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bisquit100
Citizen
Username: Bisquit100
Post Number: 32
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Friday, May 30, 2003 - 9:29 am: | 
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I just published a book to great reviews. Alas, I was told it is the worst publishing season in history--even Jane Smiley is having sales problems! I was wondering if there were any writers out there who had guerilla strategies for book selling. It took me five years to write and I really don't want it to fail. Many thanks! |
bookgal
Citizen
Username: Bookgal
Post Number: 360
Registered: 7-2001
| | Posted on Friday, May 30, 2003 - 9:52 am: |
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Is it fiction or nonfiction? We've found that fiction is doing fairly well, nonfiction took more of a hit with scant media coverage unless it was middle east related in someway.
If you are prepared to pay some money to hire an outside publicist you might have some luck but publicity doesn't always translate into sales.
We'd need more specific information about the kind of book. |
bisquit100
Citizen
Username: Bisquit100
Post Number: 33
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Friday, May 30, 2003 - 2:28 pm: |
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It's called Beauty Before Comfort, published by Knopf. It's non-fiction. I've been assigned a publicist by the house but she is the one bearing the bad news. Is there anything I can do independently? |
NCJanow
Citizen
Username: Librarylady
Post Number: 846
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, May 30, 2003 - 3:02 pm: |
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Bisquit..just read the Amazon reviews and it sounds like a wonderful memoir. With raves from the likes of Frank McCourt and James Macbride, it should be a winner.
I'd love to have you come speak at the South Orange Library book review group. Contact me via private line or call the Library 973-762-0230.
NCJ aka LL- Any and all posts are my personal opinions, not as an employee of the South Orange Public Library.
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bisquit100
Citizen
Username: Bisquit100
Post Number: 34
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Friday, May 30, 2003 - 3:38 pm: |
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Thanks! That would be great. I don't know how to "private line" but you can call me at 973-761-6670. Thanks again. |
bookgal
Citizen
Username: Bookgal
Post Number: 361
Registered: 7-2001
| | Posted on Friday, May 30, 2003 - 4:41 pm: |
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It is a tough market especially for this kind of book right now. We had very well known authors turn up for events at prominent bookstores and have only 5 or 6 people turn up. Review coverage is sparse as is off the book page features.
I'd recommend going local..here and wherever you have family. Try to find out about mother/daughter book groups ( though this is usually best for pbs). You need to get your book into every big mouth you know...target everyone you know in a reading group here and in the w.virginia/virginia/D.C area. Write a piece about your family/or women like your grandmother and try to place in a regional newspaper or mag.
Go online and try to publicize in every group you can think of. Did you attend any of the Fall regionals to promote the book? It is very hard to set up yourself ..bookstore visits are a wash but organized talks to community groups might work.
Contact local adult schools/libraries/churches, senior citizen centers with ideas for talks where you can have a local bookstore sell copies of your book. My commiserations...because it is a really tough market. |
bisquit100
Citizen
Username: Bisquit100
Post Number: 35
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Friday, May 30, 2003 - 5:38 pm: |
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Good ideas all. Bookstore visits are a wash, just as you said. Maybe I'll get a second life in paperback. You're obviously in the business. Do we know each other? |
bookgal
Citizen
Username: Bookgal
Post Number: 362
Registered: 7-2001
| | Posted on Friday, May 30, 2003 - 6:14 pm: |
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I don't believe we know each other, although, I firmly believe that the two degrees of separation rule applies in the two towns. I am in the business like quite a few others in town. It really is a tough business climate and a lot of houses have been cutting back as I am sure you've noticed..especially at RH. Good luck |
kmk
Citizen
Username: Kmk
Post Number: 221
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, May 31, 2003 - 8:50 am: |
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We got the hard sell on a book from the author's father at an architectural product trade show. The guy had a captive audience with all of us "conventioneers" streaming through his booth of bath fixtures. We got very little info on the tubs and heard a full 10 minutes on his son's genius.
I have to admit - the kid's book was on the NY Times bestseller list the next week. It was called "The Dante Club" or something like that. |
Phil
Citizen
Username: Barleyrooty
Post Number: 647
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, June 1, 2003 - 2:17 pm: |
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Try reading "The Tipping Point". It covers exactly the type of underground marketing that you seem to be asking about. I think what it would say is: identify gathering places for your target audience, and show up there, but there's a lot more detail. |
Ed May
Citizen
Username: Edmay
Post Number: 1521
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Monday, June 2, 2003 - 1:40 am: |
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Contact Jackie Herships at jherships2@aol.com ~ Jackie started a local group of writers, editors, etc. and we have met twice in S. O. Bet someone in the group could also offer advice
Ed May
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bisquit100
Citizen
Username: Bisquit100
Post Number: 36
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Monday, June 2, 2003 - 8:53 am: |
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You guys rock. Thanks again. |
alison
Citizen
Username: Alison
Post Number: 18
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Monday, June 2, 2003 - 11:10 am: |
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You might want to try to get some media placement. National: Oprah; The View; All Things Considered. Local: Joan Hamburg on WOR; Leonard Lopate on WNYC, etc. are worth trying for....
The book sounds quirky and delightful; good stories about growing up female. Might make good tv or radio.
--and hope your dog has found a great home!
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shestheone
Citizen
Username: Shestheone
Post Number: 1
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 3, 2003 - 12:45 pm: |
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kmk,
Read the book. The kid deserves to be on the Times Best Seller List.
He's got another one planned. Similar concept, not Dante. Stay posted.
shestheone
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