LESSON FIVE Assignment Thread

[rileymagnus]

Post your lesson five assignments here please.

[greta-g]

One of my protag's is a runner. She's on track team. I'm thinking...track meet, marathon...am I on the right track? (Seriously, no pun intended :-)) Like the numbers they attach when they get ready to compete...

[Margaret Fieland]

My main character learns about glass blowing, glazing and pottery making. It would be terrific to have a demo, perhaps of pottery throwing on a wheel, which is something all could try .. A glass blowing demo would be loads of fun, but harder to pull off...

[Jodi Vaughn]

My main character loves flowers and nature (of course she would, she's a fairy!) Since she's pregnant she is obsessed with cookies, especially oatmeal. My story starts in Atlanta, GA, spends a week in Savannah GA and then heads up to Vermont. My character descends from the Irish fairies Ireland could play a part in promotion. Also at the dark moment there is an ancient sword involved in a battle that she uses.

[Anju Dimello]

Since my stories are all paranormals, I tend to explore the "forests" area, "national parks" and "the water bodies"... ie google maps help to some extent..and then I try to create fictional establishments - like club / bar and of course, a sprawling estate for the couple ;) This is place wise.. For a dragon story, I was trying to research caves etc..

Then, on characters, I always try to keep their things to a minimum ;) like no fav perfume yet..but since they are on edge of forests, I make them relish the smaller things in life - like a burger or even a bar of chocolate..which might not be available like, a block away ;) And of course, the grass is always greener on other side..so the farther they are, the more they miss their fav... and substitute with something they prepare - mostly cookies or food from scratch ;)

[Nancy Jackson]

My character has an ice cream fetish, French Vanilla to be exact. She's visiting a spa for a 3 days in a beautiful location surrounded by hot springs, the forest, and lush gardens. There's an affordable spa nearby that I plan to spend a day at and take notes from the staff to give my scenes validity. There is also a wellness fair coming up next month I plan to go to and make some connections. I'm interested in that field anyway which was my inspiration for the book premise.

[rileymagnus]

One of my protag's is a runner. She's on track team. I'm thinking...track meet, marathon...am I on the right track? (Seriously, no pun intended :-)) Like the numbers they attach when they get ready to compete...

Oh! oh! And you can create a team to run at various locations and raise money for high school athletic programs!

Deb

P.S. I get so excited for this last part of the workshop. It's so much fun because the sky's the limit and everything is original!

[rileymagnus]

My main character learns about glass blowing, glazing and pottery making. It would be terrific to have a demo, perhaps of pottery throwing on a wheel, which is something all could try .. A glass blowing demo would be loads of fun, but harder to pull off...

Margaret,

YES, and you can have book reading and signing events in the gift shops of glass or pottery shops! Maybe you can have an item of blown glass designed specifically for your event and raffle or auction it off to raise money for your favorite charity.

Deb

[rileymagnus]

My main character loves flowers and nature (of course she would, she's a fairy!) Since she's pregnant she is obsessed with cookies, especially oatmeal. My story starts in Atlanta, GA, spends a week in Savannah GA and then heads up to Vermont. My character descends from the Irish fairies Ireland could play a part in promotion. Also at the dark moment there is an ancient sword involved in a battle that she uses.


Jodi,

Okay, now how can you use these special things about your character and plot to promote the book? Starting with the cookies, you can always have a big tray of oatmeal cookies whenever your do a reading or book signing. You can have a contest, asking for oatmeal cookies and give the best recipe a book. You can print an oatmeal cookie recipe on a book mark.

What can you come up with for some of the other elements? CONNECT your story elements tightly with your promotional ideas, then pick one or two and run with it.

Deb

[rileymagnus]

Since my stories are all paranormals, I tend to explore the "forests" area, "national parks" and "the water bodies"... ie google maps help to some extent..and then I try to create fictional establishments - like club / bar and of course, a sprawling estate for the couple ;) This is place wise.. For a dragon story, I was trying to research caves etc..

Then, on characters, I always try to keep their things to a minimum ;) like no fav perfume yet..but since they are on edge of forests, I make them relish the smaller things in life - like a burger or even a bar of chocolate..which might not be available like, a block away ;) And of course, the grass is always greener on other side..so the farther they are, the more they miss their fav... and substitute with something they prepare - mostly cookies or food from scratch ;)

Anju,

Now how are you planning to create promotions around these items?

Have a book signing or launch party at a national park? Serve the food your characters love?

Come up with ideas that connect your book with really creative promotional ideas.
Deb

[rileymagnus]

My character has an ice cream fetish, French Vanilla to be exact. She's visiting a spa for a 3 days in a beautiful location surrounded by hot springs, the forest, and lush gardens. There's an affordable spa nearby that I plan to spend a day at and take notes from the staff to give my scenes validity. There is also a wellness fair coming up next month I plan to go to and make some connections. I'm interested in that field anyway which was my inspiration for the book premise.

Nancy,

How will you build your promotions around these plot and story inspirations? Holding your book signing or launch party at that spa? Imprinting your 25 word pitch or sound bite on a water bottle to give away? What creative ways will you integrate your story with your promotional ideas?

