This is my first post for "Writers On The Move" and I am so thrilled that I was invited to contribute to this blog. I am sharing one of my more popular posts from last month. I have learned that indie writers are always looking for marketing tips. If you see anything useful please take it and good luck. And if you know any helpful marketing tips; please leave a comment share with other struggling indie writers. I hope you enjoy.
It's my one month anniversary. I began this blog a little over one months ago; September 17 to be exact. I feel like a whiny girlfriend wanting to celebrate every little milestone. But I think it's important to note any noticeable achievements I've made in regards to my marketing plan so all of us small indie authors/publishers have at best a road map on what to expect when marketing our books.
So, here we go and I'll do it like David Letterman, just probably not as funny. Note: this information is assuming you already have your book published and available to the public.
10. Keep a journal. Its important to have some documentation for reference of your daily activities so you can better keep track of what you're doing. Mine is this blog.
9.Connect with other writers for moral support. It's important to surround yourself with positive people, like-minded artsy people; not folks that are going to tell you to get over it and try to convince you that what you're doing is just a pipe dream. I don't tell "regular" people my business because "regular" people are buzzkills. I don't even share too much of what I'm doing with my own husband because he's not an artist and doesn't get it. "Regular" people don't share my passion for writing, it's all dollars and cents to them and the last thing I wanna hear is, "so, how many books did you sell?" or "Is there any money in that?" Ughhh, get the hell away from me dude. So, I only talk about this to fellow writers.
8. "Big" magazines are willing to negotiate. Don't be afraid to contact an ad rep. I Googled, the top ten teen magazines and contacted the kind folks over at Girl's Life magazine. My hands shook the whole time wondering if they would even talk to a small fry like me. But, not only did they talk to me, they were willing to throw in a lot of extra sweeteners for my business; more than they advertised online. They want your business so they may not be as out of reach as one might think. I'm considering advertising with them the first of the year or early spring.
7. Be prepared for the giveaway. I purchased 10 books this month for giveaways. To date I have given away 8 books with two left to go. For me 10 books a month is manageable. Maybe for someone else, it's 5 books a month or 20 book. And don't forget to budget for postage. Ask for the book rate at the Post Office, it'll take 7-10 days to get to the winner instead of 3-5 days but its way cheaper than First Class.
6.Connect with book bloggers in your genre. This is crucial. Find a blog directory in your particular genre and start working your way down the list. I made it my job to send out 10 emails a day asking YA bloggers if I could participate in a giveaway, interview or guest post in exchange for a review of my book. Out of 10 emails I'd might get one response. Some of them didn't have time for reviews but agreed to a giveaway. Book bloggers need giveaways to maintain their site. It's a two way street, they need the giveaway and we need the exposure. I would have at least one giveaway going per week.
5.Get a website and book trailer. It's a no brainier. I have a website for the book series but not a personal author's website. There are plenty of do-it-yourself sites where you pick a template and just add photos and information. The one I have cost only $9.99 per month and is super easy to use. If it's possible try to create a book trailer and place it on Youtube. I created my own trailer using stock footage. And don't forget to connect it to all of your social media as well.
4.Social media is a must. I'm not a fan but its a must. I got a Twitter account for myself and a separate one for the book. Don't forget a Facebook "Like" page for the book and make sure to connect everything to your website, your e-mail, your book trailer, your FB account and the Twitter account.
3. Just go ahead and pay for a Facebook ad. A Facebook ad is inexpensive, simple and easy to create, just make sure you have an attractive ad and able to sell it in about 50 words or less. If you've ever had to create a classified ad it's similar to that. I went through a couple of ads before settling on the one I'm using now. You can connect your FB ad to either your website or your "Like" page. Pay attention to the demographics as well. Mine were United State, ages 14-18, male and females interested in literature and reading. They have demographic choices down to the zip code and personal hobbies and activities. The bids for cost per click is negotiable and can be changed at your discretion as long as it falls within the "bid range". On the weekends where user activity was high, I paid $0.40 per click but on for example a Tuesday where user activity was low, I only paid $0.19 per click. You're allowed to set your own budget, dates and even time of day the users will see your ad. Super useful for exposure, not sales. To date with a two week ad; over 70,000 people have seen my ad at least 3 times. The first week I sent the ad directly to my website and the second week I sent my ad directly to the "Like" page. I prefer the "Like" page because I know exactly who's interested in my book and I can vet them later as potential customers. I've had 4 sales as a direct result from my FB ad. So, again, its good for exposure, not sales.
