Monday, June 09, 2008

Terror at the pumps

Analysts announce this morning that soaring gas prices have crippled the U.S. economy.

DUH! I wonder how long it took them to come up with that data. Oh, that's right. Three years. That's when gas prices first went over two dollars a gallon and Americans saw a major recession on the horizon. Thankfully the analysts have finally caught up.

So, how has the skyrocketing fuel costs affected your book promotions and marketing plans? Most authors I've talked to are taking things online more than ever. Just because you can't afford to get behind the wheel of your car doesn't mean there's nothing you can do to promote yourself and your writing.

Blog tours are relatively painless and free if you play your cards right. Revamping your website can attract new readers without forcing you to travel several hours to nearby bookstores. Combining a book tour with other authors in your genre can boost media coverage while making it possible to share travel costs.

Cutbacks within the industry and a sagging economy that isn't going to rebound is forcing writers to examine the way they network and market themselves and their books. Like every other industry, we must rethink the way we do business.

One thing that hasn't changed is the need to write an outstanding book. Now more than ever, we must focus on craft and stand out above the rest.

Happy Monday and happy writing.

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