Unicorn Bell: aspiring authors

Monday, November 30, 2015

Dear Debbie-Downer Writer,

I know a few writers who complain about a lack of readers and sales but then shoot down every marketing strategy. Most of the time it’s because they heard certain techniques have downsides or aren’t as effective as some hoped. Well, I have a few things to say to these authors/writers….

Dear Debbie-Downer Writer,

How do you know you’ll have the same experience as these other authors?

How do you know it won’t produce good results for you?

The truth is, you don’t know.

Don’t let what others say dissuade you from trying something new. Don’t decide it won’t benefit you until you give it a fair shot and look at the results.

Image from QuickMeme.com

1. Blog Tours

A blog tour is the #1 way I know to get the word out about a new book.

Debbie-Downers will say: Blog tours don’t result in sales.

I say: You’ll get some sales, not tons. How many you get depends on whether you target your readers and share unique posts to entice them. The main purpose of a blog tour is to get your name and your book’s title/blurb in front of dozens, even hundreds of people. It’s the best virtual exposure you can get and if you want readers and sales, exposure is what you need.

Debbie-Downers will say: People only congratulate you. They don’t buy your book.

I say: So? Getting “Congrats!” should make you feel good. You can’t expect everyone who comments to buy your book. And not everyone who does give you a nice comment actually reads the type of book you’re promoting. They’re being friendly. You should be happy about that!

Debbie-Downers will say: The same people go to the same blogs. I want to find new readers.

I say: Then you need to find new blogs. Step out of your blogging circle and look for bloggers you’re not acquainted with. Search blog directories and book blog listings. Build a relationship with them and see if they host guests.

Point is, it’s great exposure and you really can find new readers. The most sales I’ve received for a new book came as a result of a blog tour. I actually don’t know any better of a way to connect to potential readers than with a blog tour.

Image from Flickr

2. Free eBooks

A free eBook can be a nice way for new authors to get their eBook into the Kindles of avid readers. It’s also an awesome strategy for authors with a series. By putting a prequel and the first book in a series free for a few days (or even permafree), you are opening the door for many readers to order the next book and become a fan.

Debbie-Downers will say: People only download free eBooks because they’re free, and they don’t read them.

I say: When Hurricane Crimes was free for 5 days, it received over 2,000 downloads. I don’t have 2,000 reviews, but my eBook is in 2,000+ Kindles and that’s awesome! Someday these people may come across it and read it. You never know. Plus, many readers who get free books do want to read them and will.

Debbie-Downers will say: You’ll get a lot of bad reviews because your book isn’t what they’d normally read.

I say: This can happen. And it’s not your fault. It’s the reader’s fault for not reading the blurb and not looking at the genre and page count. I got one bad review from a reader who said she hadn’t realized Hurricane Crimes was a short story. Well, there’s a note at the beginning of the blurb stating it’s a short story. Plus, a page count. I’m not sure if this reader got my story when it was free because the review came over a year later, but that was just one review…and there were over 2,000 downloads.

Point is, if your eBook gets a lot of downloads, it’ll reach the top of Amazon lists. That’s awesome exposure. You may also get sales after your free days end. And although you won’t get a bunch of reviews right away, after some time you may get some, especially if you tell the people you know on social media about your free eBook.

Image from Wikimedia

By eliminating blog tours and free eBooks from your marketing, you’re losing out on many potentially good things. By being a Debbie-downer, you’re only bringing yourself down. And if you don’t take advice and try new strategies then how do you expect to change anything or get anywhere?

So…TRY!

See Also:

Dear Withdrawn Writer

Dear Time-Strapped Writer

Dear Un-inspired Writer

Dear Blocked Writer

Dear Degree-less Writer

Dear Young Writer

Dear Aspiring Author

Dear Confused Facebook Author

Dear Scrambling Writer

Dear Writer Not Writing

Dear Distracted Writer

Writer Dear PMSing Writer

Dear Goal Writer

Author of Hurricane Crimes, 30 Seconds, Ghost of Death, and Witch of Death. Blogger. Reader. Auntie. Vegetarian. Cat Lover.

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Friday, June 19, 2015

Dear Aspiring Author

NOTE: Several aspiring authors who have found my blog have asked me how I got published and what they need to do. I always tell them the same things, so this one is for all aspiring writers looking for some insight.

Dear Aspiring Author,

You’ve been writing your book for months, even years, and you’ve just finished your manuscript. Now what?

Now you have a lot of work ahead of you. Don’t let that discourage you though, because at the end of it, you’ll have a book to be proud of, a lot more knowledge, thicker skin, and hopefully a published book.

When you write “THE END” at the bottom of your manuscript, let it sit for a few weeks so you can edit it with fresh eyes. Every book has been edited probably a dozen times or more. No book, not even yours, is exempt from editing. Learning to edit properly takes time and practice. You can take editing classes and read books.

Here are some of the editing posts I’ve done that could help you:

The Ultimate Editing List

How to Edit a Book

After you’ve edited your book to the point where you can’t possible fix it anymore and are even sick of it, give it to someone else to read such as a teacher, family member, friend, or another writer. If you join the blogging group Insecure Writer’s Support Group and their Facebook critique group, you’ll find generous people willing to help.

Once you get feedback from a couple of people and make changes (the key is to not take anything they say personally and to be open to what they say), it’s time to learn how to write a query letter and synopsis to send to agents/editors. When you accomplish these necessary evils, research which agents/editors are best for your book and send out your material with crossed fingers.

You can find agents and editors in these books:

Writers Market

Guide to Literary Agents

Helpful Links:

How to Write a Query Letter

How to Write a Synopsis

How to Get Publishing Credentials

Image from Flickr.

Most writers get rejections and a ton of them. It’s really a badge of honor. Kathryn Stockett who wrote “The Help” was rejected 60 times and C.S. Lewis received 800 rejections before he sold a single piece of writing. You could land an agent your first try or you may be another C.S. Lewis. So if you get rejections, don’t take it personally. Send your material to the next one on your list and don’t stop.

How to Handle Rejection

While you’re sending out queries (heck, even when you’re writing your first book), build a following. At the same time, work on publishing flash fiction, articles, and poetry to get publishing credentials.

Helpful Links:

How to Get Publishing Credentials

How to Build a Platform

Blogging 101

How to Create an Author Facebook Page

And of course, start writing your next book. Maybe your first book won’t make it but the second or third one you write will. If you decide to self-publish, go for it! But research like crazy to know what you’ll need to do to not only self-publish but market your book.

The most important thing to do while you do all of this (editing, submitting, and writing) is to believe that you’ll get published one day. Some of us have our days sooner than others but I believe all of us will eventually have our day. Your belief and determination will be fuel on your journey to publication.

Fuel up and shoot for the stars!

XOXO,

Chrys Fey