Marian Annette's Post-publication Advice
Published: 20 Jan 2015 - updated: 29 Jan 2015
A book launch is a trying task
Something that's not the norm.
You keep polite to those that ask
And welcome a new dawn.
Not easy to promote oneself
Then explain your latest project
You want your book upon their shelf
So know well, your favourite subject.
You hope the stores agree your price
And admire your latest work
You might approach them, more than twice
Persistence you never shirk!
Marian Annette tells us of her first publishing experience...
I found launching my book very challenging.
In advance of my publication date, I acquainted myself with the manager of our local supermarket, because I sent some complimentary rhymes to the store regarding the exemplary behaviour of their staff. I did this on the advice of Helen Hart, the Director of SilverWood Books Bristol.
After a few phone calls and some reminder visits, a date was arranged for my launch. I was given a corner of their Cafe and they supplied Bucks Fizz and Mince Pies.
The charity that the supermarket supports was our local Hospice, so I volunteered to donate a percentage of my proceeds to their cause. This helped, because the supermarket included that information on an advertisement board at the front of the store. Our local paper picked up on the charity donation so did an article about me and my book in their weekly paper. Unfortunately the paper quoted the wrong time but I doubt if it made a great deal of difference... because the friends that wanted to buy a copy had been told the correct time from me via text and emails! I managed to sell 30 books at that event, which pleased me as I was limited to a two hour slot because of a lunch time rush.
My book cover photograph was a view from the castle/museum in my childhood town, so I made a personal visit there with my book, to see if they thought there would be local interest. The curator kindly agreed to take five books on a sale or return basis for their literary corner.
Whilst in my home town I visited my old school and they arranged for me to be interviewed by some pupils who will an write article for their local paper. I had left that school in 1966! Anyway, they decided to stock one of my books in their library.
I felt obliged to give some copies of my book to close friends and family. Although the book is a wonderful gift, it does reduce the likelihood of making a profit or even recouping ones expenditure. Publishing Director Helen Hart advises that you try to be business-like and gently explain to family that you can't afford to give books away as you've funded the publication yourself.
I have learnt a lot from getting my work published and seeing my work in print. Although I feel it is unlikely I will make a profit, I have enjoyed the whole experience, despite many sleepless nights when inspiration strikes. In a year I might well be persuaded to write another one!
Here are Marian's words of advice:
- Payments to the publisher in instalments help spread the financial outlay.
- Don't embark on a book if you have limited finances.
- I did find I had to double check the times of meetings and the names of people I was promised to meet, because situations and write ups were never exactly what had been quoted.
- I have realised one needs to consider writing a hobby!
“If you’re thinking of self-publishing, I hope you don't go at it alone. With a team like SilverWood behind you, you have the support you need to publish the best work you believe in.”
