tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post103234155290171169..comments2024-03-18T09:09:59.625-04:00Comments on Janet Reid, Literary Agent: Hiring a publicistJanet Reidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00615380335938685231noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-37791806737033948902017-02-24T08:14:51.552-05:002017-02-24T08:14:51.552-05:00Because MA Hudson asked, there are a couple writer...Because MA Hudson asked, there are a couple writer's newsletters I subscribe to.<br /><br />One is K.M. Weiland. She writes about the books she writes, but she also has some really good writing knowledge she shares in her newsletters. Her newsletter signup is near the bottom of the page here: <a href="https://www.kmweiland.com" rel="nofollow">K.M. Weiland's website</a><br /><br />She's currently giving away an e-book with each newsletter signup - a 'medieval epic'.<br /><br />I also subscribe to a local author's newsletter: Arthur Slade's Somewhat Clever Newsletter. He writes YA specfic and has an odd sense of humour that I think some folks here might share.<br /><br />There's a link to sign up for his newsletter on his home page here: <a href="http://www.arthurslade.com" rel="nofollow">Arthur Slade's website</a>. He's also giving away a free book with newsletter signup.<br /><br />Both have pretty successful newsletters, multiple books out, and a fan base. They have different approaches, so you can see a couple examples of what works.<br /><br />BJ Muntainhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12977414826388000094noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-88851668737630101582017-02-24T02:23:13.123-05:002017-02-24T02:23:13.123-05:00Lennon, what makes your newsletter mailing list so...Lennon, what makes your newsletter mailing list so valuable is it's full of people who are favorably opinionated in your direction. They are your fans and are most likely to buy your books. <br /><br />This is significantly better odds than convincing random strangers to buy your books. (Y'all have bought my books, right? And reviewed them?)<br /><br />These fans of yours are most likely to enjoy your works enough to tell someone else, a someone else who just might be your target audience and likely to buy your book too.<br /><br />Granted, you could get sales from being listed in Fussy Librarian and get reviews from a GoodReads giveaway, but don't forget to market most to your guaranteed captive audience. Her Grace, Heidi, the Duchess of Knealehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17818060864422019573noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-35899654711167179272017-02-23T23:09:59.728-05:002017-02-23T23:09:59.728-05:00Eh, I have a quibble about a newsletter as promoti...Eh, I have a quibble about a newsletter as promotion. It's a cause/effect thing. A newsletter on its own merits is not generally going to be effective promotion. It's more that you've somehow managed to get people excited enough about your writing that they're willing to give you their email address so you can tell them when you have a new book coming out. It is really effing hard to convince strangers to give you that access, especially if you're a debut author. NO ONE wants more email. A lot of writers have switched from sending a true "newsletter" to doing a more succinctly pragmatic (but still entertaining) "new release notification" type of thing. <br /><br />Every once in a while I add a note to a blog post, letting people know that if they want to be notified when I have a new book out, they should sign up for my mailing list. And some people do. But you know what mostly happens? I get new blog followers instead. They (rightly) assume I'll also mention it in a blog post. <br /><br />My advice, for what it's worth (negligible), is to concentrate on showcasing your writing/voice and getting people excited about the possibility of novel-length fiction from you. And start now, because it takes approximately forever to escape the echoing maw of obscurity.<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-24148118303801945672017-02-23T20:51:00.366-05:002017-02-23T20:51:00.366-05:00My. God. An author is seriously considering spendi...My. God. An author is seriously considering spending $15k of their own cash to supplement their publishing house's marketing team? When the publishing house is going to reap most of the royalties? What is this madness? Why should the author have to shoulder such a massive financial risk?<br /><br />By hiring independent contractors, you can produce a book as professional as a traditional publisher for a tenth of that budget. You can also spend a fraction of the budget on digital marketing targeted at people who read that genre, instead of a broad publicity campaign.<br /><br />Props to Janet for the suggestion about learning to self promote though. I've worked in PR, and I honestly believe most PR consultants' biggest job is to convince people that other people couldn't do it. As Janet said, you can learn to do most yourself. If you can write a book, you can grapple with simple self promotion. Alexhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00167224971685011247noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-49793418552214769072017-02-23T20:48:39.557-05:002017-02-23T20:48:39.557-05:00All right, Colin, I'll try it.All right, <b>Colin</b>, I'll try it. Lennon Farishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03570629350169504234noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-68011604402321422392017-02-23T20:21:08.274-05:002017-02-23T20:21:08.274-05:00Colin - thanks for the link to Jeff Somers' ne...Colin - thanks for the link to Jeff Somers' newsletter. I was about to ask if anyone knew of any good ones (apart from Donna's, of course. Already subscribed to that one!).MA Hudsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11055543285024785889noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-35999808209950836542017-02-23T19:49:53.599-05:002017-02-23T19:49:53.599-05:00Very reassuring comment. I learned the hard way th...Very reassuring