IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO PUBLISH A BOOK, Part Eight

I had the opportunity to participate last week in a local church's Trunk or Treat to help promote my book, THE STORY CATCHER. I've tried loading some pictures I took of my car and the event but my camera doesn't want to cooperate so I will have to use my writerly skills to help you envision what fun I had.

Imagine rows of cars all decorated out for Halloween with their trunks filled with candy. My trunk was decorated in pink with a blown up poster of my book cover and butterflies all around. On the outside of my car I taped book covers of picture books and my front windshield was decorated with huge felt butterflies and more picture book covers. I was trying to give the impression I was on a mission to "catch" as many stories as I could and I invited some the more than 1500 kids who showed up to "catch" a story with me as I gave away 300 donated books!

I had plenty of candy, but I am happy to report that both kids and parents alike were MUCH more interested in getting a book to read than grabbing the candy and long after I ran out of books I still had children come up to me asking for their free book. I also gave out bookmarks advertising my FREE STORY CATCHER FAN CLUB. 

Whether you are gearing up for your debut picture book's release like I am or celebrating your 100th book release, you still have to promote your work. As my book's release date draws closer I begin to think of different ways I can connect to my target audience (children, parents, librarians, and teachers) and then I remember when I was a child how you could always find something hiding in your favorite box of cereal or even a "fan club" to join so you can use your "decoder" ring to unravel the mystery message you get in the mail each month.

I want my target audience to have a like experience so I've created a fan club where anyone can sign up for the FREE goodies. Members will receive a Certificate of Membership; a STORY CATCHER Reading Log to help readers earn a STORY CATCHER AWARD; a bi-monthly newsletter full of games, puzzles, stories, and the latest STORY CATCHER news. Members will also get a short story starring THEM! The only thing I need is an email request with the member's name and email address sent to www.storycatcherfanclub @gmail.com so I can add them to my database. Then within two days, they will receive their welcome packet.

Even educators can use the fan club goodies to supplement their classroom instruction. I enjoy creating the articles for the newsletters so it's a win-win for everyone! And just because I like sharing some more book love, here are a few websites offering free book promotions:

1, Awesomegang...http://awesomegang.com/submit-your-book
2. Book Goodies...http://bookgoodies.com/contact-us/authors-tell-us-about-your-book
3. Book Goodies Kids...http://bookgoodieskids.com/contact-us/authors-tell-us-about-your-book
4. Pretty-Hot...http://pretty-hot.com/submit-your-book
5. Freebooksy...http://freebooksy.com/editorial-submissions
6. Choosybookworm...http://www.bookdaily.com/lp/freeppc1?gclid=CN6D7eGS3cECFUsV7Aod2hwATQ
7. Book Browse...
https://www.bookbrowse.com/information/index.cfm/fuseaction/editorial_submissions

I've checked to make sure the links are good but as always, please use your best judgement as to whether or not you want to pursue any of these free book promotion offers for your own book. Do you know of any other free promotion sites authors can use? Why not share them in the comment section below...