During the past week, after the excitement of my book launch calmed down, the reality of the business side of book marketing took center stage. Because I’m using a print on demand publisher, I am quickly becoming my own marketing manager and public relations specialist, as well as an author.
Thanks to Susan McLennan and Deborah Keegan at Babble On Communications www.babbleoncom.com for their assistance and advice. Susan has given me a crash course in media liaison. Connecting with other authors and marketing specialists through Twitter has led to great tips for the future.
My successful launch resulted in selling out my supply of books (a happy problem), so I spent the next day putting in a new book order. The big challenge was deciding how many books I need to meet the orders I already have plus appearances I expect to make in the near future. Since publisher iUniverse has a November special offer with free mailing, I ordered a large supply.
Feedback from many readers has been excellent. Participation in a forum at the Academy for Lifelong Learning on November 18th led to more orders. Friends and family have been spreading the word, and offering to arrange speaking and signing events in several cities. Next on the agenda is participation at the Toronto Small Press Book Fair Dec. 12 at the Gladstone Hotel on Queen Street West, Toronto.
If some of the other opportunities materialize, my next year will be the year of travel for me.
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