I have some news!
Three authors and I have been collaborating on an anthology of short stories that we will publish as a marketing tool. What does this mean exactly?
A marketing tool is what it sounds like: an item used for promotion. That means we are publishing together and selling it only in person and for consignment in stores.
How it all started: My writing group decided to do vendor events, only the participation dwindled to just three of us who were in it for the long haul. At one event, we met another local author who was writing a locally-based series that was doing well. He joins us at some vending events and the four of us got talking about how locally-based books were in high demand which, in part, contributed to his success. So we brainstormed how we could all write something short, make the setting where we live, involving the local lore and legends, to sell at events to give us exposure.
The Goal: As stated above, the goal is exposure. When a fan of mine buys the book, they'll get three other authors' works too, hopefully creating new fans who buy their books while exposing them to other genres. Or if someone does not want to risk the money on one of my books without knowing me, they can risk less money and get to sample 4 authors and hopefully next event buy our wares. It'll get our name out there locally, and word-of-mouth is still one of the most successful marketing strategies.
The details: There will be 4 short stories (a couple leaning towards novelettes) in the following genres: mystery, action-adventure, paranormal romance, and paranormal thriller. They will feature local settings and all will include local folklore, two being ghostly. We will be featuring at least the Gray Man, Alice Flagg, and Drunken Jack among our legends.
Stay tuned later this year for the release of our anthology. It will only be available at events and festivals, so check my appearances' schedule.