Me & My Publisher Marketing

Publishing misstep # 1: Having a belief that poetry is written for friends and colleagues ONLY and one doesn't need to "market." (Please poetry gods & goddesses forgive me for using such a term in the same breath as the word poetry)

Publishing misstep # 2: Thinking "marketing" is a dirty word and therefore having no marketing plan or budget. It's poetry after all.

Publishing misstep # 3: I mean, do you (I) want an audience or not?

Publishing misstep # 4: Having too many questions about getting the book into readers hands, and not enough answers from my self and my publisher. (I love my publisher. I take full responsibility for all here-to-fore written about missteps.)

Publishing misstep # 5: Not having enough money for the book and not being clear about the little money we did have for it.

Publishing misstep # 6: Not realizing (at the time) that creating buzz and an audience and any promo or marketing for my book is all up to me, myself & I!!

Publishing misstep # 7: Not giving enough readings around the time the book came out.

Publishing misstep # 8: Not having (making) enough time around the time the book came out to give readings and travel for them.

Publishing misstep # 9: Listing too many publishing missteps.

Publishing misstep # 10: That's enough missteps. Goodnight.