The first review of my new book, Non Federal Censuses of Florida, 1784-1945: A Guide to Sources, was published in the (Jacksonville) FloridaTimes-Union 28 February 2010. I had the paper, but had not made use of it yet (that use being to cut out grocery coupons!). The online version of the review is here.
I like it. The reviewer calls it a "must-have" book. Problem is, books issued by my publisher, McFarland, usually don't appear in book stores, as they sell through the jobbers that service public and academic libraries, and do direct-order through their website. Maybe I should contact the local Barnes & Noble and see if they want to arrange a signing?
In other news, I made a presentation this morning for my genealogical society, the Southern Genealogists Exchange Society, to a small class (N=10) of my talk which I call "Bare Bones: Getting Started in Your Genealogy." It's a stepping stone to the six-week-long class the Education Chair is planning (and in which I probably will be teaching some of the units) to be announced later this year. When asked whether "Who Do You Think You Are" influenced their attendance at the class, only one raised her hand. WDYTYA is a great thing to have on TV, but the interest is already there for a lot of folks, apparently. And that, too, is a good thing.
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5 comments:
Congratulations Karen. It's brain-ee-acks like you that make the rest of us look good! We have alot if independent bookstores here in Northern California that carry books like yours. Send them on out here and I'll bet you see some excellent results.
Congratulations, Karen!
Before Rebecca Skloot's book was published ("The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks"), I read her site and what she wrote about arranging for her own publicity. She really took the bulls by the horns, appearing at small bookstores in little towns, any broadcast outlet that would have her, etc. She started that calendar you see on the website: http://rebeccaskloot.com/the-immortal-life/book-tour/
She also discusses her efforts in her blog: http://scienceblogs.com/culturedish/2009/10/the_immortal_life_of_henrietta_1.php#more
I know the books are entirely different, but maybe some tips will help you.
Now that the book has taken off, she no longer needs to arrange things herself.
Some more thoughts:
* Some of the larger newspapers have regular genealogy columns and "Census" is a timely topic.
* Many bookstores feature works by local authors.
* Many bookstores feature books of local interest.
* Many genealogical/historical societies publish journals and magazines that include book reviews.
* Many genealogical/historical societies have online bookstores. Example: NEHGS has a HUGE bookstore component (and don't let the "New England" part of the name fool you into thinking they're not a major genealogy heavy weight).
* Add a video about your book to Roots Television - a tape of an interview, maybe.
* Lots of radio interviews are done over the telephone with the interviewee at a distance, so don't let travel difficulties worry you.
* Get a magnetic sign for your car!
* Donate a book or 2 to a genealogy-related auction/contest/or Public Radio donation incentive.
That's a great review---congratulations!
Wow, Julia! Lots of ideas. I have in fact had the publisher send the book to local genealogical societies in Florida (I belong to one) and the NEHGS, among others (I also belong to NEHGS, so I know about that). I sent the publisher a whole long list -- they asked for it! I also might get in touch with George Morgan and Drew Smith, the "Genealogy Guys," for their podcast. Should send them a note tomorrow, along with calling B&N. They also have a continuing list of reference-book reviewers they send the books to for reviews. Thanks so much for reading my blog, and for being such an active commenter! Long live the Sheepies!
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