Books That Sell Themselves

When my first book, Celebrity Tantrums, came out 10 years ago I was relentless in my pursuit of media coverage.  

The publisher flew me to Montreal to do appearances on TV and radio, I did Breakfast Television, every radio station that would have me in the US, UK and Canada and talked to every print journalist who wanted my time. I spent every second of my vacation that year on publicity for the book.

When The Naked Truth came out last year, I did a targeted local media blitz that brought me good results.  Now with Venus Rising, I’m letting it find its own way.

So I was a bit ambivalent about the Chapters book-signing event yesterday afternoon but I’m very glad I did it.  Our host, Sarah Hilton, has done a ton of work to promote local authors in this city and I felt I was really there for her, to show support to her TV show (The Book Nook with Sarah) and to my fellow writers.  And I’m very glad I went.

I met some fascinating people who write everything from historical fiction to a medical book on fibromyalgia to a woman who teaches us how to find ethically made products to a financial guy who explains why we’re attracted to debt and how to break the cycle.  I talked with readers and writers and was tickled when blog reader Cheryl Major and her husband Gord showed up. In fact I was a little stunned! It was so nice of them to drop by on their way to a cottage vacation. It paid off for Cheryl – she won a draw for a gift basket.

Lots of people stopped by to chatter or just say Hi. It was a nice event!  My hubby also came by to show his support as did a few radio listeners. And I did leave with several new books to check out.

I picked up some valuable tips from other writers and I have a lot of research and reading to do about software, websites and what have you.  Dean Koontz, Stephen King and Danielle Steele may attract the most money but there are thousands of lesser known authors who are writing great stuff and I met some of them on Sunday.