Publication - Radio Interviews

31 December 2011, Publication - Radio Interviews

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.

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/.

Here is the list of ideas for advertising--there are more and I'll add to the list as we go along.  I'm certainly not an expert in all these, but I've dabbled in all of them.  I'll try to relate my experience and the degree of that experience to you.

1.  Have a website for your novel.
2.  Write a blog.
3.  Advertise.
4.  Literary awards.
5.  Book cards.
6.  Contests.
7.  Interviews.
8.  Blog tours.
9.  Press releases.
10.  Speaking and teaching.
11.  e-mailing.
12.  Gifts.
13.  ...

You can be interviewed for print media, for radio, for TV, on blogs, Internet general, character interviews, trailers just to name a few. 

Radio interviews are many times easier to get than print interviews.  The reason is that print is on its way out, and if a newspaper has a section for books, that section usually doesn't cover local books.  They usually syndicate from the NYT book page.  Many times they don't even look at the stuff they are publishing.  This is the unfortunate result of the decline of the newspaper.  If they were willing to pay more attention to their own community, and they reflected the values of their community, the local newspapers wouldn't be dying.  As it is, they don't support the writing community or their own communities, and so there is little scope for promoting your work.

Radio on the other hand is mostly local for filler and is always interested in local news because it can't survive without reflecting its community to some degree.  Many who would never pick up a newspaper routinely listen to radio.  The problem with radio compared to print media is that it is a flash in the pan.  Print usually gets a lot of play for a long time, while radio, even if it is recorded and podded, won't get as much play.

I give you more ideas on radio interviews 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/.

Publication - more Print Interviews

30 December 2011, Publication - more Print Interviews

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.

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/.

Here is the list of ideas for advertising--there are more and I'll add to the list as we go along.  I'm certainly not an expert in all these, but I've dabbled in all of them.  I'll try to relate my experience and the degree of that experience to you.

1.  Have a website for your novel.
2.  Write a blog.
3.  Advertise.
4.  Literary awards.
5.  Book cards.
6.  Contests.
7.  Interviews.
8.  Blog tours.
9.  Press releases.
10.  Speaking and teaching.
11.  e-mailing.
12.  Gifts.
13.  ...

You can be interviewed for print media, for radio, for TV, on blogs, Internet general, character interviews, trailers just to name a few. 

So, for any interview, how do you keep the interviewer on topic (that is your book).  Your interview should focus on "Why you wrote the book."  That's all there is to it.  If every question and every answer comes back to this specific point, you win.  With this answer, you will be able to answer the interviewer's questions and, at the same time, get out information on your book.  You might want to prep this specific question and answer before your interview. 

Just answer this question "Why did you write the book."  Encapsulated in this question (and its answer) is every single important point an interviewer can ask.  You can also turn every question into an answer that is based on this.  For example, let's say you wrote a novel about the civil war.  Any question the interviewer asks can be answered, "I wrote this novel to answer that question for myself," then you can expand.  Don't expand too much.  Give the interviewer a few choice quotations that come from your novel or that about your novel.  You can also use the teasers that you developed for marketing your novel as the basis for your interview questions.

So remember, keep on topic and try to get a word in about your novel.  I give you more ideas on this 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/.

Publication - Print Interviews

29 December 2011, Publication - Print Interviews

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.

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/.

Here is the list of ideas for advertising--there are more and I'll add to the list as we go along.  I'm certainly not an expert in all these, but I've dabbled in all of them.  I'll try to relate my experience and the degree of that experience to you.

1.  Have a website for your novel.
2.  Write a blog.
3.  Advertise.
4.  Literary awards.
5.  Book cards.
6.  Contests.
7.  Interviews.
8.  Blog tours.
9.  Press releases.
10.  Speaking and teaching.
11.  e-mailing.
12.  Gifts.
13.  ...

You can be interviewed for print media, for radio, for TV, on blogs, Internet general, character interviews, trailers just to name a few. 

Print media interviews can be very helpful for advertising your novel.  Of course the print media and especially the distribution makes all the difference.  If you get an interview from the NY Times, you will get a lot of attention.  On the other hand, if you land an interview with the Podunk Dispatch, you won't get so much attention. 

For print media, you need to be ready and even provide questions and answers on your own.  If possible, try to keep your interviewer on topic--you may or may not be successful.  The problem with print interviews is that most won't be interested in your novel--they are interested in your story and your connections.  Unless you are a best selling author who has some other connection or story, your novel won't get any play. 

A great example of this is an author friend of mine who wrote the novel Katia about the Berlin Wall.  The press was more interested in his story about the Berlin Wall than his book--the fact that the book was about the Berlin Wall is what connected for the novel and for his sales. 

So remember, keep on topic and try to get a word in about your novel.  I give you some ideas on this 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/.

Publication - Interviews

28 December 2011, Publication - Interviews
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.

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/.

