Ready to Launch New Novel

 The journey to publication for my 10th novel, and fourth in the John Ross Boomer Lit series, is over with the release of Make Room for Family on Feb. 1.

I've spent the past few months promoting the novel on Facebook, Twitter, and several other social media outlets. For those who follow this blog, you've read occasional posts about the progress from start to finish in the writing process. I hope it's been helpful.  

This afternoon (Jan. 31)  I drove to the post office and mailed 100 postcards to friends, readers, libraries, and bookstores. They probably should have been mailed sooner but there were some extenuating circumstances that prevented me from taking care of that chore. I have several hundred more that will be going out in the coming week. (If you'd like a postcard, and live in the U.S., send your address to michael.embry@gmail.com with "Postcard" in the subject line.) 

Promotion and marketing are important aspects of book publishing that a lot of authors don't enjoy. You can count me among the dissenters but it's something an author must do if the book is going to come to the attention of potential readers. I'm sure you've seen some of the big-time authors getting the word out about their latest releases. In the past, I've used Facebook but I'm open to other venues if the price is right for my limited budget.

Other vital tools appreciated by authors are word-of-mouth and ratings and reviews of their books. Even in these solitary times, I stay in contact with various friends and we make book recommendations and sometimes mention books we didn't especially like. 

Whenever I read a book, I always leave a rating, and usually a review, on Amazon, Goodreads, and other sites. I also read reviews that others leave on books I may purchase. Other places I peruse for book recommendations and reviews are magazines, newspapers, and websites. 

I also watch Book TV on CSPAN and listen to literary podcasts when I have the time. Although in-person appearances and book signings have been put on hold the past year, it has afforded the opportunity to view interviews and discussions on Zoom and Skype. 

With Make Room for Family launched into the book stratosphere  I'll be turning my attention to rewriting and editing the fifth book in the series. You can find the novel on Amazon, Wings ePress, and other sites. The print edition may lag a day or so. I'll also offer signed editions in the coming weeks.

Until the next time . . .

After the Book is Finished Comes the Hard Part (For Me)

I admit that my greatest weakness as an author is marketing and promotion. 

It's not that I'm passive about it; I think it's because I'm not aggressive enough. I guess I'm a bit on the shy side when it comes to promoting myself. And most authors I know are the same way.

I promote and market on Facebook, Twitter, my personal website, and this blog as well as emails, postcards, bookmarks, and other marketing plans. I occasionally go to book fairs, libraries, and bookstores to sign books and meet readers. I do some public speaking. Some strategies work better than others, some hardly work, and some don't work at all.

I recently finished reading Alinka Rutkowska's How I Sold 80,000 Books: Book Marketing for Authors (a free download on Amazon), and while it contains many recommendations that you see in similar books (compiling email lists, asking others for reviews, professional editing, and slick book covers, etc.), what stood out is that it takes a lot of work to promote a book.

Much like writing a book. 

While the book targets indie and self-published authors, I've heard stories from writers at traditional publishing houses that they're expected to promote their books as well. 

Alinka provides free advice and links to relevant websites but stresses it's the author who has to do the work. And even then, there's no guarantee that you'll sell 8, 80, 800, 8,000 or 80,000 books.  

And we know you're not going to sell a single book (unless to mom) if you simply sit on your hands and do nothing. 

Rutkowska's book is one I recommend (you can't beat free!). She writes in a lively and light style that's easy to read and takes perhaps an hour or so to finish. I particularly liked the bonus section at the end which includes interviews with six authors on how they achieved their various degrees of success. 

So between now and the May 1 release date of my next novel, New Horizons, I'll be busy promoting and marketing it to the world. 

Until the next time . . . 

 

Manuscript is out of my hands (for a little while)

The manuscript for my next novel is out of my hands, thank goodness, even if only for a little while.

My Wings ePress editor had a few questions about my final edit, which I addressed, and returned to her yesterday. The manuscript now goes to a copy editor who will give the 71,500 words a deep read to find any typos, grammatical errors, and storyline inconsistencies. 

And when that's completed, I'll receive the galley proof for one last read for any minor mistakes (I sure don't want any major ones at this point). The manuscript will also be formatted for publication. 

In the meantime, I'll hear from a graphic artist about the book cover. I have already provided information to her about the book. I'm anxious to see her artistic interpretation of the novel. 

The novel is set to be released on May 1. Over the next few months, I'll be working, along with the publisher, on promotion and marketing. 

Steve Flairty

As an aside, my books were mentioned in an article about Kentucky books by Steve Flairty, a reviewer for the Northern Kentucky Tribune and Kentucky Monthly magazine.  You can read it here.  (Disclosure: I have edited  Steve's "Kentucky's Everyday Heroes" books.) 

Until the next time . . .

