Allan Krummenacker's Blog - Posts Tagged "apple"
A Little About Marketing and Distribution...
Okay, as you all know my first book is out. "The Bridge" is available on Amazon, Kindle, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, I-Tunes, Nook, Kobo, Smashwords, Createspace, and a bunch of other places. How did I do it? And how are the sales coming so far? Are probably what you are asking at this point. Well, I'll be honest, the sales are going slowly. The book has only been out maybe 2 weeks and during that time it took over a week for it to appear on a number of those sites. But that's no excuse. It is definitely out there, so why aren't more people buying it right away? The answer is simple, "They don't know it's out there!"
Now here's where we get into today's discussion. I'll briefly answer the first question "How did I get it in so many places?" Then we'll address how I'm going about to correct the problem of getting the word out.
Now I published my novel both in e-book form and trade paperback for those who prefer being able to hold a book in their hands and turn the pages. I did this by going to Smashwords for all the e-book formats that are NOT Kindle readers (Ibooks, Sony readers, Nook, Kobo and others). Smashwords gave me the option of where to distribute their formats and I chose all those I mentioned, plus they also made it available to libraries and e-book form.
Then I went to Createspace to make it ready and available for Kindle (which automatically got it on Amazon) and also for Print-On-Demand to have the Trade Paperback version available. Now, I also paid an extra $25.00 for the Expanded Distribution which is how I got the book to be available on-line with Barnes and Noble and other bookstores, even overseas. So, that part was actually pretty easy. Amazon also offers a KDP Select program which I did not opt for because the book was already out in Smashwords and I would have to make it unavailable for 90 days while KDP Select had the exclusive distribution rights. I could make it available again in Smashwords and their distributers afterwards, but that didn't feel right to me on this occasion. I might try it next time
But, getting back to "Getting The Word Out..." This is the harder part folks and I strongly recommend you get a good marketing plan in mind and underway BEFORE your book comes out. First, networking on the internet. Use the social media like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, MySpace, Pinterest, etc. to establish your presence and let people know who you are. Don't just talk about yourself though. Be active in discussions and participate in other's promotions or questions. This way the other participants get to know you and what you're like. Help promote their works and books and they will be happy to do the same in return when yours comes out.
Create a blog and get yourself known to more people that way too. Write about something you're interested in (reading, cover art, hobbies you have) something to let people get to know you and become more intrigued by you.
Also, if you're like me and have no history of writing, maybe you can write some articles for your local newspaper (I've not done this yet, but it's been suggested to me and I'm looking into it).
Get yourself on Goodreads.com, review other peoples books and set up a presence there. And when you're book is ready to come out check out free advertising or promoting groups on the internet. I'm trying a new one called AskDavid.com to help promote my book. There's dozens of ways of getting the word out over the internet. But you can't stop there. You can do more locally to get the word out.
This coming week I'm going to be contacting local radio stations to see who does interviews with authors, I'll be sending out press releases to the newspapers and TV news stations in my area. I'm going to be talking to the local libraries about getting my book on their shelves and maybe giving talks. I also plan on getting business cards with my info and where people can find my books online. There are local independent bookstores I'll be approaching to see if they are interested in carrying my novel by ordering some through Createspace or on consignment.
You also need to get reviews done on your book. Goodreads is a good way to do it, or you can offer free downloads to select people who promise to write reviews of your book in return over the internet.
There's probably a bunch of other ways I haven't even thought of yet. If you know of some or have suggestions, please leave them in comments section below. We all want to get our work out there and by pooling and sharing our info, we can help each other make it as authors with good followings. But you have to get the word out first, for without that "How can anyone even know you have a book out?"
Thanks for reading and I look forward to your comments. Keep writing everyone.
Now here's where we get into today's discussion. I'll briefly answer the first question "How did I get it in so many places?" Then we'll address how I'm going about to correct the problem of getting the word out.