Deb

[rileymagnus]

:rolleyes::):rolleyes::):rolleyes::)

Everyone ... remember the second part of this assignment. Tell me more than just the elements of your book that set it apart ... TELL ME HOW YOU WILL USE THOSE ELEMENTS FOR UNIQUE PROMOTIONAL IDEAS.

Deb

[Margaret Fieland]

Great idea, Deb. I've made a note of it.

[Nancy Jackson]

Hi Deb,
I'd like to have some tote bags made up with my sound bite printed on them and hand them out at several of the wellness venues that will be held throughout the summer. A water bottle sounds like a good idea too! I planned to ask the staff at the spa if I can hold a launch party there or at least leave some merchandise to give out. I'd also like to consider using a room at the local gym to tie into the wellness theme. Spend a day there and when people are coming or going maybe they'll take a moment to see what's going on, lol.


Nancy,

How will you build your promotions around these plot and story inspirations? Holding your book signing or launch party at that spa? Imprinting your 25 word pitch or sound bite on a water bottle to give away? What creative ways will you integrate your story with your promotional ideas?

Deb

[rileymagnus]

Hi Deb,
I'd like to have some tote bags made up with my sound bite printed on them and hand them out at several of the wellness venues that will be held throughout the summer. A water bottle sounds like a good idea too! I planned to ask the staff at the spa if I can hold a launch party there or at least leave some merchandise to give out. I'd also like to consider using a room at the local gym to tie into the wellness theme. Spend a day there and when people are coming or going maybe they'll take a moment to see what's going on, lol.

OH, NANCY,

Don't forget to ask the gift shops or sports shops to display and/or carry your book on their shelves. If it's an ebook, ask them to display a small placard with the cover and details for purchase.

Deb

[Stacey Cotrufo]

This could be fun...

Okay, most of my story takes place at the beach and it's a romance so a signature fragrance would be nice or beach scented candles would work. At a book signing, small gift bags with samples could be given out. I mean, hey, who doesn't want to smell good AND have their home smell nice?

OR...both main characters love to cook so perhaps a small cook book with recipes from the story (and a lot more to fill it) and all titled to go along with the story like "Jordan's Angel Hair Pasta with Chicken" or "Rob's Famous Marinara Sauce"...I know I always enjoy a new cookbook.

Is it too corny?

[Nancy Jackson]

Great suggestions Deb! Definitely the gift shops. I just found a place about 10 minutes away from me called Mystic Mountain and they do tarot and aura readings there, among other things...it says they carry books on their website, so I'm definitely going to give them a call! :)


OH, NANCY,

Don't forget to ask the gift shops or sports shops to display and/or carry your book on their shelves. If it's an ebook, ask them to display a small placard with the cover and details for purchase.

Deb

[Mary Johnson]

Ah, if I had plenty of money to promote a mystery series based around cruising, there are so many things I could try. Since the main character is kind of wacky, I can see colorful tote bags, beach towels, or visors with my story titles and website on them. Perhaps I could link my book info to travel agents or travel websites. Everyone wants a good poolside read, right? A book launch party could have a cruising theme: I'd wear a tropical beach outfit and hand out leis and coconut rum cookies with pertinent book info attached. What fun to dream.

[Barbara Bates]

Hi Deb:

Concerning Promotions:

I took three facets from my book: children and demons, guide dogs, and crystals and came up with the following events. All three have talks, and two have activities.

1. Have a speaker from the school department address the problems of Special Needs children. Invite children. After the talk have a refreshment table where you can make demon face cookies with vanilla wafers. Charge nominal fee to cover expenses. Have books for sale. (Though the talk addresses Special Needs children, in my story they're psychically-gifted children. I don't think psychically-gifted is a recognized special needs group.)

2. Have a blind speaker give a talk about the Do's and Don'ts when meeting someone with a guide dog. Invite children. Have an activity table where they can use buttons, beads and such to glue them to felt dog heads to make a guide dog's face. Have books available for sale.

3. At a shop that sells crystals, scented oils, meditation tapes and such, have a talk about the healing properties of crystals. Have books on sale and arrange to sell them there on commission.

[rileymagnus]

Hi Deb,
I'd like to have some tote bags made up with my sound bite printed on them and hand them out at several of the wellness venues that will be held throughout the summer. A water bottle sounds like a good idea too! I planned to ask the staff at the spa if I can hold a launch party there or at least leave some merchandise to give out. I'd also like to consider using a room at the local gym to tie into the wellness theme. Spend a day there and when people are coming or going maybe they'll take a moment to see what's going on, lol.

Oh, and maybe you can hook up with a masseuse to be at your book signings and do a few minutes of hands on relaxation ... or how about offer samplings of healthy snacks at your book events?

Deb

[Anju Dimello]

I never realized I could use my story's items for promotion..but your ideas were fab Deb!

I am now thinking - one side I could invite people to send in special / regional or family recipes - which I could have my character cook / describe ;)

Other side, say, in a national park - have a were-theme going along with the launch party. Naming the animals etc, casting vote to pick fav for "next" book ;)

As I move to write erotic, I might want to take a few ideas and have a 'spice up' sort of column going either in my blog or website.. or sexy foods - based on research for aphrodisiac type foods or using normal foods in creative manner.

