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/.