If you read our newsletter, you’ll know I just received the first draft cover design for Shadow of the Djinn, fifth and final book of The Witch’s Foundling series. Minutes ago, I received the interior draft. It’s getting closer. I can’t wait to share the cover with you when we get the design finalized. However, other things have been happening while I waited. At my brother A.Jaye’s urging, I sent a press release about my books to a local television show. Weekend Spotlight got back to me quicker than any show, news outlet or podcast I’ve ever approached. They were excited to interview a local author and spotlight something unexpected. It was a truly interesting, fun and challenging experience. However, I did make a couple of mistakes. Watch the video below and see if you can catch them.

Yes, despite getting all prepped for the interview, I completely forgot to mention where the books could be purchased or give out our website address. Yikes!

However, it was definitely a learning experience and I would do it all over again. Only, you know, with those extra tidbits of rather important info.

So, my advice for indie authors is to first, put together a press release to pass onto various news outlets, podcasts or other information centres that might provide you with some cool promotion. The press release should never be more than one page. More than that and it won’t be read.

Here’s the press release I sent to the producer of Weekend Spotlight. It shows my books, gives a brief logline of the genre and overall plot, a couple of my best reviews, short bio, picture and contact information. On a side note, A.Jaye had to go on LinkedIn to find the producer’s contact information. If you have a local channel, check their website for a list of specific programs that might be open to talking about your book. Needless to say, Local is the most convenient when it comes to arranging interviews.

For any interview you do, always have a logline or a one to two sentence synopsis of your book to hook a person’s interest – it’s good to have in your pocket for book fairs too. And always, tell people where the books can be purchased if not directly from you. In any event, put out your website or how people can find you online, such as social media. You know, like I completely forgot to do. *sigh*.

I should also point out, it’s a great to have someone in your corner to push you to reach out to different outlets. Like my brother, A. Jaye. As most authors are introverts, it can be a struggle to market your books. Lord knows, I still do. But, having a press release ready to go, and a quick synopsis to hook readers’ interest and being open to opportunities to talk about your book babies (even when someone else has to make you do it) can be a big help in your author’s journey.

A little hint of what’s to come for the cover of Shadow of the Djinn! You can stay up to date with the latest news by following the SillWill Studios on our social media at: Find our social media accounts at Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. Recently, Alison can also be found on Threads and Bluesky at: @sillwillstudios.blsky.social

Feature Designs of the Month

In a break from the usual repeating of the design from my newsletter here, I realized I never premiered my “Maple-flavoured Outrage” collection on our website. Given the current mood in a lot of Canada these days, I channeled that energy into some of these humorous (I hope) cartoons. They make fun stickers and t-shirts and are a great way to make your feelings known about the “51st State” controversy. You know, in the nice, passive-aggressive Canadian way. You can find them all on our Redbubble Shop.