Painting With Light

A Way to Get Word-of-Mouth Publicity?

July 30, 2013

Word-of-Mouth Publicity: The Best Kind

Libraries Are Excellent Publicity Resources
I don’t imagine I’m much different from other indie authors … always on the lookout for publicity opportunities. If we hope to sell our books, we have to be.

There’s so much media competition out there for a readers time these days an independent author really needs to be vigilant in the search for ideas that will generate a lot of good word-of-mouth comments.

We do it constantly. At least I do. Just ask my long-suffering bride.

That’s why indie authors shouldn’t overlook that book-publicity heaven in their own neighborhood: the local library.

It may seem counter-intuitive to think about lending your book when what you’re really trying to do is sell it, but in the beginning it’s the publicity you’re after. Your book needs to be noticed and talked about before people will want to buy it.

Unless, of course, you’re Stephen King, who could probably sell his grocery list to tens of thousands just by putting his name on it.

How To Get Your Story Into That Book Nirvana
If you’re not Mr. King and you’ve finally published your work, call or email your library to let them know you’re a local independent author and want to donate your book to their lending library (offer at least two copies).

They might not salivate at the offer as if you were Stephen, which could be a blow to fragile egos, but I guarantee they’ll listen.

Better yet … show up in person. You can’t say too much about the power of personal contact. Be sure to ask for the person in charge of acquisitions or circulation (the contact person’s title may vary from one library to another).

Any book they accept will typically remain on a shelf as long as they have available space and the book remains in good condition.

Offer your library contact a signed copy with a request for them to review it, either on one of the local online book retailers where it’s sold (don’t be afraid to ask them to), or on the library’s own web page.

Some libraries actually post a list of what the librarians themselves are reading, which is often a key resource for patrons looking for new book recommendations.

Wait, there’s more!

Tags: award-winning writing, book marketing, self-publishing
Posted in Award-Winning Fiction, Book Promotion, Free Stuff, Market Your Book, Storytelling | 13 Comments »

What’s the Best Kind of Book Publicity?

July 12, 2013

How Do You Spell Book Publicity Success?

One of my new favorite bloggers, Guy Bergstrom, has some witty insights about generating publicity for film, music or books — and one of his blogs speaks directly about some of the things I’ve talked about here before — the supposed “secrets” of getting your self-published book noticed.

Actually, many of Guy’s blogs do that, so do yourself a favor and head over there, using the link I provided above, and just browse a while. You won’t be disappointed.

Of course, I naturally recommend you visit after you’re done reading and commenting here. (Guy follows this blog, and I hope he’ll forgive me for asking you to wait but, hey, I’ve got things to say, too).

If you’re an indie author, I’m sure you’ve discovered marketing is the hardest part of your literary creation’s World Conquest.

Once you’ve covered all your siblings, cousins, friends and neighbors with “The Word” about your new book, how do you reach the other 7,164,485,136 people on this shiny blue pebble?

In truth, you don’t have to. You’d probably be deliriously happy with only two percent of those. I know I would. That’s still almost 150 million people … and if just one percent of those actually bought a book it wouldn’t cause J.K. Rowling to lose any sleep, but you’d be very comfortable.

The Best Publicity
Which brings me back to The Big Question. How do you reach that interested one percent of two percent audience, meaning an audience willing to part with a couple of nickels to buy your book?

“The Twitter” as Guy calls it, doesn’t sell any books. It isn’t meant to.

It’s a site for meeting people and you’re bound to find a lot of other friendly creative writer types who’ll be nice to you … as they Tweet to sell you their own book.

But the best way to use Twitter — or any other “social media” for that matter — is, as I’ve said before, to create and share meaningful dialogue with those friendlies, not to harangue people with a “BUY!” message. That only gets you “unfollowed” in a hurry.

Earned Media
The best route to publicity, short of marrying whatever star / starlet is prominently undressed in the latest apocalypse movie, rescuing the Pope from terrorists, curing cancer, or crossing the Grand Canyon on a tightrope — which wouldn’t work anymore anyway since Nik Wallenda already did it — is with earned media.

Earned media is media you don’t buy, but earn the hard way.

PR is an example of earned media. Word of mouth is another. The good thing about it, other than it works … it’s free.

I followed some of Guy’s advice and got a mention for my award-winning novel REICHOLD STREET in Publishers Weekly. I’ve also been interviewed for an article in the local paper. I was prepared, because I’d already completed something else I mentioned that you, as an indie writer, need to have … a dedicated media page.

I know, I know, it’s not the NY Times Review of Books … but it’s a start. And — except for a little bit of my time — it’s free.

A FREE Guide
Speaking of free — you might want to visit the link on the right-hand column of this page, and subscribe for your FREE copy of my booklet “Creating Believable Characters.” I created it specifically to aid other indie writers … and at least the price is right.

Now — after you leave a comment — it’s OK to visit Guy’s page. Just let him know I sent you.

Tags: award-winning writing, book marketing, earned media, indie writers, publicity success, using social media
Posted in Award-Winning Fiction, Book Promotion, Free Stuff, Market Your Book, Storytelling | 2 Comments »

When We Least Expect It

July 3, 2013

Good Books are Pleasant Surprises

Pleasant Surprises
Surprises come in all kinds of shapes and sizes. I don’t think many people would argue that pleasant surprises are the best kind. After all, they are events that make you smile and feel good, and who doesn’t need a little more of that in their life?

When I stop to think about it, I’ve had several pleasant surprises in my life. My lovely bride saying “yes” when I asked her was one.

Each of our three sons was another.

All of the former acquaintances who have since become treasured members of the “lifelong” branch of friendship with me are other miraculous gifts.

So are my grandchildren.

Some of you may remember last year, when I received an unexpected 2012 Readers Favorite Gold Medal for my novel Reichold Street. I’ve been writing for a long time, and would undoubtedly continue to do so whether anyone acknowledged it or not (just ask my wife).

While it’s not the same sort of surprise as those other things, it was still a very pleasant moment. Who wouldn’t want to know someone else thought their efforts, particularly judged against thousands of others, were worthwhile?

Other Successes
I had another very pleasant surprise last Sunday night, in the form of an email from the Readers Favorite organization.

My first thought was it must be some sort of solicitation, so you can imagine my elation upon learning my collection of fantasy short stories, Zebulon, has been selected as a 2013 Readers Favorite Finalist in the genre of young adult fantasy!

The winners won’t be announced until September, but that still gives me plenty of time to revel in the moment … at least through the holiday. Which reminds me, for those celebrating this week, have a safe and happy Fourth of July.

A FREE Guide
While I’m reveling, you might want to visit the link on the right-hand column of this page, and subscribe for your FREE copy of my booklet “Creating Believable Characters.” I created it to aid other indie writers. It might help, it might not (although I think it will) … but at least the price is right.