Michael Hebler's Blog: and Fan Page - Posts Tagged "publicity"

Though Character biographies are not an original idea, I believe it is underused. We are all looking for a fun, easy, and effective way to market our books. Bios is a simple idea that can be done with no budget and should be fun for the author. Personally, I love adding that extra little bit of background information that would, otherwise, slow the pacing of my story. We've all heard the expression "Kill Your Darlings." Well, creating character bios is a way to bring some of that writing back to life while giving your fans a sneak peek into your next great adventure, as well as attracting new readers. You can also take the bios a step further by attaching a “suggestive” portrait of your character. Either google an image that matches their description, take pictures of your family and friends who might look the part, or if you (or someone you know) can illustrate, have the image drawn. All you need is a platform to post your bios, such as a blog, website, and/or Facebook page. Just remember to keep the biographies simple. You don’t want to give everything away about your characters beforehand.

And who would I be if I didn't follow my own advice: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Books of short stories and anthologies have become increasingly popular as of late. As most anthologies contain multiple authors, there really isn’t much money for the individual author; in fact, much of the revenue is given to charity. But there is a specific reason why authors are compiling their short stories into collections: exposure. Readers receive a sample of your work, which could lead them to some of your bigger, individual, work.

Exposure is marketing, and I can’t think of a cheaper way to receive prime marketing than to be included in an anthology of work, especially if your work can be attached to other authors who carry a following. Most of these collaborations are grouped together within a theme or genre, such as Halloween, weird western, or romance. Also, if you can’t find a project that is excepting entries within your niche, start your own. If you’re an author who is looking to join a publication, chances are you have published already, or have the publishing knowhow. Don’t wait on the sidelines when you can do something about it yourself. There are many authors out there who are waiting to be included. Authors within the same niche should be easy to find.

When creating your anthology, be sure to keep the length of your collection respectable. Do not group only four or five short stories that total 25,000 words in length, or 20 shorts that equal 150,000 words. 60,000 words is a nice fit. You can always do multiple volumes, if warranted. And just as importantly, make sure you have all the details worked out before you start blindly submitting, or rounding up authors yourself, for minimal confusion. This would include each author having their own space for promotion, a firm commitment, details of proceed distribution or donation, or buying an author’s work outright. Do your research. A contract would be highly recommended. There are plenty of sites on the web who specialize in creating dealing with tax forms and money distribution. There will be a charge, but it could be well worth the convenience.

In a lot of today’s book marketing, there are many choices and most of them are digital including social, media, webpage ads, websites, blogs… the list goes on. But once upon a time, there was no “digital.” Traditionally published or self-published, authors promoted by other means of publishing, often guerilla style, which still would be effective in our digital world, and most often cheaper. Here a few ideas of best pre-digital age practices:

Business Cards

An oldie but a goodie, and sometimes a freebie. Many online printing companies are offering free business cards as a loss leader. You should always keep something on your person that is your calling card with some contact details. Ask everyone to leave them on tables in coffee shops, slip them into books at bookstores, drop them on library tables or doctor's waiting rooms, and anyplace else people gather and wait.

Bookmarks

A step above business cards. Though larger and not as easy to carry in bulk, bookmarks are less likely to be tossed inside a desk drawer and forgotten because they are practical and contain all the same information on a business card, plus more. True, many people do not use bookmarks because of digital print, but there many devote paper readers still out there who find these little suckers useful still. Treat these like business cards and place them strategically.

Book Clubs

Book clubs are bigger than ever thanks to sites such as Meetup.com, and it's likely there's one in your neighborhood. Join the group and participate, or just contact the organizer then offer to hand out copies of your book/s along with question guides. Let the organizer know that you're willing to speak with the club and bring the wine or a plate of cookies. When readers are enthusiastic about an author, they'll talk about him, and getting to know them personally is a great way to connect and possibly grow a fan base.

Stickers

A roll of stickers can be made cheaply and they can be very effective. On your sticker, put a picture of your cover with an easy address where they can find it, ie your website, Amazon, Barnes & Noble. Use these stickers in creative spots to get your name in front of people's faces. Paste them on water bottles, hand them out at conventions and other events, and look through your neighborhood and find unique (and legal) places to sticker your environment.