Monday, August 6, 2018

What do I know???

It's my turn to teach you all something, 

beloved Seekervillagers.

I want to talk today about marketing. One aspect of it, because if I think of TWO things to talk about...I'll save the second one for next time.

Keep in mind I barely know what I'm doing.

Teaching isn't my greatest gift....and that's sad cuz I was a teacher for eleven years.
There is actual paperwork on file proving 
people often are dumber after I've tried to teach them something.
It's notarized!!!

There's the disclaimer, so now I'll tell you something I learned self-publishing. 

I'll begin with this...I have never loved my publisher more. 
It is interesting and challenging and humbling 
to try and do all the jobs Bethany House has been doing for me over the years.

I'm trying to figure out how to market my books.

I really have no idea.
Send out a newsletter and post to social media. What else?
As my great attempt at marketing I bought an Amazon ad because I was told they are so easily tracked to see if they worked.

Except I did it and have no idea if it worked.
Whatever tracking I can do, I can't do.
When you're self-publishing EVERYTHING IS YOUR FAULT!!

But on the other hand, I can't tell that a single person bought a single book due to my ad.
On the Other other hand, I'm not sure the ad is running yet.

So anyway, I go to marketing sessions at writer's conferences because FRANKLY those are the classes they offer to people who have books in print.

I often ignore them and go to more basic classes hoping to learn how to write.
But I have to sneak in.

So I bought the ad.
I have a professional editor and book cover maker and formatter.

I am trying to figure out where to go indie-publishing-wise after these five books come out.
(I've got an idea)
And in the meantime, I'm floundering.

Has anyone, by any chance seen an ad for my books...anywhere?
I sure haven't.
Tell me what I should do about marketing. 
(Oops, I just slipped away from teacher and turned to asking you to teach me!!!) 
What works? 
Have you ever seen an ad that made you click on a book?
A blog post?
A book reviewers blog?
I have considered giving away the first chapter free..........but I don't know how. 
Still........that's in the List of Ideas folder.
Help me!
And ask me questions, too. 
Heaven knows if I can help you, but I'll try.
And maybe we can help each other!
Today I'll draw two names from the comment section to win a copy of one ebook, 
and 
Two ebooks. Two winners.
Also available in print versions.


106 comments:

  1. Hi Mary

    I have no ideas about marketing because I'm awful at self promotion. That said, I can talk things up for other people no problem.
    On another note, I read book 2 of the Garrison series. LOVED IT!!!!
    Non stop action that kept me turning pages until the HEA. I had a very bleary eyed day at work the next day, but it was on sooooooo worth it.

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    1. P.s. I did get an email alert from Amazon about your book. They send me notes all the time based on search and purchase history, so I don't know if it was your ad or just me getting it because I'm already always buying your books...

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    2. You've probably pressed "follow" on Mary's Amazon Author page, and that's what send you the alert on her new release.

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    3. Melissa I get those email alerts for some people. I don't know if I've pressed follow for them, but from now on I will.

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    4. DebH, thank you for the kind words about my book.
      I had so much fun meeting you in Denver and getting to meet Guppy is the icing on an already wonderful cake.

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    5. I agree with Mary. Meeting you and Guppy in person was one of the top highlights of the RWA Conference. I told you before, but it's so true...your son stole my heart!

      Hugs to you both!

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    6. the Gupster and I LOVED meeting Mary (and hubby) and Debby - although getting ice cream afterwards might have colored his feelings. it was GOOD ice cream. For me, it was AWESOME to finally meet Seekers in person!!!
      Thanks Debby for your kind words about my son. He is quite the sweetheart. God is doing good stuff with him, I'm just trying to stay out of the way and guide subtly.
      Melissa - I do believe I have followed Mary and a few others from Seekerville. Didn't think about that.

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  2. Oh, Melissa Jagears, you are so smart and cute and we love seeing you here!!!!

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    1. :) I'm busier, hence quieter, than I used to be, but I'm still around.

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  3. Mary, I just keep writing books. I think that's our best investment of time... readers know us. Once they catch on to what we're doing, they look for us there... and I've seen my Love Inspired Kindle sales rise because of my indie books these last two quarters, so BONUS!!!!! The gift that keeps on giving.

