Wearing the Marketing Hat! by DL Larson

Marketing my books has become easier yet more difficult over the years. Easier because the internet has simplified the process of promoting ones work.  Harder simply because the market is flooded with new authors and new titles to choose from.  Setting up a marketing plan is crucial and I intend to navigate as best I can through this never-ending process. I would much rather just sit and write and not bother with the promotional aspects of writing.  BUT that does not make good marketing sense.  So I switch from my writer's hat to my marketing one.

This Saturday I will have my first book signing at the Book Mouse in Ottawa, IL, from 11:00 - 1:00 p.m. If you're in the neighborhood, please stop by.  The owner wants me to bring my other books too.  How can I say no to that?  Her generosity has made marketing my books a bit easier. 

I haven't stop at just a book signing.  I have sought book reviews and have sent one hardcopy out to be read and reviewed.  I've also sent a few via the internet.  As time goes by I will continue to stretch my wings and search for more places to ask for a review.  If you know of a place that does reviews, share with us.  Everyone can benefit from more reviews.

Next up is a blog tour that I scheduled through Goddess Fish.  This will be a 12-14 week tour.  I'll let you know how that goes once it is under way.  I have sent several excerpts of my book for them to use as teasers.  I'm looking forward to meeting new folks and in the process making more contacts as well. 

The other thing I've done with considerable help from many, namely Morgan Mandel, Steve Walker and my daughter Amber Kenney, is to convert my backlist to ebook form.  I mentioned this before, but thanking folks a few times is never a bad thing!  Thank you Morgan, Steve and Amber for all your help. 

Updating my website is on the list of things to do and I hope to soon have that looking good.  If you're a writer you know full well how tasking marketing can become.  I run as long as I can, then sit down and rest after awhile.  It's a lot like cleaning house, raising kids or pulling weeds ... the work is never done.  But somehow through the whole process is becomes very satisfying.

Til next time ~

DL Larson