Thank you for bringing us a report from AWP. Seeing so many photos of poets whose work I love, and who are genuinely fine people, caused me to regret I didn't go. Next year!
I'm new to PTP. Thanks Radha for providing this nurturing platform. AWP '23 was my first, and yes, while I dislike crowds and large cities, it was the "accidental" meetings that moved me most.
"Support for book tours, readings, and other live promotion activities remains diminished. Virtual events, self-funded tours, and other ways of reaching readers—such as newsletters and podcasts—are growing.
The authors on these panels underscored that successful promotion starts long before the book is launched. It starts with building genuine connections with readers slowly, over time, in the years leading up to publication.
That doesn’t mean you need a huge blog following or social media presence. And it certainly doesn’t mean broadcasting all the time about your own accomplishments. Just the opposite. They recommend shining a light on others’ work, curating journals and books for friends. I’ll add: Start a reading group or a reading series. Teach a class at your local library.
Bottom line: Forget the big-stage-bright-lights promotion dream. Do what’s in reach that comes naturally, and don’t underestimate the exponential power of being a kind, generous literary citizen."
My first AWP was in 2012 and I led a panel in 2013. I attend whenever it's on the east coast, because I'm not subsidized to attend. I never thought about AWP as a place to promote a book, and I didn't have any books to promote. But I can credit a 2012 AWP panel with transforming a prose nonfiction ms. into a novel in verse. I can credit several AWP panels with my not-yet-consummated interested in translating (from Yiddish). I go for the inspiration, to hook up with friends, make new friends, and for the sheer exhilaration of the book fair.
Thank you for bringing us a report from AWP. Seeing so many photos of poets whose work I love, and who are genuinely fine people, caused me to regret I didn't go. Next year!
I'm new to PTP. Thanks Radha for providing this nurturing platform. AWP '23 was my first, and yes, while I dislike crowds and large cities, it was the "accidental" meetings that moved me most.
this is great and informative, not to mention sort of hope-inspiring! THANKS, RADHA!
This is great, Radha! Thank you!
I especially appreciate the marketing advice:
"Support for book tours, readings, and other live promotion activities remains diminished. Virtual events, self-funded tours, and other ways of reaching readers—such as newsletters and podcasts—are growing.
The authors on these panels underscored that successful promotion starts long before the book is launched. It starts with building genuine connections with readers slowly, over time, in the years leading up to publication.
That doesn’t mean you need a huge blog following or social media presence. And it certainly doesn’t mean broadcasting all the time about your own accomplishments. Just the opposite. They recommend shining a light on others’ work, curating journals and books for friends. I’ll add: Start a reading group or a reading series. Teach a class at your local library.
Bottom line: Forget the big-stage-bright-lights promotion dream. Do what’s in reach that comes naturally, and don’t underestimate the exponential power of being a kind, generous literary citizen."
My first AWP was in 2012 and I led a panel in 2013. I attend whenever it's on the east coast, because I'm not subsidized to attend. I never thought about AWP as a place to promote a book, and I didn't have any books to promote. But I can credit a 2012 AWP panel with transforming a prose nonfiction ms. into a novel in verse. I can credit several AWP panels with my not-yet-consummated interested in translating (from Yiddish). I go for the inspiration, to hook up with friends, make new friends, and for the sheer exhilaration of the book fair.