The Road To Second Chance
by Toni Andrews
This title was previously available on NetGalley and is now archived.
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Pub Date Sep 30 2023 | Archive Date Mar 25 2024
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Description
Near the small town of Second Chance, West Virginia, in the year 1962, the world appears blissfully simple for two-year-old Laney Mae Martin. However, tragedy strikes when her father, Gil, perishes in a fatal car crash alongside another woman, whose life is also cut short. This shocking event shatters Laney Mae's idyllic existence, leaving her life in disarray. In a fit of humiliation, her mother, Faye, erases every trace of Gil, including cherished photographs, and swears never to utter his name again. Laney Mae and her older brother Neal are uprooted from their familiar surroundings, forced to face an unwelcoming reception, and endure merciless mockery in the suburbs of Washington, DC, where they are branded as "hillbillies."
The turmoil intensifies as a deranged housekeeper and later an abusive stepfather inflict lasting emotional scars upon Laney Mae. Neglected and lonely, the young girl spirals further away from reality. Seeking solace, she forges a connection with a portrait of President John F. Kennedy, brought home by her mother to honor the fallen leader. In her conversations with this revered image, Laney Mae unburdens her heart and, later on, conjures an imaginary father figure resembling the idealized depiction of a "perfect" TV dad, all while obsessing over her own deceased father. Amidst a television that incessantly blares, the bewildering outside world unfolds before her eyes-a world rife with assassinations, racial discord, and brutal scenes of war, punctuated by shows that promise canned applause and contrived happy endings.
As Laney Mae reaches adulthood, the emotional scars from her youth cast a shadow over her marriage, and she grapples with the challenges of raising a troubled son. When Faye receives a terminal cancer diagnosis, Laney Mae becomes desperate for her mother to finally reveal the hidden details about Gil. However, fate deals a cruel blow as Faye passes away before this long-awaited disclosure, taking with her the exclusive knowledge that only she possessed. Overwhelmed with grief, Laney Mae embarks on a poignant journey to bring her mother's body back to Second Chance for burial-an odyssey that leads to a fateful encounter and a momentous revelation: forgiveness, the ultimate second chance.
Marketing Plan
1. Target Audience:
Identify the primary and secondary target audiences for the book:
Primary: Readers who enjoy family dramas, coming-of-age stories, and historical fiction set in the 1960s.
Secondary: Fans of books exploring themes of forgiveness, healing, and resilience.
2. Book Cover and Title:
Ensure the book cover and title effectively communicate the essence of the story and resonate with the target audience. The cover should be visually appealing and evoke the time period (1960s) and themes of the book.
3. Online Presence:
Leverage digital platforms to create a strong online presence:
Author Website: Develop a professional website with information about the author, book synopsis, reviews, and purchase links.
Social Media: Utilize platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Goodreads to engage with potential readers, share book updates, and run targeted ad campaigns.
Blogging: Regularly publish relevant blog posts on the author's website to attract organic traffic and provide insights into the book's background.
4. Book Launch Campaign:
Pre-launch Teasers: Build anticipation with teaser content, such as excerpts, character introductions, or behind-the-scenes glimpses on social media.
Launch Event: Host a virtual book launch event, inviting readers, bloggers, and influencers for a live discussion, Q&A session, or reading.
Email Newsletter: Create an author newsletter to keep subscribers informed about book updates, exclusive content, and promotions.
5. Reviews and Endorsements:
Send advance copies to book reviewers, bloggers, and influential readers to generate early reviews.
Seek endorsements from authors, celebrities, or experts whose words can be featured on the book cover or in promotional materials.
6. Social Media Advertising:
Invest in targeted social media advertising campaigns to reach potential readers based on demographics, interests, and reading habits. Use eye-catching visuals and engaging ad copy to entice clicks and conversions.
7. Book Tours and Author Interviews:
Arrange virtual book tours where the author participates in interviews, podcasts, and guest blog posts on literary and book-related platforms. Connect with book clubs for potential author discussions.
8. Local Outreach:
Since the story is set in West Virginia, target local bookstores and libraries for signings, readings, or author talks (either in-person or virtually).
9. Book Trailer:
Create a captivating book trailer that provides a visual preview of the story and its emotional depth. Share the trailer on social media, the author's website, and video-sharing platforms like YouTube.
10. Goodreads and Amazon:
Set up an author profile and book page on Goodreads to engage with readers and promote the book.
Optimize the book's Amazon page with compelling descriptions, keyword-rich content, and categories to improve discoverability.
11. Giveaways and Contests:
Host online giveaways or contests on social media or the author's website to encourage reader engagement and word-of-mouth promotion.
12. Book Clubs:
Reach out to book clubs, both online and offline, that focus on the book's genre or themes. Provide discussion guides and participate in club discussions when possible.
13. Local Media:
Pitch the book and author to local newspapers, magazines, and radio stations in the West Virginia area for potential interviews and features.
14. Email Marketing:
Leverage email marketing to reach existing readers, offering exclusive content, updates, and discounts.
15. Engage with Readers:
Respond to reader comments, messages, and reviews online. Building a strong author-reader relationship can lead to loyal fans who recommend the book to others.
16. Tracking and Analytics:
Use analytics tools to monitor the effectiveness of marketing strategies. Adjust the plan based on data and feedback.
17. Long-Term Promotion:
Continue to promote the book even after the initial launch to sustain interest and sales over time.
Remember that a successful book marketing plan requires consistency, adaptability, and ongoing effort. Over time, assess what strategies are working best and adjust your plan accordingly to maximize the book's reach and impact.
Available Editions
| EDITION | Paperback |
| ISBN | 9781088296073 |
| PRICE | $15.99 (USD) |
| PAGES | 418 |
