PROMOTION - WHAT WORKS AND WHAT DOESN'T?

I'll bet you thought I planned to actually answer this question about promotion. Nope. Problem is, I don't know the answer. Many publishers ask what an author's plan is to promote their book should they offer them a contract. What is their "platform?" The only platform I ever had were on my shoes in the seventies. And they hurt. A lot.

As far a promotional ideas, authors are bombarded with choices. Of course, you need a Web site. And a blog. (That's what this is!) And then there's Facebook and Twitter. I don't consider myself stupid, but I just can't figure out Twitter. I post some inane comment and then what? It disappears into cyber space? I don't get it. Now, I happen to like Facebook. I've connected with friends I thought were long gone. And I've made some friends I'd like to see go. (Quit spamming me! And quit asking me to "like" stuff! I don't "like" that!) But all in all, I'm enjoying it.

So what's an author to do?

I've done almost everything there is to do promotion-wise. I wrote reviews for the largest newspaper in Kansas thinking that would promote my books. Nope. I've joined all kinds of groups hoping everyone on the list would run out and buy everything I've ever written. Nope again. I've discovered one thing every author will learn quickly. If you're hoping a big group of authors will buy your books, forget it. We're all too busy writing them to actually read them. But belonging to a group of authors provides something else. Encouragement, advice and networking. And sometimes friendships. But promotion? Once in a while. Two lovely ladies, Cindy Woodsmall and Wanda Brunstetter highlighted me in their newsletters. I didn't ask for it, they just did it. And other authors have included me on their blogs. I used to run a review/interview blog with the lovely Cindy Hickey, but I got too busy and had to stop. Don't know if any of the authors we interviewed sold books, but I've found that the results of those experiences are minimal.

Other ways I've tried to promote my books? Contests. I won the American Christian Fiction Writers' Book of the Year Award for Mystery in 2009. (Now called The Carol Award.) That book didn't sell more than any of my other books.

What about book signings? Please. They're great for meeting readers - if they show up. Usually, the only people who come are your put-upon family and friends who tramp out in rain, snow or whatever, just because they love you. But we still do book signings just in case an unknown reader wants to meet their favorite author. It could happen. Sigh.

And I realize Karen Kingsbury doesn't have this problem. But I'm not her. Yet. (S)

I may have sold a few books through Facebook. None through Twitter. And reviews? They may actually help - when it's Publisher's Weekly or Romantic Times. I've done well with Romantic Times. PW? Well, moving right along...

I will continue to post on Facebook, and I'll keep up this blog. I think. As long as someone comments once in a while. (Hint, hint.) But to be honest about it, the only thing I've ever found that really helps book sales (unless you become a serial killer or act inappropriately with the President of the United States - neither one I'm willing to do) is a great publisher who works hard to promote your books. I've had that in the past and hope to have the same in the future. These guys know what they're doing. They have relationships with the stores, and they can promote in ways an author will never be able to do.

So, I'll continue to do my part, but I don't want to spend writing time promoting. I'm of the opinion that my job is to write good books. My publisher's job is to promote. If my books aren't good, no promotion in the world will help. Now one note: any promotion my publisher asks me to do, I will gladly do. Cooperation is key. But let them do the lion's share of selling my books. They're the experts.

Now I realize this concept doesn't work with every publisher. I have great compassion for authors who self-publish or work with small publishers. I have no advice for you. I've been there. It's tough. Unless you write "The Shack" or fall back on the serial killer / presidential hanky-panky thing, you have a long, hard road to hoe. I don't envy you. I always advise writers to keep working toward that big publisher that can move your career forward.

And that's all I have to say about that.