FAQ (2016)

[Angela]

General Questions and Getting Started

"I'd like to be part of this. Where do I begin?

Join the two Goodreads groups: “Back Stage” (This is where you are) and “Fairgrounds.” From there, just read all these post. I've posted three "welcome" videos to help everyone out.

"What exactly is the Cyber Convention?"

Last year, was the first annual Brain to Books Cyber Convention. 200+ Authors and readers came together for this three day event. Modeled after Comi-Con, the Brain to Books Cyber Convention in online, free, and connects readers to authors. Authors basically put on a fantastic show for the readers. And yes, we want readers there! This year marks our second annual Cyber Convention. It is held here on Goodreads. This year we have expanded it to Facebook.

Where do I sign up?

You don't. There is no sign up. You join the groups. That's it. You can do as little or as much as you would like. Readers only join the “Fairgrounds,” while participating authors must join both groups.

I'm here! I joined the groups! What are your rules?"

Would you believe we have none? I'm serious. No rules. Be respectful. That's it. If you can think it, then do it!


How does the Cyber Convention work?"

Basically, you come in, set up your conversation thread in the "Fairgrounds" and leave it there.

From the author's point of view, you're sitting in your chair with your lap top and you're "hanging out on Goodreads. Talk to people who greet you or post on your thread. Many authors will jump between Facebook, Goodreads, and Twitter. Many readers/authors will stop in for a visit at every "booth" or conversation thread.

If you not present, they will stop in, read what you have posted, leave a comment, and move on. Because of this, you can pretty much post anything you want regarding contests, book readings, really whatever you would like and you're set. If you wish to post a book reading, you're more than welcome to do so on our Facebook Takeover event, or within the group.

I got here late. Is it too late to participate?

There is no deadline and we welcome late comers. Last year, we had some authors "sign up" on Day #3 of the Convention. You just come in, join the group, read the posts, and ask questions if you get stumped. Welcome! We're glad to have you!

I see a lot of terms I’m not familiar with. What do they mean?”

Fairgrounds - This event is so huge we need two Goodreads groups to pull it off. We have taken to calling these Goodreads Groups “The Fairgrounds” and “Back Stage.” You are currently Back Stage. Fairgrounds is where the event will take place on 8, 9, & 10 April 2016

Back Stage – You are currently “Back Stage.” It is the Goodreads group where all the planning takes place.

Booth – This is a term that refers to conversation threads. But not just any conversation threads. These are specifically the threads authors create under “Farigrounds” of the main event, where they promote themselves.

#B2BCYCON – This is our official hashtag! Use it!

Thunderclap – I posted a video to explain this. Please take a moment to watch the first minute.

[Angela]

Promotions and Content

Can I promote my older books?

Yes! Promote all your books!

Can I promote a book not out yet?

Yes! Promote all your books!

Can I promote other books, even though they are not a new releases?"

Yes! Promote all your books!

I am releasing a book in April, can I promote its release or pre-release if it is not out yet?

Yes! Promote all your books!

I am not a published author yet, but I will be in 2016. Can I still attend as an author

Yes! Build that platform NOW!

I am not a published author yet, but I will be... Someday. Can I attend as an author?

Now here, is where I have to say... Hm... No. Sorry.

I am a romance/erotica/gore author. How graphic can I post?

You can post whatever you would like. Sexual content, graphic violence, and gore is allowed. Although the group is PG, authors are responsible for managing their own ratings where it applies. If you are posting adult content, authors MUST post "18+ ONLY" in their thread's topic where this applies.

What content is not allowed?

Any material that condones rape, domestic violence, drug use, terrorism, racism, or pedophilia is strictly forbidden.

I have a book related side business. Can I create a booth just for this?

Yes! Do it! Post your book related side business under "Side Shows" here https://www.goodreads.com/topic/group...

A few rules on this...
Your side business must be book related. This includes publishing, editing, and book cover designs.

Your side business can not be something random like real estate agent covering the tri-city area of where ever you live.

[Angela]

Attendance

"Do I have to be present for the entire 72 hours of the convention?

No. Not at all :) Last year, we had many authors who posted their appearance schedule in their booths. You are welcome to come and go as you please and there is no "check in" process. We're all adults here. Obviously, the more you are here, the more advantage you will have to push your books and promote, but only do what you can. You are not expected or held to any schedule or attendance. It's a "come and go" as you please. :)

"What if I can't be there at all?"

This is not a live Convention. You do not have to be present! Do not miss this opportunity! Last year, we had many authors who signed up, then were unable to attend, or who couldn't be there, but made a booth anyway. I encourage this! If you can not attend, create your booth anyway and provide links to your website and books! The readers will still be there to see your books and find you.

I signed up, but am not able to make it.

This happened last year. If you can not make it, do not quit! You can still build a "booth" and post a "I can not be here, but be sure to check out my books."


I work a full time job/go to school/have children and am not sure how much time I can commit to. Is there a minimum requirement? How much time is required of me if I want to participate?

