A Tough Market for Books: To the Most Determined Goes the Spoils!

My Review of A Story of River by Lana... Teach Your Child to Read! – I can rea...

A Tough Market for Books: To the Most Determined Goes the Spoils!

My adventure into author land continued as I recently published my second book, The Corporeal Pull. As with my first book, To Conspire, the entire event has been a learning experience.

By book two, I felt prepared. I had already proven to myself that I could write, and I could format my own work. I learned the benefits of Amazon compared with Smashwords. I built a small but expanding network using Twitter. I now had an active blog. I had an extensive marketing plan that had many options I had never heard of during the release of my first book. What I learned is that I still have quite a bit to learn!

I have experimented with paid advertising. I am not confident that this has any effect at all. I have not tried every possible advertising source, and some of my attempts are still pending, but at this point I am not sure how far to push this approach. Obviously, if nobody ever hears about my book, it will never gain a reader, much less enough sales to pay for the ads. Conversely, a fellow author suggested that email ad attempts were likely stuck in people’s SPAM folders rather than a prominent place in the inbox. Obviously, another angle is needed.

I have been a bit more successful with obtaining reviews. I can honestly say that not one of my reviews was purchased or submitted by a person who I have met personally. I must also admit that the majority of my reviews came from readers who were given a free copy of my work. I did have one reviewer decline after reading a few chapters. I knew upfront this could happen. My book (or any book) will not appeal to every reader. I have to admit the rejection stung a bit. This individual was very kind and honest. She even allowed me to see her notes and gave me some worthwhile advice that I hope to keep in mind in future pursuits.

Speaking of free, I plan to schedule a free promotion soon. I have never tried this element of KDP. My last book was published with Smashwords first so exclusive publishing was not an option. I am looking into some promotional options with this attempt as well. The bottom line is I need to gain readers and recognition as an author that is worthy of being read. Again, free does not work if nobody knows the book exists!

One thing I have realized is that this is a process. The journey begins at publication; it does not end there! I read somewhere that the journey of a modern author is a marathon, not a sprint. Truer words have never been written. If I could back track that article, I would give the author credit with dancing and sparkly letters that proclaim the innate truth or the statement! If anyone reading this knows the original source, please let me know!

I have, in my own introverted way found the value of relationships in the writing business. It is true that there is an element of competition in this business, but the reality is that there are millions of books available from digital publication, and most authors are not in competition for the top spot. This means that it is permissible and even advisable to join forces with your fellow authors in the trenches. They can relate to your odd relationship with your computer, the emotional tie you have with your creation and the needs you have that must be filled to meet with any measure of success. In an ocean of possibilities, it is essential to have a knowledgeable sounding board for ideas, services, and vendors and shared promotion. I strongly recommend seeking out groups of authors, be they a local writing circle or an online cohort. When writing your book you are alone with your thoughts, but once you decide to publish those thoughts and share them with the world you forfeit your isolation and take on a challenge that is larger than yourself. Do not attempt to take on this type of challenge alone! One more thought; relationships are reciprocal. If you receive help from a fellow author or blogger, return the favor! If you give help repeatedly but get no help in return do not continue to invest your energy exclusively with that one source. You will use yourself up this way!

I wish everyone the best in the New Year. For all those who read; enjoy the escape! For all those who write, stick with it. Don’t give up. I know I won’t!