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. ...
You can be interviewed for print media, for radio, for TV, on blogs, Internet general, character interviews, trailers just to name a few.
Television is a visual media and much media is moving toward the visual arena (look a U-Tube, book trailers, etc.). More important than dress (I can dress up anyone to look good--just look at mass murderers during their trial) is demeanor, that is, how you present yourself. Of course, dress is an important part of this, but it is only a small part. You've noted people in shirt sleeves who with a single word took over the attention of a room. You've likely also noted a well dressed and handsome person who shut down a conversation the moment they opened their mouth. My intent isn't to make you into something or someone you aren't, but rather to accentuate your positives and skills. Additionally, you might want to change some bad or adverse habits to become a more personable person.
What is a personable person with a good demeanor. That is a person who has a pleasant appearance. Dress, hygiene, fitness, all these play into a pleasant appearance. You need to have an engaging smile and personality. Practice smiling. Have an upbeat attitude. Don't interrupt too much (a little interruption is okay, but a person who constantly interrupts is a bore). Don't hog conversations. Be engaging. Introduce yourself to others. Speak to people you don't know. Have a grasp of the important.
I'll discuss things to be cautious of in interviews and conversations, 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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