Many authors feel intimidated when it comes to publicizing their book. Many hire publicists to help them. After losing her inheritance and life savings in a Ponzi scheme, Deb didn’t have that option. Force that she is, Deb remained unflappable. I interview Deb here for you to learn how her grassroots blog, radio and podcast tour worked:

Lisa Tener: You do tons of networking and you seem to really enjoy it…

Deb: Yes! If it’s not going to be fun, it isn’t worth doing. Enjoying what you do is a sure sign you’re supposed to be doing it. I pay attention to what I’m thinking, being and feeling. I do what feels fun for me first; meeting as many people I can with vision and purpose. I guess that would be called networking.

Lisa: How does that work for you? Are you looking for shows to be featured on, or are you just finding blogs you like, making comments and getting to know people?

Deb: I suppose I just do what I enjoy doing naturally.

• I seek out people who have already achieved or are seeking to achieve what I am seeking.
• I look for these people everywhere I can.
• I look for people first, and the radio shows and other media events just naturally follow.

Lisa: For example?

Deb: I subscribe, read and follow newsletters, social sites, websites and books of the people I consider mentors. I look to connect with them, and in connecting with them as unique people I respect and desire to learn from, I then know where they are sharing ideas, so I go where they are and share my ideas.

Lisa: Where did you start? I remember one blog where you had become part of the community – Jason’s Network. Can you say more what drew you to it? What came out of it?

Deb: I start by starting. I enjoy the quality of people at Jason’s Network. Jason is a hoot. And I continue to meet many action-oriented people there. Like Sumner Davenport. She’s a “bounce back coach” and best selling author of The “G” Spot: The Ecstasy Of Life Through Gratitude. Sumner encouraged me constantly, offered ideas on my book cover design, media speaking engagement ideas, and offered to speak with and create a “to-do book launch list” with me over the phone as a gift.

I also met Deborah Dachinger through Jason’s Network. Deborah hosts Dare to Dream radio with over a million listeners out of LA. I love her message. I asked if my book might be a topic of interest to her radio listeners. Her support amazed me, “Just let me know when your book is released and I’ll definitely have you on the show!” The show recording is available on my site.

I also belong to Cambridge Who’s Who Connect. When The Sky is Green released, I sent a message to all my Cambridge Who’s Who Connect members, offering a free first chapter download. Deborah Sackett read it and invited me to be a featured guest on Gulf Coast News where she is the media director and www.AmericanForum.com. In fact, we are going to do another show on teens and the lost generation – how we can help these terrific teens who are our future.

Sherry Ellis, a full time book reviewer at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.com overwhelmed me by doing a book review for me on both of those sites.

Lisa: how did she find out about the book?

Deb: We connected on Cambridge Who’s Who through Claire Power Murphy’s “The Pen is Mightier than the Sword” group for authors. She offered to write a review when the book was published. Talk about authors supporting authors!

Lisa: You’re also on Facebook. How has that worked for you?

Deb: I’ve met lots of like-minded friends there, and many have graciously invited me to be on their radio shows – like Jay Early’s Millionaires in Action.

It seems one connection leads to another. Think of how I met you through Fern Reiss – whom I met in 2004 at a writing course in Boston. Fern began the International Association of Writers which led me to you, and the garden is suddenly in unexpected full bloom and growing perennials on its own power!

I treasure these relationships, and nurture them with what I hope reflects the sincere gratitude I feel….you have helped me beyond words!

Lisa: You send me uplifting e-mails (with all those cute animations) and remarks that often put a smile on my face. You’ve suggested me as a guest on radio shows such as Anna Banks’. How else do you nurture your relationships?

Deb: Gratitude Attitude, Attitude Gratitude. I am amazed and in awe of these people who interview me. I enjoy their lessons, and devour their wisdom. Who wouldn’t want to stay in touch with people such as these, Anna being one for sure!

I send a follow-up, checking-in email, a snail mail note with some two minute volunteering…

Lisa: …Two Minute Volunteering—you mean you put cute stickers on the envelope to make the postman smile?

Deb: Exactly. And I also will make a quick phone call with nothing else but hello and thank you, or, “Is there anything I can do to help you?”

I pray for the success of these people to be the best they can be, and help as many people as possible with their uplifting messages. Must walk my own talk!

Lisa: Any specific services you use to find ways to promote your message?

Deb: Several free services: Radio Guest List, HARO and Pitchrate. But my successes so far have been with Radio Guest List only.

Lisa: Do you ever ask to be on someone’s show?

Deb: Yes. I listen to and search for inspirational and motivational radio shows, and write a few respectful and enthusiastic lines in an e-mail asking if I can share the message of my book with them and their listeners. I am not afraid to cold call, because my attitude is: Anyone who shares the same vision of helping people being peaceful, purposeful, and happy, is a kindred spirit who is no stranger to me – even if we have never met or spoken. I simply send a few short lines to them with my web link and cover photo of my book The Sky is Green and the Grass is Blue: Turning Your Upside Down World Right Side Up.

I have truly never received anything but kindness from those I seek to meet. I always offer to send them a free copy of my book to read and review, and thank them for their consideration.

This is how I met some great show hosts such as Right Here, Right Now with Daniel Guitierez, David and Markandya, co-founders of Energy Talk Radio, and The Pursuit of Happiness with Jay Cruz, and Anna Banks, host of Living Fully After 40 and creator of International Women In Transition.

Lisa: What else do you do that’s special? That has that Deb Scott special touch?

Deb: I really don’t know what I do that is special; I am just being myself doing what I enjoy. I suppose I think of what I would like to receive—and do that. I love receiving gifts, and since my book is the gift of my heart, I feel it only appropriate to wrap it up in gift wrapping paper of brilliant color to all who receive!

I also send interviewers a small portfolio with the gift wrapped book. This is in a clear cover presentation folder. I have the book info, author bio, media information, a few book reviews, photo, and business card, along with a personal message to the recipient on my book stationary which Gary Reichel (my absolute fabulous web master) created for me.

Lisa: It seems to me that some of this is branding, although it’s totally natural. You don’t do it to brand, but you accidentally brand along the way. Would you say that’s true?

Deb: Perhaps I feel so grateful someone is taking their precious gift of time to review my vision, I want to express and show them as much obvious gratitude as I can with valuable information for their needs and interest. I do everything from my heart. I never thought of this as a branding – more just being…Deb Scott.

Lisa: That’s branding at its best: Just being you in your brightest, most radiant expression of who you are and, Deb, you embody that more than anyone I know.