Phew! I am exhausted. Booked on Murder was released earlier this week. It's the eighth and final book in my Haunted Library series. I've written several guest blogs and interviews; I have a virtual book tour going. And I'll be speaking at my local Barnes & Noble. I've been posting some really wonderful reviews on Facebook; I've sent out a newsletter with all the sales info for my new book; I talk about my book when I do Author Takeovers. Still I wonder--am I doing enough to encourage readers to buy my new book?
One big problem is we authors never know exactly what part of marketing is drawing readers to our books. Facebook? Ads? Visiting bookstores? When I see an author featured on a new webinar or a new platform, I shoot off an email to see if I can be a guest, too. Often the answer is yes, so I add that to my marketing regime.
Of course my previous books can't be ignored. They need to be nurtured and attended to, especially when they receive wonderful reviews. Or an older book is going on sale. This has to be spread far and wide on social media and via my newsletter. Many of my older books are being re-released and having cover reveals.
I must say, this recent bout of promotion has stressed me out. I tell myself next time I won't write as many guest blogs or do as many interviews. But my next book is the first in a brand new series. It will require all the attention I can muster. And so the promotion bout will begin all over again. I wish some marketing guru could tell me when enough is enough.
My fellow writers, how do you feel about all the marketing we do? Readers, what encourages you to buy a book?
I never think I do enough marketing because the thing I didn't do might just be the ticket to attracting new readers. I mostly select new-to-me authors based on recommendations of friends or my Readers Group newsletter participants.
ReplyDeleteAnd the problem is, we never know which of the new marketing tools is working.:)
DeleteI feel your pain, Marilyn. It is a hard balance to master.
ReplyDeleteIt is! I think promotion and marketing take up more of our time than writing our manuscripts.
DeleteI'm exhausted just reading about all you do to promote your books. Of course, this is in addition to actually writing, review, editing, getting ready for publication, etc.
ReplyDeleteWe'll probably never really know what works for publicity, but if your books are succeeding, you've mastered a plan. Once a reader has enjoyed one book of yours, of course they are likely to want to read the next one.
Kathleen, it's been exhausting, but now I'm recuperating. I do hear often from readers, and I think you've hit the issue—readers who love our books will look for more of them.
DeleteIt never feels like enough! It's a slippery slope. You do a great job marketing, Marilyn.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Korina. I'm always observing what other cozy authors are doing re marketing. You're doing a great job of it.:)
DeleteTired ( like you) but determined to keep trying.
ReplyDeleteI try to do something every day that isn't writing-related.
DeleteHonestly, I think it's all led me to a massive case of burnout. After a book release in April, I'm just now rekindling my desire to do anything book related--including writing...
ReplyDeleteLori, I can well understand how you feel. Sometimes I think of all that we need to do to promote our books as homework, and that's no fun, esp. in the summertime.
DeleteAnything I say here is going to sound a bit hypocritical because, well, I got so burnt out I’ve taken several years off to attend to things like family crises, health issues, an interstate move and a new grandkid who is cute as a button. So throw the whole bag of salt at this comment. And maybe keep in mind the “do as I say, not as I do” aphorism. Trite sayings become trite because they are so apt in so many situations across numerous generations and even centuries.
ReplyDeleteThe best marketing tool for your book and your series is to write a new book. If you do nothing else, do that. If your marketing is making you neglect your next books, you are doing too much.
Family and friends are important too. If you are neglecting those relationships that are important to
you and that nurture you back, you are doing too much marketing.
If you are spending too much, stop.
Do the marketing things that are easy and fun for you and skip those that are a struggle or don’t make sense. Those easy breezy ones will connect with many of your readers. The ones that you find difficult or silly or you just don’t get will seem awkward. None of us want awkward.
Team up with other writers. It’s a formula that works and is fun for readers to listen to, especially when all the writers are having fun and being aware of maxizing the experience for readers. Being on a panel means making the panel go well, not (as much) about marketing you and your books. If the panel goes well, it will be talked about. If you hog the spotlight, you will be talked about--and not in a good way.
It’s a dance. And like most other things writerly, most of us learn by making mistakes.
Mary, You are so right. I do keep on writing more books, and I think you're right—that's the best marketing tool of all!
DeleteFocus on what works the best and keep it up.
ReplyDeleteMargaret, you are so right!
DeleteMarilyn, you’re so right about finding a balance. I’m so glad you get a well-deserved break now. I can’t wait to read your new book!
ReplyDeleteIf I have read other books by the author and liked them I will continue with them. I will also follow them to other series
ReplyDeleteIf I have read something by an author and didn’t care for it I am still willing to try something new by them if I like the story line or theme.
I usually look at forthcoming titles that have descriptions, if what I read there appeals to me I will read the book.
I keep a list of first time authors that I enjoyed and watch for new books by them.
I don’t usually read interviews but I will often watch online virtual interviews which are more interesting because the interviewer presents the author in a more personal way.
Thank you.
DeleteMarilyn, You do a great job of marketing and responding to comments. Marketing and promotion are exhausting. The creative part is what keeps me going. And, if someone likes what I write, it's an energy boost. Congrats on the new series. Keep on, keep on.
ReplyDelete