Publication - Seller Connections

19 November 2011, Publication - Seller Connections

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:  To see the steps in the publication process, go to my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/. 

Connections with book sellers is a critical element in marketing your novel after publication.  Your publisher keeps the main connections, but they can't do everything.  In today's world, the major connections with book sellers is through the Internet.  Your publisher will have to manage the large connections with wood and brick stores (except for local merchants).  You will find that once connections have been made by your publisher to any seller, you will have to maintain and nurture those connections. 

The major Internet book seller is Amazon.  Your publisher will make the initial connections with them.  They will provide basic information, teasers, copy, and a cover shot.  Your novel will appear magically on Amazon with the proper information slowly trickling in.  The cover usually takes a while to appear.  When everything is set, now your job begins.

I'll write about "inside the book" tomorrow.

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/.