For this important week in publishing — during which Book Expo America takes place — my fun author friend Dr. Diana Kirschner and I are playfully going out on a limb to drum up interest in our books. Here’s a press release that’s now going out to the media today.
Authors Develop Zany, Outrageous Marketing Gimmicks to Nab Publishers & Fans in this Uncertain Economic Climate:
Author Connie Bennett Playfully Wears Sandwich Board Asking, “Are You ‘The One?’” at Book Expo America
CONTACT: Connie Bennett, connie@sugarshock.com, (866) 542-5784
(May 28, 2009) NEW YORK—As authors vie for publishers’ and readers’ attention in this uncertain economic climate, some innovative, pro-active authors are developing over-the-top, outrageous, humorous marketing gimmicks.
“It’s time to become an out-of-the-box-thinking author-preneur, who creates captivating messages and publicity stunts that nab the attention of readers and publishers,” claims author Connie Bennett, who is laughingly walking around Book Expo America on Friday and Saturday sporting a provocative, 24”-by-30” sandwich board that says, “Are You ‘The One’?”
The amiable author’s “Are You `The One?’” message—which looks like a single’s personal ad—pokes fun of the fact that Bennett is available as a single woman and as an author with a Big Platform. Her sandwich board goal: A “committed relationship” with a “compatible publisher” to release her second book.
“I wanted to playfully show that I have the guts, initiative and ingenuity to be a successful author no matter what the economic climate,” adds Bennett, an experienced journalist, certified health counselor, self-described “Ex-Sugar Shrew!,” the Better Habits Coach™ and author of the book SUGAR SHOCK! (Berkley Books) (www.SugarShock.com).
SUGAR SHOCK! (Berkeley Books)—a bestseller on Amazon—has a foreword by Dr. Nicholas Perricone and has been endorsed by Dr. Mehmet Oz, Dr. Christiane Northrup. The book’s contributing author is cardiologist Dr. Stephen Sinatra.
Bennett’s second book—for which she’s publisher hunting—is a fun, friendly, compassionate, diet book,
The Better Habits Diet: Slim Down, Boost Energy, Rev Up Your Libido & Be Happier in Only 21 Days. Fans of Bennett already are signing up in advance to buy it at the blog, www.BetterHabitsDiet.com.
The single author facetiously promises on her sandwich board, “Will put out on first date!!”—meaning that she’ll be happy to share information about her new book with interested publishers. Admittedly, Bennett is “embarrassed” by her bold sign. To that end, she’s even offering passers-by nuts to underscore the nuttiness of her marketing campaign. The author also promises to meet publishing suitors—not at the Empire State Building like “Sleepless in Seattle”—but at “Booth 3534 at the Top of Every Hour.”
Another author using out-of-the-box marketing techniques is psychologist and relationship expert Diana Kirschner, Ph.D., who, in March began starring with her 4-pound Pomerian, Madison, in a series of zany, dating-advice videos posted on YouTube to drum up sales for her new book, Love in 90 Days: The Essential Guide to Finding Your Own True Love (Center Street).
In Dr. Diana’s “Simply Irresistible Flirting Moves” webisode series (www.YouTube.com/lovein90days), she humorously illustrates flirting techniques with her adorable pooch, who “plays” a hot guy. In one month, the series has had 40,000 views. Dr. Dianas videos, which she launched without publisher support, also have attracted more than 56,000 friends, over 81,000 viewers and nearly 3,000 new subscribers to her YouTube channel. The author’s zany marketing gimmick has been so successful that YouTube—which links directly to the Amazon sales page for her book—has granted Dr. Diana partner status, driving even more traffic to her website. (www.lovein90days.com).
With the publishing industry at a crossroads, Bennett and Dr. Diana are part of an emerging trend of pro-active author-preneurs, who are building their platforms and driving book sales through creative PR stunts that also bring laughter into the equation. # # #