Christi's Promotional Experiences

Promotion for me took off with vetting Ghost Orchid through Barnes and Noble New York Small Press Department.  The requirements included a marketing plan and I had to think through that.  In the process, I made a plan that I followed!  However, the plan itself was the best marketing tool.  It gave me goals and target dates that kept me going even when some promotional ideas failed to make a measureable difference.

My number one success with promotions came from preparing a talk about ghost orchids, Sex, Myth and Magic, that I could deliver in ten minutes to one hour for local organizations or present on the local radio and television stations.  From those presentations I received press coverage, word or mouth from those in attendance, and favorable promotion at the organizations also.

The next best success was book signing events that were singular, just me and my book.  At the same time, my worst experiences were book signing events with multiple authors.  The benefits of signings are the same as the organization presentations, multiplied exposure.   I had great benefits from signing books in restaurants and at organizations.  The Independent book stores were great, but there are none left.

Initially, joining Redroom.com, also a vetting process, gave me a great web page that did promote quite well.  Joining The Authors Guild, another vetting process, provided another great web site and their promotion.   Writing blogs for Redroom.com did lead initially to sales, but the market became saturated.

Writing for author and readership blogs is another great promotion that initially led to sales.  The time limit though is constraining.  Exchanging reviews falls in the same category – great support and promotional benefits but also taking quite a bit of time.

Writing a column for the local paper started out as a benefit.  Over time, however, the paper quit saying I was an author or wrote specific books and just had my name on the articles, which grew in number to become a small income of immediate gratification, but little support other than branding and name recognition for my novels.

I didn’t gain much from writing conferences or festivals except aching legs, a sore throat and a stack of cards from other authors.  This is a valuable exposure for most authors so my lackluster benefit must be uniquely mine.

I also write a column for Examiner.com that I found brought zero benefit but does contribute to my ranking on Google so I hang in there with a few columns per month and earn literally a few pennies.  I do know that a few other writers for Examiner.com established themselves with a readership and both make money and promote their work well. 

Of course, the standard postcards, book marks and business cards branded with the web site and a blog are helpful.

I did sell a lot of books at the flea market, but this is a high end neighborhood with lots of visitors in winter.  I don’t think flea markets are the best place to sign new books, generally.  I picked the holidays so I could tout them as gifts.

I wrote a few press releases for freepressrelease.com and similar free distribution of press release sights.  For $300 you can get a guarantee of a few major publications.  I didn’t have the $300 to risk.

I have received zero payback from paid advertisements.  I had one exception.  FirstChaptersPlus, an ezine of books of all sorts brought me a lot of sales and exposure when it first started and I ran a cheap, $15 per month ad.  Unfortunately, their ad prices are much higher now, but I think librarians actually look at it.  Also, online book sites pull the book descriptions for their listings, or at least they did in the past.

D. K. Christi, M.Ed.,journalist, author and speaker has two published novels, Arirang and Ghost Orchid and short stories published in seven anthologies including Forever Travels and Forever Families by Shelagh Watkins and a contribution to Killer Recipes, the unique cookbook I authored.
She writes a monthly dog column and eight or more feature articles per month for Spotlightt magazines, in print and online and writes for Examiner.com . She is an editor, entertaining presenter and freelance marketing content writer.

Ghost Orchid is a mystery in the mystical Everglades, a life unfolding wrapped in the aura of the magical ghost orchid.                  

D. K. Christi, M.Ed., CWDP
Consultant, Speaker, Author & Journalist
Member, Authors Guild & Naples Press Club
Spotlight Magazines
dkchristi.com
Ghost Orchid book trailer by Darryl Saffer (click)

Helen Henderson

About Helen Henderson
A former feature-story writer and correspondent, Henderson has also written fiction as long as she could remember. Her heritage reflects the contrasts of her Gemini sign. She is a descendent of a coal-miner's daughter and an aviation flight engineer. This dichotomy shows in her writing which crosses genres from historical adventures and westerns to science fiction and fantasy. In the world of romantic fantasy, she is the author of two series: the Dragshi Chronicles and the Windmaster novels. Helen calls herself a tour guide to the stars, the Old West, and worlds of imagination and invites readers to journey with her.

How many books have you written?
At present count between the fiction and non-fiction, my name is on eleven full-length works. Two of them started as short stories, then morphed into a series. My latest, Dragon Destiny, followed that path. It grew into a novel published by a small press. The characters refused to leave and one book turned into two, then three, and the Dragshi Chronicles were born. In addition to the Dragshi Chronicles, future plans include the release of my other fantasy series, the Windmaster novels. A project that simmers, gets pushed to the back burner, then brought back, is a collection of military-themed short stories written as a tribute to family members who have served their country. And for a change of pace, I’m writing the non-fiction history of a local organization.

