Facebook

All of the columns on the subject speak about using social networking sites to promote your book.  For me, at this point, that means Facebook.  One column speaks about working your way up from 5,000 contacts on Myspace. Let's just say we are not quite talking about those kind of numbers right now. I can say, however, that the process of reaching out on Facebook has been rewarding in unexpected ways.

I'm finding that by contacting old friends I am able to let many of them know that the storm is past.  I think these people knew there were some dark days, and maybe they are relieved to know I'm trying to crack jokes about them.  They are also a group of people who might actually buy the book or even tell other people about it.  The experts talk about putting together a "list," a mailing list, a list of past customers, people to keep informed of your progress.  These are all good people to have on board.

Hope is definitely good at this point.  It is helpful to remember that most creative endeavors start out slow.  The Marx Brothers brought their act from one back water Southern town to another, sometimes without enough money for train fare, for years, before they ever worked for R.K.O.

At the very least, so far, the marketing has been a social process, a process of reaching out, and that is all to the good.