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The Online Marketing Symposium!
It's time to share tips, ideas, and fails with people in the writing community.
Thanks to
for thinking of this excellent idea!
I'm hardly a marketing expert.
As a matter of fact, marketing is the bane of my writing existence.
I have very few clever ideas. If I had some magic bullet for acquiring readers and book sales, I'd surely be doing it.
But I don't.
But one thing I do know...when in doubt, ask people who do know what they're doing!
So, I went to a couple of my fellow World Castle writers and asked them...how do you sell books?!
Kathi Barton is one of World Castle's best selling writer. Her latest book tore its way to the top of Amazon's list. Kathi said she didn't know any magical tips, but suggested interacting with readers. It's the fan/friends idea. Come on down out of the writer tower and interact with readers.
I agree. Readers weren't put on this earth to buy our books and make our writing dreams come true. Appreciate every sale and let the reader know...you'd be nothing without them.
Alexandria Weiss is another World Castle pace setter. She keeps adding titles to her list like the pro she is. I asked Alex what she thought the key to marketing was and she said "patience". Very few books are shooting stars, but plenty of writers steadily produce good books that eventually make it financially worth their time.
I'd love to have a beautiful, fluffy long tail like both of these ladies! Then I could hope for a reader to pick up one of my books...like it, and then grab another from the list...then another...and another. Pretty soon, with time and patience...I'd be selling books!
Kathi and Alex, being the great gals that they are, have offered books to a lucky reader! Leave a comment and you could win an ebook!
Kathi is offering up Ryland, a paranormal romance:
A wet washcloth was handed to Alistair and he slapped it none too gently on the back of her neck. She tried to lift her head and he pushed her back down and glared at his brother. He had to take his anger out on someone, and he was the perfect target for it. “You had to scare her off on the first day, didn’t you? You just couldn’t stand the fact that you didn’t know that Colette wouldn’t work for you and that I’d found you suitable help in the meantime.” His brother started to speak, but Bronwyn lifted her head again and he shoved her back down. “You should be horse whipped.”
The shrill whistle made him leap from Bronwyn. He’d heard men whistle like that, but never a woman. He smiled at her when she stood. Damn, but this girl had spirit.
Alex is offering Cover to Covers, a contemporary romance
A man driven by his desires
Tyler Moore is considered cold, ruthless, and determined to get everything he wants. CEO of a flourishing oil company, he thrives on order and never gives up control to anyone.
The woman from his past
Monique Delome has left her unhappy past behind to pursue her dream of becoming a writer. Love is something she believes is better suited to the pages of her novels and not meant for real life.
Whether in the boardroom or the bedroom, Tyler Moore is always in charge. But when Monique Delome walks back into his life, everything changes. A successful romance author, all the sexy leading men Monique writes about strangely remind everyone of Tyler. Intrigued, Tyler sets out to seduce the one woman he could never forget. Soon Tyler gets more than he bargained for, and his grip on his well-ordered life is turned upside down.
Tyler Moore is about to find out what happens when a romantic tale jumps from the pages and comes to life between the sheets.
I like the idea of having several books on your list to sell. It helps all your sales.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of having several too, but boy is it work!
DeleteThat's a very good point - interacting with fans. I do, but always let them approach me first - should I change that and approach them? Interesting...and something the shy writer has a hard time doing.
ReplyDeleteAnd more than one book lets the readers know you're not a flash in the pan. Great advice. Thanks for participating in the blog hop!
I'm not the boldest gal in the world, so I feel your pain Yolanda! I don't like to be hassled by people who are pushing their books, but I think just diving into the conversations on facebook and building online relationships would work in the long haul. I met a writer online and bought her books long before I published my own stories because she felt like (and still does feel like) a friend. I have also met some who only appear online when they are selling a book, that is a turn off.
DeleteProblem is, it's time consuming! I love being online, so it's not a hassle, it's just really hard to find that much time to do it.
I'd suggest here that you both get yourself a street team. I love mine. What they do for you is amazing and I'd be lost without mine. They promote you everywhere on a daily basis when I just need to finish another chapter. (It happens a lot too. lol) . We have an online page that I give them book updates, story plot lines or just ask for help in a series. But what I get from them is priceless. They keep me focused and feeling good about me. And sometimes, that's all we need to get ourselves back at the key board when we're feeling discouraged about a bad review or a nasty comment.
DeleteKathi, a street team? Got to figure out how that's done, but love the idea! Thanks!
DeleteMy mind is spinning Kathi with who I could rope into doing that sort of thing for me. A few names come to mind...
Deleteshe's absolutely write...I mean right! come out of the tower and talk to your friends! they will be the ones buying and saying to others to check it out!
ReplyDeleteI heart you girlie!!
I heart you too girlie! I know you have given me several shout outs and I love you mucho for it...and just for being all around awesome.
DeleteMarketing is important for all writers. Learn all you can.
