Whatever 2011 Shopping Guide Schedule: Get Ready to Promote
Posted on December 1, 2011 Posted by John Scalzi 19 Comments
Now that it’s officially December, I’m going to get my Ho Ho Ho on and announce that next week, each week day, I am going to post a specific entry for authors, creators and others to promote books, creations and charities. Why? Because I have a big damn readership, full of people who are looking for interesting stuff to give (and get!) for the holidays. And because, you know, I shop for the holidays myself. I could use an idea or two. Or three. Or many.
To give you folks time to prepare, here’s the schedule of what to promote and by whom:
Monday December 5: Traditionally Published Authors — If your work is being published by a publisher a) who is not you and b) gets your books into actual, physical bookstores on a returnable basis, this is your day to tell people about your books. Includes comics/graphic novels.
Tuesday December 6: Non-Traditionally Published Authors — Self published? Electronically published? Or other? This is your day.
Wednesday December 7: Other Creators — Artists, knitters, jewelers, musicians, and anyone who has cool stuff to sell this holiday season, this will be the day to show off your creations.
Thursday December 8: Fan Favorite Day — Not an author/artist/musician/other creator but know about some really cool stuff you think people will want to know about for the holidays? Share! Share with the crowd!
Friday December 9: Charities — If you are involved in a charity, or have a favorite charity you’d like to let people know about, this is the day to do it.
Any questions? Leave them in the comments. Note I’m running about this afternoon so I may not respond immediately but I’ll get through the thread eventually.
I’ll be seeing you on Tuesday, my friend! Thanks for this.
my super emo prints are popular gifts! please check out my shop on etsy, the link is there on my website superemofriends.com
As a small press publisher who wants to promote the books we’ve published, which day do I get to post? Fan Favorite doesn’t seem quite right since I have an interest.
This is a great idea! I look forward to getting lots of recommendations for wonderful new books.
December 24th 14:30
Actually do the Christmas shopping.
Now I’m wondering whether writing on the subway walls is a traditional
way to publish.
Great idea, John, though I am posting mainly to congratulate you and Wil Wheaton on Fuzzy Nation being one of Audible’s best of 2011. Wil has you down. Best wishes.
Thank you for doing this!
for the nontraditionally published authors, I have a friend who put 2 chapters of his novel online, and I’d like to point him here to promote it, but would that count for that post or the Wednesday or Thursday posts instead?
thanks, John!
John,
What a fantastic idea! I look forward to reading all of them and participating a couple of the days, too.
Thanks,
Paul
Promote how? Are you looking for guest blog posts? Links to books? Tell me what to do so I can do it!
Fuzzy Nation was named one of the 2011 best sci fi reads by Aaudible.com. Way to go.
I should have spell checked. Audible.com
This year I saw signs for “Buy Local” and want to do that, but supporting the Wednesday artists will be equally supportive. Thanks for doing this.
Steve Silver:
If your books are available in bookstores on a returnable basis, Monday. If not, Tuesday. I’ll have more detailed instructions on each day.
Lovelylikebeestings:
These will be for things that are for sale, not general pimping, so neither would be appropriate.
John Abramowitz:
Details will be given on each day.
Oh, lovely! I’ve been lurking since the Omelas State University post, but I’ll be back on Wednesday to promote. Thank you! :)
I look forward to my opportunity on Wednesday to Sell Out To The Man…which would be a change, because a significant majority of my customers are women.
What a wonderful idea. Thank you.
Grey Gecko Press (www.greygeckopress.com) is in for Tuesday!