Lately, I have read several blogs by some of Amazon’s more successful indie authors. I thought I would be able to find the magic formula to send my book sales skyrocketing. I was doing everything I was told. I had a blog, I joined Twitter and Facebook, I got some great reviews. I also got mentions on several author promotion sites. All of that has not translated into book sales. So I decided to learn from the experts. Imagine my surprise when the best selling Amazon authors said that they attributed the majority of their success to luck. Luck? I’m screwed. The only thing they seemed to agree upon is that having more books is better. That makes sense. If people like your writing, they’ll be back for more. If there isn’t more, readers will move on and may not come back.
I started thinking about my book selling tactics and noticed several problems. One is that I promote on Facebook and Twitter. Facebook is filled with most of my close friends and family, and some new author friends, but they already know about my book. So obviously that avenue is limited. I have met tons of people on Twitter, but they are mostly authors. I have often joked and said that I am Tweeting to the choir. I’m trying to promote my books and blogs and so are they. That’s nice, but I need to reach readers as well.
That brings up another problem: the whole indie book thing. I knew there were people who self published, but until I published my own book last August and started to connect with other authors, I had no idea how huge the indie pub industry was. I hate to say it, but I had never read an indie book before I published my own. I followed traditionally published authors and had no real interest in indie books. Not because I thought they would be poorly written, I just didn’t think about them with all of the traditionally published books available.
I’m not alone. I met a woman the other night who was reading on a Nook. I asked her what she likes to read and she ticked off a list of some popular traditionally published authors. She knew nothing about indie books. Several other friends and acquaintances who have read my book reported the same thing. It was their first exposure to the world of self published books.
As authors, how do we connect with readers and not just each other? And not just as individual authors promoting our own books, but how do we get the word out to readers that indie books are amazing and a fraction of the price of traditionally published ebooks (which are insane by the way, and should be downloaded with a tube of digital lube - $9.99 for a ebook novella from one of my favorite authors? Bite me!). My book has been posted on several “reader” sites, but those listings have only created a small spike in sales if any. We need some way to raise awareness of indie books in general.
I’m just thinking out loud. If you have any great ideas…let me know.
I'm with you 100% on this one, M.E.. I published in October and, especially recently, have been trying to raise my profile in the blogosphere and the Twitterverse. Just as you say, it is largely preaching to the converted and sales bump along in penny numbers. I keep reading comments along the same lines and am beginning to think I'd be better expending all of my energy just getting The Sequel done and moving on to the next book.
ReplyDeleteAnd, in the meantime, hope for some of that luck to come my way...
I'm with you Stuart. I'm focusing more on writing and less on promoting. Thank you so much for taking the time to read this and leave an excellent comment. Best of luck to you!!
DeleteI read a lot of self-published books. Not sure what the secret formula of success is but I can tell you how I hear about them and end up buying or reading them. The biggest ways for me are through goodreads (recommendations from people, reviews, giveaways, discussions in book groups or topics) and blogs (reviews, tours, giveaways) Some examples are Amanda Hocking, I kept being recommended her books on goodreads so I bought them. Michelle Madow always participates in blog hop giveaways so I kept seeing her book and wanting it and eventually won a copy. Megan Duncan had her book listed on the goodreads giveaways so I saw the description and bought it. I won your book! I can't wait to read it. I think blog tours and reviews are a good way to spread word of mouth. Hope some of that helps!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jennifer! Actually, that does help. I don't think I've used Goodreads to my advantage. I have been on Goodreads for awhile, but I think I need to spend more time seeing what they have to offer.
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DeleteI got the book thanks! I forgot another big place where I hear about indie authors http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com/
DeleteShe features a lot of self published author interviews.
I don't know why there is those big spaces lol I tried to re do the post and they are still there!
DeleteThanks for that information Jennifer! I haven't heard of that blog. I will definitely check it out!
DeleteSo glad you got your book! Hope you enjoy it :)
Good question, my friend. And you are right about all of the points that you make.
ReplyDeleteAs fate would have it, I had the opportunity this past weekend to try and make a case for really great indie authors for the E-zine that I write for. My editor wanted me to share some of my friends with our audience, so I did. I have been reading indie authors nearly exclusively this past year or so, and have been, for the most part, terribly impressed. I showcased five books that I reviewed in the past year that blew me away.
It may not have been much, but hopefully will help to open doors for us at least in the minds of a few people.
Keep your chin up and have a great weekend! *waves*
-Jimmy
http://jamesgarciajr.blogspot.com/
I'm so glad you made a case for indie authors! It may not seem like a lot, but anything we can do to get the word out will help. Thanks Jimmy!
DeleteGreat post Michelle and one that leaves me scratching my head and rubbing my chin. I find myself in a similar position, recently published by a small house. I agree that most of my FB followers are family & friends and most of my Twitter followers are other authors. Again, before I discovered Twitter I only read bestsellers.
ReplyDeleteHow about promoting your book locally. I thought I'd try to get my local book shops to stock, do some signings, then offer to do talks at book clubs. Hopefully then it will spread by word of mouth. Literary festivals are also a good start - if you have any local to you.
I know I'm new to this game (and have a great deal to learn), so sorry if my response appears naive. I do agree that people want more, so keep writing - eventually that readership will then grow.
Thanks for taking the time to read it Jane. You have some great points. Recently I have started to work the local angle. I am going to participate in a local authors' day at our library. I am supposed to talk to a group about my book and they are going to make it part of their adult summer reading program. They are also going to buy a copy of my paperback to raffle off.
DeleteI have been talking to a manager at our Barnes and Noble about a local authors' night too, but I don't know if the guy running it is going to follow through.
I'm planning on looking into small bookstores around here as well. I need to be brave and look into some book clubs...lol.
So true, Michelle. I agree with all the comments on here. My own indie book is due for release in August and after reading your post I'm wondering how mine is going to go. And like you, I signed up to twitter and Facebook and I created my own blog site - all the right things. But I also registered with Goodreads and placed a segment of my book there as a teaser. Also, try The Masquerade Crew. They have a huge following and for a small price ($25) will advertise your book for a month on their website. I've had good feedback from both those sites.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, luck does play a part, but who knows, once people get to know your book it might take off, like Amanda Hocking's!
Just keep trying and don't give up.
Thank you Tima! I was surprised to find The Masquerade Crew just featured my blog on their website. I couldn't believe the activity on Twitter from it, so that might be a good option for advertising my book. I always appreciate tips and ideas. Best of luck with your book!!
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