30 September 2011, Marketing Materials - A Marketing Website, Button Four
Introduction: I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little. I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. The working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel. Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.
I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way. At this moment, I'm showing you the marketing material I put together for a novel.
Today's Blog: When your novel is published, you will want to add two other buttons to your marketing page--three and four. I wrote about button three, the cover button, yesterday. Today, I'll write about button four. Button four is for your official press release. If you are a savey marketer, you might have many press releases related to your book, but usually, you only have one official press release from your publisher. That's what goes here. The reasons for putting the official press release in a button on your novel's website are: first, you have a professional and public place where you can send the press (and anyone else) to get the official press release. You can also just email it to them, if they ask, but after they lose your email, the first place they will look is your website. Second, for reviewers, or other interested professionals, you have the official press release in a spot that they can find it. Third, you have the official words from your publisher welcoming your novel into the world. These are the words your publisher sent out to numerous news sites and news organizations. If it was good enough for that, it should certainly be good enough for your marketing site.
Usually, the press release is a pdf in full color. It is a single page that shows the cover, your picture, publisher information, teasers, a synopsis of the novel, your bio, and the necessary book reference information. The file usually larger than a webpage can handle, so you definitely don't want to put it on your webpage directly. The same information I shared on cover images applies here and to any other images you wish to put on your webpage. You might borrow information from the press release for your website.
I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor.com/, and http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.
I've covered just about everything on building a website. There are many more things you can do, and much more you can do to enhance your Internet presence--I've just laid out the basics. I'll write about publishers tomorrow.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Marketing Materials - A Marketing Website, Button Three
29 September 2011, Marketing Materials - A Marketing Website, Button Three
Introduction: I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little. I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. The working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel. Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.
I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way. At this moment, I'm showing you the marketing material I put together for a novel.
Today's Blog: When your novel is published, you will want to add two other buttons to your marketing page--three and four. Button three is the cover button. This may sound overly simplistic, but when you are published, reviewers, newspapers, other websites, people will want a picture of your cover. Your publisher will usually send you a high quality jpg or other file of your cover. Just save this cover picture to your website documents and link it to a button. I label the button "Cover." This makes it easy for a visitor to find. Additionally, you will not usually want to use this picture for your websites--it will be too large to load quickly. You want your websites to load quickly or visitors won't wait for it to come up.
You need to make about four different sizes of your cover. Size one is the super large, very detailed picture you scan or your publisher sends you. Size two is large. When I say large, I mean about 300K bites and no larger. The next is medium at about 75K bites, and the last is small at about 35K bites. You can make these files by using various graphics editors. I like using the old Microsoft Picture editor that came once with office.
Large files will load slowly and small files will load quickly. In general, a 35K bite file will load very quickly and not make your readers wait. You will want to use the medium size file for the larger images of your cover. Don't use the large or very large image files directly on your websites--otherwise it will take minutes for your page to load.
I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor.com/, and http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.
I'll write about button four link tomorrow.
Introduction: I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little. I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. The working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel. Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.
I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way. At this moment, I'm showing you the marketing material I put together for a novel.
Today's Blog: When your novel is published, you will want to add two other buttons to your marketing page--three and four. Button three is the cover button. This may sound overly simplistic, but when you are published, reviewers, newspapers, other websites, people will want a picture of your cover. Your publisher will usually send you a high quality jpg or other file of your cover. Just save this cover picture to your website documents and link it to a button. I label the button "Cover." This makes it easy for a visitor to find. Additionally, you will not usually want to use this picture for your websites--it will be too large to load quickly. You want your websites to load quickly or visitors won't wait for it to come up.
You need to make about four different sizes of your cover. Size one is the super large, very detailed picture you scan or your publisher sends you. Size two is large. When I say large, I mean about 300K bites and no larger. The next is medium at about 75K bites, and the last is small at about 35K bites. You can make these files by using various graphics editors. I like using the old Microsoft Picture editor that came once with office.
Large files will load slowly and small files will load quickly. In general, a 35K bite file will load very quickly and not make your readers wait. You will want to use the medium size file for the larger images of your cover. Don't use the large or very large image files directly on your websites--otherwise it will take minutes for your page to load.
I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor.com/, and http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.
I'll write about button four link tomorrow.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Marketing Materials - A Marketing Website, Button Two
28 September 2011, Marketing Materials - A Marketing Website, Button Two
Introduction: I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little. I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. The working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel. Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.
I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way. At this moment, I'm showing you the marketing material I put together for a novel.
Today's Blog: For unpublished novels, there are two other buttons you will want to include, and for published novels four other buttons. Button two is the secrets button. I've gone through the secrets page information, but I'll repeat some of it and add some information. You can start a secrets page by populating it with information concerning the writing of the novel. You can include your notes, pictures (ones you might put in a novel, and ones you definitely wouldn't), cover information, ideas on the writing, ideas on the theme, et al. The point is to provide your readers and potential readers with more information on your novel and the writing of it.
Having a button to go to the secrets page doesn't make it any less interesting to your visitors and readers, but it makes the secrets easier to find and those Google searches will discover it more easily.
This is all the buttons I provide for my unpublished novels. You might discover more you can give your readers. Check out http://www.aksinyanovel.com/ for an example.
I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor.com/, and http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.
I'll write about button three link tomorrow.
Introduction: I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little. I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. The working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel. Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.
I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way. At this moment, I'm showing you the marketing material I put together for a novel.
Today's Blog: For unpublished novels, there are two other buttons you will want to include, and for published novels four other buttons. Button two is the secrets button. I've gone through the secrets page information, but I'll repeat some of it and add some information. You can start a secrets page by populating it with information concerning the writing of the novel. You can include your notes, pictures (ones you might put in a novel, and ones you definitely wouldn't), cover information, ideas on the writing, ideas on the theme, et al. The point is to provide your readers and potential readers with more information on your novel and the writing of it.
Having a button to go to the secrets page doesn't make it any less interesting to your visitors and readers, but it makes the secrets easier to find and those Google searches will discover it more easily.
This is all the buttons I provide for my unpublished novels. You might discover more you can give your readers. Check out http://www.aksinyanovel.com/ for an example.
I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor.com/, and http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.
I'll write about button three link tomorrow.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Marketing Materials - A Marketing Website, Button One
27 September 2011, Marketing Materials - A Marketing Website, Button One
Introduction: I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little. I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. The working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel. Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.
I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way. At this moment, I'm showing you the marketing material I put together for a novel.
Today's Blog: For unpublished novels, there are two other buttons you will want to include, and for published novels four other buttons. Those buttons are, first, one that brings up an example of your novel. Usually, this is the first chapter. Most readers and publishers can tell if they are interested in your novel by reading the first few pages. If your readers or prospective publishers aren't interested in your novel by reading the first few pages, you have a serious problem. This is one of the reasons I don't recommend anything that looks like a prologue. I will admit, I did include prologues in my published science fiction novels, but they are supposed to be humorous and interest the reader in the writing. Their purpose is to drive the reader into the text. I haven't heard any negatives about them from any sources, so I think they accomplish their purpose.
You can give an example of your first chapter by formatting it properly (see the post on formatting) and saving it as a pdf. Most modern versions of word will save the document to a pdf--you just have to tell it. You usually don't want to put the document out as a word document--they are too easy to change.
Save the document to your folder for documents on your website and make a link button to it. This is really easy to do in most html editors.
I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor.com/, and http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.
I'll write about button two link tomorrow.
Introduction: I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little. I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. The working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel. Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.
I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way. At this moment, I'm showing you the marketing material I put together for a novel.
