Author DK Simoneau of Lakewood, Colorado writes:
“I have written a children’s picture book, ‘We’re Having A Tuesday’ that focuses on the issue of divorce. It goes beyond the typical book that centers on divorce not being the child’s fault. Instead, it’s a communication tool meant to help children and adults discuss the frustrations of the ongoing lifestyle change of shuffling between two homes.
“I really believe this book needs to be out there for parents, teachers, therapists, pediatricians, and the like to bring the topic out for discussion. I’m wondering what other Hounds think might be some good ways to get the word out about this tool that could help so many children affected by this prevelent occurence in our society. I am open to ideas and suggestions.
Joan, this book sounds like it would have a terrific audience among mediators, particularly those who do divorce and post-divorce work. I’m a mediator but don’t do that particular work, and know how many times mediators get asked about good resources for their children. I’d be happy to review the book on my mediation blog, Mediator Tech, to help get the word out. The author may also wish to contact the Association for Conflict Resolution (www.acrnet.org) for advertising or promotional opportunities in e-newsletters and the quarterly magazine.
Having been through the trials and tribulations of “joint custody/joint physical placement” when my daughter was young, I know how important this issue is. The parents may need one thing while the kids need something else. For instance, the parents need to see their kids more often; the kids need more stability with less moving back and forth. There are many monthly parenting magazines and newspapers out there that would welcome “expert” articles on the topic of joint custody. I suggest you go through your book and develop a list of 10-12 articles you could write using information from the book, and then offer these articles free to the publications. Things like, “10 Ways to Make the Transition Between Homes Easier for Everyone” or “Joint Custody Holidays without Hassle: 5 Ways to Keep the Peace.” And of course, all of these articles can also be used on your website, in your blog and distributed through online news release distribution services. Always include a link to your website and an “author box” to tell about you and the book.
Lois Carter Fay
Marketing Idea Shop
http://www.MarketingIdeaShop.com
Having promoted many children’s books, I find that the regional parenting magazines are a great way to spread the word. Some will do a review or just mention the book is available, others might be interested in running the list of ideas for parents & kids as an article. Family editors at newspapers would be equally worth contacting. Parenting web sites and parenting radio shows are two other good ways to get the word out. There are lots of special “days” or “weeks” like September is Children’s Book Month, and in November there is National Children’s Book Week, and I am sure there are Divorce days, etc. Find these in Chase’s Book of Annual Events (in most library reference areas) or John Kremer’s Celebrate Today has many of these as well. These can be a hook to go out to the media to encourage them to cover the topic and book. Without knowing who all was sent a book or the release posted on her web site, it is hard to make additional recommendations. If I can be of further help, let me know.
I would recommend tying it in with news of celebrity divorces (big news with custody battle of Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown right now over their child). This idea was introduced last week in the publicity hound newsletter. It is a fact…people pay more attention if it is somehow tied in with what is happening with celebrities.
Partner with the attorneys who represent both parties in a divorce or dissolution. Suggest that they offer the book as a courtesy to their clients who have children. The attorney can include a label posted inside the book that reads something like, ‘Caring for you and your family beyond the Courtroom. John Smith, Attorney at Law, http://www.xyzlawfirm.com‘ The word will spread quickly.
County Social Services offices all over the country are staffed with social workers whose clients are dealing with these issues.
You might offer presentations to the ones within driving distance to get started, then build on endorsements from those.
You could offer free 30-minute seminars to your very specific target audience by calling your local school districts and offering the seminars to a group of parents. Then plug your book at the end of the seminar.
I agree with Lois Carter Fay’s comment. I also think you should go through your book and develop a list of 10-12 articles you could write using information from the book, and then offer these articles free to publications. But, I think you should take this one step further and promote it to online publications. Sites like About.com Parenting or Divorce section, Selfgrowth.com and many other parenting, family, self-improvement and personal development sites would would welcome “expert” articles on the topic of joint custody. The good thing about marketing on the web is that the articles are online forever, and in most cases you get an active link back to your site. Trust me, an article on a site like About.com can greatly increase your sales and give you wide exposure. A PR LEADS Article Marketing client jumped to the #2 spot on the NY Times Best Sellers List after 1 submission.
Eric Gruber
PR LEADS Article Marketing
http://www.prleads.com/article.htm