A few years ago, at a party, a fellow author asked me “So how do you promote your books?” I think I told her “gently.” That might have sounded glib, but it was the truth. I’m not the kind of person that can be constantly on, turning every conversation into an opportunity to promote my latest novel.

But that doesn’t mean I’m passive. If someone asks me what I do, I lead with science fiction author (even though there are many true answers to that question). And I always have a business card ready featuring the cover art and blurbs about The Sky Woman (Book 1 of Reclaimed Earth). As it turns out, people are curious, and almost always want to know what you do. So I get to hand out quite a few of those cards.

My general approach to promoting my books is simply to do something every day to that end. Could be as simple as a tweet, or as involved as a book promotion contest. The idea is to just keep going, and to make the process so sustainable and mellow that I never burn out.

It’s the tortoise approach all the way.

So last week, the week The Last Crucible (Book 3 of Reclaimed Earth) was released, I did a little more than usual, but I didn’t have to hype myself up into a manic flurry of activity. And I’d say it went pretty well:

So a good launch week all in all. Some items were via my own efforts, others from Flame Tree’s marketing team (thanks Sarah!). Most of the work was done ahead of time, so the book release week only appeared to be related to a flurry of activity. The reality was do-a-little-every-day, and I maintained my sanity.

So what’s next? There’s still plenty on my list, especially planning some sort of book release/reading when in-person events are once again safe in my area.

But mostly it’s just asking myself “What can I do to get the word out today?” at least five days a week.

Are there more efficient and/or more effective approaches? Probably yes. But right now, in the middle of a pandemic, with a lot going on my family (my daughter is switching to a new school, we’re potentially moving across the bay), I’m prioritizing my mental health.

Hope you are well, and living one of the better possible versions of your life!