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. Book signings.
14. Book trailers
15. ...
I'm not done complaining about writers who don't understand the topics they write about, but enough is enough for now. Let's move on to the next means of advertising that is emailing. I've had mostly good experiences with emailing, but not emailers. Although I use Outlook, my Outlook has barfed on the bcc messages I've sent. I need to update my list for my emailings, but that's a personal problem.
For emailings, build your list from people who are or might be interested in your writing. The best method to make lists is to build them in your email software list system. Then us bcc (blind copy) to send your emails. You should send out emails once a month and prior to special book events or special events you might do. I need to get my emails working again. I will when I have time. Your email list and your monthly email is likely the most important contact you have with people who are interested in your novels.
Problems to look out for are first the bcc. People don't like their email addresses sent to others. Second, make sure you take people off your list immediately if they ask. Third, help your emails to not look like spam. I used to have a whole list on this, but I've lost it and it may not be pertinent anymore. The best way to prevent your emailings from being treated like spam is to send them to your friends. Also make sure there is at least one recipient in the to field. I don't think a bcc will go without it, but this helps prevent automatic spamerization.
I'll write more about emailing 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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