ReplyDeleteI plan to hit every stop in the symposium and take notes!
DeleteI firmly believe there isn't a trick for marketing. Write a good book, talk to people and hope for the best lol!
ReplyDeleteYep, it definitely starts with writing a good book!
DeleteI think Kathi Barton hit the nail on the head. If you blog/ Facebook page/ Twitter feed is constantly "buy my book" no one is going to care. If you're an interesting person, that connects with fellow readers and writers on a personal level, then people will be more inclined to listen when you do mention your book.
ReplyDeleteI agree Clare. I hate it when writers treat me like a pocket book not a human. It's so insulting!
DeletePatience sounds like the best advice of all. And something I can actually do!
ReplyDeleteSome days I have patience, some days not.
DeleteInteracting and making friends is so important. I rarely talk about my books, but I will talk about my blogging buddies.
ReplyDeleteThanks for participating in the symposium!
You are the master of being a friend, Alex! People could learn a lot from you.
DeleteShow them that you're a person too. With families and goof ups. Sheesh, I would rather tell them about how I fell in the dirt then my book. I'm very backward about those but love love love my family.
DeleteI'm glad you said that Kathi. Lately, I've had post update status block because I got it in my head I had to think of something profound and writerly. But I think you guys are right...just be ourselves...let readers get to know us. Thanks!
DeleteI think interacting is great, I am not sure how to do all that... I am afraid of people when it comes to sharing... me.
ReplyDeleteJeremy H.
There's no earthly way of knowing.
Which direction we are going!
[Being-Retro]
Finding the time is definitely the sticky point. So frustrating.
DeleteI put myself on a schedule. I dont mean that I only share during those times but I make it a point to do so on those times. Its different for each day. But at the same time, I don't do it when I have my family over. They are too important to miss out on. Books will still be there in the morning but kids grow up too fast.
DeleteI totally fell behind this summer when my son was home from college. I swore I'd maintain my regular schedule through the summer, but I was lying to myself. Family time is way too rare and you are so right...those little buggers became big buggers over night!
DeleteI'm with you, marketing is the bane of my existence! LOL
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed writing so much more before I ever heard the word marketing!
DeleteHow great are you, asking other writers to give advice!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI might be lazy and woefully lacking in publicity, but I do know how to beg help from friends!
DeleteAll great advice and stuff I should really get a handle on! Geesh, its all so time consuming and overwhelming sometimes. But having great online friends helps :)
ReplyDeleteYou hit the nail on the head there! Overwhelming is exactly how it feels at times. If only the laundry would take care of itself...
DeleteAwesome. Patience and steady progress. Hm. Seems like I heard a fable about both of those. Did it involve cheese? It probably should have.
ReplyDeleteWay to round up some brilliant examples, Elizabeth. =)
I bet it did involve cheese! I think it was the one about the best aged cheese being the tastiest ;)
Delete*gasp* I do believe you're right. ;)
DeleteRight indeed, just have to keep on keeping on and hopefully eventually it will be worthwhile financially.
ReplyDeleteMy husband hunts as a hobby. His hobby still costs the family way more than mine does, so even if the writing never makes me a bundle, it makes me happy and that's worth something.
DeleteI really do agree that getting in touch with your readers is one of the best marketing strategies. Talking to them and answering their questions really makes for a strong connection that lasts as long as you write well and often! Ah, there's the challenge, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteSimple ideas that are a lot of work in reality. I mean it's like losing weight...best way to do it is to move more, eat less. Sounds simple, huh?
DeleteI'm trying the 'patience' approach. I love interacting with readers and hope I can do more of it.
ReplyDeletePatience is priceless in this field. We all hear about the meteoric rises to the top, but there are plenty of people plugging away and doing well and if we love what we do, that should be enough.
DeleteOh, but I'm an Aries. I don't have patience. LOL! I have developed patience though because writing takes time and publishing takes even longer. Then building a readership requires even more patience. And interacting with readers so much fun!
ReplyDeleteLOL. It is really hard to be patient. But always remember...anytime, be it ten days or ten years from now...any one of us could be an overnight success!
DeleteI like your advice very much. Reaching out to the readers is really one of the most important things to take note of. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThe Musings of a Hopeful and Pecunious Wordsmith
Thanks! And I must say, SittieCates? LOVE the name! How clever :)
DeleteAh, patience. So necessary and so difficult to cultivate :)
ReplyDeleteSarah Allen
(From Sarah, with Joy)
Patience is so hard. Especially when you check your numbers ten times a day (that's on the what not to do list!)
DeletePatience is key, and so is appreciating each and every reader. I'm learning a lot through this blogfest today! :)
ReplyDeleteI haven't had a chance to check out all the blogs yet. Snow days are slowing me down. (Though I LOVe having the kids at home...but moving slower!)
DeleteMmm... all of these marketing posts today. You know I love it!
ReplyDeleteI bet you do! I'll have to check your blog and see what amazing tips you share (If you're in the symposium!)
