just for fun

Greetings from the Promo Lounge!

Hello, welcome to Dundurn, thanks for taking the time to check in. I thought I’d start my first official blog for Dundurn with a recap of my hectic day.Publicity is a fun department simply because each day is completely different, whether you’re sending out media alerts, booking interviews, or assisting with author requests.

This morning started with issues with my computer (now fixed), followed by news that Girl on the Other Side, a YA novel written by Deborah Kerbel, was, as of yesterday, shortlisted for the Canadian Library Association’s Young Adult Book Award. She’s in excellent company, as the other nominees include Shane Peacock, Arthur Slade, Janet McNaughton, and Carrie Mac, amongst others. The award will be announced on June 3rd, in Edmonton. I had the distinct pleasure of contacting Deborah to inform her of her nomination (the first she’s had for one of her books).

Next came a scheduling issue with Phil Edmonston, author of the Lemon-Aid Car Guide series. Phil and I have worked together over many years so we’re a great team – I’ve asked him to do some crazy interviews (I’ll tell you the story about Phil at the Toronto Airport someday). Tomorrow he’s scheduled to talk to the Toronto Star, CBC Montreal and Goldhawk Fights Back on Zoomer radio…two on location, the third as a phoner…all within a two hour time frame. Can he do it? We’ll find out.

Advance reading copies of some fall titles just went out the door to the top ten media contacts, and now I’ve got some time to contemplate my presentation next Wednesday night for CANSCAIP (a children’s author and illustrator assocation), I’ve been invited to talk about the marketing and publicity process for children’s books…no sweat, right?  Except that I’m presenting along with Arthur Slade (on Skype)…that’s HUGE! Check in next Wednesday for a preview of my presentation!

Got any questions about how the publicity train works? Let me know and I’ll get back to you!

Tags: deborah kerbel, Lemon-Aid, Phil Edmonston, publicity

About the author

Karen has been active in the Canadian publishing industry for almost fourteen years. During that time, she's worked in the marketing and publicity departments of numerous publishers including Owl Books (now Maple Tree Press), Stoddart Kids, and Penguin Group Canada. She joined Dundurn Press in October, 2009 as their Publicity Manager. While she enjoys a good scary movie, she doesn't like it when people sneak up on her.