The Best of Both Publishing Worlds

Today's post is written by a friend I met on Facebook, Becca Ann, whose self-publishing debut, Reasons I Fell for the Funny Fat Friend is a hilarious break from some of the angsty reading I typically go for.

Becca is here to share her publishing stories from both sides of the proverbial fence- Traditional Publishing AND Self-Publishing.

The Shocking Truth About Multi-Tasking

Happy Monday everyone! Today we have a guest that I've been hoping to score for MONTHS. 

Shannon O’Neil is the author half of Duolit: The Self-Publishing Team. Along with Toni (the geek half of the duo) she helps frazzled writers get focused with book marketing tips, motivational advice, and promotional ideas for introverts.

5 Tips For Building Buzz For Your Book

Susan Kaye Quinn is a former rocket scientist and engineer, but now writes middle grade and young adult novels because she loves writing even more than shiny tech gadgets.

I'm honored to feature Susan today as well as participate in the cover reveal for Free Souls, the third book in her Mindjack trilogy.

5 Areas of Publishing Every Indie Should Adopt

In my writing journey, I've been VERY fortunate in learning and working with some extremely wise and talented individuals. Today, one of my mentors ~Erin Reel~ is here to remind us, since we're taking the reigns on our publishing journey, we're responsible for the quality-control of our books!

Six Questions with Katie Jennings

No matter what you'd LIKE to believe, the truth is that we DO judge books by their covers. Twice now, Katie Jennings has been featured on Pixel of Ink and before I totally knew what her books were about, I had clicked through to Amazon! Turns out the books sound amazing, complementary of their covers! Welcome to Finding Bliss Katie!

Getting Your Book in Front of Readers

As you probably know, I'm a huge fan of Laura Pepper Wu of 30 Day Books. She featured today's guest a few weeks ago on BOTH of her blogs, so naturally my ears perked up. Jenny Ladner Brenner must be one to watch! 

And, now since Laura was gracious enough to introduce us, I am proud to present Jenny, author of The Dinner Party, to you!

Understanding Metadata for Authors

So many of us here in the social media world are scrambling to figure things out, sometimes it can be downright overwhelming. Well, here's my go-to lady who knows her stuff about Relationship Marketing and the Self-Publishing world-at-large. 
Rachel Thompson has published two of her own best-selling indie titles and is a Social Media Consultant that makes this whole publishing thing look like hop-scotch. Welcome to Finding Bliss Rachel!

Are Self-Published Books the New Query Letter?

Erin Kern is the author of the Trouble Series of romance novels. Like many of my writer friends, she began by querying agents and ended up going on her own after several rejections. I hope you're as inspired by her story as I am, especially if your dream is to eventually sign with a large publishing house.

Six Questions with M Leighton

If you look at the Amazon Top 100, you'd see this author's name more than once. M Leighton is a NYT bestseller and her fanbase is seriously rabid. She's got more than thirteen books published now, with highly anticipated sequels in the works.

Sit back and enjoy her interview, and maybe save a few of her tips to memory on this lovely Fall Saturday.

The Alliance of Independent Authors with Orna Ross

I've said many times on this blog that my publishing role-model is Joanna Penn. And, through Joanna's  interviews and guest posts I've been introduced to a number of terrific writers who are making a splash in the self-publishing industry. 

Write Every Day with Shannon Mayer

Shannon Mayer started her publishing journey back in September of 2011. Since then she has released a total of eight books, which is pretty impressive by anyone's standards.

I am very glad to have had the chance to interview her, and you'll love what she has to say about her publishing experience.

Five Tips from a Self-Publishing Newb with Becca Puglisi

Ever since I first started visiting writing blogs I've been following The Bookshelf Muse for help with brainstorming ideas for writing with all the senses.

This past May, Becca Puglisi (along with co-author Angela Ackerman) self-published The Emotion Thesaurus with a bang and I asked them to guest post on some of the things they learned!

Six Questions with Alexis Grant

 Alexis Grant is an entrepreneurial writer and digital strategist. 

