Marilyn Vix's Blog, page 14

Get Your Next Book Boyfriend For FREE!

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I’m proud to announce I’m a part of this awesome, new multi-author promo with FREE titles. Just in time for Memorial Day weekend, you can download a huge assortment of book boyfriends to arm yourself for summer reading. My title, Never Marry A Warlock, is available in the promo.

Here is the link to start looking for him now:

http://www.subscribepage.com/freeforall

The promo runs from May 22- 28!

You all have a fabulous Memorial Day! Subscribe to my blog to get all the news, info, free and discounted romance deals.

-Marilyn

Marketing Versus Sales: A Writer’s Take on AMS ads

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Book Launch Panel on May 20, 2017 at SVRWA chapter meeting. Panel members: Rich Amooi, Victoria De La O, Hannah Jayne, Eva Moore

 

I recently attended a book launching panel with my local RWA group, Silicon Valley RWA, yesterday. I had some interesting a-ha moments that I realize I need to share. I felt this way due to the fact that all authors now, whether traditional published, self-published or a hybrid need to be aware how to do marketing of their brand. It’s something that the 21st century author needs to be aware of and take part in, no matter where you are published these days. And many of my writing groups and conferences that I attend are talking about it.

So, here’s what happened. There was part of the discussion that marketing and sales are TWO different things. Why? Here was the definition discussed from my notes:

Sales: is selling the book, actual sales.
Marketing: is building a market so you can sell that book.

This hit me between the eyes. I think many writers/authors now faced with doing their own marketing are getting these two mixed up, thinking they are the same. I know I have since I get all those panicky feelings when I don’t make enough sales to match my ad budget. How come I can’t pay for all of this with sales from my books?

It’s time to let that thought go. Let it go! All those free promos, $0.99 or giveaways you are doing are building a market for yourself, your brand. It’s getting people to know who you are from the masses of books and authors flooding publishing right now. And the storm is going to get bigger. Making yourself stand out is important.

It was also discussed that people need to see something seven times before they buy something. SEVEN! That’s a lot of advertising you need to do to get your name out there, especially if you’re not a big seller yet. You’ve got to build your platform. THIS COULD TAKE YEARS, and that’s okay. IF you’re in this for the long haul, just be patient. Each new book you write, each giveaway, each discount on your books builds your market.

I’ve heard from several workshops and from talking to people that ten books seems to be a sweet spot. Having a back list or back catalog seems to work for you. So, the more you write, the more you can sell once you create a market. It’s a steady build over time that can take months, even years, to build.

For example: The new marketing buzzword is Amazon Marketing Service or AMS for many indie and self-published authors. How cool is this that now you can advertise your book directly on pages with books and authors similar to yours. It’s all done by keywords, and many authors are finding that like authors in your genre are the best keywords to list with any campaign.

Where does the marketing versus sales come into play? My frustration at not having enough sales to pay for the cost of advertising was causing me worry. I was seeing sales to ad cost ratios like 3-5 times of cost. Of course, once I’ve figured how to lower my cost per click for keywords, this did go down. I do know that is the learning curve, and I’ve lowered my cost to $20-25 for an ad to $10-15 per campaign ad from learning how to keep the click per view lower for each keyword. Expect it to happen to you as you learn the system. It’s okay. I didn’t learn how to do this in college either.

What hit me was that all of the AMS and the Facebook ads(that cost me much more so I stopped) was building a market, a place that people can buy my books. The actual part of sales purchase was a byproduct that comes later from building my market. So, to curb my anxiety, I looked at my clicks per campaign and costs of ads versus sales. From the five AMS campaigns I’ve run over the last month, the cost has been $55. I’ve had sales of $12. That’s only 20% of the cost of the ad gained back. But then I can look at the click to ad cost ratio:

286 clicks where people viewed and looked over my book.

$55 cost total to get them on the Amazon page for my book.

That’s $0.19 per view for that person to look and notice my book from the millions out there.

Now I had 12 clicks from those views that ended in sales. For those other 274 people, if they saw a book by me again, might buy. But I need maybe six more times of getting my book in front of them. Six. That’s a lot of marketing.

So don’t despair. Just getting out there and writing a book, going through the beta readers, editing, copy editing and formatting and hiring a cover designer are all new aspects of being an Indie author. But now you can add marketing wizard. Just keep at it and let go of that anxiety of making a lot of sales. It will come over time. Meanwhile, just keep writing!

New Giveaway to Celebrate 50K Reads of “Saving My Heart” on Wattpad!

