Speechifying:
So yesterday I gave a speech at the Peninsula chapter of the California Writers Club on “Non Traditional Ways to Promote your Book.” Sadly, writers without big fat publishing contracts in the bay area still think the best way to get attention for your book is to mail it unsolicited to the San Francisco Chronicle’s book section and pray they’ll review it. They won’t.
The talk went well, with the 25-odd members busily taking notes, asking questions, and passing me business cards at the end. I felt a bit like “the expert” they wheel out on Oprah to explain some social ill. Not that books going unnoticed is the rot of the nation or anything but jeez, the number of times I’ve heard a beginning writer say “well, this conference/agent/editor said they would read my manuscript for only $200. And they have great contacts!” and fall for this sort of malarky. Someone even asked it at this talk. Sad truth is there are lots of unsavory characters out there praying on people’s dreams of getting their work recognized in some sort of official way. If I can spread a little education around about a real, organic, non-slutty way to promote yourself, then I will.
And lord, was it fun! Suzan was there and laughed her head off at what a Leo I am and how much I like talking to a crowd. Can’t lie. I was totally jacked for rest of the day.
Members from a few other branches were on hand too and said they’d like to have me speak there. Soon, please. Soon.