Far From My Home Never To Return: A Polish Child's WWII Memoir

After my internship with Timber Press ended, I was approached for assistance with marketing a new author’s book. Below are notes I wrote down of marketing efforts for the author to undertake.

Marketing Points for Book:

  • Blogs
    • Research blogs reviewing books, specifically non-fiction/memoir.
    • Research blogs regarding Holocaust.
    • Draft a brief stock email that can be used to tell the main idea of the book, a brief biography of the author (what makes her especially qualified to write this particular story), where it will be published and available to sell, cost, page count.
    • Double check blog-specific guidelines, most will be happy to hear from you, just make sure you go about it correctly.
    •  The easiest way to find these blogs is by Googling.
    • See if they would be willing to review the book, and if they are, see if would review an eBook, or if eBooks are not available, a PDF of the book.
    • You can explain there is a tight budget on the book. Some bloggers expect payment, but they might be willing to waive the fee.
Social Media

  • Facebook
    • Create a fan page for the book.
    • This doesn’t have to be anything expansive. Key facts telling about the book, the author, and a little history about the journey of getting published should be included. People are more likely to check out a book if they have a human element to connect to.
    • The Facebook page will then become a place to update followers about things happening with the book. Post if a blog reviewed, post about any upcoming events, post about things relating to the book (interesting articles on the Holocaust, other authors or stories similar to this book, or generally interesting things. On slow news days, a short snippet of the book could be posted to keep potential readers excited.
    • Asking questions can also be a good way to create conversation. Ask followers if they have any family stories relating to the Holocaust, or some of their favorite books or writers about the Holocaust.
    • To gather followers, begin by first seeking out applicable groups on Facebook and interact with them. Examples include book review groups, book clubs, and any groups related to the Holocaust. As they see a new face giving input, they will be interested and like your page and begin to reciprocate conversation.
    • To avoid over-posting, limit posting to between 2 and 5 posts a week. If there is too much coming from you, followers will begin to ignore you.
  • Twitter
    • Twitter can be used in much the same way as Facebook, though it is more one-sided. Posting links is the major use for Twitter, it will just attract a different group of people.
  • Approach the Media
    • This is a pretty unique thing to happen, and it could make an excellent news story. Approaching the media can be tricky, a brief email (containing much of the same information you sent to the bloggers) can be sent to news outlets. Most don’t appreciate phone calls, and will hang up on you.
    • Make a list of news outlets you would like to cover this story, starting with the most desirable and working backward. Offer the first news outlet an “exclusive” of the story.
    • Also include a few images along with the story pitch. A book cover, an author photo, and maybe a photo of the family. This way the writer can begin to envision the story in their head.
  • Portland Book Review
    • This is a local publication that offers freelance reviewers the opportunity to review books and have their reviews published in print and online. I do not know the exact protocol for getting a book submitted, but the editor-in-chief’s contact information is listed below. She is very friendly and is a joy to talk with.
      • M. Chris Johnson
      • chris.johnson@portlandbookreview.com
  • Author Reading
    • It could be fun to host an author reading at a local bookstore in the Portland area. There are several smaller bookstores that could be interested in doing something like that. Below are a few ideas of places to contact.
      • Powell’s Books: 503.228.4651
      • Broadway Books: 503.284.1726
      • Annie Bloom’s: 503.246.0053
  • Launch Party
    • This could just be a fun time with family to celebrate the long, successful process of getting this book published. It would also be a good opportunity to invite a couple of reporters to speak with family members and gather their reactions to this achievement.
  • Interesting Points to Keep in Mind
    • The process of writing and publishing this book has served to bring your family together, and spread stories that may have not be told to the whole family. That being said, there is a potential for the story of writing this book to show the good side of the Holocaust. Not only does the memoir show the author’s family’s story, but it can be mirrored in the your family today. The whole process has served to connect your family, and that makes this book special.
    • This book has also been years in the making. From the initial experience, to the writing, to the publishing process, it is a magnum opus. Not every author can say that.