TEN STEPS TO FAME
By Natalie Bright
When my story “The Race” was selected for Chicken Soup for the Mother of Preschooler’s Soul, I realized few had even heard of my name, but everyone knew about this international series. At the suggestion of a friend who is a bestselling author, I agreed that I should take advantage of the Chicken Soup name by holding an autographing at our local Wal-Mart.
Following is a list of ten tips for organizing a promotion in your town or neighborhood, including several things I should have done better.
1. Find your business frame of mind.
Publishing is a business and marketing is all about timing. Take an objective view and coordinate a plan for best promoting you and your current project, whether you have previous publishing credits or not. Research your options.
2. Compile a mailing list NOW.
Gather addresses for a mailing list now, or email list, into a database that is user friendly. It should be versatile for printing labels and cards, or merging to a newsletter. As your exposure increases, you’ll find more and more uses for mailing lists. I wish I would have organized my list with the capability of determining writers versus bookstore owners. I have a mailing of over 500 names and addresses, and I have not clue where I met some of these people
3. Organizational contacts.
Communities harbor a multitude of clubs needing speakers. You probably know several people who are members. Mail fliers offering free talks, along with details on proposed topics. If you receive an invitation to speak, deliver a well thought-out, informative program. I’ve met so many people at events which led to invitations to other events. Networking is important as you work to establish a name for yourself as an author.
4. Compile an industry contacts list.
Build a professional database of bookstore owners, book buyers, librarians, and newspaper contacts.
5. Think outside the bookstore.
Consider advertising in unique ways that have a direct relation to the work you are promoting. Many different kinds of stores might be willing to host an autographing. Does your anthology’s theme tie into a scrapbook store, floral shop, or espresso bar? Ask the owner of that specialty gift shop when she experiences the most crowds and schedule an autographing during that time.
6. Plan a merchandise tie-in.
Inexpensive give-aways to coordinate with your book are fun and will enliven your event. My toddler inspired my story in Chicken Soup for the Mother of Preschooler’s Soul when he refused to eat anything but fish crackers. The store manager contacted the vendor, who agreed to provide free crackers for the autographing.
7. Remember holidays.
Does your anthology relate to an important retail day or holiday? Schedule an autographing the day of or prior to that special day. Storeowners and managers can provide you with a wealth of information. The manager of the store in our community told me that Mother’s Day has the third largest sales of the year and ninety-one percent of American’s participate. We decided to hold the autographing the day before Mother’s Day. The time was set during the busiest traffic being after lunch through middle afternoon. My table was located on a main aisle in front of the book department. I had a steady stream of shoppers the entire time and sold three cases of books.
8. Do-it-yourself printing.
If you have a good printer and software, design your own postcards and flyers. The key is to purchase quality paper.
9. Spread the Word. Never underestimate the power of “buzz”. Your family, friends, and fellow writers will generate talk about your success.
10. Get personal and show appreciation. Personal contact is crucial to a successful promotion on the local level. Show your appreciation to these folks with a personal note or phone call of thanks after the event.
If you hit stumbling blocks, and you will, remain professional. One neighbor could not believe I had a story published and told me I had too much time on my hands. On the other hand, our city’s mayor bought two copies of the Chicken Soup when I was seated next to her in a local eatery. Always carry extra copies in your car. You may be surprised how quickly word about your writing buzzes around your town.
You Are Worthy!
Ignore the doubting voices. To some it may be one little story in a book containing many, but consider the big picture. One published piece serves as a stepping-stone to advance your exposure as a writer. Every opportunity to become published or to talk about your writing lends credibility to your career.
Natalie Bright
Wordsmith Six 