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Help! I have questions!!
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Evelyn
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Mar 12, 2014 06:51AM
I think Amazon sort of encourages this to a certain extent. I have in the oas been asked to rate my books. I have not been posting on this site much. Can someone guve me the lowdown? Evelyn Steward
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Evelyn wrote: "I think Amazon sort of encourages this to a certain extent. I have in the oas been asked to rate my books. I have not been posting on this site much. Can someone guve me the lowdown? Evelyn Ste..."Evelyn,
Honestly rating and reviewing your own work is difficult for the same reason it is not advisable to edit your own work.
The brain often tricks the eye into seeing what it intends to see rather than what is actually there.
Asking an author to rate and review their own work is akin to asking a proud new parent to describe their little bundle of joy.
Thanks for answering. Can you tell me if The Twin Cities book will be coming out on Kindle? My eyesight us poor so i no longer read real books, sadly.Evelyn Steward
Evelyn wrote: "Thanks for answering. Can you tell me if The Twin Cities book will be coming out on Kindle? My eyesight us poor so i no longer read real books, sadly.Evelyn Steward"
Evelyn,
The only Twin Cities books I am aware of are those written by Larry Millet.
If the book to which you refer is one of them, it is only available in hard cover or paperback; at least for the time being.
Sorry.
Thanks. I kind of guessed that much. Perhaps it will be made available on Kinsle in the future?Evelyn Steward
Jim wrote: "Evelyn wrote: "I think Amazon sort of encourages this to a certain extent. I have in the oas been asked to rate my books. I have not been posting on this site much. Can someone guve me the lowd..."My kids are all above average! The time to review your own work is years later, when you have written other things. I can view, critically, those words I wrote in 2008.
It does not bother me. It was just a comment, that Amazon had at one tine asked me to review work that hapoened to be mine.Evly
Hi. I'm fairly new here, so I apologize if this is the wrong place to ask. I'm an author, or I was, of non fiction. Vms Systems Management, my first book was published in '91 and was followed by others. Since 1999 I've written only for other people. Now, with my children grown up, I'm able to get back to fiction (always my ambition) and I find that in addition to writing the book I need a 'platform' though I'm not sure what this is or where to start. I have a blog I wrote while working for others - mainly about writing articles to promote small business, but when it comes to a fiction blog I don't know where to start. Do I need another blog? Is that enough? What does a 'platform' consist of? What on earth do you write about on such a blog? Should I separate my old non-fiction persona from the new work? Is there a specific group discussion where this question would have been more appropriate? I would really appreciate any pointers/opinions the members here can give me.
A platform isn't just a blog/website, it can also include your social media presence: Twitter Facebook, Pinterest, GoodReads too! YouTube if you fancy making trailers or doing other fiction related videos. It's anything in which you the writer is able to project yourself as a writer. Now that's not always directly promoting, it can also be offering tips and other useful information to other authors. or in the case of Twitter forwarding links to articles you may have found interesting or helpful.I can't advise about your blog situation. I have a blog but don't regard myself as a blogger. I mainly post new short pieces of fiction (and then pursue traffic to it through social media). I wouldn't know what to write every day for a blog and prefer to keep much of my material for my fiction rather than for a blog. But everyone will have their own take on this.Having said that, I do occasionally post a blog about the craft of writing or aspects such as writing dialogue etc.
Hope this helps as a starting point for you.
Good luck.
Thanks Marc for taking the time to comment and give me some guidance. At least I have some idea of where to start now!
I have a question, The question is "How do we get Authors Interviews to post on our book blog?" For I just started a new feature called "Interviews Around the Globe" - It questions that the Author can answer about their book. I was wonder "How do we get our first author interview?" Can we ask Authors for Interviews until Authors take part or do I just wait. You can answer me either here or PM. Thanks
Lindsay wrote: "I have a question, The question is "How do we get Authors Interviews to post on our book blog?" For I just started a new feature called "Interviews Around the Globe" - It questions that the Author ..."Hi - I've just done this for another blogger. She just sent me a request as a PM on Goodreads. I think most authors don't mind being directly approached.