Today's Blog: For unpublished novels, there are two other buttons you will want to include, and for published novels four other buttons. Those buttons are, first, one that brings up an example of your novel. Usually, this is the first chapter. Most readers and publishers can tell if they are interested in your novel by reading the first few pages. If your readers or prospective publishers aren't interested in your novel by reading the first few pages, you have a serious problem. This is one of the reasons I don't recommend anything that looks like a prologue. I will admit, I did include prologues in my published science fiction novels, but they are supposed to be humorous and interest the reader in the writing. Their purpose is to drive the reader into the text. I haven't heard any negatives about them from any sources, so I think they accomplish their purpose.
You can give an example of your first chapter by formatting it properly (see the post on formatting) and saving it as a pdf. Most modern versions of word will save the document to a pdf--you just have to tell it. You usually don't want to put the document out as a word document--they are too easy to change.
Save the document to your folder for documents on your website and make a link button to it. This is really easy to do in most html editors.
I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor.com/, and http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.
I'll write about button two link tomorrow.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Marketing Materials - A Marketing Website, more Basic Information
26 September 2011, Marketing Materials - A Marketing Website, more Basic Information
Introduction: I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little. I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. The working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel. Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.
I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way. At this moment, I'm showing you the marketing material I put together for a novel.
Today's Blog: Along with the marketing information I already developed, that is the synopsis, bio, teasers, etc., I also include professional reviews and other professional information on the work. You could also include reviews from Amazon or other sources. Generally, since I give the visitors a link to the book on Amazon, B&N, etc., I expect them to get the reviews there. I don't know if this is a good idea or a bad idea. I've been planning the websites such that they are a source of information that isn't available anywhere else. Since there are reviews of my novels on Amazon, et all, I don't repeat them on the novel's website. I have placed some information from other websites on the main and secret pages of a novel's website. The reason was because this information is not as readily available. I also provide other links to information on the novel on the Internet. I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor.com/, and http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.
Another piece of information you will find on some of my novel websites are links to teaching materials I used when giving a class about the novel or the topic of the novel. For example, at Aegypt's website, you will find class slides that describe the history behind the novel. I only post these if I have taught a class in the subject.
On the Centurion website, you will find a class and a couple of reviews from the web.
I'll write about other connections tomorrow.
Introduction: I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little. I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. The working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel. Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.
I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way. At this moment, I'm showing you the marketing material I put together for a novel.
Today's Blog: Along with the marketing information I already developed, that is the synopsis, bio, teasers, etc., I also include professional reviews and other professional information on the work. You could also include reviews from Amazon or other sources. Generally, since I give the visitors a link to the book on Amazon, B&N, etc., I expect them to get the reviews there. I don't know if this is a good idea or a bad idea. I've been planning the websites such that they are a source of information that isn't available anywhere else. Since there are reviews of my novels on Amazon, et all, I don't repeat them on the novel's website. I have placed some information from other websites on the main and secret pages of a novel's website. The reason was because this information is not as readily available. I also provide other links to information on the novel on the Internet. I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor.com/, and http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.
Another piece of information you will find on some of my novel websites are links to teaching materials I used when giving a class about the novel or the topic of the novel. For example, at Aegypt's website, you will find class slides that describe the history behind the novel. I only post these if I have taught a class in the subject.
On the Centurion website, you will find a class and a couple of reviews from the web.
I'll write about other connections tomorrow.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Marketing Materials - A Marketing Website, Basic Information
25 September 2011, Marketing Materials - A Marketing Website, Basic Information
Introduction: I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little. I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. The working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel. Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.
I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way. At this moment, I'm showing you the marketing material I put together for a novel.
Today's Blog: I've been dwelling on the information that you add to the website following publication, but I don't want you to lose sight of the basic information that should be on any novel marketing website. I already told you the basic novel information you should include on the site, but I don't want you to forget that the basic information we already developed for marketing is a critical piece of that information. For example, the synopsis and the author bio are both pieces that should be on the novel website. You might also want to use the teasers you wrote to introduce the novel. Look at my websites to get an idea of what I mean and make yours better. You can see examples at http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor.com/, and http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.
If you are a well known author, your bio should be first. If you are a lesser known author, your bio should be last.
I'll write about other connections tomorrow.
Introduction: I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little. I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. The working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel. Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.
I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way. At this moment, I'm showing you the marketing material I put together for a novel.
Today's Blog: I've been dwelling on the information that you add to the website following publication, but I don't want you to lose sight of the basic information that should be on any novel marketing website. I already told you the basic novel information you should include on the site, but I don't want you to forget that the basic information we already developed for marketing is a critical piece of that information. For example, the synopsis and the author bio are both pieces that should be on the novel website. You might also want to use the teasers you wrote to introduce the novel. Look at my websites to get an idea of what I mean and make yours better. You can see examples at http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor.com/, and http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.
If you are a well known author, your bio should be first. If you are a lesser known author, your bio should be last.
I'll write about other connections tomorrow.
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Marketing Materials - A Marketing Website, even more after Publication
24 September 2011, Marketing Materials - A Marketing Website, even more after Publication
Introduction: I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little. I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. The working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel. Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.
I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way. At this moment, I'm showing you the marketing material I put together for a novel.
Today's Blog: I've mentioned the basic data you should have on your novel websites. Let's go over it. The title, the author, the cover, the novel information cluster including the ISBN, ISBN-13, Format and page count, publisher, and publication month and year. What's next?
I've mentioned it before, but I'll be more detailed. You want connections to places where people can buy your novel. This can be as simple as a link to Amazon or as complex as an Amazon Associate's embedded tool.
You want connections to your novel's reviews. These are usually the same place you can buy the novel. There are other connections you need. I'll write about them tomorrow.
Introduction: I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little. I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. The working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel. Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.
I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way. At this moment, I'm showing you the marketing material I put together for a novel.
Today's Blog: I've mentioned the basic data you should have on your novel websites. Let's go over it. The title, the author, the cover, the novel information cluster including the ISBN, ISBN-13, Format and page count, publisher, and publication month and year. What's next?
I've mentioned it before, but I'll be more detailed. You want connections to places where people can buy your novel. This can be as simple as a link to Amazon or as complex as an Amazon Associate's embedded tool.
You want connections to your novel's reviews. These are usually the same place you can buy the novel. There are other connections you need. I'll write about them tomorrow.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Marketing Materials - A Marketing Website, more after Publication
23 September 2011, Marketing Materials - A Marketing Website, more after Publication
Introduction: I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little. I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. The working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel. Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.
I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way. At this moment, I'm showing you the marketing material I put together for a novel.
Today's Blog: When your novel is published, you should never post anything official about your novel without also including the basic information on your novel. For example for my novel Aegypt www.Aegyptnovel.com:
This is the basic information cluster for your novel--that is with the title and author. Make a place on your website to include this information and include it at some point, usually below the cover picture, on all your websites.
There is much more that should be on your novel's website. I'll talk about that tomorrow.
Introduction: I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little. I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. The working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel. Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.
I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way. At this moment, I'm showing you the marketing material I put together for a novel.
Today's Blog: When your novel is published, you should never post anything official about your novel without also including the basic information on your novel. For example for my novel Aegypt www.Aegyptnovel.com:
ISBN: 1602900132
ISBN-13: 9781602900134
Format: Paperback, 232pp
Publisher: OakTara Publishing Group LLC
Pub. Date: January 2008
This is the basic information cluster for your novel--that is with the title and author. Make a place on your website to include this information and include it at some point, usually below the cover picture, on all your websites.
