Let's Discuss Promotion

https://www.amazon.com/Trash-Harem-Tempe-Crabtree-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B096KZDPH8/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=The+Trash+Harem+by+Marilyn+Meredith&qid=1637158830&s=digital-text&sr=1-1

During the pandemic, many of the events and ways of selling books was prohibited.

For my new book, I was a guest on a lot of blogs. I actually enjoy writing new material for blogs.

I did manage to still do a bit of that kind of promotion: Our local art gallery of which I'm a member never closed. I was invited to speak twice at their general meeting and able to sell my books. The audience was small, masked, but very attentive.

The art gallery also held their annual holiday boutique and I had a table with my books. Though not as well attended as those before the pandemic, it was great fun and I did sell books.

In our little foothill community, the annual Apple Festival was cancelled two years in a row, but this year they held a smaller one day Fall Festival. I did well selling my books and the most fun was seeing old friends.

I've done two book signings for new books in the fellowship hall at my church. Not a big attendance, but I did sell copies of my new books and others too. 

Many writers did Podcasts, but I haven't tried that yet. Mainly because I live in a busy household with three grandkids, not sure where I would do one and if it could happen uninterrupted.

I've had .99 cent sales for older books in my series--the RBPD series and the Deputy Tempe Crabtree mystery series which did well and resulted in people buying other books in the two series. Which is the whole idea of doing this kind of promotion. It takes a lot of work and finding places that don't cost much to help promote. 

Though there have been two big book fairs I was invited to participate in, both were far away and meant being away from my husband who needs to have someone to help.

I did attend one conference away from home and my husband stayed with my daughter and husband. Most writing or mystery conferences are not the best for selling books (unless you are a big-name author), but the are a great place to learn new things about writing, what's going on in the writing world and other tidbits. But most of all, it's wonderful to be with other authors. For me, a writing conference lifts my spirits and gives me the incentive to keep on writing.

So tell me, what have you been doing in the way of promotion and what have you planned for the future?

Marilyn

Let's Talk About Promotion

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

This Has Been a Busy and Exciting Time

Because good friend Lorna Collins decided to edit and re-publish all my Deputy Tempe Crabtree mysteries since my published closed their doors, I've been busy trying to promote them. Some have new covers that were created before anyone knew Mundania was going out of business.

In an effort to introduce more people to the series, I'm going to do a free e-book promotion for the first one in the series, Deadly Omen.

That will be going on from June 10 through 14th in the Kindle store. No way can I afford a BookBub promotion, but there are many other sites who promote free e-books. The only drawback is that it takes a lot of time--many are free, but other charge minimal fees.

Of course I've also been busy promoting the latest in the series, Spirit Wind. I've been visiting varios blogs and of course posting on Facebook.

My first book signing will be on June 8th at the sweetest place in Porterville, Stafford's Chocolates on Main St. from 11 to 3.

On June 22nd, I'll be at the Tehachapi Museum from 1 to 3. That one will be fun since Spirit Wind is set in Tehachapi. I'm anxious to see how the residents feel about the mystery.

On June 29th from 1-3, I'm doing a signing here at home, Springville, at the Wild Oak Coffee Shop (across from the fire station on Bridge St. This place has the best speciality drinks and sandwiches.

In the meantime, I've finished the latest in my Rocky Bluff P.D. mystery series. It still has to be heard and critiqued by my group, then I'll have it edited before I  sent it off to the publisher.

If anyone thinks being a writer isn't work--they aren't a writer.

Marilyn

Why Do You Write?

Recently, we learned of a fellow writer who passed away unexpectedly. Though extremely talented, she never reached her full potential, mainly wrote about what she wanted to write someday. She felt unless she made a lot of money, she was wasting her time.

Though I've never made a lot of money, I've never felt like I was wasting my time by writing.

I enjoy writing. I'm thrilled when I hear from one of my fans that they really liked one of my books. Receiving a good review is like a reward.

But as far as why I write--it's what I do. I spend a lot of time with the characters I've created, and I always want to know what's going to happen to them next. The only way to find out is to write the next book.

Besides writing, I find myself doing a lot of promoting.

