The New Jersey
Authors' Network
Authors' Network
UPCOMING EVENTS
Organized a Network signing?
Please contact admin@njauthorsnetwork.com with the details.
WHAT IS THE NEW JERSEY AUTHORS' NETWORK?
Open to New Jersey authors of any genre (including those who
are self-published, or whose work is part of an anthology), its a free to join, free to use, network of authors based in the Garden State. Its main purpose is to provide a place (via the njauthorsnetwork Yahoo! group), where local writers can team up with each other to take part in multi-author book signings.
ARE THERE ENOUGH AUTHORS IN NEW JERSEY TO MAKE THIS WORK?
In May 2007 an article in Publishers Weekly reported that well over 250,000 books are published in the USA every year (follow this link if you want to see for yourself). Obviously, the vast majority of these books were written by people who live outside New Jersey, but it’s a safe bet that there are enough authors in the Garden State to make this network a success.
WHY SHOULD I JOIN?
Whether published or self-published, new authors have trouble arranging book signings, especially with the big bookstores. This is hardly surprising since unknown writers don't exactly pull in the crowds. From the store's point of view, they don't want to waste time and money hosting an event that bombs. Aside from making them look foolish, it doesn't make good business sense. On the other side of the problem, authors need decent venues to sell their books in, but can't get them without a proven sales record.
I believe the answer is to organize multiple signings with up
to six authors taking part at one event. From a bookstore's point of view, there's not much more work involved. On the benefit side, they'll likely generate more interest for the event and sell more books (it's a numbers game after all).
Think outside the box. Maybe you're self-published and can't get a bookstore to agree to a signing (some do, some don't). Why not approach your local library? If you go about it in a professional way, chances are you'll get a positive response.
With a little planning, and enough people doing their bit, we could make multiple signings a regular event at book stores and libraries throughout New Jersey. That's got to be good for everybody.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Nothing. The network is a free service. There's no membership fee, and no charge for taking part in any event. That said, there are no guarantees either. It's up to you to promote each signing as best you can. If you don't bring people to the signings, invitations to take part will soon dry up (see 'guide for participants' and faq).
SO WHAT'S MY NEXT STEP?
Take a look around the site. The 'guide for participants' page tells you all you need to know about taking part in a signing. If
you want to organize an event yourself, use the 'guide for coordinators'.
When you're ready to join the network, follow the link below to join our Yahoo Group.
Once there, check in the 'links' section. You'll find a 'by county' list of authors, available to promote their latest work. If you want to take part, just add yourself to the list for any county in which you'd be prepared to attend a multiple book signing.
Please read the 'guide for participants' page first.
Anyone who writes books is welcome to join the network, but
ONLY ADD A LINK TO THE 'AVAILABLE FOR SIGNINGS' FOLDER IF YOU HAVE A BOOK TO SELL, AND ARE WILLING TO PROMOTE IT.
When someone wants to organize a signing, they'll either contact you directly or post a group message with the relevant county details.
DON'T WAIT FOR SOMEONE ELSE TO ARRANGE THINGS.
Like any other good idea, this will only work if you do.
Promote this group on your blog. Invite other NJ authors
to join. If you have an agent, ask them to promote it too.
If you want to sell your book, you have to put yourself out there.
Hopefully this can help.
Good luck,
Jon Gibbs
Open to New Jersey authors of any genre (including those who
are self-published, or whose work is part of an anthology), its a free to join, free to use, network of authors based in the Garden State. Its main purpose is to provide a place (via the njauthorsnetwork Yahoo! group), where local writers can team up with each other to take part in multi-author book signings.
ARE THERE ENOUGH AUTHORS IN NEW JERSEY TO MAKE THIS WORK?
In May 2007 an article in Publishers Weekly reported that well over 250,000 books are published in the USA every year (follow this link if you want to see for yourself). Obviously, the vast majority of these books were written by people who live outside New Jersey, but it’s a safe bet that there are enough authors in the Garden State to make this network a success.
WHY SHOULD I JOIN?
Whether published or self-published, new authors have trouble arranging book signings, especially with the big bookstores. This is hardly surprising since unknown writers don't exactly pull in the crowds. From the store's point of view, they don't want to waste time and money hosting an event that bombs. Aside from making them look foolish, it doesn't make good business sense. On the other side of the problem, authors need decent venues to sell their books in, but can't get them without a proven sales record.
I believe the answer is to organize multiple signings with up
to six authors taking part at one event. From a bookstore's point of view, there's not much more work involved. On the benefit side, they'll likely generate more interest for the event and sell more books (it's a numbers game after all).
Think outside the box. Maybe you're self-published and can't get a bookstore to agree to a signing (some do, some don't). Why not approach your local library? If you go about it in a professional way, chances are you'll get a positive response.
With a little planning, and enough people doing their bit, we could make multiple signings a regular event at book stores and libraries throughout New Jersey. That's got to be good for everybody.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Nothing. The network is a free service. There's no membership fee, and no charge for taking part in any event. That said, there are no guarantees either. It's up to you to promote each signing as best you can. If you don't bring people to the signings, invitations to take part will soon dry up (see 'guide for participants' and faq).
SO WHAT'S MY NEXT STEP?
Take a look around the site. The 'guide for participants' page tells you all you need to know about taking part in a signing. If
you want to organize an event yourself, use the 'guide for coordinators'.
When you're ready to join the network, follow the link below to join our Yahoo Group.
Once there, check in the 'links' section. You'll find a 'by county' list of authors, available to promote their latest work. If you want to take part, just add yourself to the list for any county in which you'd be prepared to attend a multiple book signing.
Please read the 'guide for participants' page first.
Anyone who writes books is welcome to join the network, but
ONLY ADD A LINK TO THE 'AVAILABLE FOR SIGNINGS' FOLDER IF YOU HAVE A BOOK TO SELL, AND ARE WILLING TO PROMOTE IT.
When someone wants to organize a signing, they'll either contact you directly or post a group message with the relevant county details.
DON'T WAIT FOR SOMEONE ELSE TO ARRANGE THINGS.
Like any other good idea, this will only work if you do.
Promote this group on your blog. Invite other NJ authors
to join. If you have an agent, ask them to promote it too.
If you want to sell your book, you have to put yourself out there.
Hopefully this can help.
Good luck,
Jon Gibbs
