To Market, To Market



"It's all so overwhelming," she confessed to me in an email. The "she" being a newly published author from my writer's group. And I have to agree with her evaluation of the situation. Having a new novel published, even if it's not your first, is overwhelming. Instead of thinking of how to create memorable characters, unforgettable dialog, and treacherous plots for future novels, all I think about now is how I'm going to market my current novel, Masterpiece of Murder.

Authors are not merely writers anymore, they have to be website masters, public relations specialists, speakers, press release gurus, blog writers, and promoters, all of which I knew nothing about when I put down the first word of my first manuscript so many years ago.

Once my novel was published, it amazed me how much I had to learn in a short period of time in order to survive in this daunting world of book promotion and marketing, both online and off. All that information often forced my mind into "brain overload" causing it to shut down altogether. But from time to time, I would come across an author who was kind enough, and generous enough, to help a neophyte like me to "get my name out there." What a relief. Marketing and promotion are ongoing processes that I am just beginning to learn, and with every day comes new information that seems to make it even more complex

I often feel guilty when I take time for myself. After all, I should be doing something to market my novel, it took a year to write, and even more time for a publisher to offer me a contract. Lately, I'm getting a little frantic, almost to the point of doing blatant self-promotion anywhere at any time. Last week I found myself handing out bookmarks at the corner drug store when I went in to pick up a prescription. If you've found any way to promote your novel that's different or unusual, besides the obvious online "stuff," I'd appreciate some suggestions.

Please leave a comment and you'll automatically be entered in my giveaway contest. You could win a signed print copy of Masterpiece of Murder. The lucky winner will be selected at random at the end of this blog tour, and announced on my blog, http://evelyncullet.com/blog/ on December 12th. Don't forget to leave your email address so I'll know how to contact you.

Masterpiece of Murder is a fast-paced romantic suspense novel about a broken-hearted art student, Charlotte Ross, who is so intent on locating her errant fiancé that she submits someone else’s painting as her own in order to gain access to a Master art class being held in Bariloche, Argentina—the place her lost love was last seen. When the painting gets her accepted into the class given by a world-famous artist and womanizer, being a novice makes keeping up with the others nearly impossible as she struggles to fake her way though, while trying to win back the man she loves. But her fiancé has his own reasons for being in Bariloche that complicate Charlotte’s life and threaten her very existence as she stumbles into a downward spiral of deception, art forgery, and murder. After finding the murder victim, circumstantial evidence begins to mount up against her and the local police suspect she is the killer. Now she must use the skills she learned from her mystery writer friend, along with the help of her fellow art students, to discover who is really behind the murder. Not an easy task with a military police officer dogging her every step.


Evelyn Cullet has been an aspiring author since high school when she wrote short stories, but didn't begin her first novel until college, later in life. Afterward, she continued to take writing classes while working in the offices of a major soft drink company. Now, after early retirement, she finally has the chance to do what she loves best; write full-time. Evelyn enjoys playing the piano, being an organic gardener, and an amateur Lapidary. She's a former long-time member of the Agatha Christie Society, and is currently a member of Sisters in Crime. Evelyn and her husband live in a suburb of Chicago along with their Black Lab/Pit Bull, Bailey.

Thank you for visiting me today, Evelyn. Your book sounds fascinating and I was glad to learn about your.

Comments

Unknown said…
Love the cover for Masterpiece of Murder, Evelyn!
Thank you for stopping by today, Evelyn, and you described the challenge well that we authors all face today.
M.M. Gornell said…
Overwhelming indeed! Good post, Evelyn.

Madeline
Jean Henry Mead said…
So true. Writing now means marketing, promotions, book signings and social media, which take up so much of your time. It certainly can be overwhelming, especically for a newly published author.
Evelyn Cullet said…
Thanks Joyce. You've got some beautiful book covers,especially the Renaissance Faire Mysteries. Loved the cover for Wicked Weaves. Loved the story too.
Evelyn Cullet said…
Happy to be on your blog today, Marilyn. I hope I didn't sound too needy,but I think I was having a bad day when I wrote that article. And yes, marketing is a challenge we all have to face.
Evelyn Cullet said…
Thanks Madeline, so glad you stopped by.
Evelyn Cullet said…
You have so many novels out,Jean, does it ever get any easier?
Jake said…
What a fun tour this is turning out to be for readers looking to expand library. Of course you have been added to TBR list.
Marja said…
You really hit the nail on the head, Evelyn. It doesn't seem to get easier with each new book either, at least for me. I appreciate your honesty about how it makes you feel. It's a terrific book though, so keep on doing everything you can.
Marja McGraw
Evelyn Cullet said…
Thanks for stopping by, Jake. I'm happy to make your acquaintance.
Evelyn Cullet said…
Thank you for your support, Marja. Your novels are great. I've enjoyed every one that I've read.
Collin Kelley said…
Finding new ways to promote is always a challenge, but I always try to have bookmarks and cards available. :)
WS Gager said…
Evelyn: Your post swept me back to the days before and just after A CASE OF INFATUATION came out and my panic. Never having enough time, never doing enough. You are not alone!
Wendy
W.S. Gager on Writing

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