Writing Tips...

Half-Baked Cake ©
by Linda Broday

You get ‘the call’ and say, “Now I’m cooking!” But, have you actually even put the cake in the oven or is it merely in the mixing bowl?

Don’t get me wrong. Selling can give you the highest ‘high’ anyone can get with their feet still anchored to the ground. Yet, most writers often overlook a critical part because we’re blinded by the thrill.

Promotion ranks equal in importance. Yet, some authors tend to place it secondary, or not at all, instead of understanding the complete package that selling entails.

Unless you’re firmly established in the publishing industry, books rarely sell themselves. Successful authors embark upon a relentless promotion trail. They keep their eyes open for each opportunity to get and keep their name before the reader. Let’s face it, without readers our cake ends up flat with a squiggly middle. I want to address a two part process in achieving the ultimate goal.

The first deals with your masterpiece. Besides obtaining your own website, which is a must, I urge you to consider these:

1. Mail advanced reader’s copies (ARC’S) to every reviewer you can get, borrow, or steal an address. They are happy to post an online review or submit it to magazines and newspapers. They do this for free. Your only expense is printing and mailing the ARC’S. Don’t expect your editor to do this. Most houses leave it up to the author. They want to see how much effort you’re willing to put forth.

2. Posting your bio and a short blurb about the upcoming release on most book review and writer resource websites is another free service. They also love for writers to drop into the chat rooms. It’s painless and can gain new fans.

3. If you can afford the cost of getting your cover art up on those sites, do it. Some are relatively inexpensive.

4. Magazine ads might strain your pocketbook, but they reap tremendous rewards.

5. Keep handy at all times (whether you run to the grocery store or hospital ER) bookmarks, pens, magnets, anything you can think of that might grab someone’s attention. You never know when the tiniest opportunity will present itself. It pays to have them ready to whip out at a moment’s notice.

6. Set up book signing events and, if you have a knack for it, some speaking engagements when your book nears the release date. Writing groups always need speakers. Get your book in as many hands as you can.

I’m afraid this barely scratches the surface. Use your own imagination and go wild.

The second portion of the two-step is least done but, in my humble opinion, is the single most critical. Personal appearance. We should consider implementing this before ‘the call’ comes. Like it or not, we’re judged by the image we project. I’m not talking face-lift, crash dieting, or the June Cleaver pearls-and-high heels-not-a-hair-out-of-place kind of persona.

Public perception pertains to leaving home dressed a little better than the comfortable scrungies you wear around the house, carrying yourself with pride, and glancing in the mirror before hopping in the car. This Beavis and Butthead world we’ve become suits the majority it seems. But, I believe it’s even worse than the too perfect Cleavers and Lucille Balls. What happened to middle ground and what price do you place on absolute comfort at all times?

Public image has to do with wearing a smile and talking to strangers, things that don’t come easily for someone who hibernates inside their shell. Hiding in the safety zone doesn’t get new readers.

If you don’t light the oven, your batter has no chance of turning into a cake and you might as well toss out the icing you eagerly prepared to pretty up that plump confection.

I flew out for a writer’s conference right after the release of my first book, Knight on the Texas Plains. Over two hundred authors attended the book signing that drew readers from all over the country. The appearance of some ‘professionals’ left me shaking my head. Especially, the one who could’ve passed for a sixty’s style hippie with her torn blue jeans, wrinkled shirt, and stringy hair. I noticed how the throng of fans bypassed as though she were invisible. Sadly, she didn’t exist to readers. I still remember the dejected expression that made me want to cry for her.

My point is that projecting ourselves in a positive light may take a few more minutes, but it has definite rewards.

Be and look the successful writer. It boosts your own self-esteem, plus gives your readers someone worthy of admiration. Don’t dash their expectations. You’ll lose in the end.

We may only get one chance to make this cake rise. Don’t stand there licking batter from the spoon once you sign the contract. You can’t afford to overlook the fire needed for baking. Set the timer and by all means don’t let it burn!
 

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