How FAR does promo go?

Perhaps the better question is: As a new author, how far will I go to promote my book? That's a fairly loaded question. When we sit down to write, does promoting even come to mind? I never considered it. Call me naive, but the bigger picture didn't make an impression on me. At first!

Simply writing a query letter can be intimidating. You have signed a contact, survived rounds of edits and the final galley. Now you're a trooper. Anticipation grows unbearable while you await the release day.

As a recently-published author, nothing held more satisfaction than having that hot-of-the-press book in my hands. Emotions spewed forth quicker than hot lava. And nothing frightened more than knowing I had to shove myself out there to promote what I had written.

Regardless of how the story poured out of me, that it turned into a novel meant I wanted an audience. An untapped realm of readers might find entertainment in my words. Many people who I'd never consider fans of this genre turned out to be lovers of juicy vampire tales.

But promo is a tough nut to crack.

It's downright hard to sell yourself. Actors know it. Musicians, costume designers, dancers and artists of all kinds know it as well. The creative side slams into the wall of harsh reality. But I want readers. So do you. I'll continue to explore every avenue and keep looking for new ideas.

Here's what I've found that works:

1. An article in the local newspaper ~ This led to a book signing at a popular coffee house. I followed up with an article to announce the event. The newspaper published that as well. The successful event led to being asked back - on Halloween (did I mention I write paranormal??)
2. Join legitimate writers groups to network with other authors, and a host of on-line groups to listen and learn from.
3. Book signing at my local writing chapter.
4. Always carry material to hand out ~ postcards, pens, and business cards
5. Participate in group advertising and take out affordable ads alone in smaller publications.
6. Have a web site and blog.
7. Join Facebook and create a Fan Page. (Feel free to become a fan!)
8. Use every contact imaginable and encourage others to write.
9. Create a presentation with fellow authors to showcase our books together.
10. Venture out of my comfort zone a little each time.
11. Follow some great blogs like http://dayanaknight.blogspot.com

Now for something I've not done before. Here's a little bit of Retribution!

Perhaps it was the purity and the power of the blood—along with the fact that a distance now existed between Michael and those he loved. No longer drinking the life force of Lukas or Alana, the blended blood was Georgian, the contribution of all twelve Council members. Michael had clarity.

His eyes shot open at dawn, not needing to look at the alarm clock beside him. Alana still slept, lost in happy dreams. She lay curled to his body, safe and secure. As if Michael had willed Alana to turn, she sighed, head resting on the pillow. Her arm flung across the empty side of the bed. He slipped out from beneath the satin sheets… No sound, no disturbance to the lovely woman beside him.

After a quick shower, he pulled on the sweats and shrugged on an undershirt still hanging behind the bathroom door from last night. Standing at the sink, Michael picked up his toothbrush, the one Alana had purchased in Pisa the other day. The habit was hundreds of years old…An absentminded glance in an empty mirror as the vampire ran firm bristles back and forth over even white teeth. But this time, he stared in disbelief. A cloudy image peered back—one that hadn’t been seen in centuries. High cheekbones, straight nose, square chin and strong brow were unmistakably his. Leaning into the mirror, Michael couldn’t see his eyes clearly, but it was his reflection, something lost the night he’d been turned. The one thing that sets me apart from humanity, he thought, one thing that should be lost forever. The image fascinated, but also frightened. One more secret I must keep from Alana—for now.

Promotion is still the scary beast. I'd enjoy hearing your thoughts, so please leave a comment. Thanks for stopping by today.