WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

ByLee Ann

I did not have time to reflect during Thursday’s book launch for Muskoka’s Main Street – I was too busy catching up with family, with old and new friends, and signing books. As I think about it now, I realize how very successful the book launch was. Measured in sales, of course. But much more importantly, as measured in people who support me.

The signing table

The crowd was never overwhelming and I had a chance to talk to everyone without feeling rushed. Christianne was there, a friend I have not seen for over two decades. Leslie and Arnold were there, friends I just met two months ago. Inbetween were friends from work, writer friends, “cousins”, neighbours. And still others who had already bought books but showed up anyway, to congratulate me again. 

I had phone calls and emails before and after the event, some sending regrets and warm wishes, asking where to buy the book, others giving glowing reviews for the book as well as the book design.

These are early days in terms of guaging the commercial success of Main Street, which is certainly an important measurement. In terms of people who support me and “show up”, though, the book is already a smash success. Thank you!

Post-launch dinner

MUSKOKA’S MAIN STREET REACHES PERTH ONTARIO!

ByLee Ann

I’m delighted to report that Muskoka’s Main Street is now available at The Book Nook and Other Treasures, 60 Gore Street East, Perth. In contrast to so many of Canada’s independents, which are closing their doors, The Book Nook is now in its sixth year of business and has recently expanded. This vibrant bookstore frequently hosts readings and book signings, promotes authors of all stripes and particularly local authors, and is staffed by knowledgable book lovers ever eager to introduce customers to new titles and genres.

The next time you travel to or through Perth, do stop in and browse both new and used titles – as well as the “other treasures” – in the fresh new location!

MAIN STREET IN THE BOOKSTORES

ByLee Ann

Muskoka’s Main Street is now available in stores throughout Muskoka and Parry Sound. You can find copies at these fine booksellers:

Bracebridge:

Scott’s of Muskoka, 30 Manitoba Street, 

Jason Dickson Books, 2nd floor, Old Clock Tower, 49 Manitoba Street

Gravenhurst:

The Gravenhurst Bookstore, 120 Muskoka Road South

The gift shop at “Grace & Speed” Muskoka Boat & Heritage Centre Museum, 275 Steamship Bay Road, Muskoka Wharf.

Huntsville:

Veranda, 72 Main Street East

So Many Books, So Little Time, 18 John Street

Artisans of Muskoka, 2-14 Main Street

Port Carling:

Muskoka Lakes Museum, 100 Joseph Street

Burk’s Falls:

The Wooden Roo, 311 Ontario Street

BOOK LAUNCH!

ByLee Ann

Please save the date! The Ottawa book launch for Muskoka’s Main Street takes place Thursday, September 6, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Bistro Fifty-Four at Amberwood, 54 Springbrook Drive, Stittsville. Snacks and cash bar will be available, and you can also call to reserve a table for dinner, outside on the patio or inside overlooking the golf course and marsh.

I’ll be there with a glass of wine in one hand and a pen in the other to sign books! Hope you can join me in the celebration.

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BABY BOOMER IN THE BLOGOSPHERE: Book Marketing in the 21st Century

ByLee Ann

I’m about to take a giant leap forward in the online world.

My friends and family will LOL about this, knowing that I have only very recently got a smart phone and I don’t even have email on it. Queen of the Baby Steps, that’s me.

When it comes to Muskoka’s Main Street, though, I paid close attention to what the Writers’ Union of Canada’s recent webinar advised about the opportunities in the land of the Internet. Of course I have a website. I even have a blog – not bad for a baby-boomer! What I want to do next is to extend my reach a bit, and use the Internet to make the book as interesting and as visible as possible.

My friend Lynn is my technical guru and hand-holder in this process. She builds websites that are “smooth, elegant, bright and beautiful” – what more could anyone want? I already love the new look she’s put together for me. Stay tuned for the launch of the revamped look!

Beyond the flash will be lots of substance, including:

  • An interactive map of the Muskoka Road,
  • ‘Share’ buttons for Facebook and Twitter users, although I am not a big Facebook user myself and I do not tweet,
  • A ‘pinnable’ book cover icon for Pinterest users. 

But wait, there’s more! I will create a Facebook page for the book, beef up my LinkedIn information, and research book bloggers to see if it makes sense to approach any of them.

And you thought all a writer had to do was write.

BOOK MARKETING, Part 1: WRITERS AS PUBLICISTS

ByLee Ann

Muskoka’s Main Street is expected to hit the market in late spring of this year. Although I’m still busy editing the manuscript, it’s not too early to start thinking about how I will help the book find its readers.

Books do not find their way into the hands of readers on their own, or by magic, or just through the efforts of publishers and bookstores. Writers must be very active in promoting their books. This goes for all writers, self-published or not. And the book market is a complex world these days, traditional and electronic, filled with as many opportunities as you can create for yourself.  

I recently attended my first ever webinar – a seminar presented over the web – run by the Writers Union of Canada. Called “How to Be Your Own Publicist,” it offered ideas both traditional and electronic, and spurred my thinking about what would suit my book, my potential readers and my personality.

The big question is: who are my readers? I’ve already done some thinking about that. “Are You My Reader?”

Second question: Where can I find my readers? At the bookstore, yes, and I will certainly help my publisher’s efforts by approaching  bookstores, particularly those in the Ottawa area that are known to support local authors. Bookstores are not the only place to sell books, though. For me there’s also:

  • Writers’ festivals in Muskoka, Parry Sound, Nipissing and Ottawa
  • Book clubs, both physical and virtual
  • Historical societies and libraries, and even
  • Magazines, where I can write articles related to the topics and themes of the book.

Publishers don’t usually do book launches any more; instead of one big splash they tend to organize several smaller events and readings. I expect to participate in many of these, and to host some of my own in Ottawa and Muskoka.

Over the next couple of months, my publisher and I will come up with a promotion plan for Main Street. Meanwhile, I’m looking into the online world for other opportunities to spread the news about this exciting new book! More on that next time.