New writer’s are often told that once they’re published, it’ll be up to them to market and promote their own book. Previously unpublished authors, or those who’ve had a book accepted for a mid-list publication, often find themselves left in the cold by the traditional publishing house, sometimes to the point where they’re unable to earn back their advance.
Print on Demand publishing houses state up-front that you’ll be in charge of your own advertising and marketing. But the more reputable POD publishers offer easy-to-use promotion packages and normally have a division that aids the authors in their endeavors to get the word out about their new book.
As a new writer, you’ve probably pondered how you will do this. Book- signing events seem a far off dream while your in the middle of that final edit. Rejection letters can pile up and become disheartening, or even worse, you’ve had to call the editor or agent and remind them that you sent a proposal package six months ago. All the while, you’re hoping that your manuscript didn’t end up buried in a slush pile somewhere. So what can a new author do?
I asked myself the very same question for months as I queried published authors, surfed the internet for articles on what caused an editor or agent to read one submission over another, or vice-versa. I found some interesting information.
Agents and editors despise small talk. They want the query or synopsis to get straight to the point. One agent will not completely remove a synopsis or query letter from its envelope. He’ll pull the package only half out, and if the first few paragraphs don’t grab his attention, he’ll throw it in the rejection pile.
Some of the author’s I spoke with explained they received their first contract because they tried something unique. One author sent over a hundred query letters at one time-and received a contract within two months of the mailing. Another author printed full-color brochures that kept his package from ending up in the slush pile. Since then, he’s become a multi-published, best-selling author.
How does all this information help a new writer? It describes the process that leads to publication, if not the measures one must take to become successful. Logic dictates that promotion and marketing entail advertising materials; brochures, bookmarks, speaking engagements, advertisements, and a promotional website. If these items are going to be necessary after publication, why not begin now? Why not create these materials to advertise to agents and publishers?
A full-color brochure is definitely more interesting than the usual printed sheet of paper they’ll receive for a query letter. Aside from the fact it’s eye-catching, it gives you much more room to highlight your story and list your credits. A business card is a sign of professionalism; bookmarks indicate a faith in your own work; speaking engagements on the craft of writing, or the subject matter of your novel build confidence that will carry over into any official first-meeting with an editor or agent; and a website can be used to develop interest, as well as aid in researching a market base that will prove to the publishers that readers are interested in your type of story.
Marketing and promotion can be intimidating, especially for those of us who lead the solitary life of a dedicated writer. The best place to find tips and tricks that work, is POD publication sites. Not only are they a goldmine of ideas, they focus primarily on how to do the advertising for little or no cost to the author. Read the message boards, read the FAQ’s section of their marketing page. Follow links to the POD authors website’s and read articles they’ve written on promotion. Take notes on what appeals to you and then create a campaign strategy. When you do get that contract, you’ll have eighty percent of the work completed and can use these tools to gain readers, and royalties.
Author of dozens of articles and award winning short stories,
Jennifer Turner offers caring and concise critiques for aspiring
authors without the high cost of big business editorial services at,
ROTO-WRITER CRITIQUE SERVICE
http://jturner.00books.com/index.html
