Goodreads Authors/Readers discussion
II. Publishing & Marketing Tips
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Publishing & Marketing Tips
![Deborah Patrick (pristine) | 44 comments](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1568033106p1/4068690.jpg)
![Sue Bowling (sueannbowling) | 55 comments](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1442513984p1/3529433.jpg)
![Homecoming by Sue Ann Bowling](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1380807159i/3123966.jpg)
Hi Sue,
Yes, I have some thoughts for you as well--especially for your sequel.
I'll give you an email.
-Vince
Yes, I have some thoughts for you as well--especially for your sequel.
I'll give you an email.
-Vince
Sue wrote: "My book's in print and e-book (iUniverse) and the people who've read it like it--I have two reviews each on Amazon and Barnes&Noble, all 5 star. I just sent the sequel to my editor yesterday, and I..."
Try finding book reviewers/bloggers who promote your genre and asking them to do reviews/interviews for you. These people sometimes have hundreds or even thousands of followers and it can get the news of your work out there a lot quicker. If you find a blogger that you like, check out the sidebars on their sites as well since many of them link to other sites they like too. It's a win/win situation. They get free books and you are only out your book cost and shipping. Good luck with everything!
-Lacey
Try finding book reviewers/bloggers who promote your genre and asking them to do reviews/interviews for you. These people sometimes have hundreds or even thousands of followers and it can get the news of your work out there a lot quicker. If you find a blogger that you like, check out the sidebars on their sites as well since many of them link to other sites they like too. It's a win/win situation. They get free books and you are only out your book cost and shipping. Good luck with everything!
-Lacey
![Cynthia Enuton (gooberella) | 23 comments](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1442501864p1/3107868.jpg)
~Cynthia
www.Gooberella.com
Vincent wrote: "Hi Deborah,
I have several ideas in mind. I'll email them to you.
-Vince"
![Michael Miller (michaelscottmiller) | 5 comments](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1291989381p1/4293187.jpg)
It sounds like you have some great marketing & promotional ideas. I would be grateful if you could send me an email with your thoughts.
I am a first time author and have gotten a few reviews on Smashwords, all very positive.
I am having some difficulty getting traction here on goodreads. I have read through the author program ideas, created a blog, and posted to some author/reader groups. I'm hesitant to start a Q&A until the book gets more visibility. Is there a section anywhere where readers can browse and see ebooks grouped as new releases?
Thanks for any ideas you can provide.
Michael Scott Miller
![Ladies and Gentlemen...The Redeemers by Michael Scott Miller](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1380984907i/3679536.jpg)
Hi Michael,
I sent you an email with some tips.
In the bulletin board section in this group, I've created an ebook topic where you can list your book.
Also, for more traction, try searching groups on Goodreads--and other social networks--by using the key term "ebooks." You're bound to find several where you can post your book for more readers to see.
For the Q&A question, I'd befriend as many interested readers as possible, then start your Q&A session by sending them invites. Set a goal of how many you would like to invite (100, 200, etc.). If you just leave it open, you may never get around to doing the Q&A.
-Vince
I sent you an email with some tips.
In the bulletin board section in this group, I've created an ebook topic where you can list your book.
Also, for more traction, try searching groups on Goodreads--and other social networks--by using the key term "ebooks." You're bound to find several where you can post your book for more readers to see.
For the Q&A question, I'd befriend as many interested readers as possible, then start your Q&A session by sending them invites. Set a goal of how many you would like to invite (100, 200, etc.). If you just leave it open, you may never get around to doing the Q&A.
-Vince
![Anita Estes (neatwriter) | 42 comments](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1455499229p1/4816230.jpg)
I'm an inspirational writer and have two books self- published,When God Speaks and Transformed, about overcoming addicitions. While I've been able to sell these face to face, I haven't sold them on-line, though I have a web-site and they're on Amazon.It was suggested I give some away free on GoodReads, which I will do but I don't see how to do that, except for e-books, which I don't have. I belong to a writer's on-line group, self-pub group and have a blog. Thanks for your advice.
