Entry #4

So I recently joined the Arizona Authors Association and, on June 21st, attended my first seminar, "How to Be an Author Success Story." Several self-published authors talked about their experiences in the book biz and shared some marketing tips. But the best part was socializing with other writers after the presentations. I felt much like I did when I got involved with the hiking community -- like I belonged. Connections. Common passions. Membership in the AZ Authors Association not only gives me the chance to interact with other writers, but also opens up book marketing opportunities, including panel discussions and book signings at area Barnes & Noble stores.

I tell ya, though, I'm on overload right now. I'm about to leave for a month-long hike and have so much book stuff to do, among other things. I've been putting together a list of potential reviewers -- some longshots, like the NY Times and Publishers Weekly (which have a strong bias towards large publishers) and some, like freelancers and literary magazines, that I think I have a decent chance with. I'm also trying to find out who the current book review editors are and confirm the addresses. I was hoping to finish all that before I left, but it looks like I'll have plenty more to do when I get home.

I've also been sending out book review queries by e-mail, getting responses from some. I've eliminated a few that way, because they've said they either don't review fiction anymore, or the literary magazine no longer exists. So I've saved myself some books. (With Gardenia Press, it's up to the author to send out advance review copies. I receive 20 free copies for promotional purposes and can purchase additional copies of my book at approximately 40% of the cover price.)I've also gotten some positive responses from reviewers, including USA Today and The Boox Review. That doesn't guarantee a review, let alone a good one, but the interest is there at least. From a few reviewers, I've gotten a firm yes, including my alma mater's alumni magazine, and Joe Bob Briggs at www.joebobbriggs.com. I'm also querying editors at a number of newspapers around the country. So far, no responses from those, but I'll send some advance copies anyway. No response doesn't necessarily mean no review. I just wanted to see what would happen. E-mails are easy, fast and cost nothing, of course. Might as well try. Maybe someone will recognize the name of the book when it passes across his or her desk, and give it look. Or maybe not.

I'm also waiting for my galley to proof. I was hoping to get that before leaving for the hike, so as not to hold things up another month. I'm nervous about it, wondering if a copy editor will have changed my words. Laura and I went over everything, many things more than once, some things ad nauseum. I don't want somebody else second-guessing our work. My work. I mean, I know I've broken some "rules." For instance, in I. Joseph Kellerman there are a couple of recurring sound effects. "That's for kids' books," someone at my publisher's office said. Yeah, well, I have reasons for including them, was aware of what I was doing when I included them, and feel strongly that they work in the context of my novel. As does my editor. So don't change them! I'll have a hissy if I open the galley and see someone else's words. But think positive, Deb. Be optimistic.

Um ... okay.

Having a book published is both exciting and frustrating. It's also a lesson in patience. I'm not the only author my publisher is dealing with, of course. Far from it these days, as Gardenia Press accepts more manuscripts all the time. Good for them, I suppose, but sometimes not so great for me. So I continue to politely nudge things along, trying not to go overboard with the opposite result.

Marketing a book is as much about timing as anything else -- sending out review copies, for one thing, far enough in advance of the publication date to satisfy submission requirements. That can mean as much as four months before release of the book to the distributors that supply bookstores, both online and brick-and-mortar, and libraries. If a reviewer with a specific time-frame receives a book too close to its release, let alone afterwards, into the slush pile it goes. What happens to all those books then? Not sure. But the authors and publishers sure don't get them back.

So are reviews really all that important? Well, some people think so, others don't. But a decent review from an influencial source can really boost sales. In 1001 Ways to Market Your Book, John Kremer gives a number of examples of authors who've enjoyed a big jump in book orders after a single favorable review. So I'd rather have my book's release put off for a while and try for some pre-publication reviews.

And, yes, many magazines and e-zines, as well as newspapers, will review a book after publication. So that part of the process doesn't have to end when the book is released. I'm putting together a list of some of those publications as well.

You know, maybe it's a good thing I'll be hiking for a month. My publisher will get a break from my "nudging," and I might actually think about something else for a while. Maybe I'll even come up with some new material to write about! I haven't done enough of that lately.

--Deb