Rules and Terms for Authors/Members

[Tarek]

No problem have fun and best of luck :)

[Sarah]

Patrick wrote: "This whole forum is pretty awesome. Good to know that other people are going through the same trials and tribulations!"

Hi Patrick

Welcome, we love the trials and tribulations, that's why we write, I wouldn't swap my life now for anything, except maybe fame, fortune and the Best Sellers list!

[Lynn]

Vincent wrote: "When posting your book, you can either do it within the "welcome" topic in your genre, or you can do it as a separate post that includes your book name (again, putting it in the appropriate genre)...."

Thanks for arranging this get together.

Lynn

[Larry]

Sarah R wrote: "Patrick wrote: "This whole forum is pretty awesome. Good to know that other people are going through the same trials and tribulations!"

Hi Patrick

Welcome, we love the trials and tribulations, ..."

Ha! I think we all agree on that! ;-)

[Boyd]

I am wondering which the was most difficult, writing my book or promoting it.

Boyd Lemon-author of "Digging Deep: A Writer Uncovers His Marriages," a memoir about the author's journey to understand his role in the destruction of his three marriages,
http://www.BoydLemon-Writer.com

[Lynn]

Boyd wrote: "I am wondering which the was most difficult, writing my book or promoting it.

Boyd Lemon-author of "Digging Deep: A Writer Uncovers His Marriages," a memoir about the author's journey to underst..."

Chicken and the egg, I think...if you didn't write the book you wouldn't have to market it. I do understand what you mean though. I'm having more fun marketing the book because I get to meet a whole lot of interesting people. If I'd known half the stuff I'm learning now...it might have been an even easier time of getting the book published.

Lynn

[M.J.]

Promoting is the hardest for me! Writing comes naturaly.
MJ Schutte - Author of Energy

[K.P.]

OH THE LAST COUPLE OF WEEKS I HAVE BEEN SO FRUSTRATED. TRYING TO KEEP IT IN PRESPECTIVE AND JUST MARKET/PROMOTE NO MATTER HOW I AM FEELING. JUST LITERALLY MUDLING MY WAY THROUGH AT THIS TIME.

[Kay]

Writing was (is) the easy part but I do agree that promoting and marketing, although it is hard work, is fun especially meeting and talking to other people, on line and in person.

[M.A.]

I think writing is the fun/easy part of the process, it's the marketing side I find hard to cope with. I've never been a good saleswomen before in my working life, but I've had to become one since uploading my books.

In the last few weeks I've decided to have a que sera attitude and get back to what I do the best, writing. ;-)

[Carrie]

Kgcummings wrote: "Susan wrote: "You know, it's really sad to have to use the phrase, "rival authors."

There are an awful lot of readers out there, and more being formed each day. Why are we fighting over them so..."

Kathy, I met Susan again, recently at The Winchester Writer's Conference and there really isn't an unkind bone in her body, she is as delightful a person as she sounds, so I say with you,

'Hooray Susan!'

Carrie

[Larry]

M.J. wrote: "Promoting is the hardest for me! Writing comes naturaly.
MJ Schutte - Author of Energy"

You're one of the very fortunate few.

[Larry]

M.J. wrote: "Promoting is the hardest for me! Writing comes naturaly.
MJ Schutte - Author of Energy"

Apparently lost the first response. You're one of the fortunate few. Writing comes naturally to most people with schooling. It's GOOD writing that's hard.

[M.J.]

Larry wrote: "M.J. wrote: "Promoting is the hardest for me! Writing comes naturaly.
MJ Schutte - Author of Energy"

Apparently lost the first response. You're one of the fortunate few. Writing comes naturally ..."

I was asked once how I think of everything I write. My answer: "There is an entire world that exists in my mind. I just close my eyes and watch."
Whether my writing is any good still needs to be seen.
Thus far there has been excellent response to my debut novel, Energy, so maybe I am on the right track!

[Kay]

Yes, writing is the easy part. Promoting is definitely the hard part, for me anyway, but I am loving every minute of it. I love the interviews where I can get to talk about my book (which is my personal story) and I love meeting people.

Kay Baker
author of Sentenced to Life
htp://kaybaker.tateauthor.com

[M.J.]

Mel wrote: "I think writing is the fun/easy part of the process, it's the marketing side I find hard to cope with. I've never been a good saleswomen before in my working life, but I've had to become one since ..."

