Book promotion is challenging at best, as most of you know, and having survived three days of intense book marketing, I can tell you it works, but not unless you work it. Accidental Cowgirl was barely at the galley stage by the time last year's Book Expo America, and I fear that in the crush of humanity that was last year's New York show, the mountains, and the beautiful streams of Twin Creeks Ranch, (not to mention the quirky folks, and of course, the cows, that come alive in this heartelt personal memoir set in the wilds of Trinity County, California) did not get much notice. A shame, too, as it should be a great beach read. But there is still this summer.

There seemed to be a good deal of interest on the part of people —even those who'd never set foot in our little corner of the world. And I worked it. Yes I did. Came out of my private writer's shell and went out and met people. And I got the message loud and clear: if you don't promote your books, nobody else will, and they will languish on the shelf, longing for a home.

Don't let this happen to you. (This is your mother speaking!) 

And you know what? People are nice (mostly), and to crown ithe whole instructive experience, I actually had fun.

But if you plan to go to New York next year for BEA, a word of advice: build up those biceps first. You'll need every ounce of strength to schlep your books around. And forget looking glamorous in heels. The territory you're gonna cover needs some serious walking shoes.

More tips later. 

Ciao,  ML