IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO PUBLISH A BOOK, Part Nine

The whole premise of this series is the fact it takes more than just a good story to get a book published. The people who make up the publishing "village" can include not only the author but others like editors, publicists, marketing executives, and other promotional personnel to ensure the word gets out about a publisher's latest addition to their lineup.

I've been exceptionally fortunate when it comes to working with a smaller publisher. Anaiah Press might be a newer, smaller company in the publishing industry, but their executive staff have more than 30 years of experience in getting the job done. The editing, proof reading, and illustrations for THE STORY CATCHER are done. The ebook and print formatting with Ingram is almost complete. Pre-orders will soon be available. Press kits and news releases are being created. Like soldiers getting ready to do battle, Anaiah Press is gathering the ammunition necessary to ensure my book has a fighting chance to make a place for itself in the publishing world.

Being the author, I must do my part. My connections with a local church provided me the opportunity to put information about my book in the hands of 1500 children. Another connection got me connected with Barnes & Noble and we are finalizing things for an author visit December 6th with a follow up book signing (maybe book launch party) in January. But there are other things I can do to boost the marketing power of my hard work promoting my book. Here are some ideas I will be considering and implementing:

1. FREE STORY CATCHER FAN CLUB...I've already set this up and have signed up a number of new members.  The free welcome kit includes a membership certificate, reading log, short story starring the new member, and a bi-monthly newsletter with book news, mazes, puzzles, games, and more.

2. CONTESTS & GIVEAWAYS...I'm tossing around a couple of ideas for a book launch contest and fan club membership drive. More details as we get closer to THE STORY CATCHER's book release on January 20th, 2015.

3. LINE UP REVIEWERS...I'm really feeling the support of this writing community. I now have 22 reviewers lined up and 3 people willing to provide a book blurb. This generous input will help future readers make an informed decision as to whether or not they want to buy my book.

4. SUBSCRIBER NEWSLETTER...I use MailChimp for my subscriber database and it had an incredibly easy newsletter template I can use to connect with my blog subscribers to let them know about my upcoming book release.

5. CONTACT LOCAL LIBRARIES...There is 1 main branch and 17 area branches just in Knoxville and they all  have the opportunity for author visits and reading time.  I've already chatted with the head of the acquisitions committee and because of my involvement with their annual Children's Festival of Reading, not only is she interested in looking at my book for possible inclusion in their inventory, but she also wants me to participate on their local author panel at next year's festival.

6. SCHOOL VISITS...As Center Manager of my martial arts school, I've connected with my local elementary schools for the past 12 years. I was allowed in schools when no other martial arts school in the area was allowed. Now I can use these connections to help spread the word about my book.

While these ideas are used by almost every author out there in promoting their books, next week I will talk about maybe some off-the-wall promotional ideas authors should consider as well. What promotional ideas have you used to promote your books? What worked for you? What didn't?