Today I had the honor of interviewing Anne Whitfield, author of 8 historical and contemporary fiction books. As a child, Anne had a very big imagination. As she and her Uncle Peter visited old castles, large manors, and museums of England, she'd imagine herself in that time era and her imagination swoop her away to distant places and times, but it wasn't until she had children of her own that she decided to pursue a career as a writer. Discover why Anne believes marketing is more than just being seen, it's about finding unique opportunities to present yourself and your books...

How did writing become your career? Did it find you or did you find it?

I have always wanted to write, but I didn't begin to write my first novel until after I had my third child and was home full time.

With one child at school, a toddler and a new born, I decided to finally put down on paper the scenes that had been playing in my head for years. I started my novel on a typewriter, then a few months later my husband bought me a computer. Writing my first novel was an amazing feeling. I could only spare a few hours each day as the kids were napping, but it gave me such joy that I knew this was what I wanted to do forever.

What was your biggest obstacle when it came to pitching your work to a publisher or agent?

In the beginning my biggest obstacle was ignorance. I simply didn't know enough about the publishing industry to query the right agents and publishers.

I had to study the market, the publishers, and the agents. I had to learn who was suitable for my writing. This took a while and I made some terrible mistakes, but I call it my apprenticeship.

I think writers need to research the industry and target the correct agents and editors who represent the types of work they write and not send out queries to just anyone. What I mean by research is to define what you have written and then look for recent books that are written in the same genre. Look at who published those books, did the author have an acknowledgements page which mentions an agent, editor, etc. Check publisher and agent websites, look to see who they have represented before, do they take your type of book and if they do follow their guidelines. A polite letter of enquiry will help cancel that agent/editor from your submission list if not suitable.

And if possible attend writing conferences, join writing groups, sign up for industry newsletters, send a letter/email to published authors writing your genre, most are happy to help you, etc.

Books sales rely on marketing efforts, what is your best marketing tip?

My best tip is to never give up and to think outside the square. Always be generous with your time when people ask about your book, because word of mouth advertising is invaluable. It is an excellent way to generate more sales.

Look for unique ways to promote outside of bookstores and libraries. For example, I have a tote bag with my book covers printed on the outside. I take this bag with me everywhere. It's surprising how many comments I get about it. And I always have promotional bookmarks or cards inside the bag to give out to those who comment on it or have questions.

Booths are also a great way to think outside the box. Say you write about the Scottish highlands, you could have a booth at the local Highland Games.

If you feature specific items in your story, you could find creative ways to market those items. If the heroine owns a bakery, ask the local bakery to display bookmarks on the counter or hold a book signing in front of the bakery while a friend gives out pieces of cake to customers.

If traveling on a plane, ask the flight attendant if you can pop a few bookmarks in the seat pockets where the magazines are kept, or simply do so as you make your way to your seat.

Promoting can be done on any budget and you will only get out of it what you put in. There are a lot of ways to give your promotion a special touch. You can get candy, balloons, pens, mugs, etc all with your book's title on them.

Visit her at http://www.annewhitfield.com/

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