Years ago, I saw
a big-name author (who shall remain unnamed) talk about how she received a
signing bonus of $10,000, put all that toward marketing and promotions and
broke through.
After five years
in publishing, I’ve developed a good reader base and strong network of support.
Yet, I’m nowhere near the level of plunking down that amount of cash. (It took
her longer, too.) Instead, it’s an art of finding quality creative support.
There gets to be a time when an emerging and – hopefully – growing author does
need that support. While I write, I don’t possess many skills when it comes to
technology magic such as book trailers. And sadly, there are things I can
forget.
That’s where the
help comes in. Now, I’m not talking about my two daughters, ages 8 and 12,
who’ll be making swag in our living room, but book tour companies and virtual author
assistants who help smooth over the rough patches.
Now, some may
not share who helps them “behind the scenes.” Primarily, because the fear is
that they’ll become too busy, too popular, to continue to do business. (Let’s
face it, it’s happened in the past.) Rather, I hope that by sharing, they get
some good recognition, and they remember those recommendations.
On Friday, July
17, my Black Hills Wolves title “Claiming the She-Wolf” premieres. First, let
me say that Decadent Publishing is extremely supportive, and recently named one
of the best small presses. Likewise, I’ve received strong support from lead
editors Heather Long and Rebecca Royce, and my sister writers in the Pack.
There are four
outside sources I’ve worked with for promotional help, and I’d recommend them,
and have, multiple times, and one new service.
One key way to
know that Beckey continues to deliver: I’ve recommended her to multiple people,
and they keep contracting her. She put together the book blast, the tour with
reviews and the trailer for “Claiming the She-Wolf,” in addition to other items
such as graphics.
Sheri works with a lot of authors with bigger names than me. Yet, she makes me
feel special and I adore her for it. When I need a hand to hold, she’s there.
OK, sounds silly, but having someone who can go through your book and pick out
the best quotes for catchy memes is truly a talent! (And yes, she does more
than that.)
BTW -- Sheri will be my roommate at #AAD Hotlanta so if you haven't met her, say hi!
Let’s admit it, I don’t write in order to be in promotions. I prefer to be
behind the scenes. That said, companies like Sensuous Promotions, who put out
your new releases and you don’t have to (as much) … are golden.
Ashley will be hosting “Claiming the She-Wolf” in a review library for six
months. While I don’t have feedback on how the process goes, yet, Ashley has
been extremely proactive and productive, and I look forward to doing more with
her.
BTW – I’ve
worked with other tour companies, such as the lovely Lucy Felthouse with Writer Marketing Services (http://www.writermarketing.co.uk),
and the vivacious team of the Smexy Fab
Four (http://www.smexyfabfour.com),
who host an awesome Facebook party. With different books, I often do something
different. It helps keep it exciting.
Tired yet? Oh,
yes. There’s a lot that happens behind the scenes, in addition to writing.
Finally, I’d like to give a big HUGE thank you to everyone for the support,
because I truly know that it goes beyond and above.
The romance
community is the very best, and I’m happy to be part of it.
Until next time,
Louisa Bacio
