"I think my dad is starting to like me."
Wherein Jack talks and talks about who knows what.
I know, I have a character post do. I will get to it, hopefully this week.
Sometimes I worry about talking about my publishing progress. That maybe if I admit outloud, or on a blog, everything I'm doing at the moment it will make me sound less like an author and more like a silly little girl scribbling in her notebooks about pioneers traveling to California. (Been there, done that. What author hasn't?) But part of the reason I talked about all the work I went through to publish my first book was to help other to be authors out and to show everyone all the work which has to go into it. I guess it was to make all us mysterious authors seem less mysterious. I wonder if I've broken a code. Either way, talking about marketing cannot be much different then disclosing all the pre publishing secrets. So today, I will share with you what I've done so far to market.
When researching marketing I read about readers complaining about when authors will talk on and on about their book, trying to talk them into reading it. They said they would see something like that on Twitter and would end up un-following the author. I never wanted to force my book on people. I prepared myself for complete rejection, just to be prepared, and did my best to prick interest in readers. I sought out those who read Steampunk and met them. I met some Steampunk authors who have helped me out a great deal.
But publishing the book was different. Now I have a book out there, I am a real live author...good thing I'm not dead, eh? That might be disturbing. And now people I've never met face to face are reading my book. But is it enough?
With self-publishing, it has given many a chance to get published. But it also opened the doors to publish EVERYTHING. Some poorly written books can be published now, so how to make mine stand out? Without going about, all over online, making mine sound like the next Lord of the Rings? Because that is just annoying.
I must admit, I'm not sure I really came up with a new marketing plan. At the moment my plan has been rather simple, maybe too simple. The best way I've seen to market is to allow the readers to spread the word. If they like the book enough they will talk about it. Also, have another book out in six months. I've seen that this helps as well. If an author is new it is easy for them to get forgotten if they wait too long to publish a second book.
Also, getting an already well known author to read the book and write a review helps as well. I've already been trying this. I have been in contact with many authors and one has offered to read it. Which makes me a little nervous, but not too nervous because I know her.
All of this has proven to be more work then I bargained for. I must keep up on my blog, I must keep up on comments and always keep an eye out for new readers. I must be active online and keep an eye out on the new books coming out. What is the new popular genre? What books are doing well, which are being over looked? Who are the new authors? I have to keep a consent watch on this.
And, of course, there is daily life I cannot shove aside. I have a job I have to get to - you know, on the days I am scheduled. I make time for my family and friends. Emails to answer. Secret projects to work on. Writing and editing which must be done. Preparation for the book trailers and covers. Costumes which must be made. And somewhere in there is eating and sleeping...not sure where, but it is there somewhere.
I'm not complaining, it is fun and is what I've always wanted to do. But figuring out marketing almost threw me for a loop, and everything else that happened in my life lately. Authors who still manage to write and spend time with their families deserve a metal. I know of a husband and wife who both write and still manage to be good parents to their daughter as they dash all over to conferences and book signings and who knows what else.
So what do you think? What marketing plans make you NOT want to read an author's book? What marketing plans make you want to read it?
I should have trailer news for you all soon, for A Stretch of Loyalty. I have been getting help with the costumes but a camera wasn't working, so I can't share them yet.
Quote is from Psych, something Shawn says after his dad tells him to be careful - or tells him not to work on a case which Shawn instantly works on.
Allons-y!
I know, I have a character post do. I will get to it, hopefully this week.
Sometimes I worry about talking about my publishing progress. That maybe if I admit outloud, or on a blog, everything I'm doing at the moment it will make me sound less like an author and more like a silly little girl scribbling in her notebooks about pioneers traveling to California. (Been there, done that. What author hasn't?) But part of the reason I talked about all the work I went through to publish my first book was to help other to be authors out and to show everyone all the work which has to go into it. I guess it was to make all us mysterious authors seem less mysterious. I wonder if I've broken a code. Either way, talking about marketing cannot be much different then disclosing all the pre publishing secrets. So today, I will share with you what I've done so far to market.
When researching marketing I read about readers complaining about when authors will talk on and on about their book, trying to talk them into reading it. They said they would see something like that on Twitter and would end up un-following the author. I never wanted to force my book on people. I prepared myself for complete rejection, just to be prepared, and did my best to prick interest in readers. I sought out those who read Steampunk and met them. I met some Steampunk authors who have helped me out a great deal.
But publishing the book was different. Now I have a book out there, I am a real live author...good thing I'm not dead, eh? That might be disturbing. And now people I've never met face to face are reading my book. But is it enough?
With self-publishing, it has given many a chance to get published. But it also opened the doors to publish EVERYTHING. Some poorly written books can be published now, so how to make mine stand out? Without going about, all over online, making mine sound like the next Lord of the Rings? Because that is just annoying.
I must admit, I'm not sure I really came up with a new marketing plan. At the moment my plan has been rather simple, maybe too simple. The best way I've seen to market is to allow the readers to spread the word. If they like the book enough they will talk about it. Also, have another book out in six months. I've seen that this helps as well. If an author is new it is easy for them to get forgotten if they wait too long to publish a second book.
Also, getting an already well known author to read the book and write a review helps as well. I've already been trying this. I have been in contact with many authors and one has offered to read it. Which makes me a little nervous, but not too nervous because I know her.
All of this has proven to be more work then I bargained for. I must keep up on my blog, I must keep up on comments and always keep an eye out for new readers. I must be active online and keep an eye out on the new books coming out. What is the new popular genre? What books are doing well, which are being over looked? Who are the new authors? I have to keep a consent watch on this.
And, of course, there is daily life I cannot shove aside. I have a job I have to get to - you know, on the days I am scheduled. I make time for my family and friends. Emails to answer. Secret projects to work on. Writing and editing which must be done. Preparation for the book trailers and covers. Costumes which must be made. And somewhere in there is eating and sleeping...not sure where, but it is there somewhere.
I'm not complaining, it is fun and is what I've always wanted to do. But figuring out marketing almost threw me for a loop, and everything else that happened in my life lately. Authors who still manage to write and spend time with their families deserve a metal. I know of a husband and wife who both write and still manage to be good parents to their daughter as they dash all over to conferences and book signings and who knows what else.
So what do you think? What marketing plans make you NOT want to read an author's book? What marketing plans make you want to read it?
I should have trailer news for you all soon, for A Stretch of Loyalty. I have been getting help with the costumes but a camera wasn't working, so I can't share them yet.
Quote is from Psych, something Shawn says after his dad tells him to be careful - or tells him not to work on a case which Shawn instantly works on.
Allons-y!
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