Tooting One's Own Horn . . . Dare I?
I was brought up with the
understanding that it was impolite to brag on oneself. If you did well
. . . well, that was expected, wasn't it? So why make a big deal out of
it? Others might feel bad. Etc., etc. And now I am faced with reality.
No one will buy my book simply because it is available. It is up to me
to sell my book and, by extension, myself.
So, what is my plan of action? I have sent emails to nearly everyone I know, and have asked them to help me spread the word. And why not? Emails about Coke rumours or how Target dissed somebody get forwarded repeatedly - so why not my little snippet of a request? :o) I have scheduled a Book Release Party (MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!) to be held at Westwood Coffee, which is where my writing group meets. I write a blog that, I hope, is helpful to other women aspiring to make their dreams a reality, particularly those who want to write. I have designed business cards, stationery, magnets, book marks and flyers, all using the cover of my book as the graphic and my favorite font (Georgia). I have prepared author's bios and press releases. I've sent media kits to local newspapers, as well as the reporter who covered my writing group in November, and have sent letters to local libraries asking them if I can schedule a book signing.
All in all, I feel like things are moving along quite well. I have no illusions of grandeur (dreams, yes, but no illusions). I won't make enough off of this to quit my job and buy that Mustang GT, but I do think I'll make enough to pay off a credit card. And I'll get my name out there. I am proving that I CAN do this. I can write a book, and have the stick-to-it-iveness to see it through the process to the finished product, and market it myself.
And some exciting news - I signed my first two autographs today!!!
Elle
So, what is my plan of action? I have sent emails to nearly everyone I know, and have asked them to help me spread the word. And why not? Emails about Coke rumours or how Target dissed somebody get forwarded repeatedly - so why not my little snippet of a request? :o) I have scheduled a Book Release Party (MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!) to be held at Westwood Coffee, which is where my writing group meets. I write a blog that, I hope, is helpful to other women aspiring to make their dreams a reality, particularly those who want to write. I have designed business cards, stationery, magnets, book marks and flyers, all using the cover of my book as the graphic and my favorite font (Georgia). I have prepared author's bios and press releases. I've sent media kits to local newspapers, as well as the reporter who covered my writing group in November, and have sent letters to local libraries asking them if I can schedule a book signing.
All in all, I feel like things are moving along quite well. I have no illusions of grandeur (dreams, yes, but no illusions). I won't make enough off of this to quit my job and buy that Mustang GT, but I do think I'll make enough to pay off a credit card. And I'll get my name out there. I am proving that I CAN do this. I can write a book, and have the stick-to-it-iveness to see it through the process to the finished product, and market it myself.
And some exciting news - I signed my first two autographs today!!!
Elle
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