by Ruth Spiro
I’ve spent the past few weeks in a flurry of activity, celebrating the release of my new science-themed board books, illustrated by Irene Chan. BABY LOVES AEROSPACE ENGINEERING! and BABY LOVES QUARKS! are the first two titles in the Baby Loves Science series, published by Charlesbridge. Next year they’ll be joined by two siblings, BABY LOVES THERMODYNAMICS! and BABY LOVES QUANTUM PHYSICS!
When my first picture book, LESTER FIZZ, BUBBLE GUM ARTIST, was published in 2008, my marketing plan included the tried-and-true signings, mailings and school visits. But back then, we authors had to promote our books the old-fashioned way: Barefoot, walking uphill, in the snow.
At least that’s how it seems, looking at it in the rearview mirror.
Take a minute to consider how you’d get the word out about your new book and connect with potential readers without social media.
For me, this second time around is a whole new world.
LESTER FIZZ came out in August of 2008, and I scheduled most of my launch events for September. I ordered postcards with the book cover on one side and details like the ISBN and a few blurbs on the other. I used the postcards as event invitations by printing labels with the date, time and location, affixing them to the postcards and then addressing them by hand. This required more work, but it allowed me to order a larger quantity of generic postcards I could use for multiple purposes, such as leave-behinds at conferences.
At the last minute, I decided to spring for the 5 x 7 size, which I thought would have greater visibility. Unfortunately, when I sent my first mailing I neglected to consider two important details. First, I used regular postcard stamps, not realizing the larger size required extra postage. This problem was compounded by the fact that when I designed the postcards, it hadn’t occurred to me to include a return address.
I’m not sure where those postcards ended up, but it wasn’t in my friends’ and family’s mailboxes. Ordering a larger quantity turned out to be my only smart move, because once I learned that 90% of the postcards were never delivered, I had to re-do the entire mailing. (The others arrived at their destinations postage due!)
Later that month when my schedule slowed down, I joined Facebook. Not many people I knew were using it, as it wasn’t yet a “thing” among people my age. Still, I’d been hearing about it more and more so I decided to check it out. I had fun connecting with high school friends and former colleagues, and began posting status updates. I still had two more book signings coming up in October, so I posted the details.
Surprisingly, people I hadn’t seen in years showed up, some with friends, babies, nieces and nephews in tow. Truth be told, these folks weren’t on my invitation list and would never have known about the events if I hadn’t shared them on Facebook.
Eight years later, Facebook has become an invaluable resource. It enables authors and illustrators to leverage our social networks by publicizing events, sharing links to blog posts and reviews, and connecting with fans and potential readers. Best of all, rather than blowing my promotion budget on invitations and stamps, I purchased important stuff like rocket ship cookies, airplane tattoos and astronaut ice cream!
I recall exactly how I met Tara-–on Twitter!
I had a Google Alert set for my book title (another helpful resource) and discovered her tweet:
We began following each other, I found Tara’s blog, and made a friend with similar interests halfway across the country. (Tara’s note: I love quirky LESTER FIZZ.)
In 2008 I knew very few people who were active on Twitter. The old joke was that people used it to announce what they’d eaten for breakfast. Back then, I think Twitter was still figuring out what it wanted to be when it grew up.
Ah, but Twitter is home of the hashtag.
For those still unfamiliar, and I personally know more than a few, I’ll briefly explain. Adding a “#” to the beginning of a word or phrase makes it visible to all of the 313 million active users around the world who are searching for that word or phrase. #Authors, #illustrators, #booksellers, #librarians, #bloggers, #editors, #agents and others in the #kidlit and #SCBWI community, including those interested in #picturebooks, #graphicnovels, #reading, and #literacy use hashtags to connect and see what others are discussing. Get the picture?
(People use hashtags on Facebook and Instagram too, but it all began on Twitter.)
You can share ideas and #chat with like-minded people around the world without leaving your own comfy couch. Through the years, I’ve used Twitter to “meet” hundreds of educators, librarians and booksellers. I’ve received invitations to speak at conferences, set up Skype visits with classrooms in India, Turkey and Mexico, and kept abreast of topics trending in children’s literature. When used the right way, the power of Twitter is stunning.
So, while I may have missed the boat with #bubblegum, now I can easily find people who are interested in #boardbooks, #STEM, #quarks and #aerospace. See? It’s addictive!
But wait, there’s more…
Booksellers, librarians and parents often post photos of new or favorite books, and some popular Instagram accounts have tens of thousands of followers (or more!) How cute is this photo of a little reader?
One word: Educators! If you have Educator Guides, crafts or activities to go along with your books, create a Pinterest board and pin them there. I pinned mine for Lester Fizz five years after it was published, and they’re still being “favorited” and “repinned.”
Baby Steps
In my opinion, Facebook and Twitter are the two heavy hitters. They’ve given me the biggest return on my investment of time and effort without costing a penny. But as I made a list of all the tools that didn’t exist (or weren’t as popular) only six or eight years ago, I realized just how far we’ve come. There are some resources I haven’t mentioned (LinkedIn, SnapChat, Tumblr) simply because I haven’t found them quite as useful as the others.
