Are you familiar with Brian Jud’s Book Marketing Matters newsletter? You can view the most recent issue at
http://www.bookmarketingworks.com/mktgmattersnews
You’ll find articles from some of the major players in the publishing game: Dan Poynter, Rick Frishman, Eric Kampmann, Paulette Ensign, Judith Briles, Tonya Evans, Dana Lynn Smith, Roger C. Parker and, this month, I (Patricia Fry) am the guest columnist. Check out my article on book signing tips for authors.
Here’s a super tip for authors. Be sure to send copies of your book (or at least notification of your book) to every expert in your field or genre. If they know about you and your book, they are more likely to tell others about you. They may include your name in their blog posts and at their websites. They might mention you when they speak. And if they write a book (and most experts do at some point), they might use your book in their research, quote you and list it in their bibliography or their list of recommended books.
Another way to maintain a place within the radar of the experts is to continually contribute material to appropriate journals, magazines and newsletters related to your topic. And get out and speak where these experts are speaking. Introduce yourself. Hand them a copy of your book.
I have been quoted and my books have been mentioned in numerous books by writing/publishing experts. But once in a while, there’s a new kid on the block who comes out with a book for authors and who doesn’t mention me or my books. In fact, this happened recently. I know the author of a book that just emerged with great fanfare, but had no idea that she might produce a book of this type. I didn’t even know she had an interest in the topic of publishing. So it never occurred to me to hand her a book or send her announcements when I produced new books.
Why don’t you spend some time this week seeking out the major and minor players in your field of interest and making sure they are aware of your expertise and accomplishments? That’s on my to-do list. Let me know how it goes for you.
Patricia Fry can be reached through the comments function of this blog or here: PLFry620@yahoo.com. Visit her book showcase and her brand new Patricia Fry website.
http://www.matilijapress.com
http://www.patriciafry.com