September 5, 2019 7:50 am
I could not be more excited to celebrate my brand-new picture book KARATE KID on Tara’s blog. We all know she loves a good celebration.
KARATE KID introduces readers to karate in a fun and engaging way with an emphasis on how karate can increase confidence. The simple, measured, and meditative text is complemented by playful yet instructive illustrations by Mark Chambers.
I’ve learned a lot in the last few months about launching a book in the age of social media…and about myself. So, I thought I’d share some thoughts from my experience.
My good friend Eva Natiello and I discuss writing and book promotion often. She is a self-published, New York Times best-selling author, so she knows a thing or two about reviews, pre-sales, and also finding angles to market a project.
Beginning in January, she started asking me what my thoughts were for promoting KARATE KID. I said I was going to reach out to some local bookstores, schools, and probably do a blog tour. She asked, “but what are you doing before the book comes out—on social media?” I said I hadn’t thought about it much yet. She then told me about an idea she had—find some karate students who are willing to dress up as Karate Kid and film them doing some of the techniques featured in the book. Then promote the book by using the videos on social media. I loved the idea. BUT. I dismissed it. I didn’t have the time. Where would I find kids who did Karate, would agree to dress up, and whose parents would be okay with me sharing all the videos?
I was talking to another friend of mine, the award-winning author, Laura Sassi, and she told me about her neighbor, James, who loves karate. Laura said she’d ask James’ mom if she’d let him be the star of the videos. Turns out James and his mom loved the idea. I was still skeptical. How would we dress him up? How would we film? I don’t have time. Laura and Eva persisted.
When Laura confirmed a date with James and his mom to film, I really had no more excuses. This was happening. I needed to get moving. One night, I went to Michaels and AC Moore with another friend. I had no idea how we would dress James to look like Karate Kid so I bought a lot of items. After much trial and error, for the horns we used a head band, model magic, and pipe cleaners. For the hooves, we used old socks cut and re-sewn, and for the arms and legs, we used fuax fur. Finally, we McGyvered a goatee by cutting and taping and reconfiguring a few stick-on mustaches.
While planning for the video Eva and Laura reminded me that I needed specific hashtags. I decided on #KarateConfidence and #KarateKidTheBook. The day of the shoot the weather was beautiful. With just an iPhone, the help of friends, and a patient and talented young Karate student, James, the filming went off without a hitch.
Next, I had to edit the footage with iMovie, which I hadn’t used in years. After a few mis-starts, slowly but surely the clips came together. I asked James to do some additional audio recordings since the audio from the filming wasn’t loud enough. I was able to layer that in seamlessly (well probably not seamlessly).
Two of the videos are below, so you can see (hear) for yourself.
With the videos at the core of the social media campaign, I also searched for goat jokes, karate quotes, and articles to post throughout the weeks leading up to the book birthday. I even made myself a calendar and designed some posts on Canva.
I’m not sure how effective the campaign has been in how many books were sold because of the social media, but I’m really glad I did it. I stepped way out of my comfort zone. (I’m really uncomfortable promoting myself and my work.) I realized I actually enjoy creating videos and images for posts. In addition, connecting with teachers and parents from across the country has been a real highlight. Below are the four main lessons I learned (or was reminded of) from this process:
To celebrate KARATE KID’s birthday and all that I’ve learned, I’m extending the social media campaign with a new focus. Starting today, I’m beginning the #IAmAKarateKid campaign—kids and adults can send in pictures or words describing how they are a Karate Kid—someone with confidence and focus—someone who embodies the discipline and respect which is at the heart of karate.
So, if you are, or know of someone who is a Karate Kid, tweet, post to Instagram, or to my author Facebook page. Remember to use #KarateConfidence and #IAmAKarateKid. One person will receive a signed book and some awesome swag. If the winner is a teacher or a student, I will also do a free SKYPE visit. Kiya!!!