Here is the list of ideas for advertising--there are more and I'll add to the list as we go along.  I'm certainly not an expert in all these, but I've dabbled in all of them.  I'll try to relate my experience and the degree of that experience to you.

1.  Have a website for your novel.
2.  Write a blog.
3.  Advertise.
4.  Literary awards.
5.  Book cards.
6.  Contests.
7.  Interviews.
8.  Blog tours.
9.  Press releases.
10.  Speaking and teaching.
11.  e-mailing.
12.  Gifts.
13.  ...

There are many opportunities in interviews, and there are many different types of interviews.  You can be interviewed for print media, for radio, for TV, on blogs, Internet general, character interviews, trailers just to name a few.  This is a very important and varied area. 

How effective are interviews?  That depends entirely on the audience and the distribution of the interview.  Many are not very effective, but any chance to get your name and information about your book out for free is good.  That's the point, after all, to get advertising at a low or no cost--of course, the more effective the better. 

Interviews is a subject that demands some detail and some time to evaluate the possibilities.

I'll get into the basics of interviews, 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/.

Publication - Contests

27 December 2011, Publication - Contests

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.

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/.

Here is the list of ideas for advertising--there are more and I'll add to the list as we go along.  I'm certainly not an expert in all these, but I've dabbled in all of them.  I'll try to relate my experience and the degree of that experience to you.

1.  Have a website for your novel.
2.  Write a blog.
3.  Advertise.
4.  Literary awards.
5.  Book cards.
6.  Contests.
7.  Interviews.
8.  Blog tours.
9.  Press releases.
10.  Speaking and teaching.
11.  e-mailing.
12.  Gifts.
13.  ...

Like literary awards, I'm leery of contests.  For every legitimate contest there are 1000 that are the typical poetry tricks.  You know the ones, submit you poetry for a contest.  Everyone wins and then they want to sell you the poetry book.  How many people really read that crap poetry?  No one.  The contest was a way to get your money--so unless my publisher puts me in a contest or recommends a contest to me, I ain't playing. 

That doesn't mean there are no legitimate contests out there.  I'm certain there are.  I just haven't found any.  So if you find one, tell me about it. 

To me, contests are just one place to stay away from.  If you win--what do you really win?  A chance at publication?  Copy?  Let me tell you, the paper in my town runs a couple of writing contests every year.  The winners usually write something cute and nice--maybe publishable, but most contests aren't looking for great writing.  They might not be able to pick great writing from a list.  They are looking for something that sells newspapers (in this case).  They want smaltz.  So if you don't mind writing smaltz--go for it.  Also, most of these contests are for non professionals.  If you are a published author, you don't count.
I'll move on to interviews, 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/.

Publication - Postcards

26 December 2011, Publication - Cards

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.

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/.

Here is the list of ideas for advertising--there are more and I'll add to the list as we go along.  I'm certainly not an expert in all these, but I've dabbled in all of them.  I'll try to relate my experience and the degree of that experience to you.

1.  Have a website for your novel.
2.  Write a blog.
3.  Advertise.
4.  Literary awards.
5.  Book cards.
6.  Contests.
7.  Interviews.
8.  Blog tours.
9.  Press releases.
10.  Speaking and teaching.
11.  e-mailing.
12.  Gifts.
13.  ...

There are many other types of cards you can make to advertise your novels.  I mentioned book cards and book marks.  Another type of advertising card is a postcard.  You can mail a postcard, but that isn't what I do with them.  I have a postcard sized advertising that I print on heavy paper and hand out.  These cards have my picture, my 6 book covers, and a very short description of each book.  Since this card is about a half page, I use it for half page advertising as well.

Why a half page ad?  Well, you will often find opportunities for full page and half page ads.  For example, if you do any advertising with theater productions, shows, or events.  You might as well have this type of ad stock available, and if you have more than one book in publication, you should definitely have this type of postcard ad to give out.

I'll move on to contests, 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/.

Publication - Book Marks

25 December 2011, Publication - Book Marks
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.

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/.

Here is the list of ideas for advertising--there are more and I'll add to the list as we go along.  I'm certainly not an expert in all these, but I've dabbled in all of them.  I'll try to relate my experience and the degree of that experience to you.

1.  Have a website for your novel.
2.  Write a blog.
3.  Advertise.
4.  Literary awards.
5.  Book cards.
6.  Contests.
7.  Interviews.
8.  Blog tours.
9.  Press releases.
10.  Speaking and teaching.
11.  e-mailing.
12.  Gifts.
13.  ...

Merry Christmas!  I hope you have a wonderful season, and I hope you win over a publisher for your book and sell a million copies.  Me too.  I hope this blog will help you get closer to your goals.

One way to make more book sales is proper advertising.  I'm lumping anything you can print at home for advertising under book cards--so in that mix comes book marks.  Book marks are, well, book marks.  I found a great funeral supply online store that provides book marks in various paper styles ready for printing.  They aren't a very great laser cut, so I have to use a paper cutter, but they are better than nothing.

