It’s Time for a Study to Help Authors Find Readers
It’s
time to help authors with the difficult task of finding readers, form
relationships and sell more books.
Again, I
contacted my great HBS Author’s Spotlight crew (interviewed authors) to get
their opinions and experiences finding readers. Helping authors is what this blog
is all about.
MAIN STUDY QUESTION
What
are the methods you use to find your readers and build a relationship?
1. How
do you use social media to build your reader audience?
(Twitter,
Facebook, Goodreads, Goggle+, etc.)
2. Does
working with other authors help you gain more readers?
(Support
groups, Forums, Blogs, Author Networks, Book Sets, etc.)
3. Do
you do anything with Reader Groups? Do you stay within your genre or do you more
generic groups?
(Sisters
in Crime, Changing Hands Book Club, etc.)
Terry Ambrose
Terry is the author of the McKenna Mystery series and the Seaside Cove Bed & Breakfast Mystery series.
Website -
Twitter:
@suspense_writer -
Facebook -
Goodreads
It's a great question because we all struggle with this (unless, of course, you're one of the lucky ones whose books are wildly popular). For any given slice in time, I find social media to be of not much help. However, it can be a good place to build a presence. With that said, I'm a strong believer in authors owning their content, which means social media is simply an outlet where we distribute content hosted on our websites.
I've tried list building promotions and websites and found them to be good at building numbers in terms of followers, but not helpful in actually selling books.
My focus is always to provide premium content on my website to attract readers, to promote that content on social media and in my monthly newsletter, and then to try and capture the reader's information by having them subscribe to the newsletter.
Ultimately, the one thing that seems to help sell books is a launch day. It garners attention, readers are given the opportunity to buy something new, and when we get lucky, they actually do.
Best of luck with the survey.
Sally Berneathy
Sally is the USA TODAY BESTSELLING author of mysteries, comedies, romance, romantic suspense and paranormal.
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Twitter:
@sallyberneathy -
Facebook -
Goodreads
Damned if I know.
I had lunch today with Julie Mulhern who is the queen of promotion. She gave me a couple of tips.
She said advertising on Amazon is the way to go. I have no idea how to advertise on Amazon. She promised to show me the next time we meet for lunch.
I have never done pre-orders. Appears I was wrong. Obviously I did not understand the pre-order process. She just put up a book for pre-order with nothing but a title. No cover. A publication date of February 2021. She hasn’t written a word on the book yet! And she already has over 1,000 pre-orders. So I guess that will be my contribution...do pre-orders. And I have no freaking idea how to do this either.
She said we need to include links to our other books inside the books we publish, and update those books when we get new links. I’m going to do that tomorrow.
The only effective advertising I have ever done is Bookbub. Last year I set the first book in my Death by Chocolate series free and did a BB ad. Made $142K last year. This year will probably be more like $42K! I’m thinking of doing the same for my other series.
Have not read the post from Diane Krogh, but I plan to. First thing in the morning. Okay, maybe second thing in the morning. I have a dentist’s appointment at 11:00.
Been helping a friend get her book out, and am brain-dead right now. She had it professionally edited...but when I went through, I found lots of errors. They don’t call me The Grammar Nazi for nothing!
Cindy Blackburn
Cindy is a Mystery writer. She is the author of Cue Ball Mysteries, and the Cassie Baxter Mysteries.
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Twitter:
@cbmysteries -
Facebook -
Goodreads
Here are my answers to your questions about how I find new readers. Hope it helps your survey! I'm still writing, but have no new books out since last fall--that one was the 3rd Cassie Baxter Mystery--Undisclosed. Thank you for all you do for us authors!!
Twitter is my baby! Twitter is my number one way of finding new readers. I post fun and funny tweets about my books, and add links to Amazon. Then, once my relationship with a reader has begun (once a reader has “discovered” me and my books), then I think FaceBook is very helpful to inform readers of my other books, and that I write two different series. Twitter is also an important way I connect with other authors and book reviewers. For instance, Twitter is how I met and know James Moushon! And FaceBook, again, is important. I belong to several FB groups—for readers, for authors, and for cozy mysteries—which is the genre I write in. I also belong to and participate in several writers organizations, most importantly to Sisters in Crime.
Amazon itself is also a huge part of how I connect to new readers. I think the “also reads” sections and “books you may like” sections on my book pages are helpful to readers looking for my other books, once they’ve gotten hooked on my mysteries. And knowing Amazon is so crucial to my discoverability, I also have begun to pay for Amazon ads.
Things I don’t spend much, or any, time on—not because they aren’t effective, but because I can only do so much—are blogs and guests blogs, newsletters, and Goodreads. I hear Instagram is great for authors, and need to learn the ins and outs of that platform!
Cheryl Bradshaw
Cheryl is the Amazon Best-Selling Author of the Sloane Monroe series.
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Twitter:
@cherylbradshaw -
Facebook -
Goodreads
1. My genre is mystery/thriller, which doesn't have a big demographic on sites like Twitter and Instagram, although I still promote on there as well. I drive ads to a couple of my Facebook pages, and I host giveaways on Facebook as well. Usually I have one big giveaway running each month and then a smaller giveaway each week on Sunday. It keeps my readers interested in engaged.
2. Working with other authors is a big key to author success. Networking helps us stay relevant and to know what trends are working in the industry and which trends aren't. There are a couple of conferences every author should consider attending each year (post COVID-19): NINC (Novelists, Inc) and 20Books Vegas. I learn more from networking at these conferences than I do from attending the classes. Aspiring authors can also learn a great deal from joining Facebook groups where authors talk about everything from their book covers to how to create successful ads. The Facebook group Indie Writers Unite is a great place to start.
3. I am a member of several groups, but I tend to do my own thing. I like to create and build my own reader pages/groups. Facebook is a great place to do this. Several months ago, I started the group Murderous Mysteries, and I've been working to grow the numbers this year. The benefit of having your own group is that you can push ads to that page, but I created Murderous Mysteries to bring readers together to talk about the mystery genre and let them know when their favorite authors have new books out or sale books, etc. Readers respond better when you aren't just trying to sell them your book.
Teresa Burrell
Teresa is an author, lawyer and Child Abuse advocate who writes The Advocate Series and the Tuper Mystery series.
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Twitter:
@teresaburrell -
Facebook -
Goodreads
I do a lot of in-person events (or at least I did before the pandemic). I do book clubs, book festivals, private speaking events, home show events, and just about any group of readers I can get in front of. Whenever I do that, I gather email addresses and then I keep in contact with them. I send each a copy of a short story I've written about one of my characters. I also use the short story as a reader magnet on my website and places like Book Funnel, Instafreebie, my website, etc. I do a lot of cross-promotion with other authors.
One of the most important things to do after you make a contact and get an email address is to keep in touch with that reader. Treat each as you would a personal friend. Do NOT "sell" to them after your initial contact, just communicate with them.
And then you do it again, and again, one reader at a time.
Ellen Mansoor Collier
Ellen is a Houston-based freelance writer and editor whose articles and essays have been published in several national magazines.
Website -
Facebook -
Goodreads
Thanks, James—I’m not tech-savvy so I spend my free time trying to market my trade books to actual stores...gift shops, bookstores, hotels, boutiques, etc.
My Jazz Age novels also sell @ Gaido’s Restaurant Gift Shop, the Bryan Museum gift shop and an art gallery in Galveston—also in a casino!
Yes, I get a lot of rejection but it’s very rewarding to see your books on store shelves. You have to think outside of the big box to get into various venues.
I feel like all writers are in the same boat and it’s hard to stand out from the crowd so we need all the exposure and publicity we can get~
Elizabeth S. Craig
Elizabeth is the author of the Myrtle Clover mysteries, the Memphis Barbeque mysteries (as Riley Adams), and the Southern Quilting mysteries.
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Twitter:
@elizabethscraig -
Facebook -
Goodreads
I use a mix of approaches to find and engage readers. I recommend finding one or two social media platforms that you feel comfortable with and then keeping those updated. I also employ Goodreads giveaways before each new release (digital giveaways only) of the first book in the series. This way, anyone who enters the giveaway will show my book in their feed and they'll also get notified whenever I have a new release. I also post a sample chapter of upcoming releases on my author Facebook page as a Facebook note, which helps engage readers.
Recently, I've used BookBub ads to reach a new audience, as well. I also ensure that my books are available in a variety of formats (print, digital, audio, translation) and can be purchased worldwide.
Melinda De Ross
Melinda is an International author who writes Suspense, Romance, Humor and Comedy novels.
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Twitter:
@melinda_de_ross -
Facebook -
Goodreads
1. I use my Facebook page, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest to post a number of things, from my books to my personal life. I feel readers like a peek into the author's life, so I like to post photos of myself and my husband, food photos, funny memes, etc. I never talk about politics or other controversial issues in public and try to avoid drama of any kind. I also use blog posts and newsletters to share information about myself and my books, and I try not to make my posts look like sales pitches. I share favorite books, movies, music, food, travel destinations, interesting facts, etc.
2. Yes. I highly recommend newsletter swaps, and the most useful site I found is Story Origin.
3. No, I don't have time for reader groups, yet.
Sara Fujimura
Sara is the author of TANABATA WISH. Sara writes Young Adult novels. Also, she is a Literacy Advocate.
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Twitter:
@SaraFujimura -
Facebook -
Goodreads
1. My newest book, EVERY REASON WE SHOULDN’T (YA, Contemporary), slid under the COVID19 bar on March 3. This is my first book with traditional publisher Tor Teen, and I had high hopes of trying some different ways to connect with readers. What I’ve found is that I had to double down on the scrappy, low-cost marketing that I did for my first two indie-pubbed YA books. Tor Teen did a great job of getting reviews with Kirkus, NPR, School Library Journal, and others (things that I couldn’t do for my indie books), but now the bulk of the promotion has come back to me. COVID19 has been the great equalizer. It doesn’t matter if you are the lead title or the tiniest fish in your publisher’s pond, all of the spring/summer conferences and book festivals have been canceled. If your publisher paid the big bucks to have your newest book put on an endcap at B&N or to receive extra in-store ad posters, nobody saw them as we were all in a lockdown of some sort.
