How to Guide for Bookclubs, Publicists, Publishing Houses, and Authors Who Want to Skype their events or understand how VoIP\'s work.

1. Skype for Bookclubs
By Dee Stewart
Summertime is one of the heaviest. Times of the year for bookclubs to meet their favorite author.
But the US economy's recession has challenged the way authors meet their fans. Thank goodness
for Web 2. 0 technology.
With Voice Over Internet Protocol(VoIP) bookclubs can hang out with their favorite author on
the cheap and in the comfort of theiR own homes. Moreover using VoIP's will greater the
probablity of an author meeting his/her scheduled bookclub, since challenges like flight delays,
double bookings, etc. VoIPs give you and the author's publicist more opportunities to connect
with your bookclub.
Skype is the most widely used VoIP program for PC to PC calling, and allows you to talk to
anyone around the world for free. One of the most popular Skype users on the planet is Oprah
Winfrey, the bookclub queen.
Below is a guide for using Skype for bookclubs.
Bookclub Technology Requirements:
You must ensure that both you and your scheduled author meet these requirements. (Contact me
for a listing of authors who Skype.)

2. • A broadband Internet connection
• A microphone
• Speakers
• Skype
Setup Instructions:
_1. Visit www.skype.com/go/downloading to download a free installation of the software.
_2. Once it downloads you will see a pop up window asking you "what do you want to do with
skype.setup.exe. Click 'Run,' to execute the program.
_3. A confirmation message may appear asking if you're sure you want to run this software. Just
click 'Run' again.
_4. When the download has finished, the Skype Setup Wizard will appear and guide you through
the rest of the installation.
NOTE: Do not install Internet Explorer toolbar unless you want it. It's not necessary at all, and
you have enough to deal with.
_5. After the installation is complete, you will see a blue circle with a white S inside icon on
your PC desktop. This is the Skype Icon. Click it.

3. _6. For your first time you will see a login dialogue box. This is where you will enter your Skype
login details. At this point you don't have an account. You must create one. Click "Don't have a
Skype name" underneath the Username field. Fill out the complete dialogue box and accept the
terms and conditions, by clicking next. Another dialogue box pops up asking for your current
email address and your Country and city. After filling out these fields, hit "Sign in" and you
should be signed in.
_7. After you have successfully signed in for the first time, a "getting started" guide will appear.
This guide will help you configure your mic and speakers.

4. _8.. To test your set-up, go to the main Skype window. In the contacts section, there should be 1
contact, the Skype test call. By calling this number (double clicking) you can listen to what your
microphone sounds like, and what to expect from a call. Once you are satisfied with your sound,
the set-up is complete.
Organizing your Skype Bookclub event.
1. Designate a date and venue for your meeting.
2. Contact the author or her/his publicist to place them on your Skype meeting calendar.
3. Exchane Skype numbers.
4. Confirm your Skype meeting one month before the event.
5. Order books. (Check with me on bookstores who have discount rates for bookclubs.)
6. Read book.
7. Create author questions. You can submit them before hand or ask on fly. Make sure the author
is comfortable with the questions. Obtain a fact/interview sheet from author or publicist. This
sheet will help you build your questions and learn something unique about the author, when the
author will be coming to or near your city.
Have Big Fun
Dee Stewart
DeeGospel PR
www.deestewart.com
www.christianfiction.blogspot.com
www.facebook.com/dee.stewart
770.298.7539
Deegospelpr@gmail.com
Created via BlackBerry by AT&T