"Experience" - New Feature for Getting the Words Out

Beside my desk is this button reminding me that even in seeming disasters there is the experience value. It's darn costly, but that may be all that remains from mistakes made and dreams delayed. Fact is, no matter how well you write, you have to "get the words out" to build a following who become loyal book buyers. For most of us, this is more challenging than writing. In our enthusiasm, authors go careening down one-way streets, wasting time and money attempting to "get the words out". We have to work smarter, not harder.

My weekend at Southern Independent Booksellers Association (SIBA) didn't get what I expected but did give me experience lessons that I needed. Stay tuned as I pass these along to you. I deeply appreciate each book blogger and book store owner who spent time to educate me on the booksellers perspective.

Experience Tip # 1: Get an electronic copy (preferred) or printed copy of your book to book bloggers and reviewers at least three months prior to release date. The book bloggers present affirmed Rebecca Joines Schinsky's  (The Book Lady's Blog) comment that "When your book is out for 2 weeks, it's old news to bloggers so don't expect any attention."  

Experience Tip # 2: Book Blogger Ron Hogan mentioned the value of timing, "Get review copies to key bloggers early enough that the review can be published just prior to a major book show or other event where your book is launched."

Experience Tip # 3: If you are looking for endorsements, get review copies out as much as 3-5 months in advance. The bigger the name value of the reviewer, the longer the lead time. After all, that endorser is busy with his or her own writing, speaking, etc, so make it easy for that person to review your work. Don't bother to send it a few weeks before debut. Instead of a quick turn around, you are likely to get a quick return with no review.