How to Make Nifty Book Promo Ads

by Dan Walsh

Some of you know my story. Back in 2008, without paying hardly any "Writer's Dues," I submitted my first novel, The Unfinished Gift, to a handful of A-list literary agents, fully expecting to be rejected. This would result in me submitting a package to several more agents, also being rejected, and so on until I made it through the entire list. That's not what happened. Two of the first 3 agents wanted to read the entire book. I signed with one of them. She had a contract with a major publisher in 2 months. That book went on to sell very well and win 2 Carol Awards.

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Triple Threat Marketing. Or How Not to C4 Your Marketing Attempts ~ Kelly Klepfer

Triple Threat or How Not To C4 Your Marketing Attempts

by Kelly Klepfer

Many authors have to do the majority of the marketing for

their books. Actually, let's just say all y'all do, some just have a little help from the pros.

One of those huge areas is securing reviews and influencers.

In case you need a refresher on dealing with reviewers, let me give you some behind the scenes help.

1) Searching for the Landmines

Most respected reviewers are sought after. I get at least thirty-five requests a week to review books. I can read, at best, two books a month. That leaves a lot of requests denied. My advice to those of you who need reviews and get a no from the reviewers you'd love to read your novel is to find newer reviewers who are honest, respectful and like your genre.

How you find these reviewers? Search out titles that are similar to your story and find reviews that meet your checklist.  Dig a little deeper and see how long the reviewer has been at it and how often she/he reviews. Authors who want to be published often go the review writing route first so they know a little about publishing and can write. Look for someone who has been reviewing on Amazon for about a year or two and has climbed pretty high on the top reviewer list. That's a good sign because it means people/customers read that reviewers opinions and consider them in their decision to buy or not buy. A really popular reviewer is going to get scads of offers though, so you want to find ones who are heading toward popular but not quite there yet for the quickest turn around.

2) Watch Your Step

Most reviewers have likes and dislikes. I don't really care for heavy political thrillers or sci-fi because I have a tendency to shut down when names, terminology and techy things are thrown at me. I also get a little gaggy when it comes to romance and Amish fiction. I know. I know. Un-American or something along those lines. But it is what it is. I'm very likely not going to love your book if you fall into those categories.

Find someone who loves books like yours. If you write clever dialogue or snarky characters or can make me cry with the depth of your prose, then I'm your gal. Feel free to use this when running your book past me. If you offer a reviewer a book he/she won't like, you won't get a good review and you might be burning a bridge. If you come upon an idea that would be his/her cup of tea in the future but you are under "tricked me with that stupid romance" in his/her memory banks you might regret the charcoaled remains of the bridge.

3) Put on Your Seatbelt and Big Kid Underoos

I don't need a thank you. If I loved a book that is thank you enough. But what I definitely don't need, what is completely inappropriate, and what is not burning bridges but C4'ing them into oblivion is suggesting that I didn't "get" a book, and that you'd like to explain it further to me. If it's written and published you've had your chance.  Another dynamite comment would be " if you would make a tweak of your review that would be awesome."    

Why is this an issue? Well, by seeking a review you are taking a chance that reviewers won't love or get you. Reviewers are representative of readers. Not everybody is going to get you, like your story, your sense of humor or your favorite outfit. It is what it is and you give up all control once your book is in the hand of the reviewer. Keep the lid on the gasoline can and respectfully and silently agree to disagree.

This might be a new thought for you as authors: my reviews are written for my audience, and yours. Readers. I believe that the majority of reviewers would agree with that statement. Otherwise reviews would be blurbs and wouldn't necessarily be considered in whether or not to part with money for a book. What I would like to know about a book before I buy it is what I like to share with readers. I do my best to do this kindly. I will not write a review on a book I don't like at all. I review books I'd buy or think others would find worth reading. But what I write -- with the exception of mechanical issues like the spelling of the author's name -- is my opinion of the book. If I am asked to reassess or change my review I am very, very unlikely to read any more from that author. Yes, I have been challenged, and yes, it is really annoying and no, I will not change a review and yes, I have put that handful of authors in my "don't go there" file.

Here is an additional marketing bonus tip. . . and you might be surprised at how often this is an issue. When you agree to do something to market your book, follow through. A blog post, an interview, a review of your work are all bridges to relationships with other folks in the industry and ultimately to your readers. Your choices, even the tiny ones, can honestly make a huge difference in your career. Be responsible, reliable, professional and humble. It will take you far.

Bio: Kelly Klepfer finally figured out that she loves to learn. And then share what she's learned with others. She reads and reviews and manages Novel Reviews because there is much to learn about life from fiction. Her own personal journey includes a zany mystery novel in process, co-authored with Michelle Griep, violin lessons, and cooking, baking and making some serious messes. Kelly shares about her life at Scrambled Dregs blog, in a collection of randomocity, recipes and her lessons learned.

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Trends, Tie-ins and Writing From Your Heart. Possible? Carrie Turansky

Authors are often told, don’t try to follow the trends, write the book of your heart. But does being aware of trends and what’s popular in culture, and choosing to write about it, mean you aren’t writing a story that comes from your heart? I think not!