    I know that the totally indie authors use a combination of things. Multiple editors, 4K/day, Bookbub ads, etc...

    But then I think how would I do that and still be Grammy?

    How will I do that and help on the farm???

    So there's a level of success between the successes, right?

    I stick to the old reliable... I just keep writing books. For my publishers... and for indie to help make up the difference in sales from "then" to "now"...

    And it's fun to jump into new waters!!!

    Keep up the good work, Connealy. Your readers will love you for it!

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    1. Aw, Ruthy, you jumped into the waters first and I've been learning from you ever since.

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    2. And we're learning from both of you! Sometimes it is a good thing to live downstream. :-)

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    3. Amen, Jan! I'm soaking all their wisdom up...and I love that when/if I ever do fall into the indie pub pond, they will have the life preservers ready! :)

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  4. Hi Mary.

    There's a learning curve to pay-per-click ads. I put learning them on my to-do list for 2018, and now writing and tracking AMS and BookBub ads is my 3rd fave writing activity behind writing stories and getting reader messages.

    I started by taking Dave Chesson's course on Kindlepreneur (link: https://kindlepreneur.com/ams-book-advertising-course/ ) Also, Brian Meeks has a cerebral but good how-to book (link: https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Amazon-Ads-Authors-Guide/dp/1942810156 ) and a private FB group where authors ask, compare, and share info. I had to PM him for advice in the beginning, and he was very helpful. Still, my favorite source for all things indie is Joanna Penn's website and podcast (link: https://www.thecreativepenn.com/podcasts/ ). She's clever, successful, and British, so it's a delight learning from her.

    We just had a meeting about marketing at my local ACFW group, and everyone agreed: when it comes to marketing do what you enjoy. I gave up on self-promo on social media long ago, and my joy and sales skyrocketed. I learned and now love pay-per-click ads because I'm a spreadsheet girl and it suits my brain.

    Do what works for you and what you enjoy. God will get your stories in the hands (and Kindles) of those who need to read them! You can trust Him!

    xoxo

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    1. Oh My Gosh, Keely, THANK YOU. That is all such real LIVE advice. I'll check all that out.
      I did sign up for a series of podcasts through Reedsy but I haven't listened to them yet. (slacker mary!)

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    2. Wonderful advice, Keely!! The thought of worrying about running ads fills me with dread. But maybe I need to just try it out. It might not be so bad.

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  5. Oh, Mary, Mary. Thank you for your humility. I'm just testing those waters myself. I'm contracted with a small publisher and know that a lot depends on me. So far I haven't come up with anything beyond the standard visit blogs, guest on blogs, keep my story in the public eye, and, in the future when the book is out, do libraries and bookstores. The theme of my Oregon Trail story is forgiveness, so I'm working (in my spare time) on a companion Bible study talk for women, but of course I have to have women to talk to. Probably ladies' groups at churches.
    I've been warned about setting up a table at craft fairs and I suppose it works for some people, but at most of the fairs I've been to people are more focused on shopping.
    My current crit partner, Clarice G. James, is a marketing GENIUS and knows how to tie her books into unusual venues, such as sports stores for her first book, women's fiction against a background of professional baseball. (Trust me on this, it worked.) She's also a genius at promoting other writers, and she has a setup where Christina writers in her area, including moi, go on the road to bookstores and libraries for panel discussions on how to get published. She has two formats, the New England Christian Writers' Roundtable, for more of a solidly Christian audience, and the Road To Publication Workshop, for public libraries and other secular venues. I call it our dog-and-pony show. Might not work for everybody, especially those in remote areas, but it's a thought. I'll probably do a lot of my public promotions with them.
    I'm a little nervous about book signings. My first is an e-book, what is there to sign?
    I'm going to squeeze in some marketing seminars this year, now that I have something to market.
    Thank you, Mary, for showing us even multi-published authors have fears and concerns. Yikes. Do I still want to do this? Yes.

