murder.booklocker.com

Before PARK RIDGE came out, it seemed that I had plenty of time to write. Now I’m so busy thinking of ways to market my novel that the final draft of Six County Senior Olympics is essentially on hold. I’m wondering if this is true of all self-publishers?

If only there were a list that could be used as a checklist — you know what I mean.

1. Send a review copy to Midwest Book Review (if you’re a midwestern author;

2. Contact the six (arbitrary number) libraries closest to you offering a presentation about something (self-publishing, writing, editing, whatever) AND donate a copy (is this necessary? desirable?);

3. Send press releases to local newspapers (except of course for those who won’t even look at a self-published book such as the Chicago Tribune or Chicago Sun-Times — they declined nicely) and to radio stations, etc. (it’s the “etc.” that’s giving me fits at the moment);

4. Notify family and friends and ask them to send your book-hype on to their friends that they think might be interested (don’t forget to remind them of the definition of spam). While you’re at it, ask them to link to your website if possible;

5. Create a website, use your blog.

I’m sure there’s stuff I’ve missed, but you get the idea. Starting with the checklist, you fill in the particulars, like reviewer information relevant to your book. Then when you have your book in hand, you simply put in today’s date on your cover letter, print it off (with the rest of your media kit), tuck it and the book into a bubble package, schlep it to the post office and wait three months.

Which brings me to another point. While I’m waiting for reviews to kick in, I’ve been setting up talks and booksignings locally. This seems to be the major drawback with POD — the reviews will lag significantly behind publication. I can’t say to the Niles Senior Center, “Hey! Look what so-and-so said about my book!” It’s really all on me to convince them that I have something worthwhile to say.

Which reminds me, I need to give them another call. After that maybe I’ll be able to get back to writing.