Social media boosts Pinay's maiden novel

Filipina author Samantha Sotto has credited social media for the success of her debut novel, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Saturday. “Ms. Sotto expressed to the Philippine Consul General in New York, Mario de Leon Jr., how her book ‘suddenly exploded’ in just a few weeks because of the power of social media," the DFA said in a statement. Sotto gave De Leon a copy of her novel, “Before Ever After," which was launched Aug. 2 by Crown Publishing Group/Random House Inc., according to the DFA. Sotto is the first Filipina novelist to be published by Crown Publishing Group/Random House Inc. The DFA said the book has only been released in hard copy and in electronic book (e-book) versions for only a few days. Yet, the public response has already surpassed the publisher’s expectations, it added. “In terms of page views and website traffic, the video trailer of the book posted on Random House’s website ranked second to former US President George Bush’s ‘Decision Points,’ amazing for a debut novelist," the DFA said. The publisher has received inquiries about the book from markets like Singapore. It shows the scope and depth of support that a “kababayan" can count on from the Filipino diaspora, according to the DFA The consulate already organized a book reading and signing activity on Friday for Sotto’s novel. — JE/VS, GMA News