Lindsay wrote: "I have a question, The question is "How do we get Authors Interviews to post on our book blog?" For I just started a new feature called "Interviews Around the Globe" - It questions that the Author ..."More than happy to respond - us authors need all the help we can get and an interview s part of that
Lindsay wrote: "I have a question, The question is "How do we get Authors Interviews to post on our book blog?" For I just started a new feature called "Interviews Around the Globe" - It questions that the Author ..."Hi, Lindsay! Sounds like a fun feature. I would find the authors you would like to include, send them the question and ask if they would be willing to send you back a couple of paragraphs on it. Make it as easy as possible for them. Explain that you are going to turn them into blog posts, and make sure you mention that you will link to their website and their book! Once you have a couple of entries, you can send them the links so they can see how it will be presented.
As Phillip and Katie said, most authors are looking for ways to get their names out there.
Yeah, rating your own books seems pointless. What reason would you have for rating it anything other than a five?Though my OCD kicks in whenever I'm at my book's page and the ratings bar keeps pressuring me to rate it. I just don't like having things unrated. Every Netflix show I watch has a rating just because I don't like seeing it unrated by me.
W.D. wrote: "If you are doing a book giveaway - would it be better to give away a "bunch of books" all at once, or try giving away 1 or 2 per week with a book giveaway every week or two over an extended period ..."I think this depends on your book and the avenue on which you'll be giving it away.
For example, if you are doing a blog tour, or some kind of extended event like a countdown to a release, I can see how doing one or two at a time would be useful. It adds some exclusivity to each winning and gives you more bang for your buck in regards to promotion.
However, if you're doing something like a Goodreads giveaway and are advertising it through the forums, you're probably better off doing them all at once. If you do it for several weeks, people will lose interest. Unless you have 3-4 weeks worth of content to promote your book (other than the giveaway), you're better off just giving them away all at once.
When I do Kindle promotions, I have used my free five-day promotions both at once and spaced out over a few weeks. The five-day thing works much better because word of mouth will spread and people will get it when they have the chance.
When you give too many opportunities to get the book, people may just wait for the "next" opportunity, and then they might never do it.
Just my two cents.
It depends on which authors you want. Well known authors or small Indie authors who would be willing to do an interview as it night help get us known a bit more.Evelyn
I am looking for people who are good at reviewing books I just released my 1st novel on amazon in kindle and paperback and I need people to review my book so I can post what people think, please let me know Bad Memories
Greetings. Any body interested in reviewing a book from India. My debut book Shamsuddin's Grave is recently published on Amazon. Its a touching story based on migration. Genre: Literary Fiction/ Contemporary fiction.
Douglas wrote: "I am looking for people who are good at reviewing books I just released my 1st novel on amazon in kindle and paperback and I need people to review my book so I can post what people think, please le..."Many of us review the books we read, me included, but the only way to obtain the reviews you want is to start using the social media to let people know your book exists, and give them a reason to read it. They won't come looking for you.
There are threads here on Goodreads to post new releases, but they will only help you if you add the genre and a short blurb.
You have not given the title as well as authir name and bkyrb, hi can anyone find you to review?Evelyn
Hey so I need some advice. You know what it's like being a self published. It's hard! The majority of the time though you don't care because you are doing something you love. There are mornings that it's harder to see the love from the hard work but then you sit at your keyboard and you get lost in your work.
Then sadly there are days like today, days like I have been having the last week. I can write but after publishing my first book
I got a couple of reviews that mentioned some things (things that I have now fixed) and my confidence has been totally knocked. Then there has been a few days/weeks that I haven't sold any and now I am crushed. This is what I have always wanted to do and now I am working on my second book but I am really scared.
So any advice that you may have would be really appreciated.
Thanks
H
My personal advice? Write , don't worry about sale. Few sell very many. Just write hay you want. Advertise by blogging. Keep cheerful. Others may have different points of view. If you go in thinking you will be rich! Seldom happens. Just write more. Are you ny good? Are the reviews from family? Did you give it to a Beta reader?Evelyn
Hannah wrote: "Hey so I need some advice. You know what it's like being a self published. It's hard! The majority of the time though you don't care because you are doing something you love. There are mornings th..."
Hannah,
Don't obsess over sales. There are approximately 800,000 new books published annually. Readers are overwhelmed. The odds are against most books becoming successful, but your work has just as much chance as any other of being discovered and perhaps even becoming a commercial success.
All you can do is hope that the marketing and publicity tactics promoting your work prove effective.
I wish you success.
