Getting Word Out There 

by Linda O. Johnston

Promotion. Writers need to do it, especially when they have a book coming out.

As I do. The fifth in my Shelter of Secrets series for Harlequin Romantic Suspense, CANINE REFUGE, will be an April release. It’ll be the last in that series, which I’ve enjoyed writing. And I want to make sure the world knows about it.

And so I’m mentioning it here. And on my weekly blog for Killer Hobbies. Plus, I’m speaking today at the Union Oil Company Alumni Association lunch, and guess what I’ll be mentioning along with a lot more. In addition, I subscribe to a promotional organization called Writerspace, which also maintains my website. I do more promotions there, including sending out a newsletter—which I haven’t done for a while.

            So, what do other writers do? Most published writers understand the importance of getting the word out when they have a new book coming out, whether it’s from a traditional publisher, as mine are, or if they self-publish, which is becoming much more popular these days.

            My first career was in advertising and public relations many years ago, but things have changed. A lot of promo then could be in publications like newspapers and magazines, but there was no internet then. Now, it’s much easier to get word out all over the country, all over the world, by finding sources online and utilizing them.

            But is it okay to bombard prospective readers with info about new books? Well, why not? It’s good to let them know about them, whether it’s via social media or otherwise. The more they know, the more likely they are to buy and read a new book. And they certainly don’t have to buy it if it’s not their kind of thing—if they prefer mysteries or regular romance to romantic suspense, for example.

            So all you other writers out there, how do you promote your new releases? Do you promote them? And readers, whether writers or not, how do you prefer to learn about new releases?

10 thoughts on “Getting Word Out There ”

  2. First, congratulations on your new book!

    I’ve never published a book, but I’m a reader, and I get lots of announcements about new books from authors I follow, either on Amazon, Bookbub, other online bookstores, or via email. I see a lot of new/old books promoted on newsletters of authors I follow where a dozen of their friends’ similar style books are listed. Those are usually highly discounted and maybe not so new.

    If I’m not interested, I pass them by.

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  3. You rocked the Unocal Alumni lunch today and kept your cool despite several technical difficulties. I am always awed by your hard work and productivity. As for getting the word out, I agree–get it out wherever and whenever you can. I hope to have my latest out by October, and you can bet I’m using any and all means of letting readers know it’s there. I’m not fond of promotion, but it needs to be done so readers can find my books. Good luck with your new one!

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    1. Thanks so much, Bonnie. I wish you’d been able to be active there too.

      Delighted to learn your new book will be out by October!

      And yes, I’ll keep busy promoting my own latest book as well. Thanks again!

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  4. Interesting challenge, Linda. As you mention, PR and promotion has changed so much since the days when we worked in that field, I’m not sure where to start! But I do read the Amazon and other book companies and book stores ‘suggestion lists’ that they constantly send me. And I’ll look into Writerspace. Thanks Linda.

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    1. Yes, Rosemary, like everything else, PR keeps changing, and I’m highly untechie, but I do my best to keep up with things and get out there!

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  5. Congratulations on the new book, Linda. Your suggestions for promoting are spot on. However, I admit I’m curious about how it feels to end a long-running series. Maybe next time?

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