Only a quick update today, as I am working overseas this week – on the Channel Island of Guernsey – and writing has to take a back-seat. But yesterday morning I had a spare hour and spent it sending emails to the editors of magazines that serve communities of people who are likely to work alone, telling them about “The Solo Squid” and offering to send a review copy or write an article about the joys of solo working. On my flight the previous day I brainstormed a list of possible communities – accountants, therapists of all sorts, florists, etc. – and then researched suitable publications and the names of their editors. I wrote a succinct email and tailored it to each magazine, and off they went. None of them bounced back so I assume they reached their targets. And so far I have had a response – positive or negative – from no-one.
I know, I know: it’s only a day since I sent the emails. And I assume that the editors of some of these publications are part-time or volunteers or inefficient – or all three. Working full-time and being pathologically efficient myself, I sometimes forget that. Readers of historical fiction tend to gather in online communities, even thoughtfully subdividing themselves into relevant categories – lovers of historical crime, or devotees of Regency fiction. But marketing a niche, non-fiction book is hard!
Susan Grossey 