I produce a different book mark for each book.  When I sell books, I give out book marks with each book I sell.  When I sell books, the book marks augment the book cards.  People who love books can't pass by a book mark without taking one.  Just like when you design a book card, with a book mark, focus on the cover of your book.  Make that the top of the book mark.  With a book mark you definitely have more room to put a few teasers about your book and don't forget the book information (ISBN etc.).

I make them simple, but you can make book marks with plastic covers and ribbons etc. etc.  The point is to make more money and not less, so you don't need to spend a lot to make a great book mark.

I'll tell you about similar types of advertising 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/.

Publication - Using Book Cards

24 December 2011, Publication - Using Book Cards

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.

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/.

Here is the list of ideas for advertising--there are more and I'll add to the list as we go along.  I'm certainly not an expert in all these, but I've dabbled in all of them.  I'll try to relate my experience and the degree of that experience to you.

1.  Have a website for your novel.
2.  Write a blog.
3.  Advertise.
4.  Literary awards.
5.  Book cards.
6.  Contests.
7.  Interviews.
8.  Blog tours.
9.  Press releases.
10.  Speaking and teaching.
11.  e-mailing.
12.  ...

You use a book card like a calling card (business card).  Hand them out to anyone who acts interested.  I have a book card for each of my six published novels and a general card that lists all six.  I give them to anyone who seems interested in books or my writing.  I hand out one to a person.  At restaurants I put them with my bill for the server. 

Use your book cards to give something to people you meet.  I assure you, anyone who speaks to you about writing will want your book card.  Will they do anything with it?  I have no idea, but if you sell one book for every ten you give out, the cards will more than pay for themselves.

I buy business card stock by the bulk and print a hundred cards at a time.
I'll tell you about book marks 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/.

Publication - Book Cards

23 December 2011, Publication - Book Cards
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.

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/.

Here is the list of ideas for advertising--there are more and I'll add to the list as we go along.  I'm certainly not an expert in all these, but I've dabbled in all of them.  I'll try to relate my experience and the degree of that experience to you.

1.  Have a website for your novel.
2.  Write a blog.
3.  Advertise.
4.  Literary awards.
5.  Book cards.
6.  Contests.
7.  Interviews.
8.  Blog tours.
9.  Press releases.
10.  Speaking and teaching.
11.  e-mailing.
12.  ...

Under the idea/concept of book cards, I include anything the author (or anyone else) produces on paper as a giveaway to advertise your novel.  In this category are book cards, book marks, brochures, advertisement cards, etc. etc.

Book cards are the simplest--let's tackle them first.  A book card is a regular calling card that you carry in your wallet/pocket/purse to give to people who are interested in your book(s).  A book card should include a picture of your cover, the title of your novel, your name, your novel's website, your website, and potentially, your email address.  Perhaps this is a good time to talk about email addresses.  You do know you can have as many free email addresses as you wish,  If you are worried about giving out your primary email, just get another one to put on your book cards.

I'll tell you what to do with book cards 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/.

Publication - Literary Awards

22 December 2011, Publication - Literary Awards

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.

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/.

Here is the list of ideas for advertising--there are more and I'll add to the list as we go along.  I'm certainly not an expert in all these, but I've dabbled in all of them.  I'll try to relate my experience and the degree of that experience to you.

1.  Have a website for your novel.
2.  Write a blog.
3.  Advertise.
4.  Literary awards.
5.  Book cards.
6.  Contests.
7.  Interviews.
8.  Blog tours.
9.  Press releases.
10.  Speaking and teaching.
11.  e-mailing.
12.  ...

Anything that sets your novel apart from the crowd is good.  However, you need to understand that with the Internet and indie writing numerous organizations and literary awards have appeared.  The number of categories and types of awards is amazing--almost enough so every newly published novel could win one.  Ah, there's the rub, if everyone can win one, what's the point--well, to set your novel apart.  Still, to apply for one of these awards, you have to send in $50 to $100 and a copy of your novel.  You don't get any money if you win.

I think that most of these are setups.  I don't apply and unless my publisher recommends one to me, I doubt I will apply.  I have applied twice to a literary award in the past, I spent my money and sent in a copy of the book and received my certificate of participation.  I know awards are given, but again, I'm not certain of their value, their meaning, or their selection process.

I think for the high level awards, your novel must be recommended to the selection board.  You don't pay any money, and If you win, it really means something.
I'm not sure there is much more to be said about literary awards.  We'll look at Book Cards 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/.

21 December 2011, Publication - Advertising Follow-Through

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.

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/.

Here is the list of ideas for advertising--there are more and I'll add to the list as we go along.  I'm certainly not an expert in all these, but I've dabbled in all of them.  I'll try to relate my experience and the degree of that experience to you.