2. Goodreads.com is another must. I didn't know about Goodreads.com until I received my first review from one of the bloggers. It's like FB but for bookworms. You can create an Authors Page where you can upload your books, write reviews, find friends, join groups, upload your blog, excerpts from your book, participate in giveaways for your book, and of course connect to your FB and twitter account. I spend a good part of my day managing my Authors Page. the resources are endless.
1.Be productive everyday to keep yourself inspired and focused. Hey, guys if you like this; sign up and take the one year journey with me. http://vicihoward.blogspot.com or http://www.thechickfriendsrules.com
The Writer’s Block – tips for smashing through your blocks
Writers are writers because they write. Sounds simple enough, but the reality is they write because they can’t not write. It begins in many different ways…a diary, journal, maybe a short poem, eventually leading to the realization that one is a writer.
Hitting a creative block is frustrating territory for a writer. I have known fellow writers to stop writing for months because they were overwhelmed by their inability to move their story forward. Why they are stuck is not as important as a willingness to jump back in. If you are experiencing a creative block try one of the following strategies.
1. Natalie Goldberg suggests scheduling daily timed writing practices where you keep your pen moving as a way to develop your writing muscle. I don’t engage in daily timed writing but I have found that this technique helps me break through blocks when I’m feeling stuck. It’s simple…when the timer starts you begin writing and keep the pen moving. Start with a 10 minute session. Eventually increase to 40 minutes if possible. I have done this practice where I end of up with three pages of gibberish:
“This is stupid I can’t think of anything, I’m stuck…stuck…stuck. I’m soooooo frustrated. I don’t know where this character is going…blah blah blah. I don’t like doing this. What is the point? I’m moving my pen but going nowhere. This story is really stuck…nothing..nothing..nothing..”
Eventually at about the 8 minute mark something sneaks through my mental chatter and I am writing and don’t want to stop. For me, the trick is in keeping the pen moving. If I stop the pen then my mind says “I don’t know what to write” and the page remains blank.
2. E.B. White said, “Write about it by day, and dream about it by night.” When struggling on the direction of a piece or how to end a story, trying using your dream state to nudge your work along. Put a notebook next to your bed and climb into bed. Then, write down the issue you’re struggling with. Close the notebook, ask the universe to help you discover the answer and go to sleep. When you wake up before you climb out of bed, write down your first thoughts. Try this for at least a week or until you unlock your block.
If allowed to grow, writer’s block can fester and became a wound so big it kills a manuscript. Before that happens, I use one of these strategies to push through. What do you do when you are feeling stuck?
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Mary Jo Guglielmo is an intuitive life strategist that helps clients push through their blocks, envision their path and take the necessary action to live their true north. For more information check out www.donorth.biz
www.facebook.com/DoNorth.biz
Have You Considered Writing Greeting Card or Fillers for Extra Cash?
As authors, we struggle to balance writing time, marketing time, and family life with paying the bills and bringing in adequate income. Have you considered writing fillers or greeting cards to bring in added funds? Writing fillers and verse can take less time, marketing is not such an issue because you submit and don’t have to continue to have a marketing plan for one or two cards or puzzles, and they can be fun.
Writing greeting cards or fillers is the ultimate in writing tight. You have to make your sentiment known in fewer words than a story, novel, or magazine article. You must touch the emotional side of the reader or buyer for cards and grab the interest of the reader immediately for writing fillers. Some of the same rules apply to writing fillers that apply to greeting cards.
- Study the market. Writing for a greeting card company is as important and professional as writing for a publisher. Knowing your market and what is being published will help you hone your writing skills to meet their needs. The same goes for fillers. Does the magazine you target use puzzles, quotes, brain teasers, or number games? Writing requires you to know your market.
