Might my book have wide appeal?
Who knows? I hope it might but, unless it gets some regional and national attention, I will never know. As Wayne Gretzky once said, "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take."
Without a marketing firm or any marketing expertise, I am attempting to "get the word out" as best I can. I struggle a bit with social media, but try to stay active (without being overly self-promoting) on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Doximity, and Twitter.
It's a difficult balance! Self-promotion doesn't come easily to me and I don't want to annoy people.
I also realize that the book won't be "new" for very long. I already missed some deadlines for submissions since I was not aware that the periodicals (like the New York Times) want marketing materials and a pdf of the entire book three months before release. I learned that little fact the day after the book came out. *sigh*
So, here is where things stand. If you have other ideas or contacts, please let me know.
BOOK READINGS:
I will have my first neighborhood gathering this coming week to read selections and talk about the process of creating a book. Thanks to organizer and friend, Mariann!
I am honored to be the annual MCW Medical Humanities Lecturer on November 16, 2021 at noon CST. I will provide a link, when available.
I will be a Visiting Professor and give Grand Rounds for the Johns Hopkins University Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery on March 14, 2022 at 5:00 EST. More details to follow.
I will be a Visiting Professor and give Grand Rounds for the Creighton University Department of Surgery on April 8, 2022. More details to follow.
I am connecting with other opportunities to read at local book clubs and libraries.
PODCASTS:
I will be interviewed for two podcasts in the coming weeks. I will post links after the interviews:
The Short Coat Podcast from the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
The Podcast by KevinMD by Kevin Pho, MD
I have had initial contact with:
The Surgical Palliative Care Podcast by Red Hoffman, MD
HERE'S HOPING:
Copies of the book are on their way to several potential reviewers and interviewers whom I respect, read, and to which I listen, including:
WBUR - Here & Now
NPR's Book of the Day
An NPR arts, entertainment, and cultural trends reporter
WHYY - Fresh Air
WUWM - Lake Effect
I also submitted on line inquiries to other outlets, including:
So, that's where things stand! I look forward to discussing the book, the process, and the opportunities.