1.  Have a website for your novel.
2.  Write a blog.
3.  Advertise.
4.  Literary awards.
5.  Book cards.
6.  Contests.
7.  Interviews.
8.  Blog tours.
9.  Press releases.
10.  Speaking and teaching.
11.  e-mailing.
12.  ...

The point of Internet advertising is to get someone to come to your website--there you can seduce them with your book.  That's the whole reason for the advertising, and this applies to the indie as well as the regular published. 

Therefore, your website needs to seduce them to want your novel.  You need to encourage them to want to read your book.  The first step is getting them to your website, the second is getting them to stay long enough to, third, go to a bookseller where they can buy your book.

You can see what you need to do.  First, your website needs to be clear and clean.  It needs to not be ambiguous.  You need to clearly and specifically tell your visitors about your book in words that will interest and draw them to explore further.  You need to have pictures of the cover and information on the book.  I could go on and on about website development, but I'm not an expert--I just have made a lot.  Look at any of my novel websites for an example of how I make a website for a novel.  Look at www.AegyptNovel.com.

Second, you need to get them to stick around on the site long enough to want to buy your novel.  I think a crisp and clean site with strong content is about the best you can do.  Give them the four buttons (described before) and give them those marketing teasers you developed.

Third, point them to booksellers.  Give them a choice.  I put some links, and I put Amazon widgets on my websites.

There is so much more on advertising, but we need to move on.  We'll look at Literary Awards 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/.

Publication - just Advertising

20 December 2011, Publication - just Advertising

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.

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/.

Here is the list of ideas for advertising--there are more and I'll add to the list as we go along.  I'm certainly not an expert in all these, but I've dabbled in all of them.  I'll try to relate my experience and the degree of that experience to you.

1.  Have a website for your novel.
2.  Write a blog.
3.  Advertise.
4.  Literary awards.
5.  Book cards.
6.  Contests.
7.  Interviews.
8.  Blog tours.
9.  Press releases.
10.  Speaking and teaching.
11.  e-mailing.
12.  ...

Advertising is the point of all of this.  You can actively advertise your books without incurring high costs. 

Much advertising is accomplished by your publisher.  You don't see the work.  You usually only see the results.  Your publisher promotes your book on their websites, at book fairs and conferences, at book sellers, to bookstore, to Internet sellers, to distributors, etc.  This is critical advertising and gets your works in front of people.  It makes your work available to readers, but usually doesn't result in much advertising.

Advertising is not just getting your works to a potential place of sale.  Advertising is the actual promotion of your work.  In this, your publisher can help and does promote your work, but anything beyond this is really your responsibility.

Luckily, advertising can be easily and cheaply done through the Internet.  Two very popular and great sources are facebook and google.  A facebook ad is simple to make and manage.  It is relatively inexpensive because you only pay for clicks.  If someone doesn't click your ad (to go to your website), you don't get charged.  The cost is about $1 per click and you can set a limit of clicks per day.  This means you can control your costs and keep them low.

How successful is a facebook or a google ad?  I'm not sure.  I haven't seen a huge uptick in sales although, I have seen a slight uptick in visits to my websites.  I think this is a direct reflection of the advertising.  This specific Internet advertising is a great means of getting information out about your books. 

I'll write about other types of advertising 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/.

Publication - Advertising Ideas, Blogging the Point

19 December 2011, Publication - Advertising Ideas, Blogging the Point
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.

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/.

Here is the list of ideas for advertising--there are more and I'll add to the list as we go along.  I'm certainly not an expert in all these, but I've dabbled in all of them.  I'll try to relate my experience and the degree of that experience to you.

1.  Have a website for your novel.
2.  Write a blog.
3.  Advertise.
4.  Literary awards.
5.  Book cards.
6.  Contests.
7.  Interviews.
8.  Blog tours.
9.  Press releases.
10.  Speaking and teaching.
11.  e-mailing.
12.  ...

So, the point of blogging is to get your ideas into the wild and to show off your writing.  You want to build readership and expand the network of those who read and are interested in your writing.  This helps you, your novels, and your publisher.  About how to really expand your network and your blog readers--I'm just figuring that out.  I'm not certain if that result is time based or effort based.  In other words, does it really help to go to many other blogs and become an item across the blogosphere or does time and longevity build your readership better?  Perhaps a mix between the two?

My problem is that I don't have time to go looking too much.  I work a full time job and write and blog--among other things.  Blogging can't become my life, but I do hope I touch others with my blogging.  Just as I hope I touch others with my writing.

If you write, blogging is a great idea.  Make sure you keep writing. 

I'll move over to advertising 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/.

Publication - Advertising Ideas, Blogging Reasons

18 December 2011, Publication - Advertising Ideas, Blogging Reasons

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.

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/.

Here is the list of ideas for advertising--there are more and I'll add to the list as we go along.  I'm certainly not an expert in all these, but I've dabbled in all of them.  I'll try to relate my experience and the degree of that experience to you.

