Book Marketing “Deputy Jennings Meets the Amish”

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Book Marketing Deputy Jennings Meets the Amish (a novella)

Published authors will tell you that writing their book was the beginning, not the end of the journey. That’s certainly true for me.

I still have a lot to learn about book marketing. I was so naive in 2007 when I published my first book, Cop in the Classroom: Lessons I’ve Learned, Tales I’ve Told. It’s an exaggeration to say that I was expecting Oprah Winfrey to call me, but I was at least hoping to hear from more friends.

I guess it’s human nature. After years of dedicated work on any project, a person usually expects to be recognized. I know I was feeling it. At least for a while, I had an extra bounce in my step. “Look what I’ve done! I’m an author!” Good thing I didn’t quit my full-time job. I’d have been homeless.

Sometimes it seems like nearly everyone I talk to wants to be an author, but they don’t know where to start or they’re too busy. I encourage them to write, to tell their stories.

Now, in 2022, I’m enjoying book marketing, still trying to figure things out. One thing that hasn’t changed is that people still want me to purchase their book to learn how to sell my book! I’m not opposed to spending money on advertising, I just want it to be targeted to an appropriate audience.

For example, after publishing Cop in the Classroom, I thought police officers and schoolteachers would enjoy the read. I remember telling one officer about the book and he responded that he already had plenty of his own stories to tell. He wasn’t my target audience after all. I appreciate his point of view.

Now that I’m marketing my novella, Deputy Jennings Meets the Amish, I understand that my targeted audience includes people who are Amish, Mennonite, and those who are fascinated with the Amish culture.

One of my first steps in marketing, before I had Ingram Spark print my most recent book–Ingram prints on demand (POD) and distributes to bookstores and libraries–was to approach Carolyn Bontrager who owns and operates Carolyn’s Essenhaus, a restaurant in Arlington, Kansas. It’s known for friendly conversation, delicious meals, and pleasing pies.

Carolyn agreed to give my novella a try and even requested my other books be displayed for purchase. Next time you’re at Carolyn’s, grab a bite and a book.

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Stay tuned for my continuing story on book marketing in general, but especially my active steps in promoting Deputy Jennings Meets the Amish.

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My books are available for purchase at my website, jimpotterauthor.com; bookstores everywhere, including at Bookends and at Crow & Co., both in Hutchinson, Kansas; restaurants, including Carolyn’s Essenhaus and the Dutch Kitchen; Glenn’s Bulk Food; Hutchinson Art Center; and online at amazon.com.

Happy writing and reading,