book marketing | Painting With Light

Posts Tagged ‘book marketing’

Should Indie Authors Survey Their Readers?

February 8, 2016

Surveyor
Surveys Can Point Out Better Ways to Go.

Taking a page out of business school (please, bear with me, I like to think the effort to get that MBA years ago was good for something), in my post last week, in addition to a “teaser” from my next book, I included a link to a brief, 5-question survey.

Why? More to the point, why would I use this blog to recommend it to you as an idea?

Well, there are compelling reasons to survey your readers … and the best one is exactly what you might think … to find out where you are.

Understand the Magic
If you’re an indie writer, I’m sure you already know the uphill battle you face to attract readers. One of the best ways to attract them is to write spectacular books.

Another way starts when you use your author platform to discover what they like about you (or, better yet, what they dislike).

Then do something about it.

Author Platform?
You may not have a separate blog started about your writing, but you should at least have a web site. There are numerous good web-site builders, like Site Builder, Web Site Builder, or the one I use … iPage.

There are others, to be sure, but whichever one you choose, make sure you include a way to talk to your readers. Knowing what keeps those readers coming back is one of the secrets to success.

Customer Satisfaction
Satisfied readers are those who don’t have any outstanding negative issues with you. That’s usually because (1) you either write really good stories, or (2) you give them a chance to find out who you are.

Not just as a writer, but as a person.

Your communication needs to let them know what you’re all about. Don’t constantly scream “buy my book” at them. Oh, you can say it, of course. Just don’t let it be the sole reason you say anything.

Let them find out who you really are.

Like admitting you really didn’t watch much of the Super Bowl this past weekend … just looked at the highlights so you could converse with your friends that did.

Oh … and sympathetic listening is essential.

Why the Survey?
The magic that happens when readers start talking about your work and referring it to others is called loyalty. But it must be earned.

You wouldn’t rely on mere “gut feelings” to make important business decisions, would you? You need to base your decisions on objective information. Hence the survey.

If you’re trying to interest someone with your writing (whether it’s a blog like this or a novel), how you go about it is a business decision.

Make it wisely.

So, What Did I Learn?
Unfortunately, only a small portion of readers (a little more than 1%) took the time to visit (and take) the survey but, from those who did, I got some interesting feedback. Most think this blog meets their needs. That, in itself is nice to know.

Things were pretty evenly divided between “leave it alone” – “add more podcasts” and “add more writing samples.” I can work on that without changing too much.

However, in my opinion, the most significant response was to the question about trust. One hundred percent of the answers I received said they trust the information they find here.

All I can say to that is … thanks. I’ll try to keep on earning it.

jan2016 survey

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My books have all garnered some terrific reviews, and you can see the ones I have available by using the Amazon link below.

You’re invited to visit my web site, BROKEN GLASS, or
like my Book of Face page. You can also follow some of my shorter ramblings on The Twitter.

Tags:book marketing, indie writers, storytelling
Posted in Branding, Market Your Book, Storytelling | Leave a Comment »

Do You Think Before You Promote?

January 19, 2016

Are your promotional efforts sending out an impenetrable fog of Buy, Buy, Buy that no one pays any attention to?

Perhaps it’s because the considerations that matter most in the social platforms indie authors use to promote their work are also the things that should matter most in their personal life.

1. Write More Than You Promote
I think (and this is just me talking … what works for you might be different) that an ideal balance is 80% writing and 20% promoting.

Of course, this assumes you’re not neglecting something even more important along the way … like your family and friends. Make them your priority, and adjust the rest of your time accordingly.

2. Engage, Don’t Spam
In many ways, this is just an extension of point one. Yes, you can talk about your work, but promote in moderation. If the only reason you’re talking to people is to get them to buy your book, most of them are going to ignore you anyway.

Talk to people. Really talk to them. Be a friend and help them. Just like in real life, many of them will reciprocate. It’s amazing how it works … and it’s really that simple.

3. Forget You’re Online
When you engage with others online with your social media, pretend you’re looking right into their eyes. Whether it’s reviewers, readers or other authors, treat them all with the same respect you expect for yourself. Talk about things that interest you, and listen to the interests of others.

The Golden Rule … remember?

4. Pay It Forward
I never get tired of that phrase. I try to pay it forward whenever I can. It’s the main reason I write this blog … to help other indie authors (OK, that’s stretching it just a bit … it’s not the main reason … I do want you to know about my own books, after all).

