Susan Carter of Bloomington, Minnesota writes:
“I own a small book publishing company and recently took on a project that’s near and dear to my heart: a memoir of the life of a man who has lived as a quadriplegic for more than 40 years.
“It’s particularly relevant to returning vets who have sustained spinal cord injuries and amputations, as well as their friends and family members. I’m contacting the natural niche markets of spinal cord injury publications, websites, organizations, medical facilities, therapists and equipment suppliers, as well as seeking special sales.
“There’s a significant section in the book that is a collection of 26 stories about the mostly humorous situations he and his friends have gotten into over the years, hence the title, Another Fine Mess You’ve Gotten Us Into: The Life and Adventures of a Quad. In addition to seeking markets for the niche side of the book content, he would very much like me to promote this lighter side of his life to appeal to a more general audience interested in short stories. Since my comfort zone is in niche markets I am struggling for a good way to promote this side of the book.
“Can your Hounds help?”
Hi Susan,
The books sounds fascinating. My first thought is, while pursuing the niche targets is important, go wide, too! The books sounds like a natural for major national newspapers, radio (NPR) and TV in addition to a host of Web sites. That this book has a light side is surprising, and terrific, and will help with the ever-dwindling number of book review outlets. Best of luck!
Regards,
Melinda
When I read this, my instant reaction was “Oprah”.
How about high school writing classes doing short stories?
NPR?
This is a little off-subject but Authors’ Coalition sponsors a slide show that they show on big movie screens at Veterans’ Week in Branson, MO. in November. It’s huge and that would definitely be your audience. Find more about Authors’ Coalition at http://www.authorscoalitionandredenginepress.com or e-mail Joyce Faulkner (she produces the video) at katieseyes@aol.com.
Very best,
Carolyn Howard-Johnson
Author of the award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers
http://www.howtodoitfrugally.com
I think I may be able to offer an opportunity to Susan Carter of Bloomington, Minnesota regarding publicity for one of her authors.
As the host of the Making Life Easier™ Internet radio program (IRP), I would be very interested in receiving a review copy of the book “Another Fine Mess…” I think the author may have important information to share with our more than 20,000 listeners (per week.) During the free, 1-hour program guests/authors share the lessons they’ve learned and the wisdom they’ve gained living in the world of chronic illness and/or disability in hopes that their words will help others. Authors may discuss and refer to their book with the understanding that the focus is on what the author has learned about surviving and thriving lifelong limitations.
I, too, am a quadriplegic. My disability was caused by multiple sclerosis so I understand “what it’s like.” The program is like a private conversation where two friends share stories and experiences.
Feel free to listen to podcasts on http://www.webtalkradio.net for new programs or http://www.MeetingLifesChallenges.com for new and archived programs.
Do you think your author would be interested in this opportunity?
Shelley Peterman Schwarz
Show host for Making Life Easier™
Being a vet:
Get reviews for it into the various military magazines (Army Times, Air Force Times, Navy Times, etc.).
Look for military organizations like Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, and MOAA. See if you can get on military posts; I remember seeing them bring an author in to sign books at the PX.
Press information could be distributed to the posts the soliders originated from for the post newspapers.
I goggled humor blogs and found a site called My Senior Citizen Humor Blog and another site that lists the top 100 humor blogs at this link: http://humor-blogs.com/Members.aspx?MaxSites=100.
Get the bloggers involved in creating some buzz for what sounds like a great book.