“The first time is the hardest.”
“It’ll get easier the second time around.”
Doesn’t that sound like the kind of advice your mother would
give you? And, I’m sure in many cases it’s very sage advice. Sound even? When
it comes to a releasing a second novel, I’m not so sure those rules apply.
When I was given a contract for Resurrecting Harry, I had all the same excitement that came with
the one for Fairyproof, but instead
of being accompanied with big, huge butterflies in the stomach, there was a
sense of calm, a “You know what’s coming. It’s under control” feeling.
That feeling lasted for quite some, too: all the way through
the editing process. I was still calm when I saw the cover art for the first
time. Everything is going as expected.
Nothing to worry about. Up next: promo.
Cue the pterodactyl size butterflies and the feeling of
sinking in quicksand.
When it comes to this very important part of writing, I do
believe I have a handle on what we’re supposed to do, and the ability to get it
done, but because it’s so hard to make a correlation between our promo efforts
that – for me anyway – it can seem like I’m feeling around a dark room while
wearing a blindfold.
I have come up with a
short list of lessons learned, based on my first two go-rounds, and would love
for you to add any experiences you have on the subject in the comments line.
- Set a budget and stick to it. It’s very easy to spend more than you can really afford.
- Try to come up with a relatable connection to your book.
- Work in groups when possible. Spread your efforts over a wider base.
- Write the next book/project. I’m still adopting this mantra, but do believe your next good book is your best piece of promo.
Do you have any promo secrets? How about a way to deal with
those butterflies?
Constance Phillips lives in Ohio with her husband, two
ready-to-leave-the-nest children, and four canine kids. When she's not writing
about fairies, shifters, vamps and guardian angels, she's working side-by-side
with her husband in their business. Her first paranormal romance, Fairyproof was released by Crescent Moon Press in 2012, Resurrecting Harry is OUT NOW. She blogs
regularly at her website.
You can follow her on Twitter
and friend her on Facebook.
7 comments:
The budge thing is a great idea. I justify the expense by the fact that I've had the time of my life doing it and can't imagine anything else I did with it would have come close, but I'm rapidly coming to agree with your last point too, that the best promo strategy is to focus on the next project. Cheaper too!
But I will say that I've learned a lot from this first experience that will serve me well in the future. Not a waste of money or time, IMHO.
great tips, Constance, especially the budgeting. Because there are so many pretty things we all want - what about *that* kind of cover flat? Oh, another little chatchki...hey, what about giving away a $5 gift card on *every stop* of my 100-stop tour. The list goes on...
I would add one thing - remember that things are going to fall through and it doesn't mean the 2nd launch is a failure...take the promo 1 day at a time..and don't forget to enjoy it. Because a book launch is a rare thing and it *should* be enjoyed!
Terrific article. Personally, I don't think the promo thing gets easier. Each book is different and new mistakes get made. We get to learn from those too. I agree a budget is a must. But what abouth those opportunities you didn't or couldn't plan for? I say look before you leap, then think carefully and if you can squeeze out the cash to take advantage of a truly stellar opportunity, go for it. Be sure it's stellar first.
Thanks, Susana, and I agree. learning from experience is probably the best way to judge if something works or not.
Kristi, Totally agree that this is a time to cherish. And, oh, how those little things add up. Keeping costs in line is hard, and it's easy to let them get out of hand.
Rue, Great point. Sometimes great opportunities come along. Just because we didn't plan for them is not a good reason to stand back and let the opportunity pass.
Excellent ideas and hints. Knowing your budget is difficult. Also knowing where to put your money, which avenues to take, is very hard. You have a great book! I'm expecting big things.
RTrogner, You are so right about it being difficult to know where to spend the $$. Sometimes, it feels like a crap shoot. Thanks for the compliments on Resurrecting Harry, I appreciate it so much.
Hi Constance, Appreciate all the tips. I like the comments from some of the other readers about enjoying the experience and looking at some of the costs as an enjoyable way to spend $$. Because getting a book published is a HUGE accomplishment and every step after that "yes" should be relished.
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