New York Times best-selling author and creator of the Rev. Curtis Black series, Kimberla Lawson Roby recently stopped by the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library (3030 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN) for a celebration of books and the authors who write them. Bookstock 2016 – the city’s largest book signing and festival combined – was held Saturday, April 23. More than 40 local authors participated, signing and selling their books. I had the privilege of promoting the event, which was an overwhelming success. With the help of our friends at Hallelujah FM Radio, attendance nearly doubled from previous years, totaling nearly 5,000 customers! (Praise break: Thank You, JESUS!)
For the first time in Bookstock’s six-year history, I decided to promote it somewhat differently this year. The budget allotted for marketing was between $3,000 and $4,000. With $3,500, I chose media outlets aimed at several of our target audiences, including moms and children, lovers of Shakespeare, Kimberla Lawson Roby fans, and more. Also, I wrote media releases and web stories, designed e-blasts, wrote commercials, did a school visit, and saturated social media in my spare time. At the event, I photographed the day, which brought along with it a packed parking lot! I’m thankful GOD blessed these efforts.
More importantly than promotions for the event, however, was what I learned from it and keynote speaker Kimberla Lawson Roby – an amazing author by the way. The day before Bookstock, she spoke openly and candidly with Memphis Public Library employees and guests during an exclusive luncheon. Here, she held nothing back about her career and challenges along the way. She also offered advice to aspiring authors.
“Hone and polish your craft of writing,” Roby said. “Proofread and edit yourself; then find a content editor to dissect your characters and storyline to bring your story together. Copy editors will find typos, but you should also hire a proofreader. If you self-publish your book, like I did for my first book, use four-color processing – if possible – for a more professional look. The paper will be thicker and opaque, instead of thin white paper like many self-published books. Invest the money to make your product look professional,” she advised.
“Learn the science of publishing,” Roby continued. “Learn everything you could possibly learn about publishing, and sharpen your marketing skills, which are a big part of the process. You can’t just write and that’s it. Also, it’s important to have a website in addition to social media and email marketing through a program like Constant Contact. Think of fun ways to get the word out about your work, like contests and giveaways. And, allow people to sign up to receive free promotions,” she said.
Then, Roby shared her story and how she rose from a self-published writer to a New York Times best-selling author. She attributed GOD, her husband Will, and her mother for their support and backing along the way.
By the time Roby took center stage at Bookstock the following day, library employees felt as though they had a new friend. I was especially inspired because – little did I know – Roby started working in city government also before she took the leap of faith into a professional writing career. After this presentation, I felt encouraged, empowered, and motivated to make my dreams “realities” as well. What an amazingly impactful Bookstock this year!
By: Marcey Wright
marceywright@marceywrite.com