Goodreads Giveaway

Thanks to all the 419 readers who participated in the Goodreads giveaway for my latest novel, Darkness Beyond the Light.

I mailed books the day after Christmas to Meredith in Florida, Robert in California, Jennifer in Missouri, Toya in Tennessee, and Ronald in Utah.

During an Amazon.com promotion that prompted 145 requests in November, I awarded five ebooks to Diane, Tammy, Stephanie, Michelle, and Jennifer (states not revealed). 

While there are no strings attached to a giveaway, I do hope the recipients will take a few minutes to rate and review the novel in Goodreads, Amazon, or some other website(s). 

Indie authors need all the support they can get from readers and fellow authors. I do hope that every time you read a book, you'll show your appreciation with a review and/or rating. I do that with every book I read, even those I don't particularly like. Any review/rating is better than no review/rating.

Needless to say, the biggest boost you can give to all authors is to purchase books. And I thank every one of you who made a financial stake in buying my books and investing your precious time in reading them. 

If you're short on funds, I recommend you ask your library to purchase the books you want to read. And that's not just the ones I've authored. You have your favorite authors so show them some support (and love). Libraries have budgets to purchase books, and your tax dollars support them.

Until the next time. . . .  

Second Promotion

I began a second promotion today, using Facebook to spread the word about "Darkness Beyond the Light."

Since the coming-of-old-age novel focuses primarily on AARP-age folks, I targeted baby boomers in major cities in the United States. It will run for 14 days. I've used Facebook in the past to promote by author page, garnering a good degree of success. I hope that holds true for the novel. You can enter the first promotion, an ebook from Amazon, by clicking here. 


The ad will send folks to my author page on Amazon, where they will (hopefully) purchase the book. It will also expose them to my other novels and nonfiction books. I especially want them to consider "Old Ways and New Days" since it is the first book  in the series.

I considered using Twitter, and I may still do so, but I'm going to do more research before I spend allocate any funds. If any authors out there, have you had success using Twitter?

I'll do a Goodreads giveaway as well, when the Facebook promotion is about over. I want to promote the book through the holiday season. By the way, "Darkness Beyond the Light" is set during the Christmas season. 

I've looked into other places but have found them rather pricey, and a few simply come across as scams. 

As I've noted in previous posts, promotion and marketing is not my forte. I do as much research as possible. Networking helps as other authors tell me of their experiences.

Until the next time. . . .

Manuscript Release Date

I received great news today that my next novel will be published Nov. 1.

I'm glad for several reasons:

• It will give me time to do promotional work several months ahead of the release date. In the past, I've felt somewhat rushed in getting the word out about my books, especially when working full-time.
• The novel will be available for the holiday season, a prime time for books since we all know that they make great gifts.
• The novel is a sequel to "Old Ways and New Days," and I hope to start on the third book in the series. Between now and the release date, I can give some thought about what to call the series (if you have any suggestions, feel free to send my way).
• I've already ordered rack cards, listing all my books as well as contact information. They'll be distributed at book events. Once I get cover art, I'll start working on bookmarks, flyers, news releases, and other marketing items.

I haven't written much, in terms of creative writing, since sending the manuscript to my editor at Wings ePress. I've cranked out a few blog posts, book reviews, and some other things, but  haven't delved back into fiction.

In addition to working on the third book, I intend get back to short stories, and finish a second volume of "Laments."

I'm eager to get back to serious writing, but must confess I needed the break because of other things going on in my life. Writers need breathers once in a while, don't you think?

Now to get back to work.

Until the next time. . . .

Active and Passive Book Promotion

Sometimes, as authors, we tend to forget about our earlier works. We focus on a recent publication and mentally store previous books in the attic.

I'm guilty of that to some extent. I find myself expending lots of time and energy in promoting a new release. That's probably a good thing to do but I think authors should also look at their catalog and make sure some titles aren't forgotten.

Since the publication of "Old Ways and New Days" last October, I've used various outlets to spread the word about the coming-of-old-age novel. I'd like to report that it has resulted in the book reaching the upper echelons of best-seller lists, but that hasn't been the case, unless you view "upper" in the off-the-chart categories.

But being published by a small publishing house -- Wings ePress -- it's difficult creating a buzz about the novel. That's why I and most authors urge readers to leave reviews and/or ratings on websites such as Amazon.com, B&N.com, Goodreads.com and others. That's a word-of-mouth promotion that can bring more attention to our books.

Recently I've promoted "Shooting Star," a young adult novel about a boy trying to gain acceptance on a team that has aspirations of winning the high school basketball title. Although it was published nearly five years ago, it's a timely (it's basketball season)  and timeless story that's received little promotion. 

After the "Shooting Star" promotion, I'll turn my attention to "The Bully List," which was published nearly three years ago. It's also a young-adult novel, focusing on bullying in a middle school. 