Give a short synopsis of your most recently published book.
The awakening of his dragon soul twin, Llewlyn, brought Dragshi Lord Branin near-eternal life, but not happiness. As a dragshi, he can take on dragon form and know the freedom of flight, however, both are the last of their kind and have waited millennia for their mates. The firebrand raider, Lady Broch is more than willing to fulfill that position — with or without Branin's willing cooperation.

When a faint thought impinged on Branin's mind, hope for an ending to eons of loneliness soared. Plagued by doubts because no signs of a dragon shifter's birth have been seen, Branin searches the world for the mysterious girl he only knows by the name, Anastasia.

How much of yourself is hidden in the characters in the book?
Anastasia and I share a similar sense of duty and both of us honor our responsibilities to kith and kin. But there is another connection. There is a real Anastasia and is a member of my extended family. Which is what caused one of the problems in writing the book. When we first met Anastasia the character, she was a young girl who had lost her mother. In the novel, she had to be old enough to be a suitable love interest and therein lay the challenge. Dragon Destiny is a romance, not a young adult coming of age tale. In the book she had to age from a young woman to a vibrant adult. But in my head I pictured the real Anastasia who was only a handspan of years. The transition finalized in my mind when I received the cover for Dragon Destiny. Anastasia’s great-grandmother looked at the pose and attitude captured in the portrait by Fantasia Frog Designs and stated, “That’s Anastasia.”

How has your environment affected your writing?
Like many authors, family responsibilities push writing and promotion into the background. I’m fortunate when the real world overwhelms, that there is always the fantasy world to escape into. I enjoy cavorting with magical equines and travelling to worlds of imagination. But honor and duty always call and I return to the real world

The real world slips into my writing in various ways. The idea of a twinned soul grew out of watching a hawk play tag with the clouds and a long-held desire to fly. And I am a firm believer that the imagined world needs to be real to the readers so they can feel as if they are moving through it with the characters.

My first novel, Windmaster, was written in a variety of places including hospital rooms and doctor’s offices. However I admit, the best place to write is the mountains listening to celtic music while sitting on a porch of a log-cabin or on a sun-dappled lakeside dock. There is one caveat to how my environment affects my writing. My characters have learned to hide during the dark days of winter as the barriers to love and happiness grow with the snow drifts. More than one character has been captured and ended up in a dungeon in the winter only to escape with the spring thaw.         

What do you think is the greatest lesson you’ve learned about writing so far? What advice can you give new writers?
Learn to bend with the breeze. Each author’s path, each book is unique and what works for one person is a disaster for another. Whether a logical plotter or a write-without-a-map pantser, writing processes need to be able to shift as characters hijack storylines, and as writers we gain experience. The second piece of advice is “not to be afraid to type ‘the end.’” I’ve worked with too many writers who never finish the work. They just keep going back and rewriting and rewriting. If they do stop, they never take the plunge and submit it for publication. Lastly, too many authors type “the end” then expect royalties to just roll in. Whether ebook or print, traditional or indie-published, the book is yours and you are ultimately the one who needs to market and promote it. After all, it is your passion that created it and which will show through to the readers.

Where do you store ideas for later use: in your head, in a notebook, or on a spreadsheet?
For many years I worked in computer design, coding and testing software, then as a system designer. Organization is engrained in my thought and work process. The logical approach needed to instruct a computer (they weren’t self-programming, yet) creeps into my fiction writing and I admit to being what is now called an explorer. Once I start a project I have forms to help record the scenes and dialog. In the beginning the forms provide structure (and allow me to work when there is no computer around), then later when the characters and plot unveil, I shift from paper to computer and compose on the keyboard so by the time the plotting is finished, there is a complete fairly polished work.

With caregiver responsibilities and a daily life that includes running a business in addition to my writing, keeping things in my head no longer works, so I always have paper and pencil close at hand for when storylines, character names, or setting locales pop into my head. If the material fits into a current project, I make time to convert the information into electronic form and drop it into the research section of the series bible. Future storylines are fleshed out as far as they can go, then put in a special folder  on my laptop labeled, Future Novels.

Where can folks learn more about your books and events?
Events, both in the virtual world and the real one can be found on my website: http://helenhenderson-author.webs.com and my blog: helenhenderson-author.blogspot.com. Dragon Destiny is available in ebook format at Amazon, Smashwords, and Barnes and Noble and coming soon to paperback. Additional sale locations for Dragon Destiny and my other works can also be found on my author’s website.

Thanks for the opportunity to blog on this awesome blogspot and I hope to hear from lots of readers!

Inviting all readers to ask questions in the comments section. We'd love to hear from you!

