Let's Talk Publicity - It's about getting your name out there.

Selling your books is not a passive activity. It is a very pro-active business and honestly, this is why so many writers out there fail. There is this belief that once the book is out there, the books sells. Many authors believe this. Unfortunatly, there are also some publishers that believe this as well (part of the reason why I don't send my writers to those houses).

First of all, I want to stress there is no right or wrong way to get your name out there. What works for one person may not work for someone else. You have to find what works best with you.

I heard a professional (for the likes of me, I can't remember who) said that if your neighbors don't know you write, then you're not being successful. You have to let those people around you know that you write. While the book sales might not huge from this type of publicity, it is a sale and those people will soon get your name out to other people when they talk about your book.

Secondly, there is a belife that you have to spend huge amounts of money to get your name out there. Again, this is not necessary. at least for a while. Websites are cheap. Software on most of your computers can do the work that the printers demand. Keep it simple!

Many of my writers have found website hosting sites and are inexpensive and easy to put together. These writers didn't have to pay a ton of cash to have someone do this for them.

Communications is one of the most effective tools. If a reader sends you a note, answer the person. No form letter, but a real response. They took the time to tell you something about your book so pay attention. Blowing that person off is an sure way of losing future sales.

The same goes for those websites. I am always frustrated with authors that have websites that imply they are eager to hear, but in reality, the author is just out to get more names for a mailing list. Personally, this is UNCOOL! Look, if you are going to have a website, keep it up to date and answer.

Why am I pounding this whole "get your name out there?" Consumers today are not saavy enough to buy books because of the quality of the books. They buy the books because they are told by someone that they should buy it. Contests work the same way. Judges will look at the title of a book and before even reading it will make judgements based on what they see. This is one of my biggest complaints about professional contests. Often it is not based on the quality of the book but the name recognition.

So, professional writers. Get your name out there.

Scott

Dealing with the presence?

So, anon, asked this yesterday...

Question of the day- has anyone found a way to deal with the near-mandatory demand that one now have a "public presence" in addition to being a writer?

Guess what, this is a demand and it is a reality. There is simply no way around it. You have to understand though, if you want your books to sell, you have to get out there. This is mostly due to the number of authors out there writing and the huge selection the readers have to pick from. One way or another, it is up to you to get your name out there.

I understand this takes a great deal of time and money on your part, but if you are in this writing business for the long haul, it will generally pay for itself.

I spoke to one writer in her early days with Tor books. She openly stated that she and her writing partner (that did relieve the burden a bit financially) would put close to $5000.00 out of their own money into the publicity for the book. This included mostly sending out flyers, bookmarks and the like. They also would attend every conference they could get to. In the case of the conferences, they could sometimes get reduced rates for presenting sessions at the conference. Still, it was money.

The end result of this hard work has been a huge career (in about 5 years) and now 6 figure deals.

There is simply no way around not getting out there.

Another example: One author of historical romances attends local Highland Games and signs books there. She writes stories with Scottish heroes so she has a great market. These signings bring in good money for her in the long haul. It might not be with the selling of the books at the games but it comes from the mailing list she generates and the future sales from people that get her card in the mail.

You can also make a big presence on the internet by working with established blogs. Guest blogging on reputable sites really brings in a crowd!

The key to all of this is that you are going to have to work. Writing is not simply a passive affair anymore.

Scott