Monday, March 18, 2019

Marketing and the Publisher-Author Relationship


I recently had the Saturday Spotlight Feature at Ellen Jacobson’s site, The Cynical Sailor. If you want to know more about the workings of Dancing Lemur Press, Minions, penguins, and a workaholic publisher, please stop by.

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The subject of marketing as it pertains to the author comes up a lot. Writers question the need for a marketing plan and those publishers and agents who request one. But what they don’t realize is the days of writers hiding away just to write are long over. Authors HAVE to market themselves – and they better be ready to do so.

The latest Independent Book Publishers Association magazine’s feature article was all about the “Collective Engagement” – authors and publishers working together on marketing. How important is it for an author to work with them on promotions? Read this excerpt from that article:


I think there is a lot of wisdom and truth in both statements.

A book has a much better shot at success if the author and publisher work together to promote it. More than just the author doing some appearances and the publisher sending out review copies. They have to work together and match & meld efforts. That means a game plan and communication.

And yes, authors will be expected – required – to market. In the IBPA article, Armida Publications states: “All authors, prior to launch, are required to start focusing more on their social media as well as identifying people willing to assist in our efforts to promote the book.”

REQUIRED.

At Dancing Lemur Press, we work with our authors and prompt them down the promotion path. Depending on their abilities and time available, we map out the best possible way to reach their target readership. We work with them to find more reviewers, set up an online book tour, schedule appearances at libraries, schools, and bookstores, etc. We supply them with marketing materials in the form of files, ads, images, bookmarks, etc. We do our best to ensure they have what they need to effectively market their books. And we try to build that solid relationship with them.

If you are a writer not yet signed, you now know you will have to market – but if you find the right publisher, you will not do it alone. If you are with a publisher or agent, make sure they are also willing to work with you to promote your book(s).

Together you can plan:
• Reviewers and sending out review copies
• Advertising and graphics
• Bookstores, libraries, and schools to target
• Appearances
• Virtual tour
• Media release
• Target websites, magazines, etc.
• And more!


Have you developed a marketing plan? Does your publisher work with you?


This coming weekend - March 22-24, 2019 – FantaSci!
Dancing Lemur Press will be there all weekend with a booth
Location - Hilton Doubletree, RDU, Raleigh, NC
Special guest – author Timothy Zahn
If you live near Raleigh-Durham, come see us!

Tuesday, March 05, 2019

The Insecure Writer's Support Group and Music Boxes


I have the Saturday Spotlight Feature at Ellen Jacobson’s site, The Cynical Sailor. if you want to know more about the workings of Dancing Lemur Press, Minions, and penguins, please stop by.


It’s time for another edition of The Insecure Writer’s Support Group, founded by Ninja Captain, Alex J. Cavanaugh.

I’m posting a day early for a very special reason.

Today’s option question: Whose perspective do you like to write from best, the hero (protagonist) or the villain (antagonist)? And why?

The fiction stories I write are character driven. They are fueled by love and real life, and there aren’t really any defined antagonists. Some minor characters pop up at antagonists, but otherwise the focus is on the protagonist.


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New release from Dancing Lemur Press!

And I am so proud of this author and her outstanding book. She has worked so hard for the book’s success and it has garnered so many incredible reviews. You will be captivated by Lindsey’s story and the secret behind the music boxes.


Music Boxes
By Tonja Drecker

“I only desire your talent...”

Twelve-year-old Lindsey McKay's biggest dream is to be a famous ballerina. But after moving to New York, she ends up at the Community Center with a teacher who’s a burly bear in tights.

When she meets Madame DestinĂ©e, the teacher of a top dance school who offers her classes for free, Lindsey can't believe her luck. In exchange, she must perform in the school’s exclusive midnight shows, ones sure to make her a star. But something’s not right...

One by one, the other dancers disappear. Each time they do, a music box with a figurine just like the missing ballerina joins Madame DestinĂ©e’s growing collection. If Lindsey doesn’t discover the truth about the dance school, she might end up a tiny figurine herself.

Print ISBN 9781939844569 $12.95, 6x9 trade paperback, 158 pages
eBook ISBN 9781939844576 $3.99 EBook available in all formats
Juvenile Fiction: Girls & Women - Fantasy & Magic - Performing Arts/Dance

“A powerful story with a compelling, mystical tale of adventure. 5 stars” – Readers’ Favorite

“Music Boxes is an enduring tale of friendship, magic, and the power of love. The characters are genuine and relatable, and the story is original and imaginative. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. Five stars!” - Tamara Grantham, award-winning author

“Deliciously creepy with a side of sinister, Drecker weaves an enticing story of talent, jealousy, and dark magic.” - Dianne K. Salerni, author of The Eighth Day seriesv
“Before you do anything else, pick up a copy of Tonja Drecker’s MUSIC BOXES. The magical parts are enchanting, the exciting parts heart-pounding, and the poignant moments completely wrenching.” - Ilana Waters, USA Today bestselling author

“An enchanting mystery young readers will enjoy.” – Kids Bookshelf

“…it’s scary, but in a fun Goosebumps way.” – Geek Reads Kids

“I highly recommend this book, and I cannot wait to read it again!” Pages For Thought Reviews

Tonja Drecker is a writer, blogger, children’s book reviewer (Bookworm for Kids) and freelance translator. After spending years in Germany exploring forgotten castles, she currently resides in the Ozarks with her family of six. When she’s not tending her chickens and cows, she’s discovering new adventures, nibbling chocolate and sipping a cup of tea.


If you would like to request your local library to carry a copy, please leave a comment and we’ll send you the information you need. Asking your local library to order a copy is a HUGE deal! And it costs you nothing.