1.  Have a website for your novel.
2.  Write a blog.
3.  Advertise.
4.  Literary awards.
5.  Book cards.
6.  Contests.
7.  Interviews.
8.  Blog tours.
9.  Press releases.
10.  Speaking and teaching.
11.  e-mailing.
12.  ...

In the process of blogging, I don't have anything to prove, and I don't have anyone to impress.  I'd like to simply communicate and share ideas on writing.  In general, I haven't found blogging to be much of a give and take process.  I wish it were more like that, but I don't mind.  I'm certain there are many smart people and ideas out there, but I think they are all blogging too.  That is, those with competing ideas are all involved with providing those ideas through their blogs, or they are selling them.  I suppose I could write another book and sell it, but I'm more interested in writing fiction.  I'm also more interested in helping authors improve their writing.

Let's face facts, we all can improve our writing skills, and I don't mean spelling and grammar--I mean the true skills that make terrific writing.  I'm happy that I can use this blog to improve my own skills and the skills of others. 

Let's go a little further, any author who doesn't realize their writing can be improved is a fool.  This is simply the demarcation between a professional and an amateur.  The amateur is not confident in his own writing and is afraid and unwilling to have another criticize it.  The professional begs for feedback.  The professional desires criticism and sees all of it as constructive.  Again, I'm not talking about grammar and spelling.  Grammar and spelling are skills that writers must have as a basic skill--these are the simple problems that editors and editing can easily repair.  The skills that authors really need are those that come long after basic grammar and spelling have been conquered.  Those skills are the development of a good theme, plot, and storyline.  Further, the development of a world that entrances your readers is the extended skill of a great writer.  This is truly what we, as writers, should all aspire to.

I'll write more about blogging 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/.

Publication - Advertising Ideas, Blogging Value

17 December 2011, Publication - Advertising Ideas, Blogging Value

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.

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/.

Here is the list of ideas for advertising--there are more and I'll add to the list as we go along.  I'm certainly not an expert in all these, but I've dabbled in all of them.  I'll try to relate my experience and the degree of that experience to you.

1.  Have a website for your novel.
2.  Write a blog.
3.  Advertise.
4.  Literary awards.
5.  Book cards.
6.  Contests.
7.  Interviews.
8.  Blog tours.
9.  Press releases.
10.  Speaking and teaching.
11.  e-mailing.
12.  ...

My chief purpose in blogging is every day to give something of value to my readers and visitors.  I'm trying to be informative and share ideas with the writing and reading community.  Most of these ideas and this information comes from my experience as a writer.  Some of it is unique but much of it is common knowledge gleaned through experience and working with others. 

The world today offers wonderfully greater information and available knowledge than any time in the past.  The fact that a simple search of the Internet can bring up disparate information and sources on a single topic is astounding.  The ability to check this information and the sources is very powerful too.  As I tell my students all the time, don't trust anyone's teaching or information until you check it out yourself.  If the teaching or information makes sense and can be validated to a reasonable degree, the data is good--use it.  If the opposite is true, don't trust it.

For my engineering students, I call this type of validation your spidey sense.  In engineering science, most everything is cut and dried--you can prove it beyond a shadow of a doubt.  A good engineer needs to recognize when the decimal point is off a magnitude, or when the equation is off, or when their conclusions are not supported by their data.  That's the point of engineering after all and an error can result in people's deaths.

Writing is similar (not in terms of death), but remember, your readers all have their spidey sense going all the time.  They are looking for everything in your finely crafted world to make sense.  If it doesn't, they are out of your world and back to the world of their own.  So, in your blog and in your writing, give value and make certain you are correct--your readers will stick with you.

I'll write more about blogging 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/.

Publication - Advertising Ideas, Blogging Topics

16 December 2011, Publication - Advertising Ideas, Blogging Topics

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.

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/.

Here is the list of ideas for advertising--there are more and I'll add to the list as we go along.  I'm certainly not an expert in all these, but I've dabbled in all of them.  I'll try to relate my experience and the degree of that experience to you.

1.  Have a website for your novel.
2.  Write a blog.
3.  Advertise.
4.  Literary awards.
5.  Book cards.
6.  Contests.
7.  Interviews.
8.  Blog tours.
9.  Press releases.
10.  Speaking and teaching.
11.  e-mailing.
12.  ...

Blogging is a great exercise in writing as well as a great means to communicate your ideas to the world.  The problem with any exercise or responsibility you take on is you need to continue what you start.  So, if you want to blog, be ready to blog for a long time.  If you think of it as an exercise in writing (that was my point before) then blogging becomes a method for self improvement as well as a means of communication (point two).

The biggest problem for many bloggers is subject matter--you gotta have something to write about every day.  To me, this is part of the exercise.  I really don't have much difficulty coming up with something to write about every day.  I do try to be cohesive and keep to a theme--perhaps that is why finding subject matter isn't so difficult. 

