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. ...
Content! What kind of copy do you need in your press release? This is especially important if you are an indi writer. The primary information you need to get out is your book info. Here is the block for my novel Aegypt:
Title: Aegypt Author: L.D. Alford ISBN: 1602900132 ISBN-13: 9781602900134 Format: Paperback, 232pp Publisher: OakTara Publishing Group LLC Pub. Date: January 2008 |
This information allows someone to find your novel! That's why it is so important. Second, you need to have a short synopsis and teasers. That's the information we created for your novel a while ago. Third, you need information on the author. That's the information we created before as well. Finally, if you aren't an indi, you want information about the publisher. If you are an indi, that's optional.
If you are writing a press release for something other than the release of a book, then remember topic. For example, if you have a novel about the Berlin Wall, any news about the Berlin Wall is a reason to put out a press release. You might have a press release that announces the recognition of some event for the Berlin Wall and state that your novel is related to that topic. This gives you an opportunity to get out information on your novel and to potentially score other interviews.
The use of a press release is to get information to the media. Sometimes they work and sometimes they don't. Your only hope is to keep trying and keep the information (especially topical) out about your books.
I'll write about speaking and teaching 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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