What I've Learned

AC Gaughen (author of Scarlet, Walker Books for Young Readers, February 14, 2012) has posted her debut check list on the Class of 2k12 blog today, which, inspired me to write my own list. Now that my release date has come and gone, I know better what to do the next time around *fingers crossed there's a next time*

Some of this info I learned from Saundra Mitchell, and believe me, she has way more on her website, so you should check it out. Some I've learned through the Classes of 2k11 and 2k12. And the other stuff is my own experience.

And I'll say this, it will cost some money, but it doesn't have to cost a lot, and it's all a write off.

Well before the release:

• Find your local writing associations and join.
• Start planning early. Implement your marketing plan as early as possible. I'm not saying start your marketing plan, just start starting your marketing plan.
• Choose what kind of swag you want and order it. You need to check with your publicist regarding what needs to be put on your swag, publisher name, website, copyright for art work used. Also, be creative. I was kind of a total swag whore, but people love to get free stuff. That's all there is to it. And if that free stuff has your book title, your website, all the better.
• If you're sending out postcards, get them ordered early, write them out, and have them ready to send out. The closer your release date gets, the more you'll have to do. You'll feel a lot better if your mailings are ready to go. I sent mine to my local libraries, high school librarians and English teachers, and indie book stores. Even if you only get a couple hits, I think it's worth it.
• Donate. Believe me, you will be asked to donate for giveaways, auctions, etc, etc. Get your name the name of your book out to the world any way you can.
• Do not skimp on social media. At the least, Twitter, Facebook, blog, and website. I suggest you stay off of Goodreads. Sometimes I wish I'd never heard of Goodreads. While you will more than likely get many rave reviews, you will also get bad ones. And some of them will make you cry. I know it will be hard, but stay away. At the very least, just don't read the bad ones. You've probably heard that publicists from publishing houses don't offer much help to a debut author. I think if you're proactive before you get to that point, your publicist may be more inclined to offer help. Also, find every directory/website, etc and add your name.

Closer to the date:

• Send out your mailings.
• Again, find a way to get your name and book out across the country. I did this by:
• Joining the Apocalypsies and the Class of 2k12.
• Setting up a blog tour with YA review bloggers.
• Doing guest posts and interviews for bloggers.
• Hosting giveaways for swag and/or signed arc.
• Planning a marketing campaign that will reach from one coast to another. My publicist and I came up with my Pass It On campaign, and it's been really cool so far.
• Stay organized. Create different folders in your email and on your computer (excel) to keep track of guest posts, giveaways, and keep a calendar of them and author events also. I'm not so good at this and sometimes I forget who I owe what to, re: swag, arcs, posts.
• Order your own books so you have extra. These will be good for giveaways, and overstock if you're at a signing and they run out of books.
• Practice your signature. I'm not kidding. Make it different from your legal signature. There are some kooks out there.
  
• Plan your party. There are pros and cons as far as the different kinds of places that will host your party.

1. Library. They usually have larger event spaces, but you may be limited with food and drink. Also, if you're going to sell books, you need to get a book seller there. This you will need to plan for at least a couple months in advance. And they will want to know how many people you'll be expecting. They may not do off site sales if it's not worth their while.
2. Indie book store. The space might be smaller, but food and drink may be flexible, and you can sell your books right there on site.
3. Private site. More flexible with food and beverage. Larger space. May be hard to get a book seller there. Will be way more expensive.

There are also some website that offer other ideas for book release parties. Google is your friend.

Release:

• Communication is key. Make sure you and your host are on the same page about everything, book sellers, ordering books, refreshments, decor, and set up.
• Plan for disaster. We got snow right before mine, so we adjusted the party a little to accommodate. Also, a box of books didn't come in. Luckily I had brought two boxes I had purchased, so we have a few more, but still not enough. Just make sure you're ready for anything.
• In case of disaster let go. Things happen. Don't let it stress you out to much. It is what it is. Deal with the things you can control, adapt to the things you can't.
• If you're using multi-media, make sure your host knows this, you have all the right equipment and it's working properly. If you're using a CD or DVD, test it at home to make sure it works.
• If you're going to read, practice in front of a mirror or webcam.
• If you're speaking, have a podium or take a seat so you're not standing there awkwardly shifting from side to side.
• Project your voice. If you're having someone else read for you, tell them to project their voice.
• Depend on family and friends for help. They will offer, they will help, use them.
  
• Expect people to come early.
• Bring extra books in case you run out.
  
• Give stuff away. People like prizes.
• Have a guest book, have them write email addresses if they want to keep up with news and events.
  