There is much more that should be on your novel's website. I'll talk about that tomorrow.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Marketing Materials - A Marketing Website, after Publication
22 September 2011, Marketing Materials - A Marketing Website, after Publication
Introduction: I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little. I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. The working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel. Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.
I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way. At this moment, I'm showing you the marketing material I put together for a novel.
Today's Blog: After your novel is published, you can transition your page from prepublication marketing to post publication marketing. You have the same purpose and desire, that is the marketing of your work, but you also can add the ability to sell your novel to your website. The easiest method to accomplish this is through the various partnering and sales associate programs. Amazon has one of the most popular of these.
Amazon's associate program allows you to design and embed various links and tools into your web page. One example of the kinds of tools is on this page at the top. If you look at my various novel webpages, you will see other examples of links and embedded tools. These just provide your visitors a convenient means to buy your book. There is much more that should be on your novel's website. I'll talk about that tomorrow.
Introduction: I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little. I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. The working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel. Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.
I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way. At this moment, I'm showing you the marketing material I put together for a novel.
Today's Blog: After your novel is published, you can transition your page from prepublication marketing to post publication marketing. You have the same purpose and desire, that is the marketing of your work, but you also can add the ability to sell your novel to your website. The easiest method to accomplish this is through the various partnering and sales associate programs. Amazon has one of the most popular of these.
Amazon's associate program allows you to design and embed various links and tools into your web page. One example of the kinds of tools is on this page at the top. If you look at my various novel webpages, you will see other examples of links and embedded tools. These just provide your visitors a convenient means to buy your book. There is much more that should be on your novel's website. I'll talk about that tomorrow.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Marketing Materials - A Marketing Website, more Secrets
21 September 2011, Marketing Materials - A Marketing Website, more Secrets
Introduction: I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little. I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. The working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel. Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.
I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way. At this moment, I'm showing you the marketing material I put together for a novel.
Today's Blog: I'm writing today about the secrets page(s) on your novel's website. You don't have to have secrets page(s), but they sure can be a draw. One of my novel's secret pages gets more hits than the regular page--that's because it is a secrets page.
So, what goes on a secrets page? I've already given you some ideas. You can find my novels and their secrets pages through http://www.ldalford.com/ or the individual novels websites. Every one of my novels has their own website--yours should too.
If you look at my secrets pages, you can see what I have filled them with. I've put up the original cover ideas: my proposals, the publisher's proposals, and the final--plus some info on the cover. I've included some of my notes, pictures, maps, diagrams. On some secrets pages, I've given details on why I wrote the novel and the theme. I've also show how I went about putting the novel together. There is much more information I could include. In general, a secrets page is a place your readers and future readers can go to find more information on your novel. By the way, when I give a class on one of my novels or about the history in one of my novels, I also put the slide set on the secrets page.
So put up a secrets page. Tomorrow, I'll give you more information about what can go on your marketing page after your book is published.
Introduction: I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little. I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. The working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel. Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.
I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way. At this moment, I'm showing you the marketing material I put together for a novel.
Today's Blog: I'm writing today about the secrets page(s) on your novel's website. You don't have to have secrets page(s), but they sure can be a draw. One of my novel's secret pages gets more hits than the regular page--that's because it is a secrets page.
So, what goes on a secrets page? I've already given you some ideas. You can find my novels and their secrets pages through http://www.ldalford.com/ or the individual novels websites. Every one of my novels has their own website--yours should too.
If you look at my secrets pages, you can see what I have filled them with. I've put up the original cover ideas: my proposals, the publisher's proposals, and the final--plus some info on the cover. I've included some of my notes, pictures, maps, diagrams. On some secrets pages, I've given details on why I wrote the novel and the theme. I've also show how I went about putting the novel together. There is much more information I could include. In general, a secrets page is a place your readers and future readers can go to find more information on your novel. By the way, when I give a class on one of my novels or about the history in one of my novels, I also put the slide set on the secrets page.
So put up a secrets page. Tomorrow, I'll give you more information about what can go on your marketing page after your book is published.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Marketing Materials - A Marketing Website, Secrets
20 September 2011, Marketing Materials - A Marketing Website, Secrets
Introduction: I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little. I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. The working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel. Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.
I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way. At this moment, I'm showing you the marketing material I put together for a novel.
Today's Blog: Let's face facts--everyone likes secrets. Having secret pages, like Easter eggs, on your website is a great feature for both fans and accidental visitors. You can't make them too secret. Just labeling your secret information pages as secret is enough to generate interest and drive searches. Browsers like "secrets" too.
So put up a secrets page. You can find mine from each novel website by clicking on the novel title, the novel cover picture, or the button labeled "secrets." You see the point, right? You want a secrets page but you don't want it to be too hard to find. Many visitors won't know to look, but if you give them a button or at least a mouse over, they will find the secrets.
So, what do you put on a secrets page? I'll tell you tomorrow.
Introduction: I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little. I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. The working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel. Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.
I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way. At this moment, I'm showing you the marketing material I put together for a novel.
Today's Blog: Let's face facts--everyone likes secrets. Having secret pages, like Easter eggs, on your website is a great feature for both fans and accidental visitors. You can't make them too secret. Just labeling your secret information pages as secret is enough to generate interest and drive searches. Browsers like "secrets" too.
So put up a secrets page. You can find mine from each novel website by clicking on the novel title, the novel cover picture, or the button labeled "secrets." You see the point, right? You want a secrets page but you don't want it to be too hard to find. Many visitors won't know to look, but if you give them a button or at least a mouse over, they will find the secrets.
So, what do you put on a secrets page? I'll tell you tomorrow.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Marketing Materials - A Marketing Website, Contracts
19 September 2011, Marketing Materials - A Marketing Website, Contracts
Introduction: I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little. I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. The working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel. Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.
I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way. At this moment, I'm showing you the marketing material I put together for a novel.
Today's Blog: Your novel's website begins life as a marketing website. You want to give prospective publishers a place to go to get information on your book and you'd like to begin building a web presence.
When the novel is placed on contract by a publisher, you can use the marketing website to track the steps through the publication process. I've done just that for my two novels under contract http://www.sisteroflight.com/ and http://www.sisterofdarkness.com/. You can see, I've added information to the top of the marketing page.
I put this information up so I could track the publication of the novel and to give other authors an opportunity to see the details and the time involved in getting a novel published by a publisher. You might find this information useful. Since I've been through the publication of six novels, I've figured out the steps, but I haven't tracked them in this detail before.
I mentioned there are secret pages (they really aren't that secret) on each of my novel's websites. I'll move this information to the secrets pages after the novel is published. I also put some of the notes I used in writing the novel on the secrets pages and some of the blogs.
I'll talk more about secrets pages tomorrow.
Introduction: I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little. I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. The working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel. Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.
I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way. At this moment, I'm showing you the marketing material I put together for a novel.
Today's Blog: Your novel's website begins life as a marketing website. You want to give prospective publishers a place to go to get information on your book and you'd like to begin building a web presence.
When the novel is placed on contract by a publisher, you can use the marketing website to track the steps through the publication process. I've done just that for my two novels under contract http://www.sisteroflight.com/ and http://www.sisterofdarkness.com/. You can see, I've added information to the top of the marketing page.
I put this information up so I could track the publication of the novel and to give other authors an opportunity to see the details and the time involved in getting a novel published by a publisher. You might find this information useful. Since I've been through the publication of six novels, I've figured out the steps, but I haven't tracked them in this detail before.
I mentioned there are secret pages (they really aren't that secret) on each of my novel's websites. I'll move this information to the secrets pages after the novel is published. I also put some of the notes I used in writing the novel on the secrets pages and some of the blogs.
