Count Down to Publication V

What kind of publishing world are we in today?

What does it take to reach readers?

How will a writer reach readers without the infamous hope of getting on Oprah) (SIDE BAR: Now that she's doing this new offshoot of herself, which is baffling to figure out, how many shows are there anyway and where is she now?)

I guess what I'm asking is "what are my promotional alternatives now?"

As I have been prepping myself for the release of Found with Seal Press, March 2011, I am going for the "saturation" approach. This means I am writing and submitting articles and essays like mad. One a week. These are going to spiritual pubs, writerly pubs., parenting pubs and adoption focused pubs.

Second, I am connecting with bloggers and writing for them. For the latter, I hired an intern from St. Mary's High School (a fantastic idea proffered by Karen Karbo).

Third, I am posting regularly to this blog which connects to my Facebook Fan Page as well as SheWrites.com.

Fourth, I have updated my blog, website and created links to my Facebook Fan Page and YouTube (reminder to myself...ask my website designer to play YouTube button on blog).

Fifth, I have joined professional organizations: The International Writing Guild (IWWG), Assoc Writing Programs (AWP), Willamette Writers, American Adoption Congress, Evan B. Donaldson Institute, Adoption Mosaic and Concerned United Birthparents.

Sixth, I write for these pubs (or am writing for them) and I am seeking cooperative relationships where I can.

Seventh, I am teaching for Literary Arts of Portland, Oregon, have two of my own private classes going of about twenty students and am building a Writer in Residence opportunity with a local college (TBA).

Eight, I am booking workshops in various cities (I anticipate six) and am working now with a host in each city to pull together a public reading, a weekend teaching on memoir and a salon style evening. There may also be an opportunity to speak at the local collage.

This is all on my own.

Nine, the publisher, Seal Press is doing their fine work as well, submitting galleys for reviews and article possibilities) and they are creating a three city tour of book store events in Portland, Seattle and SF (I'm doing L.A. but Seal is helping out there too). And they are planning a radio tour as well as a virtual book group type tour.

Slow and steady wins the race, that is my sense.

Ten, I've set a goal. In fact, I've set a lot of goals and I say these goals to myself every single day along with a series of affirmations and visualizations (courtesy of the amazing Jake Gudger. Go see him to ramp your focus up). One of my big goals is to take this book--in a pairing with Blackbird, to the big screen. Video is the place we are all going, apparently and this makes sense when we look at the trends. I personally adore movies and watch them all the time. A well made movie is as good as a great book.

Being very human, not feeling overwhelmed is another goal. While I write this, I'm in bed sick (for the first time in something like five years). Perhaps I'm resting up?

Finally, I have been told to "hire a PR person" and while I appreciate this advice, I did hire a PR person for the book Show Me the Way and I have to ask you this. Did you know I wrote a book called Show Me the Way ? Your answer, if you are honest, is likely, "no." And you don't need to feel bad about that.

I need to feel bad.

I spent $10,000 of my own cash for a PR person and it was the biggest waste of money ever. I will not hire a PR person. I AM A PR PERSON.

My advice to every writer, set your pride aside and get out there and sell your own damn book. It's good for your sense of worth. You'll quickly see how self deprecating you are and even how low your self esteem is. Both are not helpful in the process of reaching the world. People gravitate to the light for a reason. It warms them--body and soul. So shine. Shine your light. That's my goal, each and everyday: Be real & shine.