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    1. kaybee these are such great ideas. I love the idea of authors banding together for panels and signings. So often ONE author isn't enough of a draw to make an event a success.

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    2. Clarice is a pistol, let's just say that.

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    3. Mary, if you ever want CLARICE to post on her marketing genius, let me know and I will give you her contact information. She's published one book with Mountain View and just released her third with Elk Lake.

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    4. And the sneaky but cool thing about the dog-and-pony show is that we're actually giving the audience something, info on how to get published. So they get something, and we get our names out. Sometimes it backfires, especially in the public venues, you don't know who'll you get, but it's better than sitting home and wringing our hands.

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    5. I meant "who you'll get." What ails me today.

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    6. I like the idea of authors presenting a writing program at book stores! I did a few of them early on, but it's been a while. Something to think about, KB. Thanks!

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  6. I meant "CHRISTIAN" writers in her area, although Christina is always welcome.

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    1. kaybee make sure we know when your Oregon Trail series releases. And try to plan a day on Seekerville when it's time!!!

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    2. Yes, kaybee, I want to read your Oregon Trail series when it comes out.

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    3. Mary, it's Sept. 20, 2019 and I would love to post. Keep me in your Rolodex, or whatever we call it when it's online.

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    4. kaybee we schedule a long way in advance...but maybe not THIS far. But we'll get you on the schedule soon.
      Sept 2019 sounds like FOREVER but it'll come and in the meantime KEEP WRITING!!!

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    5. Is Christina even here? Do we even HAVE a Christina?

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    6. Sandy Smith, please contact me offline at ampie86@comcast.net

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  7. Hi Mary - I don't know how well you teach (I'm betting pretty well), but you're awesome at making me LOL. I don't get marketing either. I guess I am the type of person not influenced by ads because I have never clicked on one just because the ad caught my attention. I hope I am the minority because so many people spend so much money on ads. At any rate, the only thing that sells a book to me is knowing of or about the author. Therefore, social media interaction becomes very important. I forget how many times you are supposed to hear an author's name before it sticks with you but it's a lot. The only way I try a book from a debut author is if I know ahead of time that person wrote a book and there's some reason I want to read it. Again, it makes social media interaction very important - BEFORE THE BOOK IS AVAILABLE. So - is everyone like me or am I all by myself in this crowd? No idea. Oh, btw, just the name Mary Connealy sells a book to me so it doesn't matter if I saw your amazon ad or not (which I didn't) but I will look for it!

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    1. Cindy this is me, too. I buy almost strictly by author name. I have authors I love and I read all their books. I do try new authors though, but that's not my usual system.
      Great advice.

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    2. Cindy, me too, I like to read books of authors I know because it gives me insight into their thought processes, although I will also read something by a "new to me" author if I'm intrigued enough.

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  8. Mary, I'll tell you what you know. A heck of a lot more than me, especially when it comes to marketing. You could probably fit what I know into a thimble. Maybe even a fairy-sized thimble. Like you, I got to those classes, only to come out glassy-eyed. Sigh. I'm working on it, but it's a very slow road. Bottom line, I'm no help.

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    1. Mindy I don't understand it but when I go to those sessions I just start falling asleep! Maybe I'm staying up to late and getting up to early and generally going in a higher gear than my normal life so I'm exhausted but still, it's so awful for me to sit in those session with my eye lids dropping, when lovely people are giving an interesting talk.
      I'm sure I hurt their feelings, though I try to hide it.

      Mary "Sleepy" Connealy

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  9. Ruthy is right too, the writing has to come first or we'll have nothing TO promote.

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    1. honestly having her say that helps. Because writing! That I can do!

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  10. Mary, I'm afraid I have nothing to help you with this. I'm far from the need to market anything. I already have Loving the Texas Lawman so don't need in the drawing for that one. It is toward the top of my TBR list so hope to get to it soon.

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    1. Thanks for getting it, Sandy.
      And honestly thank you for having no advice...because then maybe I know more than SOMEONE in this world!!! That's a nice feeling (for me).

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  11. I have no advice. The only thing I know is that the more books I have out, the more people I interact with. And the month of a book release is crazy busy with blog appearances, radio interviews, etc.

