I reached out to a bookstore owner I met at YA Fest and got a very nice email stating she'd love to have me sign at her store this summer. I also contacted the Books-A-Million by me because they were on my list for the fall witch book tour for The Monster Within. But after I talked to the manager about the tour I also asked if I could come in alone over the summer for my Touch of Death series. And they said they'd order my books right away.
Sometimes we need a reminder to get ourselves out there. I love doing events. Other than writing a new book, it's the most fun part of this career. What I don't like is booking the events because it means I have to step out of my comfort zone and sell myself and my books to people. But that's exactly what I have to do. I'm really glad my publicist emailed me, because now I can go back to her and give her a list of events I have coming up.
What are you doing to put yourself out there?
I wish I had some kind of platform to promote my books, but I don't really. I don't so book signings because I don't have hard copies of my books, but maybe I'll try doing virtual book signings
ReplyDeleteI've seen authors book signings with ebooks. They pass out SWAG to sign and some even bring a laptop so people can order their book right there.
DeleteI'm in the same position as Nigel with no physical books. I have no idea how to schedule an event.
ReplyDeleteI just posted a possible suggestion under Nigel's comment. It's something to consider.
DeleteThanks for posting this Kelly. Its something I'm scared to do, but am slowly working up to :).
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you'll do great.
DeleteGreat post Kelly! Very inspirational. I am coming out with my first novel in April. Already I am pounding the pavement, so to speak, setting up a book tour, blog tour, and I have a crowdfunding campaign going on right now. I've also jazzed up my author website and have begun sharing excerpts of the work online. Just writing these things leaves me feeling exhausted. I know just what you mean though--it's a mindset that is needed that takes you out of your comfort zone for sure.
ReplyDeleteThat's an exciting time. I'd be happy to help if you'd like.
DeleteThings are in transition where once the publicist would handle everything, at least that's what I've been reading. Authors are now required to do more than just write. Sounds exhausting though! Good luck with all your signings Kelly!
ReplyDeleteYes, we have to do it all.
DeleteYou're stepping out of your comfort zone but I can tell that you really enjoy meeting and interacting with readers. It's all about the nerves beforehand, but once you get there you really shine :-)
ReplyDeleteThat's a great way to put it. :)
DeleteI, too, don't have a physical book to sign, and since mine is an ebook bookstores are not interested and neither are libraries. Marketing is very difficult, but I am trying.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you should do a Facebook party.
DeleteWait ... "one of your publicists?" You have publicists? More than one?
ReplyDeleteThat is not something you get when you are a very little fish in the big pond.
I have one per publisher.
DeleteYes, Kelly! What a way to put yourself 'out' there in front of readers. I'm going to remember all these for maybe one day...
ReplyDeleteKelly! I just left you a reply and it was erased:( Boo Internet! I've gotten lazy with bookstores but had a great school year of author visits. I definitely agree about how hard it is to step out of our comfort zones. However, if we want to succeed we have to continue to make new connections by putting ourselves out there. I'm taking time this summer to write a teach a writing course. Taking a break from everything else. Need to focus on my writing:)
ReplyDeleteGood for you for finding your bookstore groove again! You are going to rock them all!
School visits are my favorite! I need to book more in the fall.
DeleteHey, guys! I had to unexpectedly leave home again because of the construction so forgive me if I don't comment back right away.
ReplyDeleteAt the moment, just finishing the book is the essential thing. I did have a chat with an art gallery employee yesterday that might have made some connections down the line.
ReplyDeleteVery cool! I have my books for little ones in an art gallery. It's a great arrangement.
DeleteDoing the asking would be the hardest part for me too. But yay- does this mean more book event pics at some point?! I love seeing author event pics, they're one of my fav blog topics to read.
ReplyDeleteYes, it does. :)
DeleteI need to do more of that too! When I first started getting published I did a lot of school visits and gigs. But I got busy, and maybe a little lazy too! I definitely want to reach out more and go to some conventions.
ReplyDeleteWe do get a little lazy with marketing when we are busy with edits and drafting new books. It happens.
DeleteThis was hard for me, but like wearing a wristwatch, I got used to it. I have three venues of "web-presence" I can live with, (and occasionally enjoy) and I speak at schools and have done a few bookstore/book fair events. But self-promotion is something I will never wear like a second skin. I was brought up to never-ever blow my own horn, and let's face it, that's a part of what putting ourselves out there involves no matter how we couch it.
ReplyDeleteI try not to envy those who relish it. But the world belong to them, I feel. Count yourself very fortunate.
I'm always fine once I'm doing the events. Booking them is a little nerve-wracking.
DeleteI've done some events, but I really should do more. Summer is a good time for me since I have two months off, but then I usually write two drafts during those two months. It is hard to step out of my comfort zone.
ReplyDeleteYes, summer is a great time to book events.
DeleteMine are all online ~ reaching out to reviewers mainly. It's good you're enjoying yourself, Kelly. Have a great time at your events!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Claudine. Online events are great because you have the potential for greater reach.
DeleteHi, Kelly,
ReplyDeleteI tend to focus more on completing books and not enough time on promotion. I agree that side of things pulls us out of comfort zone to do what we should to get our stories in front of readers' eyes. Hope your promotion goes well.
Yeah, writers prefer to write, but promotion is a big part of what we need to do.
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