Writing and Publishing News from

The Internet is a wonderful resource and research tool. However, isn’t it frustrating to find so many outdated listings? I’ve even received a few very old listings in my Google alerts, lately—one of them, a comment posted in 2006. What’s up with that?

We’ve been told that what goes on the Web stays on the Web and can haunt you forever. Gosh, maybe this is true. And some of that old stuff can sure get in the way of your research attempts when you’re seeking current information. The old stuff can really clog the system and slow your research efforts down considerably.

As you know, I’ve been in promotion mode with my latest book, Catscapades, True Cat Tales. Since it is a book of a very different color than those I’ve been promoting for many years, I’ve had to seek out new opportunities and venues. Last week, I found two lists of around 150 or more cat-related gift shops throughout the U.S. I spent hours checking out each listing to make sure the shop was still in business and that the address was current. Most were not. I started out attempting to use their email addresses—most of them bounced. I then checked websites for better email addresses—most were no longer operating. So I checked address books online and ended up with about 40 that are either good or possibly good.

Yesterday, I finally finished the process. I now have around 40 letters with promo material going out to proprietors of these shops asking if they would be interested in carrying my new book of cat stories.

I’m continuing to request book reviews and have sent out nearly 20 books for review so far—these have all been requested. This morning, I received a review copy request from a well-known pet magazine. Cross fingers!

Today, I will be devising press releases announcing my upcoming book signing.

I have a long list of other promotional activities to pursue, each of which will most likely take a week or longer. Again, I am reminded how much time and effort is involved in book promotion. I wish I had a staff working here with me every day from 8 to 5. And this is something I may just consider. Is there anyone out there who would like to be paid to help me promote this book? And you don’t have to come here—you can work from home.

Preferably, this would be someone who has been involved in book promotion at some level or who has a deep understanding of the process of promotion. It should be someone who understands the pet business and who is accustomed to researching down to the tiniest detail in order to locate the most pertinent information and resources. If this describes you and you’d like to earn a little cash helping me promote my cat stories book, contact me: PLFry620@yahoo.com with your qualifications, former experiences and promotional/pet interests.

It occurs to me that those who can excel at promoting their own book are those without a life or who put their former life on hold while they spend a year or so involved in book promotion. Does this sound about right to those of you who are in book promotion mode?

Check out my Catscapades blog this morning. I added a new post and photos yesterday. http://www.matilijapress.com/catscapades

And don’t forget to check out my wide array of books and ebooks designed to help you write, publish and promote your book. See them here: http://www.matilijapress.com

Here’s a list of my best books for writers and authors

The Successful Author’s Handbook (NEW) (ebook)
The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book (Highly recommended)
How to Write a Successful Book Proposal
The Author’s Repair Kit ( a one-of-a-kind book for authors of faltering books) (ebook)
A Writer’s Guide to Magazine Articles
Over 75 Good Ideas for Promoting Your Book

http://www.matilijapress.com

Some of you are finding the blow-by-blow report of my book promotion activities interesting. For those of you who don’t know, I am in the early stages of promoting my newest book, Catscapades, True Cat Tales. http://www.matilijapress.com/catscapades.html

One thing I preach and teach students and clients is to get plenty of book reviews in appropriate publications and at appropriate sites. I’ve been spending my time seeking out potential reviewers of cat books. I have avoided contacting book review sites. Why? Because a review for a book like mine at one of these sites would probably go unnoticed. The audience for a general book review site most likely includes people who read novels or an interesting memoir, perhaps. Someone who is seeking out a book of cat stories, a business book or a how-to crafts book would be more inclined to search specific sites and publications—related to cats, business or crafts, for example.

I’ve sent out 17 review copies so far. I actually could have distributed dozens more review copies, if I’d just sent books out randomly to every address I found for a cat-related site, publication, pet store, etc. But I would rather make sure that the store or site owner or magazine/newsletter/ezine editor is interested. So the 17 review copies I’ve sent are going to individuals who have expressed an interest in reviewing or carrying Catscapades, True Cat Tales.

I was disappointed to discover that some of the great directories I located are sorely outdated. After studying one directory of around 90 online pet stores and sites, I discovered that 23 of them were no longer in business, emails to another 27 of them bounced and 20 of them were not appropriate matches for my book. I am currently preparing to send letters by mail to those whose email addresses bounced and for whom I have addresses. While I expect to get quite a few bad address returns on these, I might also discover some worthwhile opportunities among them. A few excellent reviews in well-read pet magazines or placement in a couple of busy pet stores would be a nice reward for my efforts.

