How the heck do we get a readership??

[Annie]

Failsafe plan for world domination by any author:

1. Write book
2. Publish book
3. Sell millions and retire
4. Except...

There are 5000+ new books being listed DAILY on Amazon *mind blown!!!* so how do we actually get people to read our stuff, eh? I'm a firm believer of "connect then pull" but how do you even connect in the first place??

I've been experimenting a bit. And while I'm obviously no expert, these things seem to work best for me...

☛ Being approachable: I answer EVERY email from readers and open a friendly dialogue with them. I do NOT ask for reviews (unless we are well-acquainted)! I do NOT ask for any favors!!

☛ Being humble: I thank my readers. Often. I eat humble pie. Often. I remember that without them, I am nothing. Always.

☛ Being interactive: I've never technically blogged. Just not my jam and I don't even know what I'd say *shrugs* As an alternative, I write shorts each week and invite readers to make prompt suggestions for the following week in the comments...

https://www.anniearcane.com/but-why/

I dig this a lot. I feel like I'm giving back to those who support me. Plus, they get to participate in my creative process. Win-win.

☛ Being proactive: I opened ARC sign-ups to book two waaaaay in advance (much earlier than recommended!!) I also made it publicly visible (but not in-your-face!) because I think excitement begets excitement, eh?

https://www.anniearcane.com/hart-of-h...

These are just some of my random...umm...strategies? What are yours?

Hugs,
Ann

P.S. - I like this pointy finger thing: ☛

[Nik]

Excellent approach on all counts!
How do you bring traffic to your site? How readers find you on the net?

[Annie]

Ahhhh. Only existing readers will find my site. The link is at the end of my book. And I also dangle a carrot of "extra content" to entice them into my lair ^_~

Well, actually, I DO have my website posted on all my author profiles too. But honestly, I don't think many people randomly click on that stuff LOL!!

The one thing I did the day I listed on Amazon was post in a handful of R2R groups. The links are floating around here somewhere. I was very conversational in my emails to them from the get-go. This has created some solid connections with certain readers/reviewers, where I won't have to "sell" again in the future, not that I actually "sold" anything to begin with haha!!

But, yeah, I mean if a reader already loved your first book, I reckon they'd be over-the-moon to receive an ARC for any future work, eh? Again, I am VERY humble and make sure they know there's no obligation at all (duh!!) I'm guessing most readers would find self-entitlement in an author to be a very unattractive trait, but whatevs *shrugs*

The next thing would have to be running a 4-day promo at 99cents. That not only boosted my ranking for a bit but it also garnered some reviews as well. Given, they weren't all positive hahaha!! But hey, if people are reading, then I'm a happy camper.

I'm sure I've done some other stuff but I dunno if it's just natural, so I can't pinpoint it? In either case, I'll keep thinking...

Hugs,
Ann