self-publishing | Painting With Light

Posts Tagged ‘self-publishing’

Do Book Awards Matter?

December 1, 2016

rf2016-award Receiving Readers’ Favorite Award, November 2016

That depends on you, your book, and what you hope to achieve from entering contests.

We know from Bookscan sales data that very few book awards actually help to sell books.

The Pulitzer does, but most others make no measurable difference.

Sadly, from experience I have to agree. I’ve written six books and collected five awards, but the world isn’t knocking down my door.

Still, awards are helpful.

They signal a book’s quality to potential readers. They add credibility that gives assurance the book is worthwhile.

You get a little touch of magic from a third party endorsement. When an authority says your work is worthy, that’s actually priceless.

If You’re an Indie Author
Here’s a list of my Top 8 book awards worthy of your consideration:

IndieFab Awards

ForeWord Reviews Book of the Year Awards

2.Find out how to make it on the Indie Next List to win an Indies Choice Book Award

3.The National Indie Excellence Book Awards selects award winners and finalists based on overall excellence of presentation in dozens of categories. Created especially for indie and self-published authors.

4.Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards. Here’s your chance to enter a competition exclusively for self-published books. One winning entry will receive $8,000 with nine first-place winners who’ll receive $1,000 each.

5.Readers’ Favorite Awards receives submissions from independent authors, small publishers, and publishing giants like HarperCollins and Simon & Schuster, with contestants that range from the first-time, self-published author to New York Times best-selling authors.

6.The Eric Hoffer Award for independent books recognizes excellence in publishing with a $2,000 grand prize and various category honors and press type distinctions. To enter, a book must be from an academic press, small press or self-published author.

7.Next Generation Indie Book Awards. Thousands of dollars in prize money. Finalists and Winners receive a listing in the Next Generation Indie Book Catalog distributed to thousands of book buyers, media and others. Plus the top 70 books will be reviewed by a top New York Literary agent for possible representation.

8.Shelf Unbound Magazine’s Best Indie/Self-Published Book Competition honors more than 100 indie/self-published books. In addition to $1,500 in cash prizes, they’ll feature the winner, five finalists, and more than 100 “notable” books in the December/January issue of Shelf Unbound.

Any independently published book in any genre in any publication year is eligible for entry.

Entering a Competition
Was it worth it for me? Definitely.

Judged by competent professionals in the publishing world and deemed to be one of the best in its category, potential readers do take notice when a book wins an award.

Did book sales for Blood Lake increase? Did I recover the costs of entering the contest? Not yet, on both counts … and certainly not when I add the cost of round-trip plane fare to Miami, car rental and reserving nights at the Regency Hotel.

However, the book, if nothing else, has gained a measure of prestige. Who knows what the long-term benefits will be?

What Do You Think?
Should you send your book off to be judged alongside others? That depends. Are you confident you have a professional product that can compete and perhaps even win?

If you think so, then go for it. As Hockey great Wayne Gretzky said “You Can’t Score Unless You Shoot!”

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On December 3, 2016, I’ll be signing books from 1:00-4:00 pm at the annual “Giving Season” event at the Orion Township Public Library (825 Joslyn Rd).

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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. Look for them. Better yet, buy one and read it. You just might like it.

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

**********

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

Tags:Readers Favorite, self-publishing, storytelling
Posted in Award-Winning Fiction, Awards, Self-Published, Storytelling | Leave a Comment »

Why Do We Have to Market, Anyway?

November 4, 2016

fair

Just saying the word marketing is often enough to send a chill through most independent authors. Some liken it to a carnival thrill ride that spins you ’round and ’round endlessly.

It can be scary. But I assure you it needs to be done.

Where to Begin?
Take an objective look at your website (you do have one, don’t you?). Also look at other social media presences you have (The Twitter, Book of Face, Goodreads Author Pages, Amazon Author Pages).

Pretend you’re seeing them for the first time.

