Welcome to another edition of Open Book Blog Hop. This week’s question is: “We’ve shared marketing tips that worked for us. What have you tried that didn’t work?”
For the first few books I published, I created cell sheets and sent them to bookstores across the state. I also put together a press release and sent it to newspapers. Although the local bookstore in Sheridan, Wyoming, has always responded favorably and a few regional newspapers have done an article on me here and there, I’ve learned that most newspapers care only about what goes on in the community they represent and don’t give a darn about what happens anywhere else unless, of course, it’s a story of national interest. I even contacted my state public radio conglomerate, to no avail.
Now, when I publish a book, I do what works. I contact my local radio station that has a talk show on community affairs and schedule a spot there. I hold a signing at the local bookstore, and I deliver a press release to my local newspaper. I also use my blog and website to promote the book and appear on podcasts and other online events. These tactics seem to draw the most readers. I’ll no longer waste time on marketing strategies that don’t work.
How about you authors out there? What marketing strategies did you try that didn’t work? You can click here to participate in this week’s hop and read other bloggers’ responses.
New! Why Grandma Doesn’t Know Me
Copyright 2021 by Abbie Johnson Taylor.
Independently published with the help of DLD Books.
Sixteen-year-old Natalie’s grandmother, suffering from dementia and confined to a wheelchair, lives in a nursing home and rarely recognizes Natalie. But one Halloween night, she tells her a shocking secret that only she and Natalie’s mother know. Natalie is the product of a one-night stand between her mother, who is a college English teacher, and another professor.
After some research, Natalie learns that people with dementia often have vivid memories of past events. Still not wanting to believe what her grandmother has told her, she finds her biological father online. The resemblance between them is undeniable. Not knowing what else to do, she shows his photo and website to her parents.
Natalie realizes she has some growing up to do. Scared and confused, she reaches out to her biological father, and they start corresponding.
Her younger sister, Sarah, senses their parents’ marital difficulties. At Thanksgiving, when she has an opportunity to see Santa Claus, she asks him to bring them together again. Can the jolly old elf grant her request?
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My Corner 