Phyllis Y. Harris: Good old hard work. You can't leave the promotion of your book to the publisher. Although the following statement is paradoxical, it is true. Until the book really sells, the publisher will be very cautious about putting resources to market into it. Although unless there are resources put into a book, it is very hard to make a book sell.
Natasha Tarpley: In promoting my books, I have found that tapping nontraditional markets that your book may appeal to works very well, especially with audiences who may buy books based on word of mouth recommendation, as opposed to reviews or store advertising. For example, since my first two picture books, I Love My Hair, and Bippity Bop Barbershop, deal with hair, I approached black hair care companies and magazines, beauty salons, etc. From this, people actually organized fashion shows around the first book, it got reviewed in a hair care magazine, organizations and schools used the book to promote self-esteem. These are things that may not have happened, and an audience that may not have been reached, had I not reached out to these markets.
Afi Scruggs: I researched Terry McMillan's approach to gaining publicity for her first book, and I've followed her advice faithfully. I've put together a mailing list. I've made telephone calls and send emails.
Raymond A. Winbush: The radio interview. I was surprised at how many people buy books after hearing me read or being interviewed for a radio talk show. It is also convenient since it can be done in one's bathrobe. HarperCollins has been very good at promoting the book, and I have added to this by making T-shirts and other paraphernalia that have The Warrior Method on it. TV interviews are great, but nothing beats a one-hour interview on the radio and good old fashioned word-of-mouth.
Tonya Bolden: It's all good: presentations and signings at bookstores, libraries, and cultural institutions, school visits, radio, TV.
Monique Morris: WORD OF MOUTH!
Kim McLarin: I am one of the worst promoters in the world. I find it very difficult. I guess I'm also of the old school belief if you work hard in making your books the best they can be eventually you will find an audience. That may be naive, and possibly dangerous in this make-it-or-break-it world in which we live, but that's how I choose to approach my career.
Kayla Perrin: I'm not sure. I try to do as much promotion on the Internet as I can. The Internet reaches a very wide audience.
Maryann Reid: Yes, book signings. People love to put a face to the words between the pages. I noticed that people enjoy the Q & A portion of my signings because it helps them better understand the book.
Myles Pinkney and Sandra Pinkney: The best way of promoting our books, is when we read them directly to children and adults, who when hearing it, realize how powerful our books can be.
Marissa Monteilh: For the self-published version of May December Souls, I found that radio interviews worked well in promoting the book. My title focuses on the masculine and feminine energy concept in each and every relationship. Discussing this topic is not only a real attention-grabber (because most people desire to learn the relationship dance) but it is also controversial.
Jabari Asim: Nothing seems to work as well as meeting people face-to-face. I try not to turn down many opportunities to read, even before small audiences. Any media helps, of course. I've been fortunate to appear on C-SPAN several times, and that network often repeats its shows. I've undoubtedly benefited from that exposure.
Francis Ray: I'd have to say my website. It works 24-7.
Mat Johnson: Nope. The only thing that sold my book was getting the Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers honor and word of mouth. Nothing else seems really effective. There’s a chitlin circuit of black bookstores and clubs, but if you don’t write romantic fiction there’s not really much of a preset audience for you. I’ve thought of showing up for readings naked, but I haven’t gotten that desperate yet.
Virginia DeBerry and Donna Grant: We think touring and working with book clubs are terrific ways to get your work know. Meeting readers and having a chance to interact with them makes a lot of difference, since word of mouth is the best promotional tool there is. Also, direct access, via e-mail and PO Box has proved invaluable. Your publisher doesn't have the time or ability to direct mail to you. Readers like have more direct access.
Michele Andrea Bowen: Yes, word of mouth has made Church Folk fly off the shelves, good public relations and publicity from my publisher, the book clubs, and doing signings and readings at so-called nontraditional sites like the hairdresser, church, etc.
Alexs Pate: Given my relative lack of fame (despite the number of books I've written) (smile) I can't claim to have any expertise in promotion. It's something I'm just learning. It doesn't come easy to me but in today's market, it is absolutely necessary to have a plan to sell your books.
Michael Datcher: I've found that creating my own announcement cards based on my book cover has been very helpful.
Steven Barnes: Book signings are good. I've been to hundreds of science fiction conventions. Getting your face out there is great, if you have the personality for it.
