Third book a charm

​Blog 2-21-18
I have experienced the “Third time is a Charm” affect with my third novel, Dead Reckoning.  It began with the responses received from the query letters I sent out in search of a traditional publisher.  Of the eight query letters I sent I had positive responses from three.  One I had to decline because I did not clearly understand the nature of their publishing business.  Of the other two I had a telephone interview with one and an in person interview with the second.  After the interview I was offered a contract with Henschel Haus Publishing and of course signed on the dotted line.

In addition to publishing Dead Reckoning, Henschel Haus offered to re-publish Murphy’s Troubles and Out of Darkness with fresh book covers and a few interior changes.  They will be published in June 2018.  I couldn’t believe my good fortune.
​
​A major element of my book marketing is to attend author/book festivals and writers conferences.  When feasible I like to make presentations and have the opportunity to sell a few books.  In the past I’ve done a great deal of research and made cold proposals to as many events as possible.  In the past few years I’ve built a record and developed a number of presentations specifically designed to fit a conference and or audience.

Using this approach I’ve participated in:  Irish Book and Music Festival – Chicago; Wisconsin Book Festival; Milwaukee Irish Fest; Oshkosh Irish Fest and many others.  I have learned the art form of making proposals.

For the first time since I began publishing in 2013, this year I have been invited to present at two events:  Write, Pitch, and Publish Conference April 7th in Milwaukee and the Milwaukee Irish Fest August 17-19, 2018.

So, having the third book launched with a traditional publisher is having unexpected benefits. The third book is a charm.  I’m looking forward to receive more invitations and filling my 2018 calendar. 

---