Oh, how I would love to have a que sera attitude! Not possible though as I've lost my only form of income 4 months ago and now we are dependant on book sales!

[Kay]

I have never been a salesperson myself. I'd rather write than sell. But I think promoting/marketing my book is different from an actual sales job. I am not actually selling my book but promoting myself, talking about myself and my book. People have to know who you are and when they do and like what they hear about you they will buy your book.
I put myself in the position of the reader...like myself, when I like the author (from reading some of his/her books), I will look for that author and not the title of his books.

[Cindy]

I like that idea, promoting myself, creating interest and not to look at myself as a salesperson. It is hard work promoting my recently published mystery novel "Wanting June" www.cindysimon.net. My publisher is small, independent based in Tx. I am in Maine. Making calls to bookstores, libraries and/or sending emails to them promoting my book is challenging. Some folks are so abrupt, even rude but I am learning to not take it personally and assert myself, asking for a chance, an opportunity. We'll see. Suggestions? I could use some! Thanks, Cindy Simon

[Kay]

Hi Cindy, I am not a best seller or anything like that. My first book has just been recently released but I find promoting my book a lot of fun. I think media release would give you more exposure. Hire some one to get your media release done (they are not expensive) and post it in local newspapers. That will give you the exposure in your own hometown/area.
I sent out press releases to the local newspapers online and about 10 were publishjed (it's all done online). My release finally caught the attention of one of the newspapers and they called me for an interview and they are going to feature my story/my book. Cindy, it only takes one. I'm hoping that this feature will catch the eye of one of the nationals.
Good luck to you.

[Larry]

Kay wrote: "Hi Cindy, I am not a best seller or anything like that. My first book has just been recently released but I find promoting my book a lot of fun. I think media release would give you more exposure...."

As a public relations professional, the idea of a writer needing to hire someone else to prepare a press release is ludicrous. Save the money and do it yourself. If you absolutely have no idea how to promote yourself then for $8.99 you can by my EPPIE Finalist EBook: Self-Promotion for Authors and learn how to do it just as do the professionals.

[Kay]

You may be right, Larry. I could write a press release myself but to get it professionally done makes a lot of difference. Unless you are a reported and know the exact format, what to put in the heading, then the sub-heading , etc then I think it is worth it to pay less than $50 to have it done... for me anyway. There are also a lot of free webinars and seminars out there that teach on promoting and marketing.
Actually it was worth it to get the one hit I got. Then this one hit might lead to another wider coverage. Sometimes it is being "at the right place at the right time"...no fixed formula.
Good luck on your book.

[Larry]

Kay wrote: "You may be right, Larry. I could write a press release myself but to get it professionally done makes a lot of difference. Unless you are a reported and know the exact format, what to put in the ..."

That's all in my book, including illustrations of format. Also I explain how to mass distribute the press release and the how and why of having press releases. Essentially, even if an author knows nothing about book publicity, they're able to run an effective campaign following my proven techniques. Best,

[Larry]

Kay,
New computer and it took a few minutes to find the file with table of contents. Here's a taste from Chapter 4:

Chapter 4
Writing your first press release
Media targets
Developing the mailing lists
Individualizing releases for specific
media outlets
Importance of followup

[Kay]

Thanks for the info, Larry.

[Elizabeth]

Elizabeth Worley lived in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina for over 25 years and divided her time between her psychotherapy practice, writing, development work for women’s crisis centers and raising her family of three children, assorted friends of children, various dogs, hamsters, rabbits and pet mice. She now lives in the central highlands of the Republic of Panama, where she grows organic coffee and medicinal herbs.

Risking Everything: Coming Out in Coffee Land is her story. It is available in every conceivable electronic format and in paperback from her website http://www.comingoutincoffeeland.com (or Amazon, but she makes more money from her website!).

Synopsis:
Risking Everything: Coming Out in Coffee Land is the story of one southern woman who seemingly has it all—husband, children, successful career, community of friends, and a BMW convertible. So why, on the eve of her 50th birthday, does she hop a jet for Europe? Alone?

Elizabeth Worley grew up in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, where she wandered the misty hills, found where the wild ginseng grew, and dreamed a future of unlimited possibility. Somewhere along the way, she lost herself. Then, like Alice in Wonderland, one day she woke, as from a dream, to wonder: "Where am I? Who am I? Why am I?"

Her headlong flight from home takes her through the capitals, museums, and cathedrals of Europe … only to end in the rain forest highlands of Panama. Here, in the tropical jungle of the Cordillera Mountains, she loses everything … only to find everything.

