Publication - more on Book Signings

4 February 2012, Publication - 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.  ...

Where should you sign a book?  The usual place is inside the cover on the title page.  The title page is the very first page in the book.  I don't sign the title page--I sign the dedications page.  There is a reason for this.  First, the dedication is for the entire book.  It's basically a throwaway page, but it is where the author makes his official declaratory statements for dedicating the book.  Plus there is lots of room on that page.  The title page usually has some space, but not a whole lot.  Everyone uses the title page.  When someone writes their name in a book--it's usually on the title page.  When someone signs a book as a gift (not the author)--it's usually on the title page.  I use the dedication page.  If you buy one of my used novels and you find a signature on the dedication page--it will be mine.

What should you write? 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/.

Publication - Book Signings

3 February 2012, Publication - 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.  ...

Book signings come in many varieties, but you can categorize them broadly as two types.  The first is when you sell or give away a book and you just sign it.  The second is when you actually work through some venue (usually a store) and sell and sign books.

The first is the easiest--let's talk about signing books.  A big bold marker that doesn't bleed through book pages is the best tool for signing.  I should use that, but I don't.  I use a 1mm (thick) gel tip or rolling ball.  They don't bleed, and they make a thick black line (I like blue best, but I usually don't get too picky).  The point is that you want the tool (pen) you use to make a dark thick mark.  Pick a tool you like and keep it nearby and with your books.  The reason--every time you sell or give away a book, give the person you are giving the book to an option to sign the book.  I've never had anyone ask me not to sign a book for them, but you should ask--especially if they bought it from you.  Remember, don't irritate your readers.

The next question is where and what.  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/.

Publication - more on Gifts

2 February 2012, Publication - more on Gifts

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.  ...

This is what I would like to do for gifts when Sister of Light comes out.  I'd like to give away an ankh with each book I send to reviewers and to special readers.  The ankh plays a special role in the novel and it would represent the novel perfectly.  This is one of the tricks you can use to try to get reviewers to choose your novel over all the others they receive to review.  This is an example of a method you can use with gifts to draw attention to your novel--especially to a select audience.  The point isn't to simple give away a trinket with your book, but to develop something that you can give to a target audience that will draw more attention to your book.  This is basic marketing.

Gifts should be a part of your marketing plan.  Mine--and I'm still searching for a low cost ankh--is to use the ankh in a packet to potential reviewers and my biggest book fans, to get them interested in promoting my book.  Since I'll have two new books out at once, I think I can get double the bang for the buck.  I'm hoping that the interest in the first book with generate interest for the second book.  They are standalone, but one follows the other in time. 

What if I can't find a low cost ankh to give away with the book?  Maybe I'll print one on a slip seal for the novel.  A slip seal is a piece of cardboard or paper placed around a book to keep it closed.  The point isn't necessarily to give away something, but rather to set your novel apart from others. 

I'll write about 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 - Gifts

1 February 2012, Publication - Gifts
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.  ...

Gifts are anything you give out that has some intrinsic value.  So, bookmarks can be a gift.  Generally, the purpose in giving gifts is to bribe your target audience to then investigate your book.  Today, this has turned into giving away copy.  There are great reasons why this isn't a good idea, but we'll get to that.

Let's investigate small gifts.  Usually, these are much lower in cost than your book.  For gifts to be successful, they need to be much lower than the cost of your profit from the book.  So if you are buying the book at $10 a copy and selling it for $15, you need to make certain the overall cost of the gift is much lower than $5.  By the way, don't forget to include your overhead. 

I have given bookmarks as a gift with my books.  I like to give a bookmark for a novel other than the one that was purchased, but most buyers choose a bookmark that matches the book.  I get bookmark blanks from the Internet and can print them myself for less than $0.10 each.  They are in full color.  The blanks I get are very fine parchment paper.  Since they are so cheap, I can afford to throw in a couple with a book sale.  I also sometimes throw in a book card, either postage card or greeting card size that lists all my books.  These aren't really gifts, but if the reader really likes your novel, they will likely look for others to read.

