Self-publishing, self-promoting, self-marketing, self-doubting?

PETALUMA, Calif. - Aug. 29, 2014 - PRLog -- August 29, 2014:  Go to any public library. What do you see? Tens of thousands of books. Next stop: a bookstore, if you can find one.  Again, what hits your eye? Books, books and even more books.

“It’s not just daunting. It can be downright depressing for a first-time, self-published author,” says Carol Treacy, author of Vegan Cowboy, a delightful meat-less love story. “As an account executive for many years selling ad space, I know the value of persistence and follow-through. But I was representing The Chicago Tribune, Marin Independent Journal and The New York Daily News to name a few. I had the backing of reputable and well-established newspapers. Promoting my novel, I have a phone, the internet and...well, that’s it.”

Even with connections in the animal rights community (Carol was an account executive for VegNews Magazine), getting the word out about her book has been tough. “I’m competing for space with so many other promoters: manufacturers of plant-based foods and products, restaurants, stores, other authors. The list is endless.

"If I doubted the appeal of Vegan Cowboy, it was quickly extinguished when I began receiving praise and requests for a sequel. Readers love it, so it’s a matter of blanketing every possible medium for publicity. I expanded my Twitter account (#carolRStreacy), created a blog (caroltreacy.wordpress.com), continue to send out press releases and reach out to fellow vegan bloggers,  websites and celebrities for support. It’s never-ending. If I get written up or have a radio interview, I can’t stop and rest of my laurels. Besides, they’re too fleeting to rest upon.

Vegan Cowboy tells the story of  Rae O'Brien, a single mom in her late fifties raising her teenage son, and Granger Bowden, a third generation cattle rancher who becomes a vegan and converts his ranch into an animal sanctuary. A  life-changing event brings Rae and Granger together, changing both their perceptions of love, family and aspirations.

     “...More than a great read, Vegan Cowboy boldly speaks to the power of love and how one's convictions shape their relationship to life.”

-- Susan Johnson, artist

“...this book was far more than a summertime escape. It was smart, funny, and beautifully written ... all woven into a page-turning romance I, frankly, couldn't get enough of. It was so good that I found myself sneaking in 15-minute reading intervals during the day, as I couldn't wait to see what happened next."

-- Colleen Holland, Associate Publisher of VegNews Magazine

Carol says, “It is my hope that self-published authors receive the attention they deserve. I’ll continue to work my vegan butt off but it would be wonderful if the media recognized the talent in authors that don’t have a publishing house or agent or publicist behind them. I’m working on my 2nd novel (to be finished by the end of the year) and will be going the self-publishing route again, unless....

Vegan Cowboy is available on Amazon & kindle. Contact Carol for interviews &  appearances.