Sleuthfest!

In 2005 (or maybe it was 2006, my memory is a bit murky with dates), I attended my very first mystery writing conference.

Sleuthfest.

And I had an absolutely wonderful time. I was just learning the ropes, and I was in awe of all the successful mystery writers in attendance. I went to a ton of panels and learned a lot about the craft of writing, and about the publishing business, and about how to hang out at the bar like a writer. I met a lot of great writers, both published and unpublished, and began many lasting friendships.

I liked it so much, I returned the following year (2006 or maybe 2007. Did I mention my memory is a bit murky?), met a bunch more great people and honed my technique for hanging out at the bar.

I had another absolutely wonderful time.

That’s why I’m so excited to be returning this year. If you’ll be there, I hope you’ll consider coming to one of my panels:

On Friday, March 2, from 9:00 am to 9:50 am -
The Traditional Mystery: It isn’t gone, it’s evolved.
Panelists: Alan Orloff (that’s me), Toni LP Kelner, Dana Cameron, Joelle Charbonneau. Moderated by Elaine Viets.

On Saturday, March 3, from 11:00 am – 11:50 am -
Get A Job! Finding the right occupation for your sleuth.
Panelists: Jamie Freveletti, Alan Orloff (me again), Donna Andrews, Ellen Crosby, Keith Thomson. Moderated by Sandra Balzo.

If you can’t make it to either of the panels, I’m sure you can find me hanging out—at the pool or at the bar or just riding the elevator. Come up and say hi!

kindlegraph

For those of you who have been waiting for a way to get a personalized inscription, by the author, on a Kindle book—your wait is over!

Check out kindlegraph!

All you do is click on the title you’d like “inscribed,” send an email, and wait for the magic to happen (I think).

You don’t even have to own the book to get an inscription.

Here’s my author page. Try it out today!

What’s So Funny?

I’ve blogged before about my stand-up shtick, but here’s a recap of my recent DEADLY CAMPAIGN launch party, in pictures:

Me and my larger-than-life book

 

Me trying to lead the group in Simon Says

 

Bookmarks for all!

 

At least someone thinks my stuff is funny

 

Standing room only - I guess they heard about the free cake!

 

And speaking of the cake, it was the funniest thing of the afternoon!

(Look closely…)

(This entry is “simul-posted” on InkSpot)

Zak Thanks You, Too!

A big thanks to Jennifer for the very nice review of THE TASTE on her book review blog, Can’t Put It Down.

Click through to read it, and then start following her blog. She’s a definite book lover!

Mmmm, Cake!

You are invited! To the book launch! For DEADLY CAMPAIGN!

 

It’s this coming Saturday, February 4th, from 4:00 – 6:00 pm at One More Page Books (2200 N. Westmoreland St., #101, North Arlington, VA (across the street from La Cote D'Or Restaurant, Le Marche Cafe, and the Crescent))!

 

There will be a presentation, followed by a book signing! Rumor has it I’ll be doing some mediocre (very mediocre) stand-up comedy (mostly to demonstrate how NOT to do stand-up comedy).

And! If all those exclamation points haven’t persuaded you, then maybe the following will!

Here are the Top Ten Reasons to come to my book launch:

10. See me make a fool of myself.

9. Get a copy of DEADLY CAMPAIGN

8. Get my autograph on it

7. Free bookmarks, five different ones! Collect them all!

6. Hear some new material (for a change)

5. Support a great independent bookstore (no joke here)

4. Mingle with other mystery readers and writers

3. For the wine tasting

2. Hear a new Top Ten list

And the number one reason to come to my book launch:

There Will Be Cake!!!!

 

Hope to see you there!

My Love Affair

Today I end my wonderful stint as Featured Author on Drey’s Library with a post about my continuing love affair. Thank you, Drey, for being a terrific host!

Please stop by, won’t you?

The Secret Promo Tip Is…

I’ve been busy the past 21 months. In that span, I’ve published three books with Midnight Ink (DIAMONDS FOR THE DEAD, KILLER ROUTINE, and DEADLY CAMPAIGN). I’ve also published two ebook originals, writing as Zak Allen: THE TASTE and FIRST TIME KILLER.

Along the way, I’ve done a fair amount of promotion and marketing. I’d like to take this opportunity to tell you which methods work best and which are not worth the time or money.

Yes, I’d like to, but I can’t. Because I don’t have a frickin’ clue.

We’ve all heard the witticism, “Fifty percent of marketing is effective, you just don’t know which fifty percent it is.” I think I’d settle for twenty-five percent.

For each book, I had bookmarks made. Lots of bookmarks. (Did you know that ordering 2000 is only a little more expensive than 1000? And that 5000 is only marginally more expensive than 2000? I do.) I even got bookmarks for my two ebooks, irony be damned. But do those bookmarks translate into sales? Beats me. People seem to like getting them, and they’re pretty, and they describe my books, so on the off chance they don’t end up in the trash…

What about book signings? I’ve done them and sold some books. But there’s a limit to how many you can do. Radio interviews? Did a couple, unclear results. Blog tours? Yes to those, too. They seemed to be good for gaining exposure, but again, did they move the proverbial needle? Who knows?

Postcard mailing? Cable TV interview? Book club visits? Google AdWords? Tried them all. Data inconclusive.

What about conferences, book festivals, library panels, and the rest of those personal appearances? They too, seemed to broaden my exposure, but I certainly couldn’t justify the expense based on the sales at the events.

Facebook? Twitter? Yes and yes. Do I think they’re a good way to get your name out there and connect with other readers and writers? Absolutely. Do I think it all translates into sales? Murky.

If only Oprah were still on the air.

Oh well. Maybe writing another good book is the key.

(This entry is “simul-posted” on InkSpot.)