One of the most important insights I gained as a fundraiser over the past forty years was to ask for money at the right time. It’s the #1 reason people give. People may care about an organization’s mission and even participate in organizational activities, but most won't contribute unless asked. However, it's one thing to ask people to donate to a cause I believe in; it’s another to advocate for myself and ask them to buy my book.
After more than eight years of writing my memoir, holding a published book in my hands felt like one of my special birthday wishes had come true. When a book is ready for publication, we have to do what we can to get it out into the world. Before a book becomes available for purchase, we writers first have to ask people, those we know and some we’ve never met, to read our book (usually an Advance Reader Copy) and write a blurb. Of course, I personalized each request and was pleased that everyone I asked said yes.
Then there are the actions we authors need to take to inform people about pre-ordering and buying our books and attending our book events. I produced bookmarks and handed them out to people I knew, and sometimes to those I didn’t know after a short conversation. I walked into local libraries and asked to post flyers for my upcoming book events. I emailed everyone I knew, asking them to pre-order my book, write a review, and more. I asked friends to consider my memoir for their book groups, and I did the same for online clubs. I posted on social media platforms to build awareness and encourage viewers to buy my book.
I asked bookstores -- ideally six months in advance -- whether I could host a book launch at their store. I asked librarians whether they would consider shelving my book. As authors, we face many decisions: should we hire a publicist, pay for reviews, run paid advertising, and decide what promotional materials to produce? The list is long, and we need to make decisions every week, often asking others for guidance.
I hired a publicist, and she made many requests to podcasters, radio hosts, and media outlets. However, I still needed to reach out on my own. I contacted podcast and radio hosts to request appearances on their shows, which added to the number of podcasts and talk shows where I was interviewed. Then I posted them on social media. Of course, some people I asked for support didn't respond, but if I hadn’t asked, I wouldn’t have found those who did.
Sometimes I feel, “I am shameless,” but then I reflect and realize that few people take the initiative to help an author whose book they haven’t read. If I don’t advocate for myself, who will? So, it depends on us to ask. So, go ahead and do it!
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Robin Rosenbluth is a former foster teen who now advocates for finding permanent homes for older foster youth. She has worked in the nonprofit sector in New York, raising funds for museums, women’s organizations, healthcare, LGBTQ, and environmental causes, and teaches fundraising at New York University. She has studied memoir and the craft of writing with many renowned authors and writes a Substack, My Jagged Journey as a Debut Writer. Robin’s memoir, LIVING WITH STRANGERS: Healing a Wounded Heart in a Distant Land, is being published on 10/27 by She Writes Press. Robin and her wife have raised two children. She lives in Brooklyn, New York. Learn more at robinrosenbluth.com
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