Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Putting the "Motion" in Promotion

As authors, we are faced with the ongoing challenge of promoting our books. Publishers do a lot to help out, true, but the lion's share is left to us. There are a number of methods that can be used in this process, such as blog sites, reviews, interviews, book signings, and social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter.

 A method I have used, in addition to the ones mentioned above, is making a float (that features my latest book) and entering it in local parades. With the help of family members, we decorate our truck with hundreds of pom-poms. A large mock up of the front cover is mounted on the back, and signs are placed on the vehicle's doors, advertising the book signing I hold after the parade.

Throwing candy to the crowd is a local tradition. So as my wife and I drive along the parade route and wave to the cheering crowds, we toss candy to the anxious children, who have come prepared with plastic shopping bags. Invariably, the shopping bags fill to rival the bounty collected on Halloween night.

Making the float is a lot of work, and not that many people see it in comparison to the numbers that can be reached through social media. But it is a lot of fun to drive along the parade route and have people shout and applaud in encouragement. Sometimes I'll hear, "I read your book. Loved it!"

 Putting the "motion" in promotion has been a rewarding experience. But I am always looking for more ways to promote my books. Any suggestions?

5 comments:

Lena Nelson Dooley said...

Darrel, that sounds like a lot of fun. Where did you have the booksigning after the parade?

Beth Shriver said...

Very creative! And fun:)

Darrel Nelson said...

Lena, in my home town of Raymond, I held the book signing in front of the elementary school, where I taught for 25 years. In the other community of Cardston, I held it in the book store that carries my books.

Debby Mayne said...

Darrel, that sounds like a blast!

Jillian Kent said...

The float sounds like fun! You're a creative guy, Darrel. And then having a book signing, unique! And you can never go wrong throwing candy to the crowd. :)