Here’s an upcoming, not-to-be-missed event you MUST mark on your calendar right now. Not that I’m bossy or anything (!), but I would be distressed if you missed this great opportunity to learn from two experts how to send your book out into the world properly. And if your book isn’t quite ready…no time like the present to learn what to expect and how to lay the groundwork for a successful launch.
Remember, it’s not enough just to write the darn things anymore…we also have to market them! The reclusive Salinger or Pynchon thing just doesn’t cut it these days.
"Promotion and Publicity"
Sponsored by Women’s National Book Association, DC Chapter
Monday, January 14, 2008
6:30 PM—Refreshments & Networking
7:00 PM—Program
Charles Sumner School
1201 Seventeenth Street, NW
Washington, D.C.
Admission to programs is free for members, $10 for non-members/guests.
If I have a book coming out in June 2008, what would be my time frame for setting up promotions? If I wanted to do some readings, how would I set that up? If I wanted to offer my book at certain events, who would I approach? How would I get on the radio? How do I get my book reviewed? How do I get it into libraries? What other venues should I be considering? What will all that cost me and will I have to quit my job to do it? Do I need a website? What if I need help setting one up, creating links, etc.? How do I get noticed by influential bloggers? If I post excerpts on a website how do I protect them from copyright violation (theft)?
Join us for the answers to these questions and more as the Washington, DC, chapter of the Women's National Book Association presents an informational session on "Promotion and Publicity" for authors, with independent publicists Lauren Cerand and Imal Wagner.
ABOUT THE SPEAKERS:
Lauren Cerand (www.laurencerand.com) is an independent public relations representative and consultant in New York. Her clients are a purposefully eclectic mix of creative professionals, and she specializes in generating initial buzz and building sustained attention for projects and individuals. She is often asked to share her innovative perspective on publicity and has spoken to audiences at Book Promotion 101, Mystery Writers of America, NYU's Center for Publishing, The (Downtown) Omaha Lit Fest, Penguin UK, Virginia Festival of the Book, Word of Mouth, Women's National Book Association, and the 20th Annual Independent and Small Press Book Fair (December 2007). In 2004, The Village Voice included her in its "Best of New York" issue.
She is the vice chair of the board of directors of Girls Write Now, "a nonprofit volunteer mentoring organization that has been matching bright, creative teenage girls from New York City's public high schools with professional women writers in the community since 1998." A Cornell University graduate, Lauren compiles "The Smart Set," a weekly round-up of cultural happenings for www.MaudNewton.com, and writes about art, politics and style at www.LuxLotus.com.
Imal Wagner (www.imalwagner.com) provides advanced public relation, marketing and media placement services to authors, web sites, business entrepreneurs, speakers, and entertainers. Imal Wagner has special skills in knowing how and where to promote her clients and the extraordinary ability to forge long-lasting relationships with editors and producers. Her unique capabilities and relentless determination have resulted in an impressive client list of N.Y Times best-selling authors, up-and-coming performers and trailblazing business leaders. She works with people who have authored books in the areas of self-help, how-to, business, finance and family/children's issues. Imal creates market positioning that showcases her clients in the print and broadcast media where influential consumers will pick up the buzz and keep it going. She places clients on radio and TV, in magazines, newspapers and on the internet. She has placed clients on Fox News Channel, The Neil Cavuto Show, Reuters, in all the top 25 radio markets, NY Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, NY Post, Investors Business Daily, National Geographic Adventure, People Magazine, Entrepreneur, The Financial Times and in regional and community papers throughout the country.
ABOUT THE WNBA: The Women’s National Book Association (WNBA) is a nonprofit professional association of women and men who work with and value books. The organization was founded in 1917. The Washington, DC, chapter was established in 1978. WNBA, whose purposes are both educational and charitable, promotes reading and literacy, and supports the role of women in the community of the book. A volunteer board of directors manages chapter business and coordinates chapter activities.
Our members include publishers, writers, editors, librarians, booksellers, agents, designers, illustrators, marketing and promotions professionals, book and magazine producers, teachers, and others.
The Washington, DC, chapter hosts monthly events for members and other professionals in publishing and allied fields. Held between September and May, our events include networking brunches, panel discussions and workshops. Programs address topics of interest to our members, from the craft of writing and the business of publishing to professional development, freelancing, and literacy promotion. For more information go here.
