We’re on Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, and
a host of other social networking sites. We blog, make videos, have launch
parties, attend conferences, offer free gifts and excerpts from our writings.
Hope for decent reviews and awards, and speak about our books wherever and
whenever we can.
Last Thursday, the New York Times ran an
article about “Masterpiece,” a new reality show in Italy
where writers compete. Contestants submit an unpublished novel—approximately 5,000
writers’ entries were received and read. Some writers were then screen tested.
Four authors were chosen for each of six shows. Each member in a group of four plays
a part in a happening then is given a project with a time limit of a half-hour.
The judges consider the script and then reject
two of the contestants. The two contestants who have survived the first round
pitch—have just under a minute to pitch their baby to well known icons who have
succeeded as authors and may revise their manuscripts. One will live to tell his
or her tale in the finale. After many more trials, the victorious author will
see his book debuted by a primary publisher. If the program succeeds, it will
soon be seen in other nations around the world.
According to the article, book promotion goes
back many centuries. Herodotus—the Greek historian—paid for his book tour. Maupassant
hired a hot air balloon—its mission to float over Paris
adorned with the title of one of his short stories. Not a bad idea—perhaps we
could drop bookmarks or slips of paper leading to our blogs.
Bests,
Elise
No comments:
Post a Comment