To be cohesive and to produce good topics to write about, keep some kind of theme going.  The blog won't blog itself, but it will be much easier than something entirely new and unconnected everyday.
I'll write more about blogging 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/.

Publication - Advertising Ideas, more Blogging

15 December 2011, Publication - Advertising Ideas, more Blogging

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.

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/.

Here is the list of ideas for advertising--there are more and I'll add to the list as we go along.  I'm certainly not an expert in all these, but I've dabbled in all of them.  I'll try to relate my experience and the degree of that experience to you.

1.  Have a website for your novel.
2.  Write a blog.
3.  Advertise.
4.  Literary awards.
5.  Book cards.
6.  Contests.
7.  Interviews.
8.  Blog tours.
9.  Press releases.
10.  Speaking and teaching.
11.  e-mailing.
12.  ...

The more you blog, the more potential attention you will receive for your blogs.  One a day seems to be a reasonable maximum.  One a week seems to be a reasonable minimum.  Most readers are looking for continuity in ideas, familiar concepts, and reliable delivery.  It's kind of like your newspaper--when you can't find it on your driveway in the morning, you get irritated.  Or, for the non-newspaper crowd, it's like your favorite Internet news site--you expect new news every day.  When you don't get the new news every day, you are unhappy.

You want to make your readers happy (that's one of my rules for writing--entertain your readers).  The same is true for a blog.  I'll admit, I don't do as good a job as I should--I could do better.  I could put in pictures to illustrate my points and give links all over the place.  The problem is that I don't have time.  If I didn't work a job full time, and I wasn't trying to write novel number 22, and I wasn't a businessman with business and life to take care of, I could give more to this blog and to you.  As it is, I come home very late some days, relax for about 15 minutes, get a glass of wine, then produce three blogs.  This is the first--its focus is mainly on the elements of publishing and marketing.  The second is a repost that still requires reformatting and editing http://www.ldalford.wordpress.com/.  The third is another blog on writing that tackles specifics of the skill of writing novels in scenes http://www.novelscene.wordpress.com/.  I try to make it short and sweet.

I'll write more about blogging 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/.

Publication - Advertising Ideas, Blogging

14 December 2011, Publication - Advertising Ideas, Blogging

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.

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/.

Here is the list of ideas for advertising--there are more and I'll add to the list as we go along.  I'm certainly not an expert in all these, but I've dabbled in all of them.  I'll try to relate my experience and the degree of that experience to you.

1.  Have a website for your novel.
2.  Write a blog.
3.  Advertise.
4.  Literary awards.
5.  Book cards.
6.  Contests.
7.  Interviews.
8.  Blog tours.
9.  Press releases.
10.  Speaking and teaching.
11.  e-mailing.
12.  ...

My publisher recommended to all their authors to blog.  So, I blog.  I would blog anyway.  I already did blog before my publisher asked all their writers to blog.  My aviation blog can be found on my author http://www.ldalford.com/ and professional http://www.lionelalford.com/ websites and you can also get to it from http://www.wingsoverkansas.com/.  I also blogged on writing.  You can find that on my writing secrets page at my author website.

I blog about writing.  I guess I know something about writing.  I have 21 written novels and 6 published novels.  I have over 40 professional technical articles in in international press.   I write professionally for my work and professionally about my novels.  I know something about writing, so I blog about writing.  I hope my blogging can help you become a better writer.  At least I can help you make fewer mistakes than I have.

I'll write more about blogging 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/.

Publication - Advertising Ideas, Websites Secrets and Conclusions

13 December 2011, Publication - Advertising Ideas, Websites Secrets and Conclusions

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.

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/.

Here is the list of ideas for advertising--there are more and I'll add to the list as we go along.  I'm certainly not an expert in all these, but I've dabbled in all of them.  I'll try to relate my experience and the degree of that experience to you.

1.  Have a website for your novel.
2.  Write a blog.
3.  Advertise.
4.  Literary awards.
5.  Book cards.
6.  Contests.
7.  Interviews.
8.  Blog tours.
9.  Press releases.
10.  Speaking and teaching.
11.  e-mailing.
12.  ...

I already wrote extensively on the information I recommend for your novels' webpages.  I'll give the short version again, and you can look back at the earlier blog entries for more details.

I always include a sample of the first chapter.  I put up the official cover.  I link to the official press release for the novel.  Finally, I put up a link to the novel's secret page(s).  The cover and the press release come from your publisher.  They represent the novel to the press.  The first chapter allows a visitor to sample the novel and decide if they want to go buy it.  The secret pages give more information for your readers.  Secret pages also give you more hits on your novel page.

So remember, the key point for a novel webpage is to market your novel.  Your audience is readers and the press.  You need to have a little for everyone.  Make certain the visitors can find your novel from the information and links on the page.  Link to places that sell your book.  Include information about you.  That's about all (in a nutshell) for webpages.

I'll write about blogging 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/.

