Promotional Interview with Steve Ostrow, Author of How to Sue Telemarketers
Steve Ostrow is the author of How to Sue a Telemarketer. He is also an attorney and a comedian. He was born in New York City, and did his undergraduate studies at The State University of New York, Buffalo. In the mid 70s he landed in Southern California where he graduated with honors from The Pepperdine University School of Law.
He graduates from the Rick Stevens School of Improvisation in San Diego, and an award- winning Toastmaster, Steve has achieved success in the celebrity look-alike and improvisational worlds. In his first year of improvisational comedy, International Celebrity Images presented him with the prestigious Reel Award for Big Mouth Comedy for his Kramer impersonations. He has performed at conventions across the globe and made appearances on the Tonight Show, Jimmy Kimmel and The Ellen DeGeneres Show. In his capacity as both a lawyer and a celebrity impersonator, Steve has been interviewed by The San Diego Union, The San Diego Weekly Reader, Duke Magazine in Australia, the Long Beach Telegram, and Las Vegas Magazine.
But today, we want to focus on his writing and the background that he brings to his book – How To Sue A Telemarketer- A Manual for Restoring Peace on Earth One Call at a Time.
Nikki Leigh – .Steve, its great to have a chance to speak with you. So, let’s dive right in. How did you get started writing?
Steve Ostrow – I always jot down creative thoughts.. I keep a file of the ideas I want to remember. Enough collections started the format for the book.
NL – What do you do when you are not writing?
SO – Work as a lawyer pays most of my bills. I do acting and comedy. Actually toastmasters helped me with my writing and public speaking.
NL – You have a diverse set of interests. What would readers like to know about you?
SO – Being able to double for Kramer, I jumped on the opportunity. When the idea for the book came along, I jumped on it. I like the coaching advice to take advantage of all stage time.
NL – How many books have you written? What are the titles and the genres?
SO – How To Sue A Telemarketer- A Manual for Restoring Peace on Earth One Call at a Time is my first – it is a humorous, non-fiction, how-to book
NL – Whenever I am trying to decide whether to buy a non-fiction book, I always want to know the person’s qualifications. So, tell us, why are you specially qualified to write about this topic?
SO – As a lawyer, former small claims judge, and Kramer impersonator all traits are combined.
NL – How do you manage to keep yourself focused and on track when you’re writing a book?
SO – I keep moving forward. One day at a time. I made the goal t complete the book and I’m good at keeping commitments and reaching my goals.
NL – Many writers, write to make money, for the love of writing or both? Why did you write this book?
SO – Neither…. I wrote to tell the story, and to see what opportunities may transpire from it.
NL – What are some unique methods of marketing you have used? Which were the most successful?
SO – My website, public speaking engagements and telling about the book is the best.
NL – Do you sell through a website? If so, what’s the address?
SO – Yes, www.howtosueatelemarketer.com
NL – Where can people order your books?
SO – On my website – www.howtosueatelemarketer.com, on Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com/How-Sue-Telemarketer-Stephen-Ostrow/dp/0615338178) and Barnes and Noble.com (http://search.barnesandnoble.com/How-to-Sue-a-Telemarketer/Stephen-I-Ostrow/e/9780615338170/)
NL – What format are your books – e-book, print, audio etc?
SO – It is in print and soon it will available as an e-book.
NL – What does the future hold for you and your books?
SO – The Dailey Show is my ultimate goal, but the ride is slow. Hopefully there will be a way at a gig that my humor will be discovered and utilized.
NL – As authors we all try many things to promote our books – some work well and others don[‘t work very well. What was the least successful thing you did to promote your books?
SO – Expecting that people would just find me and love the book.
NL – What makes this book special to you?
SO – The book is humorous and serves a purpose. People can learn to protect themselves, and enjoy the learning process.
NL – What sort of comments have you gotten about the content of the book?
SO – Suing telemarketers is something that everyone can agree upon.
NL – What makes this a book that other people MUST read and WHY?
SO – Everyone can use a good chuckle. Even if 99 out of 100 people do not want to sue a telemarketer, everyone can learn their rights and regain the power of their own telephone.
NL – Authors all need to be creative, so what sparks your creativity? Do you have any tips to help others spark their own creativity?
SO – When a creative thought happens, it important to write it down. Creativity cannot and will not wait. Write down the inspirations, comedy, and whacko stuff immediately. A tape recorder on your person is a good idea. The creative process happens when sleeping, walking, showering, eating… just keep writing it down.
NL – What do you think motivates people to become authors? What motivated you to get into this unusual industry?
SO – We all have something to express inside all of us… and we need the tenacity to put it on paper and to see it through to publication.
NL – Tell me about the most unusual things you have done to promote any books?
SO – I have a very unique opportunity through my Kramer impersonation. I use the Kramer double approach. I co-authored the book as Steve Ostrow the lawyer, and Ozmo Kramer….with a picture of Kramer on the back cover.
NL – If a potential reader thinks your book would not interest them, what would you say to convince them to buy?
SO – If you own a telephone and like to be amused, this book is for you. Honestly, if you don’t own a telephone, or if you do not like Seinfeld humor, then this book is not for you.
NL – Why does the topic of your book interest you? Why would it interest potential readers? Give us a hook to reel in new readers.
SO – Just imagine Kramer going to law school. That is what this book is about – Kramer graduating law school and going after the dreaded telemarketers.
NL – Did I miss anything you want to tell my blog readers?
SO – You should read How To Sue a Telemarketer, if you want to see one more fresh episode of Seinfeld, see how Kramer handles the telemarketers. It is a great hobby, its profitable, and everyone should know their rights. And did I mention that it’s amusing?
For more details, visit http://www.howtosueatelemarketer.com
To see full details for the How to Sue a Telemarketer virtual tour, visit – http://bookpromotionservices.com/2010/07/05/how-to-sue-a-telemarketer/
To read Nikki Leigh’s review of How to Sue a Telemarketer, visit – http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/view/182788