I just had that experience with Aegypt.  A reader contacted me about the two follow-ons that are on contract.  They aren't out yet--oh well.  I pointed them to my science fiction, but I haven't heard back from them.  They really liked Aegypt.

I'll write more about gifts 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 - more on Emailing

31 January 2012, Publication - more on Emailing

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.  ...

What should your monthly email look like?  I know some authors who provide content about writing along with a review of one of their books.  The content is like a monthly newsletter.  I know other authors who provide inspirational content.  In every case, don't miss the opportunity to advertise one of your books.  You can usually place links and some pictures in your emailing.

I like to make them simple.  Usually, I'll focus on one novel and give out a tidbit of data or information about it.  I also try to highlight information about my new books or writing.  Sending out topical information would also be a great idea.  In any case, you want to provide the recipients information and value.  When you approach any emailing keep this in mind.  You need to give the recipients a reason to keep reading.  It really helps to divide up the contents so each section is evident and the value is obvious.  In any case, remember the rule: information and value.  If you can provide this once a month to those who like your novels, you have a great chance of retaining them and getting more sales.

I'll write about gifts 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 - Emailing

30 January 2012, Publication - Emailing

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'm not done complaining about writers who don't understand the topics they write about, but enough is enough for now.  Let's move on to the next means of advertising that is emailing.  I've had mostly good experiences with emailing, but not emailers.  Although I use Outlook, my Outlook has barfed on the bcc messages I've sent.  I need to update my list for my emailings, but that's a personal problem.

For emailings, build your list from people who are or might be interested in your writing.  The best method to make lists is to build them in your email software list system.  Then us bcc (blind copy) to send your emails.  You should send out emails once a month and prior to special book events or special events you might do.  I need to get my emails working again.  I will when I have time.  Your email list and your monthly email is likely the most important contact you have with people who are interested in your novels.

Problems to look out for are first the bcc.  People don't like their email addresses sent to others.  Second, make sure you take people off your list immediately if they ask.  Third, help your emails to not look like spam.  I used to have a whole list on this, but I've lost it and it may not be pertinent anymore.  The best way to prevent your emailings from being treated like spam is to send them to your friends.  Also make sure there is at least one recipient in the to field.  I don't think a bcc will go without it, but this helps prevent automatic spamerization.
I'll write more about emailing 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 - more Problems Writing Science Fiction

29 January 2012, Publication - more Problems Writing Science Fiction

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.  ...

It really helps to study science to write science fiction.  What passes for science fiction today is generally a pale copy of the hard science fiction of the 1950s.  The problem today is that many people are not educated very well in science.  For example, if you don't know what was wrong with Han Solo's comment about making the Kessel Run in 12 parsecs, you likely shouldn't be writing science fiction.  Likewise, if you don't realize why the space fighters banking in outer space is completely illogical and stupid--you shouldn't be writing science fiction.  How about this one, if you don't realize that chaos theory in mathematics is about order, then you shouldn't be writing science fiction.  By the way, if you realize where the last science mistake came from, you might have read enough science fiction to think about writing it.  On the other hand, if you realise that red blood cells don't have enough nucleic material to build a DNA chain, you are definitely ready to write.

So, really, how do you know you are ready to write science fiction?  If you understand orbital mechanics and have at least managed the basic math in college physics, you might be ready.  If you know enough about aerodynamics to work around the lift and drag equations, you likely know enough to write about vehicles landing in an atmosphere.  If you understand biological science well enough so you know what the APT cycle is, you might be ready to tackle writing about an alien creature.

But you might say--science is what you can imagine.  No way, science has nothing to do with what you can imagine, but rather what you can imagine and extrapolate.  Do you realize that among the great science fiction writers, few of them predicted any real technology or inventions.  John Brunner is likely the only writer of note who predicted the future.  Heilein, Clark, and Asimov had their characters using slipsticks in outer space when computers were available and even on their ships.  Many of the greats missed science right on their doorsteps, or ignored known science in their writing.  So, I'll repeat, don't write science fiction unless you understand science.  You can write all the science fantasy you want--just don't pretend it's science fiction.

