To market to market to buy a fat pig,
Home again, home again jiggety-jig.
Mother Goose
Mark Twain used to go door-to-door selling subscriptions to his next book before he published it. Or so they say. The thought of such a famous gent stooping to the level of an encyclopedia salesman comforts me just now.
Because I am marketing a book.
I knew it would come to this. Even big-name writers must become salesmen-for-a-season in today’s publishing world. Those of us with lesser-names must hustle our little hearts out if we want to spread our word.
So, I’m compiling lists, planning campaigns, and gathering contacts for the October release of my first novel.
And here is the challenge: How to sell my work without losing my soul. Or my friends. That is where you come in, Dear Reader. Of course, I’m going to ask you to spread the word when the time comes. But even more importantly, I’m going to ask you to keep me focused.
If you find me slipping into the role of a huckster, where all I do is spout, “Buy my book. Like my page. Read my blog. Ask me to speak!” Please stop me. Just send along a gentle word and remind me the world does not revolve around book sales. It revolves around Jesus. And we revolve around Him. Together.
Will you do that for me?
Thanks.
Honey, I will do any and every thing to help you out! Just let me know. And I am still SOOOOOOOO excited you have a book coming out.
Ah, thanks, Lori. I’m totally counting on you.
I’m with Lori. I’m not worried that you will sell your soul, and I’m totally prepared to help you sell your book.
That’s a great line, Seren. I’m holding onto it.
Of course I’ll help in any way I can. You’re like the Queen of Perspective though, so I don’t foresee that becoming an issue. š
I love your new picture! Also, is it possible you are aging in reverse?
Why, yes, Molly, I believe I am aging in reverse thanks to the magic of my hairdresser and my photographer š
This is such a great question! It’s funny, as an online marketer, I have NO PROBLEM selling other people’s books but ask me about mine at a dinner party and I will demur.
It’s challenging but there are so many cool online sites today that make it less painful and more fun.
In fact….thought forming…maybe I’ll do a post on my blog, something like: How to Market Your Novel: A Playbook for Authors
Ummm. Alison, could you do that blog post really, really soon? Thanks š
I am going to buy your book as a birthday present to myself! October is a perfect release month!
Oh! Judy Coleen, what a perfect thought.