Publishing News -- 1/20/2008

How Can You Help
The news is depressingly repetitive: publishers are laying off, newspapers are closing, even radio stations are feeling the pinch. More and more, the traditional avenues for marketing your book are becoming unavailable. And the traditional marketing budget provided for you has disappeared into the vapor.

Necessity is the mother of invention. It's a cliche for a reason. The silver lining in this cloud is the new array of tools and methods available. But none of that matters without one other change: the one that must occur in you.

The new media requires a shift in mindset. It's okay to sell, but the first thing you need to do is create a relationship. Brian Freeman is one of my favorite authors. Last month, we were driving home on I-4 and hit traffic. The backup was mercifully short, and I updated my Facebook Status both at the beginning and end of it. He saw that and commented it. And we went back and forth a couple times.

Brian Freeman doesn't know me from Adam, but because he was generous enough with his time to chat with me online, I'm even more inclined to buy his books.

So if and when you go online, sell your wares, sure. But establish the relationship first. The sales will come and your connection to the new readers will be deeper and harder to break.

Related Links:
How Can I Help Wednesday -- LinkedIn advisor Irene Koehler presides over a giant experiment in people helping people.

Give Value to Your Readers -- "Every single post you write should have some value for your readers." Sounds right to me.

Also, if there's a way this blog can expand its content to serve you better, please let me know.

Publishing and the Economy
Washington Post Book World May Disappear -- Editor Marcus Bruachli says the rumors are untrue. Rumors indicate a decision hasn't yet been made.

Simon & Schuster Launches New Web Site -- The new site is designed to support viral marketing, author blogs, multimedia, and interactivity.

Our Craft
Should Books Contain Expiration Stamps? -- Actual places, businesses, or events can lend credibility to your story...or make it seem ancient.

Marketing Your Work
Using Postcards and Bookmarks as Promotional Tools -- These are a cheap, easy way to expose people to your work and maybe make a few sales. And it's always good to have a takeaway when you speak in front of people.

The Secrets to Marketing Fiction -- Penny Sansevieri tells her tale of how a pack of postcards helped her catch lightning in a bottle.