Another thing I saw and liked was, an author offering a real tarot reading /consultation up for grabs (since her friend was practicing that real time). This is a great paranormal promotion... , IMO :)

[rileymagnus]

This could be fun...

Okay, most of my story takes place at the beach and it's a romance so a signature fragrance would be nice or beach scented candles would work. At a book signing, small gift bags with samples could be given out. I mean, hey, who doesn't want to smell good AND have their home smell nice?

OR...both main characters love to cook so perhaps a small cook book with recipes from the story (and a lot more to fill it) and all titled to go along with the story like "Jordan's Angel Hair Pasta with Chicken" or "Rob's Famous Marinara Sauce"...I know I always enjoy a new cookbook.

Is it too corny?

Stacey,

NO, not too corny at all! Whatever makes a strong mental connection between your book and the reader's mind is golden! And these ideas are fun and romantic just like the book! Keep developing ideas until one sticks so tightly in your head, you can't help but do it.

BTW, I'm a retired chef and LOVE the idea of a cookbook! OR, How about those recipe cards?

Deb

[rileymagnus]

Ah, if I had plenty of money to promote a mystery series based around cruising, there are so many things I could try. Since the main character is kind of wacky, I can see colorful tote bags, beach towels, or visors with my story titles and website on them. Perhaps I could link my book info to travel agents or travel websites. Everyone wants a good poolside read, right? A book launch party could have a cruising theme: I'd wear a tropical beach outfit and hand out leis and coconut rum cookies with pertinent book info attached. What fun to dream.

Mary!

The most POWERFUL idea you had is right there in the MIDDLE of your post.

DEFINITELY contact travel agencies and travel websites! Ask them if you can promote your book there, on their websites or in their stores! Take that a few steps further and get yourself connected with travel chat groups (yahoo, linkedin, facbook groups, even twitter groups). Make friends, find fodder for future books and make sure your posts carry a tag line about your books. Soft sale in a huge targeted market is FAR better than spending a ton of cash to try to reach the masses.

Great work! Dreams can be adjusted for your pocketbook, you know!
Deb

[rileymagnus]

Hi Deb:

Concerning Promotions:

I took three facets from my book: children and demons, guide dogs, and crystals and came up with the following events. All three have talks, and two have activities.

1. Have a speaker from the school department address the problems of Special Needs children. Invite children. After the talk have a refreshment table where you can make demon face cookies with vanilla wafers. Charge nominal fee to cover expenses. Have books for sale. (Though the talk addresses Special Needs children, in my story they're psychically-gifted children. I don't think psychically-gifted is a recognized special needs group.)

2. Have a blind speaker give a talk about the Do's and Don'ts when meeting someone with a guide dog. Invite children. Have an activity table where they can use buttons, beads and such to glue them to felt dog heads to make a guide dog's face. Have books available for sale.

3. At a shop that sells crystals, scented oils, meditation tapes and such, have a talk about the healing properties of crystals. Have books on sale and arrange to sell them there on commission.

I like two of these, but one thing I'd strongly suggest you DON'T do is charge anything. It will drastically cut down the number of people willing to attend.

If you are donating a portion of your book sales to a charity, rather than get really complicated with "special needs and psychically gifted" children and an appropriate charity, why not simply make your donation to whatever organization trains guide dogs?

I'm thinking that perhaps the most attractive concepts you have here are the guide dogs and the healing quality of crystals... BUT unless the book is a children's book, I probably would not involve children in the promotional ideas. 1) Children don't read the book and 2) children don't purchase the book, so I strongly suggest you tap into the right target.

LOVE the crystal and scented oils shop idea and really like the guide-dog speaker.

Keep going, you're close to creating something really unique to your book and very powerful!

Deb

[rileymagnus]

I never realized I could use my story's items for promotion..but your ideas were fab Deb!

I am now thinking - one side I could invite people to send in special / regional or family recipes - which I could have my character cook / describe ;)

Other side, say, in a national park - have a were-theme going along with the launch party. Naming the animals etc, casting vote to pick fav for "next" book ;)

As I move to write erotic, I might want to take a few ideas and have a 'spice up' sort of column going either in my blog or website.. or sexy foods - based on research for aphrodisiac type foods or using normal foods in creative manner.

Another thing I saw and liked was, an author offering a real tarot reading /consultation up for grabs (since her friend was practicing that real time). This is a great paranormal promotion... , IMO :)

BY GEORGE, I THINK SHE"S GOT IT!!!!

Anju, you went from lurker to excited, creative promotional idea machine. These are FANTASTIC and connecting the real life paranormal with your fictitious paranormal story is wonderful! You get a big gold star!

Deb

[Anju Dimello]

Oh! I am grinning like a Cheshire cat while my jaws are on the ground in shock ;) I hope I never see this expression on my face (either in photo or in front of mirror) ;)

Thanks so much Deb.....

Ooh, ain't my gold star puurrrty ?

