You
don’t always get out what you put in, but you can try .
by Dione Coumbe of Book Publicity Ltd
Very
recently we at Book Publicity Ltd., www.bookpublicity.co.uk
began to be approached with requests for authors to visit clubs
of various kinds to talk about their work.
The
first enquiry I received was for a Rotary Club lunch and when
I contacted an author who I knew lived in the vicinity, he leapt
at the chance to introduce himself to an audience who may well
buy his book and will certainly be interested in all he has to
say about the writing life and future projects.
Very
encouraged by this I wrote to all the UK based authors who have
books either reviewed, or for sale, on the BPL website; the idea
being to present a profile of authors and their work who would
be prepared to take on speaking engagements in the areas of their
choosing. There would be no payment involved, but travelling expenses
would be appreciated. The total number of Authors On Line writers
amounted to some 15 in number. Of these, one email ‘bounced’ –
obviously the author felt it not worth keeping in touch with a
publicity company. 6 decided, no matter what their reservations
and nervous apprehension about public speaking and meeting strangers
to at least give it a try. Good for them! As I pointed out, there
is no compulsion to accept any engagement you don’t want to undertake.
One
had already worked out his own publicity programme and didn’t
want to deviate from it, another felt so discouraged immediately,
he wanted time to recover his confidence before plunging into
something he felt might make another dent in it. One writer believed
his book didn’t lend itself to speaking engagements, and there
I would have to agree.
But
what of the other 5? Well, they didn’t deign to reply at all to
my enquiring email. I should point out BPL makes no charge for
providing this service to Authors On Line authors, we see it purely
as an additional service for those who have books for sale on
the site and for the many thousands of people who belong to Writing
and other clubs around the country. Our list of clubs is the most
current in UK as is the section on Literary Festivals and in recent
weeks BPL has built up a fund of goodwill with Festival Directors
that could lead to their booking our authors for next year, or
in some cases, literary events throughout the year.
All
the above happened in the space of about 10 days and it leads
me to ask the question, “Who are you publishing your book for,
if not for the public?” Do you seriously imagine the mere fact
of having in an online bookshop will promote sales? If so, you’re
going to be very disappointed.
The
self-publishing author is already up against the tyrannical cartels
of mainstream publishing, plus the almost universal boycott by
independent High Street shops. Unless you get out there and promote
the book yourself outside these institutions then your sales will
be very low indeed.
The
Rotary Club mentioned earlier is holding a book auction of signed
copies, some by well-known authors for Guide Dogs for the Blind.
The luncheon will certainly be reported in the press and the attending
author will be mentioned. He might also achieve a one-to-one interview
with the local press, which could lead to more book sales and
more local engagements. Somewhere along the way, it’s possible
a literary agent or mainstream publisher will pick up the option
on his next book. Anything is possible! A clear instance of getting
out, what you put in, in the way of effort. Something the 5 who
didn’t respond are never going to discover.
As
you may already know, BPL does free reviews for Authors On Line
Ltd. and there is also the option to put the book in our bookshop.
If anyone wants to take advantage of this who hasn’t already done
so, please contact us. You could also join the authors prepared
to get away from their computer, meet the public and potential
fans and most important of all, sell your book.