    Is that a good thing? Is it enough? How else can I reach readers?

    I ask myself those question every once in a while, and then I go back to writing.

    So I'm learning...slowly. :-)

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    1. Jan, do you have any indie books out? I didn't think you did, but I'm often wrong. :)

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    2. No, I don't. Every time I think about doing one, I sign another contract...

      Someday, though. I'd love to dip my toes into westerns!

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    3. Jan, yes, the Ruthy advice. Write More Books.

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  12. I wish you great success in self-publishing because you're an amazing author. Your books need to be out there. I love your writing. I wish I had advice for you!I don't think I've seen any ads except on Twitter. (sorry if this posts twice)

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    1. Susan, thanks for dropping by! I don't think I've seen any ads for Mary either. But I'll be sure to keep my eye out now!

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    2. Susan, you are so NICE!!! Thank you!
      Is it possible I didn't click something to run the actual add campaign?
      I'll go check my credit card to see if I've paid. (although it says 'running'.)

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  13. Mary, I'm just cracking up!!! I love this post, mainly because it made me LOL today! But also because you're voicing some of the questions and fears I've had after releasing my first novella.

    We need lots of help in this indie journey! I look forward to the helpful comments we'll see today.

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    1. I'm doing Justreads! Make them do this for me.
      I'm jazzed now.

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  14. Mary, I feel (and share) your pain. Since "going indie" more than a year ago, sometimes I feel the weight of the world on my shoulders. I keep going back to what I think is the best advice I ever received, which came in two parts. Write the best book you can, and word-of-mouth is the best advertising. Thanks for confessing that it's confusing--something that keeps some of us up past our bedtimes.

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    1. Write the best book you can. This is rock solid truth, Richard. Thank you for just saying that.

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  15. I think a great way to market books is to do a review blog tour! I love participating in these and it forces me to move the book to the top of my reading list since there's a deadline. You could assemble your own "street team" via email or facebook, or you could hire a company to run it for you, my favorites are Just Read Publicity, Prism Book Tours, and I Am A Reader's promotional services.

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    1. Please enter me in your giveaway!

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    2. ACK! Just reads! okay I'm a fool. I'm doing that. Thank you, Heidi. You're in the drawing!!

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  16. I have not seen any ads for your new books anywhere, but I don't spend a lot of time on Amazon.

    As another option (good or not, it's hard to say): Goodreads puts up ads for books, and once every six months or so one will look interesting enough for me to click on . . .

    So I guess that's not greatly encouraging for putting ads on goodreads, and I don't know what the cost is (I'd assume there is one), but it is another place where people who read will see the ads. And I've noticed they do a mix of indie and traditional publishers, Christian and secular content, so anything goes.

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    1. Goodreads!!! i don't know much about Goodreads--I never hang out there. But I'll check it out.

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  17. I appreciate my publishing house, too, Mary! Especially when I think of self-pubbing and everything an author has to do to market his/her book! Must jump into that water one of these days...still hesitating at the side of the pool!

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    1. Debby do you have time? You keep so busy writing! I have some down time between books so this (maybe) works for me.

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  18. Mary, have I mentioned how much I adore you? :) I've noticed that there is SO MUCH information out there about marketing, but so little in the way of concrete advice. I need someone to hold my hand, to walk me through all of it...better yet, to do it for me! I am not a marketer. One of the reasons I love doing book signings with you (aside from getting to gab our heads off) is that I can market YOUR books to the folks who show up instead of my own. It's so much easier to talk about someone else's work. :)

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    1. Group booksignings are so great. And yes because you may lure another authors readers to your book, but MOSTLY so there is some one to talk to when there are no readers at all!!!

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  19. As a first-time author last November with my second book coming out next April, I don't have a ton of advice, either. Just two things that I have learned on this journey that have stuck with me:
    1. Linda Fulkerson taught me to find out what your readers want and give it to them. Check out her website for tons of great advice: www.lindafulkerson.com
    2. Do what you can and then trust God. I know some say you have to blog every day or send so many newsletters or post so many times on so many different social media sites. I have discovered as a mom of two and preschoolers, I can do two or three posts a week and not be stressed. My sales aren't phenomenal, but I am still getting them.
    3. A bonus one I just thought of: use other authors' readers. Once or twice a month, I interview other authors on my site. That helps get the word out about them, and also gets word about me to their readers.
    There ya go. Keep on keeping on. You got this!