![Kait Neese Mason (kaitneesemason) | 15 comments](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1404687602p1/3755720.jpg)
For the last few weeks I was attending the Taipei International Book Fair in Taiwan and let me tell you the desire to distribute foreign books into the U.S (as well as bring American "English" books into their region) is HUGE! It is all very exciting. One thing I noted which I felt everyone should know is that Amazon is the go to site for Foreign Rights buyers! Yup you heard me. Basically foreign publishing companies are realizing the value of Amazon and how it can essentially be used as a search engine when looking for new titles for rights purchasing. Having an amazon presence is more crucial now than ever as the site will only grow in the proceeding month/years in popularity.
That being said I wanted to let you all know I have created a blog to which I will be making 2 new posts a week all relating to Amazon. This blog will cover marketing tips, facts, and general information about Amazon. My aim is to help educate authors on using Amazon as this site should be treated by an author just as you would Facebook or Twitter. Social Media baby! ITS HERE TO STAY! Below is the link to my new blog! Hope you enjoy it and please feel free to leave comments!
How to Use Amazon to Promote Your Published Book
http://amazonauthors.blogspot.com/
Kait
![Lori Davidson (Laddie) | 8 comments](https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/f_25x33-d79c46f9428d2aea1444d67c091766a6.png)
I have several ideas in mind. I'll email them to you.
-Vince"
Any chance you could email the same list to me? Appreciate it! Thanks.. Lori
![Channing Hayden | 4 comments](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1289055366p1/4507475.jpg)
![Caroline Clemmons (caroline_clemmons) | 27 comments](https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/f_25x33-d79c46f9428d2aea1444d67c091766a6.png)
Caroline Clemmons
![Stephen Goldin (stephengoldin) | 49 comments](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1442451715p1/4452028.jpg)
![Jason Tesar | 12 comments](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1442527101p1/4571454.jpg)
I published my first novel in paperback through Lightning Source last October, and it's currently pending review for the premium distribution catalog at Smashwords. I have a blog where I've posted sample chapters and have built up a small amount of regular traffic. I've posted sample chapters on my blog, created a Facebook page, and I have a few 5-star reviews on my Amazon page.
Now that I've made my way through the subset of friends and family that are interested in my genre, my sales have leveled off. I'd be grateful for any advice. I've been looking into Facebook ads and the concept looks interesting.
I thought to spread the word about an interesting article that should capture the attention of both traditional and self-published authors about the SKYROCKETING sales of e-books.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/0...
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/0...
![C.M. Barrett (elfspirit) | 13 comments](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1498245150p1/5211025.jpg)
If you email [email protected] you will get a list of people who format manuscripts in the correct Smashwords style. I had mine done by Anne-Sophie Gomez for $20. It was a straightforward ms. Anything complex could cost more, but she gives an estimate before proceeding.
With prices that reasonable, I'd rather spend the time writing.
![Haresh Daswani (hmdaswani) | 8 comments](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1442531722p1/4852313.jpg)
![Rebecca Burke | 34 comments](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1442521405p1/5292170.jpg)
I found publishing with Smashwords to be very easy. The CEO, Mark Coker, shocked me by personally replying to a couple of my questions within one day. From a list offered by Smashwords, I was able to hire Lucinda Campbell to format my novel for $35 (her price may vary), and she is exceptionally friendly and efficient. She turned it around quickly and I had virtually no problems uploading it to the various ebook publishing sites. If you're not good at graphic design, hire someone to do a cover for you as you will regret going with one that looks amateur. If you are arty, brave, or just cheap, try GIMP--free software for graphic design (or use Photoshop, etc.).
Kait, I've bookmarked your blog on marketing via Amazon and intend to read it like the Torah! Thank you for that link.
My book, When I Am Singing to You, is in several online catalogs now--Smashwords, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble, etc. For those unfamiliar with the process, try this: hire an experienced formatter, such as Ms. Campbell. She'll format your mss. in 3 different versions, one for Smashwords, one for epubs (Barnes and Nobles' PubIt!), and one for Amazon (a prc., I believe the file is called). Sign up with Smashwords first, and as you do "opt out" of their B and N, and Amazon Kindle distribution deals; you can sign up with those two publishers independently and get more exposure/sales that way. Nearly everyone does it this way (see J.A. Konrath's blog for the Bible on this process).
![C.M. Barrett (elfspirit) | 13 comments](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1498245150p1/5211025.jpg)
Thanks, Rebecca. This is helpful information. I am saving Lucinda Campbell's name.
