Learning more and more.

After the elation of finally getting published wore off I soon realized how much I had to still do and learn on my own. Unfortunately I have not had a mentor in this process and so much of what I am trying is trial and error.

My publisher has taken my book to book fairs in several major markets around the world in the past few months but that does not seem to be enough to get the word out into the public consciousness. I came to the conclusion that I would need a publicist.

I started a search on line and came up with many options. As I weeded through them I discovered that many, just like my original search for a publisher, were just out for a quick buck. The quickest way I have been able to identify the bad ones from the good ones is how they ask questions. After they cover their services with you and then immediately turn the conversation to "how much can you afford", or "we have a payment plan", you should keep looking.

I have recently entered into an agreement with a company that I feel wonderfully confident about. The first good sign was that after sending them an inquiry on line they contacted me by phone! This does not seem to happen in our cyber space world today. I may be a little old fashioned but this personal touch appealed to me. They also seemed to be as interested in my work as I am, and they were concerned as to whether their services would meet my expectations. They also answered all of my questions honestly and straight forward. At this point I could not have asked for more.

So I am attaching the first of their efforts on my behalf. I hope you enjoy this article. http://whattheythink.com/news/50341-graphic-artist-nostalgia-technology-create-new-art-form/

Getting Started!

Today I am creating my first blog.

Over the past year I have had two children's books published, The Deep Black Pond, http://www.strategicpublishinggroup.com/title/TheDeepBackPond.html and The Gray Garden; Aunt Nancy's Garden, http://www.publishamerica.net/product36222.html and I am learning as I go through this process just how hard it is to get my books noticed. I thought that after I had been published I could turn my attentions to my next project but I am finding out that getting published is just the first part of the battle.

Publicity is such an important part of being published. You could have written the best book ever and get it  published but if no one knows about it it won't sell.

As I've said, I am learning as I go and I have made some mistakes through out this process. So the reason I am starting this blog is to put out information that might help others who are also starting out, and to hopefully connect  with others who can offer suggestions and advice.

That's all for now.