24 Comments

Also, I love the bus cartoon. I feel the line would be longer. Like Department of Motor Vehicles long.

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That's very funny!

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Thank you for the compliment!

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Congratulations on all of your effort and dedication coming to fruition. I like your description of the days of mental preparation required to start working on a book. It takes me days of preparation just to write some sentences.

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Thank you very much for the subscription upgrade and taking the time to respond. I'm leaning in as well as learning a lot about myself. My webcomic is titled "COsMIC SHIFT" and I have found myself shifting spiritually as my mother shifts physically and mentally.

I was wondering if I may post your comments from "Stuff I Learned Crossing the Finish Line" for a group I belong to called Kids Comics Unite (https://kidscomicsunite.com). It's a bunch of us graphic novel writers and illustrators and I know they would find your processing informative and inspiring, just as I did.

Thanks again for your time, it's been a pleasure!

Janise

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You mean the post itself? You are welcome to share this link: https://thebob.substack.com/p/my-new-book-is-out-today

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Purchased your book and absolutely love it! Your style is just fabulous and I especially loved learning about your process in creating it. I'm experiencing similar challenges as I get ready to launch my web comic about being the full time caregiver for my 90-year-old mother. Thanks for the inspiration!

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author

Dear Janise, Thanks for this compliment and supporting my work -- I just upgraded your subscription, as promised, to free lifetime paid.

Regarding your Mom. Until people are in your shoes, it's hard to appreciate the challenge and emotional toll. I started the next sentences over and over and ultimately erased what I wrote to you because it was too negative and I shouldn't jump to conclusions. That said, keep in touch and hope you carve out time for your web comic and perhaps lean into your situation, which is what you are doing.

Best,

Bob

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Launch party!! Congrats. Looks beautiful.

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Happy pub day!!

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CONGRATS!

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Congratulations, Bob! "just make sure you fail doing exactly what you want to do. " -- this is so wonderful, because I have a new book, too, and the fact that I did exactly what I wanted makes it worth it, whatever happens.

The Goodreads giveaway: if you get a chance, look my book over ("This New Internet Thing") and tell me if you think it makes sense for me. I have a feeling that micro-targeting my audience is a better approach for me, but, as you said, "who knows?"

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I checked it out. Hard to say as it's definitely late to run a giveaway. But still possible to benefit from it. Nobody can guess but what I see as your challenge is a lack of a specific platform (Ex., you're not speaking at tech conventions or have a built-in audience or a radio or TV show I can see.). What is your strategy in that regard? What publications would be your wheelhouse to advertise or work for?

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Thanks. "Publications" -- I don't really relate to that, but I have several social media communities that I'm active in, that I think are my audience.

Facebook: Internet Old Farts, Xerox Workstation Alums (Star, XNS, Globalview), my own "friends" (600 or so).

Email: internet-history, ex-xerox-employees

LinkedIn: professional contacts, 400 or so

NextDoor: since most of the action takes place in Silicon Valley, people who live here are an audience.

Google search ads and Amazon ads: I actually worked in Ads at Google, so this OUGHT to be in my wheelhouse (I wish I'd paid more attention when I worked there!) It does accomplish micro-targeting.

Now, when you say "publications" : I actually HAD been wondering if Display Ads on specific magazines would work. The problem is: no one reads magazines or watches TV anymore

podcasts? Also not sure those would be worth it.

Now, for your book: to me, it seems more appropriate for "book lovers" or people who read art magazines.

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A few other things occur to me: I have a blurb, actually! Check it out: https://albertcory.io.

A Computer Science teacher is an ideal influencer, I think. I've consciously Friended them on Facebook.

Also, on yours: since it's a hardcover, it's a great gift book. I can imagine giving it to anyone who travels a lot.

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I thinking Facebook ads and Amazon ads would be a better investment than GoodReads giveaway, if you had to pick one or the other. Local libraries and befriending your local bookstore certainly is a place to start although your book is only digital?

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Thanks, no, there IS a paperback coming out May 29. For some reason, it doesn't show up on Amazon. I just ordered some Author Copies.

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Well, that's great. So my previous suggestions: libraries, bookstores, other in-person opportunities is a start. Listen to Free Advice Fridays.

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May 14Liked by The Bob

This was a very interesting read, Bob. Can't wait till my copy arrives--I've been anxious to see the finished piece.

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Mazel tov, bob!!! Love the letter, can't wait to get my hands on the book!! Wishing you the big success you deserve.

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This is very impressive, Bob. Much congratulations.

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Congratulations!

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author

Thank you, Wendy.

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Perfect. Thanks!!

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