Florence Williams and the panelists were telegenic at their early morning event, talking about their book experiences. One publisher asked Michael Kodas how telegenic he was, during the book proposal process. Michael recommends saving goos photos and clips of yourself for marketing.
Elizabeth Grossman, herself formerly an agent, doesn't use one now. she's noticed the disappearance of independent bookstores and newspaper book review sections that used to be mainstays of marketing. She and other writers on the panel succeeded by identifying interest groups that would be their core readers and contacting them directly. Her book, High Tech Trash, was in demand by recycling industry groups, among others.
Advances are smaller and marketing budgets nonexistent. Joe Roman keeps his day job teaching and doing research. Speaking honoraria contribute to his income. The others spoke to groups usually for free or small fees to get the word out.
Lizzie Grossman supplemented her advance with grants. She scoured resources and other writers' scknowledgements for possible sources. Her advice: Leave no stone unturned, and Must be present to win.
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