Marketing a Novel
| 1 year ago :: Oct 22, 2008 - 6:38PM #1 | |
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Well...now that I've gotten my first novel out, it strikes me that I need to starting selling a few copies. I have some contacts in the local media, as well as some bookstores and libraries...but don't really think I have a very good handle on things (or, for that matter, a real "salesman" type personality). Anybody have any ideas or experiences to share?
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| 1 year ago :: Oct 24, 2008 - 5:55PM #2 | |
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Hi Jeff.
we've yet to get published yet as we have just finished our first novel recently (I use we because we're a writing team not that I speak like the Queen :) ) but I think a lot of how you market your book would depend on what kind of book you have written. Could you give all of us more information about it? |
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| 1 year ago :: Oct 26, 2008 - 5:01AM #3 | |
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I've heard that internet marketing can be important. And I think book signings are important too. But I'm afraid I really don't know much specifically.
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| 1 year ago :: Oct 27, 2008 - 9:22AM #4 | |
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Jeff…It seems to me like you have things pretty well in hand already. Keep plugging away at those literary agents. Your ability to handle writing a synopsis is right on. That being said, so is your ability to write a query letter extraordinaire. What can I say? I read your profile.
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| 1 year ago :: Oct 27, 2008 - 7:02PM #5 | |
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My current novel is part of a sci-fi series, set roughly 500 years in the future. A few details are available on my blog...but basically the story is about an brash, idealistic captain named Roscoe Cook, and his adventures. The current book ...where the "action" actually starts (entitled The Star Dancers, for baseball fans keeping score at home)...begins shortly after Cook and his crew set sail from their home starbase, where they had a series of misadventures getting their ship ready to depart. After his idea for a new maneuvar succeeds only in making everyone spacesick...and almost breaking the ship in the process...they get word that pirates have hijacked a ship from the home fleet of a nearby planet, and are assigned the mission of stopping the pirates before they succeed in escaping to open skies. Barely surviving this mission, they're assigned to transport Terran diplomats to a peace conference on a distant, alien world...where plots and schemes are hatching among the different alien races, who are each trying to use the primative Terrans to their own advantage. Meanwhile (back at the 26th century equivalent of a ranch), a group of ne'er-do-wells is hatching a plan to recover some treasure left behind in alien skies...which, in turn, leads to all sorts of turmoil, and untimately threatens interstellar war. The book ends with the hero trying to find his way back home, as the galaxy descends into chaos...setting the stage for the next book in the series. I'll be starting to arrange book signings and appearances this week (unfortunately, paying a publicist is a bit beyond the family budget...and I didn't think it was a good idea to schedule book signings before I actually had books to sign)...and I also thought some sci-fi conventions might work, though juggling appearances with my day job (and my wife's idea of a proper vacation) might pose some challenges. I was also thinking about trying to volunteer to be a guest host (the local author) on some local public radio stations, but am afraid I've probably missed their fall pledge drive. I suppose patience and persistence are always assets...but it's taken such a long while to bring everything to press that I find myself chomping at the bit, and wondering why everything wasn't happening yesterday.
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| 1 year ago :: Nov 25, 2008 - 3:59PM #6 | |
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Jeff,
I'm far from being a published author, but I am an entertainer and have experience in internet based marketing. Here are some suggestions. 1. Anywhere you appear on the internet - blogs, forums posts, web sites - include the full name your book is published under and at least a one line tag in your signature. Something like this: Jeff Brown check out my new sci fi novel "The Grapes of the Wrath of Com" www.grapesofwrathof.com Make the URL a link if it's possible. This way, every time you post someplace you are marketing, and you're not being obnoxious about it. Go out and post a lot. 2. Have a web page about the novel to link to. Include whatever marketing tools you think are appropriate: first chapter, synopsis, pictures, press info, about you, appearance calendar. Put your contact info on the web page. Get a guestbook or forums up there so your fans can talk to each other. Figure out ways they can help evangelize for your novel. Make sure there is a prominent and easy to use way to purchase your book on EVERY page in the web site. 3. Get some business cards made up with your name (or pseudonym), a one line blurb about the novel, and your web site address. Don't put a phone number or email on the card. Make people go to the web site to find your contact information. Obviously you don't want to do this with people that YOU want something from like agents, publishers, editors, media, etc. Have another card with your name, address, phone number, email, and web address on it for them. 4. Local media loves hometown heroes. Contact your local papers, radio and TV stations and see if they want to do a piece on you. Write one up for them to make it easy. If they want a bio, photos or any info, make sure it's on your web site and send them to the press info area to get all that. 5. Many book stores, even the big chains, have a section for local talent. Check and make sure they're carrying your book and see if they'll feature it in their local area. See if they're interested in having you there for a signing or reading. 6. Post announcements in every free or cheap classified ad page you can find. Most local papers and TV stations have classified ads online that are free or very cheap. Craigslist is huge in every market. Write yourself an ad that can be reused and post it everywhere you can think of to drive traffic to your novel's web site. Those are ideas that cost little or nothing. They take work, but each one should add a little to sales and help your work find its target audience. Good luck! Griz |
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