Now I published my novel both in e-book form and trade paperback for those who prefer being able to hold a book in their hands and turn the pages. I did this by going to Smashwords for all the e-book formats that are NOT Kindle readers (Ibooks, Sony readers, Nook, Kobo and others). Smashwords gave me the option of where to distribute their formats and I chose all those I mentioned, plus they also made it available to libraries and e-book form.
Then I went to Createspace to make it ready and available for Kindle (which automatically got it on Amazon) and also for Print-On-Demand to have the Trade Paperback version available. Now, I also paid an extra $25.00 for the Expanded Distribution which is how I got the book to be available on-line with Barnes and Noble and other bookstores, even overseas. So, that part was actually pretty easy. Amazon also offers a KDP Select program which I did not opt for because the book was already out in Smashwords and I would have to make it unavailable for 90 days while KDP Select had the exclusive distribution rights. I could make it available again in Smashwords and their distributers afterwards, but that didn't feel right to me on this occasion. I might try it next time
But, getting back to "Getting The Word Out..." This is the harder part folks and I strongly recommend you get a good marketing plan in mind and underway BEFORE your book comes out. First, networking on the internet. Use the social media like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, MySpace, Pinterest, etc. to establish your presence and let people know who you are. Don't just talk about yourself though. Be active in discussions and participate in other's promotions or questions. This way the other participants get to know you and what you're like. Help promote their works and books and they will be happy to do the same in return when yours comes out.
Create a blog and get yourself known to more people that way too. Write about something you're interested in (reading, cover art, hobbies you have) something to let people get to know you and become more intrigued by you.
Also, if you're like me and have no history of writing, maybe you can write some articles for your local newspaper (I've not done this yet, but it's been suggested to me and I'm looking into it).
Get yourself on Goodreads.com, review other peoples books and set up a presence there. And when you're book is ready to come out check out free advertising or promoting groups on the internet. I'm trying a new one called AskDavid.com to help promote my book. There's dozens of ways of getting the word out over the internet. But you can't stop there. You can do more locally to get the word out.
This coming week I'm going to be contacting local radio stations to see who does interviews with authors, I'll be sending out press releases to the newspapers and TV news stations in my area. I'm going to be talking to the local libraries about getting my book on their shelves and maybe giving talks. I also plan on getting business cards with my info and where people can find my books online. There are local independent bookstores I'll be approaching to see if they are interested in carrying my novel by ordering some through Createspace or on consignment.
You also need to get reviews done on your book. Goodreads is a good way to do it, or you can offer free downloads to select people who promise to write reviews of your book in return over the internet.
There's probably a bunch of other ways I haven't even thought of yet. If you know of some or have suggestions, please leave them in comments section below. We all want to get our work out there and by pooling and sharing our info, we can help each other make it as authors with good followings. But you have to get the word out first, for without that "How can anyone even know you have a book out?"
Thanks for reading and I look forward to your comments. Keep writing everyone.
LIMITED TIME LEFT! HALF OFF BOTH BOOKS IN "THE PARA-EARTH SERIES"!
WELCOME TO THE PARA-EARTH SERIES...
When I started writing, I wanted to create something new and different. Something that could become an ongoing seriese, with recurring and new characters that would take the reader's imagination to new places and introduce new concepts. The result was the Para-Earth Series: a unique blend of horror, paranormal mystery, with a sci-fi twist that would make the Twilight Zone proud.
Through these tales, I introduce both my characters and the audience to a whole new vision of Parallel Earths unlike anything you've seen before. I hope you'll join me on this journey as together we discover beings and realities found only in dreams. The door is open and you are always welcome...
****UNTIL MIDNIGHT MONDAY JUNE 9TH YOU CAN GET EITHER OF THESE TITLE FOR JUST $1.49, half off the usual asking price of $2.99. Or you can get both for $2.98****
BOOK 1 "THE BRIDGE"
Something waits...
Alex Hill buried his psychic talents for eighteen year. But with with scream of tires and twisting metal, all this changes.
