Traction and Momentum for Book Releases


After the cake is eaten, the friends leave, and book blog tours wind down, what is an author to do between book releases? Yes, writing the next story takes top billing but what about the "to do" list for the current book on the market? Somewhere, some how an author, especially today, must find the means to get the word out about their book. Do you have the funds to hire a PR team or are you a new author, who is being held accountable for doing their own shout-outs? Along the spectrum, you pose and look for ways to not only find your footing but keep the buzz going, at least, long enough to see you through to the next release. That's the sounds like a reasonable scenario. Right? But where are the directions on what to do?

Look no further! Below you'll find several some good ways to keep your book in public view.
Lulu's Blog-How to Get Your Book Into Libraries

Quality – Give Them Something to Work With:

A quickly diminishing stereotype of self-published books is that they are of poor quality. Lulu works to erase all of the preconceptions about self-published titles and helps authors create quality products that can sit on a shelf next to any best-seller. As long as an author takes his or her time to create a professional book that is formatted and edited well, then there is no reason a Lulu book can’t make it into a library.
It is important to note that some libraries do prefer certain bindings and can be reluctant to stock others like comb bound and saddle stitched (stapled) books. If you’re thinking about pursuing library distribution, it might be a good idea to call ahead to see what their requirements for submittal are.
Donations – You Get What You Give:
Many authors starting out find themselves donating copies of their works to gain some initial traction. Libraries are typically not-for-profit organizations and many have to pay for the books they loan out. So when it comes to donations, libraries are no different than any organization, they like free stuff. Some libraries have a system in place for self-published donations and will provide you with information on how to donate copies of your work to a specific branch if you ask.
“I was able to get my book into [the library] by providing them with five copies” says L. Jones, a Lulu author. “In these tight budgetary times, they were happy to get it.”
Most libraries do reserve the right to do whatever they want to with your work however, such as selling copies at annual book fundraisers. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing though and a lot can depend on how your work fits in with the scope of the library’s collection.
Reviews – A Few Choice Words:
An acquisition librarian is a person that purchases books for one or many branches of an acquisition library. One of the best methods for getting an acquisition librarian’s attention is to get your work reviewed in one of the pre-publication review magazines like Library Journal, CHOICE, or Booklist.
If you can’t land a review, there are also programs that will send a flyer or pamphlet about your book to various libraries, reviewers, and schools for a fee.
Requests – Ask and You Shall Receive:
One way that a lot of libraries find out about content is good old fashioned word of mouth. It’s the basic rule of supply and demand. Many libraries actually take reader requests very seriously and will pick up a book if they receive enough legitimate requests.
Try getting friends and family members to stop by their local libraries and request your book. But just like any form of marketing, don’t inundate librarians with email spam or fake requests for your book. They can tell what a legitimate request is and you risk offending them if you waste their time. Local book clubs and book organizations can help request copies of your work also.
If you have any friends that are involved in academics at a local college or university, that can be a big bonus. Some libraries will take direct requests from academic staff and won’t even bother with reviews because they consider faculty members to be the experts in their fields and trust their judgement on whatever material they’re requesting.
Speaking Engagements – Help the Library Out:
One rule of marketing your book that I cannot stress enough is to build yourself up as a reputable source. It is only when people realize that you really know what you’re talking about that they’ll seek out your book to learn more. A great way to build a reputation is the become a part of the conversations going on about your given topic or genre.
What’s even better than being a part of the conversation is starting one of your own. Some libraries will let authors hold speaking engagements or at the very least rent out a room for a panel discussion. This places you and your book at the focal point of the conversation and brings in more potential readers for the library at the same time. The more willing you are to work with the library, the more they will want to help you and your work out.
Some authors believe that libraries won’t carry or even look at a self-published book. They absolutely will. But just like any distribution channel, agent, or business, you have to market yourself and your work in a professional manner. As long as you show a library you are willing to work with them and that you can provide a quality product that you truly think people would benefit from, they are likely to be receptive. Enthusiasm and professionalism can go a long way in sharing your remarkable works with the world – even if you’re sharing for free.




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PROVOCATIVE ENOUGH TO WAKE YOU


CLASS & SASS ---provocative enough to wake you out of that slumber.

IMAGES - Sensual and Seductive. Inspiration for writing romance.

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Beware, the content is Adult 18+. They mix it up with an eclectic smattering of oh-so-sexy photographs ranging from glam, "pearlz", vintage appeal, hairstyles, lingerie, lovely faces, through alluring tattoos.

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My recommendation for the holidays!

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