As an author in this economy, you have to come up with creative ways to market a self-published book. While book tours are a great way to connect with your readers, they aren’t the most affordable method of promotion. However, technology has made it possible for an alternative.
Take note from self-publishing Outskirts Press author, Jennifer Link, who is taking her latest book, Patches and Buttons, on tour – a virtual book tour, that is. She will be featured on several blogs over the weeks and months ahead so keep your eyes peeled to learn more about her and her book.
Luckily for us, Jennifer was kind enough to answer a few questions as the tour was getting started so that we can give you a sneak peek into the mind of the creator of Patches and Buttons.
OP: Tell us a little bit about Patches and Buttons. What is it about?
JL: This book centers around two characters named Patches the dog and Buttons the bunny. In this story we are taken on a short journey through the eyes of Buttons to understand why he is always frightened. He is afraid of every loud noise from the dog barking to the household appliances. No matter where he goes it seems the things he wants to get away from follow him. Learn how two animals that are so different can learn to come together and find friendship
OP: Why did you decide to write this story?
JL: I sketched different concepts and fantasized about the possibility of bringing my art to children’s books for many years, but admit life often got in the way. A few years ago, I decided I would write a book for my nephew when he turned one. It was a board book and I made it just for him so I never planned on publishing it. But after good response from the book from friends and family I set a goal to finally write a book to publish. I wanted to create one for children that would be colorful and serve as a story about my two favorite animal’s a dog and a bunny. I wrote the book in memory of my pets Amber (dog) and Buster (Bunny). When a child reads the book and begins to smile I know I have done my job in honoring my pets in a way that allows them to still live on.
OP: What types of readers would be interested in this story?
JL: Patches and Buttons was written to be geared towards 2-5 year olds. Half of the book pages were created with text and the other with only artwork in order to keep the short attention span of the little ones. I wanted to use bright colors and variety throughout the book to allow my readers to connect with the personality of the characters.
OP: What is special about your book? What differentiates it from other books in the same category?
JL: I think what sets my book apart from others is the style in which I created the artwork. I drew the pages manually then took it into a computer art program in order to add the color and texture. I still managed to create the impression of fur on parts of the bunny and the dog without making it appear like a photograph. I combined cartoon with realism to appeal to children and adults at the same time.
OP: Have you published any other books? Do you plan to publish more?
JL: This is my first published book so far but I would like to work on another one eventually. I haven’t decided if this will be a series yet or if I would create my new book with a totally new story and characters.
OP: Thanks for your time, Jennifer! We look forward to learning more about you as you visit other bloggers!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jennifer Link was born and raised in Michigan where she obtained her background in Multimedia, Fine Art, and Crafts. She obtained her B.S. Degree in Animation in 2009 while studying at Westwood College. During this time she discovered how to combine traditional drawing with digital art. Her love for children, and obsession with all things art led her down the path of children’s book publishing.
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For more information or to contact the author, visit www.outskirtspress.com/patchesandbuttons
This author purchased the Virtual Book Tour marketing option, which allows self-publishing authors to connect with bloggers and harness the power of the blogosphere by taking their book on the “virtual road”. Learn more about this service by visiting your Publishing Center and reviewing the available marketing options.
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