comment. I learned the hard way that you have to be ultra conservative spending money in business or you will soon be out of business. I still have un-healed third degree burns to prove it. To anyone reading this post, Ms. Reid’s advice is gold. But then some things never changeSteve Stubbshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13421775912951050610noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-57666494074203844882017-02-23T19:22:38.852-05:002017-02-23T19:22:38.852-05:00Amy, ain't it sweet when the books go back up ...Amy, ain't it sweet when the books go back up on the shelves. It's home when the words return.Carolynnwith2Nshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18394998702410764388noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-37746492145449362482017-02-23T18:43:24.332-05:002017-02-23T18:43:24.332-05:00Dashing through because I've been babysitting ...Dashing through because I've been babysitting all day and we have a snowstorm hitting tomorrow. I forgot I set out something to rise before I left this morning so it's in the oven now before I got shopping. <br /><br />Anyway, I got some editing done, yay me. Some new words. Yay, me. <br /><br />And I did a bit of pondering. I'm always looking for ways to improve my writing, so I took an Outlander book with me to study while I was with the munchkin. I also studied a bit of Ambrose Bierce.<br /><br />It's good to not only read and enjoy, but watch the way people put things together.<br /><br />Years ago I bought a potty chair for my oldest son that played music when a child tinkled. He loved it. I thought, it was going to be a snap to train him. Ever time I turned around I could hear music in the bathroom. Too much music. He was dipping water out of the toilet to put in the potty. Then it went to no music. He had toddled into the utility room and robbed his daddy's tool box and was taking the music box apart to see what made it work.<br /><br />No surprise that he's a master mechanic today. When I jokingly say I'm going to pen in an agent must take my first born they might actually want him. He does, after all, build race cars in his spare time. vroom vroom.<br /><br />Anyway, we must all keep learning. We are never done. Whether it's learning our craft, marketing, socializing, networking, whatever. We must keep moving forward lest we stagnate.<br /><br />"The education of a man is never completed until he dies." Robert E. Lee Julie Weathershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13725236516593676381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-31049552414719467272017-02-23T18:42:09.354-05:002017-02-23T18:42:09.354-05:00Lennon: You write a blog--I don't see much dif...<b>Lennon</b>: You write <a href="http://www.lennonfaris.com/blog.html" rel="nofollow">a blog</a>--I don't see much difference. Perhaps just a little more focused in terms of audience? If you want an example of a newsletter you'll look forward to, subscribe to <a href="http://www.jeffreysomers.com/#newsletter" rel="nofollow">Jeff Somers' Awe-Inspiring Newsletter</a>. :)Colin Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03292997431935215499noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-57440227772477727682017-02-23T18:37:20.811-05:002017-02-23T18:37:20.811-05:00Thanks, Colin and BJ. Maybe the real dilemma is t...Thanks, <b>Colin</b> and <b>BJ</b>. Maybe the real dilemma is that I am not a newsletter person. Guess I'll have to do some serious creative thinking there to circumvent that. Lennon Farishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03570629350169504234noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-11629913086858553852017-02-23T18:07:05.810-05:002017-02-23T18:07:05.810-05:00Lennon: The thing about a newsletter is that peopl...Lennon: The thing about a newsletter is that people HAVE signed up for it. Those are the people who are interested enough to want to see more. <br /><br />Most publicity is of the 'broadcast' type: you're broadcasting your message across various platforms, hoping it will land in someone's mind and take root. This is what we think of when we think of publicity, because it's ingrained in us through television ads, magazine ads, billboards, etc. Put it out there so everyone can see it!<br /><br />A newsletter is more targeted. It's targeted to people who are already interested. <br /><br />Have you noticed how many companies now have e-mailed newsletters? People sign up for special promotions, and the company reminds each person weekly or monthly that the person likes them. "Where should we go out to eat tonight?" someone asks, then checks their e-mails. "Oh look. A coupon from MyFave Restaurant. We liked it there last time. Let's go there."<br /><br />A newsletter is advertising that people WANT to see. They've opted into your target zone. Rather than broadcast seeds, these are seedsa that have been planted and are being carefully tended by the author.BJ Muntainhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12977414826388000094noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-60409627680521544782017-02-23T17:47:37.252-05:002017-02-23T17:47:37.252-05:00Kaitlyn: Is your debut available for pre-order yet...<b>Kaitlyn</b>: Is your debut available for pre-order yet? If not, let us know when it is so I can add it to our <a href="http://www.colindsmith.com/TreasureChest/published_works_of_blog_readers.html" rel="nofollow">list of blog readers' published works</a>. It's almost as good as a bookmark! :)Colin Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03292997431935215499noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-82619762098318673322017-02-23T17:32:57.835-05:002017-02-23T17:32:57.835-05:00Based on my book buying habits I can attest that n...Based on my book buying habits I can attest that newsletters work - for authors I already read. I sign up to their newsletters because I like their work and when they have a new release I add it to my TBB (to be bought) list.