The Voss Bender Memorial Post Office

Fri, Jan 27, 2006

Top scribe and scourge of wild pigs throughout Florida, Jeff VanderMeer has just posted up on his blog and emailed to a number of chums his latest cunning masterplan to help promote his works. Anyone who has been reading this blog will know that Jeff (and his other half, Ann) works very hard at raising awareness of his writing. Anyone in the booktrade knows that for a writer to get published is a struggle, but as many authors will testify, it is only half the struggle – then, unless Oprah or Richard and Judy take a shine to you, you have to try and create awareness among potential readers that the book is out there. Reviews and interviews online and in magazine and newspapers help, as do personal recommendations from booksellers and, increasingly online, from readers themselves.

Jeff has been quite adept at trying a good mixture of methods, from the traditional reviews to his own blog and site, online animation, personal appearances (he is available for parties), threats from Evil Moneky and his forthcoming mini movie to name but some. And many folk think an author just sits around all day alternately scribbling or reading! Well, Jeff has just announced the next phase of his media blitz – no, he’s not appearing in Celebrity Big Brother, thank goodness – it is a mail-based campaign for which he is asking the help of readers and interested parties, who will, in return, obtain some VanderWorld goodness. Full details are over on Jeff’s blog here. Oh and apologies – if you haven’t read City of Saints and Madmen you probably haven’t heard of the Voss Bender Memorial Post Office; just one more reason why you should read it and Shriek (with its fungus-covered typewriter mutation which recalls Bill Burroughs – top stuff).