Getting traction

Marketing a self-published book is a daunting task. I knew that going in, so I try not to stress about it. Here's the deal with Badge, Tie, and Gun : My original purpose for writing the book was to have some meaningful way for my children--and my grandchildren--to understand what I did for 27 years of my life. To do that, I had to create something that was more than just a collection of police stories. I had to make it personal, and to convey how it felt to be a homicide investigator. I think I did that. Then, there was the commercial side of the product. Other than close friends and family, how do I get other people--who don't know me--to read the book? Money was never the main reason to explore that side of the book's popularity; helping people understand the realities of police work, the human side of detective work, was more the focus. I won't lie--making a few bucks from this endeavor is certainly a compelling reason as well. The month of May 2024 was good in this regard. I recently came across two opportunities that will accomplish not only my quest to inform, but it also might boost sales a bit as well. Books and Books, a shining star in the world of independent book stores, as agreed to host an event for Badge, Tie, and Gun on Friday, August 2nd, at 7pm. As of now, it's going to be a book signing and Q&A session with whomever attends. There's the possibility of me reading a selection from the book as well. If you're in south Florida, please come! It's 265 Aragon Avenue, Coral Gables. I'm looking forward to that a great deal, and as we get closer to the date, Books and Books will be sending out promo material. The other event is Sleuthfest '24, a writer's conference put on by the Mystery Writers of America. I'll be a guest speaker/panelist at this 3-day conference in St. Petersburg, Florida, September 26-29th, 2024. There will be an opportunity for me and other authors to sell our books there as well. If you write mystery or crime fiction, maybe I'll see you there as well. I don't shell out a bunch of money to these online publicity boosting programs, and I've yet to spend a penny on a Facebook or Amazon ad. Maybe I should. For now, I've been networking, emailing friends, doing some TikTok videos, and just trying to get as much organic visibility as possible. If you have read the book and you liked it, please tell others. If you haven't read it, please go to Amazon and get it. And though I hate early-birding the holiday season, I'll shamelessly tell you that this book makes a great stocking stuffer for the true crime fan in your life.