Recently, Mundania who publishes my Deputy Tempe Crabtree series reedited and redid the covers on several of the books in the series.

These are the first two and are now available.

In the meantime, the latest in my Rocky Bluff P.D. series, Tangled Webs will be sold for only .99 cents for Kindle from Friday, January 25th through Monday, January 28th.  Anytime there's a sale like this, lots of promotion needs to be done. So of course I've been busy with that too. It will be interesting to see how this goes.

If you want to check it out, here's the link

https://tinyurl.com/yabj9z9f

'

The sale starts this Friday.

How about you, why do you write?

Marilyn

Priorities

Radine Trees Nehring recently wrote about not having enough time to read what with all the necessary tasks of being a writer. I'm going to expand on that theme a bit.

Over the years I've found that there are far too many tasks both as a wife, mother/grandmother and writer that demand my time.

Years ago, I wrote, painted and knitted. When I became the owner/administrator of a 6 bed facility for developmentally disabled women--the demands on my time multiplies. The women, their needs and all that came with running the facility (which was also our home) left me little free time for much. I knew I had to make the decision between writing and art projects. I decided writing was what I liked to do best and gave the other two pursuits up. At that time social media was just beginning to blossom.

After twenty-plus years, hubby and I retired from the care business--it truly had to be number one because it entailed the health and well-being of others. At the time, hubby and my eldest adult son both had cancer, my focus had to be on them. After treatment, hubby was cured, son passed on to be with the Lord.

Years have gone by. Hubby and I are both slowing down and have lots more doctor visits. I'm still writing, of course because I love it. Because I write I must do a lot of promotion in order for people to know about my latest book(s). Every author know that takes a lot of time.

My family has grown so much! I love seeing and spending time with each and everyone, and of course that takes time away from other pursuits, but to me that is a most important priority.

Of course I love to read--I always have books on my Kindle, and usually a paper book too. If someone I know and like asks me to read a book and give them a blurb I almost always do that too.

And then there are the writing contests--there are two that I always agree to help judge--more reading that is not necessarily of my choosing and takes time to do it fairly.

So what do I do? How do I choose my priorities? This is one of those one day at a time judgment calls--what is most important to get done today? I make a list and get to work--crossing each item off when I'm done.

And yes, I leave time to do some fun things with my husband, though not nearly as much as we used to do.

So tell me, what are your priorities?

Marilyn

The latest Tempe book--I'm still working on the next one.

Too Busy to Write--A Confession by Marilyn Meredith

I hate to even put this in writing because I've scolded others for saying this, but truly I have been too busy to write on my work in progress. Partly because of life--doctor visits for hubby and me--the maintenance kind, errands, shopping, and some work that actually brings in money.

I've also been preparing for the freebie sale of Spirit Shapes on Amazon Kindle, a perfect Halloween tale. 

And of course, I'm still promoting the latest in the series-- Seldom Traveled. I've had two radio show to appear on and been to two big book fairs--the first in San Luis Obispo and the Great Valley Book Fest in Manteca. 

Coming up this Saturday is the Visalia Taste of the Arts where I'll be in a booth with several authors all afternoon.

Then there's one last appearance, two days at the Porterville Art Gallery in November for their Holiday Boutique.

The big question is how much does all this help? Who knows. What it does do is acquaint readers with my books and isn't that what we're all about?

Oh,and when we started home from San Luis Obispo we stopped in Morro Bay and saw this replica of the Spanish galleon. Hard to believe that Cabrillo and others could sail all the way from Spain, around the horn and up the coast all the way to California on the open seas in that small and flimsy looking ship.

Eventually life will bet back to normal...maybe.

Marilyn

Ins and Outs of Promoting Seldom Traveled by Marilyn Meredith

This is the last day of my blog tour and I'm at B.K. Stevens blog:
 http://http://www.bkstevensmysteries.com/category/the-first-two-pages/

For the most part, the tour has gone well. There have been a couple of glitches--I never get as many comments when they have to be moderated--people like instant gratification. And since I collect the names for a contest, I want to see the comments right away too. There is so much work to a tour that the more I can do right away, the better.

One host didn't put the post up until the afternoon of the day I appeared--that fouls up my schedule too because I like to do the promoting first things in the morning before things get crazy around here.

