Marketing Phone Call

I was able to talk to my marketing director today.  It was our first phone conversation.  He told me that my book would be released on Feb. 15th!!  I'm excited about that.  We talked about some marketing ideas.  I asked about having a book signing at "Chick Fil-A." He said the publishing company had a good relationship with them so he would set something up.  The reason I wanted to go to Chick Fil-A is that it as filled with so many kids and that is the audience my book is for.  I was glad to hear that others have done this in the past.  I felt like I was on the right track. We also talked about book signings at school and release party signings.

I  placed my first book order today too.  The publisher had a special going on, so I will be getting bookmarks, push cards, business cards, some t-shirts and on line radio advertising along with my order.  I can't wait to see what the bookmarks will look like. I ordered books to take with me on book signings and to have on hand for anyone who wants an autographed copy.

I asked if the audio part had to be finished before anyone could buy my book.  He told me that the audio takes a few months and that it would not hold up the release of the book.  People can order the book as soon as it is on line. 

So now I feel like my dream of being a published author is coming true.  Each step takes me closer and closer.  I can't wait to hear who receives my book first from the on-line orders on the publisher's website.

Audio Voicing

My book moved into the audio voicing stage in November.  I was sent to a site to choose from a few different voices.  It wasn't as easy as I thought it would be.  I had one of my sons help me with this.  I stared at the characters on my book as I listened to each voice.  I turned in my top 3 choices.  I am now waiting to hear back with a sample for me to ok.  The next step will be checking the narration for errors.  After that the book will move into the artwork stage.  This is where they take the artwork from the book and fit the packaging for the audio book.  I sent the audio department an email today to see when I would be sent the sample. 

A week ago, I noticed that my book was placed on the Publishers on line book store. So I decided to go ahead and create a fan page on facebook and begin to tell my friends about it.  I shared the link to my book and people started ordering!  I was thrilled.  It was hard to go to sleep after that.  I also bought a journal to start writing down marketing ideas that I learn about from others or think of on my own. I found my publisher's facebook page and joined that.  I began reading and meeting other authors.  I have asked many questions and have been given some great advice.  Some of them became fans of my facebook page and I became fans of theirs.  It is nice to finally meet other authors from the same publishing company.  I wish I would have found the Publisher's site a long time ago.

 I am waiting till after Christmas to call the marketing director.  I want to ask him if the early orders will be sent out yet, even if the audio part isn't finished yet.  I will need to place an order so I will have books on hand to begin selling before the official release date.