The spread of a virus and the idea of something “going viral” are two very different things. But it’s obvious, from the theft of the language, that a virus can be very adept at quickly making it’s way through the population. Let’s take a look…
“After the first case-patient in an outbreak setting is infected, the virus can be transmitted in several ways. People can be exposed to Ebola virus from direct contact with the blood and/or secretions of an infected person. Thus, the virus is often spread through families and friends because they come in close contact with such secretions when caring for infected persons. People can also be exposed to Ebola virus through contact with objects, such as needles, that have been contaminated with infected secretions. Nosocomial transmission refers to the spread of a disease within a health-care setting, such as a clinic or hospital. It occurs frequently during Ebola HF outbreaks.”
Now let’s look at what happens when something, perhaps a book, goes viral…
“After the first reader in an book launch setting is hooked, the novel can be shared in several ways. People can be exposed to good fiction from direct contact with blogger interviews, book reviews and/or word-of-mouth recommendations. Thus, the novel is often spread through families and friends because they come in close contact with such enthusiasm when interacting with fans. People can also be exposed to the novel through contact with objects, such as bookmarks, stickers, wrist bands, T-shirts and adorable paper cranes, that have been passed along with squeals of delight. Literary transmission refers to the spread of fiction within a setting, such as a book store or a library. It occurs frequently during book launch events.”
Are you seeing the writing on the walls? I am. I’m going to be blatantly honest with you. I have invested a huge chunk of my heart and soul into this book and I would love to see it do really well, but I also believe in the idea that we should shoot for the stars. There are enough people in the world who want to clip the wings of those around them–I don’t need to help the people who want to ground me. I’m a believer in the power of words let loose on the universe. I am convinced that there is a difference between saying I want to have my novel published AND I will have my novel published. When you say the word WANT you put need out into the world. When you say WILL you put out intent. I know it sounds a little hokey, but most people didn’t think I would sell a book to start with, so I’m going to stick with what has worked for me. So here we go universe–I’m saying it out loud…
My novel, TOUCHING THE SURFACE will go viral!
Now, make no mistakes. When you make a declaration–it doesn’t stand on it’s own. Just saying that I would be published one day didn’t make it happen. There was a lot of work and help from others that went into making that dream a reality. I’ve already been working hard to market and get the word out about TOUCHING THE SURFACE and I am so lucky that I have so many amazing family members and friends who are going above and beyond to support me. I am already overwhelmed by the out-pouring of support. It strengthens my belief that we are all interconnected and when we work together, we are bigger than the sum of our parts.
But of course, my mind is always working. As I’ve been mulling over viruses and books going viral, I remembered a book I read awhile back called THE TIPPING POINT by Malcolm Gladwell. I just looked it up and started laughing because it obviously had a big impact on how I think–I love the subconscious…
New Yorker writer Malcolm Gladwell looks at why major changes in our society so often happen suddenly and unexpectedly. Ideas, behavior, messages, and products, he argues, often spread like outbreaks of infectious disease.Just as a single sick person can start an epidemic of the flu, so too can a few fare-beaters and graffiti artists fuel a subway crime wave, or a satisfied customer fill the empty tables of a new restaurant. These are social epidemics, and the moment when they take off, when they reach their critical mass, is the Tipping Point.
Gladwell introduces us to the particular personality types who are natural pollinators of new ideas and trends, the people who create the phenomenon of word of mouth. He analyzes fashion trends, smoking, children’s television, direct mail, and the early days of the American Revolution for clues about making ideas infectious, and visits a religious commune, a successful high-tech company, and one of the world’s greatest salesmen to show how to start and sustain social epidemics.
I think I need to reread this immediately! Here are some awesome quotes from the book…
“There are exceptional people out there who are capable of starting epidemics. All you have to do is find them.”
“The tipping point is that magic moment when an idea, trend, or social behavior crosses a threshold, tips, and spreads like wildfire.”
“Emotion is contagious.”