<br /><br />All well and good when you have a book that already has readers, but what about your debut book - how do you get a newsletter mailing list for that? Or do newsletters really come into their own after that first book?AJ Blythehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04529233142099749005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-50771163495849965532017-02-23T17:10:39.670-05:002017-02-23T17:10:39.670-05:00I've been thinking a lot about this particular...I've been thinking a lot about this particular question as I stare down the 12 months before my debut hits shelves. (fingers crossed because in this industry you really never know.<br /><br />15K to me, seems like an awfully hefty sum. I'm sure the writer has talked to their editor and has an idea of the publisher's marketing plan and feels like something additional is needed, but if not, do that!<br /><br />It's my thinking that a publicist can do two things: open doors and save the writer time. But I also kind of think that, given enough persistence and time, those are things the writer can do for him/herself.<br /><br />For example, it's possible that a publicist can get a book reviewed on a well-read blogger's site, but could the writer reach out to those bloggers themselves with some success? Maybe! Also, re: setting up a book tour, I'd imagine that if the writer wanted to set up a small regional book tour, all it would take would be some time and legwork (and a lot of advanced planning) to talk to the marketing teams at indie stores to set up readings/signings.<br /><br />Thoughts?Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14516781355078281506noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-64956967227002407422017-02-23T15:27:45.723-05:002017-02-23T15:27:45.723-05:00There was something else I wanted to say about new...There was something else I wanted to say about newsletters... sorry, I don't want to dominate, but since it's so quiet...<br /><br /><b>Lennon</b>: You said (and I quote), "<i>And a newsletter only reaches people who sign up for it, so people who know you in some fashion.</i>"<br /><br />Not necessarily. Yes, the first audience for your newsletter will be those who already know you, either personally, or through your social media (where, of course, you have ads for your book, and a link to sign up for your newsletter). But don't forget that your social media friends will, hopefully, tell their friends and social media circles about your book, and share that link to your newsletter sign-up. But you'll also have that link printed on your bookmarks and business cards that you take with you to conferences, bookstores, restaurants, baby showers, family reunions, etc. So you don't know how many people may end up subscribing!Colin Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03292997431935215499noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-22770053567238219622017-02-23T14:33:18.426-05:002017-02-23T14:33:18.426-05:00Oh... I forgot to add:
Twitter: Come here if you ...Oh... I forgot to add:<br /><br /><b>Twitter</b>: Come here if you want to hate on me because you hate my books/I'm too successful/I'm not successful/I'm too old/I have a funny accent/I have a Twitter account... ;)Colin Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03292997431935215499noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-19800377314288793892017-02-23T14:20:46.289-05:002017-02-23T14:20:46.289-05:00Lennon: I've thought about the whole newslette...<b>Lennon</b>: I've thought about the whole newsletter thing, and here's my thinking (bearing in mind, my opinions are no more valid--and possibly less valid--than others given I'm still unpublished and without newsletter). This is how I would distinguish between a website, a blog, and a newsletter:<br /><br /><b>Website</b>: Largely devoted to my published books and listings of tour dates, publication dates, blurbs, reviews, etc. You come here if you want quick info on what I've written, when the next book's coming out, what people have said, and where you can find me.<br /><br /><b>Blog</b>: Me as a person: writer, theologian, musician, Whovian, parent, and occasional travelog-er. You come here if you want to get to know me better, and perhaps read my thoughts on a variety of things, not just writing and publishing.<br /><br /><b>Newsletter</b>: Primarily what's going on with me as a writer. You get this if you want updates on how the next book's coming along, sneak peeks at forthcoming work, things that inspire my writing, book recommendations, and also things you'll find on the website (pub dates, tour dates, etc.).<br /><br />Is that how others see the distinctions?Colin Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03292997431935215499noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-2366088872507170402017-02-23T14:10:00.470-05:002017-02-23T14:10:00.470-05:00Elise: Bwaahaaahaaa!!! Curse her Sharkly entrails....<b>Elise</b>: Bwaahaaahaaa!!! <i>Curse her Sharkly entrails...</i> ;)Colin Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03292997431935215499noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-7017968298514062202017-02-23T14:09:19.677-05:002017-02-23T14:09:19.677-05:00*Gives Barbara a gold star*
Beth: I meant to comm...*Gives <b>Barbara</b> a gold star*<br /><br /><b>Beth</b>: I meant to comment on your question: <i>Are y'all more likely to read a book a blogger reviewed positively?</i><br /><br />It depends.<br /><br />* Do I know the reviewer? If we have similar taste in books, I'll pay closer attention.<br />* Does the review tell me enough about the book so I can evaluate whether I want to just read it, or own it?<br />* Is this a particular type of book I'm looking for, reviewed by someone who knows the category well? (e.g., if Janet recommends a book on editing, publicity, or publishing, then that's a golden review).<br /><br />There are probably other factors, but those are some key ones that come into play.Colin Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03292997431935215499noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-65891067923464779522017-02-23T13:40:50.900-05:002017-02-23T13:40:50.900-05:00Very useful information. Thanks, Janet!
