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.