As I complete my first draft of my novel, edit my query, write my synopsis and prepare to read the last 20 book reviews for the year, I hesitate at the thought of writing my marketing plan. Six years in corporate journalism and the past five years freelancing in Christian presses I know first hand that making your name a brand is hard, hard, hard. And ridiculously hard for African American women authors to become household names. Therefore, this month I have created a series which comprises an independent publicist directory, and three interviews from Publicist and PR Professionals. The first interview is with Ayana Glaze, an Atlanta Based PR Firm, then Regina Lynch-Hudson, celebrity publicist and owner of The Write Publicist & Co., and Christian Marketing Professional, Pam Perry of Marketing Solutions.com. They will discuss the difference between a PR Rep, Marketing Specialist and a Publicist and why authors might need them all. I will also have a bonus conversation with Author, Linda Dominique Grosvenor about her PR workshop for prolific writers.
How important is it to get noticed by one of the major distributors?
Ayana: It is important but with technology like email, amazon.com, websites, you can really promote and sell your own book very well. A major distributor adds credibility. Do you think that authors start making connections with distributors too late?
Ayana: Many do. An author should start connecting with distributors soon after their book is as complete as possible. Connecting with distributors through trade and consumer magazines helps move the process of getting their books in major outlets much faster. They really should begin connecting with distributors when they have some positive reviews back from others who have reviewed their galleys. When a cover design is approved, they should connect with the distributors again by sending a flier designed from the book cover with more reviews included on the flier and anticipated release dates. So when should a writer start their marketing plan?
Ayana: A writer should start their marketing plan upon conception of their book idea. By this I mean, they should alredy have in their minds which audiences would be likely read their books and begin researching ways of reaching that audience.