So, what are we left with? In my case, what I started with. Though I have muted most of my social media for the last month, before then, I leaned into what I was doing 80% of the time anyway. I post on Instagram the most, followed by Twitter, and the least on my FB Author page.
Goodreads is for readers, so I don’t engage there. That said, my publisher did do a Goodreads push and giveaway, which in turn, bumped sales of my other two indie-pubbed books. My focus is “the fact behind the fiction” and how my real life influences my art. When it ties into my book directly, I tag it. I also talk about the research that I’m doing for my next two projects in real time.
Though I love a good flat lay, at the end of the day, I know the best thing I can do for my career right now is to put most of my energy into creating the next project. Also, there are things completely out of my control that have majorly boosted sales. Who knew that people living through a pandemic would want to read a book about the Spanish Flu pandemic (aka my 2nd book BREATHE, 1918 Philadelphia)? As there are many days it outsells my newest book on Amazon, I’m just going to say thank you even as I scratch my head.
2. I’m not sure, though I definitely agree that everything is easier with friends. I belong to an MG/YA Author Mastermind group here in Phoenix that is invaluable. We are able to talk about higher-level business and creative topics than your average writer group. We use it as a connection tool too. For example, I’ve asked group members to do author panels with me or to do writer events for the professional groups I belong to because I know them and trust them. In turn, I’ve also been invited to do events with them because they know what I bring to the table. We also repost promo and genuinely talk about each other’s books. I don’t belong to any online writer groups though unless you count SCBWI and RWA. Even then, that’s still different than an Author Network or Support Group.
3. Locally, I have done it one time for a specialty conference. It was meh. I had a lot of fun and sold a few books, but the output in resources (money, time, and energy) was much higher than the return. I have also done Book Lovers Con. Again, I had a ton of fun, but it was a substantial loss financially. The thing that works the best for me (and what is hurting my business the most right now, thanks to COVID19) is going directly to where my core audience is. For me, that’s Phoenix Fan Fusion, Saboten Con, and Taiyou Con. Sometimes, I do writing workshops at these cons or a workshop/talk that ties into one of my books. Regardless, I booth all weekend. Even if I don’t make the sale during the con, I make it up later when I see the teen readers again at the Tucson Festival of Books or the Mesa Book Festival with their parents (aka The Human ATM. Ha!).
Dianne Harman
Dianne is an Award-Winning Bestselling Mystery, Suspense and Romance author.
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Twitter:
@DianneDHarman -
Facebook -
Goodreads
1. I constantly reach out to my readers. Right now I'm offering the 2nd 90 Days, 90 Books. Every other day I have one book at 99 cents and the other day a Free book. I have received hundreds of emails thanking me for doing this. I didn't do it as a promotion. I did it to help people during this time. It had unintended consequences of hundreds of reviews of my book, people preordering books, etc. I do that through a daily newsletter. I also put it on Facebook and twitter. Those are the only social media sites I participate in.
2. Working with authors has helped me gain readers and I'm happy to do newsletter swaps and I have been in several boxed sets. I often promote authors and I have seen where they have done the same for me.
3. No, I really don't do anything with reader groups.
Pamela Harstad
Pamela is an inspirational romance writer.
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Twitter:
@pjhpjh1 -
Facebook -
Goodreads
As an inspirational romantic suspense author, I find my Facebook author page helpful in gaining readers. All my information is there, but my blog brings activity with my readers. Also, Goodreads is a great way to connect with readers and authors. There are so many groups to choose from to gain recognition and to also know others, besides the sharing of so many books. Also, I offer a free e-book on my website,
for those who sign up for my quarterly newsletter.
Pamela Fagan Hutchins
Pamela is an award-winning and best-selling romantic mystery/suspense and hilarious nonfiction writer.
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Twitter:
@PamelotH -
Facebook -
Goodreads
These days, my primary method of finding new readers is advertising my new Patrick Flint series on Facebook, then inviting all the people that react to the ads to like my author page. I engage regularly and personally with them from that page, with on-brand posts: videos, photos, and updates that showcase the adventuresome life reflected in my books and my writing life as well. In addition, I include front-of-book and end-of-book invitations for readers to receive a free ebook starter library in return for joining my newsletter mailing list. I use the newsletter to send out chatty, newsy new release announcements, and from that list, I build my advance review team, who proofread for me and post reviews on all my books. For me, this all ads up to finding the right readers to engage with by turning them into the right subscribers (those that are reading my books) and the right people to like my Facebook author page (the ones that like my book ads).
And this engagement pays off. The better my mailing list reflects the true readers of my books, the better my ability is to impact my rank with sales/reads when I send a newsletter about a new release. The better my Facebook author page follows, the better my ability to generate a quality Lookalike advertising audience, which in turn generates my best ad return-on-investment.
Good advertising on Facebook gives me multiple benefits, and they all circle back to finding the right readers and engaging with them to build an ongoing relationship.
Alan Jacobson
Alan is the bestselling author of jaw-dropping thrillers. He writes the OPSIG Team Black series and the Karen Vail Series.
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Twitter:
@JacobsonAlan -
Facebook -
Goodreads
1. I've been in this business over 25 years and was one of the first authors (if not the first) to put his email address on the book flap of his hardcover. People thought I was crazy. Who was going to email an author? But I did get emails, from all over the world--even though email was relatively new back then.
To answer your question, generally speaking, there are two methods these days to engage someone and build a relationship: 1) they come to me or 2) I go to them.
For having them come to me, I use Facebook and Instagram to develop relationships. I like Instagram because it allows you to tell a story about your observations of the world...which is in some respects part of what you're doing when you write a novel. Instagram allows you to use a different medium—photos and videos—which are very powerful. I emphasize my writing endeavors in my Instagram bio (instagram.com/alan.jacobson), so people know what my main focus is. After building up a following organically, I started mixing in some book-related material, including sales and giveaways that my publisher runs. Instagram also has a feature that allows you to reproduce your post on Facebook, Tumblr, and Twitter. I often get responses (comments) on my book posts (as well as my photos). This allows for a back and forth engagement. If you want to extend your reach, you can buy inexpensive ads to reach thousands of people.
That said, what works for one author may not work for another. This is true in business as a whole. There are so many factors that go into this, from the company name--or author's name in this case--to more intangible things, like timing and other external factors (neither of which we can control). For example, John Lescroart has told me on a number of occasions that he believed his name held him back. People didn't know how to pronounce it (it's less-quaw) and thus he had wished he had changed it early in his career or written under a pseudonym.
2. As to going to people, that happens mostly during conferences, book signings, panel discussions (one venue may encompass all three), and so on. This can be effective, but it can also be a waste of time. I suggest trying a venue a few times and if it's not bearing fruit, try a different one. This can get expensive, especially if you're traveling somewhere for a conference, which costs a lot of money (travel, hotel, food)--and time. There are intangibles involved in these types of endeavors. You could sell 25 books at a time...but the money made will never cover your costs, let alone turn a handsome profit. But--there could be goodwill left behind and contacts with people who'll become ongoing readers. You may never know.
3. Other authors are readers, too. In that sense, if they like your work, they'll become readers of yours. But in terms of working with other authors, I've never found that to be effective. I haven't done a lot of it, but I can't say it's made a measurable difference when I have. That said, exposure is good, and any additional exposure you can get, the better--especially if there's no cost involved. Again, just because it has not worked for me does not mean it would not work for you.
J.A. Jance
Judith is a New York Times bestselling author. She is the author of the Joanna Brady, Ali Reynolds, and the J. P. Beaumont series.
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Twitter:
@JAJance -
Facebook -
Goodreads
1. I write a blog which is published each Friday. There is no advertising—not on Facebook and not on my web page, either. The blog offers a window on my world and allows readers to get to know the person behind the words on the pages.
I respond to every email personally. Those people are my readers. My first sales rep told me that every personal contact results in ten readers, so emails are points of personal interaction. The people who write to me are added into my new book notification list—a database of readers that numbers over 13,000. Newsletters go out prior to the publication of hardbacks and paperbacks. They also go out from time to time when I feel like saying something.
I think the newsletters are, in large measure, responsible for my health pre-sale numbers.
2. I spend my social media time interacting with readers rather than with other authors. When authors write asking for suggestions or ideas, however, I always respond.
3. Until this year, all of my published books have included a book tour with thirty or so live performances. I prepared for those by spending a year in Toastmasters learning how to do public speaking. This year, I’m being dragged kicking and screaming into doing virtual events, but I’m doing them. Having a book come out during a pandemic is a whole other kettle of fish.
Merry Jones
Merry is the bestselling author of the Elle Harrison Thrillers, The Zoe Hayes Mysteries and the Harper Jennings Mystery series.
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Twitter:
@MerryDDJones -
Facebook -
Goodreads
1. So many ways. I have a website to describe and offer my work, and two Facebook pages--one for me and one just for my books. Each time a new book is released, I promote it (its cover reveal, its release date, its presale availabllity, etc) on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook. I take out ads on Facebook. I put my newsletter on Facebook and Twitter, and direct emails, and run excerpts (quotes) from books on Instagram and Facebook. I use Goodreads to list books and run giveaways, but also run giveaways through my newsletter. For every book, I also conduct blog tours, which I promote on all my social media outlets. In addition, I cohost a podcast which is available online via the Project Entertainment website (and other outlets). Everything promotion--from book reviews to writer related humor seems to be via social media. And by the way, it's not all about my books. I post book-related/writing related/reader-related items, as well. Anything relevant that's of interest to me and my readers helps (I hope) build our relationships.