[Anna Taylor Sweringen]

Central to my story is the erotic power of prayer, 24 hour surveillance, the mystical properties of gemstones and the eroticism inherent but overlooked in Christianity

1. Conduct a retreat on the erotic imagery in the prayers of the mystics and include a labyrinth walk to music written by them

2. Invite security/surveillance experts to blog about present-day the futuristic surveillance techniques depicted in my book are

3. Host a workshop on the healing/mystical powers of gemstones where participants journal about and work with their birthstones.

4. Blog about the gemstone as my heroine is named for

5. Host a panel discussion on the womanist/feminist elements of the heroine's religion and their counterparts in traditional Christianity

6. Teach a class on the intersection of sexuality and spirituality in Christianity

[rileymagnus]

Central to my story is the erotic power of prayer, 24 hour surveillance, the mystical properties of gemstones and the eroticism inherent but overlooked in Christianity

1. Conduct a retreat on the erotic imagery in the prayers of the mystics and include a labyrinth walk to music written by them

2. Invite security/surveillance experts to blog about present-day the futuristic surveillance techniques depicted in my book are

3. Host a workshop on the healing/mystical powers of gemstones where participants journal about and work with their birthstones.

4. Blog about the gemstone as my heroine is named for

5. Host a panel discussion on the womanist/feminist elements of the heroine's religion and their counterparts in traditional Christianity

6. Teach a class on the intersection of sexuality and spirituality in Christianity

Anna,

With the unique, powerful and possibly controversial nature of your novel's subject matter, you have really taken this lesson seriously. You will have no choice but to establish yourself a the expert on this subject, and speaking, blogging and teaching is the only kind of promotion that will side step the "side-show" quality of other kinds of book promotion.

One more concept you haven't mentioned ... why not create a website just for your teaching and workshops? Someplace where you can put everything together, attract a huge following for the subject matter ... and in turn create more sales for your book. In that website you can do simple forums for Q&A, as well as make sure everyone who had chosen to be a member, knows where and when you will be speaking or teaching or holding a retreat next. NOTE: this is not your author or book website ... this website is pure platform for your efforts in connection with the book. Something to consider.

Deb

[Anna Taylor Sweringen]

Anna,

One more concept you haven't mentioned ... why not create a website just for your teaching and workshops? Someplace where you can put everything together, attract a huge following for the subject matter ... and in turn create more sales for your book. In that website you can do simple forums for Q&A, as well as make sure everyone who had chosen to be a member, knows where and when you will be speaking or teaching or holding a retreat next. NOTE: this is not your author or book website ... this website is pure platform for your efforts in connection with the book. Something to consider.

Deb

Funny, I have elements of these things on my author website now (i.e. a page dedicated to the mystics), but I'd only focused on my writing, not the non-fiction aspects that I incorporate into my stories. Wow, that is something to consider. It's so obvious and yet I'd never really considered it. Thanks for the nudge.

[Doreen jensen]

My book is a time travel to the middle ages-so the character learns what life is like then- so I could do promotion at medieval faires(several in our area) or maybe since she learns martial arts at a meet(maybe no).

Sorry I've turned into a lurker( I believe one learns best by doing) but working 6 days a week is catching up to me. I have appreciated your kind words re my first assignment, Dory

[rileymagnus]

My book is a time travel to the middle ages-so the character learns what life is like then- so I could do promotion at medieval faires(several in our area) or maybe since she learns martial arts at a meet(maybe no).

Sorry I've turned into a lurker( I believe one learns best by doing) but working 6 days a week is catching up to me. I have appreciated your kind words re my first assignment, Dory

It's a great idea, using Medieval fairs! You can have a booth, you can dress and talk like the Anachronistic Society, sign and sell your books but make sure you also do something else that connects with the story ... Maybe you make medieval cookies or cakes or hard candy (peanut brittle?) and sell them too, or maybe you can have a medieval card reader to tell people's future (time travel? lol). Make it an event and take it on the road, to regular county fairs and community events in parks, even when doing a book signing or reading in a regular book store you can dress and talk medieval and have your "witch" there to entertain. Just some thoughts.

Hope your weekend is restful, Dory!
Deb

[J.D. Faver]

<June is having a big laugh> One of my characters in a mystery/suspense is a dominatrix. So I should look for people who like to spank each other and wear leather? :-)

[E. Ayers]

<June is having a big laugh> One of my characters in a mystery/suspense is a dominatrix. So I should look for people who like to spank each other and wear leather? :-)

Do your book signings while dressed for the part? Oh, I want to see that!

[J.D. Faver]

Okay, getting serious here. I have 10 completed novels. My heroines include a nurse, an artist (as in painter), 2 photographers, a tree-hugging day care owner, a bartender, a sniper, a doctor, an abused woman on the lam, a rancher and a teacher. I'm thinking that there has to be a thread here but I can't seem to grasp it right now. In my series, I think the setting, which is a resort area on the coast, might have potential for marketing tie ins. Lots of snow birds come down for the mild winters and it is a big destination for vacations and spring break. Other than that, I work in healthcare in a large metropolitan area. Would there be any way to link to the community of healthcare professionals? Just not thinking creatively tonight.
~June

[J.D. Faver]

Do your book signings while dressed for the part? Oh, I want to see that!
Where do you think I get my research, E?
~J

[E. Ayers]

I’m counting on my website to help me market. The website is being reworked right now and it should be ready late this spring. I do have one slight advantage: WANTING is the first of now 8 mss all set in River City. So I’m gearing my site for River City because it’s the glue for all these books. Each story is unique but each is set in River City.

