Random Monday- the book promotion edition
I had a chat with a group of writers this past weekend. One of the questions that came up was on book promotion. What form of promotion works best? I do all the expected things:
- chat with bookstore owners
- participate in social media
- blog interviews
- walk around with bookmarks and thrust them into the hands of random strangers
Does any of it work? I have no idea. I’ve decided it might be time to think outside the box so I’ve come up with a plan that I am convinced is genius.
I shall go to NYC and LA. I will lay in wait for various celebrities. Then I’ll scream out their name and when they look at me I’ll whip one of my books at them. I’m guessing the average person will catch the book before it bounces off their head. Then my trusty partner will snap a picture. I will sell this “celebrity endorsement” photo to the tabloids. Soon People and US Weekly will be full of pictures of my book being held by various movers and shakers.
I know, it’s genius! I haven’t yet shared this plan with my DH, but I’m fairly sure he’ll be my trusty sidekick. He’s very supportive of my writing career. If he’s busy I’m guessing one of my friends will step up to the plate to be the photographer. I have awesome friends.
I haven’t told my Simon and Schuster publicist or editor about this plan yet. I’m guessing that there might be considered some kind of “faux-pas” to hurl books at celebrities. Those of us who are innovators are always a bit ahead of our time. When this idea catches on- remember you heard it here first.
Now – who should I get to hold my book first? What would be a good mover and shaker? Preferably someone who wouldn’t likely have an armed guard who might take me out.
January 21st, 2013 at 6:15 am
Know a good lawyer ??
January 21st, 2013 at 12:32 pm
Thanks for a much needed Monday laugh. And hey you never know, this sort of promotion could lead to your very own reality show.
January 21st, 2013 at 2:02 pm
I love it. I think it would work. I think we would have to match the books up to the celebrities though. For instance, I need to throw Summerset Abbey at Maggie Smith. Wait, what do you think her reflexes are like…
Teri
January 21st, 2013 at 2:03 pm
Well, I’m guessing that Nathan Fillion would make a good first. He plays a writer on TV. And if you screamed “This is for Beckett” he can’t really be too mad.
January 21st, 2013 at 6:04 pm
If you go to NYC, I am SO there with you! I have family there, so bail money shouldn’t be a problem…..
And a definite “YES!!” on Nathan Fillion! *swoon*
January 21st, 2013 at 6:46 pm
I have a twist. Follow the plan until throwing. Then have several true adoring people (entourage) come with and once you scream celeb
‘s name. Entourage immediately come running for a picture with you! Their curiosity will get the best of them and they will approach. It could happen! PS i have books and camera and great hysteria skills.
January 21st, 2013 at 7:56 pm
I don’t have a celebrity suggestions, but I will go your bail. Just call.
January 22nd, 2013 at 8:10 am
Annette would certainly get the entire SP team on board if you were willing to start with Harrison Ford. Just sayin.
January 22nd, 2013 at 8:11 am
Just don’t injure him!
January 22nd, 2013 at 9:31 am
This sounds like a very good plan, Eileen!
I second the Harrison Ford vote!
January 22nd, 2013 at 10:16 am
The sad thing is my brain started coming up with ways to actually make this work. Like you could take your book up to them and hold it out like it’s an autograph book and ask them to sign it. Then have an accomplice get a photo. It would be open and if you were still holding the pen when the accomplice took the photo, it would look like YOU are signing it for them!
January 22nd, 2013 at 10:34 am
Book photo bombing. Book bombing? Lit bombs? Genius. Almost as good as our sex tape idea. Why didn’t we ever do that?