First let me begin by saying how honored I am to be a
blogger on
Tabby's Nocturnal Nights …
This Month’s Post~
An artistic approach to market your novels using the very characters
you’ve created~
There are many ways your characters
can work to promote your novels. One of my favorite marketing tools is doing
live photo-shoots. And yes—it can be done at minimal cost. The first step is
deciding which characters you want to literally—bring to life. After doing
quite a few, I find the heroines much easier to cast. You would be surprised
how many of your female friends or their daughters will volunteer—loving the
idea.
Next you need to pick a setting
location, which mirrors your novel's theme.
Since I write paranormal romance, my local park at dusk serves
perfectly. And one who loves that old world flair, hotels decorated in a
vintage style totally set the mood. As do historic places or buildings. The
advantage of using a hotel is it can stir quite a buzz, especially if you
schedule a shoot during their off season. The reason being most businesses usually
embrace an event which will provide them free publicity.
Once you have chosen the site and
characters, you can then begin preparing for your upcoming photo shoot.
First, agree on a date and time,
which works for all involved.
Next choose the costume attire. Your
local thrift stores sell an array of formalwear, casual-wear and costumes in
every imaginable size starting at very reasonable prices.
Then decide who will be your
photographer. With the advanced technology in digital cameras—anyone with a
steady hand is capable of shooting awesome pictures. Once you add some effects
with a Photoshop program—trust me; you will be amazed at the results!
And one can’t forget about make-up
and hair. There are many options to choose from in this area. You can pitch the
idea to your personal hairdresser, intriguing the opportunity by posting their
work in the credits which in turn gives them an opportunity to acquire new
clients. You could also visit your local Beauty Academy or College Theatrical
Department. Most students will jump at the chance to show off their
talents.
Advertisement~ this option is to your
choosing. If you are fully comfortable with all aspects of your upcoming shoot
invite your fans to attend. Post your event two weeks in advance by way of
e-mail, social networking, and flyers.
Remember to include your local libraries. I was a bit amazed at how many
individuals still use this method to fulfill their reading pleasures.
Marketing~ prior to the event have
plenty of material to promote your upcoming novel. I prefer laminated bookmarks and 4x4
announcement cards. In addition bring copies of your currently released novel
and felt-tip pen. This is a great avenue to give away autographed copies of
your work.
If you are not ready to invite your
fans, here is another option. Whether you choose a community park, hotel or
beach setting let people passing by—know what is going on. This can be easily
done by using real-estate signs stating a simple to the point phrase, ‘Photo-shoot in Session’. Your signs can be purchased at any print shop.
Or you can create them with your computer and supplies from a local craft/art
store.
I choose to print a
copy of my novel's actual cover image, and use it as a shadowy backdrop. Since
this will surely get the publics' attention you want to be prepared. Have a
spoke-person near by, ready to hand out promo information if they are
interested.
After the shoot is wrapped up, view all pictures and choose your
favorites. Remember to get your models’ input also. Once satisfied with your
promo-shoot post your pictured event on
your social-networking sites. The results I’ve encountered, your fans will long
to meet your characters in person and mentally mark your novels as a read.
Thank you for reading my November blog post. Please feel free to contact me with
any questions or if you need help on planning a photo-shoot of your own.
If you would like to view some of the pictures from my shoots here is the
link ~
D.A. Berry, author
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