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    1. Amy this is good advice. And thank you for the link!!!

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  20. Finally someone on my level of marketing!!! I wish I knew how to do those things. But I don't. And you're a step ahead of me because I haven't figured out how to do an Amazon ad. I'll keep an eye out for your ad!

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    1. LeAnne, I just went to the page that talks about my ad campaign, determined to figure out what it is doing and... I gave up.
      If I'm reading it right, NO ONE has clicked on a single ad ever.

      If that's true it's a truly crappy Return on my Investment.

      But it seems almost impossible that it's a complete bust, so then I think I'm not reading it right.

      sigh

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  21. Oh Mary, you are sooo cute!
    As someone else pointed out, just seeing your name would be reason enough for me to buy your book.
    Thank you for this post, and for always making me giggle.
    Sorry I have no great marketing advice - - maybe someday! ;)
    Hugs, Patti Jo

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    1. Thanks, Patti Jo. I've found my misery makes a whole lot of people giggle. Which seems odd!!!!!

      (just kidding)
      I think of you every time I see peaches.

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  22. Mary! I want to thank you for being so very transparent! I'm telling you, it helps an unpublished gal who is incredibly technology challenged and knows absolutely nothing about marketing. These two things make me want to snatch myself bald-headed. And that' saying something because I'm finally able to sport a pixie cut after chemo haha. I'm sorry none of that helps you. Wish I had advice I could give. And I'm right there with everyone else, I buy your books just on your name. I'll pray you get answers that will help! I just wanted you to know you've helped some of us by just voicing these thoughts aloud!

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    1. Pat it does help because if you've gone through chemo and can still be so sweet and funny then it makes me realize what's really important in this world. God bless you for commenting. And I'll bet you're adorable in your pixie cut.

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    2. Pat, so nice to hear from you!!!! And I agree, the pixie cut would be two thumbs up adorable on you!!!

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  23. Mary, I hate to say this as a self-published author, but misery tends to love company, and I say that with great empathy. It's why I'm currently working on an outline for a historical that I hope to market to a publishing company. However, as a self-published author, I expressed very similar thoughts to my writers' group two months ago. Some self-published authors seem to know the tricks of the trade and do quite well. They also seem to be well connected and have multiple books out there. They persistently work at marketing their books, constantly look for new and innovative ways to market their books. They also have multiple people contributing to their blogs and unabashedly ask people to review their books. They seem less likely to buy ads and more likely to do things like online book tours and giveaways. I'm not sure how much anything works. In that same writers meeting, one of our writers brought up a survey that showed most people choose books by word of mouth and because they've read the author before. They also peruse book stores and online reviews and buy books next in a series. But only 9 percent bought books recommended on blogs or suggested in emails. So what is an author to do? The best I can gather that it's about lots of hard work and consistently working at getting your information out by word of mouth. My guess is that won't change even when a publishing company chooses to publish my book. My prayers for your success as you seek to sell your book!

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    1. Donna, prayers are appreciated because it's gonna take a MIRACLE for me to figure this out.

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    2. Write more books...

      Keep writing more books...

      And then write more books.

      :)

      You're welcome!

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  24. Mary, I totally understand what you are going through! My challenge is that I was required to write my memoir under a pen name. How in the world do market that??
    I read a lot of books and write reviews for every book I read. I'm currently on a book launch team for a book coming out in a few weeks. This author is with a traditional publisher, but as we all know, they are not much help in marketing any more. She has developed a large group of people for her book launch team (last count I saw was 74) and developed developed a 12-step launch team checklist. The list is not copyrighted, so if you are anyone wants the list let me know. I'm happy to send it to you via email or post it here. Please, if you want it via email, send your request to edwina@edwinacowgill.com.
    Blessings to all!

