Janet Elaine Smith’s “Brazen Hussy” Rules of Promotion
December 13, 2009 by Mary Emma Allen
Author Janet Elaine Smith, one of the queens of promotion, has developed a Brazen Hussy List of rules that work for her.
Image by permission of Janet Elaine Smith
(Admittedly, some are a little tongue in cheek. However, there are others I know she’s used successfully.) These ideas should work for other authors; some of them are applicable for almost any home business.
What do you think?
- Be a lurker. Hang out in the section in bookstores where your books are. When someone looks for a book, offer them yours.
- Never hide your book. At a restaurant, set it on the table; make a see-through pocket in your purse and stick your book in it.
- If you’ve got it, flaunt it. Wear your book cover on a sweatshirt or t-shirt; put it on a cap; make pins to wear and to give away.
- You asked for it, you’ve got it. If a cashier asks for picture ID, show them your picture on the book. Let them write down the ISBN instead of your driver’s license number.
- Never hang up on a telemarketer. Let them finish their pitch and then give them yours. You can sell hundreds of books this way!
- Don’t be afraid to interrupt, even on the Internet. If someone in a thread mentions something that pertains to your book, jump in with a bit of BSP (blatant self-promotion), but do it tactfully.
- Blow your own horn. Have bumper stickers made up to put on your car and to give to others. Like “Honk if you’ve read a Janet Elaine Smith novel.”
- Attend booksignings book in hand. If another author is signing their books, support them by buying their book; then show them your book.
- Become a part of “bookstore mania.” Call bookstores (start in your area and then venture out). Make them want to buy your book.
- Become an eavesdropper. When you hear someone say it’s their anniversary or a birthday, give them a book. They are almost certain to buy any other books you write. And they may well buy them for Christmas gifts.
What promotional ideas can you add to Janet’s list?
More about Janet Elaine Smith: Living a Life Open to Opportunities
(Brazen Hussy List posted by permission of Janet Elaine Smith)
Yes, that was “Brazen” and I loved all of them. Laughing all the way down the list.
Thanks for stopping by, Lloyd. Yes, doesn’t Janet have some great ideas and a wonderful sense of humor. And she puts many of them to use to create interest in her novels…and sales.