Here's today's entry in our Advice for Novelists series. I've asked authors, agents, editors and publicists their response to the question:"If you could say one thing to aspiring novelists, what would you say?"
Publicist and author Kathy Carlton Willis responds today:
One thing that I tell novelists to remember prior to writing each book is to write marketing/PR INTO the book. Novels are different "birds" to promote, and it's so much easier if you have planned ahead for it by weaving specific promotable topics into the story line. And then, keep a list of these hooks for your marketing and PR team to work up. Also consider various niche markets who might benefit from the book and be sure you've written text with them in mind. Many special interest groups are using novels as an interesting way to get across non-fiction truths in a more entertaining wrapping. Booking agents can pitch you to speak with groups within your niche market and you'll be deluged at the book table after your programs!
--Kathy Carlton Willis, owner of Kathy Carlton Willis Communications, a full-service firm with a dedicated team committed to customizing packages for your marketing plans, publicity, editing, and writing needs. http://www.kathycarltonwillis.com/ WillisWay@aol.com
4 comments:
Great advice, Kathy! I'd love to do book/author interviews all the time, but the powers-that-be want me doing more community interest stuff. If the book has a "hook" as you described--whether it's dealing with Alzheimer's, breast cancer, drug abuse, whatever--it's much easier to justify anothe book interview. :)
Great advice. Thanks!
"using novels as an interesting way to get across non-fiction truths in a more entertaining wrapping" - the old 18th century motto of writing to "teach and to entertain." Yet every reader likes a book with a bit of take-away value, something to think about. Great advice. :)
Post a Comment