Alan Orloff's Blog, page 12
February 13, 2012
What’s So Funny?
I’ve blogged before about my stand-up shtick, but here’s a recap of my recent DEADLY CAMPAIGN launch party, in pictures:
Me and my larger-than-life book
Me trying to lead the group in Simon Says
Bookmarks for all!
At least someone thinks my stuff is funny
Standing room only - I guess they heard about the free cake!
And speaking of the cake, it was the funniest thing of the afternoon!
(Look closely…)
(This entry is “simul-posted” on InkSpot)
What's So Funny?
I've blogged before about my stand-up shtick, but here's a recap of my recent DEADLY CAMPAIGN launch party, in pictures:
Me and my larger-than-life book
Me trying to lead the group in Simon Says
Bookmarks for all!
At least someone thinks my stuff is funny
Standing room only - I guess they heard about the free cake!
And speaking of the cake, it was the funniest thing of the afternoon!
(Look closely…)
(This entry is "simul-posted" on InkSpot)
February 7, 2012
Zak Thanks You, Too!
A big thanks to Jennifer for the very nice review of THE TASTE on her book review blog, Can't Put It Down.
Click through to read it, and then start following her blog. She's a definite book lover!
January 30, 2012
Mmmm, Cake!
You are invited! To the book launch! For DEADLY CAMPAIGN!
It's this coming Saturday, February 4th, from 4:00 – 6:00 pm at One More Page Books (2200 N. Westmoreland St., #101, North Arlington, VA (across the street from La Cote D'Or Restaurant, Le Marche Cafe, and the Crescent))!
There will be a presentation, followed by a book signing! Rumor has it I'll be doing some mediocre (very mediocre) stand-up comedy (mostly to demonstrate how NOT to do stand-up comedy).
And! If all those exclamation points haven't persuaded you, then maybe the following will!
Here are the Top Ten Reasons to come to my book launch:
10. See me make a fool of myself.
9. Get a copy of DEADLY CAMPAIGN
8. Get my autograph on it
7. Free bookmarks, five different ones! Collect them all!
6. Hear some new material (for a change)
5. Support a great independent bookstore (no joke here)
4. Mingle with other mystery readers and writers
3. For the wine tasting
2. Hear a new Top Ten list
And the number one reason to come to my book launch:
There Will Be Cake!!!!
Hope to see you there!
January 25, 2012
My Love Affair
Today I end my wonderful stint as Featured Author on Drey's Library with a post about my continuing love affair. Thank you, Drey, for being a terrific host!
Please stop by, won't you?
January 23, 2012
The Secret Promo Tip Is…
I've been busy the past 21 months. In that span, I've published three books with Midnight Ink (DIAMONDS FOR THE DEAD, KILLER ROUTINE, and DEADLY CAMPAIGN). I've also published two ebook originals, writing as Zak Allen: THE TASTE and FIRST TIME KILLER.
Along the way, I've done a fair amount of promotion and marketing. I'd like to take this opportunity to tell you which methods work best and which are not worth the time or money.
Yes, I'd like to, but I can't. Because I don't have a frickin' clue.
We've all heard the witticism, "Fifty percent of marketing is effective, you just don't know which fifty percent it is." I think I'd settle for twenty-five percent.
For each book, I had bookmarks made. Lots of bookmarks. (Did you know that ordering 2000 is only a little more expensive than 1000? And that 5000 is only marginally more expensive than 2000? I do.) I even got bookmarks for my two ebooks, irony be damned. But do those bookmarks translate into sales? Beats me. People seem to like getting them, and they're pretty, and they describe my books, so on the off chance they don't end up in the trash…
What about book signings? I've done them and sold some books. But there's a limit to how many you can do. Radio interviews? Did a couple, unclear results. Blog tours? Yes to those, too. They seemed to be good for gaining exposure, but again, did they move the proverbial needle? Who knows?
Postcard mailing? Cable TV interview? Book club visits? Google AdWords? Tried them all. Data inconclusive.
What about conferences, book festivals, library panels, and the rest of those personal appearances? They too, seemed to broaden my exposure, but I certainly couldn't justify the expense based on the sales at the events.
Facebook? Twitter? Yes and yes. Do I think they're a good way to get your name out there and connect with other readers and writers? Absolutely. Do I think it all translates into sales? Murky.
If only Oprah were still on the air.
Oh well. Maybe writing another good book is the key.
(This entry is "simul-posted" on InkSpot .)
January 18, 2012
A Few Faves
Today, I offer a few book recommendations on Drey's Library, where I'm (still) this month's featured author.
Have you read any of the books I mention?
January 12, 2012
Be a Working Stiff
Today, I'm guest blogging at Working Stiffs, talking about plowing through your writing project after the initial excitement has waned.
Come join us, won't you?
January 11, 2012
Have a Great Drey!
The fantabulous Drey has posted a very nice biblio of my books on her fabtastic blog, Drey's Library, where I am honored to be this month's Featured Author.
Click on over and check it out (library pun!)!
Thanks, Drey!
January 10, 2012
Interviewapalooza!
To see my "author spotlight" interview at writer pal Richard Gazala's GAZALAPALOOZA blog, click HERE.
Thanksapalooza, Richard!