“If you want to bring a fundamental change in people’s belief and behavior…you need to create a community around them, where those new beliefs can be practiced and expressed and nurtured.”
“That is the paradox of the epidemic: that in order to create one contagious movement, you often have to create many small movements first.”
― Malcolm Gladwell, The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference
I would like you to help me reach the “tipping point.” My goal is to have hot spots burning brightly all over the country. Nope that’s thinking too small in today’s global economy. I want hot spots all over the world, helping TOUCHING THE SURFACE to ignite! That’s why I’m going to be starting TEAM TIPPING THE SURFACE! Anything that you can do to help will be appreciated. If you can tell a friend about the book, give it as a gift or request it at your library or bookstore–I would be forever grateful. Every little bit of support matters. It is word of mouth, above all else that gets the ball rolling. But–if you’d like to take your help one step further–I’d love to have some folks who would like to make a deliberate effort to help TOUCHING THE SURFACE go viral.
If you are interested, I will send you a TOUCHING THE SURFACE T-shirt and a hazmat helmet’s worth of promotional materials. There will be stuff for your local and school libraries and stuff for your local book sellers. I’ll also have plenty of individual swag for your friends and family and the random strangers you think might like the book. 😮 For every person you enlist to become a New Hot Spot for TEAM TIPPING THE SURFACE–you’ll have an entry into a drawing for some great prizes–like an annotated copy of TOUCHING THE SURFACE or an silver origami crane necklace. The more people that participate, the more cool things will be added to the pot.
*In order to create a new Hot Spot–your recruit will have to be in a brand new location. You’ll have my email–we’ll talk! I’m having visions of a map with Hot Spot stickers for my office!
Want to participate? Here’s what you have to do! If you would like to start a Hot Spot in your area for TEAM TIPPING THE SURFACE, please send me you full name, email address and your mailing address HERE!!! I’m looking forward to hearing from you. If you don’t think you’re up for being a Hot Spot–I completely understand, but I would really appreciate it if you’d share this information with anyone you think might be interested.
So what should we talk about today? Worst virus or illness you’ve ever had? Gahhhh I had Scarlet Fever once!!! Lots of books have gone viral–what’s your favorite? I’ve got to say Harry Potter! Best movie involving hazmat suits? Hmmmm Have you read THE TIPPING POINT by Malcomb Galdwell? Will you now? I’m interested to hear what you’ve got!
P.S. 14 Days until TOUCHING THE SURFACE launches!!! All the information on book launch events and purchasing signed copies can be found HERE!
I usually get all sappy, talking about this topic, but today I’m going to keep it light. You didn’t know I had it in me, did you? LOL!
What is the opposite of banning a book? PROMOTION!!!! Every time you spread the word about a book you love, you help to marginalize the impact of narrow minds. It gives me tingles just thinking about it. So, this week I’m encouraging you to spread the word about books you love–particularly those that are banned. *rifles through drawer to find banned books bracelet*
And because it’s October and TOUCHING THE SURFACE launches in 26 days!!! *jaw drops* I’m running a little contest that will help me with my own promotion. I just ordered TOUCHING THE SURFACE T-shirts and they should be here in about 2 weeks. I’m giving one away on Facebook and one here on the blog. If you pre-order a copy of TOUCHING THE SURFACE between now and the time the T-shirts arrive, you’ll be eligible to win one. Here’s what they are going to look like…
All you have to do to be entered is let me know the date you pre-order SURFACE and also let me know what your favorite banned book is. Feel free to write it in caps so I know you’re shouting it to the world. <3 Additionally, if you share this blog post–leave me the link and you’ll get an extra entry.
To make it easy on you–here’s some awesome places you can pre-order…
You can also find out more about Banned Books Week (September 30th-October 6th) HERE. I have soooo many beloved banned books but the first one I’ll shout out is…TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD by Harper Lee!!!!