Then answer these questions:
~ Do your sites clearly communicate who you are?
~ Are they similar enough to make them recognizable as yours?
~ Do they make the reader want to open his wallet and buy a book?
~ How easy is it to make the purchase, if they do?

Your web site is who you are to the online world, but I find it amazing how many indie-authors don’t have a web site at all or, if they do, have one that looks and functions like an afterthought.

Make sure you’re set up so potential readers can find you online. The first step to book-marketing success is really that simple: make sure people can find you.

It’s also important to have a social media presence other than a web site … but don’t get so wrapped up in it you forget what you really want to do … write books.

Narrow Your Audience
Step two is narrowing your audience. Take a good look at the genre your book really fits, and pitch it accordingly.

When you pitch, make sure they like you. Don’t oversell. Give them something they can use and tell them something about yourself they’re not going to find anywhere else.

Readers love to know their favorite authors are human, too.

If you can increase your online coverage, you have a good chance to add other selling opportunities as well, such as visits to schools and book clubs.

What Do I Have That’s Interesting?
You don’t have to create something new. More often than not you already have what you need. When in doubt, try an excerpt of your latest work … or a work in progress.

If you’ve already had some success with a book, what better way to entice someone than to let them see a tiny piece of the next one?

* * * * *
Draft copy from my novel-in-progress
“Dead End Street”

Six weeks to the day after I’d returned from Randy and Janice’s wedding, Jim and Eva dropped by again, totally unannounced.

I didn’t think much about it, even though that, all by itself, was strange. They were about as straight-laced and Ann Landers proper as they come, and they would usually call before dropping by.

That afternoon they just showed up at the gate.

Of course, I opened it to let them in as soon as I heard their voices on the speaker. I was looking forward to seeing them.

I watched their car come up the drive until it was just outside the front porch. When they came up on the steps I already had the door open.

Once inside, the first thing Jim did was show me a chilled bottle of white wine. “I’ve had this in the cooler since yesterday, just so I could open it here with you,” he said, tapping the bottle, “so don’t you even think of saying no.”

Eva smiled her shy-little-girl smile and gave me the quick hug and perfunctory kiss on the cheek everyone in the Rancho Santa Fe area used to greet each other.

Jim, despite his words, didn’t even hold out his hand.

Instead, he cocked his head from one side to the other. As he looked at me that way, his right eyebrow shot up with his question.

“Have you been sleeping all right, Paul?”

“Sure,” I lied, thinking he’d never notice.

“Well, you look like shit,” he muttered.

* * * * *

Try a Goodreads Giveaway. All you need is one copy of your already-printed work to set one up, and a site for known readers is a great place to get your work seen and known.

When you do land some coverage for your book, like I did recently when Blood Lake was selected as a Readers’ Favorite 2016 Bronze Medal Winner, amplify that publicity … even though your budget for the effort may be like mine … practically non-existent.

Targeted Audiences
Use the “Boost Post” feature of your Book of Face posts. You’ll find an array of options when you select “Create New Audience” such as location, gender and interests.

The Twitter has an ad platform that functions much the same way, and with a small targeted audience the more affordable it is to reach it. You can do wonders with a micro-budget under $20.

Your platform will grow as you continue to raise awareness about yourself. With any luck at all, you’ll become the author other indie-authors are emulating with their efforts.

Assuming, of course, you’ve written a good book to begin with.

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My book-signing at the “Books & Authors” event at Leon & Lulu in Clawson, on October 23 was a rousing success. Thanks to everyone who came by.

On November 19, 2016, I’ll be at the Readers Favorite award ceremony at the Regency Hotel in Miami, receiving my Bronze Medal.

On December 3, 2016, I’ll be signing books from 1:00-4:00 pm at the annual “Giving Season” event at the Orion Township Public Library (825 Joslyn Rd).

**********

My books have all garnered some terrific reviews and you can see the ones I have available by using the Amazon link below. Look for them. Better yet, buy one and read it. You just might like it.

