Note: Today, freebies are at stake. Read on to find out how you can get some gratis loot.
Well, folks, the time has come. I hoped that Temp would attract a little attention, and now it has. The problem is, when your book gets attention, people don’t just want to know about the book. They also want to know about you. And, despite the fact that writing is all about your ideas, they want to see what you look like.
Most people who know me probably never figured this out, but I’m extremely shy (every behavior to contradict that has just been me faking it ‘till I made it). I would guess that most book authors are bashful about limelight, or at least don’t lap up personal publicity the way a real star would.
Basically, when working on a book, we sit in a room for hours every day talking to ourselves. It’s a long, magical, excruciating process, and at the end of a 100,000 word dialogue, you don’t know whether you want to reward or do violence to yourself just to catch a break from your own noise. That’s where beer comes in—it satisfies both needs simultaneously.
But my pickle for today is that shy little me needs an “author photo” for an upcoming media plug. And I need it fast.
Author photos are tricky. We can’t all be William Shatner and exude coy, sexy confidence with a single glance. And we can’t all stare down the camera with an extremely likeable eat-shit-and-die scowl like Steinbeck.
The question is: How can someone exude the personality of themselves, their book, and their blossoming brand without looking like a total douche? Photos of authors “at the office” only pull the wizard’s curtain away to reveal how tragic the writing process really is. Pics with hands supporting chins because the author’s head is just sooo heavy with ideas don’t always work. And I can’t look like a badass while smoking a cigarette—my book’s tricks are partially for kids. Plus, I don’t smoke.
So I’m pushing the big red button and calling all inventive folks: What’s your best idea for a fun, creative author photo? The rules of the game are that it has to be something easily pulled off with a point-and-shoot, and with props I could likely find around the house. Sure, I could spring for a fancy photo shoot, but there’s no home grown fun in that. Leave a comment with your idea, and let’s get crafty. To sweeten the pot, the person who comes up with the most creative or interesting idea will get a free, bona fide copy of Temp: An Accidental Fairytale.
Once I take a few author photos, I’ll post them here. You just have to promise not to be as critical of me as I am of others. Okay? Promise?
a.e.,
On the topic of author photos, my sage advice would be “go pro”. That may sound surprising to you that I would suggest such a thing, as you are all too familiar with my default frugality. However, branding is serious stuff – so do it right.
I will point you to http://www.melissagalt.com for some excellent examples (and her photo pro is local). Melissa is an author, along with design, professional speaker, webinars, etc.
Hope this helps!
i say go with a simple three quarters view head shot with half smile to show off those dimples. or the same shot with a temp agency sign in the background.
You could always send in a random photo of some other person. Or put this one and see if anyone notices. http://toughpigs.com/uploaded_images/prez-ernie-712094.jpg
Check out David Ogilvy. He’s in advertising, but takes a great picture.
I’m voting for you to include your adorable dog in the picture. You could go classy Martha Stewart and hold him. Or maybe a staring contest.
Done and done! Great idea. Although he had to be bribed with lots of cheese.
What about something with sparklers? You have have a lot of photo fun that way. Who doesn’t like sparklers?
Most of my photos somehow encapsulate me smoking at my computer with my hand supporting my head while staring menacingly at the computer. I am loathe to offer any of my ideas up for fear that I will unwittingly express my thoughts through the rose-colored glasses of current fads, styeez, and trends, unwittingly. But if I were to get over my omnipresent, if juvenile, phobia of conformity, I might mention that black and white photos always lend an air of credibility and sophistication to any subject, or that if you go for a color photo, incorporating many colors is almost as important as choosing an exciting backdrop, in my book. My rule of thumb for color photos is that if the background makes for a compelling photograph in and of itself, it will look infinitely cooler with you standing in front of it. In terms of actual themes, I like the idea of you surrounded by/wearing things that are the complete opposite of what you are typically like. I see you in front of a well-done and crazy colorful graffiti’d wall, holding a gun with outrageous make-up on, dressed in a manner that would usually horrify you-probably in heels. I also favor photos in which the subject looks entirely shocked that they are being photographed. Also, upside-down ones are always good ones. If you can find a way to John Malkovich-ize yourself, that would likely also be beneficial. Anyhoo– best of luck. I wish I were there to take a boatload of photos for you, but I am sure you’ll get it sorted out tout de suite. Cheers.
A bottle of Old Crow and a bucket of KFC. No – 2 buckets. And maybe wear an Olympic medal (silver, just to show that you’re human).
You may well have this sorted by now, but in case you don’t . . .take a look at both some 1940′s glam stars, Greta Garbo comes to mind and spoof that one that is strictly profile with nose in the air. Alternatively, check out pics of great contemporary female comediennes (yes I include Rosanne Rosannadanna in this line up!) Betting they are good for grins and inspiration for point and shoot.
If you go pro on this, keep your colors solid, eliminate shiny, and make the shot active, instead of posed, but then you already know this and that’s why want to go point and shoot, far more spontaneous. Can’t wait to see the results.