Online Book Marketing Challenge

I readily admit that marketing and promotion are my weak points when it comes to being a writer. My excuse is that I'm a writer, not a promoter or marketer. 

But I'm willing to listen and learn from others who know some of the ways to increase sales.


This week I'm participating in the #12MinuteBookLaunch, hosted by Hometown Reads (a place I recommend to join). It's a weeklong course, involving only 12 minutes a day. And it started today.

If you're interested in taking part, sign up by clicking here. I'd suggest doing it today (Jan. 29) or tomorrow.

I'll let you know if I see a jump in sales over the next few weeks. And good luck if you decide to enter the challenge.

Until the next time. . . .

Some "Free" Promotion

As most of those who read this blog know, I'm always on the lookout for ways to promote my books. The main reason is because promotion is one of the least things I like about writing. Writing a book is a wonderful, life-changing experience. Promotion, well, is more like a headache for me.

But you have to do what you have to do to get your books out there to grab the attention of potential readers. I know quite a few writers who have had success by offering books for free on Amazon, Smashwords, and other websites. Yes, I said free.

I'm sure you've seen it as well on Amazon. It seems so counter-productive to me, especially after spending some much time and energy to write a book. All of my novels have sample pages for readers, but never have I provided an entire book.

The aim, of course, is to give readers an opportunity to read a book, and crossing fingers, they'll return and perhaps purchase some, if not all, of your other titles. Believe it or not, but it apparently works. That's the price the author pays for the exposure.

So with that introduction, my novel, "Foolish Is Heart," is being offered on Smashwords for free during the e-book distributor's summer sale that runs the entire month of July. More than 20 authors in Wings ePress, my publisher, will have free books as well. And that's just a drop in the bucket since other small publishers and thousands of independent authors will be doing the same in promoting their books to a world-wide audience. (FYI, use SFREE code at checkout).

As I've mentioned many times before, I do hope that if you download my book, and those of other authors, that you will leave reviews on Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, and other venues. Isn't it the least you can do for getting something free?

***

Me, Cat Shaffer, Lewis Nichols and MJ Wixsom at the Author Faire. 

I also want to share a recent article in the Portsmouth (Ohio) Daily Times about the Author Faire I participated in on June 25 in Greenup, Ky., with about 20 other authors. I had a great time at the small town next to the Ohio River. I hope it encourages other libraries and book stores on how easy it is to put on an event featuring local, state and regional authors.

Also, thank you to reporter Portia Williams and the newspaper for covering the event.

Now to get back to my work in progress.

Until the next time....

Signed, Sealed and Delivered

I signed the contract for my manuscript, put it in a legal-size envelope, and mailed it to the publisher this week. If everything goes as planned, it will become a book for young adults on Oct. 1.

The book has been assigned ISBN numbers for print and electronic editions. 

Before publication day, there's more work to be done. At this point I'm completing forms that will be part of the marketing and promotion plan and the cover design for the publisher. That involves providing a synopsis, blurbs, excerpt, bio, keywords, cover ideas, and a dedication.

I'll be doing some self-promotion as well. I generally have bookmarks and postcards printed for distribution to friends, bookstores, and libraries. And I'll be spreading the word on Facebook, Twitter and other social-media sites and reader-writer sites such as Goodreads, Authors for Libraries, Authors Den, Shelfari, and Manic Readers.

As many authors will tell you, promotion and marketing can seem as time intensive as it was writing the book. Most authors would probably prefer not to do it -- they'd rather be writing-- but it's a necessity if a book is going to have a chance in the marketplace because publishers have only so much money to go around. 

I'll also be working with an editor in getting the manuscript ready for publication. And then I'll receive the galley proof for one last read. 

By the time the book is released, I want to hit the ground with some momentum. 

I've already started the promotion. Look at the bottom of this post for the Countdownr widget. I'll be watching it as well during the coming weeks.

Until the next time...

Making Contact

There are many ways for authors to get the word out about their books. Blogging, social media, traditional media, websites, and personal contact are among the effective avenues to reach people.

I have author friends such as Steve Flairty and Don McNay  who write columns for web-based publications such as KyForward.  McNay is also on the Huffington Post.

Romance author Taryn Raye is a prolific blogger, touching on several topics every week, and not just about writing. Children's author Marlis Day writes an effective blog about her books, upcoming events, and personal reflections. 

Personal websites are another important way for writers to connect with readers. Mystery writer Bill Noel recently posted the release of his new novel, "Missing," at his website. Young-adult writer Tim Callahan has an effective website to get the word out about his Kentucky Summer series. 

Most successful authors have web portals, either personal or through publishing houses. You simply need to do a web search to find them.

A lot of authors, such as Sue Grafton and Teresa Medeiros, can be found on Facebook. Just click the "Like" button and you'll get updates on what they're doing. 


Author information can also be found at Amazon.com, BN.com, Goodreads.com, Shelfari.com, and other book-related sites.

Another way is to participate in interviews on other websites. I was  fortunate to appear on Taryn Raye's and Tugboat Design's insightful interview pages.

Other authors, such as Steve Demaree and Lynwood Montel, find that  face-to-face contact with readers at book fairs, festivals and other events create an effective word-of-mouth marketing campaign for their books.

Because of my background, I still treasure traditional media. I enjoy author interviews and book reviews in newspapers, magazines, radio, and television. 

I believe that the most effective way is to have a mix of media.

As a reader, do you have a preference in finding information about authors and books?

Until the next time...

Making Contact

While promotion and marketing a book on the Internet is essential, I believe a mix with traditional media is important for success in sales.

You might not hit a home run but you could get extra bases when you connect in the right places.

I’ve used social media to get the word out about my books. I’ve sent emails (no spamming), blogged, and become involved in an assortment of networks such as Linkedin, Goodreads, Shelfari and Manic Readers. You can find my works in places like Amazon.com, B&N.com, Smashwords.com, CreateSpace.com, and Wings-Press.com.

I recently participated in a giveaway for my latest book, “Laments,“ at Goodreads. It attracted 412 entries for the three copies. You might go there and sign up for drawings conducted by other authors. Be sure and “friend” me while you’re there.

With all of my novels I have mailed postcards to notify libraries, bookstores, friends, and family. One reason is that folks don’t always see what you’ve posted on the Internet. There may have been times when an email went to a junk-mail filter (ouch, that hurts!) and was inadvertently deleted (of course!). Believe it or not, some folks don’t use a computer. And, if they do, there's a chance they may not go to the same websites where you shout to the world about your book. Timing is important.

For "Shooting Star", which was published in 2011, I advertised in the Kentucky Book Fair catalog because it went to great audiences -- readers and libraries.

I also purchase book marks that I hand out at signings, book fairs, and other functions. They include my website and other places where they can purchase the book. When people purchase books directly from me, I always include a book mark.

I believe it’s best to cover as many bases as possible, especially if you want to be a consistent hitter as an author.

Until the next time…