Book Marketing Buzz Guest Author Michael Simon: Marketing THE LAST JEW STANDING
Posted by pumpupyourbookpromotion on November 9, 2007
When my first book was released, my publishers told me I needed a web site, and that I was responsible for it. I could barely find a web site, let alone create one. Little did I know that was only the first in what would be an endless series of tasks in the great arc of shameless self-promotion.
It’s part of the American dream to think that if you struggle towards a goal, one day you’ll reach it and it’ll be smooth sailing from there on in. For authors, the morning-after pain often involves the realization that you are the person most responsible for your own publicity, and “shameless” is what your self-promotion needs to be. It’s not about ego, it’s about survival.
My web site led to a mailing list, people who got periodic emails announcing my publications and readings and other events. Following that, I began to send mailings to mystery and other independent bookstores around the country, alerting them to the wonders of my fiction. I have sucked up to unsuspecting journalists at cocktail parties and family reunions. And not even for my own family. I have introduced myself to authors of great fame and confidently asked if they’d blurb my new book.
Since my recent book, The Last Jew Standing, has a Jewish theme, I targeted all Jewish press venues I could find, online and on paper. I emailed every Jewish Community Center in the country, offering to do readings.
Finally, I hired a company to organize a blog tour, whatever that is. I’ll let you know how it goes.
Michael Simon is the author of THE LAST JEW STANDING (Viking, Aug. ‘07). You can visit his website at www.michaelsimon.info.
Tags: Pump Up Your Book Promotion Virtual Book Tours, online book promotion, author publicity, virtual book tour, book promotion, Michael Simon, The Last Jew Standing, crime thriller, detective, mystery
Maureen said
I love your idea about targeting the Jewish community. That is thinking outside the box. Hopefully, sales will surge after your blog tour. After all, Christmas is just around the corner.
Maureen
Sheila said
“It’s not about ego, it’s about survival.”
That is brilliant. And good for all of us as authors to remember. We have something worth sharing, something people will enjoy. Why is it often so hard for us to toot our own horn? And tell, me Michael, do you enjoy the aspects of book promotion? Some authors do and I’m wondering if you are one of them.
Dyan Garris said
Well, now that all of us on the blog tour know what it is, do you like it? In your opinion has it been effective? Have you made any sales directly from the virtual book tour promotion?
Thanks.
Dyan
pumpupyourbookpromotion said
Good question, Dyan…I think that’s the first thing we all want to know…anyone have any new sales to report?
resouces stuff said
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