After all of my years as an author though, I often feel I am just recycling the same tips.
I would like to open it up to you! What tricks have you tried? What's something you do for every book that seems to pay off? What idea was really daring but it worked?
And I'd like to invite any author to do a guest post on his or her experiences. Leave a comment or send me an email. I'd like to offer some fresh ideas that might help someone have great success with a book launch.
Thanks and enjoy your photo today!
Just hanging out...
19 comments:
I haven't been in a position yet to promote a book, and I can't think of anything an author has done that has made me want to buy a book. What usually grabs my attention is when blogs showcase books coming out that week. All the blogger does is include a blurb. I read it and want to read the book (well, those books that interest me). Some of the books I've bought lately haven't been because of the effort of the author. I didn't see a blog tour or book trailer or interview. It was simply because a blogger let me know the author's book is out. Nothing more complex than that.
I'm like you, Diane--I've got an ear out for what works so I can hear new tips!
One thing that has worked for me is that I've reached out to book bloggers and gotten features on their blogs (with the understanding that they only need to write a fair review, no favorable review required). This gives me more exposure to *readers*. Not a new tip, but something I've always hesitated doing, because it gets me out of my safety zone (I usually prefer hanging out with other writers!) :)
Stina, I wish all readers were as easy to please as you!
Elizabeth, I'd contacted a lot of book bloggers for my YA series. It does place your book in front of your target audience, which is the whole point.
Right now, I'm at the outskirts of promoting mine so I couldn't give any suggestions. But when I'm done, I'll be glad to share.
I guess what's worked has been maintaining a consistent blogging presence, active participating, and supporting others.
Love that photo. I cannot comment as an author but as a reader, I do find I buy a lot of books at book fairs, or book tables in book stores after meeting the authors and chatting. Usually I am drawn to the tables that include give-aways I must admit!
Interesting comments, especially those who buy without effort from the author. I am drawn to the cover, then the back of the book, then I read the inside flap. If those three together ring true to what I love... then I buy it, without even knowing an author.
I'm trying the KDP Select with one book in hopes it will increase sales of my other book and create an awareness for my third book due out later this fall. This will keep me busy for the next couple of weeks.
I haven't done anything really. However, I'm pleasantly surprised how many people have bought and liked my book. Perhaps I should do more promoting.
I've found Twitter to be really useful but it requires connecting with readers, not just spamming with links all the time. Once you've done that you can build up a very loyal fan base.
Alex, it sure works for you.
Lynn, wish I'd met more like you when I was still doing book signings.
T, that draws me in, too. If I see a book online often though, then I'm also drawn to it.
Johanna, wish I was better with Twitter.
I'm still searching for the best way to promote my books. I do all the usual blogging stuff. Giveaways have resulted in some nice reviews. When I purchase a book, it's usually because a friend recommends it, or I've read such good things about the book I must try it.
About the snake. I leave them alone, if they'll leave me alone. They aren't my favorite animal.
Well, I'm not there yet but I love soaking up the wisdom of everyone else's experience.
I'm gearing up right now to promote my forthcoming book to be released in October. I'm not sure what's working and what's not. I'm blogging as much as I can and Facebooking, Tweeting, using Goodreads, whatever outlet I can. I'll be looking to folks like you to let me know what else I should and can be doing.
I'm still looking for that golden ticket. :) I'll be watching and seeing what others have to say. I wish I had an answer. A lot of hard work is all I can say.
The things that have worked for me are those that are fun, don't scream 'buy me!' and that make it easy for people to enter!
I can only comment as a buyer. I look for a storyline that interests me. It doesn't have to be long. A review that demonstrates solid reasons to read the book is helpful, but not necessary.
BTW I enjoyed reading about the new Google Search from the previous post. Very interesting stuff.
I was recently at a flea market and an author had a table set up and was signing copies.
I feel I have everything to learn and little to share. Can't wait to read all the suggestions.
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