And of course, there was one who didn't put it up on the day we agreed on--that seems to happen at least once on a tour.

Of course that's  not all I've been doing for this book. I've sent out review copies--I'd love to see more reviews on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

I've busily set up places to go and sell books--gave a talk about creating memorable characters for a writers group, will be headed to the mountain community of Oakhurst to participate this Saturday at an author and book festival and giving a talk about keeping series characters fresh, And on Thursday, September 20, heading over to the coast to participate in a book fair from 3 to 8 at the Mission Plaza in San Luis Obispo.

I'm also working on a Kindle book give-away for an earlier book in the Tempe series--more about that later. The book will fit the Hallowe'en season.

It's a good thing I'm an early-riser because that's when I get most of my work done.

Yes, I've had a tad bit of Bouchercon envy--but it's truly a good thing I didn't go.

And I've even managed to squeeze in a bit of writing now and then.

Tell me what you've been up to.

Marilyn

Soon to be Available

Yes, I'm talking about my next Rocky Bluff P.D. mystery, A Crushing Death.

It's been sent off to the printers and it won't be long now before it shows up on Amazon. (It is on Amazon, but the print run had to be halted--read what comes next.)

 Oops, there's been a glitch. If you look closely, the place where the publisher obtained the photo is still on the cover. An author on my blog tour let me know. My publisher is just now on the way home from the Tucson Book Festival and it can't be fixed until she returns

I've been gearing up my promotion plans which means I've sent out the marred cover everywhere, even made posters with it.

On March 26th I'll be at the Nipomo Library to speak to the Central Coast Chapter of Sisters in Crime about How to Do a Blog Tour. Hopefully, I'll still get copies of the book before I go. (I've asked for 20 of them to be express mailed to me once the print run is done.)

My actual book launch will be on Saturday April 9th from one to 3 in my little town. The location is an upscale thrift shop in a wonderful house that's right across from the post office. The owners are hoping my event will bring in new shoppers. I've ordered posters for the store, and I'll be making others to put up around town--and of course I'll bombard Facebook. (Well at least I'll post about it.)

On April 14th, at 10 a.m. I'll be at the Porterville Library--the biggest town nearby. (17 miles away.)

And of course I am doing a blog tour about the book and this one begins April 14 and goes through May 11. (More about that at a later date.)

I have other events later in the year including giving a class about Creating Memorable Characters which I'll be giving in the Porterville Art Gallery.We just haven't decided on a date yet.

The only conference I'm attending this year is Public Safety Writers Association in July.
http://policewriter.com

And as a way to get readers interested in my Rocky Bluff P.D. series, I'll be giving away Kindle copies of Murder in the Worst Degree from April 1 through April 5.

Marilyn aka F. M. Meredith

Promotion has Taken Over my Life

Anyone who has been follwing me at all either on Facebook or the many blogs I've been on lately, knows that I've put a lot of energy into promoting my latest book, Violent Departures.

From April 1st to April 21st I've been on a blog tour--not only does it take a lot of time to plan, it takes a chunk of each day to promote each blog.

Today is the final day of the tour and I'm on two different blogs; James Jackson intereviewed me here: http://blog.jamesmjackson.com/
and I'm also visiting Kathleen Kaska and wrote about who influenced me the most--and I actually surprised myself when I figured out who it was.

You can check it out here: http://kathleenkaskawrites.blogspot.com/

I've also been busy doing many inperson events from my book launch to having a booth at the Jackass Mail Run.

Next up, I'll be promoting the free Kindle of the first book in the Rocky Bluff P.D. seres, Final Respects--the begins May 1.

And yes, I am writing another book in my Deputy Tempe Crabtree series--but it's hard to find the time I should be giving it.

Things should quiet down soon--I hope.

Marilyn aka F. M. Meredith

Promotion, Pluses and Pitfalls

Because all the advice about promotion is to get it set up way ahead of time, of course I've done just that. I thought I had everything set to start far ahead enough that the book would be read to buy.

One of my first in-person promotions is set for March 28th, whre I'll be speaking to the Central Coast chapter of Sisters in Crime. (My topic: Creating and Sustaining a Mystery Series.)