I know not everyone will agree with what I’m about to say, but I find marketing fascinating. I sort of think of it like playing a game of Angry Birds–it’s a challenge and I love to adjust my angles to see where I’m going to aim my efforts. Just like playing Angry Birds, marketing your book takes some skill, hard work, practice and luck. And if you do even some of it right, you have a chance to knock down some serious stuff–pigs AND the barriers that keep you from literary success.
As my book launch gets closer, I’ve been thinking about marketing a lot more and I’ve come to realize that I’ve developed my own marketing truths. Here are some of the things that currently resonate with me…
*Be genuine. It’s much better to make 10 real friends on line than to spam a hundred. I know what I’m willing to do to support the people in my life that I care about–most people feel the same way. Genuine time and effort can’t be faked.
*Pretend that you don’t have a publisher. My publisher is doing a zillion amazing things to help market and sell my book. Duh! It’s their book too, but it’s easier for me to pretend (from a marketing perspective) that I’m self-published. This way I push myself to do my best and whenever something unexpected and exciting happens, it’s a ginormous, wonderful bonus!!!
TOUCHING THE SURFACE at the Bologna Book Fair!!!! I had no idea my book was there until my editor sent me this picture. BONUS!
*Try to enjoy the type of marketing you do. I’ll be honest, when two openings came available to join the YA Rebels (a weekly vlogging collective) I thought about auditioning. It would have been a fabulous opportunity. I also realized it would likely cause my premature death. The expectation to create weekly vlogs, that were interesting and funny AND get the tech thing down would have applied enough pressure to squish my head like a melon. Stick to the stuff that doesn’t take years off of your life.
*JOIN A MARKETING COLLECTIVE!!!! I am a proud member of the APOCALYPSIES and the CLASS OF 2k12 and I can say with absolute certainty that these two groups have been the best. They are so much more than a bunch of debut authors banding together–these are my friends. I could not have done it without them. I wouldn’t want to. We SQUEE over each other’s good news and we commiserate when we’re knee deep in suckage–personal or professional. We help each other be better writers–and marketers. And the best part is that they make me laugh. Have you seen this video?
So when you get that opportunity to join an amazing group like this… raise both hands, jump up and down and shout pick me, pick me!
*Lastly, you should have a secret weapon. Here’s mine…
This is my mom–aka my secret weapon. She carries a stack of signed bookmarks in her pocketbook and every place she goes, she tells people about my book. She also shares how proud she is of her daughter and she means it–I can see it in her eyes. THIS is the best kind of marketing. It is also the BEST way to live your life. It’s better than word of mouth–it’s word of heart. What we all really want is for someone to love us, to love our writing and to want to tell the world about it.
PS–I’m a very lucky girl because I’m surrounded word of heart–in my home and in my life. There will never be enough ways to adequately say I love you back.
Who is your secret weapon? Who shares their love of you through word of heart? I know just thinking about them makes you warm and fuzzy right now–so ‘fess up.
Today I’d like to give you a sneak peak into the not-so-glamourous side of a soon to be published, debut author. I know that some days it seems like it’s all “cover reveals” and “fabulous blurbs” but there are tons of little things in the publishing world that are the equivalent of doing those endless loads of laundry or scrubbing the toilet. Right now I’m pretty obsessed with sending postcards out to as many Independent Booksellers as I possibly can. It is lots of fun seeing all the cool names for the Indie Bookstores. It makes me want to go visit each and every one of them, but that’s impossible so the best I can do is reach out to them and hope that they like TOUCHING THE SURFACE and that they can see my enthusiasm for trying to help this book be a success.
The first thing you need to do when sending out postcards…is to get postcards. I had mine made by the very talented Jeff Fielder. After that it’s time to compile the list of bookstores you want to contact. I was very fortunate to win a pre-compiled list from Saundra Mitchell in a charity auction. I thank my lucky stars EVERY NIGHT! Even with everything already researched, it took me over two hours just to attach the pre-printed labels. *head thunk* We are talking about 760 bookstores here. *head thunk again*
Once your labels are on, you need to HANDWRITE a message on EACH postcard. Let the hand cramps commence. The most I’ve been able to do in one sitting is around the fifty card mark. But I also think it’s worth it. I want those booksellers to know how hard I’m willing to work and how important personal connections are to me. Every time I get a little free time I jot off a couple cards or if I’m lucky, sometimes I have an hour or two where I go for it and write as many as I can. I’ve sent out over three hundred cards so far YAY!!!!
