The first brick has fallen. More to follow. Just thought you might like to know.
Alisha Rai’s erotic novel ‘Serving Pleasure’ is named one of the best romance novels of 2015.
Source: Romance finally breaks The Post’s ‘No Self-Published Books’ rule – The Washington Post
Here is another award that is accepting submission through November 1. I don’t know much about these folks, but I thought I’d pass it along in case anyone out there is writing literary works. They are looking for:
contemporary literary fiction
historical literary fiction
short story collection
science fiction
fantasy
young adult
To be honest, I’m not sure what is considered “literary” works. The word snob comes to mind, but that’s just my gut talking. 🙂 It’s only $55 to enter so that’s not too bad.
Source: Literary Fiction Book Review Award
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For those of you who have books that would fit into a college library or bookstore, Carolyn Howard-Johnson has an idea for you that someone she knows tried and had some success with.
I have tried a similar strategy with my first book (“Rosebloom” which was a IPPY award winner) with public libraries. Most libraries didn’t respond, but a few did. Sometimes it lead to visiting the library and doing a talk about the book (It was for a historical fiction book, though I’m not sure that mattered).
Was it cost/time effective?
I’m not sure. I haven’t had the time to do it again for other books I’ve since published. But it didn’t cost that much to do, it was mostly a time thing – looking up the library, trying to find the person to send the letter to… but it’s another marketing strategy to put on your ever-growing list! 🙂
Source: Sharing with Writers and Readers: Book Sales: Targeting Education Sellers
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For midwesterners – I’d also recommend the Midwest Book Award. I agree with Maria – My first book won an IPPY Award (independent Publishers) and my last book was a finalist for a Midwest Book Award. Both organizations have stickers (electronic and paper) you can purchase to put on your books. I find I have gotten more traction from award books from individuals than organizations like bookstores or libraries but then I don’t know who has taken a second look but didn’t decide to pick up my book, and I consider second looks a good thing too! 🙂
And remember – most (if not all) awards can only be entered for the book published the previous year e.g., 2016 award for a 2015 published book. Application dates will vary depending on the award so check them out in the fall of the year you published your book. You may have until the spring to enter but you may not.
Source: Book Marketing Tip: Apply for Awards – She Writes
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I thought I would share this post from Maria Murnane because it illustrates what anyone who is trying to market their work needs: a good sense of humor and persistence.
I have also set up events around my books that no one showed up for. It happens. But then there are events like what I did last evening at the WJ Niederdorn Library in Port Washington, WI and 20 people showed up and we had a nice time together talking about my book. I started out by talking about myself and my 4 other books I have in print (which I had on display, of course) and I ended up selling 5 books – only 2 were the book I was talking about! (So make sure you bring all of your books to any one-book event and business cards!)
And hang in there. Not everything you try is going to work but some things will and that’s what counts.
CreateSpace Community: Resources: Book Marketing Is an Emotional Roller Coaster
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It’s always a good idea, and fun as well, to connect with our readers. It helps build a fan base and there is nothing better than a books fan. Word of mouth is a wonderful thing.
I like doing this at book events, but those only happen a few times a year. Tracy Weber gives us some good ideas about how to connect with readers even when you’re not in front of them at a book sale or signing. There are some good ideas for your reader’s e-newsletter. I know I’m going to use some of them.
InkSpot: Fifty Ways to Show Readers Some Love (Part 1).
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Laurence has made some good suggestions about tweeting for book sales. Take a peek:
7 Must-Do Tactics for Promotional Tweets | BooksGoSocial Book Marketing Blog.
Laurence O’Bryan has made some good points here, even though it might not be what writers want to hear.
It’s worth a read for anyone who wants to get into the book selling business and for those who are struggling – hang in there! I’ve heard it over and over – persistence, persistence, persistence.
I’l also add #8 Try and help a fellow writer at least one time per day – share a tweet, like a blog post, share a facebook post… We have to stick together in this tough business and help each other. That way we all make progress.
How Book Selling Really Works – Updated | BooksGoSocial Book Marketing Blog.
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I got this post from Lynette Davis’s blog. The original post if from Chris Mandeville. It is something every writer should read!
The Right Tool for the Job: Logline.
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For authors In this day in age of mobile devices, it is very important to know if you have have a mobile friendly website. Check and see if your site is mobile like your readers! If it’s not, it’s time to fix it!
Christine Keleny
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Where Publishing Dreams Become Reality
Today, Google released a change to its algorithm that gives higher search scores to sites it deems “mobile-friendly.” Curious WordPressers might be asking:
Visit Google’s mobile-friendly test link and enter your site’s address (e.g., http://dailypost.wordpress.com or http://automattic.com). Google will then analyze your site and declare it mobile-friendly or not.
Did your site pass? YAY! Pass GO and collect $200 from the Community Chest.
If your site failed Google’s test, you might be using an older theme that’s not responsive. Responsive themes change their layout slightly when someone visits via tablet or mobile phone to ensure that important content like the site title, post titles, and post content can be read on smaller screens.
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