Good news on the book front -- we're almost at proof stage, which is when I'll see a mock up of the book with the words, pictures and maps (provided by my brother) all rolled into one. I'm so excited to get that package in the mail. It's one step closer to seeing this dang thing in print!
In the meantime, though, I've been working on getting the word out about the book. I don't want to do TOO much advance PR, but I'm setting into motion things that could pay off in the long run. To start, I'm reminding my editors when I email them about the book, and about this blog (which is in my email signature). I'm averaging more readers a day here than I ever thought, so thank you again for visiting!
To start, I took Sandra Beckwith's most excellent book PR class. It's online, it's a great value, and it's given me plenty of ideas about how to get this book in the hands of readers.
I've also put together a list of magazines and newspapers that might want to write about me, as well as a list of local radio and TV stations that might want to feature my face or voice. I had a chance to sit in on a day of Preston and Steve (which, if you pay attention to the ends of these posts, is a morning radio show I listen to a lot). My mother wanted to know why I was going if I wasn't promoting the book yet, and I said, well, because I thought it would be cool to meet these guys, and going now will make it that much easier to send out an email when the book comes out to see if they'd like to put me on the air next time.
I'm also talking to some of the presidents of the Chambers of Commerce about what we can do together to get the word out; I'm pitching articles about the area to magazine, and I've been assigned quite a few so far; and I've started planning both my book launch party and a few signings (hint: Collingswood's Second Saturday will be involved). A book website is being designed, and I've started to plan my "blog tour."
But my brain can only storm so much. What do you think I could do to promote the book?
What I'm Listening to: In Our Bedroom After the War by Stars.
What I'm Reading: Oh, the Humanity! by Jason Roeder
3 comments:
Hi Jen,
Your book has so much publicity potential, so I'm really excited that you're putting effort into it. If you wrote just one tip sheet a month offering daily newspapers in neighboring states advice for everything from how to find a great vacation rental when you're planning at the last minute to tracking down the best kid-friendly sites, you'll do really well.
Sandy Beckwith
www.buildbookbuzz.com
http://buildbuzz.blogspot.com
OK Jen, you already know I think too much and my mind is still working on this one. How about sending a copy to Kelly Rippa? She's from NJ and is always holding up gifts she receives -- you might get 5 seconds of air time if you position this as an opportunity for her to call attention to some of the more lovely spots in a rather maligned state.
It's a stretch, but what do you have to lose? Just one book!
Sandy Beckwith
www.buildbookbuzz.com
http://buildbuzz.blogspot.com
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