Pre Release Promotion
For most of my books, a casual announcement of a new contract, maybe a couple of related items on Pinterest, and the showing of the cover on facebook, is enough to carry the book to release.
I promoted my latest release, Blue-Eyed Doll, in advance for a year. The reason being, one of my important targets, museums, have a long lead time. I hoped a year would be enough.
As soon as the book went to contract with 4RV Publishing I notified museums across the country that have an Ambassador Doll in their collection. I told them about the book and the Power Point presentation I was preparing. I made over 200 origami doll bookmarks. A sticker on the back said, “Blue-Eyed Doll, by Deanna K. Klingel, Coming Soon, 4RV Publishing. My publisher took some to a summer conference, I sent them to museums and libraries. I posted their photo on facebook and sent one to anyone who asked.
One of the bookmarks made its way to Beth Nance, the owner of the Spencer Doll and Toy Museum, in Spencer, NC. I’d never met Beth, and didn’t know where Spencer was. She called me. “I’ve always wanted to do a Hinamatsuri (Japanese Doll Day) Celebration at my museum. When is the book coming out?” My publisher confirmed March 1, and Beth began her planning for the most amazing event, and book release party. She even arranged a live TV interview for me in Charlotte, the day before the event.
From the welcome bags at the hotel check in for her guests, to the final minute, the day was just wonderful. There were hand painted kites and lanterns from the Japanese Consulate in Atlanta, a display of Hina dolls and accessories from our State History Museum in Raleigh, a kimono demonstration by the Japanese-American Society in Charlotte, an interesting presentation by a woman who works to find the missing Friendship and Ambassador Dolls, and me. I gave my Power Point &Skit for the first time. I’ve been accruing costumes, practicing my script, and learning the Power Point technology for a year.
Fifty five guests enjoyed a luncheon, memorable favors, door prizes and a gift of my book, which Beth had ordered and shipped to me for signing. Among the guests were names she found in my acknowledgements who came from Connecticut, The Emissary from Japan, and members of doll societies in other states who’d like me to come to their events.
One pretty little handmade origami bookmark brought this about. If you can find a niche, fill it. Don’t worry that it’s too early. Readers will remember your eye catching or creative promo and look forward to your book, which will be out before you know it!
Now I’m tying tags on little packs of candy, bright colored “dog bones.” The tags say, “Walker Hound of Park Avenue, Deanna K. Klingel, Coming Soon from Progressive Rising Phoenix Press. Booksbydeanna.com.”