Marketing can be a drag for
writers, it can feel so self-promotional. And it requires a lot of time. But
with the notion that good teamwork makes any effort easier (and more fun), author
Shannon Wiersbitzky, (WHAT FLOWERS REMEMBER), developed a plan. Pull together
several authors with books that share a common thread, and join forces to
spread the word.
The common thread for
#MGGetsReal? Each of the books tackles a tough topic in a way appropriate for
Middle Grade readers.
The participating authors
are:
·
Shannon
Wiersbitzky—WHAT FLOWERS REMEMBER (Alzheimer’s)
·
Kathleen
Burkinshaw – THE LAST CHERRY BLOSSOM, (Hiroshima)
·
Joyce Moyer
Hostetter—COMFORT, (War Trauma)
·
Kerry O’Malley
Cerra—JUST A DROP OF WATER, (9/11)
·
Shannon
Hitchcock—RUBY LEE & ME, (School Integration)
#MGGetsReal will blitz
social media for the month of August, 2016.
Our marketing plan consists
of:
1. Developing a unique hashtag for the
effort. We chose #MGGetsReal.
2. Developing "group ads" for
social media.
3. Posting to social media 3x week for the
month of August in a way that highlights all five books.
4. Writing for two blogs not our own,
(seeking blogs with national exposure where possible).
5. Retweeting using the hashtag
#MGGetsReal.
6. Seeking to engage teachers/librarians.
7. Featuring other writers on our own blogs
if applicable.
8. Reading/writing reviews for each book.
9. Developing a video that highlights all
five books.
We’re
counting on teachers, librarians, and fellow SCBWI members to help spread the
word. Here’s how you can be an ally:
1. Consider reading and reviewing the
aforementioned books.
2. Retweet using the hashtag #MGGetsReal.
3. Share posts on Facebook.
4. Host one of the authors on your own
blog.
#MGGetsReal
is a marketing experiment. Help us make it a successful one!
