Douglas Clegg's first Vampyricon novel, The Priest of Blood, officially hits the shelves nationwide today. Few authors work as hard at marketing as this man has, or have as much creativity with promotion. Here are just some of the things Doug has done for his novel: a superb website, special edition art covers, sculptures, a promo video for the book, an e-book excerpt, newsletters, collectibles, promo items (the rubber devil ducky has to be, hands-down, the neatest widget of all time), auctions, banners, screensavers . . .
I know, I know. How does he do it? Just typing the list made me tired.
Then there's the work: expect some serious beauty on the page, because that's also what this man does (even better than the marketing.) Considering all his talents, I'm wondering if Doug Clegg could be an alien pretending to be human. Not that I want to alarm anyone, but maybe we should call those Project Blue people from the Air Force. You know, just to be on the safe side.
What? He could be. Anyone could be. Look at our new Chief Justice. He has LEGO hair.
Alien or not, Doug Clegg is one of the hardest-working writers in the business. If the early numbers for Priest are any indication, major payback is coming his way. But in the meantime, to help Doug celebrate the release, and to show my personal appreciation for all the marketing ideas and strategies he's shared with us over at his weblog, I bought five extra copies of The Priest of Blood to give away here at PBW (I've also wheedled the unsuspecting author into sending me signed bookplates. Aliens -- hard to spot, easy to fool.)
If you'd like to win a copy of The Priest of Blood along with a bookplate signed by the author, write your congrats for Douglas Clegg in comments to this post by midnight EST on Wednesday, October 5th (please do not e-mail your entry to me.) We'll put the names of all who participate* in a hat and draw five winners; names to be posted here at PBW around noon EST on Thursday, October 6th. This giveaway is open to everyone on the planet.
And Doug? You're incredible. Way to go.
*Doug's friends on the mothership, however, will just have to beam down to Waldenbooks and buy their own damn copies. I mean it -- give a free book to an alien, next thing you know they're skulking around your house at 2 am trying abducting you. Ask Whitley Strieber if you don't believe me.
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Congrats, Mr. Clegg!! I can't wait to get my hands on this book!!You truely are one of the Best!!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations and I can't wait to read it:) If I don't win, I'm going to have to go out and buy it anyways...
ReplyDeleteArrgh! My comment just got eaten! Curse those aliens.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, congratulations, Mr Clegg. As I was saying (bloody aliens), your book sounds fantastic and your marketing nous is to be admired.
Congratulations, Mr. Clegg! I look forward to reading your book!
ReplyDeleteAmazing, Mr. Clegg. Much congratulations for you! Your writing and marketing skills are truly something that other writers can look to and learn from.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to read it! *sigh* Living here can be a pain--it takes about 2-4 weeks for the books to arrive here.
Congrats Mr. Clegg. I can't wait to read the book. It sounds great.
ReplyDeleteYou don't have to throw my name in that hat. I'll happily purchase a copy. But I did want to chime in to say congratulations to Mr. Clegg. I have been following his promo efforts for some time. I'm in awe, and okay, envious. Where does he get the time and energy...and creativity?! I think you're right. I think he's from a galaxy far, far away. :)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Mr. Clegg! I've been waiting for this novel to come out for a while now. I can't wait to read it. :D
ReplyDeleteWhy a dynamo that man is. I can't wait to read the book. Congrats, Doug!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good book. Congratulations, Mr. Clegg.
ReplyDeleteSandy L
Wow! Congrats Mr. Clegg! I'm sure all your hard work is paying off!
ReplyDeleteCongrats Mr. Clegg on a wonderful book and much success to you!
ReplyDeleteChristyne
Congratulations! And your website is terrific!
ReplyDeleteDouglas, thanks for all the useful information you've provided. I intend to steal some of your marketing ideas when the time comes.
ReplyDeleteAnd congratulations on the book.
Conratulations, Mr. Clegg! The promo vid was exceptional and even if I don't win a copy, I'm putting it in my basket on the next book buying trip! Can't wait!
ReplyDeleteI'm all for helping out a new author. I've ordered the book and I'm looking forward to it.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Doug! Good on you! And wow! I'm awed by the work you do.
It's nuts for a guy my age to nearly be in tears, but I am -- thank you so much for doing this, Lynn Viehl and all your names, you are a very generous and kind person -- with excellent taste!
