Publication - Book Signings Conclusions

11 February 2012, Publication - Book Signings Conclusions

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'll try to wrap up book signings today.  There is certainly much more that can be written about book signings.  I do them all the time.  I'm happy to do them, but I don't plan to accomplish book signings just as book signings.  I suggest you do the same.  I haven't found them to be very helpful by themselves, but they work well as a part of another event. 

Make sure you have a unique method of signing that is still easy to do.  Remember to ask, smile, sign, smile, and present.  Interact with your readers and buyers.  Give them a reason to buy and to read your book(s).  Present your writing in the best light and make sure you are an expert in the topic of your book--this is an idea from before, I'm just uncovering it again.  By the way, sign with a flourish.  After all, it is your creation.
 
I'll move on to book trailers 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/.