Obviously , not every book can be displayed front and center in a bookstore . But , let ' s say you had the ability to help your favorite bookstore merchandise your latest novel . How might you ensure that your book isn ' t lost in the crowd ?
Whenever I visit a bookstore , especially independents , I love to read those staff recommendation cards that are affixed to shelves below select titles . I ’ ve often discovered new authors through those recommendations . So if there were any stores with workers who enjoy my novels , any such endorsements would be greatly appreciated . It ’ s word-of-mouth that grows a readership far more effectively than any marketing campaign .
What is one thing you wish you had known as a budding writer that you could share with other authors ?
I ’ ve never had any formal training in writing , so for the longest time , I convinced myself that it would be impossible for me to ever get a book published . I read a lot … and I mean a LOT . And that instilled the desire to one day try my hand at writing , but again that earlier doubt competed with that desire to actually pick up pen and paper . But as I continued to read , it whetted that appetite to write , enough for me to finally squash that doubt . So if I had to share one wish : If you want to write — then write . It ’ s that simple .
You ' ve been a member of a critique group since your early days . How has that been helpful to your writing career ?
I joined my group long before I was ever published , and I ’ m still with the same circle of writers and readers today . They critique every page before it ever sees my editor . I ’ ve learned to value and appreciate their viewpoints , as each member brings their own eyes and background to the table . The group contains members with military backgrounds , PhDs , teachers , and housewives . They not only bring a critical eye , but also offer encouragement and support on the long road to composing a novel . They are my secret weapon .
INTERVIEWS
As a bestselling author , do you still do any of your own marketing and promotion , and if so , how ?
Back when I first started writing , author websites were a rarity . Today , all of the many outlets of social media allow an author to directly connect to a reader . It ’ s one of the greatest marketing tools available to us . I remember decades ago trying to tell my publishing house about this new vehicle for telling people about my books . It was called Facebook . My house said basically “ Don ’ t bother . It ’ s a fad .” I didn ’ t take their advice and was an early adopter of the platform . And it continues to this day . I love having that immediacy with my readership , whether it ’ s sharing something from my day or talking about the genesis of a new book . I test titles via social media . I talk about plots and characters . It ’ s a great way of involving readers , of making them part of the process .
Is there any advice you could give to a small bookstore that you feel could give them an edge over a large chain ?
In a word : Knowledge . I know that I value the opinion of those small bookstore employees , whether it ’ s those staff recommendation cards on bookshelves or simply chatting up a worker about what they ’ re reading and enjoying . You seldom get the level of personal attention and knowledge from chain stores . I would say almost every new author I started reading was first introduced to me by an independent bookstore seller . Word of mouth sells books far better than any expensive marketing plan . And that ’ s where small bookstores have a huge advantage : They love and live books . That ’ s a well of strength and knowledge that a chain store will never match .
I understand that you warmly support American veterans and that you ’ re involved with The US 4 Warriors Foundation . Please explain a little about this fine organization and what your role is there ?
My support for various veteran organizations came about when I participated in a USO tour of authors to interviews
Iraq and Kuwait in the winter of 2010 . Prior to that trip abroad , I also got the chance to visit Walter Reed and Bethesda Naval Hospital and met many of the warriors wounded on the battlefield . Upon coming home , I knew I wanted to do more . First , I worked with USA Cares ( USACares . org ), which raises emergency funds for vets in need , then most recently I joined US 4 Warriors ( US4Warriors . org ) as an advisory board member . The new charity started as a grassroots effort in San Diego and has since expanded nationwide . Besides helping to promote the social welfare of vets in a wide spectrum of activities , the latest endeavor also involves helping veterans tell their stories … and get published ! So I ’ m excited as US 4 Warriors expands into this adventure .
How much say do you have in the creation of your book covers ? Is this something your publisher takes care of or do you like having say ?
Ah , I wish I could say I had much input at all — or could take credit . But as a book ’ s cover is a significant marketing tool , the artwork is handled in-house at William Morrow by a crack team . They do keep me in the loop as a new cover undergoes the process of production , and the team asks me for ideas , but ultimately the final product usually has little or any of my fingerprints on them .
What was the most memorable thing that has happened to you throughout your writing career ?
Far and above , it was meeting my literary heroes . And I think the greatest thrill of all was being able to interview Clive Cussler on stage at ThrillerFest . I was tongue-tied and in awe , having grown up reading the adventures of Dirk Pitt . And here was the author himself , seated across from me . It ’ s a moment I ’ ll treasure forever .
Read more of our interview with James Rollins at : www . TopShelfMagazine . net
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TOPShelf magazine HOLIDAY2017