Gallery: “Playing for Keeps” covers
May 1, 2008
While writing is my first passion (and the only thing I feel I’m truly good at), I do have a handful of other talents, one of them being graphic design. I’m no Photoshop ninja, but I can bang out a decent logo, provided it’s typography-based. I also like to help my pals.
So in late 2007, when Mur Lafferty invited me to design title and headline logos for her “Playing for Keeps” podiobook, I jumped at the chance. It was flattering and fun to help create the cover of her novel — and contribute to the awesome artwork in her weekly “comic book”-style PDFs.
Now, since I’ve completed the cover for the final PDF issue, I thought I’d post this gallery of images showcasing my work. I learned a lot during this 16-image adventure, and it was a hoot collaborating with Mur, photographer J.R. Blackwell and artists Jared Axelrod and Natalie Metzger on these covers. I hope you enjoy them.
–J.C.
Print This Post
WWJCD? #1: How to promote your podiobook (or podcast)
April 24, 2008
WWJCD? is a blog series in which J.C. offers advice on whatever the hell’s on his mind. If you have a question for J.C., email him. He may offer sage words of wisdom about your issue (whatever it may be, sweet Christmas) in a future WWJCD?.
I distribute my fiction at Podiobooks.com, and receive a daily email digest of discussions from other Podiobooks.com authors. This digest is a lively, eclectic mix of opinions, insights and gripes. Recently, an author asked for some ideas on promoting his podiobook. I obliged with the reply, found below. While the advice is specific to podiobooks, much of it can easily be applied to traditional podcasting, blogging or other creative endeavors.
So, What Would J.C. Do? Read on to find out….
Here are a few suggestions on how podcast novelists can promote their works. This is based solely on my personal experience.
Promoting to mainstream media is out: Don’t ping them if you’re a newcomer to podcasting, or don’t have many listeners. They don’t get the niche market of podcasting, and they certainly won’t get the nano-niche of podcast fiction. I’ve found that even if you do have large mainstream media outlets covering your work, it rarely translates into more listeners. (I believe this has to do more with the audience of newspapers than the quality/circulation of the publication.)
Promoting to large blogs is out: Unless you’re doing something truly different in the space, save your email clicks. We’re at a point where podcasting and podiobooks are on bloggers’ radars, but announcing the existence of your content isn’t enough. Are you doing something interesting with your audience? Promoting the work in an unusual way? These timely angles are what you need to get coverage. Sadly, just having a podiobook isn’t enough.
Promoting to podcasters is in: This is the only sure-fire way to get new listeners. There is a mighty network of new media entertainers out there, many of them with successful podcasts (and large audience sizes). They got there by promoting their work, and playing promos on their podcasts. If you’re a fan of podcasting, you’re probably familiar with ‘casters who play promos. Reach out to them. If you’re using podcasting to distribute your novel but *don’t* listen to podcasts, get on the frickin’ stick and do so. Make the time to learn the space, the influencers, and who might help you.
Send personalized emails to those who might help: Podcasters pour their passion into their projects, and are rarely paid for their efforts. A form email with no personal touch (i.e., making reference to their work, stroking their egos, etc.) gets deleted every time. Be sincere in your praise, and direct in your proposal.
Release your work on your personal site: Podiobooks.com wisely asks authors to not include podcast promos or “intro chatter” in their episodes. Why? Because that timely information gets dated, fast. If you’re hungry to go beyond the PB.com website with your exposure, release your episodes on your personal site. (Use Libsyn hosting and the WordPress “PodPress” plugin, or equivalent, to do this. Google this stuff; information is widely available.) Promote your content as being available at both your site and PB.com. The episodes streaming from your site can include bonus material, author chatter and more. This engages the audience. This makes you an entertainer. This creates a connection between you and them, and that’s important because….
You must ask your audience to help promote your work: You’re one author. There are only so many hours in the day. By creating a product that engages your listeners beyond the story, you can encourage them to assist you with evangelism. Have them vote up your book at Podcast Alley. Ask them to review your novel in iTunes. Have them burn CDs of the book for friends. Ask them to email pals about your great podiobook. Request that they blog about your work, or post a link on their MySpace/Facebook page. Whatever it is, you’ll be empowering them to help define the success of your work — and you’ll be building a community of engaged fans.