Promoting THE BAD WIFE

I've been asking authors to weigh in on how they promote and what experiences they've encountered so that we can all learn from them. Here's Jacqueline Seewald's reponse:

My new mystery novel THE BAD WIFE has just been published by Perfect Crime Books so promotion is very much on my mind. Since the novel took a lot of time and effort to write, I certainly want to pique the interest of readers and have them know it exists. I have found that several of my writer groups are supportive and I appreciate the help fellow authors provide. I will be blogging as a guest on several sites for my novel in the next few months. This will add to exposure. I don't believe Facebook or Twitter have done much to help with sales or readership, but other writers may not agree. I am not especially active on social media. Perhaps one has to initiate a more aggressive campaign. My novel has received a very good review from the Gumshoe Review. I believe that will be helpful in promotion. Good reviews are important to sales.

Thanks, Jacquie!   Comments are encouraged!

Another Promoting Experience: Marilyn Meredith

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For in person events, I do best when I can give a talk. If I can make people laugh, I'll sell books. I always do some sort of book launch when I have a new book, I've done them in all sorts of places: a local inn, recreation center, bed and breakfast, used book store, and my latest will be in an art gallery. Some have worked well, others not so much. I like to speak in libraries--again, as for selling books, it depends upon how many show up. I also like book and craft fairs--engaging people who walk by results in selling books.

On line I'm fond of virtual book tours, I'm on one now:

This is day four and here's the blurb I sent out to my lists and to groups on Facebook:

I’m visiting Holli Castillo http://www.gumbojustice.blogspot.com and I wrote about three old guys at McDonald’s.

Do stop by and leave a comment.

I've advertised here (on Booktown.ning.com) and many other places--but it's hard to tell what garners sales.

And I love Facebook and Twitter and have my own blog.

Marilyn Meredith

Thanks, Marilyn. I agree that authors need to look for venues outside of bookstores. I love to sign at wineries and coffee shops. Great perks, too!

What about the rest of you? And how to do connect with and draw folks to your books?

Promoting the Emma Winberry Mysteries

Helen shares her promotional experience:

I belong to a health club. They are my most eager buyers. Always ask when my next book is due. The manager allows me to set up a table in the lobby and sell all day, if I want to.

I have an extensive mailing list and send out postcards when a new book is out. I also e-mail libraries with a large mystery readership and ask them to stock the book.

My publisher sends out press releases and contacts local and regional newspapers and magazines.

Marketing is the most time consuming aspect of being a writer, but it is essential. I am older and do as much as I can. When my energy lags, I take a break.

I've found that attending author fairs and arts and craft fairs can sell books. My most recent book in the series is Locked Within.  website www.helenosterman.com

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I have been marketing my books for ten years and the best tool is face to face marketing. I wear a t-shirt with the name of my series on it-The Emma Winberry mystery series. I speak at women's clubs. That has been very effective because they tell other groups about me. 

Promoting Outside the Box

I asked a group of authors about their experiences with promotion. Joan starts us off and I hope you guys will get involved in the conversation by responding in the comments section. for a chance to win a free book.

Promoting Outside the Box

PROMOTING OUTSIDE THE BOX by JOAN HALL HOVEY My best promotional efforts involve a combination of things. When my first book LISTEN TO THE SHADOWS was published, I didn't have a computer so my promotion was done outside the 'box' literally. Since I belong to writers organizations like Mystery Writers of America and Crime Writers of Canada and Writers Federation of New Brunswick, I made sure news of my book was included in their newsletter. I did a mass mailing of flyers to bookstores in Canada and the U.S. I introduced myself at local bookstores and set up signings, and I did radio and TV interviews. (Some authors choose to send out postcards, but I like the substance of a flyer) If you are diligent, you will begin to create a bit of buzz that will gather momentum like the proverbial snowball rolling downhill. For example, the day after the TV interview was aired, the newspaper called for an interview. The story came out with the heading: A DREAM COME TRUE FOR LOCAL AUTHOR. Local woman lands New York publisher with first novel. I believe my own excitement and enthusiasm, not to mention hard work, had a lot to do with getting the exposure I wanted for my book. You really do have to get out there and let people know about you and your book. Finally, when the complimentary copies of my beautiful novel arrived, I had a poster of the cover blown up and pasted it around town - the library, university, etc. I've also done many interviews since, (like this one) written articles, all of which gets your name and the name of your books 'out there.' Share your experiences with other writers. I had an article coming out soon in THE WRITERS MAGAZINE titled 'My Journey to Publication.'   I also had one in MYSTERY SCENE MAGAZINE.  I was very excited to be included among the pages of these prestigious magazine, and moreso because they’re  ones I've subscribed to for many years, and learned much from. Since that first book, I’ve written The Abduction of Mary Rose, Night Corridor, Chill Waters, Nowhere To Hide and Defective, all available on amazon.  It’s different now with the internet at your fingertips, literally.   I’ll send out a press release and post on Facebook and Twitter and other social media.  My wonderful publisher will run an on Kindle Daily Nation.  I’ll do a virtual book tour.  There are a number of book tour companies on the net.  Google them.  Compare prices and services. As I get older,  travelling has little appeal for me, so this works great.   Remember: No one can sell your book like you can. It's your baby. Show it off. It goes without say that you should always present your best self, but I'll say it anyway: be warm, friendly, courteous always. Even when people ask you what you perceive to be dumb questions. Even if a bookstore owner declines to let you sign your books in her store. Be gracious, never be pushy or obnoxious. And remember to say thank you for any kindnesses or favors. A thank-you card to the story/library/coffee shop person is always appreciated.   Lastly, make sure everything you did for that first book is put into a file for future reference. You'll have accumulated names, addresses for your mailing list, and all sorts of helpful information that will save a lot of time and effort when you get ready to launch your publicity campaign for that second book. Good luck and happy writing! Coming Soon! The Deepest Dark published by Books We Love Website: www.joanhallhovey.com THANKS, Joan!