Book promotion is more time-consuming and tedious than I remembered. Let me back up the truck here for a second. I am in constant book promotion mode, as you should be if you are the author of one or more books. But that initial, out-of-the-chute promotion is quite different than ongoing book promotion. It is more intense. If it is a book of a different color—dissimilar to the books you are accustomed to promoting—you must spend a lot of time reinventing the wheel that will fit that particular book. It can get a bit overwhelming and intimidating as you weed through the enormous array of superfluous material to discover those gems that could result in book sales.

I have been working for over a month on promoting this book and I have not even scratched the tip of the iceberg. But I have a marketing plan which includes book signings (one scheduled so far), book festivals (4 coming up this year) and my book has been accepted to be included in one online pet site, so far. Hopefully, several positive reviews will be forthcoming, my book will be accepted to more appropriate sites and orders will start rolling in. My initial order of books from the printer is minimal and I hope to experience enough volume to go into a second printing by February or March of 2011.

Are you promoting a new book? How’s it going? What are you doing to get word out about your book? We’d like to hear about your process of promotion. It’s an ongoing learning process.

Also, I’m interested in your leads. One reader already sent me the name of a potential outlet for my books in Arizona. Come on, I know some of you others know of possibilities for this book.

Disrespect on Your Online Discussion Group
Do you belong to an online discussion group related to your book topic or something of interest to you? I belong to two of them and I have to tell you something that I’ve noticed. Please tell me if you’ve noticed this, as well. Some members of a discussion group seem to behave as if they are anonymous in a way similar to how we feel when driving. You’ve noticed how you have enhanced courage when you’re behind the wheel and are irritated with another driver. You may say unkind things under your breath when a driver cuts you off or you see someone talking on a cell phone while driving, etc. You have no problem calling this person a “jerk,” “yo yo,” or worse. But if you were face-to-face with this person, you might not express your reaction to their behavior in quite the same way.

I’m noticing that some people treat other people in their online discussion groups with the same disrespect. It’s as if, “heck, they can’t see me and I don’t know them, anything goes.” I’ve seen people indicate that another member is stupid, dense or irresponsible. Some people don’t even think about how they are coming across when they crassly or rudely discount something someone else has offered.

It’s embarrassing to the “victim” and it should be embarrassing to the perpetrator. I hope that we can all step back and look at what we’re writing before we click “send.” Think about how your words may come across.

I remember editing an article for my brother once. It was a good article with some valuable points and information. But I told him that it wasn’t publishable until he took the anger out of it. Yes, it was a rant. He took another look at the piece and complied. While he admitted that this was a topic he is passionate about, he had no idea that the anger showed in his article.

Let’s all try to write with passion, of course, but without attacking or making others feel inadequate, ignorant or wrong.

My article on how to write a daily blog appeared this morning in Fran Silverman’s Book Promotion Newsletter.

I sent out four more review copies of my newest book, Catscapades, True Cat Tales today. And today, I plan to explore cat specialty shops. Believe it or not, I located a directory of cat specialty stores—they only sell things related to cats—cat figurines, cat stationery, cat pens, cat jewelry—everything cat. This is an example of what diligent research can produce for a persistent book promoter. Isn’t it fun to make these little discoveries?

Are you in book promotion mode? Have you been using the Internet to locate promotional ideas, resources, leads, reviewers, appropriate stores, sites, etc? And have you found some lovely surprises along the way? I can tell you that you’ll also find a lot of distractions and go-nowhere dead ends. I get sidetracked when I come across an adorable cat video, for example—have you seen the one where the kitten is fiercely grasping and defending his stalk of broccoli? OMG, soooo cute!

The process of research can be tedious and seem like a waste of time at times. But it can also be worth your while when you uncover really good directories of reviewers for your science fiction book, for example, a specialty bookstore focusing on western novels, an active site where business books are featured or other great opportunities for promoting your particular book. And, yes, this definitely happens.

If you are in promotion mode and the work is getting tiring and the fruits of your labor sparse, don’t give up. Keep plugging along. Continue your dedicated search. Look for new avenues of research. Come up with fresh ideas.

