Building an audience for small press and electronic work
From: carlos.rivera@[removed].com
Date: 29 Jan 1990
For small press titles, the author often does most of the marketing. Readings, reviews in small magazines, direct mail to readers who liked your previous work.
From: jennifer.lopez@[removed].net
Date: 21 May 1990
Send review copies to every literary journal and newsletter that covers your category. Follow up with a polite letter.
From: michael.chen@[removed].org
Date: 12 Jul 1990
I did a reading at a local bookstore and sold 22 copies of the book that night. More than the press run for some titles.
From: carlos.rivera@[removed].com
Date: 05 Aug 1990
Direct mail to people who have bought from you before or who belong to relevant organizations is still one of the best returns. Keep a simple card file.
From: lisa.patel@[removed].com
Date: 13 Feb 1991
How do you get reviews if you're unknown? I sent ten copies and heard nothing.
From: jennifer.lopez@[removed].net
Date: 26 Mar 1991
Include a short personal note with the review copy. "I thought this might interest you because of your piece on X last year." It helps it stand out.
From: carlos.rivera@[removed].com
Date: 27 Oct 1991
We have had success with co-op advertising in small magazines and with readings at conferences. The author's willingness to travel and speak makes a big difference.
From: michael.chen@[removed].org
Date: 07 Jan 1992
I started a one-page newsletter for readers who liked my first book. It costs almost nothing to photocopy and mail, and it has led to direct sales of the next one.
From: carlos.rivera@[removed].com
Date: 05 Jun 1992
Library sales are still important. Many librarians look at reviews in Library Journal and Choice. Getting listed in those is worth the effort.
From: lisa.patel@[removed].com
Date: 29 Oct 1992
I finally got a short review in a regional literary newsletter. It led to two bookstore events. Slow, but it is starting to build.
From: carlos.rivera@[removed].com
Date: 08 May 1993
The authors who do best with us are the ones who treat promotion as part of the job rather than an afterthought. It is unglamorous work, but it moves copies.
From: michael.chen@[removed].org
Date: 25 Jun 1993
Thanks to everyone who shared ideas over the last three years. I have a small but loyal group of readers now and the next book is already in the works.