Channeling Wayne Gretzky: Getting the Word Out on "A Fullness of Uncertain Significance"

Might my book have wide appeal?

Who knows? I hope it might but, unless it gets some regional and national attention, I will never know. As Wayne Gretzky once said, "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take."

Without a marketing firm or any marketing expertise, I am attempting to "get the word out" as best I can. I struggle a bit with social media, but try to stay active (without being overly self-promoting) on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Doximity, and Twitter.

It's a difficult balance! Self-promotion doesn't come easily to me and I don't want to annoy people.

I also realize that the book won't be "new" for very long. I already missed some deadlines for submissions since I was not aware that the periodicals (like the New York Times) want marketing materials and a pdf of the entire book three months before release. I learned that little fact the day after the book came out. *sigh*

So, here is where things stand. If you have other ideas or contacts, please let me know.

BOOK READINGS:

I will have my first neighborhood gathering this coming week to read selections and talk about the process of creating a book. Thanks to organizer and friend, Mariann!

I am honored to be the annual MCW Medical Humanities Lecturer on November 16, 2021 at noon CST. I will provide a link, when available.

I will be a Visiting Professor and give Grand Rounds for the Johns Hopkins University Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery on March 14, 2022 at 5:00 EST. More details to follow.

I will be a Visiting Professor and give Grand Rounds for the Creighton University Department of Surgery on April 8, 2022. More details to follow.

I am connecting with other opportunities to read at local book clubs and libraries.

PODCASTS:

I will be interviewed for two podcasts in the coming weeks. I will post links after the interviews:

• The Short Coat Podcast from the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine

• The Podcast by KevinMD by Kevin Pho, MD

I have had initial contact with:

• The Surgical Palliative Care Podcast by Red Hoffman, MD

HERE'S HOPING:

Copies of the book are on their way to several potential reviewers and interviewers whom I respect, read, and to which I listen, including:

• Weekend Edition Saturday

• WBUR - Here & Now

• NPR's Book of the Day

• An NPR arts, entertainment, and cultural trends reporter

• All Things Considered

• Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel

• WHYY - Fresh Air

• New Yorker

• New York Times

• Pharos

• Christian Century

• WUWM - Lake Effect

• ENTtoday

• North Country Public Radio

I also submitted on line inquiries to other outlets, including:

• MPR's On Being

• Wisconsin Public Radio

So, that's where things stand! I look forward to discussing the book, the process, and the opportunities.

ORDERING INFORMATION