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

**********

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

Tags:book marketing, indie writers, self-publishing
Posted in Award-Winning Fiction, Market Your Book, Storytelling | Leave a Comment »

Why Does Your Book Pitch Matter?

October 16, 2016

texture
There’s a Lot of Noise Out There.

As a writer, I find I’m always listening to other people’s conversations. Don’t get me wrong … I don’t do it to eavesdrop … it’s just a habit I developed to help me understand how people really talk to each other. It’s enormously helpful when crafting realistic dialogue.

I was at the recent 2016 Rochester Writers’ Conference at Oakland University, when something I overheard really struck me.

While standing in the registration line, I heard one of the attendees ask another, “You’ve published a book? Super! What’s it about?” The question wasn’t directed at me, but I have to admit I was looking forward to the answer.

Unfortunately, the author responded with a long, rambling, hard-to-follow discourse that demonstrated an utter lack of understanding about what he really needed to do … quickly get across the premise of what his book will deliver.

I walked away (so did the questioner), certain I no longer cared.

The experience really made me think. As an indie author, you will be asked many times what your book is about. Will your answer draw people in, make them curious, and let them know right away whether or not it’s something they might be interested in reading?

Or will it make them walk away?

What Should It Be About?
In the business world a brief, persuasive sales speech is called an elevator pitch (a good one lasts no longer than a short elevator ride, hence the name). I’ve talked about it before.

Consider the information that must be delivered in mere seconds and you can see why crafting a great pitch is a bit of an art form. You need to be able, in 30 seconds or less, to explain why your book stands out from the crowd.

I was in the advertising business for a long time and our most creative minds spent endless hours focusing on the “promise” of a product. Most of the effort was to describe the product’s emotional payoff rather than its efficacy.

In other words, sell the sizzle, not the steak.

So how do you prepare to sell your book to a stranger?

Write It Down, Then Edit
You need to give a good idea of the genre, the book’s main hook, your qualifications, comparable books and why it’s different or exciting. It’s a lot to talk about, so once you have some idea of what to include, write it down.

Then condense that information and choose the points you think will best help you sell your book in the shortest amount of time. Go over your pitch until you’ve tailored it to pique your audience’s attention. It’s not easy.

I remember a quote attributed to German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. He wrote a letter to a friend that started: “I’m sorry to send you such a long letter. I didn’t have time to send you a short one.”

I don’t mention it to be funny.

Just as Goethe was implying with his letter, it’s a challenge to create a summary that highlights exactly why your work would be of interest, and combines it all with clear benefits for the reader.

Remember It’s a Conversation
Although essentially a sales pitch, you can’t afford to come across like the stereotypical overzealous used-car dealer. Communicate your ideas clearly and concisely, focusing on your passion for the story.

Also be aware of body language, because it sometimes speaks louder than your words. To look comfortable is to be comfortable. Believe in your words and try not to sound too rehearsed.

And for Heaven’s sake, don’t forget to smile – you’re a published author and you’re proud of your work!

Crafting and perfecting an elevator pitch gives you a valuable resource for those times when you have to flip a switch and promote your book in the quickest, most efficient way possible.

When that stranger asks, “So, what’s your book about?” you have your opening … and you’re ready to go for it.

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I’ll be at the “Books & Authors” book-signing event at Leon & Lulu in Clawson, on October 23, 2016, practicing my elevator pitches. Hope to see you there.

On November 19, 2016, I’ll be in attendance at the Readers Favorite award ceremony at the Regency Hotel in Miami.

On December 3, 2016, I’ll be signing books from 1:00-4:00 pm at the annual “Giving Season” event at the Orion Township Public Library (825 Joslyn Rd).

**********

My books have all garnered some terrific reviews and you can see the ones I have available by using the Amazon link below. Look for them. Better yet, buy one and read it. You just might like it.

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

If you’ve written an interesting book too, consider submitting it to the Readers Favorite annual contest by using the banner link below.
What do you have to lose?

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