Post #98 – Memoir Writing – Kendra Bonnett and Matilda Butler
Back in February 2010, we had the pleasure of both reviewing Judy Mandel’s memoir, Replacement Child, and inviting her to guest blog on our site.
Matilda and I liked her book and were impressed with how aggressively Judy was marketing it. We noticed about a year ago, too, just how successful she had been with the ebook version of Replacement Child–selling more than 10,000 copies. She was particularly successful in selling to Barnes & Noble Nook readers.
So, we were not surprised when a few months ago Judy told us that she had sold her original book, which she originally self-published, to Seal Press (known for its memoirs). You won’t be surprised that we jumped at the opportunity to interview Judy on Women’s Memoirs. We really wanted to pick her brain on how she made the transition from self-publishing to traditional publisher. Seal Press asked her to wait until they were ready to start marketing the book.
Well, that time has come. Seal announced availability of Replacement Child on March 12th. And I have just finished a two-part interview with Judy. Below you’ll find Part One. While she talks a little about the story behind the story, we focused our conversation on her marketing and publishing experience. I think you’ll find this worthwhile.
Also, Judy has agreed to let us give away a copy of Replacement Child. For an opportunity to win, just leave a comment in the section below. We’ll be picking one winner.
But there’s more. I asked Judy if she would do an extended interview for us to make available exclusively to members of the Association of Writing Excellence (AWE), and she graciously agreed. Judy and I spoke for almost 40 minutes as I asked her about her marketing strategy and some of the specific tactics she employed. But you need to be a member of AWE to gain access.
That’s not a problem. Charter Membership in AWE, plus all the webinars, special interviews, discounts and archives are available to everyone who owns and registers their copy of Writing Alchemy: How to Write Fast and Deep. And if you haven’t yet purchased a copy, we’re offering a special discount ($10 off the regular price) when you buy during the next five days. So buy your copy of Writing Alchemy by March 25th and save big. Plus get access to Judy Mandel’s excellent information on marketing and how she moved her book from self-published to mainstream.
You can order by going to the store here on Women’s Memoirs or by going to the publisher’s page to first learn more about Writing Alchemy. Be sure to use the Discount Code–AWEINTERVIEW–to save $10. Enter the code in ALL CAPS to save!
And if you want to learn more about Judy and her book, Replacement Child, go to her website at ReplacementChild.com. It’s a good read.