- Write your words or verse as if you are writing it for a friend. If it appeals to one person, more likely than not, it will appeal to the masses. Write your filler in the same way. It should be aimed at a single reader because if one reader likes it so will others.
- Be specific. If the card is for a friend, say so. If it is for a mom, dad, sister, aunt, etc make sure your words are special to that audience. If the puzzle is for a child, send it to a children’s magazine and if your filler is more for adults, don’t try to send it to a kid’s publication.
- Target specific publishers that fit your writing style. Don’t try to rhyme if that is not what you are good at. Don’t try number puzzles if you are not good at math. Write what you feel in your heart and then write it tighter to fit your target.
- Be persistent. Write everyday and continue to hone your writing skills.
- When you are ready to submit, follow the writer’s guidelines just like you would for a magazine or book publisher. If they say to put one verse per index card, then do it. If they don’t want a word search filler, then by all means don’t send them one. Guidelines are meant to weed out those that are not professional. Make your submission shine by following every guideline suggested.
Terri Forehand
Author of The Cancer Prayer Book
http://terri-forehand.blogspot.com
www.terriforehand.com
Calling Authors, Do you have a blog for your book?
Do you have a blog for your book? If you don’t have a blog for your book, why not.
The time to begin a blog and promotion for your book to create a following and desire in readers for your book is before you write it. Trying to promote your book after you’ve written it, is like locking the barn door after the horses are gone.
With the changes in the publishing business occurring almost daily, it is up to authors to get their head into a business mindset. Traditional publishers want to know what type of marketing plan the author has in place as well as what kind of following they have.
A completely different set of dynamics come into play when authors decide to self-publish their book. The bottom line is still promotion and marketing to sell their book unless they are writing books for fun and not money.
When an author self publishes their book, it is up to the author to proofread the book for errors and get them corrected before the book gets into the hands of the readers and reviewers.
Authors need to ask the following questions:
Are the facts and locations correct?
Are there any spelling errors?
Have I used the correct word?
Are there any formatting errors?
Are there any orphan words?
Are there any punctuation errors?
Is the font readable?
Is the capitalization correct in all places?
Is the tense consistent?
Is the dialogue correct for the character in their location, time, and age?
Are there hooks to keep the reader engaged?
These are a few of the items authors need to examine before publication, and while proofreading their copy of the completed published book before it reaches the store, and the hands of the reader. Reviewers will appreciate it.
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Robert Medak is a Freelance Writer/Editor/Reviewer/Marketer and sole proprietor of Robert J Medak Writing & More. His URL is http://stormywriter.com
Dedicated Writing Time in a World of Distractions
Writers dream of
the day they can quit their day-job and go full-time. The writer’s life is what
we crave. Work out of a home office, wear our pajamas all day, and write to our
heart’s content. The only problem? Distractions everywhere we look and phone
calls because people think you’re not doing anything because you’re at home.
Unfortunately, it all comes down to the old concept of time management. I know
that probably isn’t the answer that most of you want. I’m not sure it was the
answer I wanted, but it is our reality. Each of us has twenty-four hours each
day to work with and make the most of.
Over the past
fourteen years I’ve written part-time as an op-ed writer, ghostwriter, and
fiction writer. How much success I enjoy or you enjoy in the writing profession
depends on your dedication and determination. Most of us find great
satisfaction in completing a manuscript and submitting it for publication. When
the UPS truck arrives with a box of your books you celebrate, promote, and
write another book.
In my experience, I
meet my deadlines and make time to write by staying organized. When I allow distractions
to derail me and I don’t follow through, then I waste valuable writing time.
Life happens and we need to take care of family and situations, but it’s
important to get back on track.
Some of my favorite
ways of staying organized:
·
One is a procedural notebook that has “how-to”
information for all those tasks like mail merges, e-book formatting, contact
lists, and a record of user names and passwords. I only have to figure out how
to do something once and every time after that I refer to my procedure notes.
·
Secondly, I keep research notebooks as well as
book marked websites and document files that I can refer to again and again.
For example, resources for first century historical and Christian fiction books
provide information many times over. I don’t have to repeat research time.