It may sometimes feel as though the well is dry. But you never know when you’re going to break through the parched soil and discover a fresh water supply. And sometimes it is the seemingly insignificant puddles or trickles that result in the greatest gushers.

For book promotion ideas, and for hand-holding support throughout the writing, publishing and book promotion process, be sure to read The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book. You can get it through the library system, but you’re going to want to own a copy so you can refer to it often at all stages of your publishing project—distribution, dealing with Amazon.com, writing articles to promote your book, selecting a publishing option, working with your printer, shipping books and even writer’s block and self-editing tips and techniques.
http://www.matilijapress.com/rightway.html

NEW Self-Editing Course
Speaking of self-editing, I have developed a NEW online Self-Editing Course designed to improve your writing and save you tons of money on all of your writing projects.
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Now there’s a question few authors think to ask. And it’s a good thing, because there is no definitive answer. All we do know is that it takes exposure to make sales. People have to know about your book before they will purchase it. And just having it sitting on a shelf in a bookstore, doesn’t necessarily mean that people will be inclined to purchase it.

They need to hear about it, read about it, hear others talk about it, see it reviewed in their favorite related publication, see it a few (or many) times, have it recommended and learn more about it. Not only do they need to know about it, they must be convinced that this is something they want to read—that they will enjoy it or benefit from it or that someone they know will. Handpicked books make great gifts.

I’ve spent a good portion of my life attempting to get exposure for my writing/publishing books. I go out and speak, I have a website, I teach courses related to these books, I have my books at Amazon and other venues, I have them in Books in Print, I talk about them wherever I go, I belong to organizations that will widen my exposure as well as offer learning experiences and I attend conferences related to my topic. It’s continuous.

Currently, I am testing new waters while getting exposure for my latest book, Catscapades, True Cat Tales. Initially, I am sending books out to reviewers of cat books—those with cat websites, blog sites, newsletters/magazines, columns, radio shows and so forth. I am placing books in a few local stores and I am planning book signings locally. I’ve already made arrangements to speak and sell books at the large Cat Writer’s Association Conference in New York in November. And I’ve signed up for a few book festivals where I will offer Catcapades and my other books for sale.

Additionally, I’ve announced my new book in all appropriate publications where I can do so for free (as a member, for example). And I’ve kicked my Catscapades blog up a notch—posting every few days instead of every few weeks.

How much time is it taking? LOTS of it. Getting exposure in all the right places is my full time job at the moment. I’m researching cat writers, cat columnists, cat sites, cat publications, cat blog sites, etc. for hours each day. When I take a break, I head downtown to make personal contact with key people who can help me get exposure for this book.

I’m telling you this not to complain, but to demonstrate what it takes in order to launch a new book. Yes, I’ve been busy, diligent, persistent and creative in my pursuit for exposure and, frankly, not much is happening, yet. But it’s early—the reviewers are barely receiving their review copies as we speak.

How long does it take to get the results you want through exposure? Do you want me to be candid? This is an ongoing activity for as long as you want your book to sell.

Until you have major name recognition as the author of mysteries, true crime books, children’s or young adult books, fantasies, science fiction or books on finance, for example, you will need to practically hand sell each and every book you produce.

Sure, you’ll get a flurry of sales after a positive review is published by a reviewer of some credibility and with a large following. You may sell a box or two of books at a book festival or a large conference where you speak. And you will surely sell a dozen or so books at a well-publicized book signing. And some of those customers will tell others about your book and you’ll get some residual sales. But then, you’re back to the drawing board reminding potential customers about your book on a regular basis while attempting to find new ways to get exposure.

Soon, I’ll be submitting articles to appropriate sites and publications, for example. And I’ll continually be on the lookout for new reviewers of cat books, new speaking opportunities and so forth. It doesn’t end until you no longer want to play the book promotion game.

Does it sound like a dismal reward for writing a marvelous book—to have to promote for evermore? It depends on how you look at it. I suggest shifting a measure of your creativity over from your writing efforts to the process of promotion and look at it as a creative challenge.

Here’s another tip. Don’t ever allow yourself to be discouraged when your sales during a particular event or after a great review fall below your expectations. Exposure doesn’t always lead to immediate gratification (sales). In fact, I like to tell the story of a SPAWN member who shared in our SPAWN booth at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books one year. He didn’t sell very many books that year, but he made some amazing contacts that led to him being involved in a documentary featuring the topic of his book. It airs frequently on the Military channel.

