Daddy's Christmas Angel

Monday, July 11, 2011

One Hot Day in July and Book Promotion

It's hot today here in Virginia, and I am thinking about book promotion for the fall. My publisher has my new novel Jungle Jeopardy on the fast track for release at a writer's conference in Las Vegas later this week, so I need to get on the fast track for promotion.

What is best--focus on one type of promotion, or do everything?

Unless you're topping the New York Bestseller List week after week, you'd better think about doing everything and more. This is the list I'm making for myself right now:

1. Create or update a media kit.
2. Write press releases for the new book and get them out.
3. Send out a newsletter about the new book.
4. Look for reviewers. (This should be done much earlier but the book wasn't ready.)
5. Plan a launch event.
6. Contact bookstores.
7. Contact college alumni groups. Also, other groups that may relate to the book and its content.
8. Contact libraries about the new release. Do they have book clubs? Do they need speakers for any events?
9. Search for travel organizations and travel groups. Other niche markets. Contact them
10. Set up a schedule for promotion. Set aside time each day for promotion on the Internet.
11. Write a blog. Schedule guests on the blog and become a guest on the blogs of others.
12. Tweet and write on Facebook about the new book, but don't be rude.
13. Make brochures, business cards, and posters for the new book.
14. Follow the marketing plan outline from my publisher, Oak Tree Press.
Much more!

"Jungle Beat" Copyright MM Sikes
One hot day in July has made me think hard about some cool book promotion. I'll keep on working until I have an organized plan, then I'll follow it.


(Take a peek at my painting that will be part of the book cover.)

11 comments:

Mary@GigglesandGuns said...

You better be keeping up on your energy drinks.
The painting is outstanding! So glad it will be part of the cover.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Monti .. sounds like you have a lot to do .. one step at a time - what's essential first .. and I love the picture - talented lady .. and so pleased you can do your own cover design ..

The Jungle drum is drumming ... enjoy .. cheers Hilary

Michael Di Gesu said...

Hi, Monti,

Wow you do have a lot to do! We'll never see you again.

I would love to a guest post of you and your book when you're ready.

The painting is fantastic. Also if you need a review, let me know. I love to read my blogger/friends books.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

That's cool they are using your image for the cover! I need to start planning promotions for next year.

Marian Allen said...

LOVE the painting, as always! You're going to guest with me about the new book, right?

Marian Allen
Fantasies, mysteries, comedies, recipes

Notes Along the Way with Mary Montague Sikes said...

Giggles, you are so right. My energy drink is Pepsi Max! Thanks for the compliment!

Thank you, Hilary! I don't do the covers, but my publisher sometimes likes to use my art. The covers for Hearts Across Forever and for Eagle Rising are my paintings. Secrets by the Sea has one of my photographs for the cover. Night Watch doesn't have anything of mine on it.

Michael, I would love to guest post for you. I would love for you to review my book. Please send your address to me at monti7olen@verizon.net, and I'll have my publisher send you a copy (or I will send it). Thank you!

Alex, thank for your comment. You really need to take your time and start promoting way ahead. I am way too late getting started!

Thank you so much, Marian, for the offer to guest with you. Of course, I would love to!! Thanks for "loving" the painting!

cleemckenzie said...

Your painting is positively lush. Love it. And you are so right on about promotion. Do all that you said and don't wear down. It's hard work.

Thanks for stopping in at the WriteGame to say hi. Joined your blog today and will be back.

Notes Along the Way with Mary Montague Sikes said...

Thanks, Lee, for the follow and for the nice comments! I enjoyed reading your blog post!

Enid Wilson said...

Wow, that's quite a lot to do. But it's very good tips for me.

Chemical Fusion

Daisy Hickman said...

Wish I had the answers, Monti. Trust your instincts (A) and do what you most enjoy (B). That's about all I can figure out when it comes to marketing. The options are unlimited, so pick and choose, and don't do so much you don't enjoy the journey. Just my 2 cents! --Daisy

Notes Along the Way with Mary Montague Sikes said...

Daisy, I love your "2 cents"! Thanks for commenting.