I continue traveling through the marketing maze. Some of my social media network connections gave me some really good ideas and others reminded me of different media plans I I planned but have not implemented. Of course, book talks and signings are a real big part of an author’s marketing plan but too many individuals (some authors are introverts) don’t know how to make the best out of this marketing break. To start with, many bookstores, libraries and organizations are looking for speakers so get your name out there to them. It takes a little research but with the internet it is really easy. Watch the local papers for meeting announcements to get the name of the appropriate person to contact. Then put together information about your book, that you are available as a speaker, and why you would make a good speaker. | Once you have done this, be sure to get your talk ready because you never know how quickly they might respond that they need a speaker. I once contacted a group and said I was available to speak. I heard back from them the next week because something had happened to their next speaker and they needed someone NOW. My talk was ready so I jumped right in and made a lot of grateful friends. I don’t like to do just a book signing without the talk. I feel readers deserve to know something about the book before they buy it. For me, a talk also opens up an opportunity to educate and advocate for more focus on women’s history. Since that is a major goal for me, I want to engage the people who attend with more than “here’s my book.” What are your feelings regarding whether to just have a signing or a talk and a signing? |
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Some how I've always been drawn to marketing. In every organization in which I've become active over the year, I did or helped do the publicity. I have also worked as a Marketing Consultant.
Today it is so much easier -- Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+ -- to spread the word. It is still important to remember that the quality of the message you are putting out is accurate and important. In today's too-much-informatio-climate, it is essential that your words hit a chord with the reader. They don't have time to waste reading what they already know. As I go deeper and deeper into my marketing plan, I'm reminded that as always plans have to be revised, adjusted and added to as new ideas present themselves. For instance, I had a day planned to visit bookstores on the Cape but when the opportunity came to participate in the Boston Book Festival, I happily revised my schedule. I find that every time I talk to people about "Female Adventurers" someone will suggest a person to contact or a venue for a book talk. These added to social media are what marketing is about.
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