When his girlfriend, Police Sergeant Veronica Ross , is nearly run down by two teens he becomes concerned. But upon learning that both the driver and passenger of the vehicle in question, had been dead for almost twelve hours before the incident, he knows what he must do...
BOOK 2 "THE SHIP"
Every ship needs a navigator...
Cassandra Elliott is a billionaire heiress, who has just come out of the closet. She's also a powerful psychic who has seen incredible and terrifying things.
In fact just two weeks ago she and her girlfriend Julie Cloudfoot survived a terrifying experience. Fighting alongside their friends Alex Hill and Police Sergeant Veronica Ross, they faced creature from a parallel reality, where evolution had taken a decidedly different turn.
As a result of that encounter Cassie and Julie have come to Santa Cruz, California to bury Julie's uncle who fell to the creature. They've also come to see if their new romantic relationship will work out. Unknown to either of them an old adversary has followed them.
A white-haired man in a flowing black cape is lurking inside an old wrecked ship. He has plans for Cassandra and will need her soon, but until then he must keep her safe. However, a new threat appears, a legendary ghost ship arises from the sea and marks the girl as its next target.
Soon the two women find themselves fighting not only for their lives, to be keep from being separated forever...
AVAILABLE IN ALL E-BOOK FORMATS:
KINDLE: amazon.com/author/allankrummenacker
NOOK, SONY E-READER, APPLE, PDF OR E-PUB FORMATS:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/byse...
*PLEASE SHARE THIS WITH EVERYONE YOU KNOW SO THEY TOO CAN TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS LIMITED TIME OFFER!*
THANK YOU AND HAPPY READING.
When I started writing, I wanted to create something new and different. Something that could become an ongoing seriese, with recurring and new characters that would take the reader's imagination to new places and introduce new concepts. The result was the Para-Earth Series: a unique blend of horror, paranormal mystery, with a sci-fi twist that would make the Twilight Zone proud.
Through these tales, I introduce both my characters and the audience to a whole new vision of Parallel Earths unlike anything you've seen before. I hope you'll join me on this journey as together we discover beings and realities found only in dreams. The door is open and you are always welcome...
****UNTIL MIDNIGHT MONDAY JUNE 9TH YOU CAN GET EITHER OF THESE TITLE FOR JUST $1.49, half off the usual asking price of $2.99. Or you can get both for $2.98****
BOOK 1 "THE BRIDGE"
Something waits...
Alex Hill buried his psychic talents for eighteen year. But with with scream of tires and twisting metal, all this changes.
When his girlfriend, Police Sergeant Veronica Ross , is nearly run down by two teens he becomes concerned. But upon learning that both the driver and passenger of the vehicle in question, had been dead for almost twelve hours before the incident, he knows what he must do...
BOOK 2 "THE SHIP"
Every ship needs a navigator...
Cassandra Elliott is a billionaire heiress, who has just come out of the closet. She's also a powerful psychic who has seen incredible and terrifying things.
In fact just two weeks ago she and her girlfriend Julie Cloudfoot survived a terrifying experience. Fighting alongside their friends Alex Hill and Police Sergeant Veronica Ross, they faced creature from a parallel reality, where evolution had taken a decidedly different turn.
As a result of that encounter Cassie and Julie have come to Santa Cruz, California to bury Julie's uncle who fell to the creature. They've also come to see if their new romantic relationship will work out. Unknown to either of them an old adversary has followed them.
A white-haired man in a flowing black cape is lurking inside an old wrecked ship. He has plans for Cassandra and will need her soon, but until then he must keep her safe. However, a new threat appears, a legendary ghost ship arises from the sea and marks the girl as its next target.
Soon the two women find themselves fighting not only for their lives, to be keep from being separated forever...
AVAILABLE IN ALL E-BOOK FORMATS:
KINDLE: amazon.com/author/allankrummenacker
NOOK, SONY E-READER, APPLE, PDF OR E-PUB FORMATS:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/byse...
