The Internet is a wonderful resource and research tool. However, isn’t it frustrating to find so many outdated listings? I’ve even received a few very old listings in my Google alerts, lately—one of them, a comment posted in 2006. What’s up with that?
We’ve been told that what goes on the Web stays on the Web and can haunt you forever. Gosh, maybe this is true. And some of that old stuff can sure get in the way of your research attempts when you’re seeking current information. The old stuff can really clog the system and slow your research efforts down considerably.
As you know, I’ve been in promotion mode with my latest book, Catscapades, True Cat Tales. Since it is a book of a very different color than those I’ve been promoting for many years, I’ve had to seek out new opportunities and venues. Last week, I found two lists of around 150 or more cat-related gift shops throughout the U.S. I spent hours checking out each listing to make sure the shop was still in business and that the address was current. Most were not. I started out attempting to use their email addresses—most of them bounced. I then checked websites for better email addresses—most were no longer operating. So I checked address books online and ended up with about 40 that are either good or possibly good.
Yesterday, I finally finished the process. I now have around 40 letters with promo material going out to proprietors of these shops asking if they would be interested in carrying my new book of cat stories.
I’m continuing to request book reviews and have sent out nearly 20 books for review so far—these have all been requested. This morning, I received a review copy request from a well-known pet magazine. Cross fingers!
Today, I will be devising press releases announcing my upcoming book signing.
I have a long list of other promotional activities to pursue, each of which will most likely take a week or longer. Again, I am reminded how much time and effort is involved in book promotion. I wish I had a staff working here with me every day from 8 to 5. And this is something I may just consider. Is there anyone out there who would like to be paid to help me promote this book? And you don’t have to come here—you can work from home.
Preferably, this would be someone who has been involved in book promotion at some level or who has a deep understanding of the process of promotion. It should be someone who understands the pet business and who is accustomed to researching down to the tiniest detail in order to locate the most pertinent information and resources. If this describes you and you’d like to earn a little cash helping me promote my cat stories book, contact me: PLFry620@yahoo.com with your qualifications, former experiences and promotional/pet interests.
It occurs to me that those who can excel at promoting their own book are those without a life or who put their former life on hold while they spend a year or so involved in book promotion. Does this sound about right to those of you who are in book promotion mode?
Check out my Catscapades blog this morning. I added a new post and photos yesterday. http://www.matilijapress.com/catscapades
And don’t forget to check out my wide array of books and ebooks designed to help you write, publish and promote your book. See them here: http://www.matilijapress.com
Here’s a list of my best books for writers and authors
The Successful Author’s Handbook (NEW) (ebook)
The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book (Highly recommended)
How to Write a Successful Book Proposal
The Author’s Repair Kit ( a one-of-a-kind book for authors of faltering books) (ebook)
A Writer’s Guide to Magazine Articles
Over 75 Good Ideas for Promoting Your Book