Create an IMix Soundtrack for Your Book on ITunes

As a writer, I take my inspiration both from within and without. While and idea may come to mind out of the blue or in a dream, it may just as easily come from an experience, something I read, or a song. When I map out a plot for a story, I like to find songs that fit each plot element and compile a soundtrack to write to. Like my stories, my soundtracks change and expand as I write but, by the time I've finished the manuscript I have an excellent soundtrack for readers to listen to while reading the released book. However, until now, I haven't been able to share my soundtracks with readers.

I recently discovered a great tool available through iTunes that allows me to list all the songs in a soundtrack as an iMix. The iMix makes the soundtrack available publicly so that readers can now have the benefit of listening to these soundtracks too.

Creating an iMix is a remarkably simple process that anyone can do with a few simple instructions. If you follow these instructions, you can create iMixes for your readers too.

You Will Need:

Computer with iTunes software

List of songs

Create Your iMix

1. Open iTunes on your computer. (Ensure you have a recent version of iTunes. Versions previous to iTunes 6.0 will not allow you to create an iMix.)

2. Create a playlist by clicking on the "File" menu. Select "New Playlist". The playlist will appear in your Playlists list. Entitle it the same as the book for which you are making it.

3. Choose song from your library or the iTunes store by left clicking on it with your mouse and dragging it into your playlist on the left menu.

4. Publish your playlist as an iMix by left clicking on the title of your playlist then click on the "Store" menu and select "Create an iMix". A pop up message will explain what an iMix is. Click on "Create". You'll be asked to sign into the iTunes store. Sign in and click on "Publish". A new screen will load. Select iMix, give your iMx a title. (Preferably that of your book.) Then add a description of your iMix. I suggest including the fact that it is a soundtrack for a book, the name of the book, the book blurb and the web address to your website. When you've finished, click on "Publish".

After you publish your playist as an iMix, you'll receive an email confirmation from iTunes that includes a link to your soundtrack/iMix as well as several options for sharing it. An excellent way to share this with your readers is with new release notices, in your newsletter or your publisher's newsletter, in your blogs about your book and on your website.

While an iMix is a great tool for writers who are inspired by music, it can also be an excellent marketing tool that enhances your readers' entertainment experience.