While writing I’ve had to make a map to keep the place straight or I’m going back over previous written stuff trying to find how many blocks she walked between Sweet Grandview (apartments) and University Hospital or the pizzeria from City Hall. That foam board mess of sticky notes is being turned into a “real” map. It is so cool to see a concept become a reality. The map will hit the website.

River Lights is the Sunday magazine that comes with the River City newspaper. A snippet of that magazine is hitting my website and I can switch info in there easily, almost like blogging. It’s a place I can create teases for what is coming and get people hooked on the city. I want people addicted and coming back looking for more.

River City isn’t as large as New York or Los Angeeles, but it’s a mid-sized city (400,000). It’s getting a logo of a skyline of skyscrapers. And naturally every city has an emblem and RC’s contains a fish. So I’m thinking fish trinkets.

Drop your name and email addy in the bucket and the lucky winner gets a piece of jewelry. (Got to hit eBay for “lots” of fish jewelry.) Buying in lots (groupings) is always cheaper, and I get to collect email addys for my mailing list! Also jewelry is something I can give from the website. So as soon as I get my cover I will start a contest. Again I get email addys and they get a free book or jewelry.

I don’t have to give away an expensive Kindle (I’ve seen that by other authors and I don’t see where it’s cost effective, at least at this stage of my career) but a free charm or pendant or brooch that someone keeps and wears might actually give me a longer stronger presence than some other things. They won’t forget where they got it or why, especially if it’s nice. Sterling doesn’t cost that much. Print those 25 words on a sticker and put it on the box! Or you can buy iron on sheets in the craft stores and print it at home from the printer with whatever (depending on size and where it’s going) and iron it on something. I’m thinking little flannel bags that hold jewelry and that would probably be nicer than a sticker.

Naturally I have pens. Who uses pens all the time? I put a pen with a business card and leave it for the waitress with her tip. I hand one to the checker at the grocery store. All the baristas at my Starbucks have them. After I’ve done my 25-word spiel and given one to the cashier, I’ve turned around and handed one to the person behind me in line. It usually shocks them and they always thank me. I even give them to guys and tell them to give it to their gal. You wouldn’t believe how many times I’ve heard, “Thanks, I will. My wife/girlfriend loves romances.”

I keep the pens simple: my name, website, email, and I now I know it’s a “bite” LOL (“Life and Love Come Together in River City.”) Nowadays I have more to use. I can drop the RC and add my 10-word bite for each book as it is released. Pens don’t have much real estate on them for anything other than a few concise words.

This has been the best workshop! And I’ve loved meeting all the authors here.
E.

[PR Henriksen]

Ok- ZOMBIE Squad isn't finished yet, so I don't know all of the possibles that will exist for it- yet. But as the squad are glorified monster and alien hunter/fixers it would be awesome to have a Halloween monster bash where everyone could come to the even dressed as their favorite monster, alien whatnot or as a member of the ZOMBIE Squad (what's your specialty). By the time I'm done with it - I'm sure I'll have more.

I really love some of the things Angie Fox did with her demonslayer series.. she has geriatric biker witches with a demonslayer- and Grandma shows up in the first book to meet the new demonslayer on her Harley wearing a "Kiss my asphalt" t-shirt- and all of the biker witches have crazy biker witch names... Angie has those t-shirts (I do ride motorcycles and am the proud owner of a Kiss My Asphalt t-shirt... and she has the names of the books on the back- I got mine after the 2nd book- the newer ones list all 4 books I've noticed) and she had a name generator on her website that will give you a biker witch name. It is totally fun.... She's also done some cool bookmarks with her book covers on them.

An old cartoon show I used to watch had a name for things like Angie's t-shirts... the show was Freakazoid and the term/concept is "toyetic" a cool thing that is so awesome and perfect for making and marking as a toy- it is toy-etic! The t-shirts are like that. I think I'll be able to find some toyetic stuff in my story after it's finished. But Angie is a lot of fun... and she understands this concept pretty well - hopefully I'll be as slick.

[Michele]

This is fun, the more I wrote, the more ideas I thought of. Here are a few possibilities; the first being jewelry...the Inner Eye gemstone necklace given to Lorelei by Adrius, which allows her to see into the minds of others and have premonitions about future events. I love the idea of have this made, each one coming with a positive prediction for the future of the wearer.
4514

Also lemons are symbolic throughout the story (following the line ..."Sometimes life hands you lemons. I've always hated lemonade, but as the shards of Faery ice pierced my skin it was a bitter reminder that if I wanted to stay alive, it was what I'd have to make.") and they show up in the form of lemon tea and lemonade. I can picture old fashion lemonade stands fundraisers.

Another is a cookbook based on Lorelei's grandmother's healing tea shop. A witches' grimoire collection of potions, which are herbal remedies and blends using herbs and teas to aid in common ailments. I can see the cookbooks being used as fundrasiers as well, or even used in an affiliate marketing program that others can sell from their own websites.