![Mandi Tillotson Sloan | 97 comments](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1323907684p1/5183065.jpg)
http://www.authorhouse.com/Bookstore/...
![Larry Moniz (larrymoniz)](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1442514365p1/5525838.jpg)
![Emily Snyder (emilycasnyder) | 16 comments](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1520215816p1/2778901.jpg)
It sounds like your the promotion guru! I have a two part question for you:
1) Several years ago, I wrote and published two books, but because of various circumstances (incredibly busy with work, lack of confidence or wherewithall) I didn't promote them well if at all. (Those are Niamh and the Hermit and Charming the Moon.) I'm wondering whether there's any way to promote them now, given the instant nature of our fast-paced world. I am working on another novel in the series which I think may actually do well (so I'm tempted to finish it and look for a larger publisher), currently titled ShadowQueen. It involves princesses rescuing princes, and unicorns, and true love, and all the sort of stuff that my main audience for the Twelve Kingdoms (mostly homeschooled middle grade girls, for some reason!) gravitate towards. Suggestions?
2) More currently, I published "Nachtsturm Castle: A Gothic Austen Novel," which is a sequel and pastiche to "Northanger Abbey." It's available in paperback and e-book format, and has been doing fairly well. I'm learning this book to learn about basic promotion - but given that in some ways it has a disparate audience from my other novels, do you think there can be any possibility of crossover? What does one do with diversity?
Thank you so much in advance! I really appreciate it!
Best,
Emily
http://emilycasnyder.blogspot.com
http://www.christianfantasy.net/emily...
[email protected]
![Leia Shaw (leiashaw) | 12 comments](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1442536269p1/5148321.jpg)
I have a question. I'm a self-published paranormal romance author. I have two books, the most recent published this July.
I'm already plugged into social networking and have been lucky in getting sites to review my books. Most of the reviews have been very positive and my sales were gradually increasing.
But just recently I got a really bad review on a high profile review site. Since then my sales have literally frozen. Any suggestions to combat this sudden drop?
I'm wondering if I should lower my price. Each book is $2.99 right now. I feel that's a fair price but I know many Indie authors sell for 99 cents. What are your thoughts?
Thanks,
Leia Shaw
http://www.leiashaw.com
![Elizabeth Lang | 29 comments](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1442481312p1/4481987.jpg)
I have a science fiction book published by a small press. It's the first of a trilogy. I am working on the final two and the publisher has slated them for release early next year.
It's been frustrating doing publicity because the publishers spend all their time editing, formatting and publishing books and almost none doing publicity, which seems short-sighted to me.
I've done the obligatory rounds with reviewers and the ones who have taken enough interest to read it seem to love the book, but other than for a few sales, it hasn't generated the publicity I was hoping for.
I'm socializing on Facebook and Twitter and have a blog and website up, but maybe I'm doing something wrong.
The only thing that helped was participating in a special (paid) summer program on a Romance site (mine is considered a SFR) and I will also be participating in a Halloween blog hop event in October.
I am considering donating copies of my book to the local libraries and trying to set up some book signings but I'm not sure how effective those are.
I have had a steady trickle of sales, but that's about it.
Do you have any suggestions?
![Paul Westmoreland | 43 comments](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1689603340p1/6028592.jpg)
That sounds like a real slog. I don't have a publisher myself, although I used to have an agent and they seemed to operate on a glacial time frame to me.
What's the blog hop even you mentioned all about?
Keep fighting the good fight.
POW
![Mandi Tillotson Sloan | 97 comments](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1323907684p1/5183065.jpg)
![Everly Anders | 87 comments](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1497289713p1/5338552.jpg)
Elle Lapraim
![Lisa Ard (lisaa) | 24 comments](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1663777247p1/1355052.jpg)
If you would like to review for Amazon, Goodreads and my website, please contact me for a complimentary e-pub file.
My question: I'm considering offering free school visits via Skype. I know that many authors charge, but I want to make the visits accessible. Any downside to offering free visits?
Thanks for your comments. Lisa Ard
www.dreamseekeradventures.com
![J.E. Lowder (jelowder) | 16 comments](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1442602116p1/5918936.jpg)
![Karen A. Wyle (kawyle) | 277 comments](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1442606708p1/4960159.jpg)
J.E. wrote: "What are everyone's thoughts on doing a virtual book tour? Any insights in which to use or avoid? Is it worth the money? Thanks."
