By Jackie King
Today’s writers
promote both on line and in person. I love the online stuff. It’s much easier
for me and, IMO, for most writers. We tend to be introverted folk, preferring
to listen rather than to speak. So it came as a shock to me when I
learned that as a published author, I’m also responsible for promoting my work.
I learned about
the necessity of self-promotion after I sold a novella as part of an anthology.
My experienced coauthor, Peggy Fielding, told me the facts-of-(a-writer’s)-life.
This “older girl” said that fame wouldn’t be carried to me by the fame-stork,
but that I must birth my own success through brazen self-promotion.
“The book won’t
sell itself. That’s YOUR job. Roll up your sleeves and get to work.”
“Me?” My voice actually
quavered. “My job? I had hoped the publisher might send a limo for pre-arranged
book signings.” I was joking and Peggy smiled, but her answer was serious. “In
your dreams. The three of us must sell this anthology ourselves, that’s the way
of a published writer’s life.” The oldest of our trio, she gave me her
wise-and-patient-teacher look. The one that makes me feel as if I’m about 10
years old. My petulant answer reflected this same age.
“That’s not fair!
I’m a writer, not a promoter.”
“You’ll add many
chapeaus to your hat rack before this adventure is over.” She gave an impish
grin and then continued. “You must talk to bookstore owners and sell each one
on the idea of a book signing. Then you must ignore your innate shyness and
tell every relative, every friend, and even every stranger about your new book.
Dress your self-praise in honest enthusiasm and discard any polite modesty taught
to you by your mother. And of course you must setup many public-speaking gigs.”
“Me, speak in
public? You can’t be serious!” I shouted. “I’m the shyest of the shy. Timid is
my middle name. My Clairol-red hair turns white at the very idea of speaking in
public.”
“So you’ll
develop a new skill,” she said as if the matter were settled.
And of course it was. Here's a bit of what I learned:
Plan and develop
your promotional strategy in the same detailed way that you plotted your book.
Give careful thought to location and avoid stereotypical ideas.
Remember your
home town roots. America takes an interest in her youth, especially small town
America. There are a myriad of folk who remember you as a child and as a teen.
Many of these people are readers and will be interested in buying a copy of
your book. You must not disappoint them. Always set up at least one book signing
in your home town. These signings can take place in any type of store,
business, church, club, or even in the home of a relative or friend.
Paula Alfred, the
glamour-gal member of our writing team, arranged for us to speak and to sign in
her home town of Poteau. I was astonished to learn the gig would be at the
local nursing home. Nursing home?
Years ago Paula
won the town’s first “Junior Miss Contest.” She used her scholarship prize (awarded
by the Junior Chamber of Commerce) as a stepping stone toward becoming a lawyer.
When a local girl comes home with a published book to sell, the town shows up with
cash in hand. And when the author sends hand-written invitations to everyone on
her parents’ Christmas list, people think of the event as a social opportunity
and as an honor.
My coauthors,
both experienced speakers, stood and gave their talks. Timid and unsure of
myself, I feared that my own knees might collapse. But the audience listened
and smiled and I grew bolder as I spoke. To my own surprise I was soon enjoying
myself.
Afterwards we
signed books, and signed books, and signed books. People from LeFlore County Oklahoma
We sold 36 books!
Foxy Statehood Hens and Murder Most Fowl is available at bookstores, on Amazon Kindle or B&N Nook. $2.99
Enjoyed the post. Terrified of the promotion.
ReplyDeleteI also enjoyed the post, Jackie, and look forward to reading the anthology. I downloaded it and now have to find time to read. :) Promotions take up more time than writing, but there's no getting away from it.
ReplyDelete