And my favorite idea...since I'm a professional doll sculptor I like the idea of sculpting the characters from my story creating collectible doll figures. Like Sherrilyn Kenyon's Dark Hunter dolls produced in conjunction with Ashton Drake Galleries & Integrity Toys (http://www.darkhunterdolls.com/)

Michele

[rileymagnus]

<June is having a big laugh> One of my characters in a mystery/suspense is a dominatrix. So I should look for people who like to spank each other and wear leather? :-)

Hmmm, Quite possibly a great idea. Just make sure it's made clear so there are no complaints.

"But officer! She HIT me!!!"

LOL
Deb

[rileymagnus]

Okay, getting serious here. I have 10 completed novels. My heroines include a nurse, an artist (as in painter), 2 photographers, a tree-hugging day care owner, a bartender, a sniper, a doctor, an abused woman on the lam, a rancher and a teacher. I'm thinking that there has to be a thread here but I can't seem to grasp it right now. In my series, I think the setting, which is a resort area on the coast, might have potential for marketing tie ins. Lots of snow birds come down for the mild winters and it is a big destination for vacations and spring break. Other than that, I work in healthcare in a large metropolitan area. Would there be any way to link to the community of healthcare professionals? Just not thinking creatively tonight.
~June

JUne,

You're "skirting" creative but not far away. You've identified the common thread in your series that's half the battle. Be sure to hold live promotions when the snow birds are around and where they hang out to take advantage of the real activity, then maybe you'd like to ask travel agents to let you promote your book and buy links on their web sites. The connection is a) vacationers love to read and b) the stories are about a resort area.

Connecting to other healthcare professionals is as easy as posting your announcements for a new release or doing a book signing/reading event where all the nurses, doctors, therapists gather ... a favorite coffee shop or cafeteria or diner. Just making it known you are an author and have books for sale works. People often forget to promote (subtly, of course) in their workplace because it either doesn't connect with their story or they're fearful of crossing their writing life with their working life ... but in truth, it IS YOUR LIFE and the place where you contact most of the people in your day. You can be subtle like putting your 25 word pitch on your computer screen saver or posting a little sign that says "author/doctor at your service". Anything to get people to ask what you write.

Deb

[rileymagnus]

I’m counting on my website to help me market. The website is being reworked right now and it should be ready late this spring. I do have one slight advantage: WANTING is the first of now 8 mss all set in River City. So I’m gearing my site for River City because it’s the glue for all these books. Each story is unique but each is set in River City.

While writing I’ve had to make a map to keep the place straight or I’m going back over previous written stuff trying to find how many blocks she walked between Sweet Grandview (apartments) and University Hospital or the pizzeria from City Hall. That foam board mess of sticky notes is being turned into a “real” map. It is so cool to see a concept become a reality. The map will hit the website.

River Lights is the Sunday magazine that comes with the River City newspaper. A snippet of that magazine is hitting my website and I can switch info in there easily, almost like blogging. It’s a place I can create teases for what is coming and get people hooked on the city. I want people addicted and coming back looking for more.

River City isn’t as large as New York or Los Angeeles, but it’s a mid-sized city (400,000). It’s getting a logo of a skyline of skyscrapers. And naturally every city has an emblem and RC’s contains a fish. So I’m thinking fish trinkets.

Drop your name and email addy in the bucket and the lucky winner gets a piece of jewelry. (Got to hit eBay for “lots” of fish jewelry.) Buying in lots (groupings) is always cheaper, and I get to collect email addys for my mailing list! Also jewelry is something I can give from the website. So as soon as I get my cover I will start a contest. Again I get email addys and they get a free book or jewelry.

I don’t have to give away an expensive Kindle (I’ve seen that by other authors and I don’t see where it’s cost effective, at least at this stage of my career) but a free charm or pendant or brooch that someone keeps and wears might actually give me a longer stronger presence than some other things. They won’t forget where they got it or why, especially if it’s nice. Sterling doesn’t cost that much. Print those 25 words on a sticker and put it on the box! Or you can buy iron on sheets in the craft stores and print it at home from the printer with whatever (depending on size and where it’s going) and iron it on something. I’m thinking little flannel bags that hold jewelry and that would probably be nicer than a sticker.

Naturally I have pens. Who uses pens all the time? I put a pen with a business card and leave it for the waitress with her tip. I hand one to the checker at the grocery store. All the baristas at my Starbucks have them. After I’ve done my 25-word spiel and given one to the cashier, I’ve turned around and handed one to the person behind me in line. It usually shocks them and they always thank me. I even give them to guys and tell them to give it to their gal. You wouldn’t believe how many times I’ve heard, “Thanks, I will. My wife/girlfriend loves romances.”

I keep the pens simple: my name, website, email, and I now I know it’s a “bite” LOL (“Life and Love Come Together in River City.”) Nowadays I have more to use. I can drop the RC and add my 10-word bite for each book as it is released. Pens don’t have much real estate on them for anything other than a few concise words.

This has been the best workshop! And I’ve loved meeting all the authors here.
E.

E, thanks so much, glad you've enjoyed the workshop.