![Lisa Ard (lisaa) | 24 comments](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1663777247p1/1355052.jpg)
Thanks Kait - I'll check it out, Lisa Ard
![S.J. Clarke (sjclarke) | 24 comments](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1442491731p1/5228222.jpg)
Vincent, or anyone else, do you have any other tour organizer recommendations? I like the idea of having someone else do a lot of the legwork.
All suggestions welcome!!
Sandra
![Suki Michelle (sukimichelle) | 83 comments](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1314456905p1/5120022.jpg)
Hi S.J. I just signed up with Bewitching Blog Tours also. Everything worked just find, not slow at all. They sent me an author info packet after I paid. Their list of host blogs is quite long, which is encouraging. Their prices are reasonable too, except when compared to my last blog tour which was done for free by an enthusiastic blogger/fan. I'll post here when the tour begins on 01/02/2012. Maybe we can follow each other!
![S.J. Clarke (sjclarke) | 24 comments](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1442491731p1/5228222.jpg)
Absolutely, let's follow each other's tours. Which package did you get?
![Suki Michelle (sukimichelle) | 83 comments](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1314456905p1/5120022.jpg)
(I say "we" because my book was co-written with Carlyle Clark, my paramour/co-writer.)
Have you signed up yet? If so, when is yours?
I plan to set this up as a GR event. Hopefully lots will come.
What's your genre?
![S.J. Clarke (sjclarke) | 24 comments](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1442491731p1/5228222.jpg)
Did you use Bewitched for your last tour too?
I'm just filling out the form, and was thinking the one month deal - in for a penny and all that.
I have the same reservations as you re: guest posting. But I know it's necessary. I was thinking one guest post per week, and as much of the rest as necessary. But then I think I should take advantage of the publicity while it's available to me. Decisions - decisions. lol
How do you set up a GR event? That sounds cool.
I write Paranormal Romantic Suspense. More psychic than urban fantasy, though I want to try that too. What do you and Carlyle write?
Sandra
![Suki Michelle (sukimichelle) | 83 comments](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1314456905p1/5120022.jpg)
our book, The Apocalypse Gene, is a young adult urban fantasy with elements of sci fi and cyberpunk. it was released last month by parker publishing.
as for setting up a GR event? no clue, but it's suggested we do that in the bewitching tour author package. i do know how to set up a facebook event, and we'll do that for sure.
have you subjected your book to bloggers yet, i mean, outside of a tour? we have, and it's been relatively successful. that's one helluva busy bunch.
![S.J. Clarke (sjclarke) | 24 comments](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1442491731p1/5228222.jpg)
Sorry everyone. We now return you to your regularly scheduled progams.
I've found that with marketing, social networking is great, but you can't forget about your blog -- blogs are great tools as well, and are a bit more personal. A great blog really generates interest, just as much (maybe) as social networking.
As far as publishing, I would say to look at every route you can. Figure out where exactly you want your book to be, what format you would like it in, whether or not you want to hire a professional or do it yourself (which there is nothing wrong with, if you think you will do the best job). That, and be creative. There is nothing better than finding an author who takes the time to publish a great book, have a great cover, and write a great story that is creative and fun, and that you can tell they enjoy writing.
Alexandra~
As far as publishing, I would say to look at every route you can. Figure out where exactly you want your book to be, what format you would like it in, whether or not you want to hire a professional or do it yourself (which there is nothing wrong with, if you think you will do the best job). That, and be creative. There is nothing better than finding an author who takes the time to publish a great book, have a great cover, and write a great story that is creative and fun, and that you can tell they enjoy writing.
Alexandra~
S.J. wrote: "Good points, Alexandra.
I've negleted my blog for far too long."
Glad to be of help. :)
I've negleted my blog for far too long."
Glad to be of help. :)
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During the course of moderating this group, I've had a number of questions from authors about how best to publish and/or market their books. I've learned a lot from answering and researching these inquiries, and I figured it would be worthwhile to create a folder to find the resources you need. Please contribute to it if you have advice.
I hope you enjoy it!
-Vince