But unfortunately, I’ve got this many left to go…
Yeah…that’s like 400+ postcards left to go. And don’t forget that some labels get cut off accidentally so I have those in a pile to fix when I’m done. And the hardest part of all…when they come back RETURN TO SENDER. Those go in another pile to see if I can find the bookstore on line and resend. So far out of the 300+ I’ve sent–I’ve gotten back 28 but I expect a few more soon because I just recently sent out my last batch.
And don’t forget the stamps. Postcard stamps are cheaper than regular stamps but every 100 stamps costs $32.
And of course–the truly hard part is not really knowing if the all the effort is worth it. I’m hoping it is, but for all I know, all my hard work could end up being a coaster under someone’s drink. But then again…they’re book lovers!!!! Besides, I’ve got to believe that a purple Sharpie pen is a magic wand in disguise.
What do you think is the most un-glamourous side of being a writer? Any fabulous tips to share about the not-so-glamourous tasks a writer must tackle? Do you like doing something that you think most people hate? Any questions on postcards or preparing for a book launch? I’ll do my best to answer them.
In my last post, I talked a little bit about Marketing Your Unborn Book. Today I wanted to follow up with a similar topic. Word of mouth. This is very closely related to what I previously talked about. When you make genuine connections with people, there is a good chance that those people will support you. That’s what friends do. It’s also what smart people do–they don’t bite the hand that feeds them. And if you’ve been doing a good job marketing your unborn book, it means that you have invested a lot of time and energy into supporting your peers the way you would like to be cared for when it is your turn to sell a book. The cool thing about the kid lit community is that this is a group of people who was born with the “do-for-others gene.” They are writing to help kids for goodness sake.
So, how do we really sell our books? I’m going to go out on a limb and say that the best way is by word of mouth.
Now don’t get me wrong, there are lots of things that you can do to stack the deck in your favor. I’m doing things like compiling lists of school librarians so that I can send them out a post card with my information on it. It never hurts to put the effort in. Sending out a post card is a lot more personal than hoping, wishing and praying that a librarian or a bookseller accidentally stumble upon TOUCHING THE SURFACE. But, at the end of the day, think about who you listen to when you want a book recommendation.
I can tell you what I do…
*I watch what people I trust tweet about on twitter. If my agent or editor recommends a book, I’m sold. If Kiersten White, my agency sister is singing the praises of an author, I believe her. If the kid lit community rallies around someone like Lauren Myracle, I will read that book and hand sell that puppy until someone puts a restraining order out on me.
*I ask my friends and family what they’re reading. I trust them.
*I check out the staff recommendations at the bookstore. These folks may or may not be my “friends” but they are talking up a book that they feel passionately about. Yes, they are selling books, but they’re selling ALL the books in the store. So it means something when they talk about a book that resonates with them.
I HAVE NEVER READ A BOOK THAT SOMEONE HAS SPAMMED ME WITH–EVEN IF YOU HAVE OFFERED IT FOR FREE.
That’s the truth.
I’ll leave you with a little story that shows you the true power of word of mouth…
The other day my boys and I were talking about graphic novel/cartoon characters. Who we liked and what super powers we’d like to have. If you have boys, you’ve probably had this conversation many times LOL! I happened to reveal to my kids that when I was their age, I had a secret super hero identity. I put on my dark and powerful cartoon narrator’s voice and told them…
Out of the dark regions of the universe, comes a super crime fighting hero…Captain Apple!
They thought that this was hysterical. They wanted to know all about Captain Apple. I can’t remember much about how it started. I may have been apple picking with the girl scouts or something, but for some reason I have always remembered Captain Apple. I forgot all about our talk until a few days later, when my middle son got my attention at dinner.
