“A new book is just like any new product, like a detergent. You have to acquaint people with it.  They have to know it’s there. You only get to be number one when the public knows about you.”
  — Jacqueline Susann 

For many authors, the mere idea of self-promotion fills them with dread, discomfort and distaste (the alliteration… not intentional).  I was of the same mindset and so, recently,  I approached a seasoned publicist and asked him how he would go about selling my book. Aghast, he said “I can’t promise book sales, only exposure.”

“E-x-p-o-s-u-r-e,”  I repeated, speaking the word slowly, trying to digest its ramifications.

Sensing my skepticism, he went on to assure me that with the right exposure (which would entail a lot of dog and pony shows on radio/TV, book events and, of course,  a social media blitz), my book will likely garner enough publicity that will eventually translate to sales.  Note: the only word I heard was “eventually.”  

In my naïveté,  I (like Kevin Costner, in the movie “Field of Dreams”) truly believed that:

“If you build it, they will come.”

I thanked the publicist for his words of wisdom and decided to develop and implement a publicity plan for myself, starting with social media.  Everyday, I learn something new.  This wealth of knowledge will serve me well in the long run and, each week, I’ll be sharing some of my insights with all of you who may have a book, a product or a service to market.  Perhaps it will be helpful. I hope so.

A few days ago, I launched a Facebook Page for my book, Casualties of the (Recession) Depression.  I’m reserving judgment on this social media avenue, since it’s only been “live” for four days.  Too soon to tell.  Please drop by and let me know what you think.  I sincerely welcome all feedback.  At the top right sidebar of this blog, you’ll see the tally of “Likes” on the FB page.  Hopefully, the number will increase exponentially.

I’ll sign off for now.  I need to go and search through my pile of DVDs for Field of Dreams.  Suddenly, I feel a bit nostalgic.