Fifteen days and counting down until BEEF STOLEN-OFF releases. You would think that since I’ve known this for –well, forever—that I would be better organized with the promo that I’ll have to do. Last October, when LIVER LET DIE debuted, I had completely filled six weeks with a blog tour, several signings, and lots of contests and Facebook announcements. I was exhausted by the time I was finished, and I vowed never to do that again.
Apparently, publishing books is like childbirth—you forget how bad it really was until you’re smack in the middle of it again. I was all geared up to send out pleas for friends to have me on their blogs when I realized I have not budgeted much time in July for that.
I have 6 sisters/nieces coming down for a week the first week in July—actually the day of BSO’s release, and I am going on a family vacation with kids and grandkids for a week in the middle of July. I was getting all freaked out about this since I knew there was no way I could fit in a grueling blog tour like I did in October.
Then I read an interesting blog. Although it’s about the top self published authors who earn the most money, I found one very interesting point among the ten points listed that I swear was like heaven speaking to me and answering my prayers. (Thank you, St. Jude.) Here it is:
The Top Earners group spent more time writing than they did marketing, and those in the group who spent the least time marketing were making the most money. Out of all respondents, those who spent the most time marketing earned the least.
Are you kidding me? Go back and read it again. And again if you’re like me and have a hard time believing it. Is the guy really saying that if I spend more time writing and less time with blog tours, signing, etc, I will be more successful?
Damn! I think that’s exactly what he’s saying. And you know what? The more I think about it, the more I realize he’s right. What good does it do for you to hook a reader with a cutesy blog or a FaceBook blitz or even your fantastic writing style if there isn’t another book for him/her to read afterwards. Let’s face it, in this day and age of self publishing there are a lot of choices out there for readers. Are they going to remember your name nine months later, or however long it takes to get another book out there? Maybe—maybe not, but for now, I’m going to give it a try.
I have three books under contract, only one of which is written. Cozy readers would love a book every month from the authors—that’s how crazy they are about the fast, entertaining genre. I need to quit worrying so much about how my books will sell and just write new ones to go with the ones out there. As a reader myself, if I find an author whose voice I love, I immediately look to see what else they have that I can read.
So, for any of you who are wondering why I’m not contacting you to ask for time on your blog, that’s why. I already have about ten set up, and that’s plenty. I am going to put my butt in the chair and write. Let me repeat that. I am going to put…well, you get the picture.
I love that cartoon!
I’m curious what you all think about this. How important do you think it is for an author to devote so much time to marketing nowadays? And do you think it might be different for a debut than a multi-pubbed? Come on. I want to know. And I’m so curious that I’m going to send some lucky commenter an ARC of BEEF STOLEN-OFF. Bring it on.
Oh, and here’s the link to the entire article I talked about. It’s pretty interesting.
12 comments:
Liz, I spent gas money going to a signing yesterday. Was there about half an hour and got rained out. (I was thankful that I had plastic zip bags for the books or I would have paid for them out of my own pocket.) I sold zero books. It does make you wonder if signings are only for people who are already bestsellers.
I hear you, Marilyn. Most of the signings I did, I sold out, but that's because most of the books were bought by friends who would have bought the book anyway.
And I was never any good at selling stuff, so I feel like an idiot when people mosey by. I know how awkward it is for me when I see an author signing a book in a genre that doesn't interest me.
Maybe there really is something to just writing.
I think there's a fine line. Time is money, and if you spend too much of your time promoting a book, it definitely hits the bottom line. But, if you don't promote it enough, it may not get as much attention (multi-pubbed or not).
I have a few 'favorite' authors these days, some of which overdo it to the point that I can't stand seeing their social media updates anymore, so I have HIDDEN them. Conversely, I have another favorite that I didn't even know had a second book of a new series coming out last year, due to the lack of promotion...and it happened again for the third book this year. I keep thinking, WHY are you not promoting this? So I take to twitter/FB and help. But then get confused why I'M doing their marketing. If they don't care, why should I?