I'll talk more about secrets pages tomorrow.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Marketing Materials - more on A Marketing Website
18 September 2011, Marketing Materials - more on A Marketing Website
Introduction: I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little. I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. The working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel. Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.
I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way. At this moment, I'm showing you the marketing material I put together for a novel.
Today's Blog: I showed you how I put together a website from the marketing material I developed. However, there is much more to the websites I develop.
First, after it is published, this marketing website (www.AksinyaNovel.com) becomes the primary advertising website for the novel. You can see completed examples of these websites at www.CenturionNovel.com, www.AegyptNovel.com, www.TheSecondMission.com, www.TheEndofHonor.com, www.TheFoxsHonor.com, and www.ASeasonofHonor.com. These are my published novels. You can also see how I've modified the sites when they were contracted. These are at www.SisterofLight.com and www.SisterofDarkness.com.
Second, the marketing and advertising websites become places that fans of the novel can come to find more information. I provide information from my notes. I've used "secret" pages for this. I'll talk about them later.
Third, I use the marketing/advertising pages for the books as places that potential readers can get the first chapter as a sample.
Forth,...there's more--I'll give it to you tomorrow.
Introduction: I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little. I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. The working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel. Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.
I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way. At this moment, I'm showing you the marketing material I put together for a novel.
Today's Blog: I showed you how I put together a website from the marketing material I developed. However, there is much more to the websites I develop.
First, after it is published, this marketing website (www.AksinyaNovel.com) becomes the primary advertising website for the novel. You can see completed examples of these websites at www.CenturionNovel.com, www.AegyptNovel.com, www.TheSecondMission.com, www.TheEndofHonor.com, www.TheFoxsHonor.com, and www.ASeasonofHonor.com. These are my published novels. You can also see how I've modified the sites when they were contracted. These are at www.SisterofLight.com and www.SisterofDarkness.com.
Second, the marketing and advertising websites become places that fans of the novel can come to find more information. I provide information from my notes. I've used "secret" pages for this. I'll talk about them later.
Third, I use the marketing/advertising pages for the books as places that potential readers can get the first chapter as a sample.
Forth,...there's more--I'll give it to you tomorrow.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Marketing Materials - A Marketing Website
17 September 2011, Marketing Materials - A Marketing Website
Introduction: I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little. I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. The working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel. Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.
I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way. At this moment, I'm showing you the marketing material I put together for a novel.
Today's Blog: If you've been following along, we have a proposed cover, a long form of marketing information that includes a synopsis and some teasers, a short form of information with some teasers. With this information, you can put together a simple website about your new novel. That's just what I did at http://www.aksinyanovel.com/.
I use Microsoft HomePage to manage, design, and publish my websites. There are more modern programs, but this one is simple to use, and I already have it. To make a website, you just have to choose a style and cut and paste the elements on the page. That's what I did to make http://www.aksinyanovel.com/. It is really easy.
You can use the cover proposal as a linking graphic from all over your websites, and, of course, you can use it as the main graphic for your novel's website. That's what I did at http://www.aksinyanovel.com/.
The information to populate the website comes directly from the marketing information I've already shown you how to develop. You can see it at the site.
I'll write more about this book marketing website tomorrow.
Introduction: I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little. I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. The working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel. Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.
I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way. At this moment, I'm showing you the marketing material I put together for a novel.
Today's Blog: If you've been following along, we have a proposed cover, a long form of marketing information that includes a synopsis and some teasers, a short form of information with some teasers. With this information, you can put together a simple website about your new novel. That's just what I did at http://www.aksinyanovel.com/.
I use Microsoft HomePage to manage, design, and publish my websites. There are more modern programs, but this one is simple to use, and I already have it. To make a website, you just have to choose a style and cut and paste the elements on the page. That's what I did to make http://www.aksinyanovel.com/. It is really easy.
You can use the cover proposal as a linking graphic from all over your websites, and, of course, you can use it as the main graphic for your novel's website. That's what I did at http://www.aksinyanovel.com/.
The information to populate the website comes directly from the marketing information I've already shown you how to develop. You can see it at the site.
I'll write more about this book marketing website tomorrow.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Marketing Materials - Using Your Designed Cover
16 September 2011, Marketing Materials - Using Your Designed Cover
Introduction: I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little. I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. The working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel. Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.
I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way. At this moment, I'm showing you the marketing material I put together for a novel.
Today's Blog: I already told you one great use for a cover proposal--the moment your publisher asks for it, you have it to send.
More importantly, you have a picture of your novel for your marketing website. That's the real point. I thought about this one for a while before I jumped, but it became very obvious to me, that a picture is indeed worth very much in marketing. It doesn't do much good if you don't have some illustration or picture to represent your novel. And what better picture or illustration than a cover proposal.
It can't hurt--it's only a proposal. What will hurt is nothing at all. So go ahead and make a cover proposal and use it immediately to populate your novel's website.
I inserted my proposed cover for Aksinya. You also can see it at http://www.aksinyanovel.com/. The cover proposal is a part of the marketing website. I'll repeat this, you can see many of my proposed covers at http://www.ldalford.com/ under the unpublished novels. You can also see the cover proposals I sent to my publishers under the secrets pages for each published novel.
I'll write about making a marketing website tomorrow.
Introduction: I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little. I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. The working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel. Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.
I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way. At this moment, I'm showing you the marketing material I put together for a novel.
Today's Blog: I already told you one great use for a cover proposal--the moment your publisher asks for it, you have it to send.
More importantly, you have a picture of your novel for your marketing website. That's the real point. I thought about this one for a while before I jumped, but it became very obvious to me, that a picture is indeed worth very much in marketing. It doesn't do much good if you don't have some illustration or picture to represent your novel. And what better picture or illustration than a cover proposal.
It can't hurt--it's only a proposal. What will hurt is nothing at all. So go ahead and make a cover proposal and use it immediately to populate your novel's website.
I inserted my proposed cover for Aksinya. You also can see it at http://www.aksinyanovel.com/. The cover proposal is a part of the marketing website. I'll repeat this, you can see many of my proposed covers at http://www.ldalford.com/ under the unpublished novels. You can also see the cover proposals I sent to my publishers under the secrets pages for each published novel.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Marketing Materials - more on Designing Covers
15 September 2011, Marketing Materials - more on Designing Covers
Introduction: I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little. I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. The working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel. Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.
I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way. At this moment, I'm showing you the marketing material I put together for a novel.
Today's Blog: I wrote about the basics of designing a cover yesterday. I'll go into more details today.
The way modern book publishers do covers is they use clip art, designs, and pictures to make the covers. They usually don't contract out artwork. Some writers are artists. My daughter did the dragon and fox symbols for my Chronicles of the Dragon and the Fox science fiction. She is a writer and a great artist. Most writers are not and many times really cheesy drawings and artwork gets into indi works.
If you want to appear to be a professional, alway use high quality professional artwork in and for the covers of your novels. That usually means clip art and professional pictures. If you want high qulaity illustrations, you will pay for it. Most artist won't do it for free--they have better use for their time.
So, to develop a cover proposal, imagine the major theme or plot of your novel and pick some pictures or clip art from the Internet that match your ideas, then put them together as I described yesterday. You won't be too far off from what your publisher will do, but your publisher will have a professional cover designer take your ideas and provide one of more cover proposals.
That's my point. You want to be ready when your publisher asks, so make your initial cover proposal right away. This way the proposal also can become part of your marketing materials. You can see at http://www.aksinyanovel.com/, the cover proposal is a part of the marketing website.
