Tag Archive | laurence O’bryan

6 (7) Ways You Are Destroying Your Chances of Finding Readers 

Feb3

Laurence O’Bryan of BooksGoSocial makes some very good points about how to find readers.

And as he says, it’s a long haul game. It takes time and effort to do these things, but they are all doable. Make a “to do” list and slowly work your way through it, making sure you acknowledge your accomplishments along the way. It’s a learning experience, so don’t expect perfection. Miss-steps are part of the process (especially if writing and publishing is a new “game” for you), but you can decrease some of that by checking out Laurence’s list.

And I’d add one more way:
-7)  Not connecting with other writers.
So much can be learned and eased on this journey by connecting with other writers. There are lots of online writer’s groups out there (SCBWI, ALLI are just two examples) which can give you loads of help, information, and connection. And when writer’s conferences are again a thing – and they will be! – they are a great place to connect locally, in addition to a fun way to learn ways to up your writing game.

(Note: I can not give a thumbs up or down for the services mentioned in the post, but I have used their Netgalley services with good results.)

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Source: 6 Ways You Are Destroying Your Chances of Finding Readers |

CKBooks Publishing
Where Publishing Dreams Become Reality

10 Tips on Amazon Ads for Authors

Aug21

Image result for keep on keeping on image

Laurence O’Bryan’s of Books Go Social post on Amazon ads has some helpful information. Most notably the link to kindlepreneur and a free book description tool. A good book description is very important!

Laurence mentions that it’s important to have some good reviews – I’d suggest at least 10, but more is better.  If you’re going to spend money on advertising, having reviews will help you spend your money more wisely. Remember, all reviews don’t need to be 4 or 5 stars. In fact, I think the reviews look more legitimate if there are a few 3 star reviews, not that you have any control over this. I just mention it because not everyone who reads your book will LOVE it and potential readers know this, so don’t worry when you get a few 3 star reviews. Hopefully your average is 4/5 or above.

I also agree that you shouldn’t spend more than you can afford. Pay attention to the ads – what they are charging and what money are you making. Keep in mind, the money they say you are making doesn’t take into account the discount – the 70% or 30% that Laurence mentions (item #5).

Note: I am not endorsing Books Go Social or the things they want to sell you in this post, but I know they are a good company and I do think they have author’s interests at heart – just below staying solvent (as all companies). I have not tried their free AMS ad course, so I can’t speak on that, but I think your keyword choice and your ad copy are two things that are very important with AMS ads. Those that can use computer-generated ad key words have an advantage. Unfortunately, that is not most of us, so we have to do our best.

Anyone who tries BGS free course, please share what you think. If I eek out some time to do it myself. I’ll also share what think.

Keep on Keeping on!

https://services4authors.com/2018/07/27/10-critical-things-to-know-before-you-spend-big-on-your-amazon-ads/

Important News for SF & Fantasy Writers!

Feb5

If you are a fantasy or Scifi writer, you’ll want to read this post about the scholarship that George R.R. Martin is offering.

Image result for image of George r r martin

The Game of Thrones author will provide tuition, fees and lodging for one student at an “intensive” six-week workshop at the Clarion West Writers Workshop in Seattle, US.

Go here for more details: https://www.thebookseller.com/news/martin-funds-new-scholarship-sff-and-fantasy-writers-719866

Maybe if you live in the Seattle area and you don’t get the scholarship, you might want to pay to go yourself. If Martin is endorsing the workshop, it probably is a good one.

Thank you Laurence O’Bryan of BooksGoSocial for cluing me into this opportunity. And thank you George! A wonderful author supporting other authors.

How Book Selling Really Works – Updated for 2016 | BooksGoSocial Book Marketing Blog

Jun24

Laurence O’Bryan writes about some realities about book publishing – he has made some good points, especially at the end when he says, “Don’t underestimate the amount of work you will need to do to make your Alice-like dreams come true. I read again and again about writers whose fourth, tenth or fourteenth book hit the big time. Think about how many years those writers invested in their craft and in nurturing their readers.”

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If you’re a new author, traditionally or independently published, one of the problems that you face is that you may not understand how book selling really works. The publishing world in 2016 is similar to a Mad Hatter’s tea party.…

 How Book Selling Really Works – Updated for 2016 | BooksGoSocial Book Marketing Blog

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Where Publishing Dreams Become Reality

How Book Selling Really Works

Jul13

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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Where Publishing Dreams Become Reality