Risking Everything: Coming Out in Coffee Land is a story of adventure, betrayal, hope, and ultimately, living life on one’s own terms. Follow her journey…and discover why, today, Worley says, “Life is too short to drink bad coffee!”


Visit the author's website to read reviews or follow her blog, Ramblings from the Mountain. http://www.comingoutincoffeeland.com/...

[Tracy]

You're very right, Susan. Hats off to you for saying so :)

[Srini]

Hi Vincent,

It's great to be part of this group.

Could you please add a discussion for "Metaphysical Fiction/Spirituality" please?

Much appreciate it. Thanks.

/Srini

[Sandi]

Hi everyone! I'm so glad to join and exchange ideas. My book Love Doesn't Play by the Rules is available on Amazon.com and has been well received by other Goodreads readers. You are all welcome to check out my website as well, www.Sandiperry.com. I look forward to exploring the world of reading and writing with you.

[Vincent, Group Founder]

Hi Srini,

You'll have to pick a name that's 32 characters in length. I'm afraid that one is too long for Goodreads.

-Vince

[Maranda]

Quick question for authors who would care to humor me: How long do you continue to promote aggresively after a book is released? Do you keep advertising the book at a break neck pace indefinitely or do you devote a certain amount of time to each release and then move on to the next project?

[Maranda]

Pia wrote: "...I've never really promoted that aggressively, but I've done lots at certain points--and that didn't make much difference to my sales. So now I just sit back more. IMOFWIW, people either want to ..."

That is some great advice Pia. I have been trying my hardest to promote my new ebook, but it has taken so much time and effort that my newest work in progress is creeping at a snail's pace. Maybe I should just focus on marketing occasionally and keep my concentration mostly on the writing. I think you are right, if no one wants to read your book, all the marketing in the world won't matter, and if they do want to read your book they will.

[Larry]

Maranda wrote: "Quick question for authors who would care to humor me: How long do you continue to promote aggresively after a book is released? Do you keep advertising the book at a break neck pace indefinitely..."

Hope this doesn't sound glib, it's based on many years of experience in book publicity: Until you're delighted with the level of sales or until your next book hits the streets, whichever comes first. In my self-help book, and in many places on the Internet, you'll find successful authors who tell you 20 percent of the effort goes into writing the book and 80 percent in promoting. The unacceptable alternative: Failure.

[Maranda]

Larry wrote: "Maranda wrote: "Quick question for authors who would care to humor me: How long do you continue to promote aggresively after a book is released? Do you keep advertising the book at a break neck p..."

I totally get what you are saying Larry, but do you ever find it difficult to balance the amount of time you need to spend promoting your latest work and the amount of time you need to spend on your work in progress? It does seem hard to do both effectively, especially when you are restricted in how much extra time you have.

[Larry]

Oh yes, I do. I spend the day promoting and answering questions about writing; primarily on Goodreads as I find Facebook unfocussed and Twitter totally irrelevant to selling books.
I'm limited by health issues as to what I can do anymore.
Often I begin writing about 10 p.m. when it's quiet and my wife has retired for the night, and write until 2 a.m., or later if on a roll. Hope that helps.

[[deleted user]]

Vincent, Many thanks for setting this up.

Joanna

[Larry]

Pia wrote: "...I've never really promoted that aggressively, but I've done lots at certain points--and that didn't make much difference to my sales. So now I just sit back more. IMOFWIW, people either want to ..."

Sorry Pia, but I disagree with your premise as there's a serious flaw in it. If this were the 1960s, you'd have comparatively little competition and would experience some sales. Today, without constant promotion, marketing pressure will drive your books off the shelves or so low in EBook rankings that they're never found. Book publishing is marketing driven and has been for a long time. Ernest Hemingway was regarded as really pushy by his constant and diverse marketing efforts. Wouldn't we all like to do as well?

[Germaine]

My name is Germaine Chevarie and so far, I have written 2 books. My first book, "The Bequest" was published by Trafford in 2005, a fictional story about a woman who survived breast cancer. Amazingly enough, 4 months later, I was diagnosed with the same thing as my fictional character. My second book, also a fictional story about ESP and near death experiences is called "Drawn to the Light" and was written with teenagers in mind. It was published in Jan. of 2010 .I joined Goodreads 2 months ago and don't know too much about it.

