Publication - even more on Book Signings

5 February 2012, Publication - even more on Book Signings

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.  ...

We discussed the how and where of signing books--at least I told you what I do and what I've observed in making book signings.  The big question is what should you write.  If you are a bestseller and have thousands (or at least hundreds) at your book signings, you might contemplate just signing your name.  Many authors shorten their full signature to something simple.  The reason you shorten and write simply is because you have to write quickly.  When you sign a book this is the approach:

1.  If they didn't ask or it isn't obvious, look them in the eyes and ask, "Would you like me to sign your book?"
2.  If the say yes, open to the page you usually sign.  Sign it.
3.  Hold the book out with it opened to the signed page, look the person in the eyes, and while handing them the book say, "Thank you."

Follow this basic pattern and the world will be good.  If you have more time, you don't have enormous crowds, or you just want to/need to make more of a mark...
I'll write about that 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/.