My Book Marketing Efforts- and a local news story!

Writing a book is hard enough, but making people aware of it is an entirely different challenge. Recently, thanks to developing a good relationship with our local county newspaper, I was able to get a story about the "Haunting of Hunt Memorial Library" in the local news.  Today's blog is about promotions I've done and what authors need to do, and one local success.

Having worked in the communications office of NASA, I've learned that to promote something you need a number of products for reporters. A press kit, consisting of a press release, image, bio of the person behind it, and a promotional excerpt or booklet. It also helps to create a post card, and some giveaways.  

Since the local newspaper serves the county in which we live, I've paid for some advertisements for some of my books (mostly the Pets and the Afterlife series). Because I also teach courses at 2 county adult education schools, those classes (including how to write and market your own book) get listed in the newspaper under "events." I also give talks at local libraries (which I've visited and asked to do), so those also get printed under "events." With all the input for the paper, I've developed a good relationship with one of the editors, and now when I publish a book, he kindly finds a place in the paper to publish it because I'm a local author. 

Marketing your book takes time, takes planning, going out to do events (whether at conventions, local fairs, libraries, social clubs, etc). and fostering relationships with people. Never give up. You worked hard enough to write the book. Go out there are promote it!  

Below is a picture of the article on my latest book that appeared in our local county newspaper! 

 IN THE NEWS! "Haunting of Hunt Memorial Library" by Rob Gutro and Monique Toosoon  made the Sentinel Newspaper in northern New England! 

READ ALL ABOUT IT - GET THE BOOK: https://tinyurl.com/5dpff3mw    

It's the latest book about an intense Paranormal investigation !!

Their findings revealed three ghosts that were not associated with the building but chose the building as their residence. Together with other paranormal professionals and members of the public they uncovered a haunted secret love, illicit trysts, a ghostly teenage accident victim and haunted paintings. When reading this, you’ll feel like you’re on the paranormal investigation!    Also featuring the other Team Members: the Paraclauses,  Alaura Hewey and David Childers all on this crazy public investigation.