[Larry]

Germaine wrote: "My name is Germaine Chevarie and so far, I have written 2 books. My first book, "The Bequest" was published by Trafford in 2005, a fictional story about a woman who survived breast cancer. Amazingl..."

Welcome, but exercise caution. There's an amazing amount of misinformation and dis-information being circulated by aspiring authors who distort what they say to enhance their own position on Goodreads.

[Anita]

Hello authors. I belong to a group of authors that promote each other: John 3:16 marketing. Here's a book launch for today, Oct. 11th details: Fit for Faith by Kimberley Payne helps you improve spiritual and physical health. Buy it today and in addition to this life-changing book receive access to Free Gifts for a special limited time! http://kimberleypayne.wordpress.com

If anyone would like to help me with my book launch on Nov. 8th for Letters to God on a Prodigal Son, please contact me at anitawriter7@yahoo.com

[Joseph]

Thanks to all those who have reviewed The Nostradamus Secret. It is still rated in the top-5 of all reviews of Spy Stories & Tales of Intrigue on Amazon.
Joseph Badal
The Pythagorean Solution, Terror Cell, The Nostradamus Secret, and soon-to-be released Evil Deeds.The Nostradamus Secret

[Bridget]

Hi all...

Just reading through this thread alone has raised so many interesting points in writing vs. promoting I can't wait to delve further into the information provided here!

I just self published my first book and right now I'm swamped in the "how do I market this" phase. It's good to know that others suffer through it so you don't feel so alone.

Bridget Bowers
The Path of Light: The Chronicles of Vlandamyuir Book One

[Joseph]

Have you read John Locke's book, "How I Sold 1,000,000 Ebooks in 5 Months"? It's well worth the $2.99 Kindle price. It basically provides a marketing plan for selling books. I highly recommend it.

[Debra]

Marketing options can be fun, but I find that the more I do, the less time and energy I have to sit down and write creatively. How about you?

[Joseph]

That's true. I solved the problem by buying a 26-hour clock. Now I have plenty of time to do it all.

[Bridget]

Debra wrote: "Marketing options can be fun, but I find that the more I do, the less time and energy I have to sit down and write creatively. How about you?"

I have found that the more I try to market, the less I write, and so I wonder what will I have to market later. But I'm working on limiting my marketing to a few hours and then getting back to the writing part, just so I don't forget how.

[Debra]

Bridget wrote: "Debra wrote: "Marketing options can be fun, but I find that the more I do, the less time and energy I have to sit down and write creatively. How about you?"

I have found that the more I try to ma..."
Bridget, you echoed my feelings exactly! Because Maze in Blue only has been out for six months, I've used all my time doing signings, making contacts, etc. and am now only getting into conversations and boards like Goodreads. Writing has been short shifted as I try to use all of the 26 hours that Joseph's clock allows me (Joseph, I was glad to find one, too, just last week when I was in Ann Arbor doing a signing at Nicola's (a great independent store)...I see some breathing room ahead and I am promising myself I will balance the marketing and the writing..... Hold me to it, please!

[Joseph]

The problem for most authors is trying to divide their time between their passion (writing) and the business side of being an author (marketing, selling, social networking, etc.). But I have come to the conclusion that we have no choice but to budget time for both. If you want your books to sell you have to dedicate time to the business side of writing. Just as we have to get better at the writing, we have to get better at doing business. If we don't, we get left in the dust.

[Magda]

Boyd wrote: "I am wondering which the was most difficult, writing my book or promoting it.

Boyd Lemon-author of "Digging Deep: A Writer Uncovers His Marriages," a memoir about the author's journey to underst..."

Seems the three marriages were easy in comparison?

[Magda]

Bridget wrote: "Debra wrote: "Marketing options can be fun, but I find that the more I do, the less time and energy I have to sit down and write creatively. How about you?"

I have found that the more I try to ma..."

Soooo true! It's lovely meeting readers and everything, but the time it takes up phenomenol. Even worse, the marketing mindset is far removed from the purely creative one. - Was horrified to note today that even my personal emails have started sounding like soundbity tweets!

[Magda]

Anita wrote: "Hello authors. I belong to a group of authors that promote each other: John 3:16 marketing. Here's a book launch for today, Oct. 11th details: Fit for Faith by Kimberley Payne helps you improve ..."

Title sounds intriguing!

My book about surviving a disaster is Dark Waters - Chronicle of a Story Untold and is available from Amazon and http://www.slowburnpublications.wordp...