I'll write about emailing 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 - Problems Writing Science Fiction

28 January 2012, Publication - Problems Writing Science Fiction
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.  ...

It isn't just history that gets a short shrift in writing novels--science gets kicked to the curb even more often than history.  At least with history, even though it's totally screwed up, the world usually works according to logic and scientific principals.  With science fiction, you can't be sure of that.  The number of real scientists or engineers, that is people who actually know something about the science in science fiction is so low, you're lucky to get a battery hooked up correctly in a circuit.  In fact, the knowledge of science is so low among most nonscience graduates from prestigious colleges that you'll be lucky if they know how the seasons change much less the slightest inkling of orbital dynamics.  In fact, if they know what an orbit is, you'll be lucky--George Lucas doesn't seem to have the slightest idea what an orbit or space is like at all.  The Star Wars series is pure science fantasy and not anything close to science fiction.

So, what can I tell you?  If you really want to write science fiction, you need to study science, and you aren't going to get that knowledge from most modern science fiction novels.  I write hard science fiction.  If you want to get an idea of what real science fiction is like, you need to read my novels.  My novels are based on my own work in aerospace.  My undergraduate is in Chemistry.  My graduate degree is in Mechanical Engineering.  My Ph.D. is in Aerospace Engineering.  I'm literally a rocket scientist (that's a joke).  My specialty is really in low speed and transonic aerodynamics.  I actually know something about science, and I write science fiction.

I don't believe you have to be a Ph.D. to write science fiction--it helps, but it's not necessary.  What is necessary is some real knowledge of science.  If you didn't get As in your science classes, and you don't understand what an integral is, don't even attempt to write science fiction until you really study it.  At least read my books and Asimov, Clark, or Heinlein.

I'll write more about science fiction and 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/.

Publication - Problems Writing History

27 January 2012, Publication - Problems Writing History

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.  ...

It isn't just history that gets kicked to the curb with many so called writers of historical fiction.  I personally don't mind people messing with details that would be unrecorded or unimportant in history, but get the details right about the things we do know.  If you aren't a historian, you will (or should) ask--how do I get the details to be accurate?  The answer is to study, study, study--the correct material.  You should then ask--what is the correct material?  the answer has been the same since Moses and Herodotus--primary source documents.  If you base and develop your historical fiction on anything other than primary source documents, you are not writing historical fiction--you are simply writing fiction in a semi-historical setting.

The first rule is focus your studies on primary source documents.  The second is, don't read anything into the history.  That is, don't assume any modern conventions in the historical accounts.  Go look at how people lived and what they did--don't assume they lived like they do now or did 100 years ago (unless your time period is 100 years ago).  As I mentioned yesterday, in the ancient world, people did not have furniture like chairs or tables.  If they had tables, they were for reclining, very similar to a low table from Japan.  There were no tables to hide under.  Beds were on the ground and bedrooms were for families.  Modesty is a modern invention, as is underwear and personal hygiene.  If you start with the idea that the world is very different than what you understand, you can begin to learn about it, if you don't, you won't write historical fiction.

I'll write about science fiction and 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/.

Publication - Problems Writing History

26 January 2012, Publication - Problems Writing

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 see some of the worst writing in historical fiction because many historical fiction writers have absolutely no knowledge or expertise in the topic of their writing.  They have learned everything they used to write their novels from movies or other badly written historical fiction.  This, in my mind, is the ultimate hubris.  Such writers don't deserve any success because they haven't put in the level of study worthy of writing their novels.  Plus, anyone who reads their novels might mistakenly imagine their record of history could be possibly true.  The falsification of history through gross ignorance is unforgivable.