Him: “Do you remember that day we were talking about Captain Apple?”
Me: “Uh huh.” Nods in his direction while making dinner and pulling back packs apart.
Him: “Yeah, well it’s kind of cool because all my friends are playing Captain Apple in school.”
Me: Drops stuff and gives middle child my full attention. “What do you mean?”
Him: “I though Captain Apple was cool so I told my friends about it. They thought it was cool too. So we’ve been playing Captain Apple on the playground and making up our own comics.”
Me: Stands up straight and smooths hair. “They really liked it?”
Him: “Yeah, mom–he’s pretty cool.”
Me: “Think you can finish dinner by yourselves boys? I’ve got a new idea for a book that I’d like to fiddle with…”
Okay–maybe that last line wasn’t exactly true. And yes, I will sue you if you steal my Captain Apple book idea. You won’t though–that would make you rotten to the core. *scribbles notes that that would make a great line in the book* But you get the picture. Word of mouth can sell things that aren’t even for sale…yet. My best advice for selling your book or your future book is to go out and sell someone else’s book. How cool is that?
And one final warning…negative news travels by mouth a gazillion times faster than good news. It’s the pits *jots down more notes* but its a law of the universe. So, my final recommendation for you is to remember to use your words wisely. And get a cool cape.
Today I’m going to talk a little bit about how to market your book before you get a publishing deal or possibly before you even finish writing it. It’s a little like preparing for the birth of an unborn child but without the shower. There are a ton of great similarities but not everything is sugar and spice or puppy dog tails. You are going to get the same funny looks from people when you start marketing yourself as a “pre-published” author, as you will when you announce that your top baby name choices are Petunia and Atlas.
But, if you’re serious about being a professional writer, you have to develop your platform at the same rate that you are developing your writing. This is not you being vain. It’s a vital component to being a successful writer in today’s day and age. You work to improve your writing without a guarantee of publication–you must also grow your knowledge and presence in social media the same way.
A lot of people cringe at the thought. I know, it seems pretentious. But I promise, it’s only awkward if you’re attempting to act like you’re JK Rowling or Stephanie Meyer. Yes, this will be a turn off to–everyone. What I’m asking you to do is to build a platform a group of friends, peers and resources. You are working to become a vital part of a community of your peers, your future employers, your friends and your potential readers. The way that you go about this is actually by being a genuine friend to people. Here is a real life example of what I mean.
Several years ago I attended a SCBWI Conference and met the uber amazing Molly O’Neill from Harper Collins. I really wanted to submit TOUCHING THE SURFACE to her, so I came home and immediately started to stalk follow her on FB. In the process of watching and listening to the information that Molly provided to her followers, I noticed that a colleague of hers was a debut MG novelist. Molly raved about this author and her book. So I bought it. I loved the book and became a fan. Then this author had a second book come out. Just a tiny little book called…
I was already a fan and a cyber friend. I talked to Nova across multiple forms of on-line media. I was excited for her next book and shared my excitement with my friends and family. I loved the book when I read it and continued to support Nova. Then I got a chance to attend my very first LA SCBWI Conference. Guess who I got to meet in person…
That’s Mike Dangerpants Jung, Nova and myself. Mike is another one of my amazing cyber friendships, but I’ll save that story for another day. And by the way–it was awesome to meet them both. I now consider them “real” friends, not just cyber friends.
Right after I got home from the conference, Nova was scheduled to have an IMAGINARY GIRLS book signing at one of my local indie bookstores–Oblong Books. I packed up the hubby and the kids and we went up for the book signing. I was so excited to let my family meet Nova. It was such a wonderful experience. One giant love fest–books, author, friends, family, indie and mini-cupcakes.