ReplyDeleteThanks also to everyone here -- I am really touched by this. I was dreading this day because I know it means so much to me, as the launch day for the book, but it also may have gone by without so much as a whisper.
So thank you for making it special, all of you. I am going to remember this a long time -- and I appreciate the support and enthusiasm and hope you all enjoy The Priest of Blood.
Doug
Dear Doug Clegg,
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your book -- since Lynn Viehl has given it such high praise, I have gone to Amazon to order it, because I figure Lynn's books (Stardoc) are so good, that if she likes yours, it MUST be great also. Keep on writing.
Blessings and love,
Sharon W in Michigan
Well, actually I decided to order 3 of Clegg's other books first, just in case I were to win this book. And I found out that Lynn wrote yet another Roc book and HURRAH - another Stardoc book is coming out. Since I just found her within this last year, I am thrilled to have so many books to read with some new ones not too far off. Our daughter just introduced me to Sookie Stackhouse and vampire novels, so my genre has expanded yet again, proving you are never too old (61) to learn more and read different genre. Great writing to all of you and continued success.
ReplyDeleteBlessings and love,
sharon in michigan
Congratulations, Mr. Clegg!
ReplyDeleteI've added the book to my wishlist, so in case I don't win a copy, I can easily find it to order one. Your website is truly impressive! I enjoyed the trailer, and will keep an eye out for the next.
I wish you much success!
Congratulations, Doug! I've enjoyed your books in the past, and I'm very much looking forward to the new one because I LOVE vamp books! I also work for a Waldenbooks in south Florida, and I've ordered in a couple copies for the store. Good luck with it!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Doug! *hearty slap on back* I'm looking forward to reading it. And I think you've done a fantastic job with all your promotional efforts.
ReplyDeleteCongrats, Doug!
ReplyDeleteIt's a wonderful day and you're an incredibly talented man. I wish you all the success in the world.
Now go hit that bestseller list!
Congratulations, Doug!
ReplyDeleteMay you sell a book for every hair on your head. Umm... May you sell ten books for everytime you heard "You'll never do that." Umm... Well, I just hope you sell lots.
Heather
Congratulations Mr. Clegg, the book looks awesome and I can't wait to get a copy (sadly though, I will have to, seeing as how I've already exceeded my monthly book limit by buying most of Ms. Viehl's books that I already didn't have). But it looks great and all of the promotional things that you've done are awesome and I'm sure that it will pay off for you - thinking bestsellers list!
ReplyDeleteCongratualtions once again,
~Briana
Good luck Mr. Clegg! It seems you have many talented people in your corner cheering you on. Will certainly have to check out your book. Thank you Sheila for another recommendation - I've enjoyed all the others. Marie
ReplyDeleteThat's wonderful, Mr. Clegg! Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteCongrats, Doug! Your excerpt is intriguing. I can't wait to read the book.
ReplyDeleteErin Z.
I've followed a number of your posts over to his site and devoured the articles on marketing. He has done such incredible work on the promotion of this piece that if he doesn't get karma, I don't think anyone will.
ReplyDeleteCongrats both on the book and on making your own luck!
The truth is out there Mr. Clegg. I believe it's in the form of congratulations. Remember to trust no one when the men in black show up at your door. We're so glad you never gave up and never surrendered. The result is a book we can sink our teeth into. ;-)
ReplyDeleteThat is, hands down, the COOOOOLEST web site for a book that I have seen in a long time. Ok, the best ever. Whoever did that work, did good. Congrats on everything. And, PBW dear, you don't need to include me in the drawing. I already won something from you in the past four or five months. Thanks anyway.
ReplyDeleteCheers,
-- F
Congratulations, Doug! Wishing you the best with your book. You're the second author whose come up with a vampire concept that intrigues me. (Sheila being the first.) :)
ReplyDeleteLinda
You rock, Mr. Clegg. Congratulations! Once again, your actions lead the way.
ReplyDeleteWe're not worthy!
Congratulations! You've worked so hard, I'm sure this is only the beginning of your amazing success.
ReplyDeleteJulie Anne
Congrats, Doug. I hope you sell a million, for starters....
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Mr. Clegg! This book looks like it will be fantastic.
ReplyDelete