Promotion (III) (the intention…)
Of course, there’s a third third approach to the promotion game: If you don’t want to let your publisher do all the arranging and deciding, yet you don’t want to just go out and hawk the book all by yourself, you can hire someone to help you.
Independent publicists can be especially effective for a new writer, or for one published by a small house with a small promotion budget, or for someone just interested in going the extra mile. I hired a publicist this year for LOCKED ROOMS, and would like to say a little about it–unfortunately, I have run out of hours before the plane’s wheels leave the ground, and so I’ll have to return to the subject later. More, as they say, to come…
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That’s right, friends, Laurie is packed and heading for the airport this morning. I’ll be spending the day in Los Angeles doing the full LaLa thing, Taking Meetings with producers and writers. What, oh what shall I wear?
Then this evening I climb onto my British Airways chariot and end up in London, where I will be having a modicum of fun and, more importantly, doing research for the next book. (No, really, I’m working hard!)
I thought that, as this is the first time I’ve been blogging at the beginning of a book, I might use the medium to let anyone interested in the slow and convoluted process of building a book follow along. Not that I’ll be talking out loud about the precise details of the book–I don’t let anyone know what’s going on, since I don’t usually know myself, and it feels too much like having someone look over my shoulder as I write.
But where I go and what I do in the process of gathering material, the sticking places and reflection, those I’ll put down.
For now, I will say that it’s a stand-alone, not one of a series. It’s set in England, during the Twenties.
The book’s name is TOUCHSTONE.
Have a great trip! It is most kind of you to let all of us piggyback a ride along. Feel free to get inspired for another Russell/Holmes adventure while you are there!
Kay
Dear Laurie,
I can’t wait to hear about your adventures in research. I thought you might like to know how I got caught up in the Russell/Holmes craze. None of my friends had heard of the books. I was wandering through the mystery paperbacks in the library when an image of Sherlock Holmes on the spine of a book caught my eye. It was The Moor. Had it not been for the design on the spine I might have missed out on what has become my favorite series. So I guess what I am saying is sometimes you can judge a book by its cover.
Enjoy the trip! And I would like to read the rest of your ideas on promoting.
How I found your books: actually I was doing a final paper for a Victorian literature class on how the characters created then are still in use. Had a bold idea at the time to keep updating it through my website and found a listing of the Holmes/Russell books on Amazon while reasearching. I found the first three in a used bookstore about a month after I graduated college, and have been buying the rest when I can afford them. Borrowed “the Game” and “Locked Rooms” from the library, and will be getting them as soon as funds allow.
Have a great trip! I look forward to reading about your adventures – By the way – I’m in England & available for any research help you might need – I’m a freelance Librarian & picture researcher – So if I can be of service do get in touch!
Laurie, I’m so looking forward to your comments on the writing process as you work on this book. As a novice at the craft, I’ll take all the input I can get! And, especially from you! Have a great trip! Kim
YAY! To all of the above.
I hope to go to England, but probably will never get to; but do give us details, like, how is the food? Can you get a good cup of coffee? These are important questions for a California girl~i.e. middle aged lady!
I’m flying out to London to start at LSE in just a few days. I hope you have fun on your trip. Are you doing any events or just research? I’d love to be able to watch promotion at work, and I’ve never been able to before.