I know a lot of authors feel uncomfortable promoting their work. My background is in marketing and advertising, however, so I’m more than happy to be a PT Barnum when it comes to my work.
To help launch Waking Lazarus, I've created a unique online venture at my web site called the Other Side (inspired by the novel, in which Jude Allman goes to the Other Side each time he dies). There, people can sign as Volunteer Book Publicists, which means they agree to tell others about the book, convince their local libraries to carry the book, and so on. I even print and send free business cards to any Volunteer Publicist who wants them.
In return, Volunteer Publicists get inside access, including a free companion e-booklet filled with more than 100 “behind the scenes” tidbits and notes about the novel. They also get chances to win unique prizes such as an iPod Nano, a share of my first royalty statement, or a role in my next novel, coming in 2007.
I was inspired, in part by the open source movement for software: I wanted to take an open source approach to the launch of a book, and open the door on the publishing process to anyone who wanted to take a peek. To date, more than 100 people have signed up for the project at www.tlhines.com/breakonthrough.
As I said before, call me PT Barnum.
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