So, what are the rest of us up to while the book is being proofed? Marketing tasks of all sorts! (It’s becoming a theme around here.) Abbey and I met with Sean last week to talk through some of the plans we have for the book’s launch. Sean is in the process of putting together a book tour: he will drive from Oregon to Wisconsin—where he already has a couple of readings lined up—stopping at various venues along the way to share his story. Since Sean is so well-connected, he’s been able to take care of planning most of the details regarding these readings.

Meanwhile, those of us at Ooligan who are handling all things WBW-related are working to support him by doing some research and outreach. We are making lists of bookstores in the cities he plans to read in, as well as compiling a list of media outlets (such as newspapers, radio and news stations) he will be near during his travels. Once this research is done, we will contact bookstores to encourage them to stock a few copies of Sean’s book and send pitches or event announcements to local media sources in order to spread the word about his readings.

The marketing work we are doing now—sending galleys to reviewers, helping Sean with his tour, media outreach, and so on—is all about building momentum toward the book’s official publication. Sometimes the individual tasks seem small (“What effect can reaching out to this one bookstore have?” someone might ask), but each of these efforts are an important part of establishing familiarity and excitement about the book.

Until next week,
Laurel