Interview with D.L Snell, Author of ‘ROSES’
I got to interview D.L Snell a little while ago. He’s the author of the zombie/vampire/lovecratian novel Roses of Blood on Barbwire Vines and is the author of numerous short stories and novellas both in print and online. I got to ask D.L about self-promotion and how he’s gained his fanbase.
1. Before your debut novel, Roses of Blood on Barbwire Vines, was picked up by Permuted Press, you helped with editing projects. Do you think your position as an editor has helped your credibility as a writer?
I think editing establishes my credibility with the writing community more than with the readership, because only the writers get to see the extent, depth, and skill of my edits–but the gig does get my name out there, so in a way it’s good advertising. (Permuted Press’ Undead series, most of which I co-edited, are extremely popular and probably the biggest reason people recognize my name.) However, if your main goal is to be a writer, be careful that editing doesn’t hog your free time.
2. You are part of the Horror Writers Association. Has being a part of the HWA helped spread your name as a writer?
In a way, yes. For example, some magazines offer advertising discounts to HWA members, so I was able to advertise in a leading genre zine for dirt cheap. Also, one of my short stories will appear in the HWA’s humor/horror anthology Blood Lite, due from Pocket Books in October 2008; if I hadn’t been part of the organization, I wouldn’t have been able to submit.
Of course, I had to seek out these opportunities. Simply being a member of the HWA will do nothing for you unless you actively participate and take advantage of the available resources. Which is the way it should be.
3. You are also a graphic designer. Do you believe having multiple talents (Ex: Graphic Design, Editing, etc.) is beneficial to a writer? Do you believe that the more talents you have the easier it is to promote yourself in different ways?
Most definitely. I hold a certificate in Digital Graphic Design, so I was able to create my own web banners, advertisements, and website (www.exit66.net). Usually you have to pay someone to get this done. The one downfall is that designing takes away from the time you could spend writing.
4. How do you promote yourself outside of the promotion that Permuted Press does for Roses?
Book signings, staying active on message boards, handing out bookmarks, advertising, sending review copies to reviewers–you know, the gamut.
5. Have you attended any book signings or events to help sell Roses? If so, how much success did you receive?
I’ve held several book signings with varying success. It really depends on the venue and the audience. For example, I attended a book fair at a local university and sold nothing, because most people (they weren’t students, but community members) were there for poetry, nonfiction, and literature, not a zombie/vampire novel like Roses of Blood. Then when I held a book signing at a local bookstore (the same day that the last Harry Potter debuted) I sold more than most local authors do, according to the store owners.
6. What is one thing you think every writer should have before they start marketing themselves?
A plan. Marketing builds on itself. For example, an article or book review in the local paper can drive readers to a book signing, but only if it comes out right before the event, and only if the event is mentioned in the paper. That kind of coordination takes preplanning, so it’s good to be prepared.
7. What has been the greatest promotional tool for you so far?
Advertising, probably. And I don’t mean spamming message boards, but buying ads in genre magazines with huge circulations, and on sites with lots of traffic. Reviews are great too, because they help readers determine if they’re interested.
8. What would you recommend people avoid at all costs when it comes to spending your money on promotion?
Any kind of program that claims it can make your book a bestseller in record time. They’re usually expensive–and, really, who knows if they work, or if the methods they teach are ethical? Spend that money on promotional materials, review copies, and advertising.
9. Do you think blogging, being active on message boards, and other such things are beneficial for new writers?
Sure–as long as you write more stories than blog entries. And be careful on message boards when promoting a book; I made the mistake of posting advertisements for Roses of Blood, and it pissed off some people. So if you’re going to post advertisements on message boards, make sure the board allows it in their policy and don’t bump your ad mercilessly. That’s a good way NOT to sell books.
10. Finally, has your promotion helped you gain the status that you have right now? Is there anything else you would’ve done? Anything else you want to do promotion-wise?
Promotion certainly helped get my name out there and generate book sales. The trick is to get readers to see your name all the time and yet not get annoyed by the repetition. So you have to be assertive, but not aggressive, not annoyingly in-your-face.
The one gimmick I’d love to have: a free Flash or computer game based on Roses of Blood. That would be awesome. And if it were a good game, it would generate a lot of interest in the book.
Thanks for the interview, Kody!
And you’re very welcome, D.L. Be sure to visit D.L’s website at Exit66.Net for more info about Mr. Snell.
