Day 55: Pause

Posted on April 6, 2011 by Jake

The Hanlan’s Point Project is taking a quick break!

(Yes, this news coming just two days after the announcement that the blog is going daily…)

It seems everyone – myself very much included – is a little Hanlan’s-Pointed-out, so we’re going dark for a few days and we’ll be back next week with all new daily content and a proper plan for the re-launch.

In the mean time, if you’re absolutely craving updates, follow me on Twitter – @jakebabad

Stay tuned! There’s so much more to come…

Keep Reading,

Jake

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Day 54: Newspaper Man

Posted on April 4, 2011 by Jake

What’s a boy to do when he sells out his first run in under 24 hours?

Start spreading the news, that’s what! Today’s all about tossing together some press releases and making sure everyone hears that Hanlan’s Point is kicking butt!

In the mean time, as I go about trying to understand the complex beast that is social media, let me implore you one more time – be my friend! If you’ve yet to add me to facebook or twitter, what gives? I’m cool… Plus, if you’re following me on either network, you’ll get access to deals and promos when the Hanlan’s Point re-launch finally happens!

www.facebook.com/jake.babad

@jakebabad

Posted in marketing | 29 Comments

Day 53: Let me tell you about today

Posted on April 4, 2011 by Jake

Hanlan’s Point is sold out! The first run was snatched up in under 24 hours! I’m now accepting pre-orders for the second run, but there’s no official release date as of yet. Stay tuned for updates – I hope to announce the re-launch in the next few weeks.

So where do we go from here?

The past two days have found me in a mood bordering on the hysterical. I’m as happy as a puppy with pancakes! So happy I can’t even think up proper similes! I’m bouncing around the bookbinding laboratory, getting freshly-bound copies ready to ship and slapping together the few excess pages I have left over in order to meet demand. Never before has a man found such enjoyment in working a papercutter and affixing mailing labels. At least for today, Jake Babad is a happy boy.

After all, nothing feels as good as an unexpected win.

Last week I found myself on the eve of the first release with absolutely no idea what was going to happen. Sure, I had a few guaranteed sales – all to friends and family members I had assaulted with guilt-trip tactics – but it seemed like anything could happen. As you’ll recall, I took the opportunity to expound in grand purple fashion on what the release day would bring: an invitation to move forward, or a signpost to turn around and go a different route.

After everything that’s happened, I think I’ve earned the right to keep up the march – but what exactly does that mean? Continue reading →

Posted in re-launch | 2 Comments

Hanlan’s Point Sells Out in Under 24 Hours!

Posted on April 1, 2011 by Jake

As promised, here’s a topless author photo:

So the first run is gone, but I’m already gearing up to bind more!

I’m now accepting pre-oders for the second run, but there’s no set release date just yet.

Stay tuned to the Hanlan’s Point Project! Big things are coming up!

Keep Reading,

Jake

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Day 52: Hanlan’s Point

Posted on March 31, 2011 by Jake
Hanlan’s Point: $5.00 CDN
(S&H $4.99 CDN)


FROM THE islands to the boardwalk, Hanlan’s Point follows the stories of those who live and work on the Toronto waterfront – street magicians performing by the docks, sailors crossing the Harbour, musicians playing for coins at the marina, and one man living alone in the remnants of Queen City – as a chance meeting on the Centre Island Ferry brings them all together.

PUBLISHED INDEPENDENTLY, all printing, cutting, and binding is done by the author. Each book is made by hand. 

 

Own a Kindle?
Check out Hanlan’s Point at Amazon.com.

Have a different eReader?
Versions for all other platforms can be found at Smashwords.com.

Not convinced you wanna buy?
Click here to read a sample chapter.

Posted in Hanlan's Point | 2 Comments

Day 51: Let me tell ya ‘bout tomorrow

Posted on March 30, 2011 by Jake

1 day ‘til Hanlan’s Point

About four months ago, amidst many unexpected life changes, I had the idea to start blogging about my latest experiment with self-publishing. At the time I’d got it in my head that it would be fun to take my new manuscript and turn it into a paperback using a host of do-it-yourself tips and tricks I had amassed over the two years I spent working on the novel. I was unemployed, out of school, living with my parents, and in danger of succumbing to a lifelong addiction to cheap television and expensive comic books. I figured the digital diary would keep me occupied, and maybe even motivate me as I went about ensuring a release for Hanlan’s Point. I pictured something small – a quaint operation of homespun books that could be handed out to the few friends and family members who had been supportive of my literary aspirations. The blog was something to keep me entertained during the weeks of monotonous work I saw ahead of me.

