My article on how to write a daily blog appeared this morning in Fran Silverman’s Book Promotion Newsletter.
I sent out four more review copies of my newest book, Catscapades, True Cat Tales today. And today, I plan to explore cat specialty shops. Believe it or not, I located a directory of cat specialty stores—they only sell things related to cats—cat figurines, cat stationery, cat pens, cat jewelry—everything cat. This is an example of what diligent research can produce for a persistent book promoter. Isn’t it fun to make these little discoveries?
Are you in book promotion mode? Have you been using the Internet to locate promotional ideas, resources, leads, reviewers, appropriate stores, sites, etc? And have you found some lovely surprises along the way? I can tell you that you’ll also find a lot of distractions and go-nowhere dead ends. I get sidetracked when I come across an adorable cat video, for example—have you seen the one where the kitten is fiercely grasping and defending his stalk of broccoli? OMG, soooo cute!
The process of research can be tedious and seem like a waste of time at times. But it can also be worth your while when you uncover really good directories of reviewers for your science fiction book, for example, a specialty bookstore focusing on western novels, an active site where business books are featured or other great opportunities for promoting your particular book. And, yes, this definitely happens.
If you are in promotion mode and the work is getting tiring and the fruits of your labor sparse, don’t give up. Keep plugging along. Continue your dedicated search. Look for new avenues of research. Come up with fresh ideas.
It may sometimes feel as though the well is dry. But you never know when you’re going to break through the parched soil and discover a fresh water supply. And sometimes it is the seemingly insignificant puddles or trickles that result in the greatest gushers.
For book promotion ideas, and for hand-holding support throughout the writing, publishing and book promotion process, be sure to read The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book. You can get it through the library system, but you’re going to want to own a copy so you can refer to it often at all stages of your publishing project—distribution, dealing with Amazon.com, writing articles to promote your book, selecting a publishing option, working with your printer, shipping books and even writer’s block and self-editing tips and techniques.
http://www.matilijapress.com/rightway.html
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http://www.matilijapress.com/course_self-editing.html