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've written about trailers before--I'll do it again. Trailers are videos that are usually from 2 to 3 minutes long that describe and feature your novel. They are used for advertising.
How important are trailers? No idea. My publisher wants them, encourages them, and posts them. You can see my trailers at http://www.oaktara.com/bookpage-centurion and http://www.oaktara.com/bookpage-Aegypt. I suggest you should put together trailers for your books. I have three other books that need trailers. I should make them just because my publisher wants them. That's kind of the point. If your publisher thinks trailers are a good idea--then they are a good idea. I recommend following your publishers advice always. If you are an indie writer--do what you want, but realize, most publishers are encouraging writers to make trailers.
How effective are trailers. I have no idea. I'm not certain if people watch them or not. I haven't received any feedback positive or negative about my trailers. I'll admit, my trailers could use some work. Still, no feedback is an indicator. It means that few have watched them. What I should do is put them up on my You-Tube site and see what happens. That way I'll know if anyone watches them.
More on 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/.
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