April 5 Question: Have you taken advantage of the annual A to Z Challenge in terms of marketing, networking, publicity for your book? What were the results?
I’ve participated 2-3 times in the past. One year my theme was leadership and goal-setting and I posted short excerpts from my book, Overcoming Obstacles with SPUNK! Another year, I posted promo and other tips for writers, most taken from my book How to Publish and Promote Your Book Now! Each month moved a few extra books. Not enough to warrant a month’s worth of marketing, but if I was posting for the A to Z anyway, might as well take advantage of the opportunity.
Follow the Lost Hero blog and please support the Thunderclap campaign. They need just a couple more supporters.
Download the prequel to the Amazon best-selling Cassa trilogy at:
Amazon / iTunes / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / Amazon UK
Maski: Broken But Not Dead by Joylene Nowell Butler
Psychological Thriller
$4.99 eBook ISBN 9781939844385
An IPPY Silver Medalist!
To the Breaking Point...
When Brendell Meshango retreats to her cabin to repair her psyche, she is confronted by a masked intruder. After two days, the intruder disappears but continues to play mind games with her. Then her daughter, Zoë, is threatened and Brendell takes matters into her own hands. To save Zoë, Brendell searches for the stalker and confronts not just a depraved madman but her own fears and prejudices.
To pre-order: Barnes & Noble / Kobo / iTunes / Amazon
Has anyone else used the A to Z to market a book?
61 comments:
The IWSG Goodreads book club is growing!
I can imagine how busy you must be in preparation for the release of the anthology.
Happy IWSG Day!
Some excellent books there Diane. Enjoyed the post.
Yvonne.
I never tried the A to Z challenge. It really doesn't fit with my blog theme and my blog already takes up so much of my time. IWSG has lots of good things coming. What a supportive group!
I had forgotten about the IWSG Goodreads group! Thanks for sharing:)
You're a busy lady!
I don't know how you do it all, but you do it well!
There is so much going on, but it's interesting to look back and see how far everything has come. Great changes and wonderful new opportunities!
Michelle, two books in less than a month and still promoting this year's earlier releases.
Yolanda, thanks for the vote of confidence.
I think I remember a few of those posts, Diane! (Back in the day when I spent REAL time on the blogosphere.) So much awesomeness with the books coming out. I don't know how you keep up with it all, but I'll donate some virtual cheese to the cause. Power to the cheese eaters!
I went to sign-up for the Thunderclap and found out I had already done it. I like that they are nice about it!
I have never used the A to Z Challenge to market a book, I have done the challenge just once!
Sounds like you have used AtoZ in a great way. I wish I could be as organised and creative with my own promo. X
I used A to Z to market a book. It worked well for me, but I was exhausted at the end, even though it was fun.
I'll need to add the A to Z blog challenge to my to-do list for 2018.
I've never really thought of the A-Z as a marketing opportunity, but was featured a few times by other people. Thanks for the updates.
What I'd like to know is how some authors have done in regard to books they published based on their A to Z posts. There have been a lot of A to Z inspired books come from the Challenges in the past and some that I've seen were pretty good.
I am still convinced that there is a strong marketing potential with the April Challenge. I haven't tested it with a book, but as far as marketing my blog and myself as a blogger A to Z has been very effective. Now I need to translate that into marketing dollars.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
I've already reviewed Cassa Dawn. Looking forward to reading Matowak: Woman Who Cries. The title alone intrigues me.
Wahoo - just downloaded Cassa Dawn.
Y'know, I guess I have used A to Z for marketing - my first year I did 80s-themed posts to get everyone in an 80s mood since that's the fabulous decade in which my debut novel was set.
Using excerpts from your books was a smart way to incorporate marketing with A to Z.
It's very exciting to see the closing date on Hero Lost zooming forward. It was such a great experience reading all the stories. I am thrilled beyond words for the writers. And so inspired.
Holly - LOL!
Carol, that's why I don't do it anymore.
Karen, that's exactly how I feel. I just have other things that are far more productive.
Nicki, great!
Joylene, and closing in on your book's release date.
So much going on!
And a big congrats to Joylene!
Yeah, I can't see it being worthwhile these days. But when one is doing the a to z, why not give it a shot indeed. I just have fun with it and be on my way as I post every day anyway, so no big deal to me.
Hi, L. Diane,
Lots of exciting new happening with the IWSG... So NICE to see! Looking forward to getting HERO LOST, since this is one of my FAV genres. Not to mention many of m blogger friends are featured.
Looking forward to the TWITTER PITCH in July as well and I hope to read the first BOOK CLUB book...
Hope all is well.
Thank you for the information about the Goodreads group. Also, I was watching for pros and cons of using AtoZ as a marketing tool and realized I wanted to enjoy reading other daily posts without being 'sold to.' Keeping it subtle probably works best. Congrats to you on your many accomplishments.
I never promoted my books during A to Z. Helping with running the event is what really exhausted me.
So many good things happening with our superb community at IWSG. How exciting for us all and I can't wait to grab my copy of the new anthology. Thank you for popping over to my blog, Diane and for offering some tips! That would be great.
