To summarize this post: I had no idea.
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Yelling at the top of my voice like a crazy woman, “Hey, look at me,” was about the furthest thing from my mind when I started writing six years ago. I knew it wouldn’t be easy becoming a published author, but holy cannoli, marketing was one heck of a surprise.
Thank Goodness, I’ve had help.
My first book, Wilder Mage, is going on sale at $1.99, for three days starting February 19 thru the 21st. Not its first sale but the first I've initiated.
So how to get the information out there?
I hit a few places, bought a couple ads on Amazon. At the same time, the lead-in, Out of Magic, is free. As the prequel to the series, it was my foray into the world of self-pub.
Run by a close friend of mine, this was my numero uno choice. Try this FREE site for cool books. I’ve bought and downloaded more than, ahem, I should have from Betty’s recommendations.
Other places like Bookbub and Fussy Librarian provide good but limit their services. Try 'em though.
For a personal view of advertising, go to Matt Keith’s site, part I and II.
Review sites.
Yeah, I’ve pretty much given up on reviews for Wilder and for the sequel Mage Revealed. I’ve shipped it off to various sites and heard nothing back.Here are a selection for the brave or merely persistent.
Manic Readers
All Things Urban Fantasy
Begging is not one of my personality traits. Not that I don’t do it on occasion, but it doesn’t come naturally. Also, reminding readers to leave a review is a two-edged sword. Those one- and two-star reviews cause (sing along with me) gloom, despair, and agony on me. Deep dark depression excessive misery.
Talk about the Pit of Despair. Especially the really mean ones filled with vitriol. My policy when reading a less-than-super book, aka three stars and up, is to remain quiet and not give reviews. I can’t help but think the nasty ones are not authors but wannabe literary experts.Paying for reviews is not in my playbook, btw. I can’t do it. But dang, it sure is tempting. When I buy a book on the merits of the reviews and it turns into an excruciating journey, I am appalled. I don’t see how they acquire the large number of reviews except by monetary means.
Remind me next week and I'll help you spread the news.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tip about SciFiFantasyFreak.
And if you need any other places to spread the news, a year ago I posted a list at the IWSG. Some free, some with a cost.
I'll remind you tomorrow. *wiggling eyebrows*
DeleteThanks Captain. Always appreciated.
One of these days you guys are going to guilt me into writing reviews. One of these days...
ReplyDeleteHa
DeleteI have Wilder Mage and it is on my list to read and review soon. Just don't ask me how long it has been on my Kindle :)
ReplyDeleteI have way too many on my overburdened Kindle. Gotta get crackin' myself
DeleteAbout 6 months ago, I got a 1-star review for Soul Cutter, but it was so vitriolic and full of silly animated-gifs that it actually made me laugh. I've given up on getting new reviewers, too. I don't promote unless there's a sale - and that's baaaaad. I know I should do more, but who has the time? Wishing you good luck on your upcoming sale and don't ever let the stupid bad reviews get to you.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness. Really, what is the purpose to that kind of stuff? Like they want to show how clever they are or something. The meanness of it is chilling. Hiding behind their keyboards and congratulating themselves on how brave they are. My condolences. What a jerk.
DeleteFree promo is the best I think. I'm still not sure about paid advertising unless it gets into the mega-marketing realm that only big corporations and people with their hands on a lot of disposable liquidity that they won't miss when it's gone. And even throwing a ton of money after a book is questionable--I'd want to see some stats to be convinced.
ReplyDeleteI'd say slow patient easy-does-it works best. Hope for greatness but expect to live in the shadows of it unless your lucky enough of the spotlight to shine on you. And that can happen! Don't give up.
Arlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Tossing It Out