Publication - Advertising Ideas, Websites Linking

12 December 2011, Publication - Advertising Ideas, Websites Linking
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.

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/.

Here is the list of ideas for advertising--there are more and I'll add to the list as we go along.  I'm certainly not an expert in all these, but I've dabbled in all of them.  I'll try to relate my experience and the degree of that experience to you.

1.  Have a website for your novel.
2.  Write a blog.
3.  Advertise.
4.  Literary awards.
5.  Book cards.
6.  Contests.
7.  Interviews.
8.  Blog tours.
9.  Press releases.
10.  Speaking and teaching.
11.  e-mailing.
12.  ...

The other information you want on the novel's website is where to find it and reviews.  In most cases, the where to find and buy it is the same as the reviews.   For example, http://www.amazon.com/ has the where, the purchasing, and the reviews.  You should put in a link directly to your novel page to the Amazon page for your book.  The way to do this is simple.  Just cut and paste the book page address from Amazon to your novel page.  It looks something like this: http://www.amazon.com/Aegypt-L-D-Alford/dp/1602900132/ref=sr_1_9?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1282061441&sr=1-9#_  This is the address for my book Aegypt on Amazon.  You use the linking and link functions or selections in your webpage editor to make the links have a more simple address.

You can link to all the other sellers of your novel.  I used Amazon as an example because it is the most well known and convenient.  You can and should link to all the major sellers such as B&N, etc.  In addition to linking to the websites, you can also increase your income through certain type of links.

I'll discuss more about websites 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/.

Publication - Advertising Ideas, Websites Details

11 December 2011, Publication - Advertising Ideas, Websites Details

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.

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/.

Here is the list of ideas for advertising--there are more and I'll add to the list as we go along.  I'm certainly not an expert in all these, but I've dabbled in all of them.  I'll try to relate my experience and the degree of that experience to you.

1.  Have a website for your novel.
2.  Write a blog.
3.  Advertise.
4.  Literary awards.
5.  Book cards.
6.  Contests.
7.  Interviews.
8.  Blog tours.
9.  Press releases.
10.  Speaking and teaching.
11.  e-mailing.
12.  ...

The main focus of a novel webpage is the novel itself.  Therefore, you need a picture of the cover.  Along with the cover information, you need to list the basic informaiton about the novel.  You can see this informaiton on any book seller's site.  Just look for the ISBN, extended ISBN, publisher, publishing date, price, etc.  This is the basic type of information you need to put on your book page. 

If you remember the marketing materials I developed for Aksinya, this is the kind of information you need to put on the novel website.  Include the synopsis, teasers, and author information.  Of course, you should also put up a picture of the author.
I'll discuss more about websites 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/.

Publication - Advertising Ideas, Websites Basics

10 December 2011, Publication - Advertising Ideas, Websites Basics
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.

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/.

Here is the list of ideas for advertising--there are more and I'll add to the list as we go along.  I'm certainly not an expert in all these, but I've dabbled in all of them.  I'll try to relate my experience and the degree of that experience to you.

1.  Have a website for your novel.
2.  Write a blog.
3.  Advertise.
4.  Literary awards.
5.  Book cards.
6.  Contests.
7.  Interviews.
8.  Blog tours.
9.  Press releases.
10.  Speaking and teaching.
11.  e-mailing.
12.  ...

With most webpage editors, you simply make the pages look the way you want them to in the editor, then you save them to the folder for the URL (.com) at your host site.  Most webpage editors do the saving automatically into the proper location.  You can insert pictures, video, sounds, music, documents, etc. etc. into the webpage.  In most cases, you need to also save these files to the host site.  The reason for this is you don' want a broken link.

From your index.htm (main page), you can call (link) as many pages as you wish.  Each webpage editor makes these links a little differently, but usually they are as simple as typing the link into your site.  There are many other features and things you can put on your webpages.

I'll discuss more about websites 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/.

Publication - Advertising Ideas, Websites Setup

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Publication - Advertising Ideas, Websites

8 December 2011, Publication - Advertising Ideas, Websites

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.

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/.

Here is the list of ideas for advertising--there are more and I'll add to the list as we go along.  I'm certainly not an expert in all these, but I've dabbled in all of them.  I'll try to relate my experience and the degree of that experience to you.
1.  Have a website for your novel.
2.  Write a blog.
3.  Advertise.
4.  Literary awards.
5.  Book cards.
6.  Contests.
7.  Interviews.
8.  Blog tours.
9.  Press releases.
10.  Speaking and teaching.
11.  e-mailing.
12.  ...

Websites are the life of Internet advertising.  You must get this together or you will have little hope of breaking your novel out of the pack.  Even so, there is much more that can be said about websites than I could possibly convey in a blog.  I'll try to do the subject justice...or at least get you started.