2. I hope so. But I'm not sure. I work with other writers to cohost a monthly writers' coffeehouse. (It's usually at Main Point Books, a bookstore in Wayne, PA, but we've been doing Zoom meetings due to the virus. ) I also cohost a writing-focused podcast, The Oddcast, with four other writers. Often I do guest blogs or interviews on writers' websites, join panels with other writers. Whenever possible, I read at Noir at the Bar in various not-to-far-away cities. Also, I belong to several writers' organizations, including Authors Guild, Mystery Writers of America, International Thriller Writers and The Liars Club. All of these efforts help me be part of a community with other writers. Do these efforts translate to book sales/gain readers? Not sure. But it can't hurt.
3. What I do with readers groups is usually on a small scale, mostly speaking/reading to private groups (eg. Women's Clubs) and book clubs. I enjoy the interaction, q & a sessions, and banter at these personal gatherings. But book fairs are also terrific. I like doing panel discussions, readings and/or signings there. Last year, Bucks County Book Fair held an authors' bar hop, where small groups of authors went from bar to bar, gave short readings, and moved on to the next bar site. That was lots of fun.
Dianne Krogh
Dianne is a self-published Contemporary Fiction Author who writes Family Sagas.
Website - Twitter:
@kroghdianne -
Facebook -
Goodreads
Meeting personally with readers has provided a great opportunity to promote sales and add new readers to my contact list. Plus, I love interacting with my readers. Book signings and appearances at book clubs result in sales and generate conversation which spreads awareness. Readers so often rely on other readers to recommend books, and I find that people I have actually met spread the word quickly. One signing or book club appearance can result in multiple sales for every person who attends. A signing I attended recently averaged three books per person. Unfortunately, the virus, has caused cancellations of both book clubs and signings, so I am coordinating with some of the clubs to use Zoom meetings.
Jessica Lauryn
Jessica is the Top Selling Author of the Romantic Suspense Series, The Pinnacles of Power.
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@JessicaLauryn_ -
Facebook -
Goodreads
When I was starting out as a writer, I stumbled upon the statement “writers spend their entire lives in basements doing nothing but writing.” While I believe the idea behind it may have been to caution people who don’t necessarily possess the stamina to spend countless hours away from family and friends doing nothing but writing, it struck a different chord in me. I loved writing, and the idea of being able to do it, uninterrupted, to my heart’s content, was more thrilling than anything I could imagine.
Unfortunately, the outdated myth that writers spend their entire lives doing nothing but writing simply isn’t true.
An active member of New Jersey Romance Writers for over a decade, I was stunned when, at a chapter conference, I was told that fellow author Laura Kaye had said that writers should expect to spend 50% of their time writing and 50% of it marketing. 50%?!! Carving out writing time is difficult enough as it is but how would I ever keep up any sort of regular release schedule if I needed to devote 50% of my time to marketing? I’ve since heard the opinions of other authors who suggest it’s even higher. And frighteningly enough, if an author is to sell their work in this very competitive marketplace of ours, they are correct.
I often hear people saying that they need a break from social media, or that they’re getting off of it altogether (usually because of political posts), and yet I find it’s still one of the best ways of reaching readers. I’ve heard it’s best to have a ratio of 4-5 non-promotional / fun posts for every 1 post related to your books and this seems to work well for Facebook, where I have both a “Friend” and “Author” page. Twitter is a different animal. I often find I’m meeting new people here, both readers and writers and find that “author helping author” tweets with hashtags such as #writerslift and #shamelessselfpromosaturday are especially effective for gaining new readers.
I’ve never written a collaborative work but I’ve found being part of a large network of other authors to be a help since I first started out. I originally joined Romance Writers of America (back in 2007? 2008?) because I was looking for credential to add to my first query letter beyond, “So, I wrote a book…” A member of both RWA and our local chapter NJRW ever since, I’ve made countless connections that have been valuable to my career, learned about and signed up for local author opportunities (signings, panel discussions) where I’ve been able to meet new readers and interact with them face-to-face. And there’s nothing more inspiring than being around other authors who love writing as much as I do.
As busy writers, it can be hard to find the time to market our work. Fortunately, living in a day and age where connecting with others has never been easier (even during a global pandemic), we have a world of opportunities waiting at our fingertips.
S.R. Mallery
Sarah is the award-winning author who writes Historical Fiction, Women's Fiction, and Mysteries.
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@SarahMallery1 -
Facebook -
Goodreads
My Two Cents:
Let’s face it. Finding out what to do promotion wise as an Indie author can easily turn into an experimental quagmire. What works and what doesn’t seems to be the bane of each of us. When it comes to social media, I have worked hard to build up followers mostly through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest, with some ads placed on Bookbub and Amazon when I have a book(s) on sale.
Every author’s story is different, but I have noticed when I do spend more time on Facebook, promoting my books through Facebook reader/author promo groups, plus put up low cost ads on Amazon and Bookbub for any book(s) that is/are on sale, I have gotten more sales/pages read with my books, which are all set up through Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited (KDP Select). I also admit, I’ve hired a wonderful PA (Personal Assistant) who helps me with ads, and a great Twitter promoter, who promotes my books ‘round the clock.
I’ve also found that good will between authors is invaluable. Joining a couple of Facebook author support groups and having been included in several book sets/series has done wonders for me.
Not only with getting to know different authors online, but also for learning invaluable promotional information. I’ve also developed a Newsletter, which I am now sending out twice a month. Although my books have been mostly historical fiction, my newsletter is very eclectic. I’ve been ‘told not to do that,’ but I find that the more genres I carry, the more I can 1) reach a broader audience of newsletter subscribers, and 2) I can help more author friends promote their own work. That’s when Newsletter Swaps come in. When I add an author’s book to my newsletter, they will either do the same in their newsletter or, if they don’t have one, they will promote my work online. Professional promotion sites can be very helpful sales-wise, but they are expensive. Newsletter swaps are free and help you get involved with other authors. I used Mailerlite for setting up my newsletter, and recently have been trying out StoryOrigin for newsletter swaps and promotions.
James Moushon
James is the self-published Mystery Author of the Jonathon Stone Mysteries. He is an Author Advocate and book industry blogger.
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Goodreads
One of the trends for finding new readers is doing Box Sets with other authors. They are usually by genre, have authors with good social media numbers and a have good content. It’s a great opportunity for readers to read other authors in the same genre plus their favorite author. Ebooks make this approach easy to publish and market. Some groups even donate the revenue to a charity which puts an extra level of demand on the set. The Christmas season seems to be a popular time to publish a Box Sets especially for Romance novels.
Jake Needham
Jake is a best-selling Mystery & Thrillers Author. He writes the Jack Shepherd crime thrillers & The Inspector Samuel Tay Novels.
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Facebook -
Goodreads
1. There was a time several years ago when social media was a useful tool for authors to meet potential new readers. That time is long gone. The algorithms of every social media site now keep your posts from being seen by anyone except the same handful of people over and over. I have 5000 friends on Facebook and maybe 50 see my posts regularly. I have 60,000 followers on Twitter and hear from maybe 5. I can’t remember the last time I heard from anyone who said he had discovered my books through social media. Five years ago it happened almost every day. Now it never happens.
2. I have a lot of friends in the author community. We chat a bit and exchange points of view on business and marketing matters occasionally, but that’s pretty much it. None of us work together in any meaningful way.
3. I’ve never had any involvement with a readers group.
Susan Oleksiw
Susan is a bestselling author of the Mellingham series and the Anita Ray mysteries.
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Facebook -
Goodreads
1. I’m spending more time using social media strategically. I’m been on FB and Goodreads for years, and regularly post book reviews in all genres. On FB I have longer discussions and question/answer posts (some light, some serious) with a growing number of readers/posters. I'm also on Twitter and Instagram. On Twitter I post articles, promote anthologies and articles on short fiction, but few political pieces. On Instagram I’m posting photos I take on my walks, some PR for books and stories, and other photos of crafts. So far Instagram is all photos of things of a general interest—flowers, books, things I see on my walk, and the like.
2. The degree of collaboration among mystery writers is one of the great rewards of writing in this genre. I enjoy collaborating with other writers, helping them because so many people helped me in the beginning. I’m on other blogs, group blogs, and FB groups. Sisters in Crime and Mystery Writers of America are a great resource for information, support, and general affiliation. I can’t speak for other parts of the country, but in New England, SinC and MWA work together to help all mystery writers and build a strong community.
3. Reader’s groups are out of the picture for now and may remain so for a while. I’ve been doing on line events, and these seem to work, bringing in a larger audience than you’d find in a small local book group. Interacting with readers and other writers is very gratifying, and I’m open to any venue or format.
Armand Rosamilia
Armand is the author of Horror, Metal, Zombies, and Crime Thriller novels and short stories. Also, he has a very successful Podcast.
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Goodreads
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question. Unfortunately, it is doing a lot of small things to get your book in front of potential readers, like being very active on social media like Twitter and Instagram, but not to shout 'buy my book' to everyone. It's about making connections as people. Post something funny. Comment on their posts and be genuine. Sell YOU and your personality. Be active in answering questions readers post. Recommend books you like, especially ones in your genre. Support other authors and they will support you back. I definitely believe in Karma.
Sharon Skinner
Sharon is an award-winning poet and author. She writes Children's Books and Fantasy novels and short stories.
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Goodreads
It’s always great to hear from you.
I hate to admit it, but I have been a bit of a slacker on SM as of late. I think in part because I am distracted by what is going on, but also because I needed a bit of a break from things. That said, I am always grateful to be included in your online activities.
1. Things are strange for me at the moment, because I am so used to my key reader engagement activities being in-person events. I have been extremely lucky the past few years to be hosted at many live events, such as writing conferences, book festivals, pop culture conventions, and via library programming, etc. So, the “new” reality, where we are all doing so much on digital platforms is a bit of a challenge. That said, I can offer the following:
1. I am not the best at using SM to promote myself. I maintain a website that is refreshed pretty regularly and I have a presence on FB and Twitter. I have a Goodreads Author page and an Amazon Author Central page that I try to refresh periodically.