[image error]So, I’ve noticed, after almost two years, that “Saving My Heart” has almost reached 50K reads. As of May 2, it is at 48,868 reads. I remember watching as my daily increase in reads would help me motivate and write the novel. So, in celebration of almost reaching 50K reads on Wattpad, I’ve decided to set up a giveaway to thank all of my Wattpad readers. Of course, I’m sure it will reach 50K in the next week or so. That’s why I’ve started the giveaway a little early, to give back as people enjoy the novel.

The cool thing about this giveaway is that you get a chance to win some of my other novels. Both a copy of “Everything For Love: Time Rogues Book 1” and “Never Marry A Warlock Omnibus Edition” will be prizes. The grand prize is a $25 Amazon Gift Card, for Amazon.com. Entries will be in the United States since I know that Amazon.com gift cards can’t be used unless you have an account there. So, just giving everyone a heads up. I will be emailing all of the prizes, so a working email will be needed.

So, a big thank you to all my Wattpad followers for getting me near and I’m sure soon to be over 50K for “Saving My Heart”. I raise my glass of cyber champagne to you!

RaffleCopter “Saving My Heart” 50K Reads Giveaway

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/20834f9e15

**Giveaway starts at 6 pm PST May 2, 2017 and runs until 11:59pm PST May 31, 2017.

GOOD LUCK!

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“Saving My Heart” is available to read on Wattpad.com.

And of course, if you’d like to add to the reader pages now, here is the link to “Saving My Heart” the novel.

https://www.wattpad.com/story/27844277-saving-my-heart-contemporary-new-adult

New Wattpad Project: Do It For Love (A Romantic Suspense)

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This romantic suspense by Marilyn Vix is in progress on Wattpad.com

So, I’ve started a new Wattpad project called Do It For Love. It started out as a write up that I had as as dream, probably from the fact I’d been watching “Cold Case” on TV and that my best friend died in 1997 from liver failure. But in my dream, I was watching a friend I knew that had been murdered, and they were going over the case details on the show. I woke up and thought, that would make a great start to a story. Thus, I was off and away writing my new project.

I just uploaded Chapter 4, and am making it a goal to write a chapter a week. This is how I wrote the first draft of Saving My Heart which is up on Wattpad right now. The year after I wrote “Firsts” which is a fanfiction based on characters from “Boys Over Flowers”, a kdrama.

So, Wattpad tends to be my playland where I can try writing new things and challenge myself. Right now, romantic suspense is a really hot genre too. So, trying to delve into this subgenre of romance might be worthwhile. So, I’m going to try it and see.

If you’d like to start out and check out my new Wattpad project, Do It For Love, here is the link:

https://www.wattpad.com/story/99221060-do-it-for-love

For my completed first draft of my new adult romance called Saving My Heart:

https://www.wattpad.com/story/27844277-saving-my-heart-contemporary-new-adult

For my fanfiction of Boys Over Flowers called “Firsts”:

https://www.wattpad.com/story/48831408-firsts-a-boys-over-flowers-fanfiction

***Please, if you’re a Wattpad reader or just checking out my writing on the site, leave some comments or even vote if you like it. It helps with being seen on Wattpad, and I love to talk to readers. Comments make me especially happy.

Happy reading!

-Marilyn

For The Love of Kpop and Kdrama: Korean Missile Crisis Worries

EDITORIAL: These are just my opinions and views. They may get somewhat political, and you have been warned. I welcome open discussion about the topics and subjects discussed. But let’s keep it friendly and peaceful.  -Marilyn[image error]

It’s Friday, April 14, 2017 in California. I’m sitting doing a basic thing, clearing my email of all it’s spam to free up memory on my computer. You know, typical Friday night stuff for people that have no social life. But then, writer’s are a strange lot. We can have enjoyment of just being in our zone, because after I’m done clearing space, I can work again on a number of writing projects I have on my docket. But as my Kpop (Korean Popular music) by SS501 is playing in the background, my heart is haunted by some revelations tonight.

In a few hours, North Korea will be celebrating it’s biggest holiday, the founding leader’s birthday, which apparently, is the time that the country likes to flex it’s muscles and show off it’s shaft size by shooting off a missile or two, lately of the nuclear sort. It’s happening at the start of a weekend, and there are US ships nearing the shores with planes ready. For what, I’m not sure.

There’s a trigger finger president in office that will remain nameless right now, since I’d rather not write it, and it’s getting as deja vu as the Cuban Missile Crisis. Apparently, that was the last time Americans were worried about a possible WWIII. It was with communist Cuba having Russian missiles on its soil. President Kennedy negotiated over several days a peaceful resolution. But records have revealed missiles were pointed and some pretty vile lines almost were crossed. So, again, history might be repeating itself with this weekend.

