When my husband and I were raising support to move to France as missionaries, we heard an illustration about the importance of tenacity when fund raising. At first, the illustration made me shudder. But, as we progressed through the support raising, we realized it was an appropriate metaphor for the immensity of the task.
Imagine a long gravel road at the end of a country lane. You stand by the mailbox, but the road leading to the house is long. Your job, should you choose to accept it, is to turn over every piece of gravel, knowing that a select few have been painted red underneath. The only way you can find the red pieces is to turn over every rock. Every. Single. One.
This morning I remembered that illustration. It's an apt metaphor for publicity and marketing a book. Not very glamorous. Not always fun. But steady. And eventually, if you keep at it, you'll reap.
As one who feels it's important for authors to do their best at marketing and publicizing their books, I am a turner of stones. What do those little acts of stone turning look like?
- Speaking at small venues and bringing books to sell, along with bookmarks.
- Bringing business cards with me wherever I go.
- A new thing: having a box of books in my car. Often I run into someone who a book would bless. (This was inspired by Randy Alcorn who does something similar).
- Writing reviews of other people's books, with my URL attached.
- Writing for free. I wrote an article in our church's magazine (huge circulation, actually).
- Following up on media leads. A friend gave my name to a Dallas Morning News reporter. A nice article ensued, complete with a listing of my titles.
- Writing articles for mainstream Christian magazines.
- Keeping up with my blogs.
- Sending books to influential people with a handwritten note. (I'm currently sending out my two novels to folks. Today: Chuck Colson).
- Working hard to maintain positive relationships with publicity, sales, marketing, and editorial folks. This is a little daunting since I've worked with several different houses.
- Designing attractive bookmarks. I use www.printingforless.com. They're wonderful.
- Updating my influencer list.
- Producing a monthly writing newsletter. (Interested? Sign up here.)
There are hundreds, thousands of ways to market and publicize your book. These are just a few of the stones I've turned. In the comments, I welcome your stones!
Mary DeMuth
www.relevantprose.com, www.relevantblog.blogspot.com, www.pioneerparenting.blogspot.com
I was especially encouraged by your comment that eventually we will reap as we continue to turn over those stones. I needed to h ear that. Thanks!
Posted by: Jill Elizabeth Nelson | April 21, 2007 at 12:52 PM