• Give to charity. It will make you feel good. Many writers choose a charity and host a raffle. Carrie Harris hosted a raffle for a hospital library. Robin Bridges did a blood drive. I'm doing a raffle to benefit Mary Bridge Children's hospital at my private party this weekend.
• Have fun. Very important.

Here are some of the sites I used for my swag:

Gotprint

Pure Buttons

Wrist-band.com

Inkhead

Cafe Press

I think that's all I'll bore you with. I know it's a long list, but chock full of good info. Happy planning.

Wednesday Weigh in, guest blogging, a new video, and a good cause

I'm six pounds down.  It's been a rough road to get there.  I still want to drop another twenty at least.  My exhaustion has finally passed and I've got off my butt and exercised.  Tortuous Jillian Michaels yoga in the morning, some kind of aerobic activity in the afternoon/evening.  It was nice enough to bridge walk the other day, but weather is changing and I'll probably move to the elliptical (once I superglue the foot back on, the hazards of having a bunch of teenage girls in the house).

I also want to mention that I have a guest post up at the Class of 2k11 today about what they've taught me that I'll take into my debut year.  Look for another post from me on Friday at the Class of 2k11.

I've also opened a Never Eighteen shop at Cafe Press.  All the profits are going to Mary Bridge Children's Hospital in Tacoma.  I thought it apropos with the theme of my book and they saved my daughter's life when she was just 5 weeks old.  I feel like I'll never be able to repay them.

I've posted a new video.  A bunch of random thoughts from me. Watch it here.

One more thing, I have a blog tour starting on Halloween through Teen Book Scene.  The details can be found here.

Have a great Wednesday!

The Class of 2k12, Explained.

Yesterday I blogged about the launch of the Class of 2k12.   It has come to my attention that some of you may not know what the hell that is.  So, I'm going to explain.

The Class of 2k12 is a group of twenty middle-grade and young adult debut novelists working in concert to promote our books and reading.

We are sending the Class of 2k11 out with a bang by

giving away a huge prize pack of their titles, signed, for a deserving class, school, or public library.  If you'd like to nominate your favorite library, stop by our Facebook page, and in our notes section, tell us about it. The winner will be announced November 12.  

And like I said yesterday, we'll also be hosting monthly giveaways, two giving back programs, and participating in a major book drop.

Be sure to visit our links to find out about 2k12 books, authors, and events:

our website
our blog
our Facebook page
our Twitter link
our newsletter (Click to sign up -- simply write ADD ME in the comment line).  

Hope that clears everything up.  Have a fantastic Thursday!

F³A: Blogging, blogging, and more blogging

Seriously, I've been doing nothing but the day job, soccer, and guest blogs all week.  The guest blogs have been pretty fun.  I'm one of Badass Bookies Debutantes for 2012.  I've got a blog tour coming up on Teen Book Scene (I'll share dates later).  I've got a Dear Teen Me letter coming out on October 31st. And I've got two posts for the Class of 2k11 at the end of the month.

Oh, yeah, and the Class of 2k12 launch on the 12th.  I'll be blogging toward the end of the month (website not up until that date).  Plus I've got guests blogs to finish up for the class.

I'm crazy right?  The answer would be yes.  But I love it.  It's what I want to do.  I wouldn't have it any other way.

Don't forget, I'm sending out signed bookmarks for anyone who subscribes to my Youtube channel.

Question: I've got my vlog series, but is there anything else you'd like to see?  Advice, personal stuff? (keep it clean people)

Okay, Friday Scribbles:

Random iPod shuffle song:  Bulls on Parade by Rage Against the Machine.  This song has a supporting role in Never Eighteen.

Book of the Week:  I'm sticking with Amy Dominy's OyMG.  After I finish all these blog posts, I should have time to read again. *fingers crossed*

Netflix of the Week: Dexter Seaon 5, OMG! OMG! I LOVE Dexter.

Rest in Peace

Quote of the Week:

Thursday Random bits of Everything

First of, I promised my friend Gae I'd share a link. The Falling Apart Coming Together YA panel.  Young adult authors discuss  their recent novels. Authors David Levithan, Jonathan Farmer, Matt Blackstone, Christopher Grant, and Gae Polisner share their recent novels about shattered teenagers who try to understand their fragile world. This will definitely be an invigorating discussion – especially for parents of this demographic.

If you're in the Brooklyn area, get your butt over there.  I wish I were there.

Okay, next on the list, here is the final version of the Never Eighteen book trailer, let me know what you think:

Don't forget, I'll send you a signed bookmark if you subscribe to my youtube channel.  Just let me know.