Have a happy and successful month! All the best with everything you're doing. I wish I had your energy :)
Thanks for mentioning my book and awesome for Joylene.
I think spunk fits you perfectly for all that you do! Haha! I love the thunder clap graphic too...;) I wish everyone the best, Alex, Joylene and you.
So excited for Joylene with her new release and the IWSG anthology. Do you have more than 24 hours in your day 'cause you get a lot of things done! I haven't tried A-Z, but this topic today is making me think about it. I know I'd have to have all 26 posts done before I'd sign up. Best wishes on all those projects.
JQ Rose
Nope never did A to Z yet. Congrats to all the new releases.
https://universeofpossibility.wordpress.com/2017/03/30/why-sci-fi/
Great point, Diane. If you're writing for the Challenge, a little self-promotion doesn't hurt, does it? I'm not good at that all. I try every so often to mention my book, but it makes me feel weird when I do. ;)
I remember your A to Zs--you were always super helpful. Thanks for the heads up on the Twitter pitch. And if you need promo help on Hero Lost, be sure to shout.
You always managed to do something helpful for everyone else :).
You make a very good point about the A-Z Challenge. :)
Two years ago, I used the A to Z to promote a collection of short stories. I gave away a bunch of free short stories, but I don't think it translated into any significant sales. I'm not sure why I decided to do it this year. It's disruptive and a huge time suck. I even forgot to post for the IWSG today. Maybe this will be my last year.
Looking forward to the anthology.
Haven't really used the A to Z for marketing. Guess I should. I'm not doing it this year. Maybe next.
I've got my copy of CassaDawn:)
The A-Z does take up a lot of time, but like you said, if you are doing it anyway, then it's a great opportunity for promotion.
Second go-round with A to Z, thanks to Alex C, and his brilliant suggestion, knowing I couldn't say no . . . yes lots of time and a challenge but the poetry is being well received. Nice work on the books and such. Impressive!
People definitely should take advantage of the Challenge to market. It's a lot of fun!
That's very exciting that the anthology is getting closer to publication. If you're going to spend all that precious time on the A-Z, book promo is a good idea.
When I get around to finishing my book, then I'll probably attempt the A to Z challenge. The last thing I need now is another time sink.
I have never participated, but I admire those who have the stamina to complete it.
Great info. Thanks, Diane.
Anna from elements of emaginette
Thanks for the shout-out for the Thunderclap Campaign for the Hero Lost anthology!
As of today (Thursday), it has enough supporters to go live. Now, I hope to add some more oomph to it before it goes on May 2nd.
I really like A to Z, but I have some priority items on my "to do" list for writing and life that have been ignored too long during all of my health issues and my two surgeries. I realized that I need to do those first.
I can't believe the Hero Lost launch is coming up so soon - wow, how time flies! I've enjoyed participating in A to Z in the past, but couldn't pull it off this year. Maybe next year.
I know authors who're already planning for the IWSG Twitter-pitches. It has a lot of interest. Marketing didn't equal the effort on the A-Z for me either. I love the blurb of Joylene's new book! It sounds awesome!
I fully support the A to Z Challenge because many people have benefited from the event. I've learned that maintaining a commitment to do something challenging for a long period of time wears me out.
IWSG has something for everyone and always supportive. Wonderful group.
I'm thrilled for Joylene, too!
Thank you for all the links. The Twitter pitch-fest looks intriguing!
I'm doing A to Z Light this year. I'm not visiting as many blogs this year. I'm doing my best but I'm limited by time and other stuff.
I'm doing it right now! I have a book on a countdown deal (through 4/11). I also had promotions, so I can't say whether it's helping, but I do think the challenge helps connect you with people who enjoy your style, and that's always good.
A to Z Challenge: Hiccup
Isa-Lee Wolf
A Bit 2 Read
@IsaLeeWolf
Lots of exciting things going on and coming up.
Have a great one, Diane.
Thanks, everyone! Having a good one, Sandra.
I have participated in the A-Z challenge, but I have never used it to market my books. I think it's a great way to meet new bloggers, if you have the time to do it.
No A-Z for me this year.
There's so much going on with the IWSG, I'm amazed anyone can keep up with it all and the A-Z challenge on top. A bit mind-boggling.
I have never participated in A-Z, but I always love visiting the posts of others who are doing it. I think it sounds like a great way to do a little marketing and networking. :)
Congrats to Alex and Joylene! :)
~Jess
So much happening! I didn't realize that Joylene had written a prequel. Wishing her and the IWSG authors well.
The IWSG keeps getting into more and more exciting endeavors. I'm looking forward to the release of Hero Lost.
Happy Easter, Di!
Loved CassaDawn - Alex's books are all terrific!
I've only done the challenge once. It was a ton of fun - but I just can't keep up - real life is too big at the moment :)
The marketing potential of the A to Z challenge is powerful with so many different voices and avenues all spoiling for a piece of the action. The question remains, have you got what it takes to make a buck?
Inadvertently. I blog for readers who will enjoy my books, so hopefully it markets to them in an indirect, non-irritating way.
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