You can see many of my proposed covers at http://www.ldalford.com/ under the unpublished novels. You can also see the cover proposals I sent to my publishers under the secrets pages for each published novel.
Introduction: I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little. I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. The working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel. Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.
I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way. At this moment, I'm showing you the marketing material I put together for a novel.
Today's Blog: I wrote about the basics of designing a cover yesterday. I'll go into more details today.
The way modern book publishers do covers is they use clip art, designs, and pictures to make the covers. They usually don't contract out artwork. Some writers are artists. My daughter did the dragon and fox symbols for my Chronicles of the Dragon and the Fox science fiction. She is a writer and a great artist. Most writers are not and many times really cheesy drawings and artwork gets into indi works.
If you want to appear to be a professional, alway use high quality professional artwork in and for the covers of your novels. That usually means clip art and professional pictures. If you want high qulaity illustrations, you will pay for it. Most artist won't do it for free--they have better use for their time.
So, to develop a cover proposal, imagine the major theme or plot of your novel and pick some pictures or clip art from the Internet that match your ideas, then put them together as I described yesterday. You won't be too far off from what your publisher will do, but your publisher will have a professional cover designer take your ideas and provide one of more cover proposals.
That's my point. You want to be ready when your publisher asks, so make your initial cover proposal right away. This way the proposal also can become part of your marketing materials. You can see at http://www.aksinyanovel.com/, the cover proposal is a part of the marketing website.
You can see many of my proposed covers at http://www.ldalford.com/ under the unpublished novels. You can also see the cover proposals I sent to my publishers under the secrets pages for each published novel.
I'll tell you more about covers tomorrow.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Marketing Materials - Designing Covers
14 September 2011, Marketing Materials - Designing Covers
Introduction: I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little. I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. The working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel. Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.
I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way. At this moment, I'm showing you the marketing material I put together for a novel.
Today's Blog: Designing a cover is an undertaking. The easiest way to do it is to use software, but you can also draw one. I use Microsoft Publisher--just because I have the program, and it is easy to use. Word will do it for you too.
Step one: measure a book. That's the size you want to make your cover. Set the size of your software word processor or drawing program to the cover size.
Step two: chose a color scheme. You want to choose a background and the font color that are contrasting and easy to read.
Step three: chose a font style that matches the theme or plot of your book.
Step four: chose one or more pictures that match your theme or plot. This is what a professional cover designer will do anyway. Unless you are a best selling author, no company will pay to have artwork made for your cover. Unless you are a professional artist or have contracted a professional artist, do not use your own art. Even if you think you are a great artist--unless you've sold your art (and not to your parents) you aren't a professional and you aren't that great.
Step five: put the pictures, fonts, colors, background, etc. together so it looks like the cover you want. It doesn't have to be that great. It just has to convey your idea of your cover for that book.
Take a look at my proposed book covers. You can see the proposed cover for Aksinya at www.AksinyaNovel.com.
Introduction: I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little. I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. The working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel. Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.
I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way. At this moment, I'm showing you the marketing material I put together for a novel.
Today's Blog: Designing a cover is an undertaking. The easiest way to do it is to use software, but you can also draw one. I use Microsoft Publisher--just because I have the program, and it is easy to use. Word will do it for you too.
Step one: measure a book. That's the size you want to make your cover. Set the size of your software word processor or drawing program to the cover size.
Step two: chose a color scheme. You want to choose a background and the font color that are contrasting and easy to read.
Step three: chose a font style that matches the theme or plot of your book.
Step four: chose one or more pictures that match your theme or plot. This is what a professional cover designer will do anyway. Unless you are a best selling author, no company will pay to have artwork made for your cover. Unless you are a professional artist or have contracted a professional artist, do not use your own art. Even if you think you are a great artist--unless you've sold your art (and not to your parents) you aren't a professional and you aren't that great.
Step five: put the pictures, fonts, colors, background, etc. together so it looks like the cover you want. It doesn't have to be that great. It just has to convey your idea of your cover for that book.
Take a look at my proposed book covers. You can see the proposed cover for Aksinya at www.AksinyaNovel.com.
I'll tell you more about covers tomorrow.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Marketing Materials - Covers
13 September 2011, Marketing Materials - Covers
Introduction: I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little. I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. The working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel. Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.
I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way. At this moment, I'm showing you the marketing material I put together for a novel.
Today's Blog: I want to write about one more idea before we get to populating a marketing website. That idea is the cover. When I first began writing novels, my impression was that the publisher would read my novel and have someone design a cover for it. My imagination couldn't be farther from the truth. Just as I showed you how to write marketing material to produce teasers, inner, and back cover material, you need to realise that most material for your novel comes from you and not the publisher. And even the information that comes from your publisher can be enhanced by your professional attention early in the process.
For example, when developing the marketing material for my novels, my publisher sent some ideas for the back cover and their press release. I shot back the teasers from the short form and the reviewer's quotes from the long form. My publisher loved them. She smooshed them together a little and wrote her copy from them. I realized then the importance of this kind of material.
When my publisher needed a cover idea, they didn't come up with one by themselves. They asked me for a design idea, and I provided them one. Since then, every time I write a novel, I put together a proposed cover. Your question is likely, how do you go about making a cover proposal.
Introduction: I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little. I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. The working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel. Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.
I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way. At this moment, I'm showing you the marketing material I put together for a novel.
Today's Blog: I want to write about one more idea before we get to populating a marketing website. That idea is the cover. When I first began writing novels, my impression was that the publisher would read my novel and have someone design a cover for it. My imagination couldn't be farther from the truth. Just as I showed you how to write marketing material to produce teasers, inner, and back cover material, you need to realise that most material for your novel comes from you and not the publisher. And even the information that comes from your publisher can be enhanced by your professional attention early in the process.
For example, when developing the marketing material for my novels, my publisher sent some ideas for the back cover and their press release. I shot back the teasers from the short form and the reviewer's quotes from the long form. My publisher loved them. She smooshed them together a little and wrote her copy from them. I realized then the importance of this kind of material.
When my publisher needed a cover idea, they didn't come up with one by themselves. They asked me for a design idea, and I provided them one. Since then, every time I write a novel, I put together a proposed cover. Your question is likely, how do you go about making a cover proposal.
I'll tell you tomorrow.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Marketing Materials - Websites
12 September 2011, Marketing Materials - Websites
I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little. I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon, the working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel. Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.
I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way. At this moment, I'm showing you the marketing material I put together for a novel.
I showed you in the last week or so how to put together the initial marketing material. I told you some uses for it. Now, I'm going to show you how to put it to immediate use.
I think I mentioned about websites. I'll give it to you again. When you finish writing a novel and after you set the title, get the website for it. If you can and want to get all the websites for the title. Using Aksinya as the example, I wanted to get www.Aksinya.com, but that was taken. I took www.AksinyaNovel.com. I could also have taken www.AksinyaStory.com and www.EnchantmentoftheDaemon.com. I put www.Aksinya.com on back order. I've been able to get some of my book titles that way.
The point is to get all the websites directly related to your novel. I usually try to just get the main title, but as you can see, you can increase your marketing potential with many. Since I have 21 novels, at about $10 every year to retain the websites, the cost is low. If I had two per novel or more, the costs would go up significantly. I'd like to own more websites, but until I have a bestseller that needs it, I'll continue my current policy.
So, after you've written your novel and set the title, get the website for the title. Oh, by the way, there are many places to go to get a website, but I use www.GoDaddy.com. I also use them for hosting.
I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little. I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon, the working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel. Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.
I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way. At this moment, I'm showing you the marketing material I put together for a novel.
