My article, “This is No Time to Cut Back on Promotion” was published in Francine Silverman’s Book Promotion Newsletter this week. This is certainly a topic that should be of great interest to anyone with a book to promote during this difficult economic period. Check it out at:
http://www.bookpromotionnewsletter.com
Speaking of this “downturn,” has it occurred to any of you that the downfall of enormous companies is sort of like a wildfire? It’s necessary once in a while in order to create a more natural balance in our economy. It is painful while it’s happening, but it creates a better environment down the road for those who survive. Does this make sense or is it just plain insensitive?
Hey, interesting news: Harper Studio, a new imprint of Harper Collins has cut a deal with Borders to eliminate the returns policy. Read all about it all over the web and, probably, in all of the newspapers. In return, Borders gets a deeper discount on the books they buy. Experts knew this was coming, and this seems to be the starting point.
I’ve been working on my cat stories book. Wow, I forgot how much work it can be to pull it all together so it makes for an interesting book, organize it (I’ve reorganized it 5 times already),fact-check, research, edit, edit, edit, etc. It’s taking more time than I expected. And I’m enjoying it more than I expected. Are any of you in writing mode? Are you working on a book as we speak? I’d love to hear your thoughts, emotions and experiences as you compile or create the pages of your current book project.
Are any of you trying to accomplish this with a large, shedding cat on your lap? The colder the weather gets, the more time Max spends on my lap. Have you seen those colorful ceramic good luck cats sitting in Asian places of business? You can’t miss them—it looks like they are waving while holding some sort of money symbol. I actually have one in my office. I think this is what he thinks he is—a good luck cat. Sometimes he just sits on my lap looking me in the eye as I type. Hey, I did have a better year in 2008 economically. Maybe he is bringing me luck.
I’m rather distracted lately. I’m focusing on my cat stories book more than I’m thinking about book promotion and article-writing, but I do want to provide you with something of value whenever I can. So here are a few tips: Another reason for looking at Fran Silverman’s current Book Promotion Newsletter is that she provides several resources for book review sites and other book review opportunities.
While I prefer that you seek out publications, sites and newspaper columns directly related to the topic or genre of your book when soliciting book reviews, it doesn’t hurt to have your book reviewed at some of the book review sites and in book review publications, as well. For those of you who are paying quite a bit for copies of your book through your fee-based POD “self-publishing” company, it can get kind of costly to send books out for review. But if you score even 3 sales per review, it might be worth your while, right? Plus, you are getting that much needed exposure. You have to get your name out. You must get your book known. Without exposure, you can forget about sales.
I’d like to hear about your most successful or unusual book review experience. Would you like to recommend a book review site or publication? I encourage you to share what you know—network. This was the premise that launched SPAWN (Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network). SPAWN was formed 13 years ago in order to provide anyone interested in publishing the opportunity to collaborate, share, teach, learn—in other words, network with others who can help to move your project forward. Check out SPAWN and consider joining in 2009. If you get involved, participate and partake of our offerings, you WILL experience greater success in 2009. Membership is $45/year AND you receive a FREE book of your choice (6 books/ebooks to choose from).
http://www.spawn.org.
To contact me, Patricia Fry, PLFry620@yahoo.com. Visit my website at
http://www.matilijapress.com
Or type in Patricia Fry. You’ll find me!!!