Let's Get Cozy! with Steve Shrott

I'm starting a new interview series with cozy writers.  What, then is a cozy?

Cozy mysteries are considered “gentle” books… no graphic violence, no profanity, and no explicit sex. Most often, the crime takes place “off stage” and death is usually very quick. Prolonged torture is not a staple in cozy mysteries! The victim is usually a character who had terrible vices or who treated others very badly.  And, there are usually connections between the victims (if indeed there are multiple victims… which usually, in a cozy mystery, there are!), even though the reader is not aware of the obvious connections until the amateur sleuth solves the crimes.

I'm NOT a cozy writer, as my Logan Hunter series smacks with violence and verges on horror at times. EGADS! I'd never planned it that way. Anyway, I read lots of cozies and have many friends and colleagues in the business who write them. Welcome to the first showcase:

Steve Shrott's short stories have been published in numerous print magazines and e-zines. His work has appeared in ten anthologies––two from Sisters-in-Crime (The Whole She-Bang, and Fishnets). Steve, recently, had his humorous mystery, Audition For Death, published by Cozy Cat Press. In his other life, he has written comedy material for well-known performers of stage and screen. Some of his jokes are in The Smithsonian Institute. His non-fiction book, Steve Shrott’s Comedy Course, has been sold all over the world.

Welcome to the "Let's Get Cozy!" blog series, Steve.

Thanks, Susan.

How many mysteries have you written? Are they a series? If so, does the series follow a certain theme (like knitting, painting, etc.) Why did you choose that theme?

I’ve written two mysteries. Audition For Death is out now and the other will be out later this year. They are the first books of different series. The theme of, Audition For Death, is acting, and actors. I chose that because I’ve acted and hung out with a lot of actors. A lot of them are very interesting, sometimes, off-beat characters. I thought that would add a lot of fun to a cozy mystery.

Wow! I can't imagine writing two different series at the same time.

Has your environment or background affected the genre you write? How?

I have a background in humor, having written jokes for many performers, as well as comedy screenplays, funny articles and humorous short stories. So when it came to writing a mystery, I thought my forte would be in doing something that had humor.  

Give a short synopsis of Audition For Death.

It’s a fun mystery about struggling actor, Joshua Mclintock. Although, he’s appeared in numerous films and stage productions, most of his roles have been as dead bodies. When he’s about to be arrested for a crime he didn’t commit, he makes a run for it. (Mostly, because he has an audition for Hamlet.) He soon discovers sinister forces threatening to destroy Hollywood, and he must try to save it, and himself, before it’s too late. 

What do you think is the greatest lesson you’ve learned about writing so far? What advice can you give new writers?

One of the key things I’ve learned is that no matter how tough things seem at the time, you have to keep going. Even, though I may not like what I’m writing, I know that, eventually, I’ll find a way to make it better.

We all know how important promoting our work has become. How do you get the word out to  cozy readers both off and online?

I have a website, blog and Facebook. I’m just in the learning process about twitter now. My key thing about promotion is that I want people to know about my book, but I don’t want to become that guy who hijacks every conversation or email to talk about it. My actual preference is to sell books at live events—signings, readings and talks. Even before my recently published novel, I was doing talks on various subjects, so I’m very comfortable doing that. 

 

Can you tell us your future writing goals/projects?

I’m hoping to write some more cozy novels, some in the two series I’ve started. I really like to create unique characters so I’m sure I’ll be writing some new mysteries as well. I also enjoy writing short stories, having published forty so far. So I will keep writing those. At some point, I would like to attempt something more serious, perhaps a thriller.

Where can folks learn more about your books and events?

My website is steveshrottwriter.weebly.com 

My facebook page is facebook.com/steve.shrott.9

My book, Audition For Death, is available in print and ebook format at Amazon and other online sources. You can get it at   http://amzn.to/1b4LJVX 

Thanks for the interview, Susan!  

My pleasure, Steve. Happy sales!