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:
Darrel, that sounds like a lot of fun. Where did you have the booksigning after the parade?
Very creative! And fun:)
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.
Darrel, that sounds like a blast!
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. :)
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