I know some libraries are closed today, so I thought I would share something both useful and fun. My friend Robb Olsen stared a new podcast (he is an experienced podcaster, go here to listen to the first time I met Robb in person and recorded a podcast with him way back ion 2017).
The podcast is called The ARC Party, and it is perfect for library workers because just like the title hints at, this is a podcast with authors of books that have not come out yet. This is the exact space we operate in at libraries when it comes to new books. We need information before they come out. We need to know if we should order a title-- and we are ordering 3-6 months in advance. We also need to know who the best audience for this book is BEFORE it comes out, so we can make sure to get it into the correct people's hands. We want the book to checkout because that shows we made good collection choices, but we also want to make sure it is checked out by its best reader.
So many of the book podcasts feature a book in the days before it comes out and then right after. What Robb is doing is exciting for authors because it gives them a chance to talk about their book early, to build buzz. But it is also a time when they are not as frazzled and pulled in a million directions doing promotion. It is also going to to be the first time some of them talk about their book to others.
That was exactly the case when Robb invited me to be a part of Zoje Stage's episode to talk about her upcoming title, Mothered. Robb invited me because I reviewed Mothered in the January issue of Library Journal, and in the past we have bonded over our shared love of her novel Wonderland. Stage straight ups said that this was going to be the first time she talked about Mothered to others. I think it makes for a better conversation, one that is more authentic, less promotional, and a better resource for what we need in libraries.
Stage is sharing her book at its essence. She is not worried about taking points or what her marketing people have told her to push. She is honest about the book, the writing process, and what she was trying to do. Also from the interviewer side, both Robb and I read the book way early and our thoughts are also not influenced by marketing or even other readers. It makes for a great conversation, one that library workers will get a lot of useful information out of.
You can listen for yourself as the full episode is available on any podcast app you can think of, but here’s the website for direct access as well: https://www.thearcparty.com/p/zoje-stage-mothered#details
Robb also posts a video version on You Tube, fully indexed, where you can jump to the section you want to listen to. That is accessible here.
He also made a promotion clip of Stage talking about the book here.
And one of me talking to authors and publishers about how to get their books into libraries.
Mothered comes out March 1st. I am pretty sure most of you have it on order already, but use the podcast to hear why we think readers will love it. This will make it easier for you to get this book into the right reader's hands.
Oh, and one final note. Stage LOVES going to book clubs. So if you read one of her books, reach out to her on social media. She will virtually dial in for your book club. We talk about it right near the start of the episode.
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