Publication - and even more on Book Signings

7 February 2012, Publication - and 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.  ...

The type of signature I use automatically generates conversation.  As I mentioned, I always sign an ancient Greek greeting "Charis" in Greek and then my signature.  I can generate conversation by simply explaining the reason for the signature.  This little bit of information intrigues and excites people.  First, you've given them a secret.  Second, you've taught them something very special and unique about history and a language.  Third, you've provided them with a piece of information they can share with their friends.  When they tell their friends about my books, I assure you they will tell the story of the signature and want to show their friends the signature and the Greek word.  If they happen to show it to a Greek speaker or a person who knows Greek, they will get a confirmation of my knowledge of history. You can see that a signature becomes a means of proving knowledge and providing knowledge. 

In developing my signature, I thought about many other methods of presentation, but settled on this as the best means to make my point--long after the signing is over. 
I'll talk 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/.

Publication - even even more on Book Signings

6 February 2012, Publication - even 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.  ...

When you have time during a book signing, you can speak with your readers and take your time with the signatures.  I have a signature that I use all the time.  It doesn't take long to write, and it is very specific to me and my writing.  Since much of my writing is about linguistics and history, and one of my books is about ancient Greece, I sign all my books with an ancient Greek greeting.  I use the word "Charis," and I write it in Greek and sign my name below it.  If I have time, I'll also date the signature.  If I have lots of time, I'll ask the buyer if they want a special dedication. 

When you write a special dedication, make certain you write out the name on a spare piece of paper first.  Check with the requester that you have the name spelled correctly.  Only then should you write.  Even if the name sounds common, you should follow these directions.  This way you won't accidentally sign the wrong name or misspell a name.

Remember, ask, write, present.  Smile the whole time.  I'll explain how I use my signature to generate conversation and cement expertise, 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/.