How to Get Noticed In a Traditional Published World

One of the great things about being with a small press is the attention you get. I know with both of my publishers, the publicists have done all they could to get word out on my book.

The bad thing has to be distribution. It’s been hard to get bookstores to carry either of my books. But then again I found that this is the case with some of my traditional published friends too.

What can we do?

One thing I’ve learned is to use the Internet and get word out on your books.

Here’s some suggestions:

1. Virtual Book Tours.

I love these! I ended up using PUMP UP YOUR BOOKS which has been great! Dorothy has put together my tour and made sure everything’s in place. If you can’t afford this, you can get together with other YA bloggers.

2. Blogger Tours

Right now my book is on two—Traveling ARC Tours http://travelingarc.bookblather.net/

Book It Forward Tours

http://darkfaerietales.com/tag/arc-tour/

What’s great about these tours is you send one copy of your book to the site. They post the blurb and ask what bloggers would like to read/review your book. They have one week to do this. Then they send it to the next person on the list.

3. Blog. Yes, that’s right. Have your own blog. Be your own cheerleader!

4. Join SCBWI

I found this professional organization has helped me with a number of things which include: opportunities to meet with other local YA authors, editor and agent day events, grant opportunities, and other things.

I was able to do a book signing/reading with other SCBWI authors due to being part of this group. It was great!

5. Go to conferences. Be active in your regional groups

I found this is helpful. You never know what connections you’ll make!

6. Volunteer

I’ve volunteered to be a panelist for the Cybil’s-Children and YA bloggers Literary Awards since they started. Through this I was able to make more connections and have more opportunities open up.
Also volunteer to help with on-line conferences. One I’ve done for the last third years is the Muse On line conference.



Finally, remember not to be afraid. Get out there. Network. Network. Network.