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