Goodreads Authors/Readers discussion
XI. Misc
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How does one make a good debut in self-publishing?
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When you put your book on amazon, anyone will be able to "open" the book and read the first few chapters for free. It's done for you automatically.
Thanks! I didn't want to do a separate file so that's helpful.
Set up a pre-launch blog tour now with bloggers you know. Begin a Twitter/Facebook/Google+ campaign with teaser snippets and review one-liners. Build hype now.
All the best and congrats!
Thanks B.C.! I'll see how to organize that.
Hi Courtney. I'd plan to do a paperback version as well with Amazon's CreateSpace. Then you can do a giveaway on Goodreads!
I'll have to consider my budget for paper backs but that is a down the line goal, Rita.
Courtney wrote: "Thanks B.C.! I'll see how to organize that."Make sure to vary your posts on each site. Readers will want new information, not the same interview, book spotlight, or book excerpt each time.
Also try offering a giveaway of a gift card (Amazon works best) with a print copy (if you have one). The push of the one free copy (or a couple giveaways work wonders) will help building word of mouth quickly.
I found that, out of the first giveaway I did, three of the free books ended up being passed onto other family members of the winner. Those family members then bought their own copies of the same book later.
I see what you mean about giving fresh info. I'll have to figure out a good approach with giveaways also. Great tip!
Courtney wrote: "I see what you mean about giving fresh info. I'll have to figure out a good approach with giveaways also. Great tip!"See if you can't start an interview dialogue with the host, instead of the traditional "Here's 10 questions, fill out and send back." With the dialogue, you can talk about more than just your book and seems like a genuine conversation (which it is) instead of a "Here's 10 things about my book" like so many do.
Of course it may not be possible to get the particular blogger to engage you in this manner, but it is beneficial to all involved when it does happen.
I'm wondering where I could find bloggers who might be game? Any suggestions?
Courtney--I am still figuring out the marketing myself. Glad you started this thread. One thing I know I did right was getting multiple critiques from other writers, hiring a good professional editor who is also a writer and understands my work, and then having it proofread yet again after all that. So far I've only had one review, but it was a good one--and I think that reader would not have given such a good one if I had not invested the time and money in putting out a professional quality book. You also want your first review to be a good one. It's what other potential readers will see on Goodreads or Amazon.I have blog interviews scheduled with members of my writers' group, Sisters in Crime (I write genre-blending murderless mysteries with a paranormal element--the protagonist is psychic). A group of other writers in your genre may be a good place to find the bloggers who will include you.
I decided to distribute through Draft2Digital. They do formatting and distribution through all the major e-book retailers and Create Space. There is tiny payment to them per book, but it means no up-front formatting costs, and you can spend more time marketing and writing, not managing your Kindle, Nook, Kobo, i-Tunes and Create Space stuff. Customer service was incredible and I will use them for the rest of my series. With Draft2Digital you are not limited to one retailer.I don't have a Kindle, I have a Nook, and I am frustrated when indie authors I'd like to read only sell on Amazon.
Email reviewers. LOTS of reviewers. Having reviews ready to go when your book launches can definitely give it a boost. Depending on your genre, a blog tour may also benefit you.
When I first published a story I wasn't sure what to expect. I sent out notices to family and friends. I also used Kindle's promotion options. They really helped.Ultimately the launch will depend on a good cover, strong writing, and a great catch description.
Bradley wrote: "Ultimately the launch will depend on a good cover, strong writing, and a great catch description."Agreed. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of your cover. Adages aside, readers DO judge a book by its cover. This is true whether you're indie or not. If your publisher gives you any say over your cover, be picky and make sure it's really what you want. I was being "nice" and "agreeable" on my first cover, and it wasn't right.
I'm definitely planning on making a good first impression with an attractive cover. As for everything else, I'll just have to see what comes of the effort I put into my work, see if I can promote in receptive places and then whatever luck that finds its way to me. I do have a professional copyediter who agreed to read through my book so at least that seems to be working out for me. Who knows? Maybe it'll polish up nicely and an agent might like it? If not, I'll see how self-publishing goes.
Thanks all of you for your opinions, by the way. It's most appreciated insight from people who know what they're talking about!
My answer has nothing to do with my chosen career, but I definitely think using a copy editor--or at least a proofreader--is super important in making your debut. I have clients who have self-published without one and come back to me because so many reviews indicated the need for simply another pair of eyes.
You don't say what genre your book is in and I can only speak to romance. One of the best introductions you can get I right here on GR. Get in as many read-to-reviews as you can. Next, research blogs that cater to your line. You can ask for reviews yourself or spend a bit on a blog tour. Createspace costs you nothing to publish and it's good to have that paper version available - I say this even though I sell very few paperbacks. If you do have to buy one for review, it's cheaper for you to purchase and that purchase is tax deductible.Being new, I'd try to schedule blog reviews to coincide as close as possible with your release date, because readers aren't likely to remember your name a month down the road. (they will AFTER they read your book!)So get on it as quickly as possible.
Good luck!
These insights are so helpful! Thanks for sharing all this with me. Exposure seems key so I'll do what I can ^^
I'm the author of The Secret Lives of People - Real Diary Excerpts from Modern Day America. I also manage book projects for people who don't have time to publish their own book, and do book publishing consulting/workshops to teach people how to publish and market their book for FREE. Yes, I spent $2000+ getting my book published, but I help other authors avoid my costly mistakes. I give discounts on my checklist & video tutorial to people who ask nicely too. :)
I think it's important to be kind and friendly, and to remember that your readers are the people who enable you to succeed. :)
Do something I did not do. Create a spreadsheet and start keeping track of your interviews, book reviews, and urls where you have posted information about your book, for example the different groups at Goodreads. List the people and sites where you have requested interviews or book reviews.
In a few months I'm going to be releasing my first book on Kindle and understand you need to line up the duckies and promote in advance. I was hoping some people could share their sage-like wisdom and experience so I can avoid some disappointment and someday quit my day job.
Right now I'm planning to reach out to the 1000+ people who read fanfics I wrote and requested updates on those. Also I was going to post the first chapter or three on a couple sites with a link to the book. I was even thinking of putting up the first chapter for free on Amazon as a sample. That's a few ways I plan to think outside the box anyway.
Thanks upfront to those who contribute their opinions.