Keep in mind that while these social media platforms can be used for promotion, they’re also spaces for creating community. I’ve found that the most rewarding experiences come from authentic interactions, resulting in relationships that grow over time. The best part is that once you’re an active member of a community, you don’t have to promote yourself as much because others will help do it for you. Of course, this works both ways. It’s a joy to celebrate contracts and “book birthdays” of those in your community, especially when you’ve followed each other through all the ups and downs of the journey.
Thank you, Ruth, for showing us how book marketing has changed dramatically in just a few years. I personally do not know what I would do without social media because, as you know, I like to stay home in my jammies.
Ruth is giving away a signed, two-book set of BABY LOVES SCIENCE to a random commenter. How do you use all the tools we have today to spread the word about your work?
A winner will be selected soon. (I have stopped saying a particular date because I never get to it in time. Yes, I have lots of things I have to pick winners for…I PROMISE SOON.)
Ruth Spiro is a children’s book author and freelance writer. Her Baby Loves Science board book series, published by Charlesbridge, includes Baby Loves Aerospace Engineering! and Baby Loves Quarks!. The next two titles, Baby Loves Thermodynamics! and Baby Loves Quantum Physics! will be published in 2017. Also forthcoming from Dial is a new picture book series, Made by Maxine, which sold at auction in a 3-book deal. The first book is scheduled for 2018.
Ruth’s debut picture book, Lester Fizz, Bubble-Gum Artist won awards from Writer’s Digest and Willamette Writers, and was a Bank Street College of Education Best Book of the Year. Her articles and stories have appeared in FamilyFun, CHILD, and The Writer, and also in popular anthologies, notably The Right Words at the Right Time (Vol. II), edited by Marlo Thomas, and several Chicken Soup for the Soul titles. She lives in suburban Chicago.
Website: RuthSpiro.com
Twitter: @ruthspiro
Instagram: @ruthspiro
Facebook: facebook.com/RuthSpiro.Author/
42 comments
Comments feed for this article
November 15, 2016 at 12:06 pm
Traci Sorell
Great post, Ruth! Thanks for sharing how social media has helped with your book marketing. My first book doesn’t come out until 2018, but I know I need to be thinking about all of this way before then.
November 15, 2016 at 12:06 pm
Kristi Veitenheimer (@kdveiten)
Unfortunately I don’t have a published book to market yet, lol! But I am finding twitter and facebook are great place to build community.
November 15, 2016 at 12:10 pm
Dayne Sislen, Children's Book Illustrator
I love the idea for your “Baby Loves Science” books. I will look for them at my bookstore. Looks like a great shower gift and of course for my personal collection.
November 15, 2016 at 12:19 pm
Wanda Luthman
The book covers are so cute! Congratulations on all your success! I use FB and Twitter but also I blog. I’m trying to be more consistent with that, but I love “meeting” people through these platforms. It’s truly amazing to know people all over the world. Thanks for sharing!
November 15, 2016 at 12:23 pm
Lynne Marie
Great books, Ruth — and so important to expose little ones to great ideas. Thanks Tara and Ruth!
November 15, 2016 at 12:29 pm
Lori Alexander
I’ve seen your board books mentioned all over the internet so your marketing plan is working! Thanks for the tips and best of luck on the next two Baby Loves Science books 🙂
November 15, 2016 at 12:30 pm
Angela Turner
I am so anxious to read the Baby Loves Science books. As a science teacher I want to get my grandkids off on a good science start.
November 15, 2016 at 12:35 pm
Michelle R. Eastman
Ruth-Your books look adorable. Although my guy is too big for board books, I still love them! Thanks,Tara, for sharing Ruth’s tips and tricks for managing, and creating a presence, on social media.
November 15, 2016 at 12:43 pm
laurameressa
These books look great! Can’t wait to check them out! Congrats!
November 15, 2016 at 12:44 pm
Katie Giorgio
What fun…thanks for sharing!
November 15, 2016 at 12:55 pm
Jacqueline
I can’t wait to see how you tackled quarks and aerospace engineering in board books! I also found Tara through Twitter, but I could definitely make better use of it by following your hashtag advice. Thanks!
November 15, 2016 at 1:14 pm
mariagianferrari
Thanks, Ruth! I’m probably one of the few people not on twitter. I don’t know if I can bear to join something else, especially now. I do have an unused Pinterest account, so maybe I’ll explore that… Congrats on your books!
November 15, 2016 at 1:16 pm
kathydoherty1
Thanks for the advice, Ruth! I love books that bring science alive in fresh new ways! Congratulations!
November 15, 2016 at 1:21 pm
Lindsay Hanson Metcalf
I absolutely LOVE the concept for these Baby Loves books and wish I had thought of it first! I am not the best at using social media but am attempting to make more connections with people. Thanks for the tip about Pinterest – I would not have considered that angle.
November 15, 2016 at 1:25 pm
Elizabeth Metz
I’ve had my eye on this series for a few months now, really hoping to be able to gift to my 6-month-old nephew for Christmas or his birthday next year. Can’t wait for your books, Ruth, and thanks so much for sharing your promoting insights.
