R. Lawson Gamble's Blog: R Lawson Gamble Books, page 23

On Line? Or In Person?

I have found that the world can be broken down into two kinds of people; those who are comfortable socializing in person and those who are more inclined to do so on-line. When it comes to marketing books, this is an important distinction.

Even if you are able to devote full-time to book marketing, it is necessary to prioritize  your efforts. No one can do all that one should both on-line and off.  This often means prioritizing Facebook, websites, Pinterest, Twitter, et al, particularly as an Indie author  with an eBook to market. This mantra has been well voiced by marketing gurus: do not neglect your social media.

But when you have a print book to market, social media marketing seems somehow inadequate. Print books demand tactile inspection. They require handling, and smelling those crisp new pages and barely dried ink, viewing the vivid colors of the shiny cover, hearing the flip of pages and the crack of the binding. But this can not happen unless the author orchestrates an opportunity for it to happen: a book launch, signing, book talk, book fair, and so on. And all of these are very time-consuming events both to plan and to do.

But which kind of marketing is most important? And how is an author to decide how much time to invest in either?

Here we divide into types and comfort zones. To the person who believes that a tree that falls in the forest when no one is around still makes noise, the internet is the way to go. For those of us who despair as our words disappear off into the unknown after we type them, never to be seen again, fulfillment comes from placing our book in someone’s hand and watch them flip through the pages and read the back cover.

But the truth is, authors must find a way to manage a bit of both on and off-line marketing; for after all, in the world of readers there are also two kinds of people…

Tagged: Author, E-book, Ebook, FaceBook, marketing, Pinterest, Social media marketing, time investment, Twitter

Does Twitter help?

Recently I’ve become somewhat disillusioned with Twitter, at least in terms of my intended use of

it, which is to sell books. I’ve read other blogs in which the authors suggest that

Twitter does nothing for sales at all.

My immediate thought is that one’s results must depend upon what how one uses it and what one uses it for. If one simply wants to express one’s mood or thought of the moment, it works well. If one is in the middle of a revolution in a foreign country and wishes to describe the experience, it works well too. If one desires to maintain a friendship or to begin one, I don’t think it works as well. And if one wishes to sell books, it depends.

The longer I thought about it, the more I realized that accurately targeting an audience is extremely important. When I began on Twitter, I looked for writers’ forums, hoping to exchange information, learn  techniques, get advice. And I have done, to a degree. But most writers on Twitter are also trying to sell their books. Hence, I am trying to sell to salesmen, a difficult job, to be sure.

What I should do, of course, is seek out readers and try to develop a following. There, a wolf among sheep, I will cast my net. Even more than that, I should try to narrow it down to readers of my specific genre; fiction>mystery>thriller> etc..

I see Twitter in the same way I saw the original iPad: a platform without a precise purpose, meant to allow users to find their own way. The structure is there; it is up to me to figure out how best to use it.

A Writer’s Ego: Necessary Evil?

I’ve recently returned from attending the Santa Barbara Writers Conference. A topic that arose frequently was that of writers’ ego.

 It usually came up in discussions about the sublimation of ego to editing. It is a necessary evil, true enough. At least to a degree.

But a writer must have ego. When a writer sets words on paper it is with the belief that those words are worth writing down. And that the thought is worth preserving. And that the way that the thought is articulated is as good if not better than other writers could do.

Elmore Leonard put it this way in an interview in Men’s Journal: “I had a belief in myself and it came from reading. I was always reading stories in magazines, and I just thought my stories were better than most of them.”

There is danger in automatically accepting criticism from those who edit your work. The author who capitulates his/her work to all suggestions and critiques must disappear as a unique and individual voice. There is a line in the sand that can never be crossed.

But where is that line? There is only one person who can answer that question – you, the author. When you consider suggestions for revisions listen to your inner self. Is some part of you resistant to the change? Is your subconscious nagging you about it? Perhaps you should listen.