I showed you in the last week or so how to put together the initial marketing material. I told you some uses for it. Now, I'm going to show you how to put it to immediate use.
I think I mentioned about websites. I'll give it to you again. When you finish writing a novel and after you set the title, get the website for it. If you can and want to get all the websites for the title. Using Aksinya as the example, I wanted to get www.Aksinya.com, but that was taken. I took www.AksinyaNovel.com. I could also have taken www.AksinyaStory.com and www.EnchantmentoftheDaemon.com. I put www.Aksinya.com on back order. I've been able to get some of my book titles that way.
The point is to get all the websites directly related to your novel. I usually try to just get the main title, but as you can see, you can increase your marketing potential with many. Since I have 21 novels, at about $10 every year to retain the websites, the cost is low. If I had two per novel or more, the costs would go up significantly. I'd like to own more websites, but until I have a bestseller that needs it, I'll continue my current policy.
So, after you've written your novel and set the title, get the website for the title. Oh, by the way, there are many places to go to get a website, but I use www.GoDaddy.com. I also use them for hosting.
Tomorrow I'll write more about how to use the marketing information in websites.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Marketing Materials - My Publisher
11 September 2011, Marketing Materials - My Publisher
I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little. I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon, the working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel. Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.
I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way. At this moment, I'm showing you the marketing material I put together for a novel.
My publisher is OakTara. From their website http://www.oaktara.com/:
"OakTara is passionate about creating a new market for inspirational books,especially with readers who may not traditionally enter a Christian bookstore but who avidly shop the Web. Our goal is to provide readers with something different, vibrant, and new—not “just the same old thing” that they’ve seen, time and again, from other inspirational publishers."
They published five of my novels Centurion, Aegypt, The End of Honor, The Fox's Honor, and A Season of Honor. They have two of my other novels on contract Sister of Light and Sister of Darkness. I continue to offer them first dibs on my novels. So, when I finish writing a novel, I prepare the long and short forms, then I prepare the OakTara information. That information follows.
Here is my commentary. If you look carefully, this synopsis is a condensed version of the long form. This is why I told you to begin with the long form. You can easily go from a 500 to a 200 word synopsis. You will find it very difficult to write a 200 word synopsis right off the bat. At least it is difficult for me. I find it easy to cut and hard to add. If you can make a 200 from a 500 word synopsis, you can write a 100 word synopsis etc.
There isn't much more to be said, except, if you are sending information on your manuscript to a publisher, you need to exactly follow their instructions. They likely won't even take a look at a manuscript or a submittal in the wrong format.
You are selling yourself and your work. That's in the next section.
Author bio:
* 200 words or less. Please include any previous publishing experience (title and publisher); professional credits (degrees, schooling, etc.); any personal experience that relates to plot/characters of this book; and your reason for writing this book. In addition, please let us know if you're planning any sequels of other titles in a series.
This is where you sell yourself. Notice, it is the same bio I use on the long form. For now, this is way I want to be know and build my market. If my publisher wants me to change it or vary it--I shall.
The point is to please your publisher.
I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little. I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon, the working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel. Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.
I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way. At this moment, I'm showing you the marketing material I put together for a novel.
My publisher is OakTara. From their website http://www.oaktara.com/:
"OakTara is passionate about creating a new market for inspirational books,especially with readers who may not traditionally enter a Christian bookstore but who avidly shop the Web. Our goal is to provide readers with something different, vibrant, and new—not “just the same old thing” that they’ve seen, time and again, from other inspirational publishers."
They published five of my novels Centurion, Aegypt, The End of Honor, The Fox's Honor, and A Season of Honor. They have two of my other novels on contract Sister of Light and Sister of Darkness. I continue to offer them first dibs on my novels. So, when I finish writing a novel, I prepare the long and short forms, then I prepare the OakTara information. That information follows.
Information needed for manuscripts submitted to OakTara
Date: 31 July 2011
Name: L. D. Alford
Address: 1704 N. Cypress
City, State/Province, Country, Zip/Postal Code:Wichita , KS 67206
Home and/or Work Phone (only in case needed): (316) 636-9514
Email address: pilotlion@aol.com
* Your personal information is considered confidential and for OakTara’s purposes only. It will not be distributed or sold to any third party.
Working Manuscript Title: Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon
Genre: Historical suspense
* e.g., allegory, biblical, contemporary, fantasy, futuristic, historical, mystery/suspense, romance, or science fiction
Plot Summary/Marketing Hook:
* 200 words or less. Here’s your chance to “sell” a reader on the plot of your book!
Date: 31 July 2011
Name: L. D. Alford
Address: 1704 N. Cypress
City, State/Province, Country, Zip/Postal Code:
Home and/or Work Phone (only in case needed): (316) 636-9514
Email address: pilotlion@aol.com
* Your personal information is considered confidential and for OakTara’s purposes only. It will not be distributed or sold to any third party.
Working Manuscript Title: Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon
Genre: Historical suspense
* e.g., allegory, biblical, contemporary, fantasy, futuristic, historical, mystery/suspense, romance, or science fiction
Plot Summary/Marketing Hook:
* 200 words or less. Here’s your chance to “sell” a reader on the plot of your book!
In November 1918, the young sorceress Lady Aksinya Andreiovna Golitsyna called the demon Asmodeus to protect her noble family from the Bolsheviks, but she was too late. When Aksinya and Asmodeus arrived at the estate, her father and mother, brother and sister were already dead. Unfortunately, Aksinya conjured a demon, whose only purpose was to aid her in accomplishing evil.
With the demon at her side, the world for Aksinya becomes one of repeated temptation and fall. The demon tempts her to call a servant, the Lady Natalya. He tempts her to travel to Austria
Asmodeus plans a destruction that will result in the end of Aksinya’s friends, acquaintances, and relatives—a much greater end to everything in her life than she could ever imagine.
Aksinya wishes to be free from the demon, and she will give up almost everything to achieve that goal. Will she be able to gain her freedom, and will she be able to face the results of that freedom?
Here is my commentary. If you look carefully, this synopsis is a condensed version of the long form. This is why I told you to begin with the long form. You can easily go from a 500 to a 200 word synopsis. You will find it very difficult to write a 200 word synopsis right off the bat. At least it is difficult for me. I find it easy to cut and hard to add. If you can make a 200 from a 500 word synopsis, you can write a 100 word synopsis etc.
There isn't much more to be said, except, if you are sending information on your manuscript to a publisher, you need to exactly follow their instructions. They likely won't even take a look at a manuscript or a submittal in the wrong format.
You are selling yourself and your work. That's in the next section.
Author bio:
* 200 words or less. Please include any previous publishing experience (title and publisher); professional credits (degrees, schooling, etc.); any personal experience that relates to plot/characters of this book; and your reason for writing this book. In addition, please let us know if you're planning any sequels of other titles in a series.
The finest escape in literature is an escape into a real and inviting culture—so asserts L. D. Alford a novelist who explores with originality those cultures and societies we think we already know. He builds tales that uniquely explore the connections between events close and familiar and events of the past—he cleaves them together with threads of reality that bring the past alive. L. D. Alford is familiar with technology and cultures—he earned a B.S. in Chemistry from Pacific Lutheran University , an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Boston University , and a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Dayton Air War College , Air Command and Staff College Central America . His writing includes over 40 technical articles, historical fiction novel The Second Mission published by Xulon, and historical fiction novels Centurion and Aegypt and science fiction novels, The End of Honor, and A Season of Honor published by Oaktara. L. D. Alford is an author who combines intimate scientific and cultural knowledge into fiction worlds that breathe reality.
