Launching a novel is not like launching a rocket or a boyfriend or a hard-packed snowball. All of these are fast events with thrilling/devastating moments, particularly at impact. Launching a novel is more like canning the entire harvest of your garden and fruit trees, with a friend’s berries and extra zucchini thrown in, during a truly hot late summer. In Mississippi
“Guest House” doesn’t fit the blockbuster launch pattern. I am a debut novelist. Mine is a small independent publisher. My novel does not occupy a category other than literary women’s fiction. So the task, as a friend in publishing told me, was to launch the novel over a period of months capitalizing on each small gain until recognition grew in the hearts and minds of many. She actually said “nine months.”
Her words had an almost magical effect on me. My approach shifted from angst to a calm, curious patience. I have begun cultivating readers one review at a time. My first review came from my soon-to-be life partner. Then a dear friend. And then real magic: a review from someone I have never met.
I’d hosted a pre-release book giveaway on my website. Anyone promising to read, review and forward my book to a friend within one week received a review copy. This resulted in wonderful reviews on all the online booksellers and, thanks to a GoodReads giveaway as well, a U.S.
Paying it forward really has worked wonders. In about six weeks, one reader loaned my novel out to four of her friends, two of whom wrote passionate online reviews. Now she’s given “Guest House” to her book club president. She is her own PR firm and lending library.
Being a little shy, I worked up the nerve to approach two of my favorite (nationally renowned) online bloggers. Both agreed to read “Guest House.” Of course they are two of the busiest people on the planet, but if/when their reviews break, “Guest House” will gain hundreds of new acquaintances. And here I am on Minding Spot, telling you all about pickles.
I really do love canning. Peaches are different than salsa is different than bread and butter pickles. The reviews coming in--my harvest--say such different things about “Guest House.” One woman sees “the resiliency of children who have the misfortune of being born to bad parents.” One man realizes “gardening clears the mind.” One reviewer calls me part comedienne and part Zen master. And how do you thank the reviewer who favorably compares your novel to a Booker Prize winner?
Just keep writing.
Visit Barbara K. Richardson’s website to read chapter one of “Guest House” and see the U.S.
http://www.barbarakrichardson.com
YouTube Video
You can read my review of the wonderful Guest House below. One winner, USA or Canada, will win their own copy!
Leave a comment with your email for one entry
Leave a comment/question for Barbara for another entry
Blog about this and leave the link for a third entry
Winner will be announced on April 23rd.
THIS CONTEST IS CLOSED.
THIS CONTEST IS CLOSED.
Please include me! sounds great!
ReplyDeletedcf_beth at verizon dot net
No need to enter me, darling. I'm dropping in to say thanks for the e-mail and I've got this posted at Win a Book.
ReplyDeletePlease remind Barbara we're here and what we do -- we'd love to help her find a wider audience!
I would love to read this book. It appeals to women so should be great.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the opportunity to enter this giveaway.
misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com
Hi Barbara, Thanks for stopping by to chat. I love that it takes 9 mos to get your book out there.. The birth of a book. Never thought about it like that but it is true. You have to get your book out so the public is aware of it and will buy and read your book.
ReplyDeleteHow do you decide what subject you will write about?
misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com
I'd love to read it!
ReplyDeleteteresasreadingcorner at gmail dot com
You have definitely hooked me. I can't wait to read more about you and your book.
ReplyDeleteHow did you finally decide to take the plunge and write a book? How long did it take?
csdsksds[at]gmail[dot]com
Thanks for the great review, Wendy, and to answer a few of the readers' questions:
ReplyDeleteThe subject chooses you! Everything swirling in your imagination sort of lines up like iron filings when the novel topic arrives. Behold, we're being called to action!
I started writing novels in 1992. "Guest House" is actually my fourth novel. The first three had training wheels. "Guest House" took three and a half years to write through all of the drafts, and another year and a half to get to publication. I feel really blessed with the cover art and the fine reviews I've had so far.
Will check out Win a Book!
Best, Barbara Richardson
Please enter me for this one, sounds like a good one.
ReplyDeletemlawson17 at hotmail dot com
Hi Barbara!!
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to let you know that my husband is a big gardner, so I have lots of vegetables to can and freeze during the summer months! Nothing better than homegrown.. Good luck with the book.
mlawson17 at hotmail dot com
Blogged about the giveaway
ReplyDeletetheluckyladybug[at]gmail[dot]com
I love the review. I'd love to read this.
ReplyDeletemj.coward[at]gmail.com