I had thought the world had grown up finally. I grew up in the 80s, and lived with the threat of nuclear war. I knew being in California was pretty much a huge target, especially in the Silicon Valley. But I had faith when I was younger that the world couldn’t be that stupid. It just couldn’t.

But people that smoke also know it is slowly killing them. Could we be really that stupid as a world? Letting old men with big toys play with the lives of young men? In the name of old scores from people long dead from the 50s. Ok, even as I rant about this, it seems silly. But so is all of this posturing of the larger weapons. Seriously, who names a bomb “The Mother Of All Bombs” and drops it. What does that say?

I’m trying not to get political, but war is super political. I will go on record and say I didn’t vote for the current president. I may loose readers or followers for this, but it was my choice. And I’m living with the fact he’s President, just like when my choice for president lost in the past. But I’m feeling the need to pray for some sanity, some logic, in the posturing between the US and North Korea right now.

Seoul has millions of people nearby, and of course, South Korea and other nearby countries will be easy targets. Hawaii being attacked was the way the US entered WWII. I’ve lived on the West Coast my whole life, and so has my family, for over 150 years. I have many of my relatives that came for the Gold Rush back in the 1850s. So, I heard stories of WWII, about the Korean War since my grandfather was in the navy and fought in it. None of what is being said is going to do any good unless there is peace.

I just wish cool heads will prevail like they did that October in 1962 when the US almost was in a nuclear war. It allowed me to not be born into a world that was wrecked and damaged by fallout and live a life with music, beauty and Kpop. So, like John Lennon would want to have us be reminded of right now, “I don’t believe in killing, no matter what the reason!” If the current president wants starting a nuclear war as his greatest legacy, than I hope he can live with it. But I know, it won’t be the right thing to do.

I hope history has taught us that preventing nuclear war is the only thing that is logical. The accident at Chernobyl taught us that 30 years later, people still cannot live in the area. If we destroy parts of the Earth and make it unlivable, it will affect the whole world. Will history repeat itself?

If anything, our current US President will start another COLD WAR; just when I thought the world had grown up. If that is the least horrible war he creates, than it’s maybe progress. I just hope all the world leaders are smarter than they appear and realize what is at stake. People in their homes, listening to music, writing, cooking dinner or just trying to live. That’s all people want to do in the end. Just live their lives and not be vaporized.

So, that’s my thoughts on this dawn of this Korean Missile Crisis. Please let wise heads prevail today.

-Marilyn

Last Chance: Romance Deals End Today April 9!

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So, if you haven’t picked them up, today is the last day to get your romance deals. Pick up ebooks either FREE or on sale for $0.99. You’ll find contemporary, paranormal or time travel romances to choose from. These are all courtesy of some of the top dozen Romance Writers!

Hope you enjoy all the Spring Romance deals and follow my blog to receive information on future deals. -Marilyn

Master List: Spring Romance Promo April 7-9

Marilyn Vix

[image error]Genre: Time Travel Romance

Everything For Love (Time Rogues Series #1) ($0.99)

https://www.amazon.com/Everything-Love-Time-Rogues-Book-ebook/dp/B01N245C65

Jana Janeway

[image error]Genre: Paranormal Romance

Mengliad (The Mengliad Series Book 1) ($0.99)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003KRP3NY

Helen Christian

[image error]Genre: Paranormal Romance

The Late Shift

Collection of PNR stories from Multiple Authors

(FREE) with newsletter sign-up

https://www.instafreebie.com/free/0xUTl

Jessa Chase

[image error]Genre: Contemporary Romance

My Heart, My Home (FREE)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MXXVQKM

Cindy Baker

Genre: Contemporary Romance

We Can Laugh Together Too ($0.99)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DSRCNZC

N. Hoxa

[image error]Genre: Paranormal Romance

Heartbeat (Morta Fox Book 1) ($0.99)

https://www.amazon.com/Heartbeat-Morta-Fox-Book-1-ebook/dp/B01M9C6PL

Jessie G. Talbot

Genre: YA Contemporary

The Kid’s Table ($0.99)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NBL4BFX

Lee Sutherland

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Undead Love ($0.99)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JXTCM72

C. Sheedy

Genre: Contemporary Romance

California Man ($0.99)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006JR6G56

Naomi Stone

Genre: Romantic Modern Fairy Tale Short

Three Wishes (FREE)

https://www.instafreebie.com/free/RDvvJ

Rica Grayson

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Trouble Next Door ($0.99)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XWMVY35

Peggy L Henderson

Genre: Time Travel Romance

Yellowstone Heart Song (FREE)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006SS09A4

Spring Romance Deals $0.99 or Free April 7 – 9

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It’s here! The Romance Deals start today! Get set for a romantic spring with all these deals on paranormal, contemporary, and time travel romances. I’ve gathered together a dozen of the top romance writers to help you get all your reading set for the next several weeks. Enjoy spring with love in the air!