This is where you sell yourself. Notice, it is the same bio I use on the long form. For now, this is way I want to be know and build my market. If my publisher wants me to change it or vary it--I shall.
The point is to please your publisher.
Tomorrow I'll write about how to use the marketing information in websites.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Marketing Materials - Short Form, Uses
10 September 2011, Marketing Materials - Short Form, Uses
I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little. I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon, the working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel. Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.
I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way. At this moment, I'm showing you the marketing material I put together for a novel.
This is the final version of the short form. Just like the long form, you should review and edit this information. Before you send it out to anyone, you should lok it over. You can use this information like you would the long form, that is to introduce yourself and your novel, but there are other purposes for the information. I'll talk about those soon. So, here is the final version of the short form:
Short form information:
1. No more than 3 sentences about the content of your manuscript.
3. No more than 2 sentences about yourself. (use 3rd person)
L. D. Alford is a novelist whose writing uniquely explores the connections between present events and history—he combines them with threads of reality that bring the past alive.
4. No more than 2 sentences that include “other,” i.e. any reasons, relationships, or other factors that might make your work more attractive.
Tomorrow I'll talk about my specific publisher's marketing information.
I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little. I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon, the working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel. Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.
I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way. At this moment, I'm showing you the marketing material I put together for a novel.
This is the final version of the short form. Just like the long form, you should review and edit this information. Before you send it out to anyone, you should lok it over. You can use this information like you would the long form, that is to introduce yourself and your novel, but there are other purposes for the information. I'll talk about those soon. So, here is the final version of the short form:
Short form information:
1. No more than 3 sentences about the content of your manuscript.
Aksinya contracted the demon, Asmodeus to save her family from the Bolsheviks, unfortunately her family was already dead—now, who can save Aksinya.
The demon, Asmodeus' purpose is to tempt Aksinya to accomplish evil.
Before Aksinya can gain her freedom from the demon, Asmodeus, she might lose her friends, family, and acquaintances, and it will all be her fault.
2. One sentence about successful works similar to yours.
The conceptual theme of Aksinya is similar to Faust, a story about a man who makes a contract with the devil. The difference is the main character in Aksinya did not intend evil through her actions and constantly attempts to find some means to break her contract with the demon.
3. No more than 2 sentences about yourself. (use 3rd person)
L. D. Alford is a novelist whose writing uniquely explores the connections between present events and history—he combines them with threads of reality that bring the past alive.
Dr. Alford is a scientist and widely traveled author who combines intimate scientific and cultural knowledge into fiction worlds that breathe reality.
4. No more than 2 sentences that include “other,” i.e. any reasons, relationships, or other factors that might make your work more attractive.
Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon is exciting fiction from the celebrated author of Dana-ana: Enchantment of the Maiden, Hestia: Enchantment of the Hearth, Antebellum, Centurion, Aegypt, The End of Honor, The Fox’s Honor, A Season of Honor, Sister of Light, and Sister of Darkness.
Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon is standalone historical suspense fiction that continues the supernatural themes of L.D. Alford’s other Ancient Light and Enchantment novels.
Tomorrow I'll talk about my specific publisher's marketing information.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Marketing Materials - Short Form, Other Information
9 September 2011, Marketing Materials - Short Form, Other Information
I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little. I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon, the working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel. Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.
I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way. At this moment, I'm showing you the marketing material I put together for a novel.
I'm working on the "short form" right now. The short form gives you quick and terse words to describe yourself and your work.
Short form information:
1. No more than 3 sentences about the content of your manuscript.
3. No more than 2 sentences about yourself. (use 3rd person)
4. No more than 2 sentences that include “other,” i.e. any reasons, relationships, or other factors that might make your work more attractive.
In this sentence or two, you want to show your potential audience your competency and ties to your other writing. These teasers let you list your writing to show potential interconnections with the current work and give your writing competence.
If I were writing about one of my science fiction novels this is what I have written:
You can see the ties here are to science and science fiction. The point is to draw attention to what makes me competent as an author and, in this case, as a scientist. The trick, in every case, is to determine and emphasize your skills in regard to the novel or book you've written and then express those connections.
Tomorrow I'll wrap up the short form.
I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little. I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon, the working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel. Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.
I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way. At this moment, I'm showing you the marketing material I put together for a novel.
I'm working on the "short form" right now. The short form gives you quick and terse words to describe yourself and your work.
Short form information:
1. No more than 3 sentences about the content of your manuscript.
Aksinya contracted the demon, Asmodeus to save her family from the Bolsheviks, unfortunately her family was already dead—now, who can save Aksinya.
The demon, Asmodeus' purpose is to tempt Aksinya to accomplish evil.
Before Aksinya can gain her freedom from the demon, Asmodeus, she might lose her friends, family, and acquaintances, and it will all be her fault.
2. One sentence about successful works similar to yours.
The conceptual theme of Aksinya is similar to Faust, a story about a man who makes a contract with the devil. The difference is the main character in Aksinya did not intend evil through her actions and constantly attempts to find some means to break her contract with the demon.
3. No more than 2 sentences about yourself. (use 3rd person)
L. D. Alford is a novelist whose writing uniquely explores the connections between present events and history—he combines them with threads of reality that bring the past alive.
Dr. Alford is a scientist and widely traveled author who combines intimate scientific and cultural knowledge into fiction worlds that breathe reality.
4. No more than 2 sentences that include “other,” i.e. any reasons, relationships, or other factors that might make your work more attractive.
Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon is exciting fiction from the celebrated author of Dana-ana: Enchantment of the Maiden, Hestia: Enchantment of the Hearth, Antebellum, Centurion, Aegypt, The End of Honor, The Fox’s Honor, A Season of Honor, Sister of Light, and Sister of Darkness.
In this sentence or two, you want to show your potential audience your competency and ties to your other writing. These teasers let you list your writing to show potential interconnections with the current work and give your writing competence.
If I were writing about one of my science fiction novels this is what I have written:
Ghost: Shadowed Vale is the fourth novel of the Ghost Ship Chronicles series and is a follow-on from the distant future of the Chronicles of the Dragon and the Fox.
In Ghost: Shadowed Vale, author Dr. L.D. Alford continues in his science fiction the hard science themes that can be found in his aviation blog and military aviation adventures on http://www.wingsoverkansas.com/.
You can see the ties here are to science and science fiction. The point is to draw attention to what makes me competent as an author and, in this case, as a scientist. The trick, in every case, is to determine and emphasize your skills in regard to the novel or book you've written and then express those connections.
Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon is standalone historical suspense fiction that continues the supernatural themes of L.D. Alford’s other Ancient Light and Enchantment novels.
Tomorrow I'll wrap up the short form.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Marketing Materials - Short Form, About You
8 September 2011, Marketing Materials - Short Form, About You
I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little. I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon, the working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel. Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I use, the way I build scenes, in addition to other general information on writing. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.
I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way. At this moment, I'm showing you the marketing material I put together for a novel.
I'm working on the "short form" right now. The short form gives you quick and terse words to describe yourself and your work.
Short form information:
1. No more than 3 sentences about the content of your manuscript.
3. No more than 2 sentences about yourself. (use 3rd person)
Authors need teasers too. These are short pithy sentences about you. If you read my long form bio, you will see the similarity and the reuse of some of that language. The trick is that you want to produce continuity in the way you describe yourself and the way the world sees you. In this regard, you are building yourself as a marketable commodity.
Tomorrow, we'll continue filling out the short form for Aksinya with commentary, of course.
I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little. I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon, the working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel. Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I use, the way I build scenes, in addition to other general information on writing. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.
