So as I sit here, a safe seven months from my release date, I'm watching various friends and acquaintances as they madly dance through the steps required to promote and advertise a new book. It's important, especially for newer authors, to do something beyond just saying 'I have written a book and my mommy says it's awesome' when they have something hitting the shelves. (Although 'I have written a book and Seanan's mommy says it's awesome' seems to carry a surprising amount of weight for everyone but me. Does anybody else out there have a tattooed, foul-mouthed mother who'd be willing to fill that particular role for me?)
So the question becomes, what works? Book giveaways are obviously good things, but also somewhat self-limiting, as I sort of want people to buy things. (Oddly enough, I don't feel like earning back my advance all by myself.) Competitions are also good, providing the prizes are interesting -- and heck, prizes are just lovely things to offer. So what do you think would be a good idea? What kinds of promotion would you like to see? We have seven months to put even the strangest of plans into motion, so sing out!
I think seding copies to these girls: http://www.smartbitchestrashybooks.com/index.php would be a great step. Also any Sci-fi book blogs. Build word of mouth through the mouths that matter to the intarwebs. I bought the Stepsister Scheme based on your rec because I love your writing, and your opinion adds value. Give your books to people who will do the saame for you.
thoughtful
February 10 2009, 19:50:20 UTC 8 years ago
http://www.smartbitchestrashybooks.c
would be a great step.
Also any Sci-fi book blogs.
Build word of mouth through the mouths that matter to the intarwebs.
I bought the Stepsister Scheme based on your rec because I love your writing, and your opinion adds value.
Give your books to people who will do the saame for you.
February 14 2009, 02:10:17 UTC 8 years ago