As your podiobook grows in size and success, consider:
- Soliciting fan-created artwork, music, videos, etc. inspired by your story. Post them on your website and thank them by name in your podcast.
- Concocting an online “street team,” where you provide evangelical missions for your audience, and provide public recognition (and swag, if budget permits) for their hard work.
- Creating forums or a Ning community for your audience, so their involvement with your work transcends the podcast.
- Conceive non-traditional ways to promote your podcast that go beyond the “promo play” model.
- Creating a “media kit” with noteworthy milestones, a plot synopses, etc.
Shoot passivity in the head. If you want your work to be heard by more people, waiting for them to show up will get you nowhere. Get proactive, don’t sit still, and shake your ass. Yeah, I know: You don’t have any marketing experience. So what? Nearly all successful podcasters and authors don’t, either. The only way to start … is to start.
Again: Don’t count on listeners “finding” you. Create content — and promotions — so compelling, that they can’t *not* listen to you.
I’m certain that other podcasters and new media entertainers have even more suggestions. Care to share?
Print This Post
VIDEO: The Beta Clone Army
April 17, 2008
7th Son fans are amazing people. They’re supportive, evangelistic, dedicated and creative. It’s that those last two words — dedicated and creative — that I marvel at the most. The 100+ pieces of 7th Son-inspired artwork, music and photos I’ve received during the past two years amazes and humbles me. And now … this.
U.K.-based 7th Son fan Richard Read spent hours compiling photos from my Beta Clone Army page, and assembling them at Animoto.com to create this brilliant music video starring YOU, the proud folk who’ve purchased 7S shirts at Geeklabel.com and sent me photos. Set to Book Two’s anthem (Celldweller’s “Switchback”), this is an amazing showcase of Richard’s creativity and the Animoto service. This video effin’ rocks.
Richard is a photographer and artist. Find his Flickr page here.
Check out the awesome video below, and share it with your friends. My only regret is that I have a few Beta Clone Army photos yet to post on the site, and they’re not seen here. Those faithful fans will be showcased in their own blog post in the days ahead.
Richard, thanks so much for the awesome contribution to the 7th Son Experience. This video is jaw-droppingly cool!
–J.C.
Print This Post
7th Son ringtones are HERE!
April 11, 2008
Become a 7th Son viral marketing machine by installing FREE 7S-themed ringtones on your cellphone! J.C. Hutchins has created more than a dozen for your mobile pleasure, and — if fans request it — more will be on the way.
Take a gander at one of the ‘tones below … and be sure to preview the full list of FREE ringtones at the site’s new Ringtones page!
Print This Post
Do it for the Sigler
April 10, 2008
This month, we’re all Scott Sigler fans … and we must show the world we’re a force to be reckoned with. It’s time for a second major sales push for Scott’s novel, INFECTED. If you want to see books like 7th Son receive the promotion and attention (and sales) they deserve when published, then you must get behind Scott and his work, and support him now.
Help us make this happen. Purchase a copy of INFECTED today. By showing the world that a “new media author” can successfully hit the big-time, you’ll help create a paradigm shift in the way mainstream publishing views podcasting and social media promotion. This is mission-critical for the success of novels facing 2009 release, like 7th Son. The industry is watching Scott, and me, and YOU … and the only way we’ll impress them is to get Scott on The New York Times bestseller list.
Do your part. Support new media authors like Scott. Buy INFECTED today.
Print This Post
MemeMission #1: Evangelize Sigler & Harwood
April 5, 2008
Welcome to your first MemeMission, JCH.net readers! “MemeMissions” are designed to jazz you up about cool things cooking in the social media space, and help the creators behind them.
As all MemeMissions will be, this inaugural task is easy-peasy, painless and will evangelize a worthy cause.
Your mission, which you must accept: Blast two sites with goodwill for authors Scott Sigler and Seth Harwood. Both were featured in an excellent San Francisco Chronicle article about podcast noveling, and your actions today will raise mainstream awareness in the brilliant work they’re doing.
Visit the SF Chronicle story, “Take My Book. It’s Free.” Spare a moment to read Chris Cadelago’s authoritative piece, and then add a comment to the story. Sign-up is required, but speedy. By commenting on this article, the story will rise in popularity on the site. The more visible the story is, the more uninitiated readers will see it … which helps spread the Sigler/Harwood message. Go there now and comment!
