FROM SCRIPT TO NOVEL TO TRILOGY (part 4)
One of the first things I did to get back on track was sign up on ACX to create an audio book. Their process could not have been smoother. In 2 days, there were 4 auditions. One of them read the characters perfectly and she got the job. I was utterly grateful she accepted a royalty share deal, so I didn’t have to spend money I didn’t have. Turned out she was an award-winning 10-year veteran who was seeking to expand her sci-fi catalog. She normally would not accept a royalty share, but made an exception for Mechcraft. Her work was incredible and I’m so proud of the final product. My gratitude to her is overflowing.
Additionally, I started booking signings and guest spots on podcasts. This world is surprisingly open-armed and welcoming. Local book stores, podcasts, book events- all are great sources for building an audience. Be discerning, though. Theme and price for events like book fairs play a major factor.
I purchased a booth at the one-day San Diego Book Fest, and it was a waste of money. Authors were randomly set up so attendees had no idea where to go to find the genres they liked. I was wedged between a self-help author and a history author. And none of us sold very many books in 8 hours.
In opposition to that, I set up a booth for free at an Entrepreneurial Fair at a local Homeschool Expo, and sold more books in 2 hours than I did all day at the Book Fest. Research and discernment count for so much when choosing events.
With in-person events, here’s a tip. If you’re connected or friends with a celebrity in that area, invite them to the event. They may say no, but shoot your shot and invite them. It’s a great chance to hang out (if you’re friends already), and its mutual support if you’ve purchased their products in the past. Having someone even a little famous attend your event boosts your reputation and visibility. It never hurts to reach out.
A signing I did at Book Soup in Hollywood drew a small audience, but in that group were 2 rock stars I had befriended over the years. After the event one was able to hang out and talk about art, marketing, and the industry over coffee. He has gone on to help me with soundtrack music and given me permission to use his 9-album catalogue of songs for any marketing promo material I created. He is an amazingly generous person. In return, I’ve supported his music, and attended his artist Zoom chats. Our friendship keeps growing, and I hope to repay his generosity even more.
Additionally, I started booking signings and guest spots on podcasts. This world is surprisingly open-armed and welcoming. Local book stores, podcasts, book events- all are great sources for building an audience. Be discerning, though. Theme and price for events like book fairs play a major factor.
I purchased a booth at the one-day San Diego Book Fest, and it was a waste of money. Authors were randomly set up so attendees had no idea where to go to find the genres they liked. I was wedged between a self-help author and a history author. And none of us sold very many books in 8 hours.
In opposition to that, I set up a booth for free at an Entrepreneurial Fair at a local Homeschool Expo, and sold more books in 2 hours than I did all day at the Book Fest. Research and discernment count for so much when choosing events.
With in-person events, here’s a tip. If you’re connected or friends with a celebrity in that area, invite them to the event. They may say no, but shoot your shot and invite them. It’s a great chance to hang out (if you’re friends already), and its mutual support if you’ve purchased their products in the past. Having someone even a little famous attend your event boosts your reputation and visibility. It never hurts to reach out.
A signing I did at Book Soup in Hollywood drew a small audience, but in that group were 2 rock stars I had befriended over the years. After the event one was able to hang out and talk about art, marketing, and the industry over coffee. He has gone on to help me with soundtrack music and given me permission to use his 9-album catalogue of songs for any marketing promo material I created. He is an amazingly generous person. In return, I’ve supported his music, and attended his artist Zoom chats. Our friendship keeps growing, and I hope to repay his generosity even more.
No comments have been added yet.
