Some of these may seem pretty elementary, but you’d be surprised what a difference they make.
ARCs/Bound Galleys
When sending out an ARC (advanced reading copy) of your book, whether it’s a publisher- supplied photocopy, self-copied copy of a manuscript from your own printer, or an actual bound galley, please sign it. “Best wishes” and your signature is all that’s needed. Also when you’re sending out a photocopied galley, try to include a cover flat, or copy of your cover flat, if one is available, so the recipient will have an idea what your book will look like.
Contacts with Bookstores
If you haven’t done so already, start making contacts with bookstores, whether in your local area, or farther afield. E.g., you go on vacation, by yourself, with a friend, your S.O/DH, and/or your family. Don’t just have a good time. (What a concept!) Find out whether the local bookstores are (chain or independent). Visit. Introduce yourself. Leave some copies of your promo materials, or take the store’s contact information, and send a note and some promo materials when you return home. Even if you don’t return to do a signing, the store might be inclined to promote the books of that author who stopped in to say hello.
More About Bookstores
Consider doing “drive by” stock signings of your book, rather than sit down scheduled booksignings. This way, a bookstore doesn’t have to worry about getting in stock, inventory problems, crowd control—or worse—lack-of-crowd control. How do you do a “drive by?” Let’s say your new book will be out June 1. Go to the bookstore. If you find your title on the shelf (hopefully it’s there!), go to the front desk and inform the person on duty that you are the author of this fabulous new book, and you’d like to sign their stock copies and put “autographed copy” stickers on each title. Have your own stickers with you. Chances are, the store will be happy to accommodate you. WARNING: at least one WRW member had this experience when encountering a store clerk and asking permission to sign stock: “Oh, you’ll have to wait. I’ll have to ask the manager if it’s OK for you to deface the books.” (Yes, this really happened! And through magnificent diplomacy and reining in of raised eyebrows and incredulous responses, the author managed to accomplish her objective!).
I spent the better part of an hour on the telephone with a bookstore maven today. Among other things, she advises:
- authors to use “autographed copy” rather than “local author” stickers on books.
- don’t bother putting a “wonderful read” sticker on your book. Both booksellers and book buyers scoff at them. By the way - this was a new one on me!
- my contact says that booksellers love bookmarks, but dislike the larger postcard format promos. (I know there are differences of opinion on this matter. I know authors who are comfortable with either, and some with both formats.)
- have a wonderful web site. Keep it current. Run contests. Author websites are attracting lots of readers.
- make contact with readers groups by sending them promo materials, ARCS when available, etc. I now have a list of approximately 50 readers groups (in bookstores and libraries) around the country. Many of the groups specialize in romance, or include romance with other genres, such as mystery. Please contact me if you’re interested.
Contacts with Libraries
Also very important. Don’t forget—they buy multiple copies of books. Get to know the adult fiction librarian in your local branch. Speaking engagements may also result.
Capital Editions List
One of my pet projects this summer will be to update the Capital Editions List, which includes WRW-area bookstores and libraries. To that end, I will be sending the file (via attachment, saved in RTF) to all members. Feel free to print out a copy. Also—(here’s a plea for help, folks!) please read over the list. If any bookstores (new, used, independent, chain) are MIA or DOA (missing or no longer existing), please let me know. I’m also interested in the names of individual store contacts. I’ll correct the list as I receive replies. When the replies (I’m being optimistic and hopeful, hint, hint) dry up, I’ll have a new compilation ready to send out. Thanks so much in advance for your cooperation!
Published Author Bios
Yes, it’s that time again. Something happened this year. It ought to be incorporated into your bio. And that bio ought to be sent to me. Feel free to email me (either within the body of the email or via attached file. If you use the latter method, PLEASE SAVE FIRST IN RTF. I have WordPerfect 8, which does NOT automatically convert MSWord into something I can read. (Unless you’d like your bio to look a miniature string of boxes, of course!). If nothing has changed since you last sent me a bio, you’ve got a reprieve. Or if you recently sent me one, you’re off the hook. If you have any questions, please let me know. BTW—I’ll be glad to appropriate your latest bio from your website, if that’s your pleasure.
And Speaking of Author Websites
Please—keep your website current! If you have a book coming out, it should be on your website, along with an excerpt, or at least, the first chapter. I don’t care if the book isn’t coming out until 2003! Don’t you want those readers to be slavering in anticipation in the mean time? Also, you don’t have a web site just because it’s de rigeur and everybody else has one—it’s a useful tool. But to be useful, it has to be effective! Link with other sites, when appropriate. Have you linked with WRW, for example? Does RWA know about your site? And the many romance-friendly reviewing sites? Consider that a web site is a kind of electronic press kit; a reporter seeking to do an article on you, or interview you, might visit your site first. Keep it spiffy, current and easy to navigate!
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Binnie writes the monthly Promotion and Publicity column.
