Tag: book events

Presentation Skills for the Terminally Introverted Author

I don’t know if isolation is a requirement or a side effect of the indie lifestyle. I do know that I spend a lot of time alone. This tweaks up a whole crazy busload of quirks. I talk to myself. I answer my own rhetorical questions. At times, in my black, coffee-stained hoodie, I could be mistaken for a shorter version of the Unabomber.

And then I write a book and get it published. Sure, I could hunker down with my moldy coffee mugs, fingernails reaching Howard Hughes lengths, husband threatening to hog-tie me and drive me to the hair salon, where I’ll be forcibly pruned and sheared. But I’ve been told by professionals who know these things that a good way to sell books is to actually GO OUTSIDE and TALK TO PEOPLE IN GROUPS. Continue reading “Presentation Skills for the Terminally Introverted Author”

Smashwords Kicks Off “Read an E-Book” Week!

Smashwords LogoRead an Ebook Week starts Sunday, so please click to the home page to enroll your books now. Here’s a direct link to the promotion.

Smashwords is going to give it heavier than usual promotion this year with an email blast to all registered Smashwords members (a very BIG number), so please enroll now. The sale starts Sunday and ends at the 11:50pm Saturday evening, Pacific time.

 

Book Signing Basics Part One

Lust for Danger at B. DaltonA first time author asked about book signings. Here is my input/advice:

Honestly? Book signings are a pain in the ass. That’s only because they’re a lot of work and preparation for a usually small return on investment. They are a necessity, nonetheless.

Don’t be discouraged if only a couple of people show up and you don’t sell any books. That’s normal for a first book. And to add insult to injury, the most commonly asked questions (depending on if you’re in a mall or stand-alone book store) will be A) where are the Harry Potter books? and B) where is the restroom or food court. Be prepared for that and DO NOT take it personally. It’s no reflection on you whatsoever. It takes time to build a following where people will actually want to be where you are… Continue reading “Book Signing Basics Part One”