Dear Hannah, I have gone through the same process. I feel the same way you do. I did how Eve take a marketing class. From Monique Caradine. Look her up she will talk to you anytime. I have been lucky to win two awards, be featured on two radio show, look up blog talk radio and email the show that fits you and your book. I have also been featured in the castle rock magazine. I have sold just as much copies as you probably have. I did get my book into the Tattered cover book store all three locations that's neat. I would like to have my book made into a movie, which it is in the Hollywood database. I too would like any and all advice I am currently working on my second novel, but like you I'm nervous to spend all that money all over again to go through the same things that too work to go through.
Hannah and others pleas check out my boos website at DaltonGiesick.com
Hannah wrote: "Hey so I need some advice. You know what it's like being a self published. It's hard! The majority of the time though you don't care because you are doing something you love. There are mornings th..."
Hannah,
I'll chime in with everyone else and say, don't be discouraged! It's a tough game even getting readers to look at your work. There are so many books out there that a lot of really good work gets lost in the shuffle. My advice would be to focus on writing. If you can get a few books out there, you can give one away free for people to see what a great writer you are, and they're more likely to buy your other books!
I've put together a document to help self-published authors through the publishing process. If you'd like a copy, you can download it here: http://selfpublishing.gr8.com
Good luck! Don't give up--you'll get there.
_____________________
Colleen Fleshman
How to Become a Successful Kindle Author -- FREE report!|http://selfpublishing.gr8.com
I have book out from Abbott Press (A Mistake of Consequence). In the marketing materials they sent me, there are a lot of questions about platform and why my book would appeal to readers. Does anyone have suggestions of how to figure this out? I don't think I can just say…because it's a good story.
Mod
Mod
Terri - I recommend setting up a thread to ask your fellow readers what about your book appeals to them :)
Hey guys,Is there a discussion where authors can praise/recommend/discuss certain blogger's review approach?
Mod
Marc wrote: "Yeah I've never understood why the site even allows an author to rate their own books. It's not something I've done myself"1: Because its VERY painful to have zero stars for so long. When we rate our own books, we are reminded to love ourselves.
2: I used the space to provide more information about my book than I could provide in its blurb, and admit to a typo to be corrected in a future release.
I didn't want to give it stars, but gave in when I realized people were ignoring the promos because it had no stars. Now they'll see the stars, check the review and learn the behind-the-scenes of my book!
It's worse to ask friends and family to all give five stars or pay people for reviews. I won't do that.
If you need an editor please contact me at jamieoburgess054@yahoo.com
What happened to Melanie? This group seems to no longer have a moderator as Emily hasn't been actively on here since July 15 of last year.I like to have moderators around so that they can keep the group running smoothly. I have seen several comments of spam in threads.
Where's Emily V., the mod? Haven't seen a post from her in some time, hope everything's okay.
Mod
Justin wrote: "What happened to Melanie? This group seems to no longer have a moderator as Emily hasn't been actively on here since July 15 of last year.
I like to have moderators around so that they can keep th..."
So sorry guys, I have had ton of stuff to do lately!! I'm back though and I'm going to do my best to get this group running again.
Hi everyone,I have a question as I'm still fumbling around Amazon, having finally gotten organized with Goodreads. My book is on Amazon under suspense/mystery/thriller, and I wanted to minimize my category to get more sales. That is a lot of competition in those three genres together. So I was thinking Suspense alone. I have some sales, but not a lot, published in February, 9 reviews on there and two here. I'm working on a sequel. Can anyone tell me if I can do that and how? Someone gave me advice on another group, but it didn't work. Amazon is not user-friendly in my opinion. Thank you so much! Gippy
Jim wrote: "Chris wrote: "Does anyone get reviews the real way when they release a new book? I feel like when I am reviewing a newly released book that it always has five to eight reviews all of which are five..."Hi Chris: my reviews are mostly five stars and all legit. But, Amazon sent me an email to review my own book two times now. I wrote back that I am the author of the book and cannot review it! Don't they match the names with the book? Don't know why they keep doing that because it wouldn't be a fair assessment of the review I would give -- and awesome one of course.
Hi Everyone,I had a sequel get-together recently at a local bookstore for locals who, along with other readers online, requested a sequel to my book. One suggestion someone made was so excellent, I'm passing it on. We talked about what to call the new book and the cover, and someone said why not have a contest that whoever would like to design the cover of the sequel could enter to get that job, and all who enters would get a free copy of the book! Good idea, right?!