She has built a highly devoted following to her blog via Twitter, and has even gotten the attention of super star agent Rachelle Gardner. Rachelle offered her representation for her traveling memoir after the two met on Twitter.

Greased Lightning (Source)!

Johnell Kelley and Robbyn Hill

Hey Laura, thanks for having us! 

We’re happy to share what we dub our ‘almost big mistake,’ with others.



These Getaway Girlz decided to go against the grain, and chose a lesser-known, print-on-demand company, Lightning Source, versus the company-who-shall-not-be-named -- not to imply it’s evil like Voldemort, but you know, we don’t want to piss anybody off, especially if he does have a large wand.  

Self-Publishing a Memoir with Lisa McKay

While reading one of my favorite blogs Alexis Grant's The Traveling Writer, I ran across an interview with author Lisa McKay.

After reading about her self-published book,  a memoir about how she met her husband Mike, Love at the Speed of Email, I decided to invite her to do an interview on my blog.

Six Questions with Tammara Webber

Welcome to my new Series, Six Questions! To kick it off, I'm pleased to present one of my newest favorite authors Tammara Webber. Tammara is author of the Between the Lines series and most recently Easy, which I devoured this past weekend!

Welcome to Finding Bliss, Tammara! And, I am looking forward to a bright future with you!

When you began writing, was it with the goal of someday publishing your books or just for a hobby?

I’ve always written – I can’t remember when the idea of publication entered into it, but it was probably in my late teens – the first time I began writing a novel. For years, I couldn’t vocalize my desire to be a published author to anyone beyond my very closest friends. Even then, it felt as sensible as saying, “I wanna be a ballerina!” It took me a while to build up enough confidence to admit to having a writing dream. Once you admit a dream like that, you admit the possibility of failing to reach it, and that’s terrifying. I never wrote a book as a hobby, even if I wasn’t sure what I’d do with it. In my heart, I wanted to see it published. Now, I look on the three (shelf novels) I didn’t publish as writing/storytelling practice.

Briefly describe the major things you've done to build buzz for your books... what worked for you and what didn't.

For the first book – not much, and nothing at all ahead of publication. I uploaded the book with the best (self-made) cover I could produce, and begged a few bloggers to review for me. Less than half of them agreed, and none posted reviews before the book came out. (I gift bloggers legit copies on Kindle or Nook – their choice.) For the second through fourth books – I put the cover and description out a couple of months before I published, and I posted “teaser” snippets once a week on either Facebook or my blog from that point until publication. Bloggers and Goodreads reviewers talking about your book ahead of time is great, but that generally requires a built audience. I’ve never paid for advertising – though a couple of the books were featured on Pixel of Ink without my foreknowledge (after they were out and doing fairly well), and I’m grateful to whomever made that decision – it definitely gave sales a bump for 2-3 days.
 
Did you begin your career by querying agents?
 
Yes. Unsuccessfully, obviously. ;)

How big of a role has branding played for you - did you have certain conscious steps you took to build an author brand?


I don’t even know what an “author brand” is, to be honest. Anything I did was unconsciously done (or consciously done and my brain is calling it something else).

What is the most important marketing tool you recommend for writers wanting to self-publish?


I think authors should rely on individual strengths rather than try to do everything gung-ho. I prefer Facebook, while some people have a great blog or love Twitter. I do all three – but I concentrate on the one I enjoy. Don’t advertise your book all the time! That just annoys people. Interact with readers and try to be as available as possible for questions (the busier your life, the less possible that is, of course). Book blogger reviews are awesome if you can get them. Read blogs/reviews and choose carefully. Write professional emails to the bloggers just like you’d write query letters to agent.

How long should an author, in your opinion, work on building a presence online before publishing?


When I published Between the Lines, I had a blog with only about thirty followers – and most of those were friends with blogs, not authors or YA readers. I think maybe three of them bought my first book, and at least one of those was a pity purchase! I didn’t have an “online presence.” I made a Facebook page and joined Twitter at some point in the month after I published BTL, (15 months ago). If you establish these things ahead of time in order to become familiar with how they work and begin to interact with readers, bloggers and other authors, that’s great. If you’re looking at a pre-publishing online presence as a marketing tool, I wouldn’t be able to advise on how to do it successfully, since I didn’t do it myself.