I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way. At this moment, I'm showing you the marketing material I put together for a novel.
I'm working on the "short form" right now. The short form gives you quick and terse words to describe yourself and your work.
Short form information:
1. No more than 3 sentences about the content of your manuscript.
Aksinya contracted the demon, Asmodeus to save her family from the Bolsheviks, unfortunately her family was already dead—now, who can save Aksinya.
The demon, Asmodeus' purpose is to tempt Aksinya to accomplish evil.
Before Aksinya can gain her freedom from the demon, Asmodeus, she might lose her friends, family, and acquaintances, and it will all be her fault.
2. One sentence about successful works similar to yours.
The conceptual theme of Aksinya is similar to Faust, a story about a man who makes a contract with the devil. The difference is the main character in Aksinya did not intend evil through her actions and constantly attempts to find some means to break her contract with the demon.
3. No more than 2 sentences about yourself. (use 3rd person)
L. D. Alford is a novelist whose writing uniquely explores the connections between present events and history—he combines them with threads of reality that bring the past alive.
Dr. Alford is a scientist and widely traveled author who combines intimate scientific and cultural knowledge into fiction worlds that breathe reality.
Authors need teasers too. These are short pithy sentences about you. If you read my long form bio, you will see the similarity and the reuse of some of that language. The trick is that you want to produce continuity in the way you describe yourself and the way the world sees you. In this regard, you are building yourself as a marketable commodity.
You are your brand. The way you describe yourself and the way the world sees you will broadly be the same--unless you already are a celebrity. Just note that you are selling yourself as a writer, so you need to bring out your strongest and best qualities.
Look carefully at the way I describe myself. The first sentence uses my pen name and is all about my writing. It isn't really about me--it is all about the way I write.
The second sentence uses my professional name and title and gives more information about me, but in the end--it is still about my writing. In every case, I don't want my readers to be more interested in me than my writing. The writing is paramount. Since I write both historical and science fiction, you can see the reason for the two different focuses of the sentences. If you write in one genre, you might have two sentences with the same focus, but that vary by the information they give and the way they describe your writing.
4. No more than 2 sentences that include “other,” i.e. any reasons, relationships, or other factors that might make your work more attractive.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Marketing Materials - Short Form, Similar Works
7 September 2011, Marketing Materials - Short Form, Similar Works
I also produce a short form for my novels. The short form is not complete. That is, unlike the long form, it doesn't include all the information you might need to give a publisher or an agent. It does include the kind of information you might need for a reviewer, a newspaper, a book show, a website, and etc. You can additionally use this information for teasers and to help write other marketing material.
The short form gives you quick and terse words to describe yourself and your work.
Short form information:
1. No more than 3 sentences about the content of your manuscript.
This answer to this question is more important than many would imagine. Publishers and agents want to know something they can compare your work to. If you can make a comparison, it becomes easier to sell an idea.
Tomorrow, we'll continue filling out the short form for Aksinya with commentary, of course.
I also produce a short form for my novels. The short form is not complete. That is, unlike the long form, it doesn't include all the information you might need to give a publisher or an agent. It does include the kind of information you might need for a reviewer, a newspaper, a book show, a website, and etc. You can additionally use this information for teasers and to help write other marketing material.
The short form gives you quick and terse words to describe yourself and your work.
Short form information:
1. No more than 3 sentences about the content of your manuscript.
Aksinya contracted the demon, Asmodeus to save her family from the Bolsheviks, unfortunately her family was already dead—now, who can save Aksinya.
The demon, Asmodeus' purpose is to tempt Aksinya to accomplish evil.
Before Aksinya can gain her freedom from the demon, Asmodeus, she might lose her friends, family, and acquaintances, and it will all be her fault.
2. One sentence about successful works similar to yours.
The conceptual theme of Aksinya is similar to Faust, a story about a man who makes a contract with the devil. The difference is the main character in Aksinya did not intend evil through her actions and constantly attempts to find some means to break her contract with the demon.
This answer to this question is more important than many would imagine. Publishers and agents want to know something they can compare your work to. If you can make a comparison, it becomes easier to sell an idea.
In this sentence, you want to find some novel or work that your novel can be compared with. The comparison can be either plot or theme. If you can't find a classical or popular work to compare it to, you aren't looking enough (or you aren't familiar enough with literature) or the possibility really exists that you have hit on an idea that has never been used before. I do have one novel that is that unique.
Dana-ana: Enchantment and the Maiden is an absolutely unique plot. There is literally nothing in classical or popular literature similar to it. Here is what I wrote for it:
The conceptual theme of Dana-ana is unique. It has almost no similarity to other novels. It is in some ways a coming of age novel with a supernatural twist, but the supernatural basis is not similar to anything in popular or classical fiction.
This is not true of most other novels in the world. I can find comparisons for all my other writing. Most popular and classical novels have easy comparisons. For example, the Twilight novels can be compared to any number of young adult novels or to Dracula by Bram Stoker. Any Vampire novel easily can be compared to Dracula. The Harry Potter novels are easily compared to many children's novels, anime, and manga. The theme of a school for magic isn't very unusual especially in manga. You could compare it to the Sword in the Stone--the teaching of Aurthur by Merlin.
This little sentence is like the sentence on the long form about the audience--it has great importance although it seems like a simple question and answer. Audience allows the publisher to know who you focused your writing toward. The comparison allows the publisher to understand what you think your work is similar to.
3. No more than 2 sentences about yourself. (use 3rd person)
4. No more than 2 sentences that include “other,” i.e. any reasons, relationships, or other factors that might make your work more attractive.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Marketing Materials - Short Form, Content
6 September 2011, Marketing Materials - Short Form, Content
I also produce a short form for my novels. The short form is not complete. That is, unlike the long form, it doesn't include all the information you might need to give a publisher or an agent. It does include the kind of information you might need for a reviewer, a newspaper, a book show, a website, and etc. You can additionally use this information for teasers and to help write other marketing material.
The short form gives you quick and terse words to describe yourself and your work.
Short form information:
1. No more than 3 sentences about the content of your manuscript.
Tomorrow, we'll start filling out the short form for Aksinya with commentary, of course.
I also produce a short form for my novels. The short form is not complete. That is, unlike the long form, it doesn't include all the information you might need to give a publisher or an agent. It does include the kind of information you might need for a reviewer, a newspaper, a book show, a website, and etc. You can additionally use this information for teasers and to help write other marketing material.
The short form gives you quick and terse words to describe yourself and your work.
Short form information:
1. No more than 3 sentences about the content of your manuscript.
Aksinya contracted the demon, Asmodeus to save her family from the Bolsheviks, unfortunately her family was already dead—now, who can save Aksinya.
The demon, Asmodeus' purpose is to tempt Aksinya to accomplish evil.
Before Aksinya can gain her freedom from the demon, Asmodeus, she might lose her friends, family, and acquaintances, and it will all be her fault.
Okay, here are three sentences about the novel Aksinya. You can see, these statements are written as tightly and sucinctly as possible. You want to be terse, yet keep them exciting and flowing. The point is to provide three teasers. You can expand these later or use them just as they are.
Try to get excitement into them. They to encapsulate the feel of the novel or the tension of the novel.
There is no way to fully describe any complex work in a sentence--this is what you as a writer must do. Even if you don't use them for marketing, consider this a great exercise in writing.
2. One sentence about successful works similar to yours.
3. No more than 2 sentences about yourself. (use 3rd person)
4. No more than 2 sentences that include “other,” i.e. any reasons, relationships, or other factors that might make your work more attractive.
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