The Curtain Is Up

The Groom Wore Blue Suede Shoes was the title of my first book, a Silhouette Romance. What a learning experience. I did all the right things when it came to promotion: book signings, speaking to writer's clubs and women's groups, press kits with complimentary books to newspapers, and of course, the niche marketing. I wrote to almost two hundred Elvis fan clubs. One thing I learned about promoting a book is that no matter what I did, it was never enough. I can't help but ask myself what I would do today if I sold another book. In my mind, I enjoy the marketing end of this writing business, but in reality, it's just too stressful. Still, it's a necessity so I watch and listen to and learn from those who have several books to their credit. I make note of everything they do and absorb all their little tips and suggestions in spite of hearing rumors that they're barely making back their advances and sometimes they don't even receive a royalty check. I have to wonder where that leaves those of us who don't have the funds to do a media blitz or just plain don't want to?
Once thing is for certain. Marketing is a must and s/he who hesitates is lost.