Fantastic! I love that Tammara says she doesn't even know what an author brand is. 

           

My major takeaway is: If your book is fantastic, it's a built-in platform for you. So get writing that incredible book!

What stuck out to you? Please let me know in the comment section!

From Blog To Book with Maryanne Wells

You've made friends on Twitter, right? So you know what I mean when I say I'm so lucky to have met the lovely Maryanne Wells on my Twitter stream.



Maryanne and I recently got together for a chat on self-publishing her novel, Matriculated Death. 



Some of the things we talked about:

How she came up with the idea for Matriculated Death during law school 

Writing a blog-story for friends from law school

Using beta readers and a well-trusted friend for editing, and needing brutal honesty when editing

Marketing strategies and how they'll change between pre-publishing and post-publishing

Reasons for self-publishing, particularly freedom to release books on your own schedule

Why Twitter has been a pleasant surprise in her marketing plan

Putting pieces of ourselves into our fictional characters

Writing under a Pen Name

Matriculated Death, Book One of The Undead Bar Association, is available from Amazon in either e-format or paperback. It sounds like a fantastic romp with all the creatures of the night, and I can't wait to read it!

Make sure to visit Maryanne at www.maryannewells.com

or Twitter- @maryannewells


Or

Leave a Comment or Question for Maryanne Below!

5 Ways To Get Readers To Beg For More

Did you publish your book expecting to sit back and wait for the readers to discover you and your book?

I'm sorry to have to be the one to tell you this:


The days of "discovery" are over. 

The marketplace is saturated with would-be authors vying for readers attention. Social Media makes it easy for authors to connect with readers all around the world.

Depending on how you use it, the internet is an amazing tool you can use to build a highly engaged reader base. Not only will you have raving fans, but you can build real relationships with people who share your interests and values the world over.

Here are 5 ways to create a dedicated following of readers itching for your next release (and probably telling everyone they know about how awesome you are!)

1. Start with an Amazing Book

This is so simple, but think about it: Your book is your best marketing tool. Write a book that leaves your readers wanting more.

There is no marketing plan or media platform that can replace a fabulous story.

2. Forget the Idea That Everyone Will Like Your Work

Not everyone will like your book. And that's okay. Have you liked every book you've come across? I'd guess no.

The truth is, no matter how amazing your book is, some people won't like it. If you write the book you have in your heart, you will find the right readers.

And that will be enough.

3. Build a Fabulous List

Twitter followers are important. Facebook likes are nice. Visitors on your blog are awesome

A mailing list is invaluable.

The thing about email marketing is- if you're a welcome presence in your readers' inbox, you're a part of an ongoing conversation.

When it comes time for a new book release, your list will be the first to know. There's something special about being part of an exclusive group. Your readers will want to help you share your news because it will also be THEIR news.

4. Meet them Where They Are

You're a writer. You want readers. Where do you find them?

Sure, you can find some readers on Twitter and Facebook. But, put on your thinking cap.

Readers read. They want to talk about what they've read AND they want to find new things to read.

Book cataloging sites are filled with what you want- READERS! Think Goodreads, Shelfari, LibraryThing.

Talk with them, learn their names, find out what they want to read. (But, for the love of all things holy- don't try to sell them your book)

If you're not a member of at least one these sites, you're missing out!

Book Bloggers are sometimes overlooked as a gigantic way to get in touch with readers.

Again, if you're not visiting book blogs that review books in your genre- you're missing out!

5. Treat Them Like You Care

You've written the book. You've found people who love your book.

Remember that without them, you are nothing.

And make sure they know it- Engage with them, find out what they want.

Get to know your readers and treat them like they matter.

Hard-selling is never going to work in today's market. The key to success right now is Engagement Marketing.

Consistently follow these 5 steps and you'll have a band of readers evangelizing your books the world wide!

How do you find raving fans for your work? Make sure to leave a comment below with your tips!


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