I have received many amazing editing suggestions. When applied, they have instantly taken my manuscript to another level. I have had others that seem just as worthy, even righteous, but they were not right for my work. Some I accepted for the wrong reason. I accepted them because I admired the critic, not because the change worked. Those eventually hit the cutting room floor. I once changed the entire opening to a novel on a critics advice only to go back after publication to alter it back. Where was my ego then?

Remember this when working with editors, whether amateur or professional: the work is yours, you are the author, you have the vision. Accept suggestions for revision carefully. Remember, many of the great authors broke the rules because their work demanded it. And because they did, the rules themselves changed.

 

 

Tagged: accepting criticism, breaking rules, confidence, Editors, ego, Elmore Leonard, revising, Writers Resources

Does Non-Fiction Sell Best?

This, to me, is a really interesting question. I had always thought the reverse to be true; in fact, I  held back my non-fiction project until my first two mystery thrillers could be published. My reasoning? That the crime fiction will sell faster and maybe even help establish a platform for my non-fiction book. Hmmm.

I happened to discuss this with several authors recently, authors who have one thing in common: they have all found success with non-fiction books but aspire to write fiction. And they are now struggling to market it.

I see it this way. There is a ready-made platform for most non-fiction. Whatever the subject, from death to pottery, that niche group is easily identified, marketed, and harvested. There is a cadre of interested folks, and agents and publishers know this. If you have some credentials and are reasonably versed in the area and have a reasonable following (and you can write), you’ll likely get a chance.

But here’s the difference: the potential (with requisite exceptions, of course) for an  explosive success in non-fiction is not as great as in fiction. While more  identifiable, the non-fiction niche is necessarily limited. Not everybody cares about pottery, or pets, or lampshades.

But the potential for massive success in fiction always exists (think Dan Brown, James Patterson, Clive Cussler, etc.). Once the momentum has begun, once the successful fiction author has “gone viral” there is no stopping the phenomenon. It’s simple math: far more people can get excited about fiction than about lampshades.

But with fiction, the difficulty is in the launch. So maybe it all evens out in the long run?

 

 

Tagged: Author, Clive Cussler, Dan Brown, Fiction, finding agents, James Patterson, Literature, marketing, Non-fiction, Publishing

It’s Just A Review, Right?

I’ve recently had some thoughts regarding Amazon reviewers. I’ve come to recognize that many reviewers fall into certain types. At another level, I suspect that the reviews for each type reflect the personality type that resides behind them. Follow me here.

So far I’ve received 20 Amazon reviews for my book, THE OTHER. Of those, fourteen are fives. I’m very happy about that. There are also a two, a three, and three fours. A good mix. Does Amazon think so? I’m sure they have a formula to crunch this data.

And that raised the question for me: are all five-star reviews equal? I suspect not. Allow me to describe some types I have encountered. But first, let me say that anyone who takes the time and effort to review a book is tops in my own particular book.

The person who assigned THE OTHER a two rating was clearly in the wrong genre and expected something totally different. Perhaps my tags were insufficiently clear. The three rating was from a reviewer who was disappointed in the change of pace (and POV, I suspect) and the ending. Fair enough.

The four ratings are notable in that the reviews posted with the ratings would have been more appropriate to a five. This type of reviewer  is what I’d call a low-baller, one who wishes to leave room to assign a five to that extraordinary book that might come along one day.

There are several types among my fives. Some have a history of assigning nothing but fives, including one reviewer who reviewed close to 150 books for Amazon, all of which were assigned fives. These are the kind souls, people who wish to encourage writers, not critique them. Another group  I’ve named the Enthusiasts for their excitement about certain elements of the writing, such as the research, or the pace, or the setting. The final group consists of those who  appreciate and understand what the author has attempted to do within the narrow confines of the particular genre.

Which type do I prefer? In fact, all of them. Each brings an important perspective to the table, each is valid, and I grow as a writer with each. I thank them all.

