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. ...
There is still much more to discuss about book signings. I mentioned before everywhere, but that isn't a sufficient answer. Most people expect book signings to be set up in a book store with some big hoopla. Well, unless you are a best seller, don't expect any hoopla at all. All the hoopla has to come from you.
The simplest way to get a book signing at a book store is if your publisher has a standard agreement with a bookstore supplier like Ingram. If this agreement exists, it is very easy to get your books into a bookstore and to have a book signing. The reason is that a bookstore is not usually willing to take on an indie seller or a writer whose books can't be bought at standard wholesale with guaranteed return. I've talked about this before. If your books are standard distribution, it is not difficult to call a bookstore and set up a book signing. Just give them time to get copies of your book and begin advertising. The bookstore might provide some advertising for you, but unless you are famous as an author, you won't get much, if any, play in the papers, radio, or TV. You have to generate the advertising and excitement. It can be very helpful to discuss this with the bookstore, but don't expect much help or advise.
I'll write more about the details (where and when) of book signings 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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