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/.
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