The Beginning of Publicizing My Novel

I have begun putting together a publicity plan for my novel, After the Tsunami, which is expected to be released late summer or early fall from the Stephen F. Austin State University Press. Publicity is a full-time job: a lot of work for someone who is managing a household (and all of the responsibilities that come with it) and a two-year old at home, but I have always been ambitious, and I certainly have never shied away from hard work.  I work when my son takes a nap, in the evenings when my husband is home, in the mornings when it is dark and the only sound I hear is the subtle purr of the computer’s fan.  If someone had told me three years ago that being a full-time mother was harder than any job I’d ever have in my life, I would never have believed it.  But it is also more rewarding than any job I’ve ever had in my life.  And you must have a supportive partner who believes in you and your purpose.

My first step has been to put together a Publicity Plan. What are my goals for this book?  What are the potential buying markets?  Who is the audience?  Where will it sell?  What do I want to achieve?  The Plan (which it will from now on be mentioned as) is a mammoth, a beast.  It is ever-changing and ever-expanding.  Perhaps that speaks to my optimism or my naivete.  Only time will tell.

I have begun the process of soliciting people: authors I respect and know and authors I respect but do not know to write a blurb for my book.  I’ve been surprised by the response (or lack thereof).  A few authors that I do not know responded.  Some said they were flattered I asked but did not have the time, and others indicated that they wanted to read the book.  The writing community really is all about helping each other.  For the authors that never responded, I say this: please do not forget what it was like when you were in my shoes, starting out… we all start somewhere, and we rely on the kindness of others to help us through.

In addition to the ongoing Plan, I have also provided my publisher with input on the cover as well as descriptions of the book for the pre-order catalog that they are putting together.  I am exhausted, as can be expected, but exhilarated out of my mind.   It’s a new place for me, but a welcome place.