Tagged: Amazon, Book, Book reviews, Literature, mystery thriller, Personality type, Reader, Writing

Your Niche Audience

Last Thursday evening found me at the Santa Maria Public Library’s Shepard Hall talking

about my book and, most particularly, about publishing in today’s digital world. The attendees were a mix of  young students and mature writers, and not much in between.

I had been advertised as a local writer, which appeared to be the draw.  No one seemed aware of my work in particular. Rather, I sensed a curiosity about local writers who were published and how that had been accomplished. More to the point, how successful was I?

There was frustration and impatience related to marketing. How can an author’s work  be found? Which of the myriad social media is most effective? How should that media be used? And is anyone listening out there, anyway?

I had no magic bullets to offer. There are none, of course. But it was evident to me that many  writers try to engage too wide an audience, and in the process spread themselves too thin. With all the choices available to readers (and buyers) today, it is important not to waste time and effort on too wide a pool. One must narrow the field.

My work, for instance, is fiction. More specifically, mystery. Not just mystery, but crime. Beyond that, a thriller, in the Southwest, with a bit of paranormal and native american culture. Broken down, my specific niche looks like this: A southwest mystery crime police procedural and native american supernatural thriller.

The question comes to mind – is there a readership for so specific a category? And the resounding answer is “Yes!”. Hillerman, for one, made a fine living from this niche.

My advice to those who asked for it was this: write what you enjoy writing most, and write what you would enjoy reading most (usually the same thing). Then define it, tag it accurately, and let the readers come to you.  They are out there looking specifically for just what you write, and if you write it well enough, they will find you.

 

Tagged: Fiction, marketing, readers, Social media, Writer, writers niche, Writers Resources

The Power Of Free

Yes, I have already written a post about the marketing technique of giving away books. Next to publishing multiple books, it is the most suggested marketing ploy. I mention it once again because I

am on the cusp of learning how effective it really is.

Six weeks ago I began giving away my eBook, THE OTHER. My publisher SmashWords kept a running toll of downloads for me. Each download meant a book in hand for a new reader. When I began this experiment, 18 books had been downloaded, according to the count.

Today is the last day for free books. The score? 100 books have been downloaded. The first part of the question has been answered: free moves books. I’ve noticed something else: I have more Amazon reviews. Why? Because more people have my book in hand and they have begun to read it. If the book is a quality work (and I believe mine is) then theoretically once people have begun to read it, they will post positive reviews.

The second part of the question is yet to be answered: will people continue to download the book at a price? Is there enough momentum from the give-a-way to spur curiosity? We’ll see.

I want to keep you current with my efforts and experiences. Once I believe I have the answer to the second question, I will write another post.

An Evening With A Writer

This space is customarily devoted to helpful words about writing, excerpts from my personal learning curve. Today I write about another writer. I feel justified in this because this writer is, in fact, part of my learning curve.

This past week was spent at the Santa Barbara Writers Conference. An aged institution, with fine old traditions built by luminaries such as Ray Bradbury and Barnaby Conrad, it moves on in this new century guided by its new owner, Monte Shultz. To his credit, he has maintained the experience of workshops and guest panels and long “Pirate” nights and guest authors and the opportunity for new and not-so-new writers to exchange thoughts, ideas, and business cards. And always the looming opportunity to meet agents and publishers with the hope of becoming the one of the few to walk away with an offer, or at least a promise.

But for me all of the above was eclipsed by the opportunity to see, hear, and experience a writer whose work first intrigued and then challenged me with his latest book, Riding on the Rim, two years ago. Thomas McGuane was just who I thought he was.

No lecturer, he. No “pull yourself up by the bootstraps” type monologue or “be yourself, write yourself” advice or  ”My first six novels were never published” simpatico refrain. Rather, Thomas sat down in front of us and invited us to ask questions, any questions, and then his wife reminded him to zip his fly. I knew at once I would like him.

