As I have business cards strewn on the floor of my home office to input in my Microsoft Outlook address book, I realize that I haven't been doing a good job in promotion maintenance.

Just as a reminder more for myself than anyone else, I've decided to launch this series here on the little things to remember in book promotion. So remember -- do what I say, not as I do!

The E-Mail List

I've discovered that the most important arsenal that a developing published writer can…

The Edgar nominees will be announced any day now, and I'm on pins and needles. I participated as a judge in one of the categories and the reading of so many books renewed my love for the genre.

Who will be nominated for best first novel? Best paperback original? Do you have any favorites?

I'll be attending this year's Edgar banquet as a fan and I'm really looking forward to it.

A big bachi sandwich anyone?

It's smaller than a bread box or toaster -- yes, it's the first Mas Arai mystery in mass market format! I got it in the mail today from my editor. Hopefully it'll be in a store near you on Jan. 29 for the reasonable price of $6.99.

I'm happy that the type isn't that small. The cover is just a smaller version of the trade paperback, but it still looks pretty spiffy with some nice quotes from the Chicago…