*PLEASE SHARE THIS WITH EVERYONE YOU KNOW SO THEY TOO CAN TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS LIMITED TIME OFFER!*
THANK YOU AND HAPPY READING.
My Thoughts On Kindle Unlimited...
Allan KrummenackerRecently there's been a lot of discussion of Amazon Kindle's latest program... "Kindle Unlimited".
Now for those of you have heard but don't know a lot about it, here's a quick recap in a nutshell.
*Remember: this is only a brief overview and not an in-depth piece. I understand there are still some details to be ironed out*
With Kindle Unlimited, you pay $9.99 a month to have unlimited access to Kindle books through Amazon. You don't have to 'buy' the books, you simply have access to them. Sort of like a private library that you pay a monthly fee to have access to. Now considering there are literally thousands of books on Kindle this is a pretty good deal for consumers. You can sample and read any the books and decide if you actually want to purchase a copy for yourself in e-book or maybe go for an actual print copy, without wondering whether or not the book is to your taste.
So on the surface, this sounds pretty good right? So how does this effect the authors? What do they get out of having their books being 'borrowed' instead of bought?
Well, Amazon has a plan in place for there. Should anyone 'borrow' your book and read at least 10% of it, whether or not the person finishes the book, the author will earn a paid share. So they are getting something for their trouble even if the entire book is not read or purchased. Nice right? They will get something just for having their book looked at (provided at least 10% of the book is sampled).
So this sounds like a nice win-win situation for all. Unfortunately, there is a catch (yeah, you all saw that coming didn't you?).
In order for an author's book(s) to be part of the Kindle Unlimited program, the e-book version of their book CANNOT be for sale anywhere else. Meaning, no Nook, Apple, Sony, or other e-reader formats through Smashwords, Scribd, Oyster, etc. Amazon and Kindle will have the SOLE selling rights to the e-book form of your work. Print editions are of course unaffected by this.
So basically, an author has to choose to either pull their existing works from Smashwords and the other e-book formats, and have only the Kindle version of their e-book available. Or, in the case of a brand new book, it will only be allowed to exist in print or Kindle form.
Speaking only for myself...
I am not going to do Kindle Unlimited or Kindle Select. Some time back, I pulled my first novel from Smashwords and did the Kindle Select which also requires exclusivity and only had the Kindle e-book form available for three months. I did it because this was the only way I could do 'Free-Days' through Amazon, which was important to me since it was my first novel. Those Free-Days got my name and work into the hands of over 1000 prospective readers. But I had to cut my Nook, Apple and Sony fans off for three months, which I hated doing.
When I released my 2nd novel "THE SHIP" I made it clear from the start that there would be no Free-Days, only "99 Cent Days" occasionally and that was it. And I'm sticking to my guns. 99 cents is the lowest I can go on Kindle without being part of either one of the their programs. "THE SHIP" is doing nicely, and I've also found that a number of people have told me flat out that they prefer paying the full price when they have the money, because they love what I've created and want to see the money go to me and not some corporation.
With loyalty like that, I can't bring myself to cut anyone off. So, I'm sticking with Smashwords and Amazon (no strings attached) for all my e-book formats. What others choose to do, is up to them. I simply wanted to take this moment to assure all my readers that I will always put my books out there in all the e-book formats so I can make sure it's available to you.
Here's the address to my author website which has links to all the e-book formats for both my books. Just click on it, and it will take you to the site and you can choose whatever format you prefer. You will always have a choice with me, it's my way of returning the faith and loyalty all of you have shown my by taking a chance on my books.
http://allankrummenacker.wix.com/alla...
THIS WEEK ONLY .99 CENT SPECIAL ON BOTH MY BOOKS...
FROM NOW UNTIL MIDNIGHT AUGUST 10th...
Both books in my Para-Earth Series are just .99 cents a piece. "THE BRIDGE" and "THE SHIP" have earned multiple 4 and 5 star reviews on both Amazon and Smashwords, and you can sample both books at either site for free.