All deals run from April 7 through April 9. Many will return to regular price on April 10. So, pick them up soon! -Marilyn

**NOTE: Deals start at midnight on April 7! This has been posted a little early so everyone will get the news in time for their time zone from the UK to Western US.

Master List: Spring Romance Promo April 7-9

Marilyn Vix

Genre: Time Travel Romance

Everything For Love (Time Rogues Series #1) ($0.99)

https://www.amazon.com/Everything-Love-Time-Rogues-Book-ebook/dp/B01N245C65

Jana Janeway

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Mengliad (The Mengliad Series Book 1) ($0.99)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003KRP3NY

Helen Christian

Genre: Paranormal Romance

The Late Shift

Collection of PNR stories from Multiple Authors

(FREE) with newsletter sign-up

https://www.instafreebie.com/free/0xUTl

Jessa Chase

Genre: Contemporary Romance

My Heart, My Home (FREE)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MXXVQKM

Cindy Baker

Genre: Contemporary Romance

We Can Laugh Together Too ($0.99)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DSRCNZC

N. Hoxa

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Heartbeat (Morta Fox Book 1) ($0.99)

https://www.amazon.com/Heartbeat-Morta-Fox-Book-1-ebook/dp/B01M9C6PLC

Jessie G. Talbot

Genre:

The Kid’s Table ($0.99)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NBL4BFX

Lee Sutherland

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Undead Love ($0.99)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JXTCM72

C. Sheedy

Genre: Contemporary Romance

California Man ($0.99)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006JR6G56

Naomi Stone

Genre: Romantic Modern Fairy Tale Short

Three Wishes (FREE)

https://www.instafreebie.com/free/RDvvJ

Rica Grayson

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Trouble Next Door ($0.99)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XWMVY35

Peggy L Henderson

Genre: Time Travel Romance

Yellowstone Heart Song (FREE)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006SS09A4

Coming soon: Spring Romance Deals April 7 – 9, 2017

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This weekend, I’ve gathered together some fabulous romance authors to celebrate the best time of the year, SPRING! The smell of flowers is on the breeze, and love is in the air. What better way to celebrate the start of spring then with deals on romance books!

From paranormal romance, time travel romances, to contemporary romances thrown in for good measure, I’ve got an assortment of deals to get you all set for your spring time reading sessions. So, bookmark, and come back to my blog for the list of all the deals starting on Friday, April 7. Deals will range from $0.99 to FREE!

Until then, have a fantastic week! Happy spring! -Marilyn

Marilyn Vix Speaking On Self-Publishing March 19 at AODSF

[image error]Marilyn Vix will be speaking on the self-publishing panel at the AODSF conference at the Santa Clara Convention Center on Sunday, March 19 at 10am-11am Live Event Rm 4.

Come find out the exact steps you’ll need for self-publishing you’re own book. From your beginning ideas to pushing the button to self publish, Marilyn Vix will join in a panel to walk you through the process. Ask questions and find out all the publishing platforms, how to hire you’re own editors, formatters, cover designers, and start that important step to building your author platform. Ask questions and get started from the information you’ll receive from this talk.

AODSF Conference Schedule/Website

http://aodsf.org/events/list/

Marilyn Vix titles in Read An Ebook Week Smashwords Promotion March 5-11

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Two Marilyn Vix titles will be on sale all week!

Each year I like to participate and encourage people to join in the joy of reading an ebook. I found myself slowly falling into ebooks back in 2009, and haven’t looked back. I noticed it helped get the number of books I was reading a year higher than ever before. They are so easy to buy, without waiting in lines. In fact, it can be so easy, it borderlines addictive.

To make it easy for you to see what I mean, once a year Smashwords has a big promotion to encourage people to try reading ebooks. Of course, if you are already part of the faithful, this is a great way to find some awesome freebies and deep discounts.

I am happy to say that I’ve put the first of my Beware of Warlocks series, Never Marry A Warlock, as a FREE TITLE all this week. The entire series box set will be on discount(Over 75%) at $0.99.

Join us! Become an ebook reader. If you’re already there, enjoy this week of freebies and discounts. It only comes once a year.