What Kind of Planning Ahead Do You Do for Promotion?

When I first started out on this journey we call being a published author, I had no idea that I would be the one doing the majority of the promotion of my book. In fact, the only thing I did for promotion all those many years ago, early 1980s, was to arrange a book signing. Of course there was no Internet back then or anyway to promote except sending out mailings and book stores appearances.

As each book came out, I got smarter and smarter. And some of the publishers that I queried wanted to know what my marketing plans were--so I realized I need to have some.

Over the years I've done many different things--and now, of course, a lot more on the Internet through Facebook and of course, blogs.

For my latest, Spirit Shapes, a Deputy Tempe Crabtree mystery, this is what I've planned so far:

A blog tour--wow, that is a lot of work Here's the first week's stops:

September 30    http://Mariaruizauthor.com/ 

October 1   http://SavvyAuthors.blogspot.com/

 

October 2   http://Marilynlevinson.com/blog/

October 3   http://krisneri.blogspot.com/

October 4   http://anastasiapollock.blotspot.com/

October 5   http://mmgornell.wordpress.com/

October 6  http://poluckwithjudy.blogspot.com

October 7  http://lornacollins-author.blogspot.com/

You can find all the stops on my blog:http://marilynmeredith.blogspot.com/

 The person who comments on the most blogs will have their name used for a character in the next book in the series.

I have several in person events:

I'm meeting with a book club, going to be one of six mystery authors on a panel at a new bookstore, will have a booth at Taste of the Arts, and doing a signing at another new bookstore.

Next to plan is a book launch of some sort in my little town, just looking for the best place to do it.

What I'm not doing is going to Bouchercon this year--airplane travel has just gotten to be too big a pain. I do plan to attend Left Coast Crime in 2014 though because it's drivable, actually being on the left coast. Maybe I'll see some of you there.

Tell me what your favorite promotion is? Maybe you can give me some fresh ideas.

To buy directly from the publisher:

 http://mundania.com/book.php?title=Spirit+Shapes

Marilyn