One of the bonuses you don’t expect when you begin blogging is the friends you make. That has certainly been my experience leading to my guest blog today. 

Today one of my blog friends, Debra Purdy Kong, is my special guest for a second time. In her first guest post Debra shared about the importance of relationships when writing a book and today she is sharing the importance of continuing to build relationships after a book is published.

I love to read, and now I know more about what it takes to write and publish your own book. 

Enjoy the insights from Debra. Have a wonderful day!  – David

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It’s All About Relationships, Part 2 –

By Debra Purdy Kong

After publishing a book, an author is faced with numerous promoting and marketing tasks.

Long gone are the days when an author signed a contract, held a launch arranged by the publisher, did a couple of book signings, sold a bunch of books, then started writing the next one.

Most publishers now expect authors to have a strong social media presence and marketing plan before they’ll offer a contract. Occasionally, the publisher will contribute money towards a book launch or other event. In my experience, though, it’s usually up to the author to arrange their own events on their own dime.

It’s therefore important to build relationships with those who can help promote and sell your books.

One of the best ways is to introduce yourself to your local bookstore staff and offer to leave signed copies. Note that a bookstore’s share is generally 40% of the retail price (Chapters asks for 55%) and most stores will only sell a self-published book on consignment. Still, it’s worth the effort. It’s a good idea to start visiting booksellers before the publication date and to seek their permission and assistance in arranging a book signing.

The same is true with librarians. I’ve gotten to know librarians and have taken part in workshops, readings, and panel discussions at different locations. All of them allowed me to sell my books at those events. Librarians are also a great resource for book club information.

As you’ve probably gathered, building relationships through social networking is vital for marketing and promoting. It’s not as much about selling your book, though, but allowing readers to get to know you and taking the time to get to know them. Sure, it can be tricky with strangers who can easily hide their identities, so a certain amount of caution is in order, but I’ve found many more positive than negative experiences.

I’ve also developed relationships with craft fair and farmers market organizers and vendors. It’s been great fun to set up a table and sell signed copies of print books, especially at Christmas time when customers are looking for unique gift ideas. I’ve developed repeat customers who look for my table every year, buy a book, then return the following year to buy the next one in the series. I love that!♥

Writing is a lonely occupation at times, but it doesn’t need to be all the time. Building
relationships is a trial-and-error experience, but one that’s worth the effort and quite possibly the start of some remarkable friendships. David is a classic example, and I’m so grateful to have gotten to know him through our blogs. Thank you for hosting me, David!

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Debra’s Bio:

Debra Purdy Kong’s volunteer experiences, criminology diploma, and various jobs, inspired her to write mysteries set in BC’s Lower Mainland. Her employment as a campus security patrol and communications officer provide the background for her Casey Holland transit security novels.
Debra has published short stories in a variety of genres as well as personal essays, and articles for publications such as Chicken Soup for the Bride’s Soul, B.C. Parent Magazine, and The Vancouver Sun. She is a facilitator for the Creative Writing Program through Port Moody Recreation, and a long-time member of Crime Writers of Canada. More information about Debra and her books, can be found at www.debrapurdykong.com or contact her at debra_kong@telus.net

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Book Blurb for The Blade Man:

Who is the Blade Man and why has this mysterious loner been attacking Mainland Public Transport bus drivers? And who is trying to burn MPT down? The company’s president suspects an inside job and orders security officer Casey Holland to launch an internal investigation or face termination.
Convinced that she’s being set up to fail, Casey feels the pressure. With her and Lou’s wedding only weeks away, Casey desperately needs answers, but anger at work and on the streets thwart her efforts. Nor do the police welcome her help.
More employees are attacked, and the president forces Casey to take deeper risks. But how much is too much? How far must she go before facing off with him and MPT’s enemies?

Find out in this explosive sixth installment of Casey Holland transit mysteries.

PRAISE FOR THE CASEY HOLLAND SERIES:
The National Post – “Kong’s writing is no-nonsense at best . . . the end result is a mystery that fits the bill.”
The Hamilton Spectator – “A good read with urban grit and a spicy climax.”
Quill & Quire – “The novel’s short, punchy chapters whisk the story along to a thrilling climax, while the characters’ relationships and rivalries provided a strong emotional anchor.”

ON SALE FOR $.99 UNTIL JUNE 25TH ! THE OPPOSITE OF DARK, Casey Holland Mystery #1…

When the cops tell Casey that her father was murdered the previous night, Casey doesn’t believe them. After all, she buried her dad three years earlier…or did she?

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Amazon: myBook.to/TheOppositeofDark
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/the-opposite-of-dark-2
Apple Books: https://books.apple.com/us/book/id1151714413

Links to The Blade Man:
Amazon: mybook.to/TheBladeMan
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/the-blade-man
Apple books: https://books.apple.com/us/book/id1495092401

Find Debra at:
Website www.debrapurdykong.com
WordPress blog: https://debrapurdykong.wordpress.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DebraPurdyKong
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/pages/Casey-Holland-Transit-Security-Mysteries/139005706175139