I’m sure that those of you who write and publish only fiction are rolling your eyes at this statement. From your vantage point, “fun” may be the last word you’d use to describe the process of book promotion.
But if you came from my background—forty years of writing and promoting nonfiction, you might see things differently.
Oh don’t get me wrong. I write because I love it—I can’t not write. I have written 38 nonfiction books, hundreds of articles, nearly 2,000 blog posts and bunches of other stuff. I’ve contributed to other books, I’ve written speeches, handouts, promo pieces and I’ve edited dozens and dozens of fiction and nonfiction books for my clients. Don’t you know, I’ve also done tons of promotion? And, for the most part, I have enjoyed it—especially the people part—getting to meet, educate and inform authors.
But here I am now, a published novelist. Book two in my Klepto Cat Mystery series is about to be launched (watch for the announcement) and I am actively promoting the first in the series, “Catnapped.”
So where’s the fun in promoting this book? Just this week I was at the doctor’s office getting a flu shot. The nurse mentioned her pets. I told her about my book and handed her a bookmark. She asked me about the story and I got to talk about it. I don’t know about you, but I love talking about my novel.
Another nurse overheard us and she wanted to know more about it. Turns out, she has a cat named Rags—the name of the starring cat in my mystery series. What are the chances? I’m pretty sure that these two cat people, who happen to read mysteries, have already purchased the ebook for their Kindles as my ranking went up overnight. And I’m pretty sure they will hand out the extra bookmarks I left for them.
Two cousins I see only occasionally came to visit a few weeks ago. Their first questions to me were about my writing—“Are you still writing?” “What are you writing these days?” They were so interested in my new venture and hearing my stories of inspiration leading to my writing these series, they both ordered the book for their Kindles.
I have talked about “Catnapped” in the grocery store, in the waiting rooms of my mother’s doctors, while waiting for Mama to get her hair cut, when running into neighbors while I’m out walking or gardening, while buying cat food at our kittys’ veterinarian office and even when paying bills, corresponding, placing an order via snail mail or shipping books. I also handed out promo pieces for “Catnapped” at a police-writers’ conference several weeks ago.
Yes, I talk about the book wherever I go. Unlike my nonfiction books—most of which are directed strictly toward authors—my novel is likely to stir an interest among the people I meet throughout the day—at the car wash, in the 99 cent store, at the nursery, while visiting the animals at the shelter and at restaurants. Oh my, restaurants are a great place to promote a novel. Just have a copy with you—or at least great-looking bookmarks. Lay them prominently on the table. Strike up a conversation with the wait person and don’t keep your voice down. If someone looks over at you, hand them a bookmark, too. Ask others about their experiences with whatever your subject matter or genre is. In my case, I get people to talking about their cats.
Next month, I will get to talk about my book to former classmates at a class reunion. I’ll be sure to bring plenty of bookmarks. And later in the month, I’m taking my bookmarks and my fun spiel to the Cat Writers Association Conference in Dallas.
If you’re interested in more information about book promotion—including scads of specific ideas for novelists—order my book, “Promote Your Book, Over 250 Proven, Low-Cost Tips and Techniques for the Enterprising Author.” Available at Amazon.com in print, Kindle and audio and at most other online and downtown bookstores. Or order it here: http://www.matilijapress.com
If you are just starting out in the publishing industry, read “Publish Your Book.” Also available everywhere.
If you like light mysteries involving cats, purchase “Catnapped” for your Kindle. It’s only $2.99 here: http://amzn.to/14OCk0W This book features a kleptomaniac cat who always has his paw in solving the mystery. You can learn more about this book here: http://www.matilijapress.com/Catnapped