This relaxed un-presumptious man could tell personal stories about Marlon Brando and Jack Nicholson, speak honestly and selflessly  about his own writing goals and on-going aspirations,  tell jokes and amusing anecdotes, and speak about new authors he is currently reading with undisguised admiration. No out-of-control ego here!  Without appearing to extend himself, Mr. McGuane presented a rare inside glimpse of the world of a consummate, successful writer and his love for the land where he lives and the people with whom he shares it.

His words prompted thought, too much to share in this short piece. But the insight he presented, not with long narrative but with seemingly off-hand dialogue and imagery, suggested a writer who moves beyond skill with pen and paper to an addictive curiosity about the lives treading their own paths near his and a never-fading passion for the brilliant sunsets and the fields of waving grass of his life. Without that, after all,what is there to write?

Dealing With Critical Reviews

First of all, may I point out that a critical review is better than none at all. Way better, in fact. There are books that have risen from obscurity to notoriety  simply because of critical reviews. On a lesser scale, a critical review serves several functions, not the least of which is to cast a positive review in sharp focus by contrast.

But there are other benefits as well. For the purist, one may learn from criticism. But there is a caveat here; one critique does not a rule make. I have had to learn not to overreact for or against each critical remark, and not change my writing to accommodate every well-phrased zinger. Chaos that way lies!

So criticism, whether you agree or not, should be regarded as evidence that there is rich variety among readers, a thought that should always be present in the author’s mind. Not to try to write to each view, but to understand that one’s writing will not ever be universally applauded or accepted. The hope is it will be respected.

I am human; I prefer positive reviews. I like to be flattered. But I recognize that unflattering responses to my work are, in their way,  tributes as well. Why? Because the reviewer was sufficiently charged emotionally by my work to bother to write anything at all. Is that not preferable to passivity? To nerves left untouched?

When my first novel was published, I eagerly counted Amazon stars, and delighted in each 5 star review (thanks, mom!). And then I heard a remark to the effect that a book with nothing but perfect reviews is viewed with suspicion, not idolized. To receive nothing but five-star evaluations is unnatural. It is inevitable in the natural course of things to receive a few unhappy comments, if only from a reader who misunderstood the genre or the nature of the work, who expected this but received that and was disappointed. It will happen.

How do I deal with critical reviews? In short, I don’t. I’m grateful that the reader felt my work important enough to take the time to respond to it. I look within the remarks for a useful tool for the future. And I move on.

Tagged: Amazon, opinion, Review, Reviews and Criticism, Writing

Traditional Publishing? or Self Publishing

 

Yes, it is the usual quandary. Should one choose representation, assistance, recognition, and maybe an advance on the one hand? Or total control with lots of work (or great expense) on the other?

But wait. After months of weighing and considering each approach, I’ve come across a rather compelling argument for a third. It comes from CJ Lyons courtesy of Jane Friedman‘s blog. CJ Lyons has been down both paths, with success. Why not try both?

What are the downsides of traditional publishing (beyond finding an agent and publishing house to take your book)? Lyons notes that 80% of publishing through standard houses will never reach enough sales to cover the advance. The result? No royalties. Advances are usually paid out in three installments over two years. And yes, those advances must be earned first – only then come the royalties, if you manage to sell enough books in that two-year period. And consider that most traditional contracts are in effect for decades. You often have no rights once you’ve signed it.

But once published as a self-publisher, you get money every time your book is sold. Year after year.  Your book never comes off the shelf and the potential for sales remains. And with each new book you release, sales of the first will increase. And if fortune should find you, you have exclusive rights.

So what to do? Why not both? The idea that agents are less likely to contract a self-published book has been discredited. In fact, in some ways it may be to the agents’ advantage to do so. The author’s commitment is proven,  his readership defined, the quality of his work apparent. Much of the groundwork is already laid. And for the author, the self-publishing journey is an excellent learning experience. It is helpful to know what the agent and publisher must go through. And anyway, ultimately, the marketing is up to the author in all but the most exceptional cases.