Authors: Improve Your Twitter Messaging and Control

Some helpful information about the use of twitter by authors by James Moushon on the blog hbpublications.blogspot.com.

He mentions Hootsuite. I use that and I think it is helpful. I have on my list to do to use bitly but hootsuite helps me shorten address, so it hasn’t been a priority. I also like his “add photo” and add a URL ideas. I think those are very smart strategies. I had not heard of the Amazoncart feature, which is another way to more easily link your book(s) to your readers, but he’s right – you could also just use a URL. If you are a twitter novice like me, this is all helpful information. Thanks James!

The eBook Author’s Corner: Authors: Improve Your Twitter Messaging and Control.

How To Write Fascinating Amazon Book Listings

Feb4

Karon Thackston gives some good advice about how to better describe/list your book for any site, really. I particularly like the power words. But all her examples are of non-fiction books and

non-fiction authors. I wish she had picked fiction examples. That’s a harder book to sell.

How To Write Fascinating Amazon Book Listings.

Christine Keleny – CKBooks Publishing
Where publishing dreams become reality

When You Feel Invisible in the Crowded Book Market

Jan28

I like Jody’s topic because I think every writer feels this way, whether we are working with a traditional publishing house or doing it ourselves – more and more marketing and promotion is being put on the writer.

Again – my advise to all who publish: persistence, persistence, persistence, in marketing, in events, in finding connections, in helping other writers, in reading and, of course, in writing.

Author, Jody Hedlund: When You Feel Invisible in the Crowded Book Market.

Book Marketing 101

Jan10

image from edit5523naz.wikispaces.com

So what does every author (whether from the traditional published side or the self-published side) struggle with? Book Marketing, of course. Just google those two words and see all the sites that will try and sell you some wonderful, surefire way to market your book. Before you actually hire someone, there are some basics book marketing things that your should try. (And only pay someone if you have a personal recommendation from someone you trust. Because marketing is such an issue for authors, there are a lot of people trying to hoodwink you, so beware!)

Some basic things to try:

♦ put yourself on goodreads as an author and do a book giveaway. It’s a great way to get seen and to make contacts! It’s also a way to get reviews.

♦ get as many reviews on amazon and goodreads as you can. Actually, this really should be your number one thing to do and something you never stop doing. It’s not easy because people are reluctant to do it but Reviews Sell Books! Giving away some ebooks for review, or discounted paper books to get a review. It is well worth the cost to you.

♦ put a review request in any paper book (as a book mark sort of deal with you signing the request) and in the back of any ebook.

♦ do local events at libraries, coffee shops and bookstores. Search out groups that might be interested in the topic or genre of your book and offer to come and talk.

♦ search for craft fairs and books fairs in your area. I have made many sales at craft fairs and made lots of good contacts, and it’s fun to talk to readers and have them come back the next year for another one of my books because they liked the first.

♦ I assume you have a website. That’s a very easy thing to do and very necessary in this day and age. I have mine through wordpress (my books blog [free] and my business blog [$99/year]). They are very easy and can even be free if you want.

♦ If you have a facebook page for you and your books (not a personal page but one devoted to writing, reading and your books, as well), that is a plus but not a must have. If you blog at all on your website (again, not necessary but an added perk to readers), then you can easily link your posts to your facebook page. Believe it or not, your readers want to know about you. Build a fan base by talking to them (and send a few discounted or free items their way just for following your website! They deserve that much).

These are some very basic ideas, but the more you do, the more people you can encounter and people (especially fans!) are your greatest asset.

And good luck!
Christine Keleny

The Future of Book Distribution

Nov4

Another informative post by Brook Warner of She Writes.

The Future of Book Distribution – She Writes.

How To Get Your Book Into Costco and specialty stores

Oct24

Thanks Penny. I’ve often wondered about costco but thought it was a no go because it was too big. See there, I learned something new today!

How To Get Your Book Into Costco and specialty stores.

How to Get a Truckload of Reviews on Amazon

Oct15

Penny has some very good ideas for getting reviews for your books. I would also recommend any book you give or sell should have a colored slip of paper asking for a review. Another idea is book giveaways or discounts for people willing to give you an honest review. And don’t forget to do book reviews yourself. If you expect to get them, you need to expect to give them!

How to Get a Truckload of Reviews on Amazon.

Warning: Discoverability Dependency is Hazardous to Your Fiction Marketing

Oct9

Jason Kong has some good ideas about the next steps in an authors marketing plan. Having been there, it does take your time to find these people: bloggers who speak to your type of reader, peers who are willing to collaborate (I have yet to try this yet), and of course, fans.

I would suggest pick one thing and start there for a week or two then move onto a second option, then the third and repeat…