In a world spinning fast with many expecting texts and IMs at the speed of light, and tasks to be completed at a moment’s notice, there are elements of landing media that still take time. Holiday Gift Guides are a good example.
Holiday Gift Guides are the lists we see every year of all the amazing items you simply must purchase as presents over the upcoming holiday season. These lists contain all kinds of things, from holiday evening wear and consumer electronics to toys and books.
Books. That’s us! Here’s the deal though. Those gift guides are being assembled right now, not after Halloween, not after Thanksgiving, not in early December…now. Late August and early September. When you plan your yearly calendar for the promotion of your book, planning for holiday gift guides happens in late summer.
Speaking of September, how did we get here? It’s far too cliché to say, “Time sure moves fast,” but it does.
Back to school promotion is over now, except for your social media feeds, but there are still plenty of media opportunities to consider. Here’s what’s happening in the month of September that you can tie your book to in order to make it newsworthy again.
This time we’re pulling from The Old Farmer’s Almanac.
SEPTEMBER CALENDAR
- September 6—the first Monday in September—is Labor Day. Canadians also observe Labour Day. I hope this means you have the day off tomorrow.
- September 6 is also Rosh Hashanah, a Jewish holiday that marks the beginning of the new year.
- September 11 is Patriot Day, held in honor and remembrance of those who died in the September 11 attacks of 2001. This year marks the 20th anniversary of September 11.
- September 12 is Grandparents Day. Honor your grandparents today—and every day!
- September 15 is Yom Kippur, the holiest holiday in the Jewish calendar.
- September 17 is Constitution Day. This day celebrates the adoption of the U.S. Constitution, which occurred on September 17, 1787
- September 21 is recognized as the annual International Day of Peace. Observances range from a moment of silence at noon to events such as peace walks, concerts, and volunteering in the community.
- September 22 marks the start of fall! This year’s Autumnal Equinox occurs at 3:20 P.M. EDT on Wednesday, September 22. At this time, there are approximately equal hours of daylight and darkness. (This happens to be my wedding anniversary too!)
- September 29 is Michaelmas. Michaelmas is an ancient Celtic “Quarter Day” which marked the end of the harvesting season and was steeped in folklore.
And here are some “Just for Fun” Days
- September 8: National Hug Your Hound Day
- September 13: Kids Take Over the Kitchen Day
- September 19: International Talk Like a Pirate Day
- September 24: National Punctuation Day
Some additional September items of note
- September is National Happy Cat Month
- September’s zodiac signs are Virgo (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) and Libra (Sept. 23–Oct. 22). Find out your zodiac profile!
Moon Phases for September
- New Moon: September 6, 8:52 P.M. EDT
- First Quarter: September 13, 4:41 P.M. EDT
- Full Moon: September 20, 7:54 P.M. EDT
- Last Quarter: September 28, 9:58 P.M. EDT
Here are a few more ways to celebrate September and possibly get some coverage for your book
- National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month
- National Preparedness Month
- National Recovery Month
- National Self-Care Awareness Month
- National Suicide Awareness Month
- Self Improvement Month
Remember, if your book relates to any of those topics, you have a way of getting some coverage. Enjoy, and Happy September!
To your success!
Joanne
P.S. As mentioned, one of our favorite days is coming up on September 19th when it’s Talk Like a Pirate Day! For a few lessons, click here.
P.P.S. And, of course, we need a little music to welcome in the new month. We’re going back in time….Do you remember??
#September
#Nationalmonths
#Bookpublicity
#Bookmarketing
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