I reviewed my own book using the review I got from Reader's Favorite on my first book, since they don't post their reviews to Goodreads/Amazon. Nobody there picked up my second or third yet, though.
I've been looking for a proof reader locally as well as on the net and haven't found one that doesn't charge more money than my book will ever make. Does Goodreads know of sites to check out? Many thanks.
Brian wrote: "I've been looking for a proof reader locally as well as on the net and haven't found one that doesn't charge more money than my book will ever make. Does Goodreads know of sites to check out? Many ..."Brian,
If all you are looking for at this time is proofreading, any relative, friend, and/or acquaintance who possesses a decent working knowledge of basic technical writing requirements such as spelling, grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and syntax, will serve the purpose. However, you should consider utilizing the services of a professional copy editor, conceptual editor, and layout design artist to provide the observations and advice needed for you to convert your work into a viable commercial success.
The adage "You get what you pay for." is worth heeding.
Jim wrote: "Brian wrote: "I've been looking for a proof reader locally as well as on the net and haven't found one that doesn't charge more money than my book will ever make. Does Goodreads know of sites to ch..."Thanks Jim, I have gone around the rosies so to speak on that avenue. Several friends and relatives have said they would and I'm sure meant to but none have come to do so. Pestering has gotten me no where so I'm looking for more reliable means. I will keep looking.
Brian. Could you find a local writing group or magazine like Writing Magazine in UK which has adverts for the type of help you need?It all depends on what type of proof reading you mean. Do you want it checked for grammar, spelling etc. or continuity, character formation etc or spacing and layout? Anyone who does all that for a living will charge a lot. Why not advertise for a beta reader and take it from there?
Brian, there's folk on twitter who offer to help but I can't recommend anyone as I don't know what they charge.
Brian wrote: "I've been looking for a proof reader locally as well as on the net and haven't found one that doesn't charge more money than my book will ever make. Does Goodreads know of sites to check out? Many ..."Brian,
I agree that often there are those among your own contacts who have a critical eye and can assist you greatly. There is one lady I have used for my 3rd mystery who was very good, and her rates were reasonable. If you like, I will ask her permission to use her name here, or for contact info for you.
Having said that, you have to go back over everything again when you've had someone completely edit your book, because there will be changes they have made that you don't want. It is great for catching poor grammar, better suggestions for sentence structure, etc. But by their own admission, an editor has opinions and inclinations of their own so you have to protect your own 'baby'.
Honeysuckle PearThere has never been a better time to do it yourself. www.smashwords.com has several useful guides on how to start. Amazon KDP are now giving the option of print on demand. However you will still be faced with doing your own publishing. Both of the aforementioned companies are distributors only. These companies take 30% commission for their service.
Francis wrote: "Hello, I have a book I am looking to get published, called Death, reincarnation and annihilation, it is an anthology with elements of dark fiction, science fiction and fantasy. Having sent it out t..."You will probably find that most of us have had difficulty finding a publisher or agent. Consequently, many of us have gone down the self-publishing route. Be ware of Vanity publishers. Many are just in it for the money they can make from you and have no interest in publishing a quality product or in promoting it. Of course, there are some reliable ones, but you really need to check with someone who has used them. I wrote an article on this in my website blog recently. Self-publishing is not that difficult and as Honeysuckle Pear states above, Amazon's CreateSpace (for paperbacks) and KDP (Kindle) as well as Smashwords provide useful guides. Also, even if you do find a publisher you will still have to do the majority of the publicity and marketing. Of course, the choice is yours but do take care and carry out some good research before employing anyone to publish for you. Wishing you every success with the book.
Hi there, wasn’t sure where to post it but wondering if I might get some help here. I just started a book review blog and I received an arc excerpt from a book I’m super excited about. It’s only the first 70 pages but it’s enough to form an opinion on the book. Is it ok for me to leave a short review of it on my blog or should I wait until the full book is published and I finished it?
(I’ll probably post a full review then anyways)
Not sure if this is a stupid question but let me know.
Books, Blogs, Authors and More
Books mentioned in this topic
Becoming Maddie (other topics)Shamsuddin's Grave (other topics)
Bad Memories (other topics)
Vms Systems Management (other topics)
The Burn Rose: Pirates to Privateers (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Peter Rendell (other topics)Peter Rendell (other topics)
Peter Rendell (other topics)
W.D. Currie (other topics)
