I've got a story about why its never too early to start
promoting an upcoming book -----
I knew that I would write a novel set along the
Outer Banks, near Cape Hatteras.
Several years ago, I didn't know the specifics, but I
knew I would write one there. So, each time I was in the
area, I stopped in Buxton Books. Its my favorite
bookstore in the area and its minutes from the
lighthouse.
During this time, I wrote a short mystery. As it turned
out, my mystery is set right in that area and mainly
takes place between Cape Hatteras/Buxton and
Hatteras Village. So, the initial
planning work could come in handy when I begin promoting
Lilah and the Locket on the ground in the upcoming weeks
and when I visit the Outer Banks in May.
Last year I stopped into Buxton Books and spoke with the
owner. While I was there, we showed her the
book I had in print and I left a promotional CD with her
which had samplers about each of my series and my non
fiction books. This CD gave her an overview of my
upcoming books :)
The Island Breeze is a free monthly newspaper which is
given out everywhere on the Outer Banks and one of my
"promo dreams" was to get Lilah mentioned in the Island
Breeze newspaper. So, I emailed the editor for the
Island Breeze and she told me that the owner of Buxton
Books does a "book round up" and provides a list of new
books which would be of interest to the people of the
Outer Banks and tourists. Distribution of over 35,000
for the newspaper.
I'll admit that I almost started to drool about the idea
of being included and figured that I had to contact the
bookstore owner. I just heard back from the store owner
Saturday and she remembered me and recognized my
promotional piece - so I know she looked at the CD. She
also said that she will certainly include a short blurb
about Lilah in the book round up.
Anyway, just an example of the fact that it doesn't hurt
to start talking with people and networking early. I had
the advantage that I knew a story would take place there
and I started laying the ground work. When I get there
in May - I'll revisit the Lighthouse gift shop where I
met the buyer last spring and I got some great
information that I used in the book from the director
of a local museum. And, I'm happy to say, that's only
the beginning of my promotional efforts :)
Nikki Leigh
Stormy View & Widow's Walk - Autographed copies
now available
Lilah and the Locket & Lady Lightkeeper - Available
May 2007
