Thursday, January 29, 2009

Helping an Author

Chester Campbell had a great post today on what people can do to help an author:

http://chestercampbell.blogspot.com/2009/01/10-things-you-can-do-to-help-local.html
(And Ginger told me how to make a link that would open another window, but I have tried it five different ways to no avail - sorry!)

It had some great ideas! I suggested another one, which is offering to give bookmarks to family, friends & co-workers. It's a great way to spread the word! Currently I am offering bookmarks of my two upcoming releases to my fans. Those who request a stack of either (or both) also have a chance to win a free book of their choice. I posted the offer at my site, The Circle of Friends, and sent out a notice. Plus I posted at Deviant Art, FaceBook and MySpace. Another author and I are even exchanging bookmarks! What a fabulous, win-win situation for all involved.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Another suggestion, is to use social networking.

Allyn

Prill Boyle said...

First of all, you'll be happy to know that the link worked.

Second, these are such great, generous-hearted suggestions. Allyn's idea to use social networking (a shout-out on Facebook to celebrate a new author, etc.) is a good one too.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Well, Ginger had showed me how to add html code to make the link open up in a new window - but I couldn't get it to work!

I think we should all shout out some other ideas here and compose a top 11-20 list add-on!

Anonymous said...

Don't forget book bloggers. My audience spans the globe. Most book bloggers are the same. Many will announce book signings and tour schedules if you ask them. In fact I suspect most will be thanking you for asking them.

Shari Lyle-Soffe said...

This sounds like a great idea!

Shari
http://sharilyle-soffe.com

Anonymous said...

There's a simple way to do the "new window" thing - I put a tutorial in the blogbooktours files section a long time ago. Look it up and if you still have trouble I'd be glad to walk you thru it - just email me. marvwilson2010@gmail.com

Carolyn Howard-Johnson said...

I love, love, love anything cross promotional. Sure, I'll find things to do with a stack of your bookmarks! (-: I think you know my e-mail address by now. I'm such a big fan.

Best,
Carolyn Howard-Johnson
Blogging at Writer's Digest 101 Best Website, www.Sharingwithwriters.blogspot.com

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Oh, thank you Carolyn!

And thank you, Marvin - I will try to figure this out!

Anonymous said...

Great article and advice. I'm taking notes as I prepare for my first book. ;-)

Jane Kennedy Sutton said...

To you, Chester and all those that have left their ideas in the comment section - THANKS. These are some super suggestions. Wish I could think of another to keep the list growing.

Jane Kennedy Sutton
http://janekennedysutton.blogspot.com/

Morgan Mandel said...

Giving Amazon reviews for those an Amazon is a nice gesture. Don't do it if you don't like the book, though.

Morgan Mandel
http://morganmandel.blogspot.com

Katie Hines said...

Bookmarks are a great idea. I've thought of doing that when my book is a little closer to being released. I can hardly wait! I think I'm going to go ahead and order some now, so that I'll have them ready to go in say, April.