I was intrigued by Penny Sansevieri’s latest bulletin post in which she suggests that The Emperor (read New York Publishers) Has No Clothes (still don’t realize that their existence is in jeopardy). And as she goes on to surmise; perhaps they won't go away altogether. To draw an analogy, when the automobile arrived, the horse … Continue reading The Automobile And The Horse
marketing
Five Ways to keep Your Joy in Writing
My first novel was the most fun I’ve had while writing. There are a number of reasons for that; most of them obvious: It was my first attempt, therefore the outcome was uncertain. I had many mental scenarios stored away over the years to draw upon. Everything was available - I could use any imagery, … Continue reading Five Ways to keep Your Joy in Writing
For Whom Do I Write?
I've embarked upon a series of books. Not intentionally, but in response to my readers. When I read reviews asking "What's next?" for Zack Tolliver (my protagonist) I am buoyed by such enthusiasm and charged to respond to it. As a writer I am flattered when the characters I create take on a life of their … Continue reading For Whom Do I Write?
SIMPLE
I love Penny Sansevieri, the Book Marketing Expert of Author Marketing Experts, Inc., and I hope this mention brings her some business. Why do I love her? Because her advice makes sense. And because she stays on top of her game and does her research. And because she doesn't skimp on free advice. I've been … Continue reading SIMPLE
Do You Know Your Market?
For those of us who got into this business because we want to write, marketing is a huge unwelcome distraction. It presents conflict, and not just because of the time it consumes. There are other, more disconcerting conflicts as well. For instance, market expectations. I was recently told by an agent/publisher that my new novel is … Continue reading Do You Know Your Market?
Where Have All The Readers Gone?
Ever notice that there's no category for "readers" in Twitter? You can find writers in abundance. I suspect it is because virtually any topic can be associated with readers. As an author, if you want to reach readers you need to go where they hang out. Virtually, that would be places like libraryThing, Shelfari, and … Continue reading Where Have All The Readers Gone?
Speaking Out
In discussions about marketing your book the experts always mention Author Talks. Presentations of this type appeal to me because they are real; that is, I am in direct contact with the people I hope will read my book.Not only might the audience be persuaded during my talk, but there are the inevitable questions and … Continue reading Speaking Out
On Line? Or In Person?
I have found that the world can be broken down into two kinds of people; those who are comfortable socializing in person and those who are more inclined to do so on-line. When it comes to marketing books, this is an important distinction. Even if you are able to devote full-time to book marketing, it … Continue reading On Line? Or In Person?
Does Non-Fiction Sell Best?
This, to me, is a really interesting question. I had always thought the reverse to be true; in fact, I held back my non-fiction project until my first two mystery thrillers could be published. My reasoning? That the crime fiction will sell faster and maybe even help establish a platform for my non-fiction book. Hmmm. … Continue reading Does Non-Fiction Sell Best?
Your Niche Audience
Last Thursday evening found me at the Santa Maria Public Library's Shepard Hall talking about my book and, most particularly, about publishing in today's digital world. The attendees were a mix of young students and mature writers, and not much in between. I had been advertised as a local writer, which appeared to be the … Continue reading Your Niche Audience
R Lawson Gamble 