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Countdown to Publication:Welcome to the Morning After
Hi She Writers,
Yesterday, August 24, I officially became a novelist. I made it to Pub Day. The book made it to store shelves and was released from download embargo.I received more than 45 emails of congratulations, a bunch of Facebook 'likes' and a whole lot of Tweets wishing me a happy Pub Day. By the end of the day, after I disseminated my first "From the Desk of Lori L. Tharps" newsletter (for those of you new to email marketing check out MadMimi.com) I'd also received two new invitations to participate in book festivals in the spring of 2011. Yippie!
Before participating in the SheWrites Twitter Launch Party (which was so totally awesome!!!), I took myself to my local indie bookstore and took a picture of my book on the shelf. Sweet satisfaction. All in all, the day felt really good. But I know this harried process of preparing for the book's launch is so not over. I'll be beating the Substitute Me drum for months to come. While that feels a bit daunting having just made it through pub day, it is a relief knowing that I still have time to finish (ahem, start) my book trailer and plan a few more signings on my self-scheduled book tour.
Documenting this process here on She Writes and learning from all of you has really helped. I've gotten some really great ideas from your insightful comments, but more importantly, I don't feel like I'm doing this alone. The support from you all has been wonderful. And with that, I'm going to ask for help one more time.
Even though I love to make up stories and I've never met a microphone I didn't like, I'm always conflicted about what to talk about during book signings. Do you all just read from your books, tell stories from your childhood or invent haikus that summarize the major plot points in your work? As I get ready to embark on my "tour," I'd like to do less improvising and have a more planned approach. So, She Writers, what do you talk about during your signings/readings?
Thanks for sharing.
P.S. Any She Writers in the New York City area are invited to attend The Substitute Me Launch Party hosted by Atria Books and Up South. The fun happens on Thursday, September 16, 2010, 6:30-8:30 pm at Ristorante Settepani.
Yesterday, August 24, I officially became a novelist. I made it to Pub Day. The book made it to store shelves and was released from download embargo.I received more than 45 emails of congratulations, a bunch of Facebook 'likes' and a whole lot of Tweets wishing me a happy Pub Day. By the end of the day, after I disseminated my first "From the Desk of Lori L. Tharps" newsletter (for those of you new to email marketing check out MadMimi.com) I'd also received two new invitations to participate in book festivals in the spring of 2011. Yippie!
Before participating in the SheWrites Twitter Launch Party (which was so totally awesome!!!), I took myself to my local indie bookstore and took a picture of my book on the shelf. Sweet satisfaction. All in all, the day felt really good. But I know this harried process of preparing for the book's launch is so not over. I'll be beating the Substitute Me drum for months to come. While that feels a bit daunting having just made it through pub day, it is a relief knowing that I still have time to finish (ahem, start) my book trailer and plan a few more signings on my self-scheduled book tour.
Documenting this process here on She Writes and learning from all of you has really helped. I've gotten some really great ideas from your insightful comments, but more importantly, I don't feel like I'm doing this alone. The support from you all has been wonderful. And with that, I'm going to ask for help one more time.
Even though I love to make up stories and I've never met a microphone I didn't like, I'm always conflicted about what to talk about during book signings. Do you all just read from your books, tell stories from your childhood or invent haikus that summarize the major plot points in your work? As I get ready to embark on my "tour," I'd like to do less improvising and have a more planned approach. So, She Writers, what do you talk about during your signings/readings?
Thanks for sharing.
P.S. Any She Writers in the New York City area are invited to attend The Substitute Me Launch Party hosted by Atria Books and Up South. The fun happens on Thursday, September 16, 2010, 6:30-8:30 pm at Ristorante Settepani.
Comment
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Comment by Amalia Pistilli Conrad on August 26, 2010 at 6:29pm -
Congratulations, writerly sister! And good equal luck to the rest of us.
Amalia
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Comment by Carleen on August 26, 2010 at 12:25pm -
I talk a bit first then read. Here's a good tip: bring a little prize (candy, a free book, Kinky Gazpacho) and offer it to whoever asks the best question. Tell them up front so they can think up a good one. It makes people less shy and gets a good conversation going. Or just bring a big bag of candy and give a piece to everyone who asks a question or pass it around during the Q&A. It really helps!
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Comment by Jennifer Lynn Knox on August 26, 2010 at 3:44am -
Congratulations! It's such a beautiful and strange feeling, no?
RE: Signings. I have a tendency to read from my book first. This breaks the ice, and also, if you read the right scene, leave the listeners hanging a bit, the questions usually come in. I like to have a conversation, set chairs in a circle after a reading, and just chat.
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Comment by Elizabeth Hilts on August 25, 2010 at 8:17pm -
Congratulations!
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Comment by Kathy Jordan on August 25, 2010 at 4:08pm -
Congratulations, Lori! You're now a 360 degree author (fiction and non fiction) I am forcing myself to wait til tonight to dive back into Substitute Me. Warning: Lori's book may be hazardous to your productivity! It was great to be with you at last night's She Writers Launch Party. You lobbed the funniest and most re-tweeted remark of the night--and anyone who wants to know what that was can read the party transcript which will be posting soon:) Hope everyone buys your book! Best-k
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Comment by Amy Wise on August 25, 2010 at 8:45am
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Lori! Congratulations!!! What great news! It's been so fabulous watching this process and having you share all of the ups and downs of your book "making it to the shelf!" Very exciting! I can't wait to read it! Best of luck with everything. =)
Amy
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