Kevis’s Comments (group member since Jul 22, 2009)

Kevis’s comments from the I'm Trying to Get a Book Published! group.

Glad to help. I've got a lot more to share (and certainly will). But I think we have some very wonderful authors here who are going to contribute a great deal to this discussion.

I'd also like to suggest all aspiring authors to read Getting Your Book Published For Dummies. It really strips away the sometimes confusing lingo of other related books and tells you in a very entertaining, but most importantly, helpful manner about the process of getting one's book published. This is another book that I've read and found very helpful in my search to be published.

Here's the link to the book:

http://www.dummies.com/store/product/...

Hi Lyssa,

I posted this message on another thread in this group. But since the information is invaluable to getting published, here's my post again:

Anyone who is serious about getting published through a traditional press needs to own a copy of Writers Digest Guide to Literary Agents. It's the bible for authors seeking literary representation. I have used this book before, so I can personally vouch for it.

My advice is to make certain that you get the latest version of this book since it is updated every year to keep up with changes in the industry. There is nothing more worse than querying an agent who no longer works at a particular literary agency. Lack of research shows a lack of professionalism which is the most important asset for an author. Here's the link to the book:

http://www.writersdigestshop.com/prod...

Brigid,

I've gone ahead and posted some information on your marketing thread. I hope you guys find it helpful.

As it goes, I am still learning the ropes of marketing. But my experience has taught me that you need to focus your book promotion on the markets that are more likely to purchase your books. With that said, you may have to cast a wide net to see what works best for you. But after testing the waters, you need to scale back your marketing efforts to only the areas where you are having the most success.

Here are a few effective ways to market your book:

1) Social networking is very effective for promoting your books. You should join as many groups who read the kinds of books you write and participate in group discussions. Once people come to know and trust you, they will be more inclined to purchase your books than someone who simply spams the group and has nothing meaningful to contribute. Best part of social networking is that it doesn't cost a thing. So any books you sell through networking on sites such as this one will only require an investment of time.

2) Some authors don't believe in paying for advertisements. I do. There is a reason why large companies pay for t.v. and radio spots. You can reach the largest amount of people in seconds with your product by paying for ads. But you need to be very careful about where you choose to pay for advertisements. Only advertise your books to the people who you think are likely to buy it. In other words, don't pay for an ad on a fantasy site, if you are promoting your latest romance novel.

3) Seek book reviews. The key to selling books is word of mouth. The best way to get people talking about your book is to make sure they hear about it. Book reviews not only allows for someone to talk about your book, it also means that your book is being read. It is important to get book reviews from a variety of sources. One of the most effective places to seek reviews is from webzines. Whenever a book review is posted at a webzine, it has the potential to be seen by large numbers of people who trust the opinion of the reviewer. I would recommend all authors to find an online reviewer to review their books. There is much more I would like to discuss on the topic of book reviews, but I'll speak on this subject later.

4) Be professional! It's important to let your posts speak for themselves. You should always try to write error-free posts. If your prospective readers notice that you have trouble spelling in your posts, they may not think you are capable of using proper grammar and spelling in your books either. Remember, first impression is a lasting impression.

5) Be Professional#2 Do not engage other people on the internet in verbal fisticuffs. If someone leaves a negative review for your book, you should not respond. At best, you should simply thank the reader for giving your book a try and leave it at that. Remember, reviews are only opinions. And everyone is entitled to theirs.

These are only a few highly effective ways to promote your books. But if you follow them, you'll be well on your way to getting new readers.

Hello, Mimi. I love stories about Gypsies. Sounds like you great idea brewing for your story. Should be interesting to see what you come up with.

Anyone who is serious about getting published through a traditional press needs to own a copy of Writers Digest Guide to Literary Agents. It's the bible for authors seeking literary representation. I have used this book before, so I can personally vouch for it.

My advice is to make certain that you get the latest version of this book since it is updated every year to keep up with changes in the industry. There is nothing more worse than querying an agent who no longer works at a particular literary agency. Lack of research shows a lack of professionalism which is the most important asset for an author. Here's the link to the book:

http://www.writersdigestshop.com/prod...

Having written quite a few synopses for my books, I can tell everyone that without knowing how to write an effective synopsis, you will not be published. One of the key things to remember about submitting a synopsis to a publisher is that you should never try to hide the ending to your story. Editors/agents despise reading a synopsis that doesn't tell the full story. A synopsis is not the place to create suspense. An author who omits the ending in a synopsis does so at his/her own peril.

I would also suggest that if anyone has friends who are aspiring writers, they should be invited to join this group as well.

Hang in there, Kenzie. The difference between a writer and an author is that one never gave up the fight to be published.