Also, the Class of 2k12 launches in ONE WEEK!!!!  Can you believe it?  It seems like it's taken so long to get here.  We're having two huge giveaways, one pack of 2k11 books, one pack of 2k12 books open to libraries, whether public, school or classroom.  You can nominate your library of choice, but don't do it yet, wait until we launch.  We're also doing monthly giveaways open to everyone, and three giving back campaigns throughout the year.  If you want to sign up for the 2k12 newsletter, send an email to info@classof2k12.com.  You'll be able to visit our website to find out what's going on, and we're already on Twitter and Facebook.

Okay, I think that's all for today.  Catch you on the flip side.

Megan

Tuesday Tips:

Okay, first off, I've zombified myself in honor of Carrie Harris's debut YA novel, Bad Taste in Boys, which releases today.  It's next on my to read list, and I've heard only great things about it.  And Carrie warned me that I shouldn't eat anything while reading it.  Carrie's full of awesomesauce and a member of the Class of 2k11.

Oh, and she's holding an auction to benefit the Giving Library at the University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children's Hospital. You can bid on signed books, query critiques, a book trailer created by me and more, all for a great cause. :) 

Okay, onward.  It's Tuesday Tip Day, and today, with the help of Punctuation Made Simple, we're talking about the semi-colon.

 1) To Connect Two Sentences

The semicolon is most often used to connect two sentences. Obviously, the sentences ought to be relatively close in content, but other than that you can connect any two sentences with a semicolon.

As a communicator, you are always putting together complex items in your prose and showing how they relate to one another. A semicolon is an economical way to join two sentences, and therefore two ideas, so that your reader sees the relationship. For example:

Megan is awesome; she can do no wrong.

Are you asleep yet?  Wait until the next paragraph. (this is not an example of the semicolon, but my own personal opinion about this lesson)

The  example above contains two sentences glued together by a semicolon. The second part of the sentence makes a comment on the first. Certainly, each sentence could be written as two sentences, but you wouldn’t be expressing the close relationship between the two parts that you do when you use a semicolon.

The important point to remember is that you must have a complete sentence on both sides of the semicolon. If your second sentence begins with a conjunction (and, but, or, etc.), you do not need a semicolon because the conjunction and the comma that usually goes with it are equivalent to a semicolon. Instead, combine two full sentences with the semicolon. (Didn't they already say this?)

Sometimes a sentence may begin with words like however, therefore, and nevertheless. If your second sentence begins with one of these words, and if it is indeed a full sentence, you still must use a semicolon to connect the two. An example:

However, this lessons is boring; nevertheless, it is also educational. 

Never glue two full sentences together with only a comma. Grammarians call this sentence error a comma splice.  A comma splice is considered ungrammatical because the reader begins reading the second sentence before realizing that the first sentence is completed. Readers are used to stopping at the end of a sentence, and they become disoriented when they find that they have unknowingly left one sentence and entered a new one. (Really?  Does anyone really think this hard about reading?)  This is why effective writers avoid the comma splice. Here is an example a of comma splice:

Megan has a great blog, she is always interesting to read.

The example constitutes two sentences glued together with a comma. You can correct a comma splice by inserting a semicolon between the two sentences, by adding a comma to your conjunction, or, of course, by punctuating them as two sentences. Whichever way you choose, however, you must make sure your final drafts do not contain comma splices.

There is one instance in which a comma splice is considered acceptable. Occasionally, you may have a list of items that could stand alone as full sentences. (I wrote about the comma last week, so I'm not going over this again.  Go read last Tuesdays blog if you want to find out about the comma)

2) As Supercomma

As you know, you normally separate the members of a list with commas, as in this sentence:

I have just read Stupid Fast, The Pull of Gravity, Popular, and Illegal.  

The commas let the reader know where one item ends and the next begins. Sometimes, however, you have a list of complex items and one (or more) of the items already contains a comma. In such a case, the reader is likely to get confused about what is really a member of the list and what is not. You can avoid this confusion by making the semicolon a sort of“supercomma.” 

        I've just traveled to: Scotsdale, AZ, Long Island, NY, and Leavenworth, WA.

This sentence contains so many commas, both between the members of the list and within them, that readers are likely to become confused. Instead, you can make the semicolon a supercomma between each of the members so that your meaning is clear:

       I've just traveled to: Scotsdale, AZ; Long Island, NY;  and Leavenworth, WA. 

The second sentence is clearer than the first because the reader knows exactly where members of the list begin and end. You probably will not need to use a semicolon as a supercomma often, but if your sentence contains a list of items, one (or more) of which already contains a comma, you can clarify your meaning by using the supercomma.