I also try to promote other titles at writing conferences, book signings and similar events. And they're passively promoted on my website, Facebook, Amazon, and other sites -- including this blog page, if you haven't notice.

I try to limit the promotions on places such as Facebook and Twitter. Too much and it becomes unwanted spam. I want to attract readers, not turn them off. 

I confess I don't like promotion but it's a necessary part of the publishing process. I know quite a few authors who have books with large publishing houses, and believe it or not, they find themselves doing many of the things that I do with my novels. And most of them don't like it either; they'd prefer to be writing.

Do you have any marketing tips?

Until the next time....

Another Promotion

After the novel is finished and in print, the next step is promote, promote, promote.

Some authors suggest that promotion should begin before a book is published. I find it difficult to write, edit, proof the galleys and promote although I suppose I do it passively through this blog and other places.

Perhaps I'm a bit cautious about actively promoting before the release date because I know there are variables which could affect the transition of a manuscript into a novel such as editorial issues, production problems, and personal setbacks. You never know what obstacles may arise in the process.  

For "Old Ways and New Days," I've had a promotion on Goodreads soon after it's release. I've also  used Apex Reviews and Author Shout in recent weeks to spread the word about the novel on various social media sites. And, of course, various posts on my blog and Twitter tweets have been used about the book. 

My most recent is a giveaway on Amazon.com. The contest is limited to those residing in the United States. If I can find a way to offer a similar promotion for the e-version, I will do that internationally. Please share with me if you have any ideas on how to do that.  

So if you're interested in entering latest giveaway, which runs through Dec. 22, click here. 

I also learned that my publisher, Wings ePress, will be upgrading its website over the next few weeks, which should help me and their other authors. 

Promotion is an ongoing process, at least for six months after the release of a book. I try to keep it active while working on my next book (something I hope to do beginning the first of the year). 

Until the next time....

Book Promotion and More

It's been a busy past few days for me as I've been involved with various and sundry book-related activities. As I've mentioned in previous posts, writing a book is just one part of the process. There is also the rewriting and editing phase, and then, promotion.

My Goodreads promotion for "Old Ways and New Days" is over. There were 443 entries for the five books, with winners from South Dakota, Pennsylvania, Florida, Mississippi and Alabama. I hope they enjoy the novel and take time to leave a review in Amazon or some other review site. Or, better yet, tell their friends about it. Nothing helps promote a book better than word of mouth.

And I might add that authors appreciate reviews and or ratings and word-of-mouth recommendations. Those online ratings are visible so please do me and other writers a favor with a rating, and if you have the time, a short review. 


I've also produced a trailer for the novel. It's pretty basic stuff as I only wanted to include the essentials. I've been guilty in the past of having trailers that ran a bit long. Lots of viewers don't want to spend that much time on something like that so this one clocks in at about one minute, 30 seconds. 

Next on my agenda is the Kentucky Book Fair on Nov. 14 at the Frankfort Convention Center. About 225 authors and illustrators will be taking part, signing and talking about their books with patrons, taking part in symposiums and panel discussions. You can download the catalog at the website.

This marks the 34th year of the state's premier literary event, and proceeds benefit public and school libraries. If you're in Frankfort, drop by my table for a visit. A lot of effort has been put forth by some dedicated small army of  volunteers. 

I also hosted a "Meet Kentucky Book Fair Authors" program on the local FPB-TV cable station. I've included them here as well for your viewing pleasure.

Well, I need to go address some postcards and mail a few more books. 

Until the next time....

...and More Promotion

As a followup to my last post -- Reading, Writing, and Promotion -- I recently used an online agency to promote my latest novel.

I signed with Apex Reviews to gain some additional exposure for "The Bully List," and perhaps reach some of the readers I missed in other promotions.

Apex is a multi-service company that also offers book editing, book cover design, book trailers, as well as pre-publishing packages. It offers a weekly "Wow!" package with discounted fees for some of their services.

I'm pleased with the "Take 5" package I purchased. It was concise, good graphics, and pertinent questions in the author interview. Besides being featured on the Apex website, it is also distributed to Twitter and Facebook as well to the sites I send it.

Click here to take a look.

Until the next time...

Read, Write, and Promote

It's frustrating when your novel hits the market, records decent initial sales, and then withers to nothing as the months go by.

Unless you're Stephen King, Nora Roberts, J.K. Rowling -- OK, you get the idea -- you need to learn that sometimes it takes time for a book to find it's footing and audience. 

I'm sure many authors know the audience for their books, but the key is making those wonderful readers know that your personal masterpiece is out there for them to relish and enjoy.

Novelist Ernest Gaines said, "The Six Golden Rules of Writing: Read, read, read, and write, write, write."

After all the reading and writing to create that book, I would add: Promote, promote, promote.

