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:

  1. Another suggestion, is to use social networking.

    Allyn

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  2. 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.

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  3. 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!

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  4. 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.

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  5. This sounds like a great idea!

    Shari
    http://sharilyle-soffe.com

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  6. 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

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  7. 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

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  8. Oh, thank you Carolyn!

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

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

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  10. 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/

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  11. 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

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  12. 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.

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