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

Permal

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

 ▶ 

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!                            

J.D. Holiday: Children's Picture Books

J.D. Holiday is the author and illustrator of the children's picture books- JANOOSE THE GOOSE and THE SPY GAME, and the chapter book for 6 to 8 year olds, THE GREAT SNOWBALL ESCAPADE. She is the host on "It's Story Time" & "Halo Kids Tales", children's reading radio shows, and "The Authors' Words" on the Book Garden Radio on Red River Radio at Blog Talk Radio.  She is a member of The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators.

Her sites: http://bookgardennook.blogspot.com/

Blog Talk Radio: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/rrradio

Wow! You're a busy lady, J.D. Thanks for taking the time to answer a few questions.

My pleasure, Susan.

How has your environment affected your writing?

If you mean by environment, my life experiences, then I would say in every way. I can't write without finding a place I've been or a feel I've had that my characters will escape feeling or walking those streets. For me writing is very personal.

How many books have you written?

 I have three children's books in print and e-book form. Janoose The Goose, my first book, which is a picture book, The Great Snowball Escapade, a chapter book for 6 to 9 year olds and my latest book is The Spy Game, a picture book as well.

Give a short synop of your most recently published book.

In The Spy Game, the young boy, Eddie would love to have a puppy to play with. But his Uncle Reese brings Eddie an older dog named about a famous spy. What can you do with an old dog? It probably couldn't learn new tricks, and the only thing this dog did was stare. It's what they find to do together that makes them the best of friends!

How much of yourself is hidden in the characters in the book?

As you can see by my answer to question one, quite a bit. For instead, my brother, Ike's dog Sheeba had puppies. He ask me to take this one puppy he named, Sidney Reilly after a spy series he and I watched together.  At the time I had a dog and didn't think my older dog  would be happy with a new addition.

My brother felt sure this dog was for me and he kept it with that in mind. When the puppy was 11 months old, my brother died of a heart attack. AND Sidney came to me. I was wrong to think that my dog, Snoopy and Sidney would not get along. They did, in their own way. In The Spy Game Eddie's Uncle Reese who is modeled about my brother brings Sidney to Eddie's house to live.

Where do you store ideas for later use: in your head, in a notebook, or on a spreadsheet?

For most of my stories, when I come up with one, I write an outline for it to get it started. Then I place it in a notebook or binder. From there on, I will jot down notes on bits of paper and shove them in between the pages of the notebook or binder that's dedicated for that particular story.

Can you tell us your future writing goals/projects?

I have many stories written or started that need to be done. Right now I am working on a collection of short stories I have written for adults that will be in a bookcalled Short Stories and Other Imaginings For The Reading Spot. And I'm doing pictures to a sequel to my first children picture book, Janoose The Goose called The Fall Feather Fair co-written with my grandson when he was 6 years old. Luke is now 8.  I am also working on a collection of short stories I have written, for adults called Short Stories and Other Imaginings For The Reading Spot.

Where can folks learn more about your books and events?

People can find out more aabout me, my books and my radio shows on my site: 

http://bookgardennook.blogspot.com/

If they want to follow me they can find out where I am there as well.

Are your books available in print and ebook formats?

My books can be bought on Amazon and Barnes & Noble on line and ordered in bookstores.

The Spy Game book:

AMAZON: 

http://www.amazon.com/The-Spy-Game-JD-Holiday/dp/0981861449

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-spy-game-j-d-holiday/1112796163?ean=9780981861449

E-book:

AMAZON:  http://www.amazon.com/Spy-Game-J-D-Holiday-ebook/dp/B009EGBY1K

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-spy-game-j-d-holiday/1112796163?ean=2940045442527

The Great Snowball Escapade book:

 AMAZON: http://www.amazon.com/Great-Snowball-Escapade-J-Holiday/dp/0981861423

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-great-snowball-escapade-jd-holiday/1026666723?ean=9780981861425

E-book:

