Monday, April 24, 2006


In The News
Angela Henry


The Harvard Crimson is reporting that author Kaavya Viswanathan, the Harvard sophmore who received a whopping $500, 000 advance for her debut novel, How Opal Mehta Got Kissed, Got Wild, and Got a Life, when she was just seventeen, has been accused of plagiarism. Seems seven passages of Viswanathan's book show similarities in style and language to Sloppy Firsts and Second Helpings, two books by author Megan McCafferty. Hmm. Should be interesting to see how this all plays out and what impact it will have on the publishing industry. I do, however, believe that things like this can happen unconsciously, which is why I keep my leisure reading at a minimum when I'm working on a book.

According to a survey of 200 published authors, done by marketing company RainToday.com, the internet is the most effective way to promote a book. Being featured in trade magazines was second while traditional book signings weren't listed high at all, surprise surprise. I do very few book store signings. Maybe I'm shooting myself in the foot but I just can't see how sitting at a table with a silly grin on my face, getting asked the way to the restroom, being asked about other authors books, and selling maybe a half a dozen books or less, is going to help me. I much prefer library events, and conventions. I do use the internet extensively when promoting my books. I'm even contemplating putting up a page at this popular site. I hear it's not just for teens looking to make new "friends". We'll see.

5 comments:

Author Patricia Pickett said...

I received my book....
Thank You!!!!!
I can't wait to get into it...
I'll leave my review here and on Amazon when I'm done..
Again thank you for being so sweet and generous..

Anonymous said...

You're welcome! I hope you enjoy it ; ).

Author Patricia Pickett said...

I too will not read while I am in the midst of writing...and btw. My space is a very good promotional tool.. I know a few authors that have a page there and their book sales have gotten better since..Have a great weekend!

Writer said...

The Internet is definitely a great way to promote. I agree with you that booksignings may not be the best thing. Libraries are great. One of the things that has worked for me is always having cards or postcards available because on any given day, in any given place, you can meet someone, strike up a conversation, and your book will come up. Giving the people I meet something about my work has been a great promotional tool.

Anonymous said...

Dakota,

Hey, your book sounds really good! Can't wait until it comes out so I can read it. And I agree. I make sure and keep business cards and bookmarks on me at all times. Got caught too many times without something to hand out when the subject of my book has come up. Haven't done postcards yet but I'm going to get some made before my new book comes out.

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