I think the key is quality promotion. Engage the readers. One author had a cool promotion to help name the next installment in the series, and if you won, your name got in the book. That was fun. Another was 'character interviews' from the series main cast. What a blast! Get the readers involved. Get them talking. =)
Mainly, though, do what feels best for YOU. I love reading your series, and want to keep reading them. If promotion starts to burden you or exhaust you to the point of not writing or not writing as much, then that's not good. You need to enjoy the process...so we can enjoy your books. I just want to know when they come out, so don't forget that. :))
That's just my opinion as a reader, though. LOL Sorry for the long response.
I have mixed emotions on this subject.
Most of my family and friends who buy books NEVER use facebook, twitter or read blogs. To find books they go to Amazon or bookstores, look for FAMILIAR NAMES and GREAT COVERS.
As a writer, I spend a ton of time on facebook, twitter and reading blogs to LEARN about the industry. But when I log into Kobo, I too look for FAMILIAR NAMES, and GREAT COVERS!
I don't have a Kindle so I never follow a link for a posted book.
BUT, occasionally I do look for a book at either the store or on Kobo by an author who I've found funny, interesting, helpful or engaging on social media.
AND, if I read a book I love? I never forget the author's NAME and constantly look for another book.
For me this is a win win.
As a writer, I want to write and if I do go the self epub route, I will have 3 books ready to go.
As a reader I want to read and hate waiting for the next book in a series but if the series is good... I'm still there waiting when it comes out.
Brain, what an insightful response. It's probably advice I will take. As with everything else, moderation is the key. As I've mentioned, I have about 10 blog appearances set up, and this weekend I negotiated two book signings at book stores.
I know what you mean about authors getting on your last nerves with every day/every hour notifications about their books. And I love that you love my series. Are you an overall mystery reader or a certified cozy connoisseur?
And are you a writer as well as a reader?
I know, Katharyn, I am also conflicted on this subject. I think Brian hit it on the head with his moderation spiel. You do want readers to know that your book is coming out---especially because the first few weeks are important for making lists with sales. But as he mentioned, you also don't want to tick off your readers by shoving a new release down their throats.
Whichever way you choose to go, I will be anxiously awaiting your stories since I've already read part of one and loved it.
I did several book signings a few years ago when, I and several authors did an anthology. At one signing where several of us were present for a discussion before hand we sold several book, not the twenty+ that were ordered by the store. I then later did one by myself and sold two copies. I swore then I'd never do another one.
Since I write mostly novellas and am with two small presses I not don't have to worry about doing a signing or I rely on FB, Twitter and other social media to get the word out.
I have an ebook being released in a few weeks and will hit a few blogs to promote it and post it on FB and Twitter. Even with the ones out now I will occassionally share the buy links.
I get annoyed when I see an author plastering their book, new release or old all over the place. Over saturation especially on FB, IMHO, can turn people off.
On the other hand, in December I have a single author anthology, 3 historical romance, being release by my other publisher. With this one I'm going to try to set up a 7-14 day blog tour.
It's not that the books from the other publisher don't deserve the same treatment but because of the size of the book, which is scheduled for print next year. But as far as setting up book signings at stores with this one, I seriously doubt it. When it comes out in print I'll figure at that time what exactly I'll do for promotions.
In short LIz, do what you feel is right and best for you. You already have a following and when word gets out about the new one they and others will flock to buy it. Me included
Thanks for the advice and the nice words, Lindsay. You have gotten so busy lately I'm not surprised you are doing a shortened blog tour. Deadlines make me crazy. Promotion makes me crazy. I wish we could just write!!
And the winner of the ARC is Brian. Please send your snail mail address to me. And congrats.
Thank you! This absolutely made my day! :)) I cannot wait to read this.
In response to your above question: I am an equal opportunity mystery reader, but I love cozies the best. And, I'm just a reader...but I'm happy with that.
Thank you, once more, you are the best!
Hi Liz, sorry I'm so late getting here. I've been out all day with football and baseball practice. I have a lot of conflicting feelings on the promotion issue. I think it is slightly different for debut authors. The blog tours do get their name out there to bloggers. But I think the best time spent for any author is writing.
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