"Gathering Publicity Ideas"
6 Comments - Show Original Blog

I think it's a great idea, too. Also, I suspect if authors would really get active in their communities/towns such as donating some of their time for charity projects, etc. MEETING, naturally, some of the more influential people in the town, this too would help. People would always be asking "Who's that woman?" or "Who's he?" and one of the regulars or more influential ones would say he/she's an author. "Oh, really? What has she/he written?" And so on. Why not? :)

3/24/2009 1:26:17 PM [ Report Abuse ]

This sounds like an idea...but I also want to share that in my last book...I decided to try something different... Since I VALUE other authors...I decided to add a REVIEWS page at the back of my book...and included several reviews from published authors!!!!! and I made sure that I listed one book under their name!!! I believe it gives ME credence and gives them a little boost too!! I tend to use the AD Roundtable often and ideas like this idea of yours are useful for many! hugs, lindalaw

3/24/2009 11:26:17 AM [ Report Abuse ]

Thanks linda. I thought of another one I did that helped me. I actually went through reviewers on Amazon, who reviewed books similar to mine. I don't know if all of you know that reviewers are rated on Amazon. I contacted several top reviewers and gave them free copies of my book in exchange for a review. After their reviews I noticed my sells went up.

3/24/2009 9:53:32 AM [ Report Abuse ]

Hello.. I too had the problem of being invited to speak at several churches in various states, and the travel etc was at my expense! So..I have fam/frds in various places, and decided that I would plan several trips to visit them (thus save hotel/meals etc while enjoying the visit too) and then scheduled engagements. When in Nashville (there are 7 states within a couple hours or so nearby) so took advantage of that and drove to apptmts. I gave them time spans of when I'd be in an area so they could select a date and that is how I scheduled. Sent comp books, called, mailed asking for speaking/signings/plz put my book in your giftstore etc. Did the same in the southwest and in Texas. My work is centered around spiritual so churches, church & womens/mens groups, local bookstores-small ones primarily, are my target group. Out of about 25 apptmts, only 3 have paid my expenses (that they gave a budget $, and I was VERY frugal). Once you speak at one place, if they like you...then they tell others etc.. that is how I got a church grp to share and it got me several spkgs in 4 states. I never have made money..but I have sold books and am getting my name out there more...I rec many emails and make "soliciting" myself a daily goal. A couple of times I tried to offer myself to spk/sign etc for $500 and it worked once...$300 twice... it helped pay for gas & books... Whatever we can do is what we should do! Hope there are many ideas sent in..I'd be interested. lindalaw

3/24/2009 9:38:11 AM [ Report Abuse ]

Hello Bear Paw, I actually need to update that. I moved to NM to promote my book. It wasn't cost effective to fly $700 to visit schools. Being in NM this school year has allowed me to visit 10 schools so far and 10 more scheduled before the end of the school year. :)

3/24/2009 8:53:38 AM [ Report Abuse ]

A great idea, Mr. Cochrane. Something all of us here should be doing. I was reading your bio and about your book Max and the Gatekeeper. It sounds great, reminds me of a book by Neil Gaiman, American Gods. How are things in the Last Frontier?

In Spirit,
Bear

3/24/2009 7:51:30 AM [ Report Abuse ]