2. I think it depends on the nature of the forum, but overall, yes. Due to my teaching, presenting, editing, and book coaching, I do feel that I have gained readers, both directly and indirectly. Currently, I am working on short articles on writing for interested publications, and I am developing a digital workshop for a local library to offer to their interested writers. I am also on a number of writing forums and networking groups where I interact with other authors.
3. Again, I have a Goodreads page and an Amazon Author Central page. Also, I recently listened to an episode of the fabulous #amwriting podcast that suggested authors not only create, but maintain updated versions of these sites. So, I am making sure that I have it on my todo list to refresh these listings more often. I am both an author and an avid reader, so I participate in the annual Women Reading Challenge. I was recently invited to do a virtual presentation for a digital book club, but not because I am a member. I’m not, but I do know the host, who is someone familiar with my work.
In summary, I actually find that networking with people who have similar interests outside of reading is as helpful as engaging directly on reader/author sites. Sooner or later, those people I have built such relationships with either become readers or recommend my books to others. And when people ask for reading recommendations, I share the pertinent books that I have read, but try not to be shy about mentioning my own books as well when appropriate. That said, it is difficult to determine at what rate these interactions specifically impact the number of my readers. Then again, isn’t being in the world and contributing to the ongoing conversation---both by speaking/writing and listening--as much a part of why we write as connecting readers with our work?
IDK if this is what you were looking for, but that’s my experience.
Thanks again, as always, for including me.
Lizzy Stevens
Lizzy is an Amazon Best-Selling Author who writes Paranormal, Romance and Woman's fiction.
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Goodreads
1. I like Twitter the best. It's the one I use the most. When you are on social media you have to be sure not to flood your page with buy your book promos. Tell people about your book and share that information with them, but don't post every single post about it. It is social media for a reason. Interact with people. Talk about things that interest you and might interest others. Start up conversations. The more you get your name out there the more chance you have of selling your books.
2. I don't know 100% for sure if it helps you gain readers or not, but I do know that it helps you build friendships in this journey you are on. Other authors are not your competition. You can help them out and they can help you out along the way. It's good to have a support group.
3. I really don't do any groups. It might be something I do one day but at this time I have not done them.
Khaled Talib
Khaled writes Thrillers, Mysteries, and Suspense novels and short stories.
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Goodreads
1. I started a platform on Twitter just to follow the crowd. I wasn’t sure what to expect. In the initial, I was dabbling around, and I noticed almost no response to my tweets... until I started tweeting my own personal writing phrases. It attracted a huge following. I built up a relationship with many people on Twitter who then joined me on Facebook. They have been supporting me ever since. It takes a while to build a relationship. In some cases, months or years.
I have since moved on to several other platforms, some directly dealing with readers and potential ones and in other cases, making sure my books are visible as in the case of Pinterest. I upload covers and information or related matters and use hashtags to create mileage.
I am also on Goodreads where I have joined many groups related to my genre. There, I promote sales and discounts.
The most important thing on social media, I feel, is to avoid talking about religion and politics. Otherwise you might lose readers and potential ones who are on one side. I am running a business, but it does not mean we cannot be friends. So, why ruin a good relationship?
2. I have built a relationship with authors on various platforms. All sorts of collaboration can be established to benefit each other. For example, I might need an endorsement or the other way around. If you write the same genre, all the better because your reader becomes their reader and vice versa.
3. Not yet, no. But I advertise and rely on reviewers to get my books known out there. Pitching reviews takes time and effort so that’s where my full concentration goes.
Jade Varden
Crime and Horror Author Jade Varden is the creator of the Deck of Lies book series.
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Facebook -
Goodreads
1. Readers can find me on Twitter, Facebook and Goodreads. I use these platforms to talk directly to readers, which I love. This lets me know what readers are thinking and what they're looking for in y upcoming books.
2. I have definitely gained new readers through guest blog posts and book reviews that appear on author blogs. I've also discovered new books for myself by visiting author blogs, so it's a win-win.
3. I enjoy reader groups on Goodreads, and I've used them to explore all different genres because my reading tastes are varied.
I've blogged about social marketing in the past:
Writing 101
http://jadevarden.blogspot.com/2013/03/writing-101-social-marketing.html
Mike Wells
Mike is an American bestselling author including Lust, Money & Murder and Passion, Power & Sin.
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Goodreads
There's an old saying in business: Fifty percent of your marketing budget is always wasted--the problem is, you never know which fifty percent!
As a writer, I've found that this applies to "authorprenurship", too. To find new readers, I use a combination of social networking, blogging, entertaining quizzes, book trailers, book GIFS, posting funny photos, low-cost advertising, and especially giving away free series starter books. I also do a lot of other much things but together they all add up.
Which of these things brings in the most new readers? Very hard to say--in the end, I think it's a combination of all the methods working together. That's not to say that doing just one of the things I've listed above won't work--that definitely can, too, because I know authors who use only one.
I should mention another fact from the business world that comes into play here. Many studies have been done to try to determine how many times a potential customer hears about a product or service before they take action and buy it or try it or request the free sample, etc. That number is surprisingly high--seven times! I don't know how well this principle applies to indie authoring but I think it does. On many occasions readers have told me they heard about me two or more times before they actually tried one of my books, even my free ones. So patience is required, including patience with yourself--you have to bang away steadily and remember that most people do not see everything you send out, marketing-wise, only a fraction of it. A given new reader might have actually had messages from you in his/her feed five times but only noticed one of them. Knowing this, I use a tremendous amount of variety in my message--what one person notices, another won't, and vice-versa.
So, there you have it, James--I don' t know if that helps or not.
Lori Wilde
Lori is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over 80 romance novels.
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Goodreads
Thank you so much for thinking of me. What a helpful endeavor!
One of my most effective ways of reaching readers is through my newsletter and my FB readers group. I have an assistant who gets to know everything she can about my readers and we strive to make them feel special. We send out birthday cards and sympathy cards, hold giveaways and special online events, for example, the cover model for one of books came on as a guest speaker and it was a huge hit. I post jigsaw puzzles and context related to my brand. Basically, the personal touch is what works for me building my readership.
The following are answers to similar questions asked in previous studies. I think they add some more ideas.
Terry Ambrose
Terry is the author of the McKenna Mystery series and the Seaside Cove Bed & Breakfast Mystery series.
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Goodreads
I use my monthly newsletter, The Snitch, as a means to communicate with readers I have met online or in person. The mistake I feel most authors make with newsletters is making them purely promotional. If I'm going to subscribe to a newsletter, it needs to provide me with something of value to me.
Terry Ambrose
Terry is the author of the McKenna Mystery series and the Seaside Cove Bed & Breakfast Mystery series.
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Goodreads
Methods to find readers and build a relationship:
I've chosen the path of using my writing about real-life scams and cons as a way to improve my reach to new potential readers. While some authors are naturally outgoing and can interact with readers about the most minor details, I've found that's not one of my strengths. What is a strength is my knowledge of how to help those same people avoid being taken in by a scam. As a result, that's the focus for the majority of my outreach.
I, like most people I know, am annoyed by the constant promotional efforts many writers use. As a result, if I am friends with someone, but the majority of their posts are promotional in nature, I'm going to distance myself from them. Everyone has to do some promotion, but that promotion should be a small portion of the social interactions, not the majority.
Because I'm reaching out directly to my audience via search engines, which are now ranking my posts on the first page for the search terms, my website traffic is up and I have more opportunity to garner a potential reader's interest. With that said, the majority of those visitors are looking for something in particular, so converting them from a visitor who is looking for a specific type of information to someone interested in books can be difficult.
Terry Ambrose
Terry is the author of the McKenna Mystery series and the Seaside Cove Bed & Breakfast Mystery series.
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Goodreads
It's a great question because we all struggle with this (unless, of course, you're one of the lucky ones whose books are wildly popular). For any given slice in time, I find social media to be of not much help. However, it can be a good place to build a presence. With that said, I'm a strong believer in authors owning their content, which means social media is simply an outlet where we distribute content hosted on our websites.
I've tried list building promotions and websites and found them to be good at building numbers in terms of followers, but not helpful in actually selling books.
My focus is always to provide premium content on my website to attract readers, to promote that content on social media and in my monthly newsletter, and then to try and capture the reader's information by having them subscribe to the newsletter.
Ultimately, the one thing that seems to help sell books is a launch day. It garners attention, readers are given the opportunity to buy something new, and when we get lucky, they actually do.
Best of luck with the survey.
Melody Anne
Melody is a NYT and USA Today Best Selling Author. She is the author of many Romance and Young Adult novels.
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Goodreads
I lean heavily on popular social media platforms to build and maintain reader’s lists. More accurately put, I use social media to engage and build relationships with my readers. Using social media, I allow readers to come into my life and share in experiences that they can relate to, from the view point of one woman to another.
I think heavy engagement with my followers via social media is one key aspect to building my reader list. Due to the viral nature of things like Facebook and Twitter, if a fan “likes”, retweets or comments on anything I post, the friends of my fans can usually see it, attracting a sort of viral attention to my social media presence. In addition to this I run numerous contests throughout the year, which in most cases requires a person on social media to like or follow me on social media, and/or identify a specific detail about one of my latest releases, and the prizes are usually pretty terrific which would encourage just about any fan of my genre to purchase one of my books.
I do quite a bit to find new readers, it ranges from very basic in book advertisements to Writing and sharing content amongst a close group of fellow self-publishing authors and participation in online (social media based or live chat) release parties. In addition to this I advertise on various book sites like Goodreads.
Chuck Barrett
Chuck is a Best-Selling Author. He is the author of the Award-Winning Jake Pendleton series.
