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:
Fantastic publicity, Rosemary!
You're right, reaching readers is one of the hardest parts of this writing lark.
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...
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.
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
Local radio can be pretty good, too. Have you tried yours, Rosemary?
Congrats, Rosemary. Excellent publicity! That is the way to reach readers if we can manage it.
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!
Great publicity, Rosemary. You also have a wonderful book to promote!
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.
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!
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!
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. :-)
Thanks, Carol - the local hook was great and made it easier!
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