And thus ends today's lesson on the semi-colon.  Come back next Tuesday where we talk about the colon.

T Tuesday. T is for The Class of 2k11

I mention them today because 6 of the 17 members books release this week.  Alissa Grosso's, Popular released yesterday.  Today Gae Polisner's The Pull of Gravity, Amy Fellner Dominy's OyMG and Christina Mandelski's The Sweetest Thing release today.  K Ryer Breese's Future Imperfect and Sheila O'Connor's Sparrow Road also release this week.

The Class of 2k11 also consists of:

Carole Estby Dagg
Trinity Faegen
Kiki Hamilton
Carrie Harris
Geoff Herbach
Tess Hilmo
Amy Holder
Tara Hudson
Julia Karr
Bettina Restrepo
Angie Smibert

You should check out their books.  The ones I've read so far have been fantastic and I plan to have every one of them on my bookshelf by the end of the year.  I congratulate all six who release this week, those that have already, and those that will later this year.

That is all,

Megan

Tooting the Horn Tuesday: Interview with Amy Holder

Today I'm posting an interview I did with, Amy Holder, the author of, The Lipstick Laws.  This is her debut novel, slated for release April 4, 2011.  Want to know what it's about . . .

At Penford High School, Britney Taylor is queen bee. She dates whomever she likes, rules over her inner circle of friends like Genghis Khan, and can ruin anyone's life as easily as snapping her perfectly manicured fingers. Just ask the unfortunate few who have crossed her. 

For April Bowers, Britney is also the answer to her prayers. With zero friends and nothing close to a boyfriend, April is so unpopular, kids don't know she exists. That is, until Britney notices her. One lunch spent at Britney's table, and April is basking in the glow of popularity. 

But Britney's friendship comes with a price tag. How much is April willing to pay?

1.Tell me about The Lipstick Laws? Personal experience, or pure fiction?

The Lipstick Laws is 99% pure fiction, but there are some influences from personal experience. I definitely shared some of the same feelings about wanting to be accepted as the main character (April) when I was a teen.  And the whole story is actually set in a fictional town around the very real town that I grew up in.  The mall in the book was a stomping ground for me and my friends when we were in high school.

 

2.Were you a bra stuffer back in high school like your main character, April?  Or did you harbor some other humiliating secrets?  Are you willing to share?

 

Hmmm...If I had been, I'm not sure I'd admit it.  Honestly, though, I was never a bra stuffer, but I’ve been known to wear a push-up bra or two (not at the same time). 

 

And do you really think I'll admit to any other humiliating secrets publicly like this?  Are you crazy?  Don't worry, I have plenty of them... but they're for me to know and you to imagine.

 

3.Did you know people as awful as Britney when you were a teenager?  If so, how did you handle them?

Thankfully I didn't know anyone quite as bad as Britney as a teenager.  However, I wasn't completely immune to the oh-so typical cattiness of high school girl drama.  How did I handle it? I made sure my nails were extra sharp for the catfights.  I'm talking razor blade sharp fingerclaws.  Okay, I wasn't ever in any real catfights...but it sounds so much more interesting than saying I tried to ignore it, doesn't it?

 

4.Do you have one favorite line from your novel?

I have a couple of favorite lines for different reasons, but one of my favorites is at the end when April says: "Smiling to myself, I realize that it's definitely better to be wanted than to be the one wanting." 

 

I like this line because I think it shows character growth and strength that she didn’t have in the beginning of the book. I can’t explain why without giving away spoilers…so I’ll just leave it at that.  

 

5.Where is your favorite writing spot?

My favorite writing spot is at my desk in my office because I love my comfy chair and widescreen computer! The only problem is that it's attached to the internet...and I have a TV tuner... so it's very easy to get distracted.  Now I understand why some writers choose to write longhand in quaint cottages in the middle of nowhere.

 

6.If you could choose one writer whose brain you could pick over, dead or alive, who would it be?

J.K Rowling!  I'm a huge Harry Potter geek and would love to pick over J.K Rowling's brilliant imagination!  Although I'm not sure if I'd trust myself with that privilege...because I might be tempted to run away with her brain.

 

7.What is your favorite thing to do outside of writing?

I've always loved art, so in my spare time I enjoy doing anything creative and artistic. Creative energy makes me feel happy and peaceful.  It's so much better than math energy, in my opinion. 

 

8.Is there a word you always misspell?  And what is it?

Art u nutz? I nefer mispit wordes. 

