pursue each stone and make a few friends along the way, but trouble arises when they arrive at Westco village.  The captain of Westco, having arsenals of deadly arrows and an army of guards, tries to stop them at any cost.  Then there are other beings like the ferocious vangal birds that try to eat them; the tyranny preventers, Ober and Nob, which will do whatever they can to stop them; and the cold-hearted aurettas whose powers seem unstoppable – will the sorcerer and his friends ever collect the stones?  This is exactly what happens in my book, Cold Spirits: Greed Vs. Passion.

2. Why did you become an indie writer?

I became an indie writer because I wanted to experience how it would be to publish my own book.

3. Have you been traditionally published? Why or why not?

Yes, I have been traditionally published.  And the reason why is because a traditional publisher has the resources and the experience to produce and market my books.

4. How have you liked self-publishing so far?

I like self-publishing very much.  I love how quick it is and the many options self-publishers have to offer.

5. Tell me about the marketing techniques you’ve used to sell your books. Which ones have been the most successful?

I’ve used Facebook, an email campaign, personal promotions, book-to-film PitchFests, book signings, and Google marketing.  The most successful ones were the personal promotions, the book signings, and the book-to-film PitchFest.

6. Are there any marketing techniques you intentionally avoided or discontinued, and if so, why?

I’ve always intentionally tried to avoid doing a blog, and when I finally made one, after a few months of doing it, I discontinued it.  It was fun but after doing it for a few months and switching to a new publisher, I decided to cancel it and just focus on writing.

7. Which services or vendors do you recommend for the marketing methods you used?

For personal promotions, I would use Facebook and every available contact that you have to spread the word.  For PitchFests, I recommend Xlibris’ service and I highly recommend virtualpitchfest.com.  For book signings, Barnes & Noble is the place to be.  I had a terrific experience doing a book singing with Barnes & Noble.

8. What’s the most important thing you’ve learned about self-publishing that you didn’t know when you started out?

The most important thing I learned is to carefully observe each publishing package and be ready to spend some money.  If you want the best deals, the best package, the best marketing, you’re going to need money.  Like that old saying, “You must spend money to make money.”  So if you want your book to really be noticed, get ready to spend thousands of dollars.  I recommend having up to $10,000 to publish your book.

9. If you could do one thing differently in publishing your books, what would it be?

To have had a Facebook fan page and to have had reviews done when my first book launched.

10. Indie authors face the challenge of marketing their books without the resources of traditional publishers. What advice do you have for an indie just starting out?

My advice is to use resources such as creating a Facebook fan page, have your own website, and have your book be reviewed by as many people as possible.  Look into fundraisers and charities.  Use any resource that you have because you will need everything within your power to get your book noticed.

11. What are you currently working on?

I’m currently working on promoting my second book, “What Nerve!,” and working on the sequel to it.  I’m also working on a fourth book which is in full production, and I have just signed to a new publisher and will be working on projects for them as well.

12. If you could market your brand – not just one particular book, but your overall brand of writing – in one sentence, what would it be?

Marques Peterson – “My stories are not just a figment of my imagination, but also an interpretation of my personal experience to deliver engaging events that many people can relate to.”

13. How can readers learn more about your books?

By visiting http://www.what-nerve.com.  And if you purchase the Best of Both Series Bundle, you will have a chance to win a free Nintendo Wii U game system or a Sony Playstation 3, or a Microsoft XBOX 360, plus you will also receive a $5.00 coupon for any cell phone or video game repair at Cellular and Gaming Repair plus a $10.00 gift certificate with a free complimentary facial session from Mary Kay™.  Another way to know more about my books is by requesting or visiting my Facebook page.