Rosanne L. Kurstedt, Ph.D. has been an educator for over 20 years. She’s been an elementary school teacher, staff developer, administrator, adjunct professor, literacy coach, curriculum writer, and most importantly an advocate for children and teachers. She is a co-author of Teaching Writing with Picture Books as Models (Scholastic, 2000) and author of the 100+ Growth Mindset Comments series (Newmark Learning, 2019) for grades K-6. She is currently the Associate Director of READ East Harlem/Hunter College and is so excited about the launch of her new picture book KARATE KID (Running Press Kids)—on sale September 3, 2019.
Finally, she is the founder and president of The Author Experience, a 501(c)(3) organization committed to the transformative power of sharing stories. In collaboration with students, families and educators, The Author Experience provides sustainable experiences that build a culture of literacy—one that elevates connections and delivers lasting impact. Please check us out at http://www.theauthorexperience.org and become a part of the story!
Rosanne can be found on Twitter and Instagram @rlkurstedt and on Facebook @rlkurstedtauthor.
Posted by Tara Lazar
Categories: Picture Books
Tags: Karate Kid, Mark Chambers, Rosanne L. Kurstedt
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This is a fabulous SM idea and it give me confidence that I w/limited skills could comp w/a fun iMovie, too. I like how you promoted the book w/out lots of “me?me/me” as the focus. I like how you’ve transformed that campaign now to spotlight the theme using readers’ quotes and pics. Brilliant. Congrats.
By Kathy Halsey on September 5, 2019 at 8:04 am
Thanks.
By rlkurstedt on September 8, 2019 at 9:02 am
I’m so glad you mentioned your discomfort with social sharing before the book launch! Although it’s important, most of us writers feel uncomfortable doing it and think it’d take too much time, but it’s TOTALLY worth it. Congratulations on your new book!! Thanks so much for sharing. 😄
By BrookeVS on September 5, 2019 at 8:56 am
Thanks. I really did learn a lot.
By rlkurstedt on September 8, 2019 at 9:02 am
Thank you for sharing and so glad you were nudged along the way! Karate Kid is so clever and has a great message. I think martial arts are an awesome way to teach kids discipline and self-respect.
By danielledufayet on September 5, 2019 at 9:15 am
It really is. Both of my kids did TaeKwonDo
By rlkurstedt on September 8, 2019 at 9:03 am
great post. And you’re never too old to be a “karate kid”. After all the kicks and katas, the thing that sticks with me most is the respect – for yourself and others – and the mind-body connection.
By Sue Heavenrich on September 5, 2019 at 9:36 am
Totally
By rlkurstedt on September 8, 2019 at 9:03 am
Congratulations, Rosanne! You make the SM campaign look like fun. I love the extension of #IAmAKarateKid. Can’t wait to see what people do with it. 🙂
By Mary Worley on September 5, 2019 at 9:42 am
Looking forward to seeing you.
By rlkurstedt on September 8, 2019 at 9:04 am
What a great post. Can’t wait to get my copy of karates kid. Congrats Roseanne!
By Michele Prestininzi on September 5, 2019 at 10:10 am
Thanks Michelle.
By rlkurstedt on September 8, 2019 at 9:04 am
Congrats on the book launch, Roseane. I love the videos!
By Arlene Schenker on September 5, 2019 at 10:15 am
Thanks. James was a great Karate Kid.
By rlkurstedt on September 8, 2019 at 9:04 am
Kudos to Rosanne for stepping out of her comfort zone and creating a media success. Congratulations on your book!
By Dee Knabb on September 5, 2019 at 10:31 am
Thanks.
By rlkurstedt on September 8, 2019 at 9:05 am
Such a cute model!
By Kassy Keppol on September 5, 2019 at 11:05 am
Thanks.
By rlkurstedt on September 8, 2019 at 9:06 am
These videos are adorable. Congratulations, Rosanne!
By marlainawrites on September 5, 2019 at 11:40 am
Thanks.
By rlkurstedt on September 8, 2019 at 9:06 am
what an awesome post! Thanks for sharing. You do have awesome friends.
