When “Shakespeare Makes the Playoffs” was almost ready to go into copy-editing, I hired a two-person publicity agency in San Diego to help generate some interest. One of the things Barb and Sarah did is make me a Facebook page. It’s not there for friends (in the Facebook sense but of course it’s for real friends); it’s more for kids who get turned on by the blog tour and want to know more.
The blog tour is something I’d never have done on my own. The publicists set it up, and do most of the heavy lifting. Sometimes there are questions-ahead-of-time, and I simply answer them. Facebook isn’t my cup to oolong but I’ll get used to it. If you want to take a peek, log onto Facebook and enter Shakespeare Makes the Playoffs. Not Ronald Koertge. There’s another one of those in Texas and his page has a picture of his car!
You can ask me anything by writing on the wall, of course, or – more likely – via the new feature on our MN blog. Or in the Comment box.
Now to less mundane things — Am I remembering right when I think “A Wrinkle in Time” starts with “It was a dark and stormy night”?
RK
That's my understanding, Ron. But Snoopy wrote it, too. Interesting that you post on your foray into Facebook for fans, and book promotion. Just read the latest Author's Guild mag and it features an excellent panel discussion on What's Hot in Children's Books. Well worth the read and a great organization to support. They talk about platforms and how to reach readers. You are doing it in a smart way, especially getting help. It's too easy to throw up one's hands and say I'm too old to figure this out.
You are correct.
Your subject title made me wonder what sort of Facebook fan page Walt Whitman would put up for himself.
Teen readers are ceratinly reached via facebook. Great place to market YA. Every time I do a highschool visit I get a few more FB friends (and I must admit, I find my teen FB friends very interesting–they likely forget I am able to now "watch" their every move.)
Now I wonder how the picture book readers are being reached? Perhaps a reason why pbs are not selling these days–no one knows just how to market to them anymore?
Do your people do marketing for upcoming pbs about bunnies in hot air balloons, Ron? Should I hire them?