Lots of good ideas here but you have a unique opportunity to take it a few steps further. Yes, you have created a dynamic city and magazine as elements of your book and website, but what about going a tiny bit further? Why don't you interview real people and writer stories about them in your fictitious magazine? Act like a REAL journalist and your site followers will be tripping over themselves to be interviewed for your articles.

What if you post a creative version of your town map on your website with roll over comments about what happens at this place or that?

How about if you create a cover for the magazine and print them out on glossy paper (right from your computer printer). The front can be full color and looking legitimate, like a real magazine, and the back of the sheet can be the perfect place for your events calendar, where and when you'll be speaking or signing books, where your books can be purchased, a bio on the author and hey ... even a excerpt of the book!

Every idea you have can be stretched just a little further (and I'm not talking about cash either, I'm just talking ideas taken to the next level) for more impact and that touch of uniqueness that will only connect with you and your book.

Deb

[rileymagnus]

Ok- ZOMBIE Squad isn't finished yet, so I don't know all of the possibles that will exist for it- yet. But as the squad are glorified monster and alien hunter/fixers it would be awesome to have a Halloween monster bash where everyone could come to the even dressed as their favorite monster, alien whatnot or as a member of the ZOMBIE Squad (what's your specialty). By the time I'm done with it - I'm sure I'll have more.

I really love some of the things Angie Fox did with her demonslayer series.. she has geriatric biker witches with a demonslayer- and Grandma shows up in the first book to meet the new demonslayer on her Harley wearing a "Kiss my asphalt" t-shirt- and all of the biker witches have crazy biker witch names... Angie has those t-shirts (I do ride motorcycles and am the proud owner of a Kiss My Asphalt t-shirt... and she has the names of the books on the back- I got mine after the 2nd book- the newer ones list all 4 books I've noticed) and she had a name generator on her website that will give you a biker witch name. It is totally fun.... She's also done some cool bookmarks with her book covers on them.

An old cartoon show I used to watch had a name for things like Angie's t-shirts... the show was Freakazoid and the term/concept is "toyetic" a cool thing that is so awesome and perfect for making and marking as a toy- it is toy-etic! The t-shirts are like that. I think I'll be able to find some toyetic stuff in my story after it's finished. But Angie is a lot of fun... and she understands this concept pretty well - hopefully I'll be as slick.

PR,

Tee shirts are great promos but as you said, you MUST be SMARTER, KICKIER, SLICKER, and especially BE MORE FUN than all the other author promo tee shirts out there. You also seriously need to make sure it connects with your story so intimately, no one will confuse it with someone else.

You have a long way to go before the book has all it's essence and you'll be able to pick something that works, but please don't limit yourself to tee shirts. What if one of your zombies wears a fishing hat with teeth hanging on it instead of lures? Maybe that's a direction to go ... "Z.O.M.B.I.E. Squad got teeth!" Perhaps there's a saying everyone in the squad uses before they go out on a case "No Brainers are Outta Here!" printed on an army greet baseball cap. Just do your best to watch what's developing as you write and see what might make a super unique and targeted promotional item or statement.

One thing I do want to say here, PR. YOU are at a greater advantage than other authors here who have already finished their books. You can keep your eyes peeled for fantastic idea developments and make note. Unlike other authors who have to go fishing in their manuscripts for the perfect connection, you can see them as they develop!

Deb

[rileymagnus]

This is fun, the more I wrote, the more ideas I thought of. Here are a few possibilities; the first being jewelry...the Inner Eye gemstone necklace given to Lorelei by Adrius, which allows her to see into the minds of others and have premonitions about future events. I love the idea of have this made, each one coming with a positive prediction for the future of the wearer.
4514

Also lemons are symbolic throughout the story (following the line ..."Sometimes life hands you lemons. I've always hated lemonade, but as the shards of Faery ice pierced my skin it was a bitter reminder that if I wanted to stay alive, it was what I'd have to make.") and they show up in the form of lemon tea and lemonade. I can picture old fashion lemonade stands fundraisers.

Another is a cookbook based on Lorelei's grandmother's healing tea shop. A witches' grimoire collection of potions, which are herbal remedies and blends using herbs and teas to aid in common ailments. I can see the cookbooks being used as fundrasiers as well, or even used in an affiliate marketing program that others can sell from their own websites.

And my favorite idea...since I'm a professional doll sculptor I like the idea of sculpting the characters from my story creating collectible doll figures. Like Sherrilyn Kenyon's Dark Hunter dolls produced in conjunction with Ashton Drake Galleries & Integrity Toys (http://www.darkhunterdolls.com/)

Michele

WOW, Michele, you ROCK. You're on a roll, just watch your bottom line and make sure whatever you choose has HUGE CONNECTIVE IMPACT with your story. Don't do too many to start, choose two or three promotional ideas and seriously implement them. Never dilute your efforts by having too many elements in your promotional arsenal. All your ideas are fantastic. Now for the words all authors hate to hear ... time to edit.

