AT RANDOM

Driving Book Sales through Promotions and Public Relations

by Linn Random

A couple of years ago, I was at the Southeastern Booksellers Convention and was standing behind a nice lady who was "all over the board" trying to tell two national radio hosts about her book and why she should be on their show.

She was excited. She tried to describe scenes and how unique her book was because of the conflict between hero and heroine. I watched the Radio hosts’ eyes glaze over because they couldn't follow her long rambling story. When she was finished, it was clear they had no idea what her book was about nor did I.

Understand, I am not poking fun at this author but she didn't take the time to figure out the High Concept or what is sometimes called the Unique Concept for her book.

A High Concept is how to describe your book to someone in seven words or less.

I knew how to do this. I followed this lady whose book was probably just as good as mine and gave my own High Concept and in a few short words hosts "got it” and instantly asked me to appear on their show.

The High Concept originated with publishers’ representatives who had only seconds to describe a new book to a bookseller. When meeting with a bookseller the publisher representative will show the bookseller the cover of your book and spend 14 seconds talking about it. These few seconds determine the fate of your book appearing on the store’s bookshelves or not, so you can see why developing a High Concept is tremendously important for book presentations.

The Marketing Team caught on to the Publisher’s Representatives technique of presenting a book simply and quickly and began utilizing the High Concept in any number of marketing venues.

Using three of my novels as examples, here are my High Concepts:

Lights, Camera. Murder! -----A reality show that needs a real CSI.

Pirates in Paradise------Miami Vice on a Romantic Midnight Run

Your Cheatin Hearts-----A Lucille Ball Comedy with a twist of Magnum P.I.

Okay, by giving my High Concept on each book, you know what my books are about.

Having a unique concept will serve you whenever you have to explain your book to a book seller, newspaper reporter, reader, etc. It allows the person you are presenting to, to not only ask more but the right questions that will garner book sales.

To develop your own unique concept, think the amount of words on a Billboard Sign, seven words or less. Describe your novel with a few quick easy words to say and if you can draw popular themes. Make it catchy and memorable.

When thinking of your High Concept; think of something that tells your story quickly. In two of my books I referenced movies, in the other two; I used a combination of TV shows to illustrate my point.

Your High Concept can also be used on bookmarkers and on your website and with a multitude of endless uses including on your email signature line.

If you don’t have a High Concept, have fun developing your own.

A High Concept is an important part of book promotion whether explaining it to a reader, reporter or publisher during that very first presentation.

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About Linn Random:

Linn Random’s name is synonomous with spine- tingling suspense, action packed excitement and characters that sparkle with intensity and emotion. Her novels are fresh with multi-layered plots that that will leave you breathless.

After college, Linn worked at Walt Disney World Marketing. She also worked for two international advertising agencies. Her responsibilities included all phases of advertising from developing media campaigns, trade shows, brochures and all facets of public relations for her clients. In the middle nineties she was Executive Vice-President of a major Internet Company and became involved in all aspects of advertising and promotion on the World Wide Web, finally serving as National Director of an International Advertising Company.

Writing became a full time occupation which has resulted in her winning two International Addy Awards. Linn developed, coordinates all aspects of Public Relations campaign and strategy to include Copy Writing, Event Planning, Media Kits & Relations, Rolling Press Tours, & Trade Shows.

Linn is a prominent national speaker and has been featured in interviews both in print and radio, including the U.S. Department of Commerce. Her topic was International Advertising and Marketing. Her memberships include: Mystery Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, Sisters in Crime, Romance Writers of America, KOD, the American College of Forensic Examiners, Central Florida Search and Rescue. Five of her novels have been acquired by Arte Films & Sanibel Entertainment.

Today, Linn Random lives with her family in Central Florida. For more information about Linn Random, visit her website at: www.LinnRandom.com, or e-mail her at: LinnRandom@earthlink.net.

Look for another sneak peek of her upcoming book in the February issue