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.
The two types of interviews for the radio are phone and station. In a station interview, you go to the radio station and either record or do a live on air interview. In a phone interview, you call the station and accomplish a live or air interview. Sometimes the interviewer will give you a list of questions. Sometimes, they will ask for a list of questions from you. The best approach is to send the interviewer a list of suggested questions. For a novel, here are some great interview questions:
1. Why did you write this novel?
2. How did you research your subject?
3. Who is your main character?
4. What is your main character like?
5. Are you like your main character?
6. What is your next book?
7. Will you read us a short selection from your novel?
To prepare for any interview--be able to answer these kinds of questions. Prepare a short and I mean short selection and practice it. If you don't, you'll sound like a dork. It is always a good idea to have a selection of your writing ready to read. People always (for interviews) like to hear an author read from their works.
I'll tell you next questions not to use--ever.
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/.
