In three days, my book, Chasing Zebras: The Unofficial Guide to House, M.D. turns one-year old. This year has flown by so fast!
I want to thank everyone who has supported the book, enjoyed it, reviewed it and taken the time to send me feedback and notes of congratulation. Thanks also to those who have posted my TV interviews on YouTube, have retweeted news of Chasing Zebras, entered
contests and blogged. You are all appreciated.
When Chasing Zebras came out it was available in paperback and only in English–and only in the U.S. and Canada. A year later, Chasing Zebras is all over the world–from China to the UK; from Israel to New Zealand. It’s out in Spanish and soon to be out in Russian and French (and who knows what else?). It’s in Kindle and iBook, ePub and PDF! Thousands of you have purchased it, borrowed it from libraries or pilfered it from friends. I am gratified and humbled. It’s no New York Times bestseller, but its done well for a first book–and such a niche book. I recently did a Goodreads book giveaway. In the week the book was up for the sweepstakes, more than 450 people entered for 10 copies. It was a huge success, and thank you AME (Author Marketing Experts) for making it possible!!!!!
I’ve learned a lot from writing a book. One of the most important lessons is that writing the book is actually only the first step of an ongoing effort to get the word out and get people to buy the thing! I’ve tried a virtual book tour; hired a conventional publicist, designed a website (and then had someone who knew what they were doing redesign it!). I’ve done TV, radio and print interviews; done signings and personal appearances in a whole variety of different venues. With a full time day job–and a practically full time job as executive editor of Blogcritics Magazine, finding time to do publicity is a little like threading a needle.
I do hope you will continue spreading the word about Chasing Zebras, and if you haven’t written up an Amazon.com or Goodreads review (or Barnes and Noble, for that matter), I would greatly appreciate your taking the time to do so. The more people that buy the book, the better chance that there will be a sequel to it. That’s how publishing works 
Thank you again,
Barbara
