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. ...
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, but all media are partially dependent on visual impressions, and media is moving more and more toward the visual. The evidence of this is in facebook or other social media where pictures are become as ubiquitous as text. You must keep this in mind whenever and where ever you are. If you want to be respected as a writer, you need to portray the appearance and demeanor of a writer. This means, generally, looking like a writer for your topic area.
Your demeanor and your appearance are especially important for television. Makeup is necessary and usually, the station will provide makeup. Micing is a very important subject that we will address at some point. The station will adequately mic you. However, you are in charge of your clothing and your demeanor. Clothing and demeanor are critical. I discussed clothing yesterday. You need to match your clothing to your style and topic. If you don't have any style--then get an opinion. Dressed for success is a great place to start. Don't use the opinion of your family unless they are professionally involved in some aspect of visual media.
Demeanor is as important as clothing. You don't want to come across as arrogant, but you want to be seen as an expert. You don't want to give the impression you know it all, but you want to leave an impression of knowledge. You don't want to to be thought of as odd or weird, but you want to leave an idea of unique and special. You achieve this through your approach to your subject and your demeanor. Your audience will give you the benefit of the doubt if you appear up front like you know something (that you fit into their impression of a writer). So, that closes the loop. You want to dress like your subject area.
I'll get into more details on demeanor, 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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