Net Marketing for Luddites: Part 6 (Your Fans)

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This is the last in this basic Net-Marketing series. There is, I'm afraid, more and more that one can do. (Blog tours, for one: see the link below.) But all that can evolve later, and only if you wish. Basically, what you've done, is set up a way to catch people's attention, and, hopefully, in the process, attracted them to your book. You've got fans. 

"Fans" is kind of a blown-up way to say that you've got enthusiastic readers: and they are a precious bunch. They are your core support. Treat them well. Thank them when they re-blog a post or a tweet, answer every email. 

Set up a Google Search so that any time your book is mentioned, you will be notified, and, should you wish, you can respond. (Signing off, of course, with links: to your book, to your website, etc.) 

Make it easy for people to reach out to you. Put your website address on your next book. Gather their emails and send out newsletters. 

Everyone in publishing talks about the importance of platform. You have to build it, bit by bit. I don't know who said it, but platform, in essence, is the place from where you speak to your readers. "Build it, and they will come."

Related links:

How to set up a Blog Tour

Net marketing for Ludites: Part 1

Net Marketing for Luddites: Part 2 (Cracking the Social Net)

Net Marketing for Luddites: Part 3 (Blog? Website? Both?)

Net Marketing for Ludites: Part 4 (Friends & Followers)

Net Marketing for Luddites: Part 5 (The Book Trailer)

How to promote your book without giving up writing

A wonderful article by Margaret Atwood on discovering the Twitterverse and other foreign realms: How I learned to Love Twitter.

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Website: http://www.sandragulland.com/
Blog: http://sandragulland.blogspot.com/
Facebook: http://bit.ly/sgullandFacebook
Twitter: http://twitter.com/Sandra_Gulland

Tumblr: http://sandragulland.tumblr.com/ 

There is always weather

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I'm in lovely Seattle now — such a beautiful city. They've had non-stop overcast skies and rain for weeks (months!), I'm told, and my event fell on the second day of sun, so I was surprised, and pleased, that some people came out to my reading.

One thing I've learned: when it comes to book events, there is always weather. It will invariably be too hot, too cold, too stormy, too wet or simply too nice for people to go out. (I don't blame them: I'm the same way.) And if it isn't the weather, there's a sports event, a concert, or it's grad night in town. So all the more reason to applaud the fans and friends and family who so loyally and enthusiastically show up ... they make it so worthwhile.

Last night, I had the chance to see San Miguel friend Susan Rushton and her dear mother Ruby. Such a treat! As well, some truly ardent long-time fans. It was wonderful: virtual hugs to all.

Today I fly to San Diego. I've fought off a threatening cold (yay), but suffered my first injury: a wrenched left-hand. Thankfully not my signing hand. Fat Sharpies are excellent ergonomically in that respect: I feel I could sign books forever. In Sharpie fervor, I've now taken to offering readers a selection of colors: hot pink is the run-away favorite.

Moved to tears

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I was moved to tears by the wonderful epic poem Rachel Maes was inspired to write about Josephine B. She and her mother came to my Borders reading last night in Wilmette, IL. Rachel is going to be going to Roosevelt University in the fall, where I myself graduated. She is consumed with interest in Royals, and wishes to get a PhD in history. As well as such poetry — the language and images fresh and moving — she is working on two novels. Such talent and focus at such a young age!

This is Rachel and her proud mother, Lanne:

Also at this event was Aimee Aimee Laberge, author of Where the River Narrows, a wonderful historical novel, which I "blurbed" some time ago.

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Awesome luncheon!

Sue Boucher is an amazing book-seller. She's sold 1600 Josephine B.! This luncheon for 70 in elegant Loveli's restuarant in Lake Forest, IL, was a fantastic event.

To the left, a photo of Eileen and Beth, a charming mother and daughter.

Naperville rules!

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The event at Anderson's Bookshop in beautiful Naperville, IL, was wonderful! Fantastic group. Among many others: Lady Bonheaur (who has read Mistress of the Sun already, but not — yet — the Trilogy), Jennifer (who wept so hard on a plane finishing the Trilogy that the man next to her asked if she was all right), Janice (who exclaimed so emotionally that the Trilogy were the best books she has ever read she made me tear up, as well), Wendy (who followed Josephine's story to Paris), Cristine (whose cat is named Josephine Bonaparte), and these three wonderful sisters, Laura, Anne and Beth ("And there are two more sisters!" they told me).

Laura had a rare complete set of the Canadian hardcover editions, one of which she found in Germany, through eBay. I was so excited chatting with this wonderful treo of sisters that I messed up signing their books!

Hats off to this wonderful bookstore. Fantastic staff.