Comments on: 5 book marketing lessons from an author who is getting royalty checks

By: Sandra Beckwith

Sandra Beckwith — Tue, 04 Feb 2014 21:14:34 +0000

Thank you for such a thoughtful and positive message, Kerry! You made me smile!

: )

Sandy

By: Kerry Alan Denney

Kerry Alan Denney — Tue, 04 Feb 2014 21:05:05 +0000

Thank you, Laura, for this excellent article, and thank you, Sandra, for your wonderful and informative site. I’ve recently been slogging through multiple articles and sites about self-promotion for writers because I have two novels being traditionally published this year, and I must admit I’m SEVERELY overwhelmed not only by all the info available, but also by the numerous avenues by which a writer can and must promote his/her work… I hardly know where to start. But thanks to Sandra’s excellent tips and advice, I’m slowly getting a firm grasp on developing my platform. I’m starting by building my email list, creating my brand, and pinpointing my target audience so I’ll know the best places/ ways to advertise and promote my work… and whoa! Overwhelmed again, lol. But thanks to your #5, Laura, I’m learning to fear the “epic fail” less, and brave the challenge without worrying so much about skinning up my knees and elbows. Thanks again for sharing, both of you!

By: Dotun Adewunmi

Dotun Adewunmi — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 17:39:10 +0000

WOW!
Thank you for this valuable advice. It’s very insightful and will help me. I’ve been blogging since 2010 and released my 1st ebook, called Downfall, on Amazon last month. I figured since I’m an unknown writer, a good way to present myself and my book was to write individual blog posts about the book’s main issues, then just keep blogging. Overdoing it defeats the purpose of my book, so I keep it average but try to be compelling. Your advice gives me an oversight that I appreciate for internet marketing. Self-publishing really is a career for itself, but as you say, it’s a long term business. The more I read from like-minded authors and experts, on common issues and ideas, the more I feel it is worthwhile.
Cheers! 🙂

By: More marketing suggestions | Joy V. Smith

More marketing suggestions | Joy V. Smith — Thu, 24 May 2012 17:17:01 +0000

[…] in the Build Book Buzz newsletter. It’s not just the usual hints; she gives good examples: http://buildbookbuzz.com/5-book-marketing-lessons-from-an-author-who-is-getting-royalty-checks/ Like this:LikeBe the first to like this […]

By: Sandra Beckwith

Sandra Beckwith — Thu, 24 May 2012 13:16:29 +0000

In reply to Joy V. Smith.

Good luck, Joy. Learn as much as you can now — it will make a difference!

Sandy

By: Joy V. Smith

Joy V. Smith — Thu, 24 May 2012 05:07:51 +0000

Thanks for those helpful ideas! My book, Detour Trail, (fiction)won’t be out until next year, but I want to be prepared.

By: Sandra Beckwith

Sandra Beckwith — Wed, 23 May 2012 17:24:01 +0000

In reply to Carole Cancler.

I’m glad you noticed that Laura ROCKS, Carole! And I’m sooo looking forward to working with you in just a few short weeks. I know I’ll enjoy it!

Sandy

By: Carole Cancler

Carole Cancler — Wed, 23 May 2012 17:18:43 +0000

Wow. Thanks to Laura and Sandra and everyone for the helpful info. My first book is due to be published in October, so I am soaking up all of this and making a plan, getting a website, etc. Love your advice, Laura. Very practical and wise advice. (Of course, I’m signed up for Sandra’s “How to Build Book Buzz” workshop in June!)

By: Sandra Beckwith

Sandra Beckwith — Thu, 10 May 2012 22:47:09 +0000

Laura, you’re always welcome to come back!

FYI … you can also build an in-house media list with the names of the reporters writing the math stories.

Sandy

By: Laura Laing

Laura Laing — Thu, 10 May 2012 20:34:11 +0000

In reply to Blaise Freeman.

Great question, Blaise. Right now I’m still working out those details. Fortunately, I am part of a great circle of freelance writers, most of whom know about my book. Several of them have interviewed me for stories in various publications.

But now it’s time for me to up the ante. I’m signing up for a variety of press services — like HARO and ProfNet. If I can keep up with those emails, I’m guessing I’ll find some queries from journos that are the right fit for me.

Next up is investing in a media list. One great piece of advice that Sandy offers is to send out press releases that can quickly become stories. Sadly, I just couldn’t fit that into my original promotion plan. But it’s never too late.

To make the most of this media list, I’ll also set up google alerts for news and events that will fit with my book. If a study comes out about math education or credit debt or something similar, I might be able to spin my press releases to meet those needs.

Of course the key is to be on message for me and for the journo. I hate receiving press releases that are off-topic, so I won’t be stretching things. Luckily, my topic is applicable in lots and lots of places.

Another cool piece of advice I got recently was to look for other upcoming math books. I can pitch reviewers to do a joint review of my book and the new one. Not sure if that will work, but it’s worth a try!

Hopefully that helps. If Sandy wants, I can come back and share the good, bad and ugly of this next step! 🙂

Laura