Waiting on Wednesday: BOY NOBODY by Allen Zadoff

I've been a huge Allen Zadoff fan for years and this book just looks amazing. If you don't believe me, check out this trailer...

 

Admit it. It sounds AWESOME...

 

An Awesome Author Evening at University Bookstore!

Just got home from a terrific Simon & Schuster author event. The Summer Lovin' Tour touched down at Seattle's University Bookstore this evening. Here are my TOP FIVE superlatives and one bad photo because I am probably the world's worst photographer.

Jessi Kirby & Morgan Matson
They are seriously so adorable (if I could only focus a camera)!
 

Coolest cover secret: The spine under the hardcover jacket of Jessi Kirby's GOLDEN is actually gold. (Also, ask about her new surfboard.)

 Most Revelatory Food Obsession: Morgan Matson's literary relationship with corn-on-the-cob

 

"Could it be coincidence" or was Adele's James Bond cover song inspired by Shannon Messenger? Ooh. Hmm. Think about it.

 

Best "Can You Imagine": Kimberly Derting as a trucker-lady?

(Don't you wish you'd been there to hear that story?!)

New Fan-Girl Dream: To see one of Sarah Ockler's writing spreadsheets.

Really. Seriously. And you should dream this dream, too!

Back to Business: Some (Counterintuitive) Advice about Book Promotion via Blogs

As we work toward the building of a marketing plan for your book, here's a QUESTION:
In seeking bloggers to participate in book launches, blog tours, etc., should you reach out to...

A - the bloggers with the largest follower numbers, or
B - the bloggers ones who most love your genre and/or book?

ANSWER:
B

Of course, a blogger who loves your work and ALSO has a strong following is terrific. I follow several "power-blogs" run by people I adore--people who truly love their books and their work.  That said, the thing about the blogosphere right now is that it is ENORMOUS. It requires people to be selective and specific about their virtual travels. More followers does not always mean more return-traffic nor does the follower number quantify how many people genuinely use the blog's book recommendations as a resource. It takes one click to follow--but it's more of a commitment to stay connected to and continue to read and use a blog.

While some would say that all publicity is good publicity, my experience suggests that it is reader LOVE that helps books get traction. A blogger who appreciates your genre, writing style or even your other work (e-zine and paper magazine articles, publications in other genres, Twitter comments in #yalitchat, etc.) is more likely to give your novel a THOUGHTFUL read and, possibly, review. S/he is more likely to suggest your novel to other, like-minded people for whom YOURS is the truly the book they seek.

Bookstore people often talk about the power of the hand-sell. The joy they take in putting the perfect title into a reader's hands, and in sharing books they love with others. Bloggers have told me similar things. And it doesn't take a 1,000+ following to hand sell. Sometimes it's the smaller, independent blogger that can connect your books with more individual readers.

ONE TIP: Get over the numbers game...  Finding the right bloggers for your book via their stats is like submitting a manuscript to an agent simply because they list "YA" in their "represents" genre list (and not researching their client roster, interests or sales records). After a glance at the numbers, check out a blogger's own blogroll or link list. Does this blogger's taste in OTHER BLOGGERS resemble your own? Are they connected to a genre community in which you, also, read or write?

ANOTHER TIP: Put your money where your mouse is... If you discover an awesome blog, let the blogger know. Leave a comment. Share your thoughts about a book you both loved. Ask a question, if appropriate. CLICK, darn it!

A THIRD (AND FINAL) TIP: Speak up... If you are working with a blog tour service, take the time to share your list of favorite blogs, to discuss how the blogs are selected by the service, and what types of blogs you think will best connect you to your audience.

Not every blog lasts indefinitely. Not every blog gets traction. And neither does every book. But what does live on and, I believe, will always exist (even in the Amazon-buys-Goodreads ocean in through we writers currently doggie-paddle) is the passionate, vibrant, thoughtful community of online lovers of story. Find your people. Whether in cyberspace or library chairs, book lovers are people. And people are what matter.

Next Monday: After all this brainstorming, how to start actually writing your marketing plan.

Bookanistas: THE SCHOOL YEAR IS ALMOST OVER BUT...

We've been busy reading and loving stuff in between helping our kids study for finals, celebrating graduations, and enjoying the tantalizing almost-summer weather. And we've been getting ready for some fun Bookanista news, coming May 30th. Meanwhile...

Lenore Appelhans  is blown away by REBOOT by Amy Tintera

Carrie Harris adores BEYOND DINOCALYPSE by Chuck Wendig -- with giveaway!
Tracy Banghart  joins THE GIRL GUIDE by Christine Fonseca book blitz!
 Corrine Jackson is stunned by BREAKING BEAUTIFUL by Jennifer Shaw Wolf
Nikki Katz  wonders at THE GRAVE WINNER by Lindsey Loucks
Gretchen McNeil talks TRUTH OR DARE by Jacqueline Green
Elana Johson admires INSOMNIA by Jenn Johannson
Tracey Neithercott celebrates THE YEAR JOF SECRET ASSIGNMENTS by Jacqueline Moriarty
Katy Upperman fawns over FINNIKIN OF THE ROCK by Melina Marchetta