Yes. My book is out in the universe thanks to iUniverse.
Now I feel at a lost, stumped, and downright mentally exhausted. All I keep hearing now from my family is "what's the plan?"
I know I need a marketing plan. I really do; I'm not so naive not to know that. However, I couldn't even begin to know where to start. Outside of my (apparently hit-or-miss) web site, my blog and my google group, as well as telling all of my friends via e-mail, facebook, IM, and the various other messageboards I'm on, I pretty much was relying on word-of-mouth to help me along. I am not a planner. I am a writer. I understood when I first decided to thumb my nose at NY establishment that I would have to bear the brunt of everything, but as someone who works, is working on way too many other novels, and is just so god-awfully shy, I'm feeling daunted, quite frankly. I do not think of my writing as a hobby at all, but I'd like one minute for me to catch my breath before I go hawking my book to people who don't know me, probably don't care to know me, and, in light of the present racial culture out there, would probably think my novel is the Black Plague, Small Pox, and the Bird Flu all rolled into one. Added to that, I've only gotten two reviews on my book (outside of people who know me personally telling me what they think of it.) That review on B&N is looking awfully lonely, and Amazon has nothing up. Be careful what you wish for, Sav. I know, I know, but I have no idea how many books I've sold outside what iUniverse is telling me, which is a grand total of one actual book and seven e-books. I KNOW I've sold more than that because my friend just texted and said she got a book, as well as two people from TST telling me they just purchased it. I sent it off to Writer's Digest Self-Published Book Awards, so hopefully I'll get good news from that, and in general, I feel very lost, flopping around; a grounded bird. Yes, I've been busy at work, but the inspiration to write other things is gone. I have VS and GS and TF (poor, poor, neglected TB) but nothing is flowing. I need time to unwind, but I need a marketing plan.
Did I mention I don't have one? I thought I should again.
I have a new appreciation for professional writers now. I just do. Much props.
5 comments:
Okay look you don't know me and will be weried out by what I am about to say and maybe will just brush me off.
You are a great author seriously. I have read your obsolete version of Being Plumville and loved it. Though I really was not fond of the ending and was more then thrilled to learn you were going to be published.
I have been blabbing about you non-stop and have alread ordered the book. I even reviewed on B&N about how I think people should read it. I did tell them however that I have not read the new version, but read the old and loved it. Your stories touch me and pull me into your world. Take "Reconstruction of Jada Changing" (sorry if I got the title wrong), is a wonderful story that I can't wait to read revised an in print.
Really wahat I am trying to say is that it is okay to anxious but do not let it overwhelme you. After all you are doing somthing most people can only dream about (me for example). I am excited for you and know you will be a great sucess. I have the upmost confidence in you and your imagination.
You are a terffic author and are starting to win a place in my heart as one of my most beloved authors, so please do not doubt your skills to much. Just try and improve no matter what, because even if there is just one person out there who enjoys your stories isn't that a reason to keep on writing?
Signed your fan,
Karena
Oh wow . . . thank you so much *hugs*. I really and truly appreciate it. I'm not weirded out at all, I'm actually quite humbled. It's a roller-coaster of emotions for me, so I guess I was at the bottom of the hill. I think I'm creeping my way back up, but posts like these certainly help keep my spirits high, so I thank you very much and I'm glad you liked the revised ending! I'll admit I was holding my breath to see how people react, especially if they read the first draft, but luckily it has been positive.
Thank you, thank you, thank you. I sincerely and truly appreciate it.
*hugs*
Sav
Oi you, lady, what do you mean your desire to write has gone...er nope...nope Sav..NO.
Go and get on the keyboard, I have an exscuse I am moving house shortly and packing up but you don't so...off you go...yes you..of you go..if you stop writing I'll throw myself off something high...see now you have to go write.
I love you. Love you baby
Big hugs
Jo (dwaah fay)xxx
Hey Savvy,
I told you I would visit your blog...so here I am :)
If I may, I 'd like to make a few marketing suggestions to you. I hope you don't mind, these are some things that I've done to promote my book.
Contact your local B & N and ask them if they have any plans on hosting an event called "New Writer's Night." If they don't know about the event request that they call the B & N in Willow Grove, PA for details. You will be able to do a reading of your book and a book signing.
You can go to mosaic.com and get a list of AA book clubs in all 50 states, girl!!! I know your book is IR romance, however, I'm not sure of your ethnic background. If you are AA put in the subject line "New AA Romance Author" The goal of these clubs is to support AA authors, especially self-published ones.
Finally, if you don't have any business cards printed, get some and keep a stack on you at all times. Give them out to people as you tell them about your book. For instance if you're out shopping and you strike up a friendly conversation ask the person if they like to read romance novel. If yes, give them a card and tell them about your book. And girl, don't have any shame to your game. Offer to sell them your book (of course an autograph copy)on the spot (I keep copies in my car). It always amaze me how supportive people are and how willing they are to support a debut author.
Well, I hope this has been helpful. If you are interested in do a couple of internet interviews let me know, I give you the contact info.
It's a lot of work for us self-published authors. However, I know you'll agree it's worth all of the hard work.
Victoria Wells
Hi Victoria,
Thanks so much for the advice! I will definitely look into that. I can't really carry my books around because I don't have a car, but I could definitely work on the business card part. I'll make that happen.
Again, thank you for the advice!
Sav
Post a Comment