And then, as so often happens, everything changed. Continue reading →

Posted in launch | 1 Comment

Day 50: A brief digression to explore the psychological ramifications of guerrilla marketing

Posted on March 29, 2011 by Jake

2 DAYS ‘TIL HANLAN’S POINT!

SOME FRIENDLY ADVICE: ORDER EARLY ON THURSDAY! – SUPPLIES ARE EXTREMELY LIMITED AND ARE LIKELY TO SELL OUT WITHIN 24 HOURS
Click here for eBook info

Devoted followers will note that this blog has changed over the past two weeks. Where once there stood a site devoted to sharing wisdom and experience relating to self-publishing, there now sits a shill for some hack book called Hanlan’s Point. What’s that all about?

Alas, with only TWO DAYS UNTIL THE BOOK’S RELEASE, we’re in full-on marketing mode here at the Hanlan’s Point Project. No more lessons about proper gluing technique or Risograph repair (at least not for the time being), instead it’s all sell, sell, sell! As a result, I’m feeling a little out of sorts. As I’ve mentioned before, publicity is not a game I play particularly well.

Instead of breezily preaching about the amazing literary wonder that is Hanlan’s Point, whenever I have to promote my book I get a wicked case of stage fright and rarely generate any actual awareness. The best way to explain my shyness is as follows – whenever I try to sell my books, I feel like my audience sees me as this girl:

In all fairness, I’m not completely paranoid – as you’ll recall, I’m no stranger to bad reviews.

So yesterday, when I stood on the corner of Bay and Front, shouting goodmorning to random passersby while wearing a homemade Hanlan’s Point t-shirt, imploring one and all to take a contest voucher, my strength of character was tested.

We’re down to the wire, and there’s just no time to be anything less than perfect. So you’re insecure about selling your books? Fine – get out there and hustle and sort out the psychological trauma later. Sheesh.

Which is all my way of saying that I’m hocking Hanlan’s Point all over the city, so please, please, please, order immediately on Thursday morning as supplies are going to run out within hours. The last thing I want is to have a devoted blog follower miss their chance to get a copy of the book! The next run won’t be available for quite some time!

(And by the way, I would totally buy one of those jars of air. This girl is on to something…)

Keep Reading,

Jake

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Day 49: What I’ve learned thus far

Posted on March 28, 2011 by Jake

3 DAYS ‘TIL HANLAN’S POINT
Paperbacks available March 31st, eBooks available now
Click here to learn more!

With three days to go until the book’s release, there’s not much news for me to report. It’s more of the same: gluing books together in my laboratory, hitting the streets to spread the word, and trying not to suffer a complete break with reality. That being the case, I thought I might take this chance to share with you a few things I’ve learned throughout this experience:

1. If accidentally applied to bare skin, bookbinding glue can be dissolved using nail-polish remover. Please note, however, that the process is not painless and will leave you with scabs resembling those of a meth user

2. The meth scars acquired in lesson #1 will help you impress your girlfriend with your eerily accurate impression of Christian Bale in The Fighter. This is important, as it turns out boxing movies are the most inspirational of all movies, especially Rocky I and Rocky IV. Watching these flicks repeatedly will help you maintain an optimistic outlook in even the bleakest scenarios. I’m going the distance, Adrian!

3. When explaining lesson #2 to the aforementioned girlfriend, make clear that you are not comparing her to Talia Shire

4. Unlike in other artistic communities, there is no indie network in the literary world. Don’t expect help from anyone else in the field. Not saying it won’t happen – there are lovely people inhabiting all corners of the world – I’m just saying don’t bank on it

5. In regards to lesson #4, if you peek outside the literary community, there is help to be found everywhere! If you know where to look, and if you have the right attitude, people will be throwing offers of assistance at your feet!

6. Cats make for good company when binding books in your basement

7. The best music to listen to while binding books is undoubtedly Bruce Springsteen (… if they made a boxing movie with an soundtrack consisting entirely of Springsteen, it would be dangerously inspirational)

8. If you make a t-shirt with your name and book title on it, you will feel like an ass

9. If you wear the t-shirt around downtown Toronto while handing out contest vouchers, you will reach levels of assery you couldn’t even have dreamt of in lesson #8

10. If a self-published author tells you that supplies are limited and you should order your copy immediately on the release date, you should believe him!