The big reason I'd like for the books to be available for that event is the winner of my contest to have a characer named for him in this book will be a that meeting. If the book is available, I'm sure to have several sales.

The books are set to arrive in time--but anyone who is in the business knows that one can never count on that being the case.

My blog tour for Violent Departures begins on April 1. Once again I'm having a contest to have a character in the next book named for the person who comments on the most blog posts. Here's the first week of the tour: I'll post the next dates on my next regular blog post.

April 1  http://mmgornell.wordpress.com/

What’s Happening with Gordon Butler?

April 2  http://christanardi.blogspot.com/

            Introduction to the Rocky Bluff P.D. Mystery Series

April 3 http://gumbojustice.blogspot.com/

            My Writing Process

April 4 http://justthefactsmaam.blogspot.com/

            Research

April 5 http://jrlindermuth.blogspot.com/

 What’s Up Next?

April 6  http://marianallen.com/

The Importance of Place

April 7 http://cncbooksblog.wordpress.com

            Coming Up With New Ideas for an Ongoing Series

I'm using some blogs I've visited before and a few brand new ones.

A plus is I really like doing blog tours--a pitfall is they don't always go off as planned.

I do hope some of you will follow me along on this tour. I enjoying writing about all the different topics.

Violent Departures is available now on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Violent-Departures-Rocky-Bluff-P-D/dp/1610091817/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1426344244&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=Violent+Departures+by+F.+M.+Meredith

Marilyn aka F.M. Meredith

Does Anyone Know How to Market?

by Kaye George (also w.a. Janet Cantrell)

I was asked for tips today from a writer who is newly published. I gave her what I could think of at the moment: Goodreads giveaway, read Jeffrey Marks’ INTENT TO SELL, watch what Rebecca Dalhke does.

But, really, besides those, how does one market a new mystery? How do YOU market your mysteries?

Here are some things I do (never knowing what works and what doesn’t).

I guest blog when a new book or short story anthology comes out, wherever I can. I’ve accumulated a list of places where I seem welcome and am always looking for new ones, usually mentioned on one of the writers’ lists I belong to.

I put the news in my newsletter. I put it on my blogs. I cross-reference these as best I can for increased visibility.

If I’m in an area with cool bookstores, I get signings. I now have a signing lined up here in Knoxville at Books A Million for my second Fat Cat book.

I try to appear on panels at conferences, also to increase visibility.

For every brand new story and book, I post the releases on the discussion lists and Facebook groups I belong to.

I try to build up hype before publication with the above-mentioned Goodreads giveaways, plus giveaways on guest blogs and my own blogs. I give away ARCs as well as actual books.

When a conference accepts auction baskets for charity, I put one together with some themed items for the new release. I already have a few cute cat things for Malice in May to promote my Fat Cat series.

I had mugs made for DEATH IN THE TIME OF ICE and for EINE KLEINE MURDER and have done giveaways of them.

When a conference lets me take bids on a name in one of my upcoming novels, I do that. It’s amazing how much attention those get! Some day I hope to be coordinated enough to offer a pet name in an upcoming book.

If a book takes place in a real town, I contact someone official there to let them know.

I have no idea if any of this does any good. But I do know that if I don’t do anything, I won’t sell much.

Any great ideas?

Once Again, Donning a Different Hat

Last week I sent off my latest Deputy Tempe Crabtree mystery to my publisher. I struggled a bit with this book--and ended up revisiting the Hairy Man. I'm always happy to spend some time with him. But now I'll have to start thinking about how I'll promote it.

Should I do another blog tour? Should I offer to name a character after someone as a prize? What about a book launch? An in-person party? Or should I do a launch online? Maybe both?

While wearing that hat, I am switching to the Rocky Bluff P.D. cap. Yes, I'm writing another book in that series, and I need to get with it as I need chapters to read each week to my critique group. This means I need to familiarize myself again with the officers of the Rocky Bluff P.D. and their families and what was happening with them when I last visited. I do have the start of the major plot thread (without the conclusion) and some minor plots I want to pursue.

