(Clinton, KY - April 22, 2014) - Kentucky author Eddie Price fulfilled a lifelong dream when his historical novel, Widder's Landing, was published in September 2012. Since the book came out, he's been a tireless marketer for his work.

On Tuesday evening in Clinton, Price shared what he's learned about writing and marketing a book at the Hickman County Historical & Genealogical Society's new headquarters. The program was co-sponsored by the Hickman County's Arts Council as part of Robert Penn Warren Day and the Historical Society.

Price began writing his novel while still teaching. He began writing after school, sometimes into the night. He spent a great deal of time researching details that would lend authenticity to the novel. He learned how to shoot a long rifle and to plow with a mule. He read letters, journals and historical documents. He emphasized that getting the facts right in a historical novel is very important. 

Characters in the novel were based loosely on people he had met in the past. He recounted that the "Widder" of the novel was based upon a woman he worked for - briefly. Other characters were drawn from friends and acquaintances.

After five years of travel, interviews, research, writing, and editing, Price discovered that the real work lay ahead of him. Price will share details of his all-important query letter, approached New York literary agents and publishers, designed a marketing plan, and managed to land the right publisher for him.

Price estimates sales of his novel, Widder's Landing, at 5000 +/-.  That far exceeds the average of 150- 200 books sold for the average first time writer. Most, according to Price, don't go far past sales to family, friends and their geographic area.

One of the surprises for a first time author is the effort needed to sell a book to a publisher. Price said many writers choose another route, self publishing, using a vanity press that will publish any work brought to it, or using electronic publishing. He didn't choose any of those. Price felt that he would have enough of a learning curve in marketing without adding the technical aspects of publishing to the effort. He wrote a business and marketing plan and went shopping for a publisher.

In response to a question on locating a suitable publisher, Price said there are books in the library with lists of literary agents (necessary to access big city publishers) and publishing houses. Many are genre specific and sending a book to publisher who does not sell the type of book the author has written is a waste of time.

Price uses every tool he can find to network with potential buyers. He contacts historical societies, libraries, schools and re-enacters for leads. He has been particularly successful with the re-enactment community. He does presentations like the one in Clinton. He has t-shirts, a banner and a sign on his truck.

Eddie Price estimated that his next book will be out in three to five years. Right now, he said he's busy selling this one.