When you’re done, also “digg” the story, found at Digg.com. This double-whammy will help these trailblazing writers find new a new audience and sell more books … and for an author, that’s about as cool as it gets.
Leave a comment when you’ve accomplished this MemeMission! Publicly show your support for these great creators!
–J.C.
Print This Post
VIDEO: Unboxing Keith Burtis’ Gift
April 4, 2008
Welcome to the first-ever 7th Son Vidcast! In this 5-minute video, J.C. documents the “unboxing” of an incredible work of art created by 7th Son listener Keith Burtis. Keith hand-crafted an unbelievably cool, stylized rendition of “The Womb” cloning chamber, described in the J.C.’s novels.
The piece is made from Osage orange, Australian Burl and blood-red Paddauk woods. Forgive J.C. for getting a bit emotional in the video … but the time, effort and artistry that Keith invested in this stunning project is remarkable. A big thank-you to Keith for creating this amazing work of art, and sending it to J.C.
Find out more about Keith Burtis’ work at MagicWoodWorks.com.
Print This Post
Guest blogging at Liz Strauss’ “Successful Blog”
April 4, 2008
It’s fun hosting a rambunctious blue-collar keg party — heck, I do that every week here at JCH.net, welcoming listeners to my fictional worlds and UltraCreatives interviews — but there’s something even cooler and more flattering when you’re invited to an elegant party, hosted by one of the classiest ladies in town.
That’s what happened to me this week. The sublime Liz Strauss recently invited me to write a guest post for her blog, Successful-Blog.com. This was a tremendous opportunity; Liz is renowned for her practical and thought-provoking advice about blogging and social media, and is an expert at building a dedicated, emotive audience. And so, this overall-wearin’ Kentucky boy bought himself a tie, gave his shoes a spit-shine, and got to wordherding.
My contribution tells the tale of 7th Son’s adventure from word processor to podcast to print, and why I chose to tune out the “no’s” from publishing industry pros and share the trilogy for free. I also offer some brass-tacks advice about pursuing a creative endeavor, evangelizing your work and keeping the faith in yourself and your project.
This was my first-ever guest post for a blog, and Liz’s amazing readers have posted some very positive comments about the work. That is flattering beyond measure.
So if you’d like to check out what I “sound” like when I’m a guest at the fancy party (and not the host of this raucous kegger), please subscribe to Successful-Blog.com and give my two posts a gander.
You may also find the posts here:
- Part One: “Personal Survival Stories: Saying ‘damn it all’ and tuning out the ‘no’ noise”
- Part Two: “Your Personal Tale Of Survival — And Success”
Many thanks to Liz for allowing me be a part of her remarkable community. It was an honor!
–J.C.
Print This Post
“Blackout” in iPod-friendly format
April 3, 2008
7th Son: OBSIDIAN is coming … but the blackout is already HERE. Call the number in the video below and submit your story of horror and survival. Email your friends this blog post link, encourage them to call and share their “blackout experience!” (Recordings will be played in May, in the OBSIDIAN audio anthology, which chronicles the blackout.)
Learn how to spread the meme by reading yesterday’s post.
Print This Post
Blackout
April 2, 2008
THE NATIONWIDE BLACKOUT IS NOW … the violence and chaos are HERE … and YOU are a victim. Call the number in the video below and submit your story of horror and survival! Email your friends this blog post link, encourage them to call and share their “blackout experience!” 7th Son: OBSIDIAN is coming….
(Recordings will be played in May, in the OBSIDIAN audio anthology, which chronicles the blackout.)
Podcasters and bloggers: Feel free to post this video in your feed for download to your readers’/listeners’ RSS reader/podcatcher. Here are the details:
- Share the video in your blog by using the embed link found in the YouTube video
- For download/enclosure — file URL: http://media.libsyn.com/media/jchutchins/blackout_m4v.m4v
- For download/enclosure — file size: 8460157
- For download/enclosure — file duration: 1:49
Please spread the “blackout virus” far and wide … and be sure to send J.C. an email, bragging about your evangelism!
Blackout victim performed by Michael Bekemeyer
Print This Post
-
Listen to 7th Son Now
-
7th Son Ringtones!