Examples of bad history in historical fiction: money in novels set before 600 BC or even in some cultures as late as 200 BC, ubiquitous money, ubiquitous furniture (few had any furniture at all), chairs (only royalty or the very high had chairs), not reclining to eat (in almost every west oriental or early Western culture people reclined to eat. Only slaves didn't recline), dishes, plates, or pots (early cultures didn't use such things), ubiquitous metal (metal was equal to money), ubiquitous weapons or other metal objects (same as metal), cooking (very little cooking could be done), ubiquitous meat (the average person ate meat once a month), lack of beer (almost every culture and person drank barley beer), ubiquitous wine (relatively rare compared to beer), horses for war with armored troops prior to about 600 AD, no use of chariots in ancient warfare, lack of understanding of ancient warfare and military organization, marriage as an institution in the ancient world, and many many many more.  Generally, the use of inappropriate technology in ancient cultures.

If you want to write about history, make sure you understand the history you are writing about--that's the bottom line.
I'll write more about ancient history and 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/.

Publication - Topics in Writing

25 January 2012, Publication - Topics in Writing

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.  ...

This is a short segway on expertise and topics.  I've read many novels where the writer didn't have a clue on their topic.  You might be able to fool some people, but you won't be able to fool those who have much knowledge of the subject.  The worst I've seen is those who write about flying.  This is why I should probably write some novels about flying.  I haven't, but I should.  On the other hand, I have become (or am) an expert in the topics I cover in my novels.  To be able to write The Second Mission, I spent two years studying ancient Greece.  I read every extant work I could find from the period.  I read the major histories on Greece and ancient Greek culture.  I'm still learning and reading.

To write my science fiction, The Chronicles of the Dragon and the Fox, I studied engineering and Anglo Saxon culture.  I loosely based the culture of these novels on Anglo Saxon culture.  It helps that I had already spent years in reading and study of this culture.  The science in my science fiction novels is accurate and believable because I'm an engineer.  Additionally, in these books, I predicted and described the electronic book over 20 years before they existed.

Likewise, to write Centurion, I studied translated Latin documents and ancient Greek documents for over two years before I began to write.  Centuruion  represents the most accurate compendium of information we have about the training and organizational methods of the Roman Legion in the first century.  I accomplished a similar level of study before I wrote Aegypt.  For example, I read every primary degree source available on ancient Egyptian culture and literature (The Book of the Dead, etc.).

If you want to write a good novel, you must be an expert in your topic.  Don't even consider writing until you have some level of expertise and experience.  I'll give you concrete examples of how many authors go wrong especially about ancient history.

I'll write more about ancient history and 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/.

Publication - even more on Speaking and Teaching

24 January 2012, Publication - even more on Speaking and Teaching

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 point is, that to be able to promote your novels, you need to promote the topics within your novels.  People seldom are interested in your novel itself (unless you are a best seller).  People are instead interested in the topics of your novels and specifically in your expertise in these topics.  For example, topics of interest from the novel Aksinya are demons, magic, Bolshevik Russia, WWI, European aristocracy among others.  There are many secondary topics in the novel as well.

The secondary topics can be very excellent sources for teaching and talks, for example, the theme of your novel or a location from your novel.  I haven't taught these as much, but I did teach a semester's worth of classes on future technology based from my science fiction novels.  That is a problem with science fiction novels--they generally aren't as topical as historical novels.

So, have you caught the theme to be effective?  For interviews, teaching, or speaking, you need to focus on a topic from your novel(s).  People want to learn from your expertise.  Now here is an important question, what if you don't have any expertise in the topics of your novel(s)?  The answer is simple, you shouldn't have written the novel.  Why would anyone read a novel from a writer who doesn't intimately understand the topic of their novel(s).  This is an important subject that deserves some discussion. 

I'll write more about topics and 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/.

Publication - even more Speaking and Teaching

23 January 2012, Publication - even more Speaking and Teaching

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.  ...

Since most of my writing is historical fiction, I have a multitude of topics available to me to teach.  Teaching is what I do.  I have been a teacher for the Air Force Institute of Technology.  I also have been a military aircraft instructor.  I teach classes now for different organizations for three reasons: to keep in practice, because people like my teaching, and to get out information on my novels.  The main purpose in the teaching isn't necessarily the sale of copy, but it helps to build a basis for your public credibility in the topic.  I'm a test pilot and an aerospace engineer by trade and education, but I also have skills and knowledge outside these fields.  My studies have been primarily culture and linguistics.  This is what I generally write about in history.

