The Positives of Promotion

 Unlike most of my Way Back Wednesday posts, this one hasn't already appeared here. I wrote it almost ten years ago for an online publication. I'm not even sure if it actually ran, but I do know that right now, book promotion seems like a topic from way back, so that made it a good fit for today.

I'm one of those crazy writers who enjoys promotion. I don't like the time it takes away from working on my next book, but I decided early on that if I couldn't escape marketing and publicity (and I can't), I might as well have fun with those aspects of the author life. So, through a combination of research and experience, I've developed three rules for promoting a book.

• Make it novel -- no pun intended (well, maybe a little). I love bookstores. The fact that they're full of readers makes them a great, if predictable, place to have a book event. But they're also full of books, which means it can be hard for a newbie or independently published author to stand out. Choosing less typical locales for book events not only makes you (and your book) stand out, but it also keeps things interesting. How can you connect your book to an interesting place that might also attract readers who would appreciate your particular story?

• Make it meaningful. Anyone who knows me knows I love Starbucks, and my friends know that my local Starbucks has, at times, been my office away from home. So, when some of the work I created there made it into print, it seemed like a great place to have a party. (Sometimes it helps to be a regular). Not only did this plan fulfill rule #1 above, but the location (and the people who work there) meant something to me, which meant the whole event felt like a natural extension of who I am and what I love. Though I went on to have more signings and events, most of them lots of fun, the first one, held at my "home" Starbucks, remains special. When you think of celebrating your book, what small touch or simple detail would make the celebration meaningful for you?

• Make it fun. I figured out early on that if creating promotional events and ideas feels like drudgery to me, the events will feel like drudgery to attendees as well. Sure, I mumbled and grumbled as I was making up gift baskets for one of my harebrained schemes, but that was just my perfectionism rearing its ugly head. And I had to stifle a few groans as I added up the cost of the giveaways for my online launch party, but then I reminded myself how much fun I had coming up with prizes that complemented the book both thematically and visually. Everybody loves a good party. How can you make yours fun for you and your guests?

If you can remember that book parties, promotions, and events are meant to be celebrations and celebrations are meant to be fun, it makes it easier to embrace the publicity monster with both arms. And, when you stop to think about how much of yourself you pour into the creation of a book, can you think of anything better to celebrate?