I use www.godaddy.com.  I'm not necessarily advertising for them, but I find they provide all the support I need, and they were recommended to me.  Go to www.godaddy.com or any other similar web URL provider and hosting site and obtain the websites for yourself and your novel.  Do it as soon as you set the title on the novel.  The cost of owning a URL (a .com mane) is about $8 per year.  I obtained www.AksinyaNovel.com for Aksinay.  I put www.Aksinya.com on back order.  You also need a "host" for your site.  You can self host, if you are familiar, or you can get someone else to host for you.  I use www.godaddy.com as my host.  Once you own the URL, you can host anywhere.  There are definite advantages to self hosting and to off site hosting.  For right now, the easiest is to use on off site host--like www.godaddy.com. 

Once you have a host, you need to set up the site--I'll discuss this 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/.

Publication - Advertising Ideas

7 December 2011, Publication - Advertising Ideas

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/.

Unless you do something to draw attention to your novels, they will just be lost among the host of other books people can buy.  This is why I've advised you to have a unique title and to carefully design your cover.  That won't be enough.  Even if you have the most exciting and interesting novel ever written, unless you can gain some degree of attention for it, people won't buy it--or read it.

The question is how do you get attention for your books.  I've been giving ideas for a while on this blog.  You can look back through and find many techniques.  I'll give you the best right now. 

1.  Have a website for your novel.
2.  Write a blog.
3.  Advertise.
4.  Literary awards.
5.  Book cards.
6.  Contests.
7.  Interviews.
8.  Blog tours.
9.  Press releases.
10.  Speaking and teaching.
11.  e-mailing.
12.  ...

There's a lot more.  I'll go through websites 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/.

Publication - Advertising Concepts

6 December 2011, Publication - Advertising Concepts

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/.

Your publisher provides a certain degree of marketing savy and power to you that an indie doesn't have.  Unfortunately, for most published authors, this marketing support is limited.  Really, unless and until you have a bestseller, you aren't at the center of your publisher's radar.

So, you could hire an advertising or promotional group or person.  That costs money, usually, lots of money.  I'm not certain of the return on value--I'd like to know, but that information isn't easily available.  If you find some, I'd like to see it.  There is the other more realistic risk.  Although all authors are certain their own works are fabulous, and many times others will agree, the real problem is the question--will this book really be a bestseller?  And--should I put down a chunk of change to take that risk? 

The obvious answer is to let the market decide.  This is where an indie has a definite disadvantage.  The published author has already run one of the gauntlets of the market--publishing.  A publisher has taken a chance on the novel--one value judgment has been made.  The publisher and the published author have some hope of return on value for this reason alone.  Therefore, as an indie author, I wouldn't take a risk (by spending a chunk of change) on a novel that has not been accepted by a publisher.  And as a published author, I'm more of the opinion to let the market itself judge the value of my work--there are problems with that strategy. 

We'll explore those problems and more of this idea of low and no cost advertising 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/.

Publication - many more Other Places

5 December 2011, Publication - many more Other Places

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/.

In addition to Internet booksellers, there are a host of other places where you can advertise your books.  How effective are they?  I have no idea.  I guess I've been going on the "it can't hurt" strategy.  I actually have a business plan with metrics and everything.  The problem is that you really can't measure the rate of success from many of the information sites where you can list your books.  

My theory is that if there is no money outlay--only sweat equity, I will do it.  Along those lines, if you go to my author website at http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "Writing Connections" on the left, you will see some of the sites I have placed information about my books.  These are all free sites.

http://www.writers.net/
http://www.authorsden.com/
http://www.authortree.com/
http://www.weread.com/

I'm sure there are many more.  Pass them on to me if you know of some others.  These are generally sites where you can list your books and general author information.  As I wrote, they are free.   

Tomorrow, let's look at some other information sites and places to advertise your books.

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/.

Publication - more Other Places

4 December 2011, Publication - more Other Places

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/.

Many times your publisher has selling agreements with booksellers.  These agreements can be with Internet, electronic, and/or brick and mortar (bookstore) sellers.  My publisher has agreements with CBD (Christian Book Distributors) www.CBD.com for Internet sales, Family Audio Library www.familyaudiolibrary.com for electronic books, and Ingram for brick and mortar sales.  That doesn't mean you can't get my books at other Internet and electronic sources.  In fact, you can get my books in any electronic format and from almost every Internet seller.  It means you can get discounts from the companies my publisher has agreements with.  Ingram is the largest brick and mortar distributor in the world, which means, if you are a bookstore, you can stock my books just like any other books.  I wrote about that before--it's not that great a deal for your publisher, but it's their risk.  If you are an indie, you usually can't get books into a brick and mortar store or you take all the risk for returns.

Back to the point.  If your publisher has agreements with any kind of sellers, spend a little extra time on their site.  Fill in everything.  Provide any information that site needs or requests.  The point is to support your publisher and to support those companies that support your publisher.    
Tomorrow, let's look at some other information sites and places to advertise your books.


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/.