No doubt many of you use social media to get the word out -- over and over -- as well as have websites, blogs and such. 

But you can do more to keep your book in the public's eye. 

I have a friend who does very well selling his books via speaking engagements to various groups. Another author does quite well making visits to classrooms during the school year. Another author I know produces semi-regular newsletters about her books. Another friend just recently returned from a West Coast book tour with several other authors, compliments of their publishing house.

You can send out postcards to librarians, letting them know your book is out there and you're available to speak to their groups. You should send out news releases to media, especially local newspapers, TV and radio. Even the superstars send out news releases and advanced reading copies (OK, it's their publishers' promotional staffs who handle that as well as with the authors in setting up various interviews).

Authors can join and participate in various book sites such as Goodreads and Book Town. It's important to interact with others on these sites. Another way to promote is with book trailers, which you can make and distribute in many ways.

And, if you don't have the time or desire to do these things on your own, there are plenty of book promotion agencies that will do it for a fee. 

I agree with Henry Miller's comment:  "Writing is its own reward."

But if you want to have a degree of financial success, you need to write the best book you can and promote it as best you can. And it may take time. 

Until the next time...

More Book Promotion

I've received the bookmarks for my latest young-adult novel, "The Bully List," and the postcards should arrive soon. 

The bookmarks will be given to those who purchase the book from my website, book signings, and other events. 

The postcards will go in the mail once I have completed going over the galley proof of the novel. I want the postcards to reach the targeted destinations of libraries and bookstores by Oct. 1, the release date of my book.


I'm also in the process of redesigning my website -- www.michaelembry.com -- and hope to unveil it Oct. 1. My current homepage has been around for almost 10 years, and I admit, it's outdated and a bit (okay, a lot) ragged. It's become a hodge-podge site that I don't even find that interesting.

It would have been updated sooner but sometimes life gets in the way, along with writing and other creative interests. I also had to find decent and simple software to use. I'm about halfway finished with the new site. My blog followers will be the first to know when it's online.

I also plan a book giveaway at Goodreads, probably the first week in October. If you're not a member, I'd advise you to join, not only for a chance to get my book as a free read but also to connect with other authors and readers. It's a great site. Be sure to "friend" me.

Until the next time....

Final Countdown

It's down to three weeks and four days before the release of my young-adult novel.

I received the book cover, which I plan to post in the next few days. I also will be using it to order bookmarks and postcards as part of promoting the novel.

I should be receiving the galley proof soon. That will occupy most of my time as I go over it word-for-word to make sure there are no misspellings, grammatical errors, or problems with the story. 

For an author, this is an exciting time. You've been in a lot of work in constructing a story, working with an editor and graphic artist, and then the final read before the everything goes public.

Until the next time...

Booking a Trailer

This past week I finally put together a trailer for "Laments,"  my short-story collection. It was way past due since the book was published last August. 

I generally put together a trailer and release it about the time the book is published, or at least a few weeks later. 

As I mentioned, I do the trailer. It takes some preparation but not a lot. And if you have everything in place, it shouldn't take more than an hour or so to complete it. 

One thing I've learned -- at least from my viewpoint -- is to make the trailer as short as possible. My first trailer, for "Foolish Is The Heart," ran more than two minutes. I've questioned whether people really want to watch a trailer for that long.

My last trailer, for "Laments," ran 70 seconds. It's really a minimalist-size trailer since I don't have many images. Why? I suppose because the trailer is so overdue. I can always go back and add images -- if I find the time. 

I would guess that any computer with Windows will have software to compose a video. It's not that difficult. And I can do it, well, I'm sure you can do it as well.  I'm sure you can find a service on the Web that can produce one as well.

As mentioned, it's nice to have images. I also include music, which is easy to find. Just make sure you have permission to use it. I also give credit for the composition at the end of my videos. 

I've included book trailers for my books as well as one I did for Steve Flairty so you'll have see how I've approached each book. 

Good luck with yours!



Until the next time...

Spreading the Word

In my last post I noted that I thought it was important for authors to use a mix of media in marketing and promotion.

 

Another avenue is by guest blogging. Several of my author friends share their blogs with other authors. It’s a great way to broaden reach and expose authors and books to a wider audience. Check out blogs by Taryn Raye, Devon Matthews, Teresa Reasor, and Amy Durham.

Some authors are part of a blog site, such as Cowboy Kisses, contributing posts on a regular basis to a particular genre. It’s another great way of attracting readers.

This week I’m featured on a weekly blog by Tugboat Design. Each week an author is featured in a Q&A format. Tugboat Design worked with me on my latest book, "Laments," and the blog showcases its clients -- a win-win situation.
                                                                  

What effective ways do you recommend for marketing and promotion? I plan to have author interviews in the coming weeks. Let me know if you'd like to be featured.

Until the next time…