Tips for Indies and Authors of Indie Presses – #1

I’ve been jotting down a few things I’ve learned since the launch of my first children’s novel with small press Hydra House (not Random House’s new ebook imprint Hydra, which has been in the news lately). I deliberately chose to work with a small press for various reasons (yes, I am a control freak) and I’ve been enjoying the ride ever since.

I had enough jottings to put together a list of 10 Tips (or more, heck, if we get inspired). Your feedback, comments, insights, conjectures, disputes welcome.

TIP #1 – Make Public Appearances

Make as many public appearances as possible. Social media is competitive. Large presses are loud. People are inundated with information and marketing ploys. Put a face to your work, make relationships, and support others. Appear at other writer’s readings and book launches. Be the support you want to have.

Offer to be on panels, propose courses at local conventions, visit schools and festivals and literary arts centers. Be gracious and grateful. Be nice to have around. I’ve often bought the work of authors I’ve met simply because I enjoyed our conversation or they had some useful insight.

(Here’s a bonus tip for those who have trouble being consistent bloggers because of time constraints: work your posts into a series)