One important thing to keep in mind as you market your work is to set realistic achievable goals for yourself. Having a "pie in the sky" dream is great, but make sure that you have a realistic plan for getting there.

I've worked with authors who when I first talk with them want to know when I'll get their book on Oprah. (Hmmmm. How do I respond to that?) I'm not saying that I don't think the book deserve's Oprah's attention. I'm not even saying that the book won't eventually get on Oprah. But, there is probably a better place to begin publicity efforts such as local TV and radio, blogs related to your topic, and relevant periodicals. By actively approaching these venues an author is more likely to gain the attention of national media.

Bottom line: start with realistic and achievable promotional ideas and build from there. Your efforts will help you gain more success and should lead to better and better opportunities.

Hi Writers,

Sorry for the lapse in posts. I've had a lot of catch up work to do at work after being out of the office for some travel, and for a few days of vacation. But, I'm getting back in the swing of things. I just finished some work on a promotion for a line of humor books that I promote where we are offering free downloads of some of the older titles. (Check out the TOW Books promotion here).

I thought it might make a good post for the M-Word to talk about posting a free download of a chapter or section of your book on a website or blog that covers your subject area (whether it's your own blog, or if you approach another blogger about posting it). By offering some good free content, your audience will get a nice sample of your work and may interested in buying more (make sure you have an obvious link to where your book may be purchased).

There are lots of ways you can offer this "teaser" content that make sense, so come up with a strategy that works well for you. Maybe you post a chapter at a time for a limited time (like a serialized novel) or maybe you create podcasts of certain chapters.

Check out this interview with renowned fantasy artist John Howe, author of Fantasy Art Workshop from IMPACT Books. John is a widely recognized Tolkien artist and the conceptual designer for the Lord of the Rings movies. I had a chance to meet John at Comic-Con and talk to him about the blending of movies and comics in popular culture, as well as get some creative advice. Enjoy.

 

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Rough day at the Con.

 

Peter David does his famous Stan Lee impression.

Yesterday was the first actual day of Comic Con. I spent a lot of time selling books in the IMPACT books booth, and trying to interview authors.

I attended a panel by renowned comics editor Andy Schmidt who runs www.comicsexperience.com where aspiring comic writers and artists can take classes to learn the ropes and find out what it takes in the comic business.

I also met with 100 Days of Monsters author Stefan Bucher, who does a lot of great work to promote his book. Check out his website at www.dailymonster.com

Lots of cool stuff going on at the show. I had dinner with legendary Tolkien artist John Howe, conceptual designer for the Lord of the Rings movies who talked about designing the gates of Mordor, which on screen are big enough for an army to walk through. John talked about his creative approach to researching and conceiving the images he comes up with, which are amazing.  Check out his book Fantasy Art Workshop: http://www.fwbookstore.com/product/1609/1

Here are some pics:

 

Andy Schmidt gives advice to aspiring comic creators.

 

 

Stefan Bucher talks with a fan.