I continue to support Nova because I’m a fan and because I’m a friend. I can’t say if or how Nova will support me and my book in the future. And I can honestly say it doesn’t matter. I’ve enjoyed every minute of my time with her. I learned a ton, enjoyed myself and felt great along the way. I didn’t do it to get something out of it. I did it to get someone out of it. And she was worth the time and effort it took to build the friendship.
What I will tell you is that when my editor at Simon Pulse, Anica Rissi, officially announced my book in her Fall 2012 line-up, Nova tweeted to Anica and myself that she was so excited to read it. And that felt like winning a million bucks.
Have I spent years marketing my unborn book? Absolutely. But, I’d like to think I’ve gone about it in a way that has been not only painless for everyone involved, but beneficial and even fun. You don’t have to be a spam bot to market your book. You have to be the same kind of emotionally connected person that it took to write the book in the first place.
I’m going to take back my earlier statement about an unborn book not getting a shower. If you are the kind of person who is a good friend to those around you, I have a feeling you will get showered with love, attention and support. And really, there is no better way to bring your new “baby” into the world.
If you have any specific questions I’d be more than happy to try and answer them. And if you have any great tips on marketing your book that you’d love to share I would love to hear them. Success stories and marketing bloopers welcome. :o)
Last night I had my very first Twitter Author Chat with the teens at Teen Ink. It was wonderful. I’ve been thinking about it ever since.
Now don’t get me wrong. I’d be lying if I didn’t acknowledge that a huge part of everything I do involves marketing my first novel TOUCHING THE SURFACE. (See I’m doing it right now. I’m linking you to my Goodreads page in the hope that you’ll put me on your to-read list. Or *blushes* become a fan.)
In truth, I’ve been marketing and platform building almost as long as I’ve been writing this novel.
Why? Because deep in my heart, I’ve always believed that this book would make it. I’ve dreamed that this book would spark something in a reader and make a connection. A real link. A platform takes you places. It’s where you meet people. It’s how you start a journey. It’s possibility at it’s finest.
As I relived the twitter chat in my mind, I think I’ve made an important revelation. I’m always going to be working hard to sell my book and you can track that progress on my Facebook Author Page. (See–I did it again. LOL!) But I also know the truth. After that chat was over–I wasn’t thinking about how many followers I gained from the experience. I was thinking about this…
@teenink #teenink Writers influence the present and change the world, I believe that when @kimmiepoppins said that.
Written by Ashley Flow @ashlaf4ever
*heart squish*
Yes, I’m still smiling about that one. And as I think about those words, I understand that I’m not creating a platform for my book–my book is creating a platform for my life.
Yipee! My BFF and Crit Partner Jodi Moore went to visit her local bookstore to celebrate the birth of her first book baby. So much fun. But when Jodi got to the store, she couldn’t find WHEN A DRAGON MOVES IN anywhere. Her first thought was that the store was very busy and the staff hadn’t gotten a chance to get it on the table, but low and behold…
Her book was already sold out!!!!!! The last copy was clutched in the arms of some lucky reader and on it’s way to the checkout. Woo Hoo!!!!! But this got me thinking… It’s the bestest thing in the whole world that Dragon literally flew off the shelves, but what happens in the mean time? An empty spot on a table isn’t going to sell a book. Now I’m not telling book sellers how to do their jobs, but wouldn’t book dummies be a wonderful thing??? When that last copy disappears off the shelf, couldn’t there be a cardboard copy of the cover with an out of stock message on it? Wouldn’t it be great if it said something like…
This book is so darn popular, we can’t keep it in stock. Bring this cover to the nearest customer representative and you get a 5% discount for ordering it in the store today!!!!
Then the book seller puts that cover right back on the shelf where it can sell another book that isn’t in stock and make all the other books green with envy that they haven’t been taken out of the store-yet.
Have you got any creative suggestions you’d like to share with your favorite bookseller?
The Left-Handed Whopper – 1998 – April Fools’ Pranks – TIME
Don’t forget tomorrow is the last day for the Library Loving Challenge. Leave a Comment and I’ll donate a $1.00 to a wonderful library. This is NO joke! :o)
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