Recently, I was with three other authors and I suggested we have a talk about promotion. Guess what they said--"We don't do any promotion."
I was so shocked I didn't ask the obvious questions: "Do you sell any books?"
Of course I asked the question to perhaps find out something new I could try. I'd be willing to share what I've been doing.
So instead, I'll share with you:
Today is the 2nd day of having the first book in my Deputy Tempe Crabtree mystery series, Deadly Omen, the Kindle version free on Amazon. The reasoning, as I've said before, is to get people interested in checking out the rest of the series. This freebie is good until midnight on Friday the 14th.
I had my first book signing for the latest in the series; Spirit Wind, last Saturday, at a popular chocolate store (they make their own delicious chocolates), and I advertised it on Facebook and the newspaper. I had a good turnout, including a local video photographer who interviewed me, and a local newspaper reporter. Lots of my family and friends turned out too--and it was a lively day. And yes, some folks who came into buy candy or a drink bought books too.
Two more signings aee coming, June 23rd, from 1-3 at the Tehachapi Museum in Tehachapi. Should be fun since this is where the book takes place.
And then on June 28th, I'll be on the porch of of the Wild Oak Coffee Shop in my home town of Springville from 1 to 3.
I hope you noted that all three of these venues are not book stores. Not that I have anything against bookstores, but we don't have any close by.
My books can be found in the Patton House in Springville--our local gift and 2nd hand shop. They are wonderful about keeping track and they pay once a month when books are sold.
I love going to book fairs and speaking to writers' groups. I have one big book fair in October coming, and I'm speaking to Night Writers in San Luis Obispo in July.
And the only conference I go to anymore is the Public Safety Writers Association, also in July.
Of course I do all the usual--have a webpage, http://fictionforyou.com/, a blog of my own: https://marilynmeredith.blogspot/, post here twice a month, and I'm on https://ladiesofmystery.com
the 4th Monday of every month, and I have a monthly newsletter. When asked, I guest on other's blogs.
I'm on Facebook regularly, post in some Facebook groups, Twitter periodically especially when I'm promoting something, and I'm a member of a few listserves I'm fairly regular on.
I know there's more I could do, but there's only so much time--and I do have a life too.
What I'd like to know is what are your favorite kinds of promotion to do?
Marilyn
8 comments:
In this day and age promotion is exceedingly important, but can also be costly. Not easy however way you look at it, but necessary because of all the competition out there
Yes, it is, Morgen, time consuming too. I can't imagine not doing any promotion at all.
I read Deadly Omen a long, long time ago. It was very good, and I think you got a chance to recently upgrade it; although, I don't remember anything needing to be improved upon. I think most writers would jump at the chance of getting yo upgrade an already published book. I see things in mine that I would've cut out or worded stronger, and then there's always the few spelling things that pop up no matter how great the book is. You got my curiosity up about those authors who told you they didn't do promotion. That's a mystery in itself. If I knew their names, I'd feel compelled to research them some online. Congratulations on the newest book.
Thanks for commenting, Linda. I didn't do the re-editing, but it was done twice, once by the former publisher, and again by my friend. And I wouldn't be a bit surprised if someone finds a typo in it now.
My favorite kind of promotion, the one I enjoy and get sales from, is being guest author at a book club. You never know what kind of "group personality" you'll find yourself in and what kind of questions make you think about your own story. When my upcoming re-release and new release come out, I may try participating in Skype/Facetime book club discussions.
I agree Nancy, being invited to attend a book club is great fun. I've done several, all very different.
Now that I've switched to ebooks I don't find many in person venues except for word of mouth. Online also is a challenge a d can be expensive.
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