I hope this rant today has helped you to put things in perspective regarding your promotional efforts. It’s darn hard work. If you’d like to complain or brag to us here—use the comments feature. We’d like to hear from you. We can all use encouragement and ideas. And maybe we can offer you some specifics that will assist in your promotional efforts.

For additional support, information, resources and gobs of stuff you need to know about the publishing industry and how to get involved without getting harmed, your publishing options and, of course, book promotion, read The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book.
http://www.matilijapress.com/rightway.html

Sign up for my online Book Promotion course and let me help you chart your course. http://www.matilijapress.com/course_bookpromotion.htm

For a delightful, fun read, order your copy of Catscapades, True Cat Tales here: http://www.matilijapress.com/catscapades.html

Check out my Catscapades blog:
http://www.matilijapress.com/catscapades

Yesterday we talked about using ideas from other authors’ events calendars to promote your own books. The idea is that you would visit websites of authors with books similar to yours and find out how they are promoting their books. Then borrow some of these ideas for your own arsenal of sales techniques.

You might discover, for example, that an author of a mystery novel has been speaking at mystery writers’ groups and conferences. Maybe she gives presentations and does readings locally—find out what sort of venues. Perhaps, you can arrange to do something similar in your area. If you’re not sure how to go about it or how to get in touch with appropriate genre groups, contact the author and get some pointers. (You’ll also learn volumes about promoting through public speaking in the promotions section of my book, The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book.)
http://www.matilijapress.com/rightway.html

If you have a Google Alerts designed to alert you to blogs on the topic of your inspirational book, you may discover other authors with books of this type. Search their blogs for information about their promotional activities or leave a comment that opens up some dialogue on promotional ideas for this type of book.

I suppose in today’s strong social media climate, you’ll also discover ideas through authors’ Facebook and Twitter sites. And I would suggest something I’ve actually been doing lately in the process of promoting my book, Catscapades, True Cat Tales. Do a Google search to find promotional ideas for books in your genre/topic. Use keywords, “cat books + promotion,” “author + cat book,” “promote cat book.”

Also in my pursuit, I have contacted authors directly to discuss promotional ideas. It’s usually a win/win situation for everyone if you have some ideas of your own to share.

Have any of you gone this route, yet? I’d like to hear some of your stories and so would my blog followers. We all need help and support along the long and lonely path of book promotion. Let’s use this venue to provide it.

For primary help with your book promotion, order The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book. I devote 3 chapters (70 pages) to book promotion. And as readers say, “Patricia Fry’s books are some of the most reader-friendly and useful around.”
http://www.matilijapress.com/rightway.html

Catscapades Update
I continue to send out review copies of Catscapades, True Cat Tales and I have placed them in two local stores, so far—one is a business center that recently started selling books. It gets a lot of traffic. And my name is definitely known locally as the author of several local history books. The second store is called Made in Ojai. Everything in the store comes from Ojai artisans, herbalists, authors, crafts people, quilters, etc. I don’t know if I mentioned, it is also for sale at a veterinarian’s office in Connecticut. I have a promise of a signing, just need to pin down the owner of the pet store. I understand she will be in the store on Monday—so will I—with day planner in hand. Oh yes, and a couple of cat site owners have already agreed to place a link to my book site for their visitors who are looking for a cat book.

Of course, I’m also talking about the book wherever I go (and so are those who have read it). And I am carrying it everywhere I go.

New Flash: I can hardly believe I finally did this—I joined Facebook. I now have my own Facebook account and some friends. I’m not at all sure what happens from here. I am also on Twitter and I’m sure I am not using it to the fullest extent. We all have strong points and weak ones—the social media explosion is sort of beyond me. I haven’t figured out what the point is. I am not in a position to spend my days playing and visiting. I am hoping to use both Twitter and Facebook to connect with people I would not ordinarily connect with, sure, but mainly to further my reach with my books and editorial services. Anyone with ideas on how to do this, please let me know.

Order your copy of the adorable, delightful, heartwarming book, Catscapades, True Cat Tales today. It is fully illustrated by around 40 color photos of cats and kittens.
http://www.matilijapress.com/catscapades.html