Summer's the Time

As the school year comes to a close, two things come to mind. SUMMER!! and writing. I have no excuse for not writing at all. So it's time to set some goals. I must write a book in a month. It doesn't have to be good, just down on paper (or computer). I've got to get something done.
I must do everything in my power to promote Connie Cobbler: Toy Detective, Miss Mary Pennynickle's Tales of Torment for Toddlers, and Miss Mary Pennynickle's Fairytales of Foreboding.
I went to a writing conference this past weekend. I spoke with a few agents and asked about the acceptance of independent authors and publishers. I was told several times that they would not be able to take the books unless they had a following of several thousands. I had read this many times on various websites, but it had never seemed real. I was a bit despondent. Then it hit me.
I could get hundreds, if not thousands, of books sold on my own. I've read so many promotional books, and yet had not implemented any techniques seriously. Now's the time.
After all, it's Summer. No Excuses.

YEAH!! BOOK SIGNINGS!!

So far I've had 3 book signings. They were all very fun. They were also hard and educational. The first two were through Hudson Valley Parent Magazine for a promotion they were doing. The third one was with Barnes and Noble. The bookstore signing was interesting, but not nearly as fun. I 'worked the room' a lot more, trying to get people interested. It was a good idea to find out what departments are where in the store. Several people asked me to find subjects. It was a great way to meet people and tell them about the book.
The first two signings were in large malls. They were a lot easier in terms of traffic. People had to pass me and a lot of people stopped. Parents and their kids had a lot of questions about writing and they were amazingly friendly. I even made my first little fan. He asked his mother if he could stay in touch. He came to the Barnes and Noble singing to bring me drawings he made of the characters. That was a nice feeling.

Chances Everywhere

Following advice I found online, I have begun giving away samples of my books. For Connie Cobbler: Toy Detective I printed the first three chapters back to back in booklet form. I left them at various stores (with permission, of course) that cater to children and their parents. For my e-books Miss Mary Pennynickle's Tales of Torment for Toddlers and Miss Mary Pennynickle's Fairtales of Foreboding I paperclipped sample stories to mini-posters and gave them to friends who go to goth clubs, midnight movies, and independent music stores. These have proven to be very successful. This works best for the Miss Pennynickle books. I've seen a large uptick in sales at the end of the weekend once the parties have slowed down.
I have placed my book for sale on eBay. I offer it at cost to me and can personalize autographs. Charge around $2.50 for shipping and my money is made back.
If anyone has any suggestions for promotions, please let me know.

Purchasing Promo Materials

First, let it be said that I have no financial interest in Vistaprint. That being said they do offer some inexpensive promotional materials. Once you order items from them, you will be bombarded with offers for free items. Take a look at them. Plan out what types of promotions you'd like to do and order a few samples.
HERE'S ONE CAVEAT!!! When ordering from them (or a lot of companies) use a credit card gift card. After using my credit card I noticed several unauthorized charges to Denmark. I had even used PayPal. I know use the prepaid gift cards and have not had the problem since.

Book Promos

I've been busy researching book promotion on the internet. I have come across many wonderful suggestions, such as wearing a business card as a name tag in order to start a conversation and book giveaways on your website and other websites (with permission with sites owners, of course).
There have been many unusual promotions that I have uncovered. There is a young woman in NYC who hired several actors to read her humor novel across the city. They were to laugh out loud and create interest in the book. It worked well for her and sold several hundred copies. I have read that other authors found this unethical. I think that if I works and it doesn't hurt or degrade anyone, then do it. Another author created a cereal to promote his book.
I purchased car magnets from Vistaprint (they do a pretty good job, but I'll leave them for another time) and drive around with them, whether it be to the store, work, or the NYS Thruway.
I have had large postcards made up and attach a sample chapter to the back. Invariably, people pick them up and take them away with them. Whether they are effective or not is hard to determine, but it gets the word out. For my Miss Mary Pennynickle books (Miss Mary Pennynickle's Tales of Torment for Toddlers and Miss Mary Pennynickle's Fairytales of Foreboding) I have had friends leave small postcards behind at bars and clubs.
Well, off to the internet for more ideas.

The contest is over

The first Connie Cobbler Mystery Contest is over. A new one will be open next week. The first one went well. I had quite a few visitors, more than I actually expected. Hopefully the next one will be even better.

Connie Cobbler Contest

I'm giving away a signed copy of Connie Cobbler: Toy Detective. Just visit www.conniecobbler.com for more information. It's free and it's fun!!