I do mostly ancient languages.  The basis of my novel, Aegypt is Egyptian hieroglyphics and ancient Egyptian as well as Tunisian and French Tunisian culture in the 1920s.  I interweave the intricacies of the language and cultures and especially the collision of cultures and languages.  This is the focus and usually a major theme in my writing.  I speak on these topics.  My novel The Second Mission is about Greece in 400 to 399 BCE.  You can see the numerous topics available to me to speak and teach about. 

So I get numerous requests to teach and speak about ancient Greece and ancient Egypt.  I take the opportunity to tell my audiences that my novels are about these topics and that they are a fun way to learn more about the subject.

I'll write more about speaking and teaching 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 - more Speaking and Teaching

22 January 2012, Publication - more Speaking and Teaching

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.  ...

Remember topic?  People usually don't want to hear about your book.  In fact, the best way to make people fall asleep is to tell them about your writing.  People want to hear about the topic of your book.  Your book isn't important.  You didn't write a book to write a book, you wrote it to get out an idea--right? 

Therefore, offer to teach a class on the subject of your book not on your book.  Now, to be fair, I have been asked to come speak about my books, but I always focused on the topic.  The topic is what excites people.  In developing my talk, I speak about how I developed the topic within the novel.  In most cases, I develop the talk around a topic and introduce the novel as a source of information.  For example, I have been asked to speak about hieroglyphics many times because of my novel Aegypt.  I have also been asked to speak about ancient Egypt because of Aegypt.  I speak on those topics and bring among my novel to sell.  Usually, I sell one or more copies.  I teach routinely about ancient Greece and ancient Greek culture.
I'll write more about speaking and teaching 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 - Speaking and Teaching

21 January 2012, Publication - Speaking and Teaching

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.  ...

One of the best and most effective means to get out information about your writing and to sell your novels is through speaking and teaching.  You need to prep for this.  You need to be ready mentally and with material.  The most obvious material preparation is you need to have plenty of copies of your book to sell.  Any time you speak or teach, bring copies of your books and offer to sell them.  Second, you need to be able to actually sell your books.  You need the ability to sell your books and that means you need to be able to pay state taxes.  You can either get a license to sell, or if you have a friend with a license you can pay them.  The point is that you need to work this out.

Third, it isn't wise to under cut your publisher by much, but you should obviously make it advantageous for people to buy from you.  What I do is to charge one price for all the books.  My price is $15 per book.  I also offer a discount for the purchase of three books of $40.  Since I have three historical fiction novels and three science fiction novels, this makes a lot of sense.  I also pay the taxes from the total cost.  So basically, the cost of my books including tax is $15.  This way I make it simple for change and for sales.

I'll write more about speaking and teaching 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 - Your Press Release Content

20 January 2012, Publication - Your Press Release Content

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.  ...

Content!  What kind of copy do you need in your press release?  This is especially important if you are an indi writer.  The primary information you need to get out is your book info.  Here is the block for my novel Aegypt:

Title:  Aegypt      Author:  L.D. Alford      ISBN: 1602900132      ISBN-13: 9781602900134      Format: Paperback, 232pp      Publisher: OakTara Publishing Group LLC      Pub. Date: January 2008

This information allows someone to find your novel!  That's why it is so important.  Second, you need to have a short synopsis and teasers.  That's the information we created for your novel a while ago.  Third, you need information on the author.  That's the information we created before as well.  Finally, if you aren't an indi, you want information about the publisher.  If you are an indi, that's optional.

If you are writing a press release for something other than the release of a book, then remember topic.  For example, if you have a novel about the Berlin Wall, any news about the Berlin Wall is a reason to put out a press release.  You might have a press release that announces the recognition of some event for the Berlin Wall and state that your novel is related to that topic.  This gives you an opportunity to get out information on your novel and to potentially score other interviews. 