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Goodreads
There is no single sure-fire method that works 100% of the time. Social media has had its heyday. Readers want more substance. They are overwhelmed with the preponderance of authors and books saturating the market. It’s confusing when there are hundreds (or thousands) of new authors flooding social media every month. Readers tend to stick to their favorites and sometimes it’s difficult to get them to break that habit. What works best is to have the best product you can have and get out and reach the readers. Face time with readers is important and that helps word of mouth...and word of mouth sells books. Advertising is only so-so effective and must be well-placed & well-timed or it’s a waste of money. Today’s author must try everything they can to sell books. When something works, stick with it until it stops working then find something else that works.
I have one of the best ways to build my readership and followers is with face time…actual time in front of readers. Speeches at writers conferences and book festivals always show a marked increase. Another successful method in reaching out to book clubs, Friends of the Library groups/chapters, writers groups, local women's and men's groups.
Cate Beauman
Cate is a Romance, Mystery & Thrillers Writer.
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Goodreads
I think the most important part of finding and keeping readers IS the relationship we build with our audience. There's a fine line between promoting our work and being annoying. Yes, we want to keep our readers in the know with what we're working on and when our latest releases will hit the market, but if all we talk about is selling, selling, selling, we're not building lasting relationships.
Readers want to know who we are. If they take the time to e-mail us, it's vital to respond. If they make comments on our facebook fan pages, do them the curtsey of replying. If as authors we're constantly taking but not giving in return, we're turning people off. Each reader is a customer, but more, they are people looking to build a connection.
Kathy Bennett
Kathy is a bestselling suspense. She is an author specializing in Mystery & Thrillers with Women Sleuths.
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Goodreads
Most of the social media interaction I do is on Facebook. I usually post once a day on my author page and check back several times during the day and respond to any comments. Not very many readers comment, but the few who do are very loyal. I'm building strong relationships with those readers. I do use Twitter, but it's not my favorite format. I usually post interesting trivia bits, or funny sayings. I rarely tweet about my books - unless I've got a new book out or I'm running a sale or something. Then I'll tweet more about my books. I'm trying to do more with Goodreads, but at this time, don't spend a lot of time there.
I look for opportunities to do guest blogs. I do have other writers who will do light promo if I have a new book out.
My Facebook page is the main place right now that I communicate with readers. However, I recently started a newsletter, and I'm preparing my holiday greetings right now. My newsletter is quarterly unless I have a new book coming out or something else of importance to let my readers know about. My email list is growing and I'll be running a contest soon to try to increase the subscriptions to my newsletter. I'm leery of putting all my eggs in the 'Facebook' basket. If that's the only place I'm communicating with my readers and Facebook goes away, I will lose touch with all my readers.
Sally Berneathy
Sally is the USA TODAY BESTSELLING author of mysteries, comedies, romance, romantic suspense and paranormal.
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Goodreads
Damned if I know.
I had lunch today with Julie Mulhern who is the queen of promotion. She gave me a couple of tips.
She said advertising on Amazon is the way to go. I have no idea how to advertise on Amazon. She promised to show me the next time we meet for lunch.
I have never done pre-orders. Appears I was wrong. Obviously I did not understand the pre-order process. She just put up a book for pre-order with nothing but a title. No cover. A publication date of February 2021. She hasn’t written a word on the book yet! And she already has over 1,000 pre-orders. So I guess that will be my contribution...do pre-orders. And I have no freaking idea how to do this either.
She said we need to include links to our other books inside the books we publish, and update those books when we get new links. I’m going to do that tomorrow.
The only effective advertising I have ever done is Bookbub. Last year I set the first book in my Death by Chocolate series free and did a BB ad. Made $142K last year. This year will probably be more like $42K! I’m thinking of doing the same for my other series.
Have not read the post from Diane Krogh, but I plan to. First thing in the morning. Okay, maybe second thing in the morning. I have a dentist’s appointment at 11:00.
Been helping a friend get her book out, and am brain-dead right now. She had it professionally edited...but when I went through, I found lots of errors. They don’t call me The Grammar Nazi for nothing!
Cindy Blackburn
Cindy is a Mystery writer. She is the author of Cue Ball Mysteries, and the Cassie Baxter Mysteries.
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Goodreads
Here are my answers to your questions about how I find new readers. Hope it helps your survey! I'm still writing, but have no new books out since last fall--that one was the 3rd Cassie Baxter Mystery--Undisclosed. Thank you for all you do for us authors!!
Twitter is my baby! Twitter is my number one way of finding new readers. I post fun and funny tweets about my books, and add links to Amazon. Then, once my relationship with a reader has begun (once a reader has “discovered” me and my books), then I think FaceBook is very helpful to inform readers of my other books, and that I write two different series. Twitter is also an important way I connect with other authors and book reviewers. For instance, Twitter is how I met and know James Moushon! And FaceBook, again, is important. I belong to several FB groups—for readers, for authors, and for cozy mysteries—which is the genre I write in. I also belong to and participate in several writers organizations, most importantly to Sisters in Crime.
Amazon itself is also a huge part of how I connect to new readers. I think the “also reads” sections and “books you may like” sections on my book pages are helpful to readers looking for my other books, once they’ve gotten hooked on my mysteries. And knowing Amazon is so crucial to my discoverability, I also have begun to pay for Amazon ads.
Things I don’t spend much, or any, time on—not because they aren’t effective, but because I can only do so much—are blogs and guests blogs, newsletters, and Goodreads. I hear Instagram is great for authors, and need to learn the ins and outs of that platform!
Cheryl Bradshaw
Cheryl is the Amazon Best-Selling Author of the Sloane Monroe series.
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Goodreads
I'm mainly on Twitter and Facebook. I use Twitter for most of my interaction with fans, and usually only promote on there once a month when I run a BookBub ad. If you're constantly promoting, you'll lose your existing fans, and you'll be unfollowed. Twitter is a great place to connect with fans, meet new people, and meet fellow authors.
On Facebook I promote through targeted ads which point back to my Facebook author page and sometimes also link to a new book or one of my novels. It's inexpensive and effective, and I've found it's a good way to reach my demographic. Through targeting you can isolate your ad so it only shows to potential readers in your genre, thereby giving you the best bang for your buck.
Cheryl Bradshaw
Cheryl is the Amazon Best-Selling Author of the Sloane Monroe series.
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Goodreads
1. My genre is mystery/thriller, which doesn't have a big demographic on sites like Twitter and Instagram, although I still promote on there as well. I drive ads to a couple of my Facebook pages, and I host giveaways on Facebook as well. Usually I have one big giveaway running each month and then a smaller giveaway each week on Sunday. It keeps my readers interested in engaged.
2. Working with other authors is a big key to author success. Networking helps us stay relevant and to know what trends are working in the industry and which trends aren't. There are a couple of conferences every author should consider attending each year (post COVID-19): NINC (Novelists, Inc) and 20Books Vegas. I learn more from networking at these conferences than I do from attending the classes. Aspiring authors can also learn a great deal from joining Facebook groups where authors talk about everything from their book covers to how to create successful ads. The Facebook group Indie Writers Unite is a great place to start.
3. I am a member of several groups, but I tend to do my own thing. I like to create and build my own reader pages/groups. Facebook is a great place to do this. Several months ago, I started the group Murderous Mysteries, and I've been working to grow the numbers this year. The benefit of having your own group is that you can push ads to that page, but I created Murderous Mysteries to bring readers together to talk about the mystery genre and let them know when their favorite authors have new books out or sale books, etc. Readers respond better when you aren't just trying to sell them your book.
Teresa Burrell
Teresa is an author, lawyer and Child Abuse advocate who writes The Advocate Series and the Tuper Mystery series.
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Goodreads
I do a lot of in-person events (or at least I did before the pandemic). I do book clubs, book festivals, private speaking events, home show events, and just about any group of readers I can get in front of. Whenever I do that, I gather email addresses and then I keep in contact with them. I send each a copy of a short story I've written about one of my characters. I also use the short story as a reader magnet on my website and places like Book Funnel, Instafreebie, my website, etc. I do a lot of cross-promotion with other authors.
One of the most important things to do after you make a contact and get an email address is to keep in touch with that reader. Treat each as you would a personal friend. Do NOT "sell" to them after your initial contact, just communicate with them.
And then you do it again, and again, one reader at a time.
Ellen Mansoor Collier
Ellen is the author of a Jazz Age mystery series set in 1920s Galveston. She is a Houston-based freelance writer and editor .
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Goodreads
Thanks, James—I’m not tech-savvy so I spend my free time trying to market my trade books to actual stores...gift shops, bookstores, hotels, boutiques, etc.
My Jazz Age novels also sell @ Gaido’s Restaurant Gift Shop, the Bryan Museum gift shop and an art gallery in Galveston—also in a casino!
Yes, I get a lot of rejection but it’s very rewarding to see your books on store shelves. You have to think outside of the big box to get into various venues.
I feel like all writers are in the same boat and it’s hard to stand out from the crowd so we need all the exposure and publicity we can get~
Elizabeth S. Craig
Elizabeth is the author of the Myrtle Clover mysteries, the Memphis Barbeque mysteries (as Riley Adams), and the Southern Quilting mysteries.
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Goodreads
I use a mix of approaches to find and engage readers. I recommend finding one or two social media platforms that you feel comfortable with and then keeping those updated. I also employ Goodreads giveaways before each new release (digital giveaways only) of the first book in the series. This way, anyone who enters the giveaway will show my book in their feed and they'll also get notified whenever I have a new release. I also post a sample chapter of upcoming releases on my author Facebook page as a Facebook note, which helps engage readers.
Recently, I've used BookBub ads to reach a new audience, as well. I also ensure that my books are available in a variety of formats (print, digital, audio, translation) and can be purchased worldwide.
Melinda De Ross
Melinda is an International author who writes Suspense, Romance, Humor and Comedy novels.
