One thing I wish I didn't know
...the day before I launch a book
A few weeks ago I went to a writers conference to learn how to promote my books better. I got lots of tips and hacks and strategy. Good stuff.
But I learned a few things that I wish I hadn’t learned mere weeks before launching a book.
Here’s the worst one: I should TokTok.
Really smart people told me really good reasons I must use Tik Tok to market my book, Start More Than You Can Finish. I did not need to hear this. Evidently, a billion people are on this video platform and LOTS of books get sold there. TikTok is actually boosting sales of old classics and getting more people reading.
Okay, okay. My book is about starting things, so of course I had to be open minded and start a TikTok account.
I have 67 followers today. The book launches tomorrow. Will you please follow me on TikTok?
It will get better, I promise.
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Maybe this is a good time to share some good old fashioned ways to help an author (like me) get the word out about a book you want to support.
Buy the book…preferably from your favorite local book store. If they don’t have it in stock, they will order it. It may convince them to stock it, and that’s a big, big deal.
If you like it, tell the world why with a review on Goodreads, Amazon, BookRiot or any book site you love. (If you don’t like it, maybe just tell your mom or the author in a private message.)
Share the word…on social media, in your book club, in the security line at the airport. Everybody likes to hear about a good book.
Here’s a bigger list: https://www.shaylaraquel.com/blog/howtosupportauthors
I can tell you, every author (especially me) needs and appreciates every single morsel of support and feedback.
COME LET ME THANK YOU IN PERSON!
So many people have been SO supportive of me as I birthed this book. I would love to thank each of you in person. That’s why I’m planning events in these cities first – cities where my biggest friends and supporters are. If you’re in Kansas City, New York, Tucson or Big Fork, Montana, come see me at one of these launch events!
Kansas City
Launch Day at the Hometown Bookstore
Tuesday, November 1, 6pm cst
The Green Door Bookstore and Gift Shoppe will hold the official bookstore kickoff event. It’s a ticketed event run by this amazing book store, and you’ll need to register. One registration gets admission for up to two people, swag bags and a book. A fabulous deal, right here: https://www.thegreendoorstore.com/event/becky-blades-author-event
Barnes & Noble Oak Park Book Signing
Saturday, November 5, 1:00-2:00 pm cst
I’ll have my ironing board at the Barnes & Noble in Oak Park Mall to sign Start More Than You Can Finish as well as Do Your Laundry or You’ll Die Alone. Christmas is coming, you know! I’ll write whatever you want on whatever book you want. I’ll sign War and Peace if you want, since that guy’s not doing it anymore.
Art Exhibit and Book Talk
Thursday, November 10, 5:30-7:30 pm cst
The Eva Reynolds Fine Arts Gallery will host an art exhibition and book talk at 6285 W. 135th Street, Overland Park, KS 66223. I’ll be offering art for sale for the first time in three years!
New York
Red Room Book Party and Signing
Tuesday, November 22, 7 - 9 pm cst
My daughter, Taylor Kay Phillips, and son-in-law, Felipe Torres Medina, will host a book party and author interview at The Red Room, 85 E 4th St, New York, NY 10003
Tucson
Art Exhibit and Book Talk
Thursday, December 1, 4 – 7 pm mst
See Becky’s first full art exhibition in four years and hear and enjoy an interview with the author/artist. FOR FINE ART Gallery in 6420 N Campbell Ave
Tucson, AZ 85718
Big Fork, Montana
Art Exhibit and Book Signing
Saturday, December 3, 12 - 2 pm mst
See select pieces of Becky’s art and purchase both of Becky’s books, Start More Than You Can Finish and Do Your Laundry of You’ll Die Alone. At the FOR Fine Art Gallery, 573 Electric Ave, Bigfork, MT 59911
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