I finished my busy week of obligations for the Ojai Wordfest last night. I spoke on the 25 Reasons Why You SHOULD Write That Book at a lovely breakfast in a beautiful private home yesterday morning with a dozen or so attendees. Most of them bought copies of my books. <\/p>\n
Two hours later, I came home to regroup and recoup\u2014even ended up taking a power nap. Boy had the busy week begun to take its toll on my energy level. <\/p>\n
I got up in time to attend a program presented by a former client and we had a great reunion after her session. <\/p>\n
Last night was the event sponsored by the Ventura County Writers\u2019 Club called \u201cWell Red.\u201d I\u2019m still not sure why they spelled \u201cred\u201d that way\u2014perhaps because they were serving red wine??? As an editor, it bothered me.<\/p>\n
The evening featured nearly two dozen authors either speaking about or reading from their novels, memoirs, children\u2019s books and nonfiction books. We also had the opportunity to put our books up for sale, at tables in the foyer. I got to chat with quite a few authors I knew, writers who had attended my sessions and other acquaintances. I also met some new people. <\/p>\n
I had a sign-up sheet and collected contact information from potential customers and clients. I picked up business cards. It was another busy event with a lot of networking and socializing going on. <\/p>\n
What were the results of my week-long efforts of putting myself out there, giving back to the writing community and schmoozing? Pretty much the same results you would have if you were to take your book to a venue where your audience\/readers congregate and if you put a lot of energy into reaching out, sharing and pitching your book. I sold books. I met potential clients and customers. I become more well-known as an expert in my field. I made some good connections that could result in speaking and bookselling opportunities in the future. I added to my mailing list. And I learned more about what my audience wants\/needs and how I can provide for them.<\/p>\n
If you have a book and you aren\u2019t out there in public promoting it at every opportunity, these are some of the things you are missing out on\u2014the very things that aid you in selling your book. Here\u2019s what I suggest: In the meantime, April is upon us. This is a great time to order copies of my two latest books: Publish Your Book, Proven Strategies and Resources for the Enterprising Author<\/em> and\/or Promote Your Book, Over 250 Proven, Low-Cost Tips and Techniques for the Enterprising Author<\/em>. I finished my busy week of obligations for the Ojai Wordfest last night. I spoke on the 25 Reasons Why You SHOULD Write That Book at a lovely breakfast in a beautiful private home yesterday morning with a dozen or so attendees. Most of them bought copies of my books. Two hours later, I came […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[16],"tags":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t
\n\u2022\tStay alert to upcoming events in and around your community.
\n\u2022\tDo an Internet search to locate those book fairs, author appreciation activities, appropriate conferences, etc. in your region.
\n\u2022\tStudy your city and Chamber of Commerce pages.
\n\u2022\tKeep an eye on newspaper announcements related to local events.
\n\u2022\tStudy regional publications (for California one would be Sunset Magazine<\/em>) for what\u2019s happening in your community and those around you.
\n\u2022\tJoin appropriate organizations to stay abreast of events and activities within your topic.
\n\u2022\tHone your networking and public speaking skills to further enhance the opportunities you get. (Tip: join Toastmasters.)<\/p>\n
\nYou\u2019ll find them at Amazon.com and Barnes and Nobel and other online bookselling venues. They are also in Kindle and Nook. They are in many bookstores throughout the US. And you can order them directly from me at:
\n http:\/\/www.matilijapress.com<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"