I believe what people actually mean when they give this advice is: don’t just follow a trend for the trend’s sake, and don’t try to write a particular genre just because it’s popular. Write a story you are passionate about, one that comes from your heart. 

And I agree . . . but I do think you can follow a trend and write a story that you and your readers will love.

In 2012, Downton Abbey was just becoming popular. I enjoyed the show, and I wanted to write longer historical novels, but I wasn’t sure I could write a series that required so much research. After doing some reading about the era, I promptly fell in love with it and decided to create a proposal for The Edwardian Brides Series. I used some of the same elements that made Downton enjoyable: characters from both the staff and a wealthy, aristocratic family; a beautiful English estate as the setting; and important events and issues from the era as part of the plot.

When I pitched the series I said it’s like Downton Abbey meets Jane Eyre. This piqued the interest of several editors, and soon I had a three-book contract. The series was connected to a popular trend, it was a time period that was interesting, but had not been overdone in CBA, and it was the type of story that I loved to read and wanted to write.

Tying my book to Downton Abbey has been a wonderful marketing tool and a great connection point with readers. We mentioned it in the back cover copy and the endorsement on the cover. We used it in our book launch promotions and often use Downton Abbey gifts in our giveaways. I gave my website a makeover so it had an English Historical feeling similar to Downton. I joined a few Downton Abbey Facebook Fan groups and set up a Downton Abbey list on Twitter. I set up a Google Search for Downton Abbey articles and often share those photos on Pinterest, Facebook, and Twitter. I visited the Downton Abbey Costume Exhibit and even traveled to England and Scotland to visit two filming locations for Downton Abbey. I used that research in my books and shared those trips on my blog, email newsletter, Facebook and Pinterest, and my readers love it. 

My publisher created a special poster they distributed to libraries all over the US called “Downton Abbey Read Alikes.” It included my book and several others. This gave me another opportunity to connect with Downton Abbey fans.

I’m not the only author who has ridden a trend with good results. Several authors including Cathy Gohlke, Tricia Goyer, Janice Thompson, and others planned ahead and took advantage of the 100th Anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic, using that as a back drop for their stories. Other authors like Julie Klassen and Katherine Reay have connected their novels to popular author, Jane Austen. Julie’s books are historical, and she has used her Austin research in marketing her books and connecting with readers who enjoy Regency novels. Katherine’s books are contemporary, but she uses themes and quotes from Austen in beautiful ways in her award-winning books. Cara Putman used the popularity of The Monument Men as a tie-in when her WW2 historical novel, Shadowed by Grace released. And several WW2 novelists recently joined together for a promotion remembering the 75th Anniversary of the beginning of WW2. Very clever ideas! 

So do write the story of your heart . . . and do consider cultural trends, historical anniversaries, unique settings, popular authors from the past, and other tie-ins that might allow you to connect with new readers and expand your audience.

Carrie Turansky is the award-winning author of more than a dozen novels and novellas, including Surrendered Hearts, Snowflake Sweethearts, and Along Came Love. She has been the recipient of the ACFW Carol Award, the Crystal Globe Award, and the International Digital Award. Turansky’s first historical fiction novel, and the first in the Edwardian Brides series, The Governess of Highland Hall, is a 2014 Carol Award finalist. While Turansky has been writing articles, devotions and essays since 1999, writing fiction is her passion, and she’s thankful for the creative ideas God has put into her mind and heart.

When she’s not writing Turansky enjoys spending time with her family, working outside in her flower gardens, cooking healthy meals for family and friends, or walking around the lake near her home.

To keep up with Carrie Turansky, visit www.carrieturansky.com, become a fan on Facebook (AuthorCarrieTuransky) or follow her on Twitter (@CarrieTuransky) and Pinterest (CarrieTuransky).

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Pick Me, Pick Me!

I heard a preacher once say, "What's the first thing you do when you look at a group picture that you're in? Raise your hand if your answer is: Look for myself." Guess how many hands were raised?

All of them, including mine.

A couple of days ago, my 9th novel, The Promise, came out. Always an exciting time, for the most part. If you're still waiting to be published--especially if you've been waiting a long time--you might think, "What do you mean, for the most part? You've signed a multi-book deal with a major publisher. Something you've written is being made into a book and sold in stores all over the place, and you're getting paid for doing something you love? How can there be a downside?"

For me, there kinda is.

Take a look at the picture above. What do you see? These are all the Christian fiction books being released in September. Just September. And just through traditional CBA publishers. If you add in the books from smaller, independent houses and self-published books, it would be way bigger.

The good news is...my book (The Promise) is among them. The bad news? My book is among them. You can find it...just keep looking.

When I first saw this, I was excited and instantly scanned it to find my book. Then I started looking at books from author friends, happy to find many I recognized (and happy for them, that they have another book coming out). But soon I started seeing this pic from a different angle, from a reader's POV. Man, that's a lot of books. SO many books to choose from. What's the chances they'll see my book in the middle of this huge pile or pick mine as one of the few books they'll buy this month?