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    1. Edwina, thank you. I will email you. I'd like to see it.
      I've never done the street team or launch team thing. I guess I should but I just hate asking other people to do my launch work.
      It just feels like an imposition...even though I know readers who love doing it.

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  25. Sorry for the mistakes!I always proof my posts before I send them, but tonight, dinner is calling!

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    1. I need an editor for all my blog comments, Edwina!! And most of my emails!!! And texts. :(

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  26. I usually find out about new releases by email or something on twitter. and from what I saw on an earlier post, I have been a part of a launch team where we put out info mostly on Social Media prior to release and then post reviews of the book not long after the release.

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    1. I should probably do that, CetralEast2, but I don't even want to take on another thing!!!!

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  27. Mary, thank you so much for your transparency about anxieties surrounding marketing. I'm with you and others here. With a debut novel to release in the not too distant future, I stress over this. I will have help from my publisher but must do my part too. I don't use many of the social media platforms. So I recently attended a learning lab on building your author platform and content marketing at GPCWC and my stress has gone down some. Basically told to use whatever you're most comfortable with in promoting and marketing your book and to remember your website/blog and newsletter are the most significant social media platforms you can have. I'm writing my first newsletter and have placed a subscriber button on website. I plan to offer a short story to those who sign up. You're probably aware of this but just in care others are not.

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    1. Pat Jeanne thank you for this list of ideas. And 'a learning lab' that sounds like such an interesting way to approach it.

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  28. Mary, thank you for your honesty. One thing I heard was pick three areas that you like and focus on those on social media. For example, I love your pictures of cows and reading the stories about your farm/ranch and the stories of the calves. That would be one area you would focus on with Facebook. Then people who like cows and reading about farmers might friend you and then learn about your books. But yes, I've heard the number one marketing tool an author has at her disposal is a newsletter. Thank you for helping us all come together to try to navigate the deep waters of marketing together.

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    1. I have a nice but not huge newsletter list. I know I should do more with a newsletter!!!

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  29. Sorry for the delay in writing today. One never knows what a day will bring forth. So Glad the Lord is good and with me all the time.

    The vertigo was extreme this morning but there was no way I was going to miss my card making class and figured I would write and get caught up on everything this afternoon.

    The Lord had other plans. I stepped out of my house to walk to my friends van. The smoke from somewhere was so heavy that I immediately went into a severe asthma attack. I really thought I was going to pass out. In addition to the wheezing, everything would go black. I went on to class but the wheezing would not stop and I used my rescue inhaler that I am supposed to only use one time, three times. Finally I called the doctor and he sent me to the ER for breathing treatments, xrays, heart monitoring and steroid shot.

    One bright side is I wrote a scene right before the one I sent on Friday where she has an asthma attack that takes her to the hospital. Now I can revisit the scene and make it even better because of today. Even though I was struggling I tried to observe everything they did so I can use it in my writing.

    Hoping I will be able to sleep tonight,

    I will read the post in real detail tomorrow Indy publishing scares me since I know so very little.

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    1. Wilani I'm so sorry about your asthma attack and vertigo. I'm really impressed that you soldiered on to your class.
      And wow, bright side, girl, to use the medical experience in your book.

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  30. Oh, Mary, Mary, Mary!!! thank you for your delightful and honest post!! i utterly flounder when it comes to even *thinking* about marketing!! Keely mentioned Joanna Penn - and i, too, love listening to her accent! somebody also mentioned Just Read - and i can vouch for them! i did a series tour in june with them.
    but the best one is Ruthy's - just keep writing!!!
    and ps - Willani, so very sorry for your very awful very bad day - will be praying for you.

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    1. Hi Robin. Yes there is so much great advice here.
      I already contacted the Just Reads team for help.
      And I need to listen to and read all the advised information about marketing. I've got a really solid place to start thanks to today.

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    2. I used Just Read Tours to launch my three big books... and they were wonderful. Well worth every penny. And Carrie and Annie are great to work with, they're so organized. I'm organized in writing... but when it comes to marketing, I know that's not my strong suit so I'm happy to beg for help!