*PLEASE SHARE THIS WITH EVERYONE YOU KNOW SO THEY TOO CAN TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS LIMITED TIME OFFER!*
BOOK 1 "THE BRIDGE"
Something waits...
Alex Hill buried his psychic talents for eighteen year. But with with scream of tires and twisting metal, all this changes.
When his girlfriend, Police Sergeant Veronica Ross , is nearly run down by two teens he becomes concerned. But upon learning that both the driver and passenger of the vehicle in question, had been dead for almost twelve hours before the incident, he knows what he must do...
BOOK 2 "THE SHIP"
Every ship needs a navigator...
Cassandra Elliott is a billionaire heiress, who has just come out of the closet. She's also a powerful psychic who has seen incredible and terrifying things.
In fact just two weeks ago she and her girlfriend Julie Cloudfoot survived a terrifying experience. Fighting alongside their friends Alex Hill and Police Sergeant Veronica Ross, they faced creature from a parallel reality, where evolution had taken a decidedly different turn.
As a result of that encounter Cassie and Julie have come to Santa Cruz, California to bury Julie's uncle who fell to the creature. They've also come to see if their new romantic relationship will work out. Unknown to either of them an old adversary has followed them.
A white-haired man in a flowing black cape is lurking inside an old wrecked ship. He has plans for Cassandra and will need her soon, but until then he must keep her safe. However, a new threat appears, a legendary ghost ship arises from the sea and marks the girl as its next target.
Soon the two women find themselves fighting not only for their lives, to be keep from being separated forever...
BOTH ARE AVAILABLE IN ALL E-BOOK FORMATS:
KINDLE: amazon.com/author/allankrummenacker
NOOK, SONY E-READER, APPLE, PDF OR E-PUB FORMATS:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/byse...
THANK YOU AND HAPPY READING.
Both books in my Para-Earth Series are just .99 cents a piece. "THE BRIDGE" and "THE SHIP" have earned multiple 4 and 5 star reviews on both Amazon and Smashwords, and you can sample both books at either site for free.
*PLEASE SHARE THIS WITH EVERYONE YOU KNOW SO THEY TOO CAN TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS LIMITED TIME OFFER!*
BOOK 1 "THE BRIDGE"
Something waits...
Alex Hill buried his psychic talents for eighteen year. But with with scream of tires and twisting metal, all this changes.
When his girlfriend, Police Sergeant Veronica Ross , is nearly run down by two teens he becomes concerned. But upon learning that both the driver and passenger of the vehicle in question, had been dead for almost twelve hours before the incident, he knows what he must do...
BOOK 2 "THE SHIP"
Every ship needs a navigator...
Cassandra Elliott is a billionaire heiress, who has just come out of the closet. She's also a powerful psychic who has seen incredible and terrifying things.
In fact just two weeks ago she and her girlfriend Julie Cloudfoot survived a terrifying experience. Fighting alongside their friends Alex Hill and Police Sergeant Veronica Ross, they faced creature from a parallel reality, where evolution had taken a decidedly different turn.
As a result of that encounter Cassie and Julie have come to Santa Cruz, California to bury Julie's uncle who fell to the creature. They've also come to see if their new romantic relationship will work out. Unknown to either of them an old adversary has followed them.
A white-haired man in a flowing black cape is lurking inside an old wrecked ship. He has plans for Cassandra and will need her soon, but until then he must keep her safe. However, a new threat appears, a legendary ghost ship arises from the sea and marks the girl as its next target.
Soon the two women find themselves fighting not only for their lives, to be keep from being separated forever...
BOTH ARE AVAILABLE IN ALL E-BOOK FORMATS:
KINDLE: amazon.com/author/allankrummenacker
NOOK, SONY E-READER, APPLE, PDF OR E-PUB FORMATS:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/byse...
THANK YOU AND HAPPY READING.
