So we all know the economy sucks, right? The most frightening part is that even the supposed financial experts are clueless as to what exactly will fix the problems and how long it will take. Just like everyone else, those of us who write books have to adjust our plans in order to weather the storm. I've been trying to set up book signings for my RWA chapter, but stores are pulling back, laying off their community relations people and tapping employees with no experience to coordinate events. In many cases, the stores won't even commit to hold a signing. So now is the time to think outside the box. Offer to speak at a women's group then sign some of your books. Send out a few more books to reviewers and local newspapers and magazines. Participate in charitable events to get your name out there (and to get your feel-good on).
What about you? What are you doing to make it through the lean times?
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8 comments:
I'm trying to not to shop! I've even tried to cut back on Starbucks...which is a total weakness of mine!
It's a shame about the bookstores not working with you like they used to. I wish they would bring back the community relations coordinator because it seems so unprofessional without event people who are on top of things...I've experienced it first hand.
We've always lived close to the bone, so it's tough to try to cut back further--especially when everything is costing more. Hubby will be retiring in a couple of months (read that, "your position will no longer exist"), so we're doing what we can to watch the pennies until we see how things work out.
For books -- I have copies I can sell at a discount, and I encourage everyone to request my newest release from the library, because that's the target market of the publisher. I'm reading more library books myself these days.
I'm digging in and finishing some larger writing projects so I'm prepared for better times! Also writing more shorts to keep my name fresh.
As a family, we've tightened up som, realizing I'll have two in college within four years. Yikes.
I'm also doing a lot of blogging and commenting on other blogs. Book reviews at Amazon tend to drive lots of traffic to my site and blog, which is cool!
Great ideas, ladies - thanks.
Terry - I hope DH was ready to retire and not shoved out the door.
Dara -- a little of both. Yes, we've been thinking strongly about retirement, but it's not quite the same when the employer sets the date -- as in, "Your position will cease to exist as of April 1st."
As for writing promotion -- I also try to make more blog rounds, since it's a free way to keep your name out there. Whether it results in sales is something else.
No more shopping for me :( I haven't given up pedicures though and I shudder to think that that day will come ;)
Pedicures are in my necessity column, too;-)
I'm in the middle of two edits and finishing writing two other books. I'm saying "yes" to more writing projects than perhaps I should. My hubby's getting cut back from 5 to 4 days a week so our income's taking a hit, too. I need to get back to visiting other blogs more - I've been busy writing.
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