Then my marketing-self kicks into gear (reminds me of those old cartoons with the little red devil on your shoulder). How can I get people to pick my book, and not all these others (well, they can buy a few others)? How can I stand out from all the rest? There's way too many books to choose from. I've got to do something, anything, to make a splash. How could I make it go viral? Maybe do something on YouTube. No, that won't work. I'd have to hire a ridiculously good looking model to pretend he's me. Besides, there's too many pics of the real me already out there. But I need to do something that'll cause my book to become a runaway bestseller. The book everyone is buzzing about.

I hate marketing.

Can't I just write? Can't I just focus on the stories and the characters? Can't I just spend my time doing the creative things I love and interact with people for all the good and right reasons? Can't I just be glad to have a seat at the table and not care which table I'm sitting at, or how close my table is to the front of the room?

The answer is...Yes. Because I'm a Christian. Because I belong to God. My writing life is not a separate compartment from the rest of my life. It, too, falls under the jurisdiction of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. Even the marketing parts I hate. Anyway, from everything I'm reading and learning about marketing, there is no science to why one book takes off and another one founders. Some great works of literature wind up going nowhere and some dopey books sell a million.

Instead of desperately crying out to that mass of fiction readers, "Pick me, pick me!" I can let it all go and put my energy and focus on the things I'm gifted at and do best. I'll still do the various marketing things I'm supposed to do, but I'll leave the results in God's hands. It's too big for me. He's the One who sets my boundaries. That's how this is supposed to work.

(A sigh). You know, I feel better already.

So...how do you all deal with this stuff?

Dan Walsh is the award-winning and bestselling author of 9 novels, including The Unfinished Gift, Remembering Christmas and The Dance. He has won 3 Carol Awards and 2 Selah Awards. Six of his books have been Top Picks on RT Reviews. Two were finalists for Inspirational Book of the Year. Dan is a member of ACFW and Word Weavers. He lives with his wife, Cindi, in the Daytona Beach area where they love to take long walks. To connect with Dan or check out his books, go to: http://danwalshbooks.com.

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Marketing Begins Before Your Book Releases

Pamela S. Meyers lives in the Chicago suburbs, an hour’s drive away from the Southeastern Wisconsin setting of most of her stories. Her debut novel Thyme for Love, Book One in her On the Road to Love series, released November 2011, and Love Will Find a Way, Book Two will release very soon. Her historical romance, Love Finds You in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, will release in April 2013. When she isn’t busy writing her next novel, you can find her coordinating the ACFW Genesis Writing Contest for Unpublished writers. You can find more information on Pam at www.pamelasmeyers.com or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pamela.meyers 

Marketing Begins Before Your Book Releases

It’s my pleasure to guest here at Novel Rocket. I was given carte blanch as to what my post topic should be, and since my second book Love Will Find a Way, the sequel to Thyme for Love, my debut novel is due to release soon, I’ve been thinking of ways to start the marketing process before the book is available for my readers.

A few weeks ago I developed a to-do list.

1.  Target the people who read my first book with some reminders about my characters and the storyline. For many it’s been quite a few months since they read the story, and their memories are probably a bit faded as to the plot and characters. I need to write blog posts about my about my characters and talking about what happened in Thyme for Love while hinting of things to come in Love Will Find a Way.

2.  Because April, my heroine, is a chef, I spent last winter and spring testing recipes and tweaking them for inclusion in the story. As I cooked and experimented I took pictures of the dishes and posted them on FaceBook. That’s another topic I can utilize my personal blog for in the prepublication days of my novel. I won’t post the same recipes I included with the manuscript, but perhaps recipes for ones mentioned in the book, but not printed out.

3.  Even though the story takes place in a fictional town, it is very close to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, my hometown, and my characters go there often. I can post pictures of the town and lake on Twitter and FaceBook, and say my characters visit these spots in my stories. This would serve a double-purpose since I have a 1933 historical romance, Love Finds You in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, coming out in April.

4.  A good friend of mine developed the book trailer for Thyme for Love and has been working on a trailer for Love Will Find a Way. I purchased photos from several online stock photo companies such as www.istockphoto.com and http://www.shutterstock.comwhen I was unable to find those I needed in my personal collection or at the free-use site at www.morguefile.com. Before he began work, I roughed up a script to be incorporated into the trailer and suggested which picture should go with the script. The trailer is close to being finished and should be ready to launch when the book releases.

5.  Think about places besides bookstores where you can hold events that relate to your book. For example I recently discovered a cooking school in Lake Geneva. I need to contact the chef who owns the school and see how I might do a tie-in with the school. For my historical, I’m working with the museum in Lake Geneva for an event to feature my Love Finds You in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin story.

6.  If your book is not your debut novel and your book is on Amazon, it may be a good move to check into making the first book a free offering for a limited time. Everything I’ve read indicates that these types of promotions help book sales.

7.  Once you have your release date confirmed, you will want to line up bloggers for a blog tour to influence for your new book.

I hope these suggestions have helped and maybe sparked ideas of your own. In fact, if you do have ideas other than what I’ve suggested here, please comment and share with everyone. I can’t wait to see all the creative ideas.

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