The direct answer to this question is, "As much or as little time as you have/ want/or can invest. There are no requirements or minimum efforts. And you most certainly won't be "kicked out" for a lack of participation.

[Angela]

Responsibilities

"What are my responsibilities?"

You are responsible for posting and managing your own booth. You are responsible for notifying your readers of this event and inviting them to the Fairgrounds (I cover how to do this in a moment). You are responsible for getting your giveaways to winners, if you have any giveaways. You are responsible for supporting the Thunderclaps and advertising.

"What is the Mod responsible for?"

The Mod is in charge of pointing at things and saying, "Put that there," and keeping everything organized and making sure we all remember the steps to this crazy dance. If you have questions, I answer them.

The long answer… I set up the Thunderclaps, advertise, create and supply the banners, recruit, advise, provide help videos, set the dates, compose the layout and the rules. And also see to the same responsibilities you have.

"What does the Mod expect from me?"

The Mod expects the following from participating authors:

1 - Do your best to promote and advertise to your readers.
2 - Use the banners provided http://www.angelabchrysler.com/brain-...
3 - Support the Thunderclaps as they come in. You will receive an announcement when they arrive.
4 - If you are hosting or overseeing an event you created, you are expected to manage it on your end and notify the rest of us so we can help promote you.

So, I had this GREAT idea! May I—"

Stop right there. Yes. Whatever it is, do it! This is not "my" convention. This is our convention. Do check thread “Volunteers and Ideas” first. Someone else may have already beaten you to the punch.

[Angela]

Giveaways

Is the mass giveaway separate from a giveaway that we can host individually in our booths?

Authors are free to donate to the Mass Giveaway, create their own giveaway at their booths, or both!

Are authors responsible for the distributions of prizes to the winners?

Yes. If you have donated a book to the Mass Giveaway, or if you are hosting your own, you—the author—is responsible for getting your giveaway to the winners. You are also responsible for following up with the giveaway and asking Me the Mod for winner's contact information.

I only can offer my books via a Smashwords coupons. Is this okay?

Smashwords coupons are most definitely welcome! I will be posting a notice that some books will be awarded via Smashwords and, to redeem their book, they will need an account with Smashwords.

Do I have to give away books or can I give away book marks or pens etc...?

You can give away whatever you want during this convention. Last year, one author gave away pottery. The giveaway must be legal. I know this isn’t an issue, but I have to say it for liability purposes.

How did you bold everything!? I want to do that!

Go to "HTML Code for the Inept" here https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

[Angela]

Advertising

How do I invite all my Goodreads friends?

At the top right hand corner there is a "box" with a collection of hyperlinks. You see, "Group home," "events," "discussions," and "invite people" Select that and you're set!

Do you have banners available? May I have one?

Yes I do and yes you may! Free banners of all sorts are available on my site here. http://www.angelabchrysler.com/brain-...

Browse the selection. Copy, save, paste, the ones you want. They are at your disposal. If you want one that isn't there, let me know and I'll make it.

What exactly is a "Thunderclap?

A Thunderclap comes from this website: https://www.thunderclap.it/
I have posted there video so you can see watch their video. It does such a good job explaining your answer.

[Angela]

One More Question Before You Go...

Someone already visited my booth! What do I do!?"

Don't panic! And grab your towel.
Thank them for coming in. Kindly send them away by directing them to your website or social media. Ask them to return in April as we are still "making things look pretty" for them... Oh! And ask them to tell their friends!

If someone enters for my giveaways before 8 April 2016, does it count?

No. I state on all the giveaways that all entries prior to 8 April 2016 are invalid and will be deleted. They have to wait for the Convention or the time frame is moot.

I would love to attend as a reader and an author. Can I do that?"

Yes! You are more than welcome to browse the booths and participate as a reader. You don’t have to stand at your booth at all. You can come and go as you please.

”I missed last year's convention. How did it go?"

I think, what you're asking is “did we win fame and fortune or see a boost in our sales afterword.” This is a complex answer as it was different for each and is completely how you use this tool. And that is what the #B2BCYCON is, a HUGE tool and a bigger opportunity. Those who were here all three days, who advertised heavy and hard to their readers and created the hype, saw a substantial increase in sales, web-traffic, and subscribers. While others who put in little to no effort saw little to no results. Others put in a lot of work, but found it was the wrong kind of work that amounted to very little results.

I have posted a video, “Making the Most of the Cyber Convention.”

Last year's convention was much smaller and more chaotic. This year is definitely feeling bigger and is far more organized than last.

One thing we all gained... We all walked away with a massive amount of friendships. In business terms, that’s networking. And that is really what we are doing here. We got to know each other more and we tightened our relationships. Many of us started a few new ones.

Last year, most of us forgot to invite the readers... (Go ahead... get the laugh out of your system). So this year, we've changed the name and are looking to notify our readers.

