A Really Bad Self-publicist

[Sandra Balzo]

Well, as usual, Anthony nominations have crept up on me and I, a publicist by trade, have done no publicity on my own book (a shoemaker's children have no shoes type of problem...).

I would LOVE to get my publisher and artist (Severn House and Piers Tilbury) a nomination for best cover art for BEAN THERE, DONE THAT (see my photos--the coffee beans are bullets). They've done SUCH beautiful covers for me and alot of Bcons don't have a Cover Art category.

Soo...anyone going to Bcon: I'd appreciate your nominating BEAN THERE, DONE THAT for best cover art, if you agree.

(OK, and I'd love a nomination for best novel, too. First paragraph:: ""Here's a tip: If your ex-husband's mistress-cum-missus asks for your help in proving that he cheated on her while he was married to you, just say no. And, whatever you do, don't invite her in... ")

Check out www.SandraBalzo.com for more info.

Thanks!
Sandy (the really bad self-publicist)
SandraBalzo.com

[I. J. Parker]

Thanks for understanding and may all go well for you.

[Sandra Balzo]

Not to worry--I've been around long enough to know the frustration. As far as as I know, the only true juried awards are the Edgars and the Shamus Awards, though someone may be able to add others. What I do as a voter is only vote for books/stories I've read. Not perfect, since I haven't read every nominee, but the best I can do. Thanks, IJ, for caring about the process. It's important to all of us.

[I. J. Parker]

I didn't mean to be personal. Believe me, I sympathize with the struggle to get a little publicity. I have problems with the Anthony because I've attended Bouchercons and heard others talk about who to vote for. Someone provides lists of the nominees to every attendee and votes are cast at the convention. Invariably, nobody there has read all of the nominated books, so people vote for what other people suggest or take a guess. I rather expect the Agatha is similar. It's a popularity contest of sorts, but it has little to do with objective judgment. Clearly you cannot pick a winner fairly unless you are familiar with all the entries.

[Sandra Balzo]

I.J.--I'm sorry if that's the way this came across. My books are sold primarily into libraries, so it's unlikely that people are going to stumble across them at a bookstore or Sam's Club. I don't expect people to vote for my books because I'm a friend. What I'd like to do is let them know the book exists, so they can judge the book and cover for themselves.

[I. J. Parker]

See, that's what's wrong with the Anthony: people asking other people to vote for them or for their friends.