I don't really know how to market my book. I mean, I know. It's all laid out there on the world wide web. But other than throwing myself at people in the grocery store and yelling READ MY NOVEL, I'm not sure how to reach the vast jillions of people out there.
I am, however, reading a book called Indiestructible: Inspiring Stories from the Publishing Jungle and it's helping me make sense of the ordeal that marketing an indie novel seems to be. It's not a how-to book, but it does lay out the experiences of authors from around the world. Some of them are published the traditional way; some are published through small presses; and some are entrepreneurs, completely self-published (like me).
I'm really enjoying the read. It gives me energy and, more importantly, hope. If you're a writer, any kind of writer, I recommend you give it a look. It cost me one whole buck on Amazon – and it could be the best buck you ever spend.
Still, I honestly believe the best way to market anything is through word of mouth. A couple years ago I was at my friend Tammy's for a visit and she started talking about some book called 50 Shades of Grey that had her absolutely hooked. "You HAVE to read this," she said. "I just can't put it down!"
Believe it or not I had never heard of 50 Shades until Tammy mentioned it. And because I love Tammy, I bought the book. I wonder how many copies of that infamous book were recommended exactly the same way?
I guess that's why I mentioned Indiestructible to you. Maybe I'm not over at your house, comfortably settled into a lawn chair with a Diet Coke, chatting about a great new book and waiting for the men to grill a few steaks. Maybe this is the best we can do, at least for now.
By the way, I just finished reading Stephen King's new novel, Doctor Sleep. For the first three-quarters, I was like, meh, it's merely OK. But as I reached the finish line King showed that he has still got it, in every conceivable way. When I finished the book I bawled like a baby, such was the emotional wallop that story packed. Like Tammy once said, "You HAVE to read it!" But since Stephen King has a few dollars and readers more than me, I suggest you read Green Eggs & Weezie first. :) And then tell two friends, just like this Heather Locklear Fabergé ad from the '80s:
Please tell me that King doesn't build everything up for 800 pages, kill everyone off in the last 10 and not provide an epilogue about what happened to the people that live! That's his usual MO and that's why I stopped reading his books.
ReplyDeleteYES! He builds everything up for 800 gazillion pages THEN KILLS EVERYONE OFF IN THE LAST 10!!!! HAHAHAHAHAHA! You crack me up, Joanne! Seriously, though, yah, there's the traditional King build-up but let me just say he does NOT kill everyone off (OK, a few bite the dust) and he actually does a fabulous epilogue that tells you what happens to the characters. I was impressed with that bit, I really was, because I hear ya on the King formula.
DeleteGlad you're enjoying Indiestructible! Some sharp authors contributed to that anthology.
ReplyDeleteLike YOU Alex J. Cavanaugh!!!!!!!! That's what makes it so good!
DeleteI would rather read your book.
ReplyDeleteBig smacky kisses being sent your way, Mizz Clarissa!
DeleteI wish I had a Reader so I could read your book; maybe when my friend is back from Florida I could borrow her's, but in the mean time I am telling LOTS of friends about your book. x
ReplyDeleteOh dear! You need to ask the Crabbie Cabbie for a Kindle for Christmas!!! In the meantime, you can go to this link and read the first few chapters online: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FL7Y27O You'll see a picture of the book cover with a "Look Inside." If you click on it, it will open up to the first several chapters. Only Amazon in the U.S. has the Look Inside feature on my book... the Canadian Amazon doesn't have it. Oh well. I feel bad I don't have an "actual" book yet - maybe some day but right now it's a pretty expensive proposition. If you look for my book on Kobo, it's pretty easy to download it to your computer or your smart phone.
DeleteAt any rate, I see what you've been doing on your blog and Facebook and I THANK YOU for your kind support! oxoxo
My sister has my reader now so I'm reading the book on the 'puter. you just download the Kindle softwear and away ya' go.
DeleteI'm recommending the book to everybody. I put a blurb on the Facebook too! My daughter is going to check it out - she of the book club world!
Here's one way to reach readers: visit other people's blogs. *hint hint* I just happen to feature writers or writing on Mondays at my blog, and I've told my readers how fabulous you are: I know they'd love to hear from you! Ian Hutson will be there this coming Monday. Pop over to http://MarianAllen.com and use the Contact Me tab to ... you know ... contact me. ~grin~
ReplyDelete50 Shades (and its sequels) never tempted me. And I am not a Stephen King fan. Your book however is singing a siren song to me. And will get read soon. Very soon. Itis sitting here waiting and I am going to reward myself with it as soon as I have finished a few less desirable tasks.
ReplyDeleteI do have to get my mitts on a reader....
ReplyDeleteCathy: I love writing and have had a book half finished for years, but can't see going through the self publishing swamp...and practically know I can never get a publisher to buy on spec - guess you would call me a lazy writer.
ReplyDeleteGood luck: I'm pulling for you.
and King is a fabulous writer - perhaps the greatest fiction writer of my lifetime. I know people get turned off by the genre, but his writing is strong.
the Ol'Buzzard