For those of you who have never heard of FUD, it stands for “Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt” and has long been a tool used to sell things or coerce people into making a decision.

In my case, the FUD factor is more about the upcoming launch of my debut novel, Mik Murdoch, Boy Superhero. Now that the book is done and totally out of my hands, those common doubts are surfacing: will people enjoy the story? will they even know the book exists? will it sell?

I know of good, well-known authors who have done everything in their power to spread the word only to have their book fall flat sales-wise. It wasn’t a fault of the book, the cover or anything else I’ve been able to pinpoint. It simply didn’t sell. Will mine be any different?

I’m trying not to lose any sleep over it. After all, there really is only so much I can do without driving people away. All I can do is gently push it in the right direction and hope for the best. That means continuing to offer up Advanced Reader Copies in exchange for reviews (hopefully positive) and offer myself up for interviews.

So, if you are interested in either of those things, please drop me an email at: author at michellplested dot com.

Thanks.

Tags: Advanced Reader Copy, ARC, book launch, doubt, fear, fud, interview, michael plested, Michell Plested, michelle plested, mik murdoch, mik murdoch boy superhero, mike plested, publish, uncertainty

One of the skills I haven’t had to learn quite yet is how to market my books. Yes, I’ve been working for a long time to make the right contacts and I’ve been learning everything I can about building my author’s platform, but it isn’t the same. Marketing Mik Murdock, Boy Superhero when it is available is going to be something completely new.

I’m really grateful this isn’t my publisher’s first rodeo.

That takes some of the pressure off. I know when I ask what I can do and who I need to talk to Lorina will have answers for me. But, what should I be doing now in preparation? That’s the question that keeps me up at night.

Should I be going to all the local bookstores and arrange signings? How about contacting all the podcasters I know about doing interviews? Should I find those online websites that do book launches? Maybe I need to be on more forums pimping my upcoming book?

So many unanswered questions.

I have seen some of the promotions and efforts that have worked for others. The problem with that is, what works for one person doesn’t necessarily work for another.

It is a real quandry. But all is not lost. I think I will do what I always do when I’m up against something I have little knowledge about. I will talk to successful people to learn what they have done. I will scour the Internet for methods of marketing that might work and I will continue to talk up my book. Once I have all my ducks in a row, I will consider all the options and put together a plan of attack.

Hopefully, I will be successful. I know, with all the support of my friends, family and fans things will work out. I would just like to be certain, you know?

If you have ideas that you think will help (and yes, I know I’ve put out the question before), please don’t hesitate to point me in the right direction. If you have a blog or a podcast and would like me to appear, I will be delighted to do so.

And thank you for listening to me and for your continued support. It means the world to me.

Tags: author's platform, blog, boy superhero, five rivers, interview, irreverent muse, marketing, Michell Plested, mik murdoch, mike plested, podcast, promotion, skill