Comments on: Introducing New York Times Bestselling Author April Henry

By: Martha Miller

Martha Miller — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:11:59 +0000

HI Larry,
Off the subject of Walter and his book, but have to ask you this question: I just saw “An Education” and as you mentioned in your post, it’s excellent. Thanks for the recommendation.
But . . . my friend and I argued all the way home from the theater about where the heck was the Midpoint?
It can’t be when she finds out the bitter truth about David. That’s more like the 2nd plot point, isn’t it? Too close to the end. We couldn’t recall any occurrence in the movie that to us represented midpoint. Can you help? I know you can.

By: Larry

Larry — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 04:09:51 +0000

I think you can have no doubts whatsoever that if you can pull that strategy off, it’ll really help your book sales, no question. It’s a great strategy, but like all tall orders, it’s a tough one to pull off. If you can do it, not only are you to be congratulated, you’ll be on talk shows discussing it.

I wish you well with it all. Do keep us posted!

By: Walter

Walter — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 03:09:26 +0000

Thank you, Larry.

One more thing. I managed to weave the poems in my novel into some tuneful melodies that are of course in line with music of nowadays. I intend to make an album of the songs and hand it over to a group of western artists to sing, believing that when the songs hit the market that they would enhance my [book's] sales in a way. Of course, the album shall bear the name of my novel.

However, I’m having doubts. Do you think such form of publicity would pay off?

By: Larry

Larry — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 02:38:56 +0000

@Walter — interesting question here. Of course, the author’s online promotional process is valid in any country – launch a website, visit and comment on blogs, solicit online reviews, etc. And while I admit, I don’t really have a notion about how the bookstore signing process might differ in South Africa from how we do it here in the U.S., here’s one thing I do know from experience: the author is pretty much on his/her own to arrange signings, tours and promotions. Which means, if you can learn how its done where you live, then you are on the same playing field that we labor upon.

It seem’s pretty simple, though: once your book is out, contact the bookstores and request to book a signing date. Contact writing groups and offer to speak at their events, perhaps teach a workshop. Go on drop-in “stock signing” tours to simply sign a store’s investory of your title(s); of course, always ask for the store manager and ask permission. They usually love it, as signed books tend to do well.

I wish you well with this, and congrats on be published!

By: Walter

Walter — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 02:15:04 +0000

Utterly daunting, I must confess. Right now my stomach is rumbling–hope I don’t mess up my lavatory.
God, how in heaven am I going to find writing time after such arduous efforts toward publicity?

Well, the post is a terrific eyeopener. Guess the truth is always bitter–the bitter pill all novice writers like me must swallow.

Larry, thanks for bringing the huge seller over. I just learnt how to elude some popular mistakes most debut authors make.

But, in the case that the writer doesn’t reside in the United States, Canada, or United Kingdom, wouldn’t the aspects of book signing, tours, and bookstores be unapproachable?
I’m asking because I reside in Africa.