So, I’m a publicist

I never expected to be a publicist. It was not something I pursued. I fell into the role mostly because I was available, keen, and I have a passion for books. I also get the publishing industry, which helps.

I’ve been a publicist for Odyssey Books – a small press based in Canberra, Australia – for four months, but the seeds were sewn late in 2014, when I submitted my first novel to every Aussie publisher I could unearth. I found Odyssey Books on the Small Press Network website and diligently followed the submissions guidelines. I met their criteria; my book was fiction, not self-help or a field guide to birds. Trouble was, this publisher wanted the link to my Facebook page. I went and checked out my Likes and found about 342. I felt deflated. So I jumped into a very active Aussie writers group and stated my problem: my book would never be published by Odyssey Books because I didn’t have enough Page Likes. (Well – who knew if that were true? – Not me)

There were complaints and outrage and supportive comments and I responded to them all and by the end of the day I had another 100 Likes on my Page. Thanks to all the writers who did that for me!

And it must have worked. I got an offer. And so began my own relentless book promo: Blogging, Tweeting, Sharing, sending out review requests, a launch tour. I didn’t know if I was any good at it. I still don’t. I just put one foot in front of the other, and keep on plugging away, trying out this and then that and building on what works. Sometimes feeling a draft as some book marketing hot shot whizzes by.

Today, I find I’m doing exactly the same for a bunch of other authors. I write press releases. I send out book review tranches. I offer advice. I help build social media platforms. I’m the number one cheerleader. I buzz with ideas. And I’m awash with frustration (please please join then share your review on Goodreads – yes people do look; and on Amazon – .com preferably, yes yes that would be a big help.) My job more than fills the allotted weekly hours; it infuses each and every day.

It helps that I’m passionate about the publisher I work for. Michelle Lovi has vision, a commitment to quality fiction and she creates fabulous book covers. (I would say all that, wouldn’t I? There’s only one way to see if it’s true – buy one of Odyssey’s books!)

I gaze at other book publicists in awe. They all seem so young and energetic. And well-placed with tons of connections. Some with big budgets. I’m 54, and a very part time publicist slowly building the essentials. I’m also at work on another novel (my fourth) and I review books. ‘You should get out more,’ my daughter tells me.

 

 

Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: book industry, book promo, Odyssey Books, publicist, publishing