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How can I attract people?
- Oct 19, 2009 at 7:46 AM
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- Comments (8) Total Views (94) Everyone can see this journal post.
If you're not Jodi Picoult or Stephen King, it's damn hard to get people to show up for an author talk, even if you've gained a reputation for giving lively, engaging talks. And it's especially hard if you've been doing them for a while and any friends and relatives who wanted to come hear you have already done so.
I was invited to speak at a free event at a Long Island college on Sunday, November 1, and I'm trying to think of ways to entice people to attend. There will be free refreshments, which helps, but it's certainly not enough.
If an author was speaking in your area, what would entice YOU to come? Is there any particular topic they could address that would really interest you? If they did a giveaway, would that do it? Say they offered to name a character in their next book after one lucky audience member, would that be appealing?
Appreciate any advice and input!
Comments:
Oh, thank you for that! And yes, I do talk about the genesis of the story and also about my road to publication.
As far as the book giveaway, the only problem with that is that they sell books at the event and it gets a little tricky.
The book store where I work has actually had more luck with paid events, which we just started doing recently, even with new/little-known authors. And one of the other book store owners at the trade show I went to recently said paid events are where it's at these days. I know that doesn't help you much with your current predicament, but I thought I'd offer what insight I do have.
I would love to have coffee/tea with the author. Is that a possibility? Instead of having you stand up and speak about the book like a speaker would, could you make it more intimate? Around a large round table.
Maybe auction off breakfast with you at the event..
Just a few things to consider.
Good luck! You are a wonderful author and I have confidence that you will be the next big thing!
I pm'd you, darling. Some of my ideas are a bit, shall we say, unorthodox, if effective. *giggle*
Hugs...Ceci
Ellen, my sweet, so many ladies wish to know how to get where you are. Have you considered acquiring a grant or a filmmaker who has a grant to do a little documentary on all of the bits & pieces that you actually have to still do yourself, even after you are signed, published, & known?
So many aspiring writers think it's all cake from the moment they have World's Greatest Idea Ever & anyone who disagrees is terribly misguided & untutored in brilliance. It makes me giggle every single time, even as my heart goes out to them for misperceiving exactly how much work goes into the writer's life. Getting published is only the first part! Sheesh! The real work just aggregates after that, as you well know.
A little documentary would really give a clear view of how it all really goes down & how much you have to do on a daily basis to retain your market share & get more whenever possible.
If you don't want to be the voice, the person in the documentary, well, you certainly could advise!
It upsets me that you, after all you've done, must figure out your own meet-&-greet's. That's bizarre to me. If all the hopefuls knew the half of what they're in for, they'd put down the pens & hide under their desks! *wink*
Hugs...Ceci
As Nov 1st is the first day of National Novel Writing Month, aka Nanowrimo, how about contacting some local regions and invite them. If there are more than one region in the area you could have a contest and offer the gift of your time(maybe and hour) after the meeting to just talk. Have them work the door and which ever group signs in the most people wins. Of course they would want to invite a lot of people for the chance to win.
Ellen, I agree with dramamama3 . A more intimate, personal gathering is always more appealing to me than the typical book event. You're awesome, and I hope you get the crowds your skill deserves.
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I do believe I may be a freak since I honestly dislike give aways. lol , but it does seem many people do like it. I would probably want a signed copy of your latest book. I would be interested in how you began to write the book and what inspired you etc.. I bet you already do these things but I have voted you up so maybe another CM member will have some better ideas , Best wishes !