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/.