When I published my first novel for Avon (THE LILY AND THE SWORD) I was very enthusiastic in my self promotion. Looking back now I think I just wanted to feel I was in control of my career, even though I knew Avon were a great publisher publicity-wise. 

I spent money on banners and spotlights on websites.  I had bookmarks printed, and sent out hundreds and hundreds of my covers and letters to booksellers.  I invested in a website and ran contests. Now, all of this was very expensive. I'm sure it had some results.  In fact, I have made friends in the romance community I am sure I would never otherwise have made, but after six books I don't do all that much self promotion any more. 

I think if you have a publisher who is willing to publicise your books then they are able to reach far more readers than you ever will! Having said that, I think it is important to have a website where readers can go and read about your books--in fact publishers prefer you to have a website and emphasize it in their own publicity. It doesn't have to be the flashiest website around, as long as it gives basic information and is easy to navigate.

Other than that, my main focus is on writing the best book I can possibly write. Really, that is what all writers need to do. You can have the best publicity machine in the world, but if you aren't backing it up with good books then you will eventually fail.

We asked Sara some specific questions about producing a newsletter for her readers/subscribers.

I do write a Newsletter, usually as a Heads Up for readers who want to know when my book will be in the shops. I also add any news I might have about future books and what I am currently writing. 

My newsletter list is not huge, around 800. When I first started it I signed up everyone who had ever entered my contests, and it got to around 2,000. But I soon discovered that most of them weren't interested in my books at all. Now I only sign up those visitors to my website who specifically request I do so. I know that these readers are the ones who genuinely want to hear about my books, true fans. It also saves me time having to unsubscribe people who shouldn't be there in the first place. 

At this stage I prefer not to have a newsletter on yahoo or one of the other commercial sites. Although it takes time to do it all myself, I allow for that. Apart from the promotional reasons, I believe my newsletter helps me to feel closer to my readers. Let's face it, writing is a lonely job and if there's a way to connect with your readers then you should do it.

Biographical Profile on Sara Bennett

I am an Australian, and before I began writing for Avon I wrote for the Australian mainstream market--I still do, sometimes, when I have time. I have been writing romance for so long I can't remember when I started. I've always been a dreamy person with a rich fantasy life, and I suppose it was inevitable that I would write it down. I'm just so grateful someone is willing to publish what I write. I have written six books for Avon, my latest being LESSONS IN SEDUCTION, the first book in a sexy Victorian trilogy. I am also working on a Paranormal series, which I hope to see on the bookshelves in 2006.

More About Sara Bennett

You can find out more about Sara by going direct to www.sara-bennett.com/bio.html.  

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