tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3236329160310813121.post7002691976946156714..comments2022-11-28T22:21:26.145-08:00Comments on Writer's Cramps: Help me market my novelAndi Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11316064383959834180noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3236329160310813121.post-40016814968650974012014-03-14T14:45:22.275-07:002014-03-14T14:45:22.275-07:00Have you tried reaching out to local media outlets...Have you tried reaching out to local media outlets like your hometown paper, local talk shows, etc? There's a human interest story here and you have a connection with the community.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3236329160310813121.post-22857441966331317822014-03-13T20:29:46.485-07:002014-03-13T20:29:46.485-07:00From a marketing standpoint, have you tried blog h...From a marketing standpoint, have you tried blog hops and giveaways? I've run across some new books that way.<br /><br />I've also heard that having a backlist is very important for selling books in general. The sooner you can get another book, the better. As a reader, I know I love to see more books by an author I'm considering.<br /><br />Also, when I went to look at your book, I found the description just a little unclear. It says she wants to find love, but who is the love interest? I'm not quite sure if this is a romance or not. It looks fun, though.Beth Adamshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00913800395483900718noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3236329160310813121.post-39123173972299684342014-03-03T17:53:54.072-08:002014-03-03T17:53:54.072-08:00It sounds like you're doing quite a bit, actua...It sounds like you're doing quite a bit, actually! Great reviews, and the cover is adorable. :) I'd suggest joining something like the Independent Book Publishers Association (www.ibpa-online.org) Not only do they have some great resources for independent publishers and some links for reputable (paid) book marketers, but being a member means they can take your book to big national events where bookstores and libraries buy books. (for a fee. but fairly reasonable.)<br /><br />Local Writers' Groups are a good source of community and connection too. Maybe you can connect with other area writers that write women's fiction, and host a big party that benefits the local animal shelter--and sell your books there.<br /><br />Bookstores for a local indie author probably aren't going to be worthy of the time (unless you host a big party like above, can cost $), but maybe local book festivals? Lots of cities & towns have festivals (I live in southern NJ and go to at least 6 within a 2 hour drive per year.) Again you can share the cost of a table with another author or two. Makes it more fun and people are more likely to approach the table the more stuff you have on it!<br /><br />You could also look into presenting at local book clubs, and pet clubs (rescue groups, dog play groups, etc.) Meetup.com will have a bunch of local groups focused on both of these things. Go and talk about your experience with animals, and with writing the book. Offer the book club a little discount if they buy it to read in bulk, then you can show up when they meet to discuss it. Libraries may also have resources for book clubs.<br /><br />I found your link from Twitter, posted by someone I follow (darn I wish I could remember who!) The internet does work, really! I'd recommend getting a website up IMMEDIATELY that not only describes the book in detail--and features all those great reviews--but provides multiple options for purchasing. Get bookmarks or business cards with the website and a QR code on it and hand them out to everyone you meet. That's another option! Put that link everywhere you can. Nice websites are not that expensive, don't take much time, and make you look really professional. :) Feel free to let me know if you need some resources for websites. I found "The Whole Pet Diet" author Andi Brown, I'm guessing that's not you?<br /><br />What are your sales goals, and did you outline a marketing plan for the book? Did you research sales for similar books & genres? It sounds like you're already doing well for a self-published book. You'll probably sell more books by selling locally first. People like to make connections. <br /><br />It's pretty rare that you become a bestseller with just one book; a backlist helps. So as soon as you possibly can, start talking about your next book! And keep your blog going too, not just about the book but what it's like to be a writer and more stuff like this. The more you post the more traffic you'll get. <br /><br />HTH! Good luck! Will keep tabs to see if any of these work :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3236329160310813121.post-80358847649865135322014-03-02T08:26:11.724-08:002014-03-02T08:26:11.724-08:00Sounds like you're doing everything right! Kee...Sounds like you're doing everything right! Keep at it!@davelucashttp://davelucasmobile.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3236329160310813121.post-51913888077756760762014-03-02T08:05:42.897-08:002014-03-02T08:05:42.897-08:00Our humane society (in omaha nebraska) actually ha...Our humane society (in omaha nebraska) actually has a gift shop. Have you tried animal shelters?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3236329160310813121.post-35741560496390545932014-03-02T07:46:00.468-08:002014-03-02T07:46:00.468-08:00I'm impressed and inspired by all you HAVE don...I'm impressed and inspired by all you HAVE done, actually! Have you thought about ink pens? I don't know about the ROI--but if you took pens around to vet offices, I wonder if they might be willing to give them to customers... Just a thought. I also know some local bookstores will stock local author books on consignment...no risk for them and your book gets exposure for a period of time.Stephanie Farishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10461865229341760836noreply@blogger.com