Celebrating Independent Authors
Most writers think gimmicks are stupid. Well, I’m here to dispel that rumor. Gimmicks, if used effectively and “discreetly,” can benefit book sales greatly. Sometimes it’s not WHAT your gimmick is, but WHO your gimmick is. Yes, who. And my who has two legs, feathers, and at times, an attitude.
Meet my PR guy: Continue reading “When Your PR Guy Clucks”
Guest Post
by Michael Poeltl
It’s a fact that people engage with video almost three times longer than a static post or ad. That’s your first indication that video is your way forward. The other is that video can pack a visual punch a meme or gif just can’t accomplish. Consider an author reading passages from his or her book and the tension that accompanies it by standing in front of a group of people. If you’re lucky, you’ve filled the seats. If not, that anxious feeling could ruin your night. That’s stressful. Video readings, on the other hand, are completely stress-free. Do it from the comfort of your favourite chair. I was actually kind of nervous even to sit in front of the camera the first time, but with now over 20 videos behind me, the pace and comfort level at which I’m doing these video readings has increased ten-fold. Continue reading “Video is King When Marketing as an Author”
Are you tired of hearing the same people tell you the same things about what you need to do to publish your books and connect with readers? Me too. Recently I walked the periphery of Indie Land and spoke to some of the authors on the outside. You know – the ones who sell more than a modest amount of books and cross the line from time to time. The ones who know that all the information we receive about professionalism and product and content are common sense. The ones who will threaten to smack you if you suggest one more time that it all starts by writing a book that readers want to read. We know that already. Here’s some wisdom those fringers have asked me to pass along to you. Continue reading “Burgers & Books, 1-Star Reviews & Other Peculiar Author Marketing Ideas”
So you’ve completed your magnum opus and you’ve just released it out into the world. Time to sit back and enjoy the rave reviews and rich royalties that come rolling your way? No, not quite. You still have some work to do. As a matter of fact, with the reach of the Internet and so many social media forums, there are a zillion things that you could do, should do, can do, to include the new book in your online presence and to get the word out. After all, you want to ride that wave before the 30-day cliff hits!
Having a check list is a good idea, because it would be easy to overlook those areas where you don’t check in frequently or spend a lot of time. How many times have you stumbled over an old bio tucked away somewhere, and it doesn’t have your last three books? Your profiles are already out there; don’t waste the opportunity to tout the new book.
Update Your Online Presence Continue reading “After the Book Release: An Author To-Do List”