HANLAN’S POINT AVAILABLE FOR SALE MARCH 31st RIGHT HERE AT jakebabad.com!

Keep Reading,

Jake

Posted in launch, look at me! | 4 Comments

Day 48: Five Reasons to Order Hanlan’s Point on March 31st

Posted on March 25, 2011 by Jake

1. At the risk of sounding like I’m selling snuggies, let me reiterate that supplies are extremely limited. The first run is going to disappear quickly, and it’ll take me weeks to get more ready to ship. You don’t want to be the poor dude at the water cooler who hasn’t read Hanlan’s Point do you? I think not.

2. If you’ve been following this blog, then you’ve been waiting three months and twenty-five days for this book. Who waits that long for a book? It’s ridiculous! Don’t wait any longer! Order now! … And by “Order now!” I mean order on March 31st.

3. If you order a copy, I’ll totally invite you to my birthday party, and you’ll be my best friend, and I’ll let you borrow my Power Rangers toys, and you can come over and play my Wii, and I’ll bake you cupcakes!*

4. If you buy on the 31st, you’ll reaffirm the hopes and dreams of an idealistic young man fighting against the weight of the industry… Pretty sweet deal for something that only costs FIVE BUCKS, am I right?

5. Still not convinced? Here we go: If I sell over 50 copies on March 31st, I’ll post author photos… topless author photos. Aw, yeah.

* I cannot bake cupcakes

HANLAN’S POINT goes on sale March 31st right here at jakebabad.com!

Keep Reading,

Jake

Posted in marketing | 2 Comments

Day 47: Pop Quiz

Posted on March 22, 2011 by Jake

8 DAYS ‘TIL HANLAN’S POINT
Paperbacks available March 31st, eBooks available now
Click here to learn more!

What’s a boy to do with a book release coming up in eight days? Does he:

a) Spam and harass local journalists in the hopes of drumming up some media attention
b) Do spit takes with his morning coffee upon seeing schmucks like Chris Brown getting international coverage instead of Hanlan’s Point (…seriously, what kind of asshat is buying this guy’s records?)
c) Cry himself to sleep in the fetal position while listening to the latest Glee soundtrack
d) Randomly smash buttons on Twitter in an attempt to understand how the publicity machine works for seemingly everyone else, then feel pathetically old for not instantly reaching Bieber-like levels of success
e) Come within inches of swearing at an elderly lady on the street who informs him that posting flyers on Queen West is illegal, and that the city is totally going to come after him
f) Lose the nerve to hang more flyers
g) Contemplate camping out on Queen West just to find that lady and tell her to fuck off and support local grass roots movements
h) Listen to the new Chris Brown single and acknowledge that, alright, it’s kind of catchy, but still… schmuck
i) Spend thirty minutes hitting refresh on his Smashwords page to see if his eBook, which was released last week, is selling
j) Do the same at Amazon
k) Wonder if it’s too late to pursue a career in data management and/or modelling instead
l) Realize that mixing sleep deprivation, compromised self-worth, caffeine, and Gorilla Glue fumes is probably not healthy
m) Reflect on the good old days when his biggest concern was repairing an industrial printer
n) Sketch in excruciating detail worst case scenarios of a project that has taken over the last six months of his life exploding at the finish line
o) Fail to understand why the release of the national budget is more important than the release of a novel from a Toronto-based micro-publisher
p) Wonder if he has unintentionally set himself up to be the Canadian, literary version of Rebecca Black
q) Oh my God, you’re totally the Canadian, literary Rebecca Black!
r) No, you’re not – Rebecca Black has fame and money
s) Listen to Neil Young in your basement while binding books and wonder if you could be the literary Neil Young instead…
t) Wonder if you can find a critic to call you the literary Neil Young so you can print it on all your book covers…
u) Watch the ladies of The View talk about Chris Brown
v) Cut his finger on the blade of a tape gun, then feel stupid
w) Look suspiciously at his staple gun
x) Harass all his facebook friends with endless wall posts
y) Harass all his real friends with endless requests for favours
z) Run out of letters of the alphabet to describe his neuroses

If you said “All of the above,” congratulations! You win a copy of Hanlan’s Point for JUST $5.00!

8 DAYS ‘TIL HANLAN’S POINT

Keep Reading,

Jake

Posted in look at me!, marketing | 1 Comment