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.

July Happenings!

Did I hear someone say a busy month? But this is summer, right? A time to kick back, vacation, and generally mosey on down the road. Well not for me. Summer School has started and my calendar is really filling up. Engagement parties, baby showers, birthdays, and so much more. I'll also be helping some music educators with integrating core content into some newly developed jazz lessons for K-8 students.

Some other good news. I've just signed my third contract with The Wild Rose Press. Friday the Thirteenth is a short story offered as a free read. It's about a shape-shifter who gets to be human for one year. Of course, there's romance...

I recently workshoped with Margie Lawson and learned so much in one day that my brain was spinning. Getting the short story ready for release and finding time to re-edit Inheritance, Book 3 in The Champion Chronicles, will come in dribs and drabs for the next few weeks. But there's always August...

Here are some "author" happenings going on in July.

Be sure to check out the "LET FREEDOM RING" summer guest blog event going on at http://www.dayanaknight.blogspot.com
Daily prizes and a great Grand Prize. YOU may be the winner!! I'll be blogging over at her site on July 20th. Lots of great authors are there. Please stop by.

While we're on special events, don't forget about THE FINE GRIND BOOK SIGNING - Saturday, July 25th on Rte. 23 South in Little Falls, NJ.
Talk about a great cup of coffee! I'll be there from 10 till Noon signing my debut novel Retribution! As part of The coffee house's "Meet the Author" series, the book is right their on the shelf and still on sale. If you surf web, look for it on B & N, Target, and www.amazon.com not to mention various sights (including one in Italian). The Kindle version is available as well.

Speaking of Amazon, there's a new 5 star reader review which states: "I am very anxious for the sequel!" That warmed my heart. Gave me a few tingles, too. I can promise you that Book 2, Consequences, is worth the wait.

So now that I've rambled and shamelessly promoted, let me know what you have happening in July. We can compare calendars.

Enjoy the summer!
Mickey

Is that the sun I see?

If you live in my area of the US, you know that it has felt like we've been under the 'Noah's Ark' alert. Weeks and weeks of rain! Finally, today it feels like June. Of course, now we'll be sweating at school - just in time for the 8th grade moving on ceremony this week. As a music teacher, rehearsals can be just plain cruel during hot, sticky days. But odd as it may seem to some, I love my students and I'm actually looking forward to leading Summer School for all of July (please don't throw anything or say 'yuck', 'cause I do enjoy the kiddies - a lot!).

While in New Haven two weeks ago, the weather reminded me of London. Those without umbrellas handy had that "left out" look on their faces. I traveled to Yale University to accept a Distinguished Music Educator Award (Yale Symposium on Music 2009). 50 music educators from across the US got to network, discuss, and dialogue on two important subjects. Of course, I bragged about my students at this prestigious event. And I had my umbrella :)

But coming home from a writing workshop yesterday, the NJ Turnpike was nothing less than a hazy, frightening road. The windshield wipers have been on full blast more times than I can count since the middle of May! The only good coming from this is the brilliance of the flowers, the deep green of the thick forest, and the happy ducks paddling away in the new pond next to my house. Ah, the simple pleasures...

But rainy days are great for curling up with a good book :) And what would an author's blog post be without some shameless promo?

Take a peek at the latest review: Retribution! [The Champion Chronicles: Book One] by M. Flagghttp://longandshortreviews.blogspot.com/2009/06/retribution-champion-chronicles-book.html In case you're wondering, my main character, a pretty hot vampire, will find a few more bumps in the road to redemption in Consequences, Book 2 contracted with The Wild Rose Press.

I'm also delighted to announce that my book's available for purchase at The Fine Grind in Little Falls, NJ Rte. 23 South. This wonderful coffee shop has made me their paranormal author, and on Saturday July 25th, I'll be signing books and chatting with the customers. Please stop by for an outstanding cup of coffee from 10 am till Noon if you can.

Check out http://www.dayanaknight.blogspot.com/ Some wonderful authors will be guest blogging during July. I'll be there on Monday, July 20th.

Oh no. Cloudy again. Anyone for a chorus of "Rain, rain, go away...?"

And if you made it all the way to the end, please leave a comment. I will put all the 'commenters' into a hat to win a free copy of Retribution! to read on a rainy day, of course!

Stay dry! - Mickey
http://www.mflagg-author.com/