DeleteMan, why does it always come down to patience in this industry?! ;)
ReplyDeleteI bet you do! I'll have to check your blog and see what amazing tips you share (If you're in the symposium!)
DeleteVery solid advice. Asking the experts when you don't know, or doing thorough research goes such a long way toward climbing the ladder to success.
ReplyDeleteThen I am on my way because it doesn't bug me one bit to admit I have no clue and beg for help. Thank goodness for sweethearts like Kathi and Alex who are willing to help a goofball out!
DeleteThat's good advice - keep producing books, and interact with your readers!
ReplyDeleteEasier said than done, but Kathi added in the comments to make up a street team to help out with the publicity. I'm giving that some real thought. I think I may be able to get a few peeps to help me out. Hopefully :/
DeleteThis has been a fun and very helpful hop! Thanks for adding your experience to it all as well. I can't imagine writing that many books, but I see the wisdom in that plan.
ReplyDeleteI know. I know how much work that is, so I know these ladies aren't slackers!
DeleteI think it is a good plan and not just for selling books. Yet it is great to get to know an author you like.
ReplyDeleteI had never been one to approach a writer, but my sister and I shared a love of Dixie Browning and I sent Dixie a letter because I wanted an autographed book for my sister's birthday. And Dixie was so sweet and wonderful and encouraging, I decided maybe I would try out that dream of writing. Now I have her on facebook and I sometimes have to pinch myself!
DeleteThat is such good advice, to keep adding to the backlist. As a reader myself, sometimes when I discover an author, I want to know what else they wrote and read one after the other. The authors who score are the ones who have series, or those who regularly produce books, because even when i'm done with their backlist, i put then on my watchlist and when they next bring something out, I check it out. The ones who lose out are the ones who wait too long and then, fickle as I am, I forget all about them. Until a long time later and I wonder why I haven't been reading their new stuff:-)
ReplyDeleteSo, you're the reader I am trying to entice into my web, eh? LOL. I think you're 100% right. Especially in today's market where there is so much competition. You need to stay in touch with your readers or other writers will snag them!
DeleteI agree that interaction is super important. Thanks for the tips!
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure! Thanks for stopping by :)
DeleteGreat idea to ask some of your friends what has worked for them. Patience is not one of my virtues but I am trying very hard to work on it, it definitely seems essential if you want to stay sane as a writer LOL. Thanks for sharing these ideas. And congrats to Alex and Kathi on their success!
ReplyDeleteNow wait a minute Julie. Any lady who can work in social services and rescue critters like you do, I'm not buying that you don't have patience. I bet you have patience by the bushel!
DeleteI need a very large sign with PATIENCE on it. :)
ReplyDeleteBut you were the one who tole me writing was a marathon, not a sprint. You're the first lady to remind me to be patient :)
DeleteHi Elizabeth,
ReplyDeleteConsidering I'm so late to the party, all these amazing folks above me have pretty well stated what I would of stated about your thoughtful posting. The interaction and this sharing should, I hope, be a win, win situation.
Gary :)
Just the fact that you came to the party is really all that matters. You bring the smiles :)
DeleteI love all these marketing ideas - I've gathered a lot of great ideas. Now to put them to use. :) Thanks for sharing your writer friend's tips. :)
ReplyDeleteI have been getting a lot of tips too. I had to get a notebook and start writing all this down!
DeleteThere are some things I know a lot about: psychology, random (and mostly useless) facts, being a generally weird person...
ReplyDeleteAnd there's things I know almost nothing about: marketing.
This symposium has been marvelous. Thanks for sharing those tips!
Writing Through College
Having a load of useless knowledge makes us great trivia contenders! I don't know much about marketing either, but this symposium has been a big help.
DeleteOh, and there is nothing wrong with being weird. Too many people try too hard to be someone else and forget who they are in the process!
I love what you said about readers not being put here to make our dreams come true! lol I think we forget that sometimes.
ReplyDeleteI believe we do. I get reminded every time I am the book buyer...they aren't always cheap and my budget isn't endless.
DeleteHi Elizabeth, I enjoyed your marketing post and the advice from the 2 pros. Very well said! This symposium has been amazing. I've found a lot of interesting new blogs to follow and learned a great deal from everyone's posts.
ReplyDeleteCheers!
Karen
I couldn't agree more Karen! Not only have I learned, but it has been more than a little invigorating to get my sluggish buns working!
DeleteI'm trying to work my way slowly through the posts.
ReplyDeleteYour "come down out of the writer tower and interact with readers" approach is probably the best one. It's that one-on-one connection that make people feel special... like a part of something. It works every time.
I know I prefer to be treated like a person, rather than a book buyer. It's just good manners!
DeleteConnecting and collaborating with experts in the online marketing industry can really help a lot. Can I share this on my blog? I also write about internet marketing tips ( like this post here ) and I would love my readers to know about this.
ReplyDelete