In the meantime here's some more writing tips adapted from The Modern Socialite's Handbook.
The original from The North Shore which is currently collecting dust on a very, very high shelf:
As a socialite, one of the most important skills you’ll learn is how to distinguish between new money and old. Even if your family just hit the Powerball last year, there is no reason for you to run around reeking of noveau riche. If you’re striving for socialite status, it is imperative that you carry yourself with a certain level of class and style. Of course, you can’t just look the part, you have to have the right connections. As with everything else in life, if you ever want to see your name in boldface on Page 6, it’s all about who you know.
--The Modern Socialite’s Handbook
The writer's version:
As a writer, one of the most important skills you’ll learn is how to promote yourself. Even if your book is destined to win the Newbery, you must learn how to network and convince others that your book is worth reading. If you’re striving for bestseller status, it is imperative that you carry yourself with a certain level of class and style. Do not make the mistake of spamming friends with obnoxious messages about your book. You can’t force it, you have to let connections happen organically. As with everything else in life, if you ever want to see your name on The New York Time's Bestseller List, it’s all about how you promote.
--The Modern YA Writer’s Handbook
And just so you know we're taking our own advice. Over the past couple weeks we've been interviewed at three different blogs. Go check them out if you're not already completely annoyed with us. And for the record we really need to update our author photo, Laura. My bangs somehow ended up parted in the middle Peggy Olson style. Not good.
- Our interview at Hey! Teenager of the Year
- Our interview with Weronika Janczuk
- Our interviews with the Blogger Girlz, Part 1 and Part 2
So, what are you guys doing to promote your work? Anything fun or creative? All we've got is this random blog and a dream, so we'd love to hear what else we can be doing to get our names out there.
10 comments:
Great advice, but I'm kind of holding back until I, ya know, get a book deal? I don't want to burn out on "Look! I'm Awesome!" before I even get started.
Right now I'm just trying to play nice with the other cool writers and be just funny enough on my blog to convince people they might want to read more.
I'll bring out the banners and spam later. Maybe. Or maybe I'll just make a website at that point. Something like that.
You guys are my heroes! :) I love this segment.
Also, congrats on getting interviewed not once but THREE times! You guys rock!
My plan for now is to watch you rise to fame and fortune and then copy you shamelessly.
I always love your writerly advice!
Publicity advice via the Intern: http://yodiwan.wordpress.com/2009/07/08/what-to-include-on-author-websites/
Obviously you guys already know this stuff, but it helps to see it spelled out on the page.
You are such great sharers of information with others. Big Bravo to that. Thank you!
And I did remove the manuscript from the garage, and have hired someone to begin editing it in December.
This is great advice. It's never too early to start branding yourself. Keep up the good work, lol!
I am loving these conversions of the Modern Socialite's Handbook.
Keep up the promotion--when that book sells, you'll already have a fan base (well, you already do, but it will just be bigger).
You also have a great web site--don't forget that!
I think a blog and a dream is really a great thing to have.
Shelley
You guys are like the Martha Stewart of publishing.
Without the insider indictment and lesbian tendencies.
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