Steven’s Comments (group member since Apr 18, 2017)

Steven’s comments from the Navigating Indieworld Discussing All Things Indie group.

Anybody have any out of the box ideas for marketing your book?

I was thinking of just strapping a sign to my backpack that says, "Ask me about my book!" and just walking around local festivals here.

but you know that old piece of advice, "You know what sells your first book? Your second book. You know what sells your second book? Your third book."

I'm just going to try and keep doing that.

I'm doing my damnedest! :D

My book jumped up 400 ranks in one category. I'm about to break 200. I mean, for a self published author that's good right?

Goodbye from the Edge of Never
#238 in Books > Science Fiction & Fantasy > Fantasy > New Adult & College
#275 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Science Fiction & Fantasy > Fantasy > New Adult & College
#615 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Science Fiction & Fantasy > Science Fiction > Post-Apocalyptic

^ahhaahhaa

Thank you all for the good advice. Going to add the first one to my blog now and I'm thinking of doing an Amazon Marketing Service Ad and no I don't follow Derek Murphy but I'll look him up today.

A zen student asked his master: “Is it okay to use email?” “Yes,” replied the master, “but with no attachments.”

No worries. A rising tide lifts all boats. 😊

nice! Thank you so much Erin! Congrats on your new book too! I don't think it's my cup of tea, because I'm not into romance but I bought it and I will get you a review in a week or two as a thank you for your advice. :)

This is good advice! I will look into a giveaway and uhh, I just glanced at fiverr... They have book promotion folks on fiverr as well. Do you recommend any of those?

I made two videos to promote the 2nd edition release of my first book, which comes out tomorrow.

I made these videos because I sank all my money into book covers and editing. I have zero money for marketing and I'd rather save what little I do have for marketing book two.

One is five minutes long and the other is four minutes long. I'm not sure which to use and the few friends I asked, each gave me different answers so I figured I'd ask here.

Which video should I use to promote my book and which gets the axe?

Video A) https://youtu.be/4HAgKMmBlkw
or
Video B) https://youtu.be/97XhllPr6k0

Nicole wrote: "I got a review today that said "I liked this book but it could do with a good edit. Also fleshing it out with a few more details, storyline etc wouldn't hurt."

And they gave it FOUR stars! Meanwh..."

50 bucks says the person who gave you that review, has never written a book.

Angel wrote: "Erin I have gotten a one star, I've gotten three stars. I don't write my books for the star ratings. I have loads of confidence in my skills.

Maybe its because I've built the super thick skin ove..."

You and I both write for therapy. I started writing after head injuries in the military, at first just to keep my memory functioning proper and then to work out my demons.

Wrote so much I wrote a book.

Can you link me to your work?

I know it's a bummer but honestly, it shows that you're getting yourself out there. You could just wind up with the friends and family echo chamber where you have 15 BEAUTIFUL reviews because they were all friends and family. Not a single one honest. That sucks worse imo.

I really am sorry you had a negative review, but that just means you're getting bigger and more well known. So, that's always good right?

At the very least you made me quite content with my choice of IngramSpark. Thanks for that. I'm so sorry you have to deal with all this effort though!

Those ads look great Alex!

So here's my random news:

I got a new author photo. It's over there.
^--------------
It was designed by an artist friend of mine and originated from the time I held all of Facebook hostage over two bags of Hot Cheetos. For some reason that event was popular and has led to folks coming up to me at local cons and giving me bags of hot Cheetos.

It's weird. I agree it's weird as hell but my writing coach said I should embrace my weird because that's what people seem to love about me.

Oh and I wrote a new blog post about The Unknown Author and book appearances. It's a response to Scalzi's article about book appearances as a famous author.

I like Scalzi a lot but I couldn't relate at all so I took it a different route:
https://stevenmix.ghost.io/on-scalzi-...

I'm hoping some of you can relate to it.

No wait.

Scratch that. I hope none of you can relate to it and that you're all more popular than I. I just hope some of you think it's an interesting post.

Amy wrote: "Awesome news. I'll try to be brief. We are 2 years into a 4 year finance on our current car. I have Hypermobility Syndrome which has got worse since we bought the car. My right leg slides out of th..."

I can empathize with that. My health isn't so great either. I'm glad you got yourself a better deal on a vehicle though!

Carole wrote: "Thanks for your service, Steven.

"You laugh the hardest and the longest because you are more conscious that life could be fleeting." Interesting comment. My favorite book of all time Shogun by Jam..."

That's a great damn book. I haven't read that in years!

Anna and Kay give me a few days. I have to review a friends book this weekend. He needs iTunes reviews, then I'll get to reading your work.