Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Publishers Weekly Morning Report

Two things caught my attention today on the PW morning report:

- What President Obama took on vacation to read

- The announcement of Oprah’s pending announcement via twitter of her next pick for her book club.

What author wouldn’t love to be on either one of these two’s reading list!

Most of us aren’t so lucky as to be in the situation of having one of these two famous individuals pick up our work and instantly provide international attention. So, how do the rest of us get noticed? How do we get the word out on our own works of fiction or non-fiction so that lots of people will notice.

Well, that’s always been a struggle for most authors and lately it’s not limited to the less published authors. I know writers with more than a dozen books published that still have to go out and pound the pavement at bookstores, conferences, libraries, and just about any venue where they think their book will find an audience, especially a paying one.

Other things we do for exposure - mostly with our clothes on - is to participate in blogs, leave comments at blogs, conduct interviews, be interviewed, hand out free bookmarks, talk to book clubs, participate in panels at conferences, and so much more. Anyone who has been to some of the larger writers conferences know that there is a wide range of promotional items that authors have to chose from but often at great expense and not necessarily with a great return on the investment.

So, let’s see how creative writers can be without losing their financial shirt. I’d love to see what others are doing to expose themselves - legally - to expand their readership.

In the meantime, for more information on how to access or sign up for Publishers Weekly reports visit the following website:

www.publishersweekly.com

3 comments:

L. Diane Wolfe said...

In addition to what you listed:

Paid speaking engagements - develop talks & seminars that would appeal to businesses, colleges, & organizations. Of all the physical places I can go to move books, this is my most successful. (And I get paid to do it!)

Develop a group or fan site on a social site like Facebook. This is great for those who might not be subscribed to your newsletter!

L. Diane Wolfe “Spunk On A Stick”
www.circleoffriendsbooks.blogspot.com

Morgan Mandel said...

The library has some very nice display spots. I have to remember to reserve one for my new book.

I'll be in the flea market on vacation in Wisconsin, so we can d3deduct our driving expenses also!

Morgan Mandel
http://morganmandel.blogspot.com

Deb Larson said...

Some libraries will pay for you to be a part of their program, others may give you coffee and a cookie. It's a gamble - but still a way to get out there!