AMAZON: http://www.amazon.com/Great-Snowball-Escapade-JD-Holiday-ebook/dp/B003ODIV4C/

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-great-snowball-escapade-jd-holiday/1026666723?ean=9780981861432

Janoose The Goose book:

AMAZON: http://www.amazon.com/Janoose-Goose-J-D-Holiday/dp/0981861407/

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/janoose-the-goose-jd-holiday/1102513406?ean=9780981861401

E-book:

AMAZON:  http://www.amazon.com/Janoose-Goose-J-D-Holiday-ebook/dp/B001F0R5HU

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/janoose-the-goose-jd-holiday/1102513406?ean=9780981861418

 

I wish you the best of sales and artistry, J.D.    

Thank you, Susan, for having here!

Conda Douglas

Conda Douglas grew up in the ski resort of Sun Valley, Idaho. Her childhood was filled with authors and artists and other creative types. She grew up with goats in the kitchen, buffalo bones in the living room and rocks in the bathtub. Now her life is filled with her cat and dog and permanent boyfriend and writing.
She's traveled the world from Singapore to Russia (in winter!) and her own tiny office, writing all the while. She delights in writing her cozy Starke Dead creative woman mystery series with amateur detective jeweler Dora Starke. The more Dora discovers cursed jewelry, her aunt digging graves, and a rampant poisoner, the more fun Conda has--although sometimes Dora complains about her plight! Next up, Starke Raving Dead, in which Dora's mad Aunt Maddie proves the aptness of her name.

Welcome to the blog, Conda. 

Thank you , Susan. It's nice to be here.

How has your environment affected your writing?

Without having grown up in Sun Valley, Idaho, I would have nothing to write about! Okay, partly kidding. But the huge majority of my writing takes place in a version of a small town in the mountains of Idaho. My mystery series is placed in the Sun Valley I knew growing up, which I renamed Starke so I could move the mountains to my own choosing.

How much of yourself is hidden in the characters in your books? 

With any luck, I've managed to squeeze all of me into my main character, Dora Starke, of my Starke Dead series. Since she's younger and thinner, sometimes it's a tight squeeze.

My main character, Swoop, in my Mall Fairies series, possesses plenty of flaws, but also strengths which, in another life, I would hope I possess—and sometimes hope I perhaps do in this life.

What challenges did you face while writing your series?

The main challenge in Starke Dead series is how much of a world I know intimately and perhaps too well should I include? How much to leave out? After consulting my beta readers, I concluded that I needed to do what worked for me as one reader would say "too much" and the next would say "too little"!

In my Mall Fairies series the huge challenge is not in creating the fantasy world, but in remembering it for each separate book! And yes, everyone says to keep a "bible" but I'd much rather be writing the novel.

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

What I've learned over and over in the course of my writing career is one simple caveat: It's the writing, stupid. What other people are writing, what's the newest best seller, who is doing what to sell and when, none of that matters a whit. It's only the writing that matters.  Because, at end of day, if I can tell myself I worked hard on my greatest passion, writing, and did the best I could to write the best I could, it's a good day.

Can you tell us your future writing goals/projects?

Next up is the second novel in my Starke Dead series: Starke Raving Dead, in which Aunt Maddie goes mad as she always does, but has she gone insane? Perhaps, her niece Dora thinks, when Dora discovers Aunt Maddie digging a grave in the back yard!

Then it's on to the last of the Mall Fairies trilogy, The Mall Fairies: Destiny. The fairies, pixies and human Grace believe there problems are over—until the arrival of their old nemesis, Aunt Diane. That's just the beginning of their troubles—trolls anyone?

Where can folks learn more about your books and events?

My blog: http://condascreativecenter.blogspot.com

My Amazon page: https://www.amazon.com/author/condadouglas

Are your books available in print and ebook formats? 

The best place to find the majority of my published works, whether in ebook, print or audio is on my Amazon page: https://www.amazon.com/author/condadouglas

 Wishing you the best of sales, Conda!