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    1. God bless you, Wilani. I'll be praying for you to feel well.

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  32. Mary, you make me laugh! I can totally relate, even though I'm not a writer. I'd hate to have to learn all the ins and outs of marketing. I'd suggest finding a virtual assistant, preferably one who loves your books so they'd work for peanuts. (I have no idea how much one charges!) They could do a lot of the work for you. A lot of authors have a virtual assistant to organize and run a street/launch team for them. Members of the team help get the word out to friends and groups. They can request their library purchase your books. They post reviews on several different sites and on blogs and share on social media. There are lots of readers who love doing this.

    Let me know if you decide to have a street team. I'd gladly volunteer to join! And throw my name in the hat for your giveaway.

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    1. I don't know much about virtual assistants either. But I'm afraid I'll spend more money publishing a book than I ever make back!!!
      Launch teams. I wonder if I have the nerve to do that?

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    2. Sure, I think you have the nerve. I'd offer to help you set it up, but I'm a bit tech-challenged (okay--a lot tech-challenged), so it probably wouldn't be pretty! I could help you round up some great launch team members, though! :-D You can set up a special Facebook group for members to interact with you and others. Fun stuff!

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  33. Self-publishing seems like hard work! I have seen your book advertisements, though, if that makes you feel better 😆

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    1. Okay, cool that you've seen it. Yes it is hard work.
      I am hiring people to help me, like jamisonediting, and Beth Jamison does covers, too. And someone else for formatting.
      Which ... what is that exactly???
      So if I did it all myself it'd be even HARDER work.

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  34. I'm a big fan so that in itself made me buy both your books. I'm reading Loving my Texas protector now. I did see and Ad somewhere. I think you have a better chance at sales becasue you have a fan base. But moving from the historical genre to contemporary even if it still is cowboys is a big leap. But now those who love contemporary romance chokeful of humor can find a new favorite. You've scared me off from ever self-publishing. LOL!

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  35. Jubilee Writer, I'm sorry to be scary!!!! (except in my books!)
    Okay, you saw an ad, so that's cool, right?
    Mary 'Ever-Confused' Connealy

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  36. I've seen something on Facebook for those two books but I think I got an email from Amazon too that they were available.

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    1. really Naomi? That sounds good (for me...maybe not for you!!!) :D

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  37. I always enjoy your books and will be on the lookout for the ad. I wouldn't give away the first chapter. Amazon already has the first chapter on their site. If you click on the book cover where it says, "Look Inside!", you can read Chapters One and Two. Direct people there.

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    1. I went to look and found a button that says 'send a free sample'. I've seen that 'look inside' thing before but can't find it on the page of my book.
      Where did you see it, I mean where exactly on the page?

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    2. Mary, it's on your book, Loving the Texas Lawman. It's in tiny letters just above the cover. If you click on the cover, it comes up and you can read the first chapter or two. But it only shows up after the book releases, so you won't see it on the ones that haven't released yet.

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  38. LOL!!!
    I'm laughing because I'm exactly like you, Mary. You're not going to learn anything from me, unfortunately. I just today told someone, "I wish I'd given this book to a publisher." Except I'm also glad I'm taking this chance on indie publishing. I would have felt like I was wimping out if I'd let a publisher publish it.
    The only things I know/sort of know I learned from being in loops and groups with experienced self-publishing authors. And I usually promptly forget what they say, if I even understand what they're saying.
    Write more books. That's what people say, and I believe that works. The more books you have out there, the more sales, because if a person discovers one book and likes it, they'll buy your other books. So I feel like I need to be writing 95% of the time and marketing 5%. Except that when you're self-publishing you have to do so much other stuff, like uploading your book to Amazon.
    Okay, it's not that much other stuff, but it feels like it, and it's confusing for a person like me who barely has two brain cells to rub together most days.
    Good luck, Mary!!!!!!!!

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    1. So so sweet to have company, Melanie. Not unlike Dorothy on her way to the Emerald City.
      I'll be the Cowardly Lion. You can be the Tin Man.

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    2. LOL!!! It's a deal. ;-) Except I see myself more as the Scarecrow. Or Toto.

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