Greetings from Sarah Sundin in California! Today I have the privilege of interviewing best-selling, multi-published thriller writer Mike Dellosso, who also writes contemporary drama as Michael King.

Mike, how did you get into writing?

I began writing in 1998 as a way of dealing with a family crisis. My brother-in-law was in a terrible motorcycle accident that nearly claimed his life. In fact, the doctors were sure he wasn’t going to make it. He was in a coma, clinging to life. I was so overwhelmed by grief and just about every emotion imaginable and I had no way to express it…so I turned to the written word. I fell in love with writing then and haven’t stopped since.

How many books do you have published?

To date I have six novels and one novella published, with novel seven releasing February 2013. Frantic is my latest full-length novel. Rearview, my novella, just released in May. And A Thousand Sleepless Nights, my first contemporary drama under my new pen name Michael King, releases October 2012.

How did you get your first book contract?

I met an author, Kathryn Mackel, at a writers’ conference, had an appointment with her for a critique, and she loved my manuscript. We corresponded, and eventually she offered to introduce me to an agent friend of hers. He agreed to sign me, and about six months later I landed my first contract with Realms Fiction/Charisma House.

Yet another benefit of writers’ conferences! Mike, what has helped you promote your books the most?

I try to stay pretty plugged in to social media, mostly Facebook and Twitter. I also blog a lot. I run two blogs, one for Mike Dellosso and one for Michael King, and try to post two to three times a week on each of them. I do a lot of cross-promoting of my blog posts in the social media outlets too.

What mistakes or wrong assumptions did you make with the marketing of your first book? Did those mistakes cause you to change?

I’ve tried so many things I can’t even keep track of them anymore. Most flop but every now and then I’ll hit on something that really works. I think the key is to keep trying. There’s no magic formula for success in promoting and marketing. What works for one author or book may not work for another author or book. The idea is to keep coming up with new and unique ideas to get yourself and your books out there.

One thing I learned pretty quickly is that for me book signings are pretty much a waste of time. I still do them occasionally if I’m invited or if I know the venue will be successful, but I rarely seek them out anymore.

What’s the craziest promotional gimmick you tried?

I offered to co-write a short story with a reader and publish it. I just did this a couple months ago, and we are in the process of writing the story now. It was crazy not because it was stupid or a total flop, but because it was risky and I’ve never heard of an author doing it before.

Is there something you did that really helped with marketing your books?

I think consistency is the key. Consistency with blogging, consistency with connecting with readers via social media. I’m also not afraid to be transparent. Readers aren’t just interested in your books, they’re interested in you, the author, and who you are as a person. I hold little back when connecting with my readers. You just can’t beat the personal touch.

Did you see God open any doors you never expected in the promotion of your books?

I’ve made some really good connections through social media and email. I’ve had many opportunities to be blessed by readers and to bless them in return. When you’re open and transparent, you never know what doors God will open.

What are your top tips for writers with their first book contract?

Focus your promotional efforts around your personal strengths. I’m not very good on the radio – I’m just not – so I don’t seek a lot of radio spots. I’m much better with social media and blogging, so that’s where I concentrate my efforts. Try new things. Don’t be afraid to fail. Get to know your readers. And have fun with promoting.

Great advice to focus around your strengths! Thanks for meeting with us today, Mike!

To learn more about Mike and his books, visit Mike Dellosso’s website or Michael King’s website.

Writing for Him,

Sarah Sundin

Sarah’s website

Is there something you did that really helped with marketing your books?