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Goodreads
1. I use my Facebook page, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest to post a number of things, from my books to my personal life. I feel readers like a peek into the author's life, so I like to post photos of myself and my husband, food photos, funny memes, etc. I never talk about politics or other controversial issues in public and try to avoid drama of any kind. I also use blog posts and newsletters to share information about myself and my books, and I try not to make my posts look like sales pitches. I share favorite books, movies, music, food, travel destinations, interesting facts, etc.
2. Yes. I highly recommend newsletter swaps, and the most useful site I found is Story Origin.
3. No, I don't have time for reader groups, yet.
Lorhainne Eckhart
Lorhainne is a Romance, Mystery & Thrillers, and Young Adult Author.
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Goodreads
The methods that have worked well for me are by offering free books, for example the first book in a series free. What happens is it drives sales to my other titles in the series. It's a great way to find new readers. At the end of all my ebooks I always provide an afterword with a link to sign up to my newsletter, and I notify my readers of upcoming promotions and new releases.
I advertise every month and always join other authors in giveaways of larger prizes and promote our books together. I occasionally participate in blog tours for new titles, but when comes down to it, providing the link to sign up for newsletter in the afterword of my ebooks, on my website, facebook page has had the biggest impact.
Dianne Harman
Dianne is an Award-Winning Bestselling Mystery, Suspense and Romance author.
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Goodreads
Finding a reading audience is one of the most difficult things an author has to deal with, particularly if you write contemporary fiction which crosses several genres. I use twitter, tweet groups, goodreads, google+ and facebook. I'm a believer that no one is going to look for your works if they're under a rock, so I think multi-exposure is critical. If you write in a very specific genre, I think it's much easier to target your audiences. I read some advice early on to write what you'd like to read, and so I do, but since I read in a number of genres, it makes it difficult.
I'm an active member of ASMSG on facebook and that group has proved to be very supportive and helpful. I'm a Moderator on the Goodreads group, Modern Good Reads and it's another good way to network. I have a website and a blog in which I post a couple of times a week. I also am a member of a number of groups on facebook and goodreads. I wish I knew exactly where the readers come from, but I don't. Good old word of mouth is still the best way to go and gains the most readers, but it's not an overnight process.
Dianne Harman
Dianne is an Award-Winning Bestselling Mystery, Suspense and Romance author.
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Goodreads
1. I constantly reach out to my readers. Right now I'm offering the 2nd 90 Days, 90 Books. Every other day I have one book at 99 cents and the other day a Free book. I have received hundreds of emails thanking me for doing this. I didn't do it as a promotion. I did it to help people during this time. It had unintended consequences of hundreds of reviews of my book, people preordering books, etc. I do that through a daily newsletter. I also put it on Facebook and twitter. Those are the only social media sites I participate in.
2. Working with authors has helped me gain readers and I'm happy to do newsletter swaps and I have been in several boxed sets. I often promote authors and I have seen where they have done the same for me.
3. No, I really don't do anything with reader groups.
Pamela Harstad
Pamela is an inspirational romance writer.
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Goodreads
As an inspirational romantic suspense author, I find my Facebook author page helpful in gaining readers. All my information is there, but my blog brings activity with my readers. Also, Goodreads is a great way to connect with readers and authors. There are so many groups to choose from to gain recognition and to also know others, besides the sharing of so many books. Also, I offer a free e-book on my website,
for those who sign up for my quarterly newsletter.
Pamela Fagan Hutchins
Pamela is an award-winning and best-selling romantic mystery/suspense and hilarious nonfiction writer.
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Goodreads
These days, my primary method of finding new readers is advertising my new Patrick Flint series on Facebook, then inviting all the people that react to the ads to like my author page. I engage regularly and personally with them from that page, with on-brand posts: videos, photos, and updates that showcase the adventuresome life reflected in my books and my writing life as well. In addition, I include front-of-book and end-of-book invitations for readers to receive a free ebook starter library in return for joining my newsletter mailing list. I use the newsletter to send out chatty, newsy new release announcements, and from that list, I build my advance review team, who proofread for me and post reviews on all my books. For me, this all ads up to finding the right readers to engage with by turning them into the right subscribers (those that are reading my books) and the right people to like my Facebook author page (the ones that like my book ads).
And this engagement pays off. The better my mailing list reflects the true readers of my books, the better my ability is to impact my rank with sales/reads when I send a newsletter about a new release. The better my Facebook author page follows, the better my ability to generate a quality Lookalike advertising audience, which in turn generates my best ad return-on-investment.
Good advertising on Facebook gives me multiple benefits, and they all circle back to finding the right readers and engaging with them to build an ongoing relationship.
Alan Jacobson
Alan is the bestselling author of jaw-dropping thrillers. He writes the OPSIG Team Black series and the Karen Vail Series.
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1. I've been in this business over 25 years and was one of the first authors (if not the first) to put his email address on the book flap of his hardcover. People thought I was crazy. Who was going to email an author? But I did get emails, from all over the world--even though email was relatively new back then.
To answer your question, generally speaking, there are two methods these days to engage someone and build a relationship: 1) they come to me or 2) I go to them.
For having them come to me, I use Facebook and Instagram to develop relationships. I like Instagram because it allows you to tell a story about your observations of the world...which is in some respects part of what you're doing when you write a novel. Instagram allows you to use a different medium—photos and videos—which are very powerful. I emphasize my writing endeavors in my Instagram bio (instagram.com/alan.jacobson), so people know what my main focus is. After building up a following organically, I started mixing in some book-related material, including sales and giveaways that my publisher runs. Instagram also has a feature that allows you to reproduce your post on Facebook, Tumblr, and Twitter. I often get responses (comments) on my book posts (as well as my photos). This allows for a back and forth engagement. If you want to extend your reach, you can buy inexpensive ads to reach thousands of people.
That said, what works for one author may not work for another. This is true in business as a whole. There are so many factors that go into this, from the company name--or author's name in this case--to more intangible things, like timing and other external factors (neither of which we can control). For example, John Lescroart has told me on a number of occasions that he believed his name held him back. People didn't know how to pronounce it (it's less-quaw) and thus he had wished he had changed it early in his career or written under a pseudonym.
2. As to going to people, that happens mostly during conferences, book signings, panel discussions (one venue may encompass all three), and so on. This can be effective, but it can also be a waste of time. I suggest trying a venue a few times and if it's not bearing fruit, try a different one. This can get expensive, especially if you're traveling somewhere for a conference, which costs a lot of money (travel, hotel, food)--and time. There are intangibles involved in these types of endeavors. You could sell 25 books at a time...but the money made will never cover your costs, let alone turn a handsome profit. But--there could be goodwill left behind and contacts with people who'll become ongoing readers. You may never know.
3. Other authors are readers, too. In that sense, if they like your work, they'll become readers of yours. But in terms of working with other authors, I've never found that to be effective. I haven't done a lot of it, but I can't say it's made a measurable difference when I have. That said, exposure is good, and any additional exposure you can get, the better--especially if there's no cost involved. Again, just because it has not worked for me does not mean it would not work for you.
J.A. Jance
Judith is a New York Times bestselling author. She is the author of the Joanna Brady, Ali Reynolds, and the J. P. Beaumont series.
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Goodreads
1. I write a blog which is published each Friday. There is no advertising—not on Facebook and not on my web page, either. The blog offers a window on my world and allows readers to get to know the person behind the words on the pages.
I respond to every email personally. Those people are my readers. My first sales rep told me that every personal contact results in ten readers, so emails are points of personal interaction. The people who write to me are added into my new book notification list—a database of readers that numbers over 13,000. Newsletters go out prior to the publication of hardbacks and paperbacks. They also go out from time to time when I feel like saying something.
I think the newsletters are, in large measure, responsible for my health pre-sale numbers.
2. I spend my social media time interacting with readers rather than with other authors. When authors write asking for suggestions or ideas, however, I always respond.
3. Until this year, all of my published books have included a book tour with thirty or so live performances. I prepared for those by spending a year in Toastmasters learning how to do public speaking. This year, I’m being dragged kicking and screaming into doing virtual events, but I’m doing them. Having a book come out during a pandemic is a whole other kettle of fish.
Merry Jones
Merry is the bestselling author of the Elle Harrison Thrillers, The Zoe Hayes Mysteries and the Harper Jennings Mystery series.
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1. So many ways. I have a website to describe and offer my work, and two Facebook pages--one for me and one just for my books. Each time a new book is released, I promote it (its cover reveal, its release date, its presale availabllity, etc) on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook. I take out ads on Facebook. I put my newsletter on Facebook and Twitter, and direct emails, and run excerpts (quotes) from books on Instagram and Facebook. I use Goodreads to list books and run giveaways, but also run giveaways through my newsletter. For every book, I also conduct blog tours, which I promote on all my social media outlets. In addition, I cohost a podcast which is available online via the Project Entertainment website (and other outlets). Everything promotion--from book reviews to writer related humor seems to be via social media. And by the way, it's not all about my books. I post book-related/writing related/reader-related items, as well. Anything relevant that's of interest to me and my readers helps (I hope) build our relationships.
2. I hope so. But I'm not sure. I work with other writers to cohost a monthly writers' coffeehouse. (It's usually at Main Point Books, a bookstore in Wayne, PA, but we've been doing Zoom meetings due to the virus. ) I also cohost a writing-focused podcast, The Oddcast, with four other writers. Often I do guest blogs or interviews on writers' websites, join panels with other writers. Whenever possible, I read at Noir at the Bar in various not-to-far-away cities. Also, I belong to several writers' organizations, including Authors Guild, Mystery Writers of America, International Thriller Writers and The Liars Club. All of these efforts help me be part of a community with other writers. Do these efforts translate to book sales/gain readers? Not sure. But it can't hurt.
3. What I do with readers groups is usually on a small scale, mostly speaking/reading to private groups (eg. Women's Clubs) and book clubs. I enjoy the interaction, q & a sessions, and banter at these personal gatherings. But book fairs are also terrific. I like doing panel discussions, readings and/or signings there. Last year, Bucks County Book Fair held an authors' bar hop, where small groups of authors went from bar to bar, gave short readings, and moved on to the next bar site. That was lots of fun.