As the mod, it was my first year, I had a lot of things in place that overly-complicated a lot. Silly rules like "You have to sign up." This year, all those annoyances and obstacles have been cut way back. Brainstorm, invent your own ideas, and run with it!

How do you do it!?

I get this question a lot. I drink a lot of coffee.

[Angela]

More on Giveaways

Question:

I will also offer a give away via my stall. I've never run a giveaway! I want to give away a few packages of T-shirts with my cover art and signed books. How is it best to do this - via Goodreads (can I include or something like a T shirt via this?) or rafflecopter?

Answer:

Yes. I run the mass giveaways :) I only organize them. It is still up to the author to check in, track, and ship their giveaways to the winners. I help to connect authors to winners, but my duties end there.


Regarding Giveaways... first, pause for a moment and breathe (authors often forget to breathe :)


Giveaways have a legal snake to them most authors forget about. I'll cover this in detail and am more than happy to review your giveaway for you after you have it put together. This is an info dump, so if you are feeling overwhelmed wing it, and I'll have a look and edit your giveaway if you wish :)


SHIPPING AND HIDDEN EXPENSES


The first thing you need to keep in mind with giveaways are the shipping costs. Remember, we are global. So unless you are prepared to spend $50.00+ to ship a $10.00 book from the US to Australia... be careful offering such a prize. This is easily resolved by adding a "ships to US only" ... or whatever country is local for you... next to any prize you offer.

Also remember there is packaging, tape, bubble wrap... and be sure you look into "Media Shipping" if/when shipping books.

Note: If shipping a book, my post office too happily informed me that "bookmarks are not books." If I wanted the "Media Shipping" I had to remove and ship the bookmarks separate. Just an FYI.


ITEMS TO GIVEAWAY

As for items... I have never used anything other than Goodreads Giveaways for paperbacks. But when I run any additional giveaways, I make a game like "Do X" and I conduct a drawing.



CHECK LIST


Before you begin, you will need to make sure you...


1 - Can and want to pay for shipping on said item. It is poor taste to "stick" the winner with shipping, which is an expense the author should be covering.


2 - When the giveaway is over, assume you have to contact the winner via email. As a result, you will want to make sure part of your giveaway includes "providing your contact information." (I neglected this on my first giveaway. Ouch!)

3 - Clearly state the details on the giveaway. Leave NOTHING to assume.

4 - Do not use words like "Lotto" or "raffle." Raffle implies an exchange of funds or "purchase necessary" which will lead to sticky tax laws. And "Lotto" is a copyrighted word owned by a company that can sue you if you use it. You can say "Giveaway" and "Drawing." Stick to those words and you are fine.

5 - Do not say, "to win." That is a "legal guarantee" to the entries that all who "enter" WILL win. Isn't legal fun? Do say "Enter for a chance to win" which legally means, "you can enter, but you will only gain a chance." Do use terms like MAY or MIGHT. Never use CAN or WILL.


LEGAL TERMINOLOGY


Here are some things that I have done that worked well:

You can copy/paste the verbiage if you wish.

"For a chance to win X, simply reply to the post below with "Blank."

or...

"For a chance to win X, post a picture of "Blank"

or...

To enter for a chance to win X, do A, B, and C.

"Winners will receive "Blank"

Remember to clarify how many winners will be chosen.

Also, when will the drawing be held?

When will their chance to enter end?

Also... how will the drawing be conducted? Random or are you selecting your favorite? I only do random because one drawing I did I couldn't choose. I had it narrowed down to four winners. So I awarded all four with eBooks because I couldn't decide.

Let the entrances know going in that the format is Kindle only or Smashwords coupon only or Nook only.


SAMPLES

Some samples I have done on Facebook...

Sample 1 - To enter the drawing for a chance to win an eBook of Dolor and Shadow, simply "post" a picture of a cat below.


Sample 2 - To enter the drawing for a chance to win an eBook of Dolor and Shadow, simply "post" a picture of a coffee mug below.


Sample 3 - To enter the drawing for a chance to win an eBook of Dolor and Shadow, caption this picture. (I post a picture and people have to add a caption or short story."

For samples on Goodreads...

To enter the drawing for a chance to win an eBook of Dolor and Shadow, simply "reply" to this post with the link to your Goodreads account and _____.

On my website, I wanted to collect more subscribers. So I held a Mass Book Giveaway.

"Subscribe to my site and comment on this page to enter for a chance to win..." This gave me their email addresses and the comments helped me "sort out" which of my subscribers had entered the drawing :) I also gained 50+ subscribers on my website.

I think this covers most everything. On 28 January 2016, I am attending a Facebook event with Giveaways. There, you will see MANY examples of giveaways. :) If you check in at 10:00 AM EST you can see how Cindy does her giveaways. If you check in at 1:00 PM EST, you'll see how I conduce my giveaways. You can really stop in at any time and have a look :)


Here is the link. https://www.facebook.com/events/54930...


Thank you and may the kindest of words always find you.

Warmest wishes,
- Angela

Angela B. Chrysler