Nicol Halek

Reaching Your Fans Nicol Halek

Authors are everywhere these days, pitching their books in bookstores, yes, but also at libraries, in department stores, at book fairs, on local and public radio, on every TV interview show from local access to "Oprah" and "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart".
As a result of this greater exposure, audiences are expecting a greater level of performance. They want you to make a presentation. They want a Show. You can't just stand up there and read. You must bring something extra to the event - some special information or connection. Your audience wants you to be comfortable, and fluent. But, you must engage them from the very start.
A great majority of books on presentation skills are aimed at business people and designed for meetings. Most books on book promotion mention readings, but do not suggest how to construct one, or how to combat stage fright. Most books on voice development and characterization are aimed at actors and don't say anything about closing the sale. This book is the first that combines the experiences and skills of a stage, film, and television actor, radio personality, and acting coach with those of a published author with more than a decade of experience organizing writers' conferences.
This practical book of tips, solutions, and exercises was born of a writer's angst: how to present material in a way that was appealing to bookstore audiences, flexible enough to use in non-traditional venues, and dramatic enough to keep any audience awake and eager to buy. Adapting the tools actors use to a writer's particular needs cured the angst and made readings profitable and fun. The drama was the key. Filled with trade tricks, professional preparation techniques, and survival tips, this book is an accessory that no author should leave home without.