Friday 3 April 2015

Reaching Readers

As any author will confirm, the main aim of having a novel published is usually so that readers might enjoy the story we have spent so long bringing to the page. In this age of e-book publication, it is even more difficult to find the right readers as thousands of novels vie for attention on Amazon and such like. Yes, most writers are also readers and many are very good at supporting fellow authors by buying their books, if they suit their tastes. But to find those prolific readers who are not necessarily on Facebook or twitter, we often need other forms of promotion.

So I was delighted to be featured in two quite different publications this week, both of which I imagine will be read by an entirely different set of readers, with the chance that some at least might be interested in the themes and setting of The Highland Lass.


The first, was a great double-page spread in a local newspaper, The Gazette, which covers much of Renfrewshire. The journalist had phoned to quiz me on different aspects of my writing and publication and I was able to mention the local writing group, which I've attended for many years. As journalists do, especially with someone willing to answer questions, she discovered this year will be my fortieth wedding anniversary and she asked for a photo with my husband in it too! This really was invaluable publicity for the novel (as was the piece in the local paper in my home town on the day of release) and I'm sure it had a direct result on the Amazon rankings the next day.

Then yesterday, my article on the research and inspiration behind writing The Highland Lass was published on the Celebrate-Scotland site, which you can read if you wish by clicking on the link. This had been a surprise request from the deputy editor of Scottish Memories, when my name had been passed to her by Writers' News. Needless to say, I was delighted to write the piece as this site celebrates all that is Scottish and my research emphasises the story of Robert Burns and Highland Mary.

The moral of the post is that we need to explore different ways of reaching readers, if the opportunity arises, and two of the best are by word of mouth and personal contact. Hopefully, I'll be able to do more of the latter once the novel comes out in paperback. Watch this space!

Rosemary

13 comments:

Patsy said...

Fantastic publicity, Rosemary!

You're right, reaching readers is one of the hardest parts of this writing lark.

Maria said...

Rosemary, i think you're right to look for different ways to reach the reader. Perhaps a brain storming exercise. 30 Ways to Find Readers?

Well done on getting some publicity, newspaper articles are very difficult to come by in these parts...Perhaps the library could help with a book signing once you have your paperbacks?

Good luck with your endeavours...

Wendy's Writing said...

It's a difficult one isn't it, Rosemary. I advertised my books locally via a poster in the baker's window and by giving a copy of both books to my local café. They have these and my bookmarks on display. I was going to contact the local press but chickened out! You must be really pleased with your interview.

Joanna said...

These are great ways of spreading the word, Rosemary. What fantastic pieces, both in the paper and on the website. Looking forward to hearing about any more ideas you might have for promotion. x

Frances Garrood said...

Local radio can be pretty good, too. Have you tried yours, Rosemary?

Jacqueline Seewald said...

Congrats, Rosemary. Excellent publicity! That is the way to reach readers if we can manage it.

E. Ayers said...

Wonderful, Rosemary. I'm sure it was exciting to see it all laid out in front of you. And they didn't hide the tail of a the article on some back page! It's all there!

Helena Fairfax said...

Great publicity, Rosemary. You also have a wonderful book to promote!

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Thanks, Patsy - every little helps!

Thanks, Maria - a brainstorming piece sounds good! Yes, the local library will be helpful when it comes out in paperback.

I was delighted, Wendy, thanks. At least you have somewhere local to display your books which is great! It's always a good idea to contact a local newspaper if possible.

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Thanks, Joanna - I'll certainly let you know as it will soon be your turn!

Thanks, Frances - I chickened out with that idea! But I might approach the local hospital radio.

Many thanks for dropping by, Jacqueline - the newspaper article was certainly hard to miss so I was very fortunate!

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Hi E - good of you to drop by! Yes, I was so pleased they offered such publicity.

Thanks a lot for that, Helena! It probably helps that this book has a local setting!

Carolb said...

Great publicity, Rosemary, and a great example of getting the press interested because there was a local hook that they could use.

Hope it results in sales and readers. :-)

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Thanks, Carol - the local hook was great and made it easier!