Everything Marketing Jan Blazanin

Since publishers don’t have the funds to get behind every book they produce, we authors have to do a lot of the hard lifting when it comes to marketing. This is a list of my marketing efforts during the past four years: 

(An S means the results were worth it--for whatever reason. An F means forget about it next time. DK means I just don't know!)

DK 1.    Bookmarks and business cards--Gotta have them whether they work or not. 

Adding the tassels was a waste of time.

S  2.    Blog tours, guest blogging, and my regular gig at YA Outside the Lines--An excellent way to reach out to fans and potential readers.

S  3.    Book giveaways/donating my books to local libraries--Spreading goodwill and helping libraries can't be wrong.

S  4.    Book launch parties in libraries and book stores--I never pass up a chance to spend time with fans and friends!

Love my writing group!

S/F 5.    Book signings—solo, with my writing group, for charity--These can go either way, but you have to suit up every time.

We didn't sell many books but we had fun!

S/F 6.    Book fairs and festivals—The success of this depends on the organizers. Talk with authors who've participated in previous years.

Panel discussion with other authors at Adel Book Festival

S 7.    This book trailer is courtesy of Jill MM at www.readingisbliss.blogspot.com--I was thrilled when she put this together.

S 8.    Guest speaking at book clubs and writing groups is a great way to connect with people who love books!

F 9.    Necklace with charms representing characters from A & L DO SUMMER and little stuffed animals to put on my signing table--A complete waste of time and money.

S 10. Critiquing manuscripts at writing conferences hones my editing skills, makes connections, and gives back to the writing community.

S 11. Library presentations--If they ask me, I will come. 

I didn't charge a fee for the local library.

S 12. School visits with large and small groups are especially successful if the students are familiar with your books!

My first school visit

S 13. Volunteered to mentor an aspiring YA author--Increases visibility in the writing community and gives another writer needed help and encouragement.

DK 14. Radio interview--Don't know if anyone was listening, but we had a great time!

Cheryl Fusco Johnson and Sharelle Byars Moranville

S 15. Gave interviews for print and on-line newspapers--Publicity is publicity.

S 16.  Taught writing classes for seniors, gifted and talented students, and community education--A definite yes in terms of PR and meeting potential readers, parents, and grandparents of readers.

S 17. Presented at an SCBWI conference--I've been asked to give the same presentation to several groups since. It made me feel like a rock star!

DK 18. Presented to an alumni group at a local university--Publicity and PR.

S   19. ICN broadcast to several schools across Iowa--This is like a Skype visit only unique to Iowa.

S  20. Facebook https://www.facebook.com/jan.blazanin  Must have.

S  21.  Twitter   https://www.twitter.com/janblazanin  Must have.

DK 22. Linked In http://www.linkedin.com  Okay to have.

S  23. Website www.janblazanin.com  Must have.

Get out there. Be seen and heard. Make friends. Give back. Have a blast!