By Carole Calladine on September 5, 2019 at 12:08 pm
I’m so grateful and appreciative.
By rlkurstedt on September 8, 2019 at 9:07 am
How awesome to stretch yourself by stepping out of your comfort zone! Not a welcoming task and you did it with gratitude. Congratulations on your upcoming book and your courage to promote on social media. The cyberworld is vast, yet it looks like you’re “orbiting” in the best space for your book. Sending you inspiration and energy for continued success…
By marshaelyn on September 5, 2019 at 2:27 pm
You’re so kind. Thank you.
By rlkurstedt on September 8, 2019 at 9:07 am
This is a great book for kids who are in Karate classes to receive as a gift and show to others.
By Sheri Radovich on September 5, 2019 at 2:49 pm
I think so too.
By rlkurstedt on September 8, 2019 at 9:08 am
Love it! Great videos! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
By Sheri Dillard on September 5, 2019 at 3:47 pm
Glad you liked the videos.
By rlkurstedt on September 8, 2019 at 9:11 am
Fun with great advice!
By Linda Mitchell on September 5, 2019 at 8:13 pm
Thanks.
By rlkurstedt on September 8, 2019 at 9:11 am
You (and your team!) did a GREAT job with the videos!
By Dawn Prochovnic on September 5, 2019 at 8:25 pm
Important note that is was a team effort.
By rlkurstedt on September 8, 2019 at 9:08 am
What a fun idea to promote the book. Baaaa!
By Mirka on September 5, 2019 at 9:03 pm
Thanks.
By rlkurstedt on September 8, 2019 at 9:08 am
I love the title’s play on words and the great social media tips. Thanks for sharing.
By Sara Fajardo on September 6, 2019 at 6:15 am
Thanks.
By rlkurstedt on September 8, 2019 at 9:10 am
Thank you so much for sharing your journey!
By Darcee Freier on September 6, 2019 at 10:33 am
Thanks for reading.
By rlkurstedt on September 8, 2019 at 9:09 am
These videos are adorable and I’m glad you tried the uncomfortable, Rosanne. It really payed off.
By David McMullin on September 6, 2019 at 10:46 am
Thanks. It’s something I need to continually remind myself of.
By rlkurstedt on September 8, 2019 at 9:10 am
Congratulations, Rosanne. The videos are wonderful and such a creative way to connect readers to your book.
By Lisa Riddiough on September 6, 2019 at 12:01 pm
I thought so. Thanks.
By rlkurstedt on September 8, 2019 at 9:09 am
A much needed book for both boys and girls.
By kathydoherty1 on September 6, 2019 at 1:34 pm
I hope people enjoy it.
By rlkurstedt on September 8, 2019 at 9:06 am
What a fun book idea! My 2nd grader and preschooler both do tae kwon do and love it, so I can testify that martial arts can be really good for children.
By Teresa Traver on September 7, 2019 at 3:43 pm
My kids did Tae Kwon Do also.
By rlkurstedt on September 8, 2019 at 9:05 am
So creative, in all aspects!!! Great job! 🙂
By seschipper on September 7, 2019 at 9:03 pm
Thanks.
By rlkurstedt on September 8, 2019 at 9:05 am
Wonderful! Love the title and the pictures! Congratulations!
By Angie on September 9, 2019 at 1:26 pm
What a creative way to promote your book! Thanks for sharing.
By Sandy Perlic on September 9, 2019 at 11:46 pm
Thank you, Roseanne. This gave me the push I needed to get on social media! Your film clip is priceless! I’m imagining what fun James had being a part of this!
By Mary York on September 14, 2019 at 12:49 pm
I love this post! Marketing projects (like going to the gym!) are hard to get started but so rewarding once you do! Thanks for sharing! Looking forward to reading your book!
By kcareywrites on September 16, 2019 at 10:03 am
Kapow! Way to knock ’em out with a great marketing plan:)
By Lauri Meyers on October 15, 2019 at 2:18 pm