·
Third, I keep a notebook for tracking charts to record
submission deadlines and status for those submissions, agent and editor
information, guest blogging, upcoming classes or presentation, and conferences.
It only takes a few moments to do it as you go.
A new year is coming soon. Get yourself organized one step
at a time so it doesn’t overwhelm you and then work to keep up with it. You’ll
experience a relief in knowing where things are and not repeating the same
learning curve over and over. Most of all you’ll realize more time to write.
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Dianne G. Sagan is an award winning
author who has participated in anthologies and collections but her primary
writing is Christian/Historical fiction and women’s fiction.
Dianne’s newest release, coming out
in time for Christmas shopping, Tools and
Tips: What Every Writer Needs to Know to Go “Pro” is available at http://www.diannegsagan.biz
Her New Testament women series, Rebekah Redeemed and The Fisherman’s Wife are available in
print and ebook. You can find out more about upcoming volumes in the series and
Dianne at http://www.diannegsagan.biz
Follow her at http://diannesagan.wordpress.com Or contact her at dgsagan@yahoo.com
Procrastination
Anyone can do any amount of work, provided it isn't the work he is supposed to be doing at that moment. ~ Robert Benchley
We all procrastinate . . . In some area of our lives. As writers, though, procrastination is a problem when it keeps us from the page. Some may refer to this as "writer's block," but it's procrastination at its worst. So what is the way to overcome your writing procrastination? Sit in the chair and write. It's true eventually something is written down. It may take a while, but it happens. At first you may write just thoughts about how angry you are about not being able to write, but those are words and once started things open up.
Another time where procrastination hits is when it's time to rewrite.
Books aren't written - they're rewritten. Including your own. It is one of the hardest things to accept, especially after the seventh rewrite hasn't quite done it.
~ Michael Crichton
Rewriting is tough. Let's be honest, you pour your heart and soul into the first draft and then spend weeks and months working to perfect it. At some point it has to be done, but when is that?
First take the time to see your work through new eyes. Read through your work aloud making sure characters are consistent in dialog and behavior throughout. Check each scene to determine whether it's truly necessary. Remove all passive sentence construction and of course, check your spelling and grammar.
Done? Not yet. Now it's ready to be given to someone else to read. Remember, your goal is to have produced not just a book, but one worth reading by others. Don't let procrastination stop you, instead, stay focused and push through. Good luck.
___________________________________________________________________________
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D. Jean Quarles is a writer of Women's Fiction. She loves to tell stories of personal growth – where success has nothing to do with money or fame, but of living life to the fullest. She is the author of Rocky's Mountains, Fire in the Hole and, Perception, her latest book dealing with the subject of death and the afterlife. The Mermaid, an award winning short story was published in the anthology, Tales from a Sweltering City.
She is a wife, mother, grandmother and business coach. In her free time . . . ha! ha! ha! Anyway, you can find more about D. Jean Quarles, her writing and her books at her website at www.djeanquarles.com
You can also follower her at www.djeanquarles.blogspot.com or on Facebook
Or you can just contact her at d.jeanquarles@yahoo.comWriters on the Move’s Authors’ Books for the Holiday Season
Yup, the holiday season is just about upon us and many, who think ahead and have already started their shopping, are now looking for great holiday gifts for the adults and children in their lives.
Since Writers on the Move has very talented authors who offer everything from poetry to children’s books to mysteries to anthologies to historical fiction to non-fiction how-to books available as amazing gifts for just about anyone and any age, we’ve put together a list of MUST HAVE BOOKS to give you some ideas.
So, please scroll down to the bottom of the list and be sure to click on the links to find out more about each book.
Off we go.
Writers on the Move’s Authors’ Books for Holiday Season Gifts
Walking Through Walls
Children’s middle-grade/young adult fantasy adventure
Amazon Link
Book Info Link: http://walkingthroughwalls-kcioffi.blogspot.com
Day’s End Lullaby
Children’s bedtime picture book with sheet music to lullaby included
Amazon Link
Book Info Link: http://daysendlullaby.blogspot.com
Karen Cioffi
http://karencioffi.com
http://karencioffiwritingandmarketing.com
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Dancing With The Pen
A collection of today's best youth writing -- this groundbreaking anthology features stories, poems and essays by more than 65 kids and teenagers from all around the world. For each copy sold, a new book will be donated to a disadvantaged child through Write On! For Literacy. http://www.writeonbooks.org
3 a.m.
