Patricia Stoltey

Author

Getting Serious About Promotion

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It was so gorgeous yesterday in my part of Northern Colorado that I set a lawn chair in the shade of my grape vine and ate my yogurt/blueberry/granola lunch outside. Chilled a bit. Still couldn’t go back inside, so I grabbed my book and read out there for thirty whole minutes.

Okay, enough of that “feel good” nonsense for now. Time to get back to work.

I’m finally getting around to setting up local book signings, and look what fell right into my lap. Our public library district is going to sponsor a “Writers’ Block” at the end of September during which local authors and anyone else from the district can participate as we write a community creative story on the sidewalk all around the library block (yep, a whole block, all the way around). In addition, authors can set up a table or booth to talk books, sell books, sign books, pass out freebies, whatever.

I’ve already told you about the two-day Holiday Market right after Thanksgiving that now features an Author’s Nook. I’m expecting to hear back on my application within the week.

And on top of that, check this out. My town has a love affair going with 10-foot-tall rearing horse statues (a smaller version of the giant scary blue one at the Denver airport). One of those horses will be covered with quilt squares created by local authors and artists and will stand outside our Senior Center. Clever, huh?

As authors, it’s important to make sure we’re on the mailing lists of libraries, city recreation departments, writers’ organizations, and bookstores in the area where we live so we don’t miss any of the great opportunities to participate in writerly events such as these.

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Comments

  1. Whoa – you’re in Northern Colorado? Awesome! I lived in (and loved) the Greeley area for 8 years, and would LOVE to move back! Good luck with your upcoming promotion, and thanks for stopping by my blog as well!

  3. Yes, Galen, it wears me out. And I’m a whole two years older than the last time I did this. I was thinking today that it’s a great ride, but even the planning makes me want to take a nap.

  5. This is a great subject to write about because the opportunities vary so much from town to town. If something like this isn’t going on where you live, it might be a good time to get involved in one of these groups and plant some seeds. I am very fortunate to live in Northern Colorado. They treat local artists, and up-and-coming musical groups, and now writers, very well. There are other great events all over the state, and the Wyoming Book Festival as well. I can’t do everything, but everything I do is great fun.

    Karen, if you plan to write more books, the process shouldn’t really stop. By getting involved in some activity related to writing and books, you’ll find more and more comes your way, just because folks know who you are.

  6. Patricia, thanks for writing about this. I was just beginning to think my promoting days are nearing an end. I’m having a hard time energizing myself, but you inspire me.
    Karen

  7. Looks like you’ve found a great part of the country to live in. Enjoy! And I admire the way you go out and find these things. I tend to spend too much time sequestered at my computer. Sometimes I wonder if I’d have finished my first book if I realized that nobody would come to my door asking if I just happened to have a manuscript for sale.

  8. Our library is very supportive of authors, who want to share their work and sell books. The Writers Block event is a great idea. Sounds like time for a copy event.