Publicity for SF, Horror, Fantasy, Crime, True Crime, Romance, YA, Kids' Books
Hi, all! You may remember that Twitter chat from 22 May 2014, which you can learn more about here. If you missed it (or if you just want to relive all the glory) you can find the Storify transcript below. Note that I had some glitchiness with getting this to work, so if you happen to notice some missing tweets, feel free to link to them in the comments.
Enjoy!
We’re two weeks away from the next #GenreLitChat, and this time it’s a crime! The lineup:
What is #GenreLitChat? It’s an occasional Twitter chat with writers on the state of genre, and how their work does–or doesn’t–fit. Learn about new books! Ask authors questions! Crack open a beer! Well, I guess that last part’s optional, but please feel free.
The date of this thriller and crime Twitter chat is Thursday, May 22nd at 8:00 p.m. EDT / 5:00 p.m. PDT. When you join the chat, you can use this page (http://twubs.com/GenreLitChat) which will focus only on the hashtag, and even automatically insert the hashtag for you if you ask questions or reply. Alternatively, you can follow the hashtag #GenreLitChat right on Twitter, but make sure you use the hashtag or your questions and comments may be missed!
You can send questions to me, the moderator, during the chat (@BeverlyBambury). You are also encouraged to send questions ahead of time to beverly@beverlybambury.com and I’ll add the best ones to the list.
Questions? Email me or ask in the comments. Hope to see you during #GenreLitChat in two weeks!
The first #GenreLitChat this past Thursday went well. The three authors who were on the panel (John Mantooth, Heidi Ruby Miller, and Nathan Ballingrud,) had a good time, and as the moderator I found myself surprised by how quickly the hour went. I had several questions I wish I’d had time to ask. All in all, it’s not a bad thing to be left wanting more!
If you missed it, you can check out the Storify transcript below. You can also follow the #GenreLitChat hashtag via Twitter itself, or on Twubs.
Let me know what you think in the comments, and thank you–as always–for reading.
Book Marketing without B.S. is a weekly publicity and marketing advice column for writers and other creators who prefer a realistic, clear, and no-nonsense approach. My goal is to help you cut through the bullshit with direct, understandable advice you won’t be embarrassed to follow. Send your questions to beverly@beverlybambury.com.
Naturally, if there is an error of some kind–whether factual or typographical–you should politely ask the journalist or blogger to make the change and explain why if it isn’t obvious.
I can’t think of any other reason you should ask to change something you’ve already vetted and has been published. It is possible you’ll be embarrassed by something you’ve written, or realize it might have been more clear stated another way; but, those aren’t good enough reasons to ask for a change.
If you’re worried this may happen, have one or two trusted friends read through what you have written and give feedback. At the very least, try to finish a day or two before deadline so you can sleep on it overnight and see if you still like it in the morning.
If you see that the negative reviews have similar themes, there may be something you can learn from them, and it may be worth it to reply in the form of a blog post. Be very careful to not specifically address individuals if you do this. You can say something such as “I’ve noticed a trend in my 1- and 2-star reviews” and that covers it. You can always link to the book at an online store and people can look at all the reviews for themselves. Plus it’s the link where they can buy your book, so there’s that, too!
An essay will let you explore your thoughts on the topic without seeming confrontational. I still think the best option is not to address it publicly at all, but if you feel there is interpretation to share, or that you have something interesting to add to the conversation then go for it.
Finally, be careful about tone if you go this route. It’s still important to not look like a asshole or a whiner. You are your own branding online, and your choice of words makes a difference. So, as you would with your fictional writing, have trusted associates read through your post first and give their feedback serious consideration.