Social Media Drain by Debra H. Goldstein

Social Media Drain by Debra H. Goldstein

I’m worn out. Recently, the second book in my Sarah Blair mystery series, Two Bites Too Many, was published. The beautiful cover, binding, editing, and technical “stuff” was handled by my publisher, Kensington, but most PR fell to me. Consequently, for the past month I’ve blogged, liked, posted, tweeted, retweeted, pinned, pushed, and whatever else I could think to do.

I’m tired.

And, I don’t know if it’s done any good. Let’s be honest, I’m not a Janet Evanovich, Diane Mott Davidson, or Carolyn Hart. People who read the light mysteries I write know their names, but what

has my social media foray accomplished for Debra H. Goldstein?

If you Google me and leave out the “H,” you’ll find there are several Debra Goldsteins. One is a literary agent and author, two are physicians, one is known for her artwork, and a younger, blonder, thinner one has written several books on text flirting. Maybe I should work the latter one’s specialty into one of my future books in order to get her fans to check out my work–it’s something I haven’t tried, yet.

I’ve asked my friends who also are mid-listers or bottom-rungers what works for them, but the reality is we don’t know. Experts say it changes constantly or is different based upon the age of the target market. What do you think? Do the efforts we put into social media help you identify us or make you want to read our books? 

I’m interested in hearing your thoughts – but it may be tomorrow before I read them. I’m social media drained tonight.

Promotion

Promotion

Promotion. How most authors hate that word and all it implies. Your book is about to be published and a good percentage of how well it sells depends on how much and how well you promote it. We're told, don't wave a banner saying "Buy my book! Buy my book!." Instead, engage readers, entice readers, dangle a lure in front of readers—so they will buy your book. These days we authors have become quite skilled at promoting our books. It's part of our job, and being creative people we've learned to promote in creative ways.

Promotion often involves spending money. There’s that old adage “You have to spend money to make money” But there’s no foolproof method of knowing what will bring in sales. A BookBub promotion which costs big bucks might be very successful one time but not another. I don’t spend a lot of money on promotion. I’m hoping that word of mouth, great reviews, and the promotion that I do do will spread the word about my books.

The one "rule" that I follow regarding promotion states that authors should promote  in ways they find comfortable. I enjoy chatting with readers on Facebook, having Facebook parties when I've a new book coming out. I join friends' parties as well, and I'm happy to offer a giveaway and have the opportunity to chat with readers about a
writing-related topic.

I enjoy posting on the various Facebook cozy groups' pages when I've something to report about my books. And, much to my surprise, I enjoy putting out my newsletter every four to six weeks. For years I avoided doing a newsletter for fear that I'd have nothing to say. But it turns out that there's always something to report. From the feedback I receive, I've learned that many who receive my newsletter I like finding out which books I've been reading and the TV shows and movies I've been watching.

I do a virtual blog tour when a new book comes out, and I've joined Writers Who Kill, where I blog once a month. I enjoy speaking, and while I don't arrange too many speaking engagements, I do a book signing at my local Barnes & Noble when a new book comes out and speak locally when asked. I attend a few conferences a year, where I love getting together with my writer friends and readers and I taking part in panels.

I've learned to always keep business cards and bookmarks on hand because I never know when I'll be meeting a potential new reader—in a doctor's office, on an airplane, in a store. I've been pleasantly surprised by the number of people I meet who have told me they enjoy reading mysteries.

How do you promote your books, and which methods do you think are the most successful?