Susanne Lakin
Susanne is an Award-winning Author. She is the author of the many fantasy novels. Also, Susanne is a freelance copyeditor and writing coach.
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Goodreads
Authors need to realize two key points: The good news is there are readers all over the world who will want to read their book! The not-so-good news is it takes time and effort (and patience) to find those readers.
There are plenty of ways to gradually build up readership. Social media is great. Setting up a Facebook author page, a blog that offers great free content to readers that they can promote via social networks, guest blogging on others’ blogs on content relevant to what their book is about, joining in on forums on Goodreads and Amazon, and using Twitter with appropriate hash tags to announce their books to readers are all great ways to get the word out.
Many authors build an email list and send out regular newsletters, offering specials and announcing new releases. I don’t believe there are one or two things that work the best.
Jessica Lauryn
Jessica is the Top Selling Author of the Romantic Suspense Series, The Pinnacles of Power.
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When I was starting out as a writer, I stumbled upon the statement “writers spend their entire lives in basements doing nothing but writing.” While I believe the idea behind it may have been to caution people who don’t necessarily possess the stamina to spend countless hours away from family and friends doing nothing but writing, it struck a different chord in me. I loved writing, and the idea of being able to do it, uninterrupted, to my heart’s content, was more thrilling than anything I could imagine.
Unfortunately, the outdated myth that writers spend their entire lives doing nothing but writing simply isn’t true.
An active member of New Jersey Romance Writers for over a decade, I was stunned when, at a chapter conference, I was told that fellow author Laura Kaye had said that writers should expect to spend 50% of their time writing and 50% of it marketing. 50%?!! Carving out writing time is difficult enough as it is but how would I ever keep up any sort of regular release schedule if I needed to devote 50% of my time to marketing? I’ve since heard the opinions of other authors who suggest it’s even higher. And frighteningly enough, if an author is to sell their work in this very competitive marketplace of ours, they are correct.
I often hear people saying that they need a break from social media, or that they’re getting off of it altogether (usually because of political posts), and yet I find it’s still one of the best ways of reaching readers. I’ve heard it’s best to have a ratio of 4-5 non-promotional / fun posts for every 1 post related to your books and this seems to work well for Facebook, where I have both a “Friend” and “Author” page. Twitter is a different animal. I often find I’m meeting new people here, both readers and writers and find that “author helping author” tweets with hashtags such as #writerslift and #shamelessselfpromosaturday are especially effective for gaining new readers.
I’ve never written a collaborative work but I’ve found being part of a large network of other authors to be a help since I first started out. I originally joined Romance Writers of America (back in 2007? 2008?) because I was looking for credential to add to my first query letter beyond, “So, I wrote a book…” A member of both RWA and our local chapter NJRW ever since, I’ve made countless connections that have been valuable to my career, learned about and signed up for local author opportunities (signings, panel discussions) where I’ve been able to meet new readers and interact with them face-to-face. And there’s nothing more inspiring than being around other authors who love writing as much as I do.
As busy writers, it can be hard to find the time to market our work. Fortunately, living in a day and age where connecting with others has never been easier (even during a global pandemic), we have a world of opportunities waiting at our fingertips.
Katherine Logan
Katherine is an Award winning, best-selling author. She is the author of the Celtic Brooch Time-Travel Series.
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Goodreads
I was reminded or your request when I got an email this morning from Author Marketing Experts titled “10 Things You Friends Can do to Help you Sell More Books!
#1 Do you have promotional pieces? T-shirts, postcards, bookmarks, hats, magnets? Send some to all of your friends and ask them to pass them out or leave them in places where your readers might shop.
In the back of my ebooks is a note to email me with “Sequel” in the subject line if the reader is interested in being notified when the next book is released. Some readers write notes. Those emails I respond to, thanking them for reading and letting them know I will email when the next book is ready. I also invite them to visit my Facebook page where I post regular updates on the characters and the research I’m conducting. I have done several ads to promote posts and this has found new followers.
I have a large Twitter following (148K). Every time someone tweets that they’ve read my book, I engage them in a conversation and encourage them to share their reading experience with other readers by posting a review. What I haven’t done and am going to start doing, is to keep a list of all followers who have shown an interest in my books or have read them. This has been a missed opportunity in marketing the next book because I have no way of notifying them individually of its release.
I did a Goodreads giveaway which exposed my book to hundreds of readers. I highly recommend this. My book now appears on hundreds of bookshelves.
S.R. Mallery
Sarah is the award-winning author who writes Historical Fiction, Women's Fiction, and Mysteries.
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My Two Cents:
Let’s face it. Finding out what to do promotion wise as an Indie author can easily turn into an experimental quagmire. What works and what doesn’t seems to be the bane of each of us. When it comes to social media, I have worked hard to build up followers mostly through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest, with some ads placed on Bookbub and Amazon when I have a book(s) on sale.
Every author’s story is different, but I have noticed when I do spend more time on Facebook, promoting my books through Facebook reader/author promo groups, plus put up low cost ads on Amazon and Bookbub for any book(s) that is/are on sale, I have gotten more sales/pages read with my books, which are all set up through Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited (KDP Select). I also admit, I’ve hired a wonderful PA (Personal Assistant) who helps me with ads, and a great Twitter promoter, who promotes my books ‘round the clock.
I’ve also found that good will between authors is invaluable. Joining a couple of Facebook author support groups and having been included in several book sets/series has done wonders for me.
Not only with getting to know different authors online, but also for learning invaluable promotional information. I’ve also developed a Newsletter, which I am now sending out twice a month. Although my books have been mostly historical fiction, my newsletter is very eclectic. I’ve been ‘told not to do that,’ but I find that the more genres I carry, the more I can 1) reach a broader audience of newsletter subscribers, and 2) I can help more author friends promote their own work. That’s when Newsletter Swaps come in. When I add an author’s book to my newsletter, they will either do the same in their newsletter or, if they don’t have one, they will promote my work online. Professional promotion sites can be very helpful sales-wise, but they are expensive. Newsletter swaps are free and help you get involved with other authors. I used Mailerlite for setting up my newsletter, and recently have been trying out StoryOrigin for newsletter swaps and promotions.
Jake Needham
Jake is a best-selling Mystery & Thrillers Author. He writes the Jack Shepherd crime thrillers & The Inspector Samuel Tay Novels.
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I have about 55,000 Twitter followers so that’s my primary platform for keeping in touch with readers who want to keep in touch with me. I also find a get a few tweets almost every day from new readers who have discovered my books through Twitter.
And I have tens of thousands of ‘friends’ on GoodReads, but I almost never look at it either. I keep thinking I should, and maybe I just don’t understand GoodReads, but I just don’t see how it works for me. It feels to me like the user base at GoodReads is overwhelming female and focused on female-oriented genres. There seems to me to be a lot of random trashing of authors, particularly those who write about subjects the user base doesn’t approve of.
Jake Needham
Jake is a best-selling Mystery & Thrillers Author. He writes the Jack Shepherd crime thrillers & The Inspector Samuel Tay Novels.
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Goodreads
1. There was a time several years ago when social media was a useful tool for authors to meet potential new readers. That time is long gone. The algorithms of every social media site now keep your posts from being seen by anyone except the same handful of people over and over. I have 5000 friends on Facebook and maybe 50 see my posts regularly. I have 60,000 followers on Twitter and hear from maybe 5. I can’t remember the last time I heard from anyone who said he had discovered my books through social media. Five years ago it happened almost every day. Now it never happens.
2. I have a lot of friends in the author community. We chat a bit and exchange points of view on business and marketing matters occasionally, but that’s pretty much it. None of us work together in any meaningful way.
3. I’ve never had any involvement with a readers group.
Susan Oleksiw
Susan is a bestselling author of the Mellingham series and the Anita Ray mysteries.
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I have a FB author page, where I post notices about upcoming events, reviews, and links to articles I find interesting. This page is entirely about writing and the writing world. I never post anything about my personal life or views.
Another useful approach is blogging. I blog weekly on my own blog and have been visiting other blogs once a week for my new book; after the first four to six months I cut back on visiting other sites to once or twice a month through the rest of the year. I have a regular monthly entry on Author Expressions, for writers published with Five Star/Gale, Cengage.
The important point about blogs is to write on a variety of topics that are mostly related to my books--travel, India, Indian food, New England features, the New England paper industry, writing and editing, and the like.
I have a Goodreads page, and post reviews fairly regularly. These seem to get a good response from my "followers." I have joined in various discussion groups, but do that less now. I'm thinking of setting up a discussion group on a number of specific topics when I finish a collection of stories I'm working on. I'm also on LibraryThing and LinkedIn, but less active on those sites.
One activity that is not often mentioned but one I consider important is charitable donations. Whenever I receive or hear of a request for a donation of books, I always send something, with an inscription if I know what it should be. These are always appreciated, and I reach readers I might otherwise never know about. In addition, if my book is remaindered I'll buy a number of copies to sell but also to donate on my own. I choose libraries in small cities that usually have small book-buying budgets and mail them a complimentary copy. The library can add it to their circulating library or pass it along. Some libraries will then buy copies of the other titles in the series.
Susan Oleksiw
Susan is a bestselling author of the Mellingham series and the Anita Ray mysteries.
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Goodreads
1. I’m spending more time using social media strategically. I’m been on FB and Goodreads for years, and regularly post book reviews in all genres. On FB I have longer discussions and question/answer posts (some light, some serious) with a growing number of readers/posters. I'm also on Twitter and Instagram. On Twitter I post articles, promote anthologies and articles on short fiction, but few political pieces. On Instagram I’m posting photos I take on my walks, some PR for books and stories, and other photos of crafts. So far Instagram is all photos of things of a general interest—flowers, books, things I see on my walk, and the like.
