More Postcard Promotion the Jennifer Chiaverini Way

Jennifer Chiaverini is promoting her next book, Sonoma Rose, with her "postcard and pin pal" technique.  I participated in the promotion for her last book, but didn't hear about this one until after her quota of readers signed up.

For distributing the postcards Jennifer sends them, each volunteer receives a limited edition Sonoma Rose pin.  This certainly is a fun way to promote...for the author and the volunteers.

Jennifer is author of the Elm Creek Quilts series.

Do you promote with postcards?  Do you have any interesting techniques for distributing them?

Sign Up for My Mailing List (E-Mail and/or Postal)

Would you like to be on my mailing list (e-mail and/or postal) and receive updates about my writing projects, books, workshops, etc.?  More and more authors utilize these methods, as well as FaceBook and Twitter, to let their readers and followers keep up to date with what we're doing.

If you'd like to be included, leave your e-mail in the comments section below.  I'll touch bases with you and you can let me know if you'd like to send your postal mailing address via e-mail. 

I currently have copies of my children's anthology, Tales of Adventure & Discovery, available for Christmas gift giving.

We're in the midst of sorting out the Christmas decorations and tree ornaments.  I've been wrapping gifts that must be mailed a distance.

(Just a note:  My mailing lists aren't shared with anyone else.)

Promoting Your Book with Ideas from The Frugal Book Promoter

Promotion...promotion...promotion.  How to do it without a great deal of expense confronts most authors.  Generally the object is to sell your books and make money from them.  (Although there are a few authors write books for family use or as promotion pieces themselves.)

The Frugal Book Promoter, by Carolyn Howard-Johnson gives authors a multitude of methods for promoting their books the "frugal" way.  "How to get nearly free publicity on your own or by partnering with your publisher" is Carolyn's subtitle in this second edition, which she has updated and expanded by more than 100 pages.

In this electronic age, there are new methods of promotion continually available, and Carolyn, an award-winning author and marketer, is aware of them.  The book is only one in her "How to do it Frugally Series."

I'm also excited that I'm featured in this edition, with mention, on page 218, of my participation in a promotion technique. 

Have fun learning how YOU can promote your books without a great deal of expense.

Using a Blog to Promote Your Book

Getting the word out about your upcoming book becomes an important aspect of sales.  Your ability to do this is important when you offer a book to a publisher or promote your own self-published one.  In fact, most publishers these days look for your information about your ability to promote when you send them a proposal.

Starting a blog about your book has become very popular.  The time to start it is long before the book is published.  In fact, many authors use a blog to talk about their book before it's submitted to a publisher or they have it in print or e-book form.

However, when doing this, make sure it's a book whose idea can't be stolen.  Give out hints, but not the unique aspects.  Develop curiosity and interest, but retain the details.

I'm developing a blog, Plymouth, NH...250th Anniversary, for my upcoming book, Plymouth of Yesteryear, a compilation of my previously published columns and articles (of which I've retained the rights) for newspapers and magazines about the history of the Plymouth, NH area.  I've pondered on this idea for quite some time but never got the wheels in motion.  Yes, I did approach a regional publisher, only to have him tell me he didn't think there was wide enough readership for it to be worthwhile for him.

In 2012, Plymouth, the town where I live, will be celebrating it's 250th anniversary.  This seems to be the appropriate time for publication.  Also, I've decided upon self-publication. (I've done this before with a children's anthology of my previously published stories.)  It seems practical since a local printer, who helped me with the other book, has print on demand capabilities.  Thus, I don't have to contract for multiple copies and put out extensive funds.

I can promote the book along with activities and events sponsored by the local historical society.  I can give talks to local groups.  I can hold book signings at local bookstores and other places of business.  I can provide workshops on history and writing.

I'm starting with my blog to begin promotion and for referring interested parties.  They can watch the progress of my book.  Also, I can begin to take pre-orders.

So...think about using your blog or setting up one to begin promotion of your book, too.  Many well-known authors have used this technique.

Creating a Book Sales Site

In addition to writing and selling my own books, I've developed a book sales site, Mary Emma's Book Buzz Biz, where I'll mention books I have on hand for sale.

During yard sale season in NH, my family and I sort through the various books we've accumulated, fiction and non-fiction, for adults and children, and offer them to our visitors.  Books have been one of the high points of our sales.  Some people come each year to see what we have new in the way of books.

Now that it's too cold and snowy for yard sales, we turn to web sites and blogs.  A friend of mine has turned children's book sales into a business, particularly between Thanksgiving and Christmas, offering books on Amazon and e-bay.

Why not a blog or web site where you can mention your books?  Those you've written and those you may have accumulated for your reading and research but no longer have space to store.

Illustrating my 250th Anniversary Book

I'm working on some illustrations for my 250th anniversary book about Plymouth, NH.  I'm also looking to find the negatives for photos I took when writing the original newspaper columns and magazine articles. 

I've discovered, the more I do it, the more I enjoy sketching for my books.

Plymouth, NH's 250th Anniversary

My latest book project, which will connect with some of my other writing projects in progress, is to compile my many newspaper columns featuring the history of the town where I live, Plymouth, NH.  The 250th anniversary of the town will be celebrated throughout 2012.

Over the years, I've written about the history of New Hampshire and Plymouth for newspapers and magazines.  Why not compile some of these into book form and use my illustrations and photos to accompany the articles/chapters?

I've started a blog to keep readers updated about this project, Plymouth, NH's 250th Anniversary.  Check it out periodically for my current status.

Family Story & Civil War Workshop

I held my Family Story & Civil War Workshop a few days ago. Had a fun time, but it's good I'm flexible and have had lots of experience with different types of writing.


Those attending were interested in writing poetry and stories for children, not so much based on family stories and Civil War research. Since I've written and been published in both these areas, I brought them information in their fields while I also taught them how to incorporate family and personal experiences into mix.

Also, as I showed them how I used some of my Civil War research for this type of writing, perhaps I also gave them ideas for research in case they developed "writer's block" with what they were doing.

Teaching writing workshops of any type is enjoyable for me. I like to inspire and encourage other writers. In the midst of doing this, I often find inspiration myself.