Ted Fuller of Lafayette, Calif., writes:
“Thanks to you and Paulette Ensign, the Tips Booklet Queen, I have completed my first two booklets.
“‘The Best Ideas Yet About Aging Successfully is 16 pages, and ‘Tips for Writing a Great Memoir is 12 pages. Now comes the grind of contacting book and gift store distributors, retirement home companies, and other organizations serving seniors.
“Any suggestions on how one gets these charming publications publicized so the purchasing departments seek me out with their orders?”
Many retired seniors have the time to spend on Facebook, Twitter, and especially LinkedIn. Build a Facebook page and promote via other social media sites.
Hi, Carrollyn:
Thanks for the suggestion. I’ll bite the bullet and get involved in Facebook, etc., although it seems way out of my league.
Ted
Don’t forget churches.
It shouldn’t be too expensive to send actual samples to a few of the places mentioned earlier. An emailing list would help greatly also.
Many thanks, Berg. I hadn’t thought about churches, but quite a few in this area have programs for seniors. Heck,I could even throw in a talk about memoir writing.
Appreciate your response.
Ted
Ted,
Right now you want to spread the word! Allot a certain amount of your newly written booklets and make like Santa and give them away for free. Also, start giving talks with a buy 2 get 2 free.
People like generosity, especially during these economic times and your message will end up where it needs to get. Believe it with all of your heart.
Mary Jane Hurley Brant
Hi, Mary Jane Hurley Brant:
Many thanks for the helpful suggestions. I’ve been handing out some copies, but hadn’t thought of the 2 plus
2 idea. Perhaps some of the senior centers will let me give a talk on memoir writing.
Ted
As a six time booklet author and someone who has had a deal for 600,000 copies on the line, let me just say that you can’t wait for them to come to you. You need to go to them!
Good luck!
Kim Hillman
Hi, Kim Hillman:
Thanks for your suggestion. I’ve written a first letter with samples to companies operating assisted living facilities and retirement homes, and it’s time for a follow-up. Also contacting chains that operate gift shops and bookstores. Looks like it takes persistence.
Appreciate your good wishes.
Ted
How about giving away a few copies at a “community” type organization… like a church, where the word can spread within and then move outward?
Hi, Darvin:
Thanks for the suggestion. I hadn’t included churches on my list, and many in this area have programs for seniors. Maybe I could give them a talk on memoir writing.
Ted
I’m waiting for a copy of “Seniors Acting Up” to try on the seniors group that I facilitate. Hoping they respond well to it.
I do too, George. Good luck!
“Sunday School Revalations” was the only thing in the book that I can use. The 0ther scripts are for seniors who may fancy themselves as actors or actresses but do not meet the needs of my seniors for maximum participation. Abbot and Costello routines can be presented by anybody in the group and we’ve had fun with selections from “Disorder in the Court”. I need more scripts that anybody can participate in. Memorize lines? No way. Coustuming? No way. And being old is real, accepted but not funny or cute.