But I’m convinced positive energy will find more positive energy.

5. Be Prepared to Hear the Truth
When you ask for help, be prepared to hear the truth and react accordingly. No one knows your story as well as you do and, I’m sorry, not everyone is going to be enamored of your heroes. The most helpful of your supporters will tell you when things just don’t ring true.

The key is having people around you who will tell you the truth … even when it isn’t always what you want to hear. They are trying to help, and listening to them will make you a better writer.

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My books have all garnered some terrific reviews, and you can see the ones I have available by using the Amazon link below.

You’re invited to visit my web site, BROKEN GLASS, or
like my Book of Face page. You can also follow some of my shorter ramblings on The Twitter.

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Click on the red-arrow link below to hear my recent podcast answering reader questions about indie writing (duration approx 15 minutes):

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Comments posted below will be read, greatly appreciated and perhaps even answered.

Tags:book marketing, using social media
Posted in Branding, Storytelling | 3 Comments »

Are You Doing Book Signings?

November 25, 2015

book-signing

The holiday season is here again, and it’s a very family time of year. I’m extremely grateful to have good people with whom to share it. I hope you, Gentle Reader, are just as fortunate.

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orion twp library Orion Township Public Library

I’ve been invited to participate again in “The Giving Season” – a local author book-signing at the Orion Township Public Library. It will take place from 1:00p-400p on Saturday, December 5, 2015.

Big deal, you might say (and probably rightly so), but around my house it is big. Book signings are part of the ‘earned media’ I’ve talked about before on this blog.

Sort of.

They aren’t free, which is truly the best definition of earned media … publicity you don’t have to pay for.

Alas, I have to buy the books I sign.

Plus, I have to prepare for the event, which means buying things like posters and handouts (bookmarks, this year), which aren’t free, either. I also have to spend the better part of a day getting to, setting up, participating, and re-packing things afterward to go home.

Poor thing, I can hear you say (a bit sarcastically, right?)

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not complaining. Not at all. Book signings are great way to meet your readers … or, better yet, your potential readers … and this year the library has agreed to accept the donation of my latest book “Street Light” into their permanent collection.

SOME ADVICE
If you’re also an indie author, you might benefit from a few of the things I’ve learned.

Advertise. Don’t depend on the venue to promote you. Many do a bad job of it. Put up your own flyers in the area advertising the event (I print my own at home).

Make sure you have correct change, if you’re doing your own selling. For example, if your book is selling for $15.00, make sure you have enough $5.00 bills to make change.

Print business cards, handouts, bookmarks, fliers as appropriate. If you accept credit cards, make sure the card-reading device is ready … and working … before you start selling.

Make a good impression. For many of your readers, this is the first time they’ll meet you, so be well-groomed. Some authors dress in character, like my friend Eddie Price. If you decide to, make sure the outfit is appropriate for both the books you write and the event.

Bring a supply of good pens. You only have to forget to do this once (… lesson learned).

Decide ahead of time where to sign. I like to sign my books on the title page, which is where most books are autographed, though you can also sign the inside cover.

Personalize your message. In most cases people want the book inscribed to them personally, though sometimes it’s intended as a gift, so be sure to ask. Use their first name and always ask for the spelling, since even common names can have unusual spellings.

Choose a signature phrase. Ideally you should have a phrase that you write each time you sign a book. Keep it simple. I usually write “Best wishes…”

Consider a giveaway. Each time I go to a book-signing, I have a sign-up sheet where someone can win a free copy of one of my books. All I ask for in return is an email address (so I can publicize future events to an interested audience).

Smile. This is probably the best advice I can give you. Potential readers will remember two kinds of authors. Those who are obviously outgoing and happy to meet you, and those who sit back and scowl like a reclusive sourpuss.

Guess which one leaves a better memory?

So be friendly. Stand up. Talk to people. Say hello to everyone who passes by your table. Enjoy yourself.

Optional. Candy and a candy jar. What better way to get people to stop than to have a candy jar on the table? I usually bring Tootsie Rolls. I discovered they are both gluten-free and kosher, so everyone can indulge!

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My books have all garnered some terrific reviews. If you can’t make it to the book-signing, you can see the stories I have available by using the Amazon link below.

You’re invited to visit my web site, BROKEN GLASS, or like my Book of Face page. You can also follow my shorter ramblings on The Twitter.

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Comments posted below will be read, greatly appreciated and perhaps even answered.