November 15, 2016 at 1:43 pm
katrinamoorebooks
Great marketing advice! Thank you, Ruth and Tara!
November 15, 2016 at 1:49 pm
evelynchristensen
My daughter, a bio-medical engineer, has 3 little ones 4 and under, so these books would be perfect for them. Thank you for the post. I’m in the midst of trying to promote my first PB, and I’m one of those who is very unskilled in using Twitter and the #. Hoping to to learn.
November 15, 2016 at 2:04 pm
Jennifer Rumberger
These books look so fun. I just bought Baby Loves Quarks for my niece. (I know my brother, her dad, will love it!) 🙂
November 15, 2016 at 2:51 pm
Carolyn Rohrbaugh
Thanks for the advice. Your books look fun
November 15, 2016 at 3:06 pm
Genetta
What great books! Thanks, Ruth, for showing us how social media has made a difference with marketing your books!
November 15, 2016 at 3:08 pm
expressdog
What great books! My niece and nephew’s baby girls would love these! Thanks, Ruth, for explaining how social media has made a difference in marketing for you.
November 15, 2016 at 3:10 pm
Elizabeth
My husband is a scientist and our daughter is following in his footsteps. She constantly tells people, “I’m a ———– scientist!” I am so pumped to see all the baby science books and I really look forward to reading your series! Thanks:)
November 15, 2016 at 3:41 pm
Ali Pfautz
Your new series looks fantastic. Fun! And while I still haven’t gotten the hang of Twitter, FB has been my best marketing buddy for years.
November 15, 2016 at 4:12 pm
ptnozell
Such an informative post. I agree that the marketing process has changed so much thanks to social media. I’d add that twitter & Facebook are wonderful resources for the Kidlit community generally, as I’ve found so many wonderful blogs to follow, conversations to engage in, and articles shared through online connections.
November 15, 2016 at 5:46 pm
Maria Marshall
Great information. I am looking forward to finding your new series.
November 15, 2016 at 5:49 pm
danielle hammelef
I share announcements of my publishing news on Facebook and twitter as well as post cover photos of my books on Pinterest. And now I have instagram, so when my next books come out, I’ll post photos!
November 15, 2016 at 6:04 pm
Genevieve Petrillo
Besides marketing, I found my online critique group through a connection on Facebook.
November 15, 2016 at 7:08 pm
Dorina Lazo Gilmore
Love this! Thanks for the tips and reminders of how to capitalize on social media for sharing our books!
November 15, 2016 at 7:56 pm
Samara
Being new to the writing (currently working on my first children’s book), I have developed a plan for marketing with my own ideas and great research! I will use FB, IG, and Twitter for hosting giveaways and post pictured of me being active in the community and giving back. I will also use the information that you’ve shared in the blog! THANK YOU FOR THE FRESH IDEAS, you are appreciated.
Peace and Love.
November 15, 2016 at 8:44 pm
Dorothy Wiese
Great marketing ideas. I’m comfortable using Facebook. Now I just need to become published! I need to read your baby books about science. I was never particularly interested in it, and I attended elementary and high school long before quarks were discovered.
November 15, 2016 at 9:34 pm
Emmie R Werner
GREAT INFORMATION. IT IS SO ENCOURAGING HEARING EVERYONE’S STORY!!!!
November 16, 2016 at 1:59 am
Nancy Kotkin
Board books about high-level science concepts sound intriguing. I’ll be sure to check them out.
November 16, 2016 at 7:09 am
Mark Bentz
Thank you Tara and Ruth for this information.
Very helpful. Congrats Ruth on your new series, will check them out.
November 16, 2016 at 10:12 am
kathalsey
Ruth, congrats on this new series of board books. I am a FB fanatic and have begun to use twitter better. You are so right, it is all about community. TY you for sharing your publicity missteps, too, it was helpful. All the best to BABY.
November 16, 2016 at 10:39 am
Gail Hedrick
Fantastic idea for a new series-big congrats! And, thank you so much for we wimpy folks who still struggle with the amazing nuances of social media-vowing to be more brave and thank you so much for this post.
November 16, 2016 at 12:36 pm
kryanuiuc
I very much appreciated your pithy description of how you utilize these social media for not only marketing your work but as a means for developing broader and richer community relationships. Your points on these matters were crystal clear.
November 16, 2016 at 1:59 pm
Cheryl Aker
These science books for young children fascinate me!
November 16, 2016 at 4:08 pm
Kellly Vavala
It’s amazing what social media has done for authors and so many entrepreneurs today! I never stopped to think about how hard it must have been in the past to market your book. Kiddos to you for doing it the hard way and learning by your mistakes! Congrats on your published books and I wish you much success in the future! The series sounds wonderful!!
November 18, 2016 at 8:40 pm
jessicaevans915
Very cool!
November 22, 2016 at 11:55 am
Darshana
I have been waiting to read these books since I first heard about them.Congrats!
November 29, 2016 at 2:32 pm
Kassy Keppol
Thank you for the information
December 4, 2016 at 4:13 pm
Wendy Doxey
VERY helpful insights. Thank you!