I think your book is kick-ass fabulous! It is such a positive message!!! It is nice to have someone on my side, pulling for me to succeed. You believe in each of us and want us to have success in life and art as much as you do! Written as if we were having a conversation, I feel as if ArtSlut Annie is talking directly to me. It is an easy book to read, because only the important points are highlighted, each page a different topic, no fluff, only fun! The advice is such that can only come from experience and is hands-on and practical. It is common sense, but stuff I would not think of on my own.

Is there a second book coming out? I recently self-published a fictional book of my own. (Writer=artist=ArtSlut, right?) I have adapted many ideas from the Guide to Makin’ It, but can you help me with specific advice for marketing a book?

Keep up the good work!! Mmmkay???

 Would it be inappropriate for me to ask you to make out????? Just kidding! But, I love you, just the same! Thanks so much for the kind, supportive words! I’m just freakin’ thrilled, when I can help somebody with their art stuff! I actually, hope for the Art Sluts’ Guide Books to be a big fat, series that will be written in cahoots with artists of all media, so as to aid all the creative peeps. So, again- thank you. Everyone appreciates being appreciated!

 As for book marketing: Of course, I don’t know what kind of book it is & you’re welcome to write & let me know, but here’s what I do know…

If you’re marketing to a national audience, it is wise to sign up with the Radio Television Interview report. They basically, make authors available as guests on radio & television talk shows. You may likely, be amazed at how many producers need engaging guests. I have been on crap-loads of these shows. It’s a weird thing though, because it doesn’t necessarily lead to a bunch of book sales (cash), but notoriety, which may - in the long run, be more important - regardless of what is your chosen media.

Most people don’t realize that book sales, even at 15 bucks a pop, typically make doo-doo, as far as cashola goes. Of course, you can do a bit better, if you go the totally independent route & contract a printer & editor yourself, get the ISBN number, sign up in Amazon… Yada, yada, yada (& it’s a lotta yada’s), & THEN, are willing to do all the marketing yourself - the fact of the matter is, You’ll make somewhere around $1 to $3 (if you’re lucky & a hard worker) per book. So, be mindful of your real incentive here, k? The fact of the matter is, that there ain’t a dang thang wrong with being self-promotional. THAT’s your job, Honey Cakes!

Anyhoo, you’ve obviously, already done it & I sure hope you’re pleased with it. I wish you’d sent in the name (please do), along with the ISBN, etc… Everytime you mention it on the web, it helps the search engines find it.  What self-publisher did you use? Have you considered a rep or exhibiting at the stationery show in NYC? I could do with a little more info, to really help you. What’s it about? Is it a candidate for product licensing? Hmmm… You’ve piqued my curiosity.

I also recommend taking full advantage of any connections you have with local book stores- offer to do signings at them, as well as at galleries - especially, if you have your visual art on display. For long-distance retailers, offer a ‘virtual booksigning’. This is relatively easily done, for free, with Skype & people love it. You just need to make sure you & the store have Skype, video cams ($30) & monitors. Do it during an event & offer to write a press release for them about it… They LOVE that!

Carry printed, promotional bookmarks with you, everywhere you go & know that in the end - with rare exception, that books are good for establishing yourself as an authority, for vanity, dispensing knowledge… there are lots of great reasons to write a book (not the least of which is marketing), but few of them have anything to do with money. It’s a seriously tough way to make a buck - not impossible, but not likely, & most of the ’self publishing houses are kinda shysters… Again, it’s not impossible, but if you want to do it, you’ll have to make it your sole-priority & have some cash to fall back on, ’till it takes off. I gotta special friend who’s done it & what the Hay? They said nobody could make a living selling paintings, right??? If anyone can do it, you can!

 I dig the multi-dimensionality of your creativity, Doll face. If anyone can do this, you can. Just be sure to clearly define your goals & you’ll be able to reach them, I’m sure.

Now, please write me again, with the skinny on your book & I’ll be tickled pink to promote it for you. Thank you for the question. I hope my response was helpful. Where are you, btw?

Best, Barb