Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Inside a Writer's Toolbox

Yesterday, I thought about all those older people who do not have the Internet or order anything online. My mother has a lot of senior friends that have asked her about the release of 'Surrender the Wind'. I could send each of them a nice note. But then a better idea came to mind. Postcards.

I went to my Abingdon Yahoo Group and asked if anyone knew of a good online printing company. Sure enough two of my Abindgon sisters came through and suggested Overnight.com You can design your own stationary items, or use what they have. I chose the first.

I designed a postcard with the book cover on the front with a greeting and a brief synopsis. On the back I put "Published by Abingdon Press ~ August 2009" at the top. At the bottom I put an endorsement and my website.


Surrender the Wind
portrays a haunting world of passion, deceit, and betrayal redeemed by unwavering faith and love that will not be denied.
J. M. Hochstetler ~ author


I ordered 100 and it only cost about $21 which included shipping.
I also designed a stunning business card. A pink rose to the left, my name, then 'author', and my website in to the right in a beautiful italic font. Again 100 for about $21.

Even if you do not have a published novel, a writer should have business cards. If you write a blog, include it on your card. Start building a readership now. Don't wait until you have a book contract. If you can tell a publisher you have a contact list of X amount of readers, they will be pleased.


If you are pre-published, what kinds of things are you doing to build a readership?

If you are published, what kinds of tools do you use to reach people who are not Internet prone?
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Eight more weeks left until the official release of 'Surrender the Wind'!

August 1

2 comments:

Jessica Nelson said...

Uh-oh. Well, I have my blog which I completely love, but I'm not sure it's building a readership because it's geared towards writers, more. Although I have thought that once I get published I'll start commenting and building relationship with mom/reader bloggers and I'll start posting more about books.
Hmmm...Got a facebook and myspace too. LOL
If I get an agent or a contract, I will be looking up bookclubs on yahoo groups and other stuff. We'll see.
Great question, and a little scary.
LOL

Glynis Peters said...

I enjoyed my visit. I have a few blogs but have recently set up my author blog. It seemed a bit odd putting author and not ex nurse LOL
I am now the proud owner of 30 followers :))) I love the interaction as I live in the Cypriot hills (Brit Expat), and so don't come in contact with many writers.
I am at the 'one day' stage of my dream. Happy Scribbling Glynis