Courage & Craft Published: The Marketing Whore Returns

Courage & Craft: Writing Your Life Into Story has just been published by New World Library. (www.amazon.com)  It covers all the genres of creative writing, offers guidelines for each, inspiration, reading suggestions and writing exercises.  If you know anyone besides yourself, anyone at all on this planet who wants to write his or her life into a memoir, essay, novel, poem or whatever – please buy this book for them as a present. And multiple copies for yourself.

I’m not really good at this. I want to write, not become a huckster. When my first novel was published I showed up at an Author’s Luncheon without a copy of my book. A veteran writer said to me in a stern voice, “Always carry your book!”   And when I set up a website for my last book (www.BarbaraAbercrombie.com), my  friend Deb who’s in advertising called me and said, “You need a link to Amazon on the site with a big flashing button that says: Order now! Operators standing by!”

The thing is most of us writers really just want to sit around in our sweats writing our stories. (I’ve gone on and on about this in another post in case you’re new to this blog). The fact is though, if you want to have your next book published you need to get your current book sold. And you also feel obligated when you have a terrific publishing company behind you like New World Library to get out there and do whatever you can for sales. (I’ve worked with publishers who don’t seem to care if your book sells or not, but NWL has been holding my hand every inch of the way.)

So: Courage & Craft: Writing Your Life Into Story! Available at Amazon (www.amazon.com) or wherever you buy your books.  If you live in LA please come to Dutton’s on October 12^th to buy a copy.

(Here’s a dirty little secret of published writers: you know those glowing reviews of books on Amazon? Well, we beg our family, friends and blog readers to write them.) 

Order now! Operators standing by! 

Comments

[Denise]

Yay! I'm so happy for you, Barbara! I'll tell everyone I know.

[Barbara]

Thanks, Denise!

[Patty P.]

Hello Barbara, Mazel Tov on your book's release! I pre-ordered a copy several months ago from Amazon...can't wait to receive it!
In the meantime, I'd really appreciate your thoughts (and those of others) on an age-old marketing dilemma. In early June I sent a piece of short fiction to a reputable literary magazine which charges a small reading fee. In its submission guidelines, it explains that charging the fee enables the editor to streamline the reading process and respond within "approximately" 45 days. It's now been over 90. What's your advice on following up? I don't want to be one of those pests who invites a bad rep with an editor by not giving him/her time to respond, but I have faith in this particular piece, and I'm eager to send it to the next editor if this one passes on it. Thanks for any wisdom you might share. Best, Patty Palmer

[Elizabeth]

Congrats, Barbara. My copy has been "pre-ordered" on Amazon for months and is finally on its way!!!

[Barbara]

Patty - You're mentioned in the book - the essay you wrote about the billboard your kids saw. As for your question - write or email them and see what's up. Let us know what happens -
Elizabeth - You should be getting the book this week. Let me know if you don't. I'm curious how long it takes -

[Becca]

Congratulations! I'm on my way to buy a copy!

[lorenstephens]

Hi Barbara. Congratulations on the publication of your book. I will head straight over to Duttons to get my copy and I will recommend it to all. Loren Stephens

[Barbara]

Becca and Loren - Thank you!

[Becca]

Wow, I just got my copy of the book (BTW, when I ordered it from Amazon two days ago it was the LAST ONE in stock!!!)

Anyway, I had to tear myself away from it to go finish dinner...yes, I'm one of the countless that "wedge writing in between going to work, and taking care of house, pets, and family..."

Your warm, encouraging style and no-nonsense approach are just what I need. I only wish I could take your class in person - but I guess this is the next best thing:)

Congratulations again! It's a lovely book, and a welcome addition to my growing "writer's library!"

[Barbara]

Becca - Thank you so much for those kind words - especially after a long hard day trying to write!!

[Barbara]

(and I mean my own long day trying to write!)

[Kim]

Congratulations! I'm so glad that you've shared that marketing yourself is uncomfortable for you. I have a very difficult time with that too, and it's one of the biggest things that holds me back from writing. It makes me feel a lot better knowing I'm not the only one squirming in my skin at the thought of selling myself and my work.

[Deb Smith]

B - your book is fabulous. What a great jewel for a writer to add to his/her library. And thanks for the shout out on pg. 29.
Love you, Deb

[Barbara]

Kim - You just kind of hold your breath and do it. Read Carolyn See's wonder MAKING A LITERARY LIFE for inspiration for this.

Deb - Love you, too. Thanks for this lovely message.

[Barbara]

Kim - You just kind of hold your breath and do it. Read Carolyn See's wonder MAKING A LITERARY LIFE for inspiration for this.

Deb - Love you, too. Thanks for this lovely message.

[Debra]

I preordered your book from Amazon and received it on Aug 28. I have gained so much wisdom from your book, as I knew I would. Thank you so much for sharing with the world your view from the writing world. It is practical and beautifully written. I've enjoyed every page and I didn't want it to end! So, I'm reading it again. You inspire me. Debra

[Barbara]

Debra - Thank you, thank you!

[Jaime]

Barbara, thank you so much for making your exlelcent video review, it was great fun to watch!Joanna, your wonderful book is on my Christmas list. I'm so looking forward to reading the best possible guidance on how to thoroughly improve the quality of your writing! Thank you for sharing Barbara's video, it made me smile a lot! ).-= Dianne s last blog .. =-.