Although...Very useful information. Thanks, Janet!<br /><br />Although, I am surprised to hear a newsletter is the most effective for promoting your book. I see authors offering that and I wonder what in the world they can talk about so much that merits an entire newsletter. I like a book or I don't. I read it and go on or put it down and go on. And a newsletter only reaches people who sign up for it, so people who know you in some fashion. Am I totally missing something? <br /><br /><b>EM</b> I feel for you. My last WIP I (majorly) changed my first pages at least half a dozen times. It's a frustrating feeling. <br /><br />Lennon Farishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03570629350169504234noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-49392863089076584042017-02-23T13:12:39.126-05:002017-02-23T13:12:39.126-05:00Barbara Thanks. That is what I thought might, mayb...<b>Barbara</b> Thanks. That is what I thought might, maybe could be the case with reviews. Of course, if I can get our <b>Colin</b> to do a review, well that's better than the New York Times. Right?<br /><br />Or not. But like <b>John</b> rather soberly reminds us, first must finish. And I was close but last night, I introduced a 3rd possibility for a first chapter. Those first pages ...ugh. One step forward. Two steps back. <br /><br />I blame <b>Colin</b> for introducing that alternative version of Let It Be that kept ringing in my ears all night. E.M. Goldsmithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18387494005655553037noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-4714765780785256352017-02-23T12:53:57.600-05:002017-02-23T12:53:57.600-05:00Waving my hand in the air because I think I know a...Waving my hand in the air because I think I know an answer...<br /><br /><b>E.M. Goldsmith</b>, when I worked for a Canadian publisher back in the Cretaceous Age, the publisher's publicity department sent review copies or ARCs of all our books to the major reviewers. It was up to the journal or newspaper whether or not to review a book.Barbara Etlinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07190731838738606727noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-3871439848341268242017-02-23T12:24:28.984-05:002017-02-23T12:24:28.984-05:00A friend of mine is at the beginning of a "la...A friend of mine is at the beginning of a "launch tour" for her debut novel. She has events booked at Indie stores all across the south. She recently invited me to attend her signing at Malaprops in Asheville, NC., with the intention of promoting our work here at the sanctuary. A portion of every book sold that evening will go to Proud Spirit. At one point in the discussion of the details, she said, "Let me run this by my publicist." I didn't realize she had one. While I understand the purpose of a publicist, I asked what motivated her, personally, to hire one. She's with a small publisher who doesn't have the resources for publicity. And, she essentially said she's going to do what it takes to ensure her book is a success.<br /><br />As we each make the trek to publication station <b>(Ha! I love that, 2Ns)</b> our journey will be personal and individual. Certain steps that are feasible for some, won't be for others. For instance, as a result of hiring a publicist, my friend is going to be on the road for two months. I would never have that luxury.<br /><br />It's good to keep educating yourself. But, as others have said, right now I'm not going to worry about publicity. I'm going to concentrate on finding a home for the two mss that are complete and finishing my WIP. ONWARD! Melanie Sue Bowleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11820711791019410116noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-73148252463724697312017-02-23T12:10:36.998-05:002017-02-23T12:10:36.998-05:00I think I might enjoy publicity as much as the wri...I think I might enjoy publicity as much as the writing, but first one must follow Neil Gaiman's well-spoken advice: Finish. (He never said how many times you have to finish before you're <i>finished</i>, but I suspect it's like that old commercial about how many licks it takes to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop.)John Davis Frainhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18020019400599228492noreply@blogger.com