Great job! So glad you're having fun!
Deb

[J.D. Faver]

JUne,

You're "skirting" creative but not far away. You've identified the common thread in your series that's half the battle. Be sure to hold live promotions when the snow birds are around and where they hang out to take advantage of the real activity, then maybe you'd like to ask travel agents to let you promote your book and buy links on their web sites. The connection is a) vacationers love to read and b) the stories are about a resort area.

Connecting to other healthcare professionals is as easy as posting your announcements for a new release or doing a book signing/reading event where all the nurses, doctors, therapists gather ... a favorite coffee shop or cafeteria or diner. Just making it known you are an author and have books for sale works. People often forget to promote (subtly, of course) in their workplace because it either doesn't connect with their story or they're fearful of crossing their writing life with their working life ... but in truth, it IS YOUR LIFE and the place where you contact most of the people in your day. You can be subtle like putting your 25 word pitch on your computer screen saver or posting a little sign that says "author/doctor at your service". Anything to get people to ask what you write.

Deb

I'm having a little trouble with this one, Deb. I have two distinct personae. My workday self is a professional healthcare administrator. I listen to and comfort people; I direct employees and solve problems for a living. I think I would lose credibility with my peers if they knew that underneath my slick veneer lies my alter ego and she writes about sexy heroes and heroines, grisly murders and vile villains, and the occasional humorous and sexy romantic romp. Not sure I can "come out" to them just yet.

On the other hand, I would love to market the series down on the coast. I love sailing and have a lot of boat buds. I would love to host a book Launch Party at a boat shop complete with beach garb and island drinks and music. A friend suggested that I host a launch party for the dominatrix suspense release and invite people to live their fantasy by bringing their own handcuffs. This could be a lot of fun too.
~J

[Meg Mims]

Saugatuck is a summer resort, so I would hope my book comes out in early or late June so I can do the launch party and then these -- it pretty much closes up after Labor Day, although things pick up by Christmas for a week or so.



Since the lighthouse was destroyed by a tornado in 1956 (the year I was born, how weird is that) I would host a Silent Auction at the Saugatuck/Douglas Historical Society, with a lighthouse painting, a lighthouse-themed purse (I have a friend who sews beautifully), a box of lighthouse candy (if I can find a mold for one, since a friend makes chocolates), two baskets (each with a mug hand-painted by me, one with coffee/one with tea) plus hand-painted wine glasses and a bottle of wine, while I take Q/A about writing, history of the area, etc. Each item will have a postcard attached with info on buying my book – and all proceeds will benefit the Historical Society. This would take place in July after the book launch party in June.


In August, I would ask friends who play brass instruments to play Sousa and other 1900-era music at the village gazebo and have a “book signing” – if there are print copies, that is… with free ice cream, bottled water with my name and lighthouse logo on them, plus give away a free book or two – people have to sign up for my newsletter to be entered.


In September, I would host a High Tea at a B&B, and people can make free reservations if they bought my book – but they must bring a friend for a book discussion. And at Christmas, I would come back for a "Light Up the Lighthouse" event, probably at the Artist's Collective gallery, with a book signing and giveaways of stocking stuffers like lighthouse key chains, tiny tree ornaments, pins and bookmarks, buttons, whatever.



I can actually VISUALIZE these events happening! That’s the coolest thing. Thanks, Deb!!

[Kathryn Scannell]

<June is having a big laugh> One of my characters in a mystery/suspense is a dominatrix. So I should look for people who like to spank each other and wear leather? :-)

Not sure where you are, but there are actually quite a lot of convention/trade show like events that cater to this demographic. There's one called the Fetish Fair Fleamarket in the New England area, and I think I recall hearing about one that started up in Atlanta, GA this past year. I believe it had an author track at it. There are a fair number of local groups and venues that cater to consensual BDSM. So as long as you did your homework and the character is realistic, that might actually be quite a good marketing opportunity for you.

[J.D. Faver]

Not sure where you are, but there are actually quite a lot of convention/trade show like events that cater to this demographic. There's one called the Fetish Fair Fleamarket in the New England area, and I think I recall hearing about one that started up in Atlanta, GA this past year. I believe it had an author track at it. There are a fair number of local groups and venues that cater to consensual BDSM. So as long as you did your homework and the character is realistic, that might actually be quite a good marketing opportunity for you.

Thanks for the suggestion, Kathryn but the focus of this novel is the mystery/suspense/thriller element and not the BDSM aspect. I think that the serious BDSM fetishist would be disappointed, but the person looking for a dark and twisted mystery/thriller would be hooked. I wouldn't want to lead them on. ;-)
~J

[Maritza Espinoza]

Hi, Deb!


I've been thinking about this...

I love community theater and it's mentioned during the "dating section" of my memoir. Once our group performed a skit at the launch of a national promotional campaign. I think a skit probably about the challenges of post-divorce dating would tie in perfectly with my story.
I worked at a popular magazine that focused on social events. Sort of a Honduran Hello! only we don't have many celebrities and its mostly about local socialites. It's so funny because it's such a guilty pleasure and "nobody" acknowledges they read it, it's considered too frivolous but believe everyone reads it, especially at the Beauty salon... Anyway, I could ask them to hold a vote (since my memoir does have a strong political element to it) at their web page for worst international celebrity husbands/boyfriends or something to that effect and raffle books and other prizes...