Award-winning collection of short stories has been featured on the PBS book talk show "Between the Lines" and has been acclaimed by both teenagers and adults.
Amazon Link
Dallas Woodburn, award winning author
http://dallaswoodburn.blogspot.com
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State of Wilderness
Book 1 of 50 in the JGDS, 50-state, mystery, trivia series
Amazon
Ma America, The Travelin' Maven (Elysabeth Eldering)
http://jgdsseries.blogspot.com
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The Cancer Prayer Book
Self-Help: A wonderful and meaningful gift for a loved one or friend going through the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. It has chapters on Diagnosis and Waiting, Family, Self Image, Healing, Seeking Wisdom, Keeping the Faith, and more.
http://dreamwordspublishing.com
ISBN: 978-1-4507-2599-6
Terri Forehand RN, author
http://thecancerprayerbook.blogspot.com
http://terri-forehand.blogspot.com
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Leap…Laugh…Plop
Kick…Catch…Buzzzz
Guess…Giggle…Wiggle
Children's picture books: These wonderful books keep children laughing and learning with each turn of the page.
Martha Swirzinski, M.A.
http://www.MovementPlus.com
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Blooming Red: Christmas Poetry for the Rational
By Carolyn Howard-Johnson and Magdalena Ball
Cover watercolor by Vicki Thomas
http://www.budurl.com/BloomingRed
"This volume is full of delight." ~ Margaret Fieland, author
Discounted in quantities of 25 or more (for use as holiday greeting cards):
http://howtodoitfrugally.com/more_on_blooming_red.htm/
Carolyn Howard-Johnson
Instructor for nearly a decade at the renowned UCLA Extension Writers' Program
The Frugal Book Promoter ( http://budurl.com/FrugalBkPromo ) :
Web site: http://www.howtodoitfrugally.com
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Repulsion Thrust
Poetry: "Wonderful. The work covers a lot of ground while keeping a poetic sensibility, which is hard to do. We need more singularity-aware art." Ray Kurzweil
Buy it at Amazon
Sleep Before Evening
Literary fiction: Marianne is teetering at the edge of reason. “Buy this book. And relish every moment of it.”
Buy it at Amazon
Magdalena Ball
http://www.compulsivereader.com/html
http://www.magdalenaball.com
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The Golden Pathway
The struggle against slavery with no regard to one's safety - age 8-12http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm
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The Women of Camp Sobingo
Historical fiction, WWII era
The Unexplored Heart
Victorian era, Historical romance/adventure
Forces of Nature
Suspense, Natural Disaster
Once a Brat, Always a Brat
Memoir with contributions from other Military Brats
Marilyn Celeste Morris, Author
Buy Link: http://www.vanillaheartbooksandauthors.com/Marilyn_Morris.html
http://mcmauthor.wordpress.com/
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Trouble on Earth Day
Children's picture book by Kathy Stemke
Purchase at http://shshshletthebabysleep.blogspot.com
More info on this author and Free monthly newsletter sign up: http://educationtipster.blogspot.com
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Cowgirl Dreams
Western historical fiction: Nettie Brady bucks 1920s convention with dreams of becoming a rodeo star. Based on the author’s grandmother, a real Montana cowgirl
http://www.trebleheartbooks.com/SDHeidithomas.html
B&N Nook Edition
Follow the Dream
Sequel to Cowgirl Dreams: Life during the Great Depression brings unrelenting hardships and challenges to Nettie’s family and lifelong rodeo dreams.
http://www.trebleheartbooks.com/SDHeidithomas.html
Kindle edition
Heidi M. Thomas
http://heidiwriter.wordpress.com
http://www.heidimthomas.com/books.html
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We're sure you'll find something from the books above that will be the perfect gift for this holiday season!
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Until next time,
Karen Cioffi
Author, Ghostwriter, Editor, Inbound Marketing Instructor
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