Susan Gloss Sits in the Red Velvet Guest Chair + Signed Giveaway of VINTAGE

debballguestpost

Well, hello. *Settles into red velvet guest chair* Ahh. This is comfy.

In the past few days since VINTAGE made its debut in the book world, a lot of people have asked me how they can help make the novel a success. I imagine that the other Debs get this question a lot, too. So I’ve decided to compile my suggestions into a short, simple list.

The Care & Feeding of a Debut Author

1. Buy the book. Or better yet, buy two copies. This is the obvious answer. Can’t afford to buy the books of every single one of your author friends? Don’t sweat it. See below for some other ways to help.

2. Get yourself on the “hold” list for the book at your local library. If the library sees that there’s a lot of demand for a book, they may order more copies. If your library doesn’t have the book, put in a request for it.

3. Write a review. On Amazon, preferably, even if you didn’t buy the book there. Reviews on Goodreads and Barnes & Noble help, too. It doesn’t matter if you’ve never reviewed anything, ever. Writing a review, whether good or bad, helps the author’s visibility in leaps and bounds.

4. Talk about the book. If you enjoyed it or know someone who would, recommend it to a friend, either in person or on social media. Haven’t read it yet? Add the book to your “to read” shelf on Goodreads.

5. Ask a bookstore employee where you can find the book. It doesn’t matter if you know exactly where it is located, or if you came in for something else and have no intention of buying it. Asking about a book builds buzz.

6. Read in public. If you have your hands on a paper copy of the book, read it where people can see you.

7. Wine. This will help whether the book is a success or not.

GIVEAWAY! Comment on this post by noon EDT on Friday, April 4, and you’ll be entered to win a signed hardcover copy of VINTAGE. Follow The Debutante Ball on Facebook and Twitter for extra entries—just mention that you did so in your comments. We’ll choose and contact the winner on Friday. Good luck!

And, for anyone who has purchased a copy of VINTAGE, Susan is running a Glamorous Vintage Giveaway for a package of vintage-themed goodies over on her blog.

Author: Susan Gloss

Susan Gloss is the author of the novel VINTAGE (William Morrow/HarperCollins, March 2014). When she's not writing, toddler wrangling, or working as an attorney, she blogs at Glossing Over It and curates an online vintage store, Cleverly Curated.

20 Replies to “Susan Gloss Sits in the Red Velvet Guest Chair + Signed Giveaway of VINTAGE”

  1. Great column, full of good, easy-to-follow advice. I like books by women so much, and want more people, especially men, to read them, so last summer I started a blog dedicated to literary fiction by women authors. Can I repost this article to help spread the good word? It will be a good plug for The Debutante Ball and the six authors behind it. By the way, I discovered TDB through Natalia Sylvester on Twitter. And “Chasing the Sun” is on my night table waiting its turn. Best of luck with “Vintage,” Susan!

  2. Good luck with the launch of VINTAGE. I will definitely ask the library to order a copy if they don’t have it already. I cannot tell you how much I admire writers who, like yourself, have children, a job AND write a book – it’s amazing…The next time I go to town I’ll also ask our one and only bookstore if they have it. It’s sad, but our small village independent book stores have closed, people seem to buy their books at supermarkets and Wal Mart! They sure don’t sell my favourite authors there! Again, I wish you a bestseller…

  3. What a wonderful book Vintage is. Everything that I enjoy, appreciate and love in a novel you have captured perfectly. Congratulations and best wishes.

  4. I love this post! What a gracious way to let people know how they can help. I should print out a copy and hand it out to friends (what am I saying?! Email and FB works too)!

  5. I agree with all your suggestions and as a reader, they are fun to do on our side too. A good book becomes my friend, one I can happily talk up to others!
    PS: I already follow DB on twitter and FB.

  6. Congratulations on the release of your book, Susan!!! I saw this on facebook – I don’t remember who had posted on it. It sounds like a fantastic book! I will be putting this right on my reading list and hope to read it very soon – after I finish the 10 books I’m currently reading 😉

    I hope you’re doing well 🙂

    Kim

    1. Sorry about the comment about 10 books. It was meant to be funny, but after reading it again, I think it may come off as being a bit tactless. I am indeed looking forward to reading your book.
      Kim

  7. Dear Susan: I was in a vintage clothing store the other day, wondering who had worn the clothes before. When I return to the store, I’ll probably find myself wondering about the owners, why they chose to buy the store and how their own lives are affected by their transactions with customers. Thanks for the “food for thought”. Ellen

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