2. The degree of collaboration among mystery writers is one of the great rewards of writing in this genre. I enjoy collaborating with other writers, helping them because so many people helped me in the beginning. I’m on other blogs, group blogs, and FB groups. Sisters in Crime and Mystery Writers of America are a great resource for information, support, and general affiliation. I can’t speak for other parts of the country, but in New England, SinC and MWA work together to help all mystery writers and build a strong community.
3. Reader’s groups are out of the picture for now and may remain so for a while. I’ve been doing on line events, and these seem to work, bringing in a larger audience than you’d find in a small local book group. Interacting with readers and other writers is very gratifying, and I’m open to any venue or format.
Mohana Rajakumar
Mohana is an award-winning author based in Qatar.
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Goodreads
I really love Goodreads for finding readers. Because those who read your book and like it are likely to read other books by the same author. I have has great success writing to past reviewers of my books in posting early reviews of new titles or even beta reading, which is offering comments on a manuscript in progress. They're often excited to read something before everyone else can and because they're avid readers, they have insightful comments.
Armand Rosamilia
Armand is the author of Horror, Metal, Zombies, and Crime Thriller novels and short stories. Also, he has a very successful Podcast.
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There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question. Unfortunately, it is doing a lot of small things to get your book in front of potential readers, like being very active on social media like Twitter and Instagram, but not to shout 'buy my book' to everyone. It's about making connections as people. Post something funny. Comment on their posts and be genuine. Sell YOU and your personality. Be active in answering questions readers post. Recommend books you like, especially ones in your genre. Support other authors and they will support you back. I definitely believe in Karma.
Sharon Skinner
Sharon is an award-winning poet and author. She writes Children's Books and Fantasy novels and short stories.
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It’s always great to hear from you.
I hate to admit it, but I have been a bit of a slacker on SM as of late. I think in part because I am distracted by what is going on, but also because I needed a bit of a break from things. That said, I am always grateful to be included in your online activities.
1. Things are strange for me at the moment, because I am so used to my key reader engagement activities being in-person events. I have been extremely lucky the past few years to be hosted at many live events, such as writing conferences, book festivals, pop culture conventions, and via library programming, etc. So, the “new” reality, where we are all doing so much on digital platforms is a bit of a challenge. That said, I can offer the following:
1. I am not the best at using SM to promote myself. I maintain a website that is refreshed pretty regularly and I have a presence on FB and Twitter. I have a Goodreads Author page and an Amazon Author Central page that I try to refresh periodically.
2. I think it depends on the nature of the forum, but overall, yes. Due to my teaching, presenting, editing, and book coaching, I do feel that I have gained readers, both directly and indirectly. Currently, I am working on short articles on writing for interested publications, and I am developing a digital workshop for a local library to offer to their interested writers. I am also on a number of writing forums and networking groups where I interact with other authors.
3. Again, I have a Goodreads page and an Amazon Author Central page. Also, I recently listened to an episode of the fabulous #amwriting podcast that suggested authors not only create, but maintain updated versions of these sites. So, I am making sure that I have it on my todo list to refresh these listings more often. I am both an author and an avid reader, so I participate in the annual Women Reading Challenge. I was recently invited to do a virtual presentation for a digital book club, but not because I am a member. I’m not, but I do know the host, who is someone familiar with my work.
In summary, I actually find that networking with people who have similar interests outside of reading is as helpful as engaging directly on reader/author sites. Sooner or later, those people I have built such relationships with either become readers or recommend my books to others. And when people ask for reading recommendations, I share the pertinent books that I have read, but try not to be shy about mentioning my own books as well when appropriate. That said, it is difficult to determine at what rate these interactions specifically impact the number of my readers. Then again, isn’t being in the world and contributing to the ongoing conversation---both by speaking/writing and listening--as much a part of why we write as connecting readers with our work?
IDK if this is what you were looking for, but that’s my experience.
Thanks again, as always, for including me.
Lizzy Stevens
Lizzy is an Amazon Best-Selling Author who writes Paranormal, Romance and Woman's fiction.
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Goodreads
All authors have to find their own way, but for me I mostly use twitter. That's my favorite social media outlet. The key to finding an audience and a following is to be yourself. Get on twitter and chat with people. Start conversations. Don't go on there and say "Buy My Book" every time you tweet.
"Buy my book" "Here's the link to my book" "My book is on sale here" People get tired of that fast. You are an author so sure tell everyone your book is up for sale, but don't overdo it. Building that connection and getting that lifelong friend is going to help you throughout your life as an author. Have conversations. Tweet to people and make connections with new people daily not just every now and then. You need to be consistent.
My second favorite thing is to blog. Host guest bloggers on your blog. You will pick up new readers when people come to read what your guest is doing. Cross promotion like that is a very helpful tool to pick up new readers.
Lizzy Stevens
Lizzy is an Amazon Best-Selling Author who writes Paranormal, Romance and Woman's fiction.
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Goodreads
1. I like Twitter the best. It's the one I use the most. When you are on social media you have to be sure not to flood your page with buy your book promos. Tell people about your book and share that information with them, but don't post every single post about it. It is social media for a reason. Interact with people. Talk about things that interest you and might interest others. Start up conversations. The more you get your name out there the more chance you have of selling your books.
2. I don't know 100% for sure if it helps you gain readers or not, but I do know that it helps you build friendships in this journey you are on. Other authors are not your competition. You can help them out and they can help you out along the way. It's good to have a support group.
3. I really don't do any groups. It might be something I do one day but at this time I have not done them.
Khaled Talib
Khaled writes Thrillers, Mysteries, and Suspense novels and short stories.
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1. I started a platform on Twitter just to follow the crowd. I wasn’t sure what to expect. In the initial, I was dabbling around, and I noticed almost no response to my tweets... until I started tweeting my own personal writing phrases. It attracted a huge following. I built up a relationship with many people on Twitter who then joined me on Facebook. They have been supporting me ever since. It takes a while to build a relationship. In some cases, months or years.
I have since moved on to several other platforms, some directly dealing with readers and potential ones and in other cases, making sure my books are visible as in the case of Pinterest. I upload covers and information or related matters and use hashtags to create mileage.
I am also on Goodreads where I have joined many groups related to my genre. There, I promote sales and discounts.
The most important thing on social media, I feel, is to avoid talking about religion and politics. Otherwise you might lose readers and potential ones who are on one side. I am running a business, but it does not mean we cannot be friends. So, why ruin a good relationship?
2. I have built a relationship with authors on various platforms. All sorts of collaboration can be established to benefit each other. For example, I might need an endorsement or the other way around. If you write the same genre, all the better because your reader becomes their reader and vice versa.
3. Not yet, no. But I advertise and rely on reviewers to get my books known out there. Pitching reviews takes time and effort so that’s where my full concentration goes.
Jade Varden
Crime and Horror Author Jade Varden is the creator of the Deck of Lies book series.
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I look for users who like books and movies that are similar to my work, usually through hashtags or certain keywords. If I find their profiles to be interesting, I follow them and hope they’ll follow me also. I also look for followers of profiles that I follow. I focus most of my efforts on Twitter, because as a YA author this is where I will find a big potential audience, but I’m also active on Goodreads.
Jade Varden
Crime and Horror Author Jade Varden is the creator of the Deck of Lies book series.
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Goodreads
1. Readers can find me on Twitter, Facebook and Goodreads. I use these platforms to talk directly to readers, which I love. This lets me know what readers are thinking and what they're looking for in y upcoming books.
2. I have definitely gained new readers through guest blog posts and book reviews that appear on author blogs. I've also discovered new books for myself by visiting author blogs, so it's a win-win.
3. I enjoy reader groups on Goodreads, and I've used them to explore all different genres because my reading tastes are varied.
I've blogged about social marketing in the past:
Writing 101
http://jadevarden.blogspot.com/2013/03/writing-101-social-marketing.html
Mike Wells
Mike is an American bestselling author including Lust, Money & Murder and Passion, Power & Sin.
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Goodreads
There's an old saying in business: Fifty percent of your marketing budget is always wasted--the problem is, you never know which fifty percent!
As a writer, I've found that this applies to "authorprenurship", too. To find new readers, I use a combination of social networking, blogging, entertaining quizzes, book trailers, book GIFS, posting funny photos, low-cost advertising, and especially giving away free series starter books. I also do a lot of other much things but together they all add up.
Which of these things brings in the most new readers? Very hard to say--in the end, I think it's a combination of all the methods working together. That's not to say that doing just one of the things I've listed above won't work--that definitely can, too, because I know authors who use only one.
I should mention another fact from the business world that comes into play here. Many studies have been done to try to determine how many times a potential customer hears about a product or service before they take action and buy it or try it or request the free sample, etc. That number is surprisingly high--seven times! I don't know how well this principle applies to indie authoring but I think it does. On many occasions readers have told me they heard about me two or more times before they actually tried one of my books, even my free ones. So patience is required, including patience with yourself--you have to bang away steadily and remember that most people do not see everything you send out, marketing-wise, only a fraction of it. A given new reader might have actually had messages from you in his/her feed five times but only noticed one of them. Knowing this, I use a tremendous amount of variety in my message--what one person notices, another won't, and vice-versa.
So, there you have it, James--I don' t know if that helps or not.
Lori Wilde
Lori is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over 80 romance novels.
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Goodreads
Thank you so much for thinking of me. What a helpful endeavor!
One of my most effective ways of reaching readers is through my newsletter and my FB readers group. I have an assistant who gets to know everything she can about my readers and we strive to make them feel special. We send out birthday cards and sympathy cards, hold giveaways and special online events, for example, the cover model for one of books came on as a guest speaker and it was a huge hit. I post jigsaw puzzles and context related to my brand. Basically, the personal touch is what works for me building my readership.
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James Moushon
Mystery writer, book industry blogger, and the sponsor of the following blogs:
HBS Author’s Spotlight
Indie Author's Corner
Mystery Reader’s Circle
HBS Virtual Bookshelf
Email: james.moushon@gmail.com