While wearing the RBPD cap, I need to envision myself in the small beach community of Rocky Bluff. Think the smell of the ocean, fog rolling in most mornings, the sun burning off the fog later in the day and then making it's return. I must see the town and how it climbs up the hillside and under the freeway and then changing to small ranches and orange groves.Will I incorporate the wealthier homes that perch on the bluff that gives the town it's name? At this point, I don't know.

So that's where I am folks, switching hats as first my mind whirls around the promotion part of being a writer, then moving to the imagination side, seeing my creations set about their lives and meeting new challenges.

What about you? What're you  up to these days?

Marilyn aka F. M. Meredith

What Kind of Planning Ahead Do You Do for Promotion?

When I first started out on this journey we call being a published author, I had no idea that I would be the one doing the majority of the promotion of my book. In fact, the only thing I did for promotion all those many years ago, early 1980s, was to arrange a book signing. Of course there was no Internet back then or anyway to promote except sending out mailings and book stores appearances.

As each book came out, I got smarter and smarter. And some of the publishers that I queried wanted to know what my marketing plans were--so I realized I need to have some.

Over the years I've done many different things--and now, of course, a lot more on the Internet through Facebook and of course, blogs.

For my latest, Spirit Shapes, a Deputy Tempe Crabtree mystery, this is what I've planned so far:

A blog tour--wow, that is a lot of work Here's the first week's stops:

September 30    http://Mariaruizauthor.com/ 

October 1   http://SavvyAuthors.blogspot.com/

 

October 2   http://Marilynlevinson.com/blog/

October 3   http://krisneri.blogspot.com/

October 4   http://anastasiapollock.blotspot.com/

October 5   http://mmgornell.wordpress.com/

October 6  http://poluckwithjudy.blogspot.com

October 7  http://lornacollins-author.blogspot.com/

You can find all the stops on my blog:http://marilynmeredith.blogspot.com/

 The person who comments on the most blogs will have their name used for a character in the next book in the series.

I have several in person events:

I'm meeting with a book club, going to be one of six mystery authors on a panel at a new bookstore, will have a booth at Taste of the Arts, and doing a signing at another new bookstore.

Next to plan is a book launch of some sort in my little town, just looking for the best place to do it.

What I'm not doing is going to Bouchercon this year--airplane travel has just gotten to be too big a pain. I do plan to attend Left Coast Crime in 2014 though because it's drivable, actually being on the left coast. Maybe I'll see some of you there.

Tell me what your favorite promotion is? Maybe you can give me some fresh ideas.

To buy directly from the publisher:

 http://mundania.com/book.php?title=Spirit+Shapes

Marilyn

THE CHARGE IS ON

THE CHARGE IS ON

                                                                             By Randy Rawls

   Man the chariots, break out the bugles, wave the flags, put on your flip-flops (or hip boots), the campaign has begun. On my last posting, I announced I had hired PJ Nunn to build a promotion program for HOT ROCKS, my Beth Bowman mystery. Well, she charged into the fray and my first radio interview was today, a station in Colorado. What does Colorado have to do with a South Florida female PI mystery? I hope a lot. One of the reasons I changed my setting to South Florida was I was assured everyone loves S FL. We shall see. Anyway, the interview was recorded and will run this week, hopefully, today, May 2^nd. The site is www.1047kingfm.com/users/jacob-reyes if you're interested. Jacob, the interviewer, was excellent.

   Patty didn't stop there. I have two more radio interviews next week and some personal appearances when I hit Texas in July. So far, it's looking good for HOT ROCKS, and she's still working. Will it pay off? I don't know, but I had to try.

   Speaking of HOT ROCKS, I received a pleasant surprise a few days ago. Hardcopy versions of the large print edition arrived at my front door. Midnight Ink sold the large print rights to Thorndike Press. It's kinda pricey, but it's out there. Does anyone know if selling rights impacts the advance recovery by the original publisher?

   The second in my Beth Bowman series, BEST DEFENSE, is just around the corner. It is up on Amazon with an announced released date of November 8, 2013. Check it out and let me know what you think. If having BreakThrough Promotions on my team works for HOT ROCKS, I may contract them for the new one. A shame to have to spend so much to make so little, but I'm not a promotion whiz as some of you are.

   It's a strange business we're in.