The use of a press release is to get information to the media.  Sometimes they work and sometimes they don't.  Your only hope is to keep trying and keep the information (especially topical) out about your books.
I'll write about speaking and teaching 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 - Your Press Releases

19 January 2012, Publication - Your Press Releases

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.  ...

You don't have to wait for your publisher to make a press release for you.  This is very important for indi writers and for other advertising.  There are a host of websites where you can put out free press releases.  I used to have them all in my computer, but I had a reinstall and lost them.  In any case, a little searching around the Internet will find these places to put out your press releases. 

How good of advertising does a press release give you?  Not that much.  As I've mentioned over and over, most news and interest is topical and not on novels.  Unless you are a best seller, and even then you have to be a million book seller, you won't get much, if any, attention for your novels.  Local press will usually give you some play; however, if you have a large newspaper in your city, they'll usually ignore you.  For some reason I can't fathom, the press is usually not willing to support other writers.  They'll give copy to one of their own who self produces and vanity publishes, but they will totally ignore a successful writer in their midst.  In fact, most large press newspapers will take the NY Times book page and reproduce it and never give a single letter to local authors (unless they are in the NYT book page).  They ignored a great author here until she won the Caldecott. 

I'll write about what to put in a press release 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 - Press Releases

18 January 2012, Publication - Press Releases

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.  ...

This may sound foreign to many of you, but in the world of media, the press release is the way you inform people about anything that is newsworthy.  An example of a newsworthy event is the publication of a book.  If you go to any of my published book pages or to www.ldalford.com, you can see examples of the press release my publisher distributed for each of my novels.  Your publisher will produce a press release for you (actually for your novel).

The press release will include information on your novel, on you, and on the publisher.  The format is similar for most publishers.  they usually include a picture of your novel cover and a picture of you.  Like I said, look on my website for examples.  

You can also put out your own press releases.  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/.

Publication - Blog Tours

17 January 2012, Publication - Blog Tours

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.  ...

Just what is a blog tour?  A blog tour is where you provide an Internet introduction for a blog site and then make yourself available for comments and to answer questions.  To advertise for a blog tour you announce on multiple blogs and in multiple venues (email, social media, etc.) that you will accomplish a blog tour in a day, a week, a month, or however long.  Since people are likely more interested in a topic rather than your novel, the most successful blog tours are on a topic rather than on a book.

The cool stuff about a blog tour is that you can accomplish it in a day.   That is, you don't go from blog site to blog site over time.  You rather set up the blog tour with a handful of blogs, and you accomplish it all at once.  You send the introduction to all the sites at the beginning of the first day and then you check out the blogs every hour or so for the entire period of the tour.

I recommend that you accomplish a week long blog tour.  Put up your introduction on the first day of the tour and just keep tabs on the sites for the rest of the week.  You can add information to the sites each day or every other day--whatever the blog owner wants and that way keep your tour fresh. 

We'll look at press releases 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 - more on Trailers

16 January 2012, Publication - more on Trailers

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.  ...

You can be interviewed for print media, for radio, for TV, on blogs, Internet general, character interviews, trailers just to name a few. 

I already wrote about trailers before, but these interview trailers are both unique and different than the normal trailers you make for your novel.  In general, they tend to be less formal.  This is because you are answering questions rather than just giving information.  Like I mentioned, you want to have an interviewer.  An interviewer gives the impression of personal contact.  So your interview trailer should be warm and if possible personal.  I wish I had an example to point you to, but I don't.  I can only point you to my very simple book trailers as examples of middle of the road trailers and tell you that your interview trailer should have a different feel.

In a book trailer, you want to connect your book to your potential readers.  In an interview trailer, you want to connect yourself, to a degree, with your readers.  You want them to get excited about your novel because you are excited about it.  In a book trailer, it doesn't matter if you are in the trailer at all, but in an interview trailer, you, the author have to make an appearance.  You are selling yourself as an author as well as your novel.
I'll move on to blog tours 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/.