Truthfully, I'm a spell check addict!  I wish I had a spell check switch in my brain. One word that I always used to misspell when I was little was beautiful.  I always forgot the A in it... and I'm pretty sure it drove my elementary teachers crazy.  When my fourth grade teacher saw me years later as an older teen, she joked with me about it and asked me to spell beautiful for her.  And I'm proud to say that I spelled it beautifully!  Oh, and I even added a snippet about this particular misspelling inside joke in The Lipstick Laws. 

 

9.What are you currently reading?

I just finished an ARC of The Sweetest Thing by Christina Mandelski, a fabulous Class of 2k11 classmate of mine.  It's deliciously sweet!

 

10.Who is your celebrity crush?

If the cards are in my favor (fingers, toes, hair, eyes and elbows crossed), I hope to marry Henry Cavill from The Tudors.  Unfortunately I'll probably have to live in reality and just be satisfied with drooling over him on TV.  Henry, if you're reading this, call me. *wink, wink*

11. What are you working on now? 
I’m currently working on a couple projects for various age groups, but the one closest to completion is a contemporary YA manuscript with a paranormal twist.  I’m hoping it will be my next book to hit the bookshelves…but a Lipstick Laws sequel may also be an option.

Read my review of The Lipstick Laws by clicking here.

About Amy:

Amy Holder is a writer, artist, and animal lover.  Her educational background is in Psychology, but her heart remains loyal to her love of writing and the creative arts.  She has worked in the early education, social service, and freelance writing and design fields prior to being published.  Other than writing, some of her interests include art, animals, reading, shopping, photography, pop culture, theater, nature, and spending time with family and friends.  Originally from Upstate New York, Amy currently resides in the Philadelphia area with her many adopted pets.

Writing Wednesday: A blog and some Sad

First off, I blogged for The Class of 2k11 this morning, check it out here.

Secondly. Here is a snippet from the book formerly known as Sad, which for now I'm changing to FML.  It is unedited, R rated, and not for the faint of heart.  You may leave comments if you wish.

     Speak of the devil.  Tammy walked in humming some sickingly sweet love song, looking way to peppy for my tastes.  Instead of punching her in the face I only glare in her general direction.  She stops in her tracks, looks over at me and lets out a little yelp.  I can’t help but giggle.  “Jesus, Syd, you scared the shit out of me.  What the hell are you doing home?”

     “Brooding,” I said and went back to looking out the window.

     “What are you brooding over?” 

     I looked back at her.  She didn’t give a shit, that much was certain.  She stood there with her stupid messy blond ponytail, hand on her jutted out hip, her legs shooting out of her boxers like sticks.  She made me sick.  “Fuck off, Tammy,” I said.

    “Jesus, you kiss mom with that mouth?  I’m trying to be nice here.”

    “Go be nice somewhere else?  What are you even doing here?  Out of places to bed hop?”

     Her face fell.  I’d hit her where it hurt.  But everyone knew she was a slut.  She rarely spent a night at home.  Still, I’m sure she wasn’t proud of it, and I felt guilty.  I shouldn’t take my frustrations concerning David and Haley out on Tammy.  Even if she was a major bitch.   “Hey, Tammy, I’m sorry.  It’s just . . . David and I broke up.”

     She gave me a puzzled look and then asked, “Who’s David?” 

     And this was why I hated her.  She cared nothing about the world around her.  All she cared about was how she looked and who she was going to lay.  I went from remorse to rage in two seconds flat.  “My boyfriend.”

     She stared at me as if I was speaking a foreign language.  Then she said, “You have a boyfriend?”  as if it was the most ridiculous thing she’d ever heard.

      “Had,” I said.  I stood up, bumped into her as I passed, nearly knocking her against the wall, and went to my room.

     She called after me, “How the hell was I supposed to know?”

     “Open your eyes,” I yelled back right before slamming my door so hard it knocked my framed picture of me and Haley off my wall.  It crashed to the wooden floor, which was fine with me.  I walked over to it, grabbed the frame and threw it in my trash can.  I started picking up the big chunks of glass when one sliced into my finger.    I automatically dropped the glass, but then just stared at my finger, mesmerized.  Why?  I’m not sure.

     Watching the blood as it dripped from my finger to my wrist, down to my elbow and then to the floor, was serene in a strange way, like sitting on the edge of a stream of blood, watching as it twists and turns over the terrain of my arm.  And I felt this release as if everything that had happened the last couple days was oozing out of me, becoming nothing but a pool of heartbreak on my bedroom floor that I could wipe up and throw away.

  For the first time in the last twenty four hours I felt . . . a kind of peace.  I also felt like I was going to pass out.