Promote That Book

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edited by Vivian and daycare

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Weekly Editor’s Letter

Pomote That Book
by Vivian Gilbert Zabel

         Authors need to promote their books. Even with the backing of a major publisher, books will not put themselves on bookstore shelves or in the hands of readers. Publicists can help, but unless an author is already well known, he is usually on the bottom of the priority list. Self-published books and non-through-traditional-published sales depend entirely on the efforts of the author to be recognized and sold, but this do-it-yourself promotion is becoming more and more the norm for all authors. However, authors can do several things so that their books will be noticed.

         The first thing before publicizing and promoting a book is to write a book of high quality and relevance, one that will grab a reader’s attention and keep it from the beginning to the last page. Then work to get the word out about the book.

         Two things that need to happen come before the book is printed: Do not have a comb-bound or saddle-stitched book and be sure to have an International Standard Book Number (ISBN), preferably with a bar code on the back cover. Bookstores will be more interested in stocking, at least on consignment, books meeting those two requirements.

         Be sure your book is listed on Books In Print, which can be done by filling out the Advance Book Information form (ABI) if the publisher doesn’t take care of that important step.

         Go to independent book stores and offer a few copies on your book or books on consignment. Visit with the managers/owners, ask if you can have a book signing, offer to host a promotion that would include your book.

         Spread the word. Send copies to book reviewers for newspapers in your geographical area. Contact local television and radio stations. Do something that will gain publicity for yourself and use that as a springboard to gain publicity for your book.

         Take part in local activities for authors. The Historical Society of my town has a reception and signing for local authors. I will take part this year.

         Enter your book in contests. The two books that I helped edit and write in 2005 were entered in the state book awards. Whether they place or not, entering the books generates publicity for me and my co-authors.

         According to Carolyn See, a reviewer for The Washington Post, making contact with editors and print editors at conferences, book festivals, and publishing parties creates a process that helps you and your books become well-known. (Bharti Kirchner, The Writer October 2005)

         The one person most interested in the success of a book is the author. Therefore, you are the one who should be working hardest to tell others about the book and to drum up sales. Promoting your book is your business.

Sources:
1. The Writer, September 2005 and October 2005
2. Writer’s Digest, December 2005
3. ByLine, January 2006

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Featured Works from Writers Circle Members:

chosen by daycare

         Sit back with a cup of coffee or tea and enjoy the reading from some WC members who have been published:

Money Isn't Everything?  (E) She sees the holidays a bit differently than you do #185807 by Starr* Rathburn

Invalid Item  This item number is not valid. #322633 by Not Available.

Synopsis for Midnight Hours  (13+) My synopsis for the novel I'm going to submit and for the Mystery Novel group contest. #1050943 by Vivian

Invalid Item  This item number is not valid. #913728 by Not Available.

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Featured Works From Non-Members:
chosen by daycare

         Items from a few of the non-group members who have been published:

Invalid Item  This item number is not valid. #940056 by Not Available.

Of Butterflies And Fireflies  (E) A free verse poem about butterflies and fireflies disappearing. #1038699 by Harry

Invalid Item  This item number is not valid. #958332 by Not Available.

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Quote:

"If you could kick the person in the pants responsible for most of your trouble, you wouldn't sit for a month." ~~ Theodore Roosevelt

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         Prompt by daycare: Read two stories and post the reviews on the public reviewing pages. Please note in the beginning or end of the review that you're doing it for Writer's Circle.

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WC Newsletter Feedback and Submissions  [E] #641406 WC newsletter submission, a cheer or jeer, or just want to join the group? Find it here! by Red Writing Hood <3

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Issue # 209
1/23/2006
Edited by: Vivian and daycare
Rate this newsletter here: "Promote That Book" 

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