There is no doubt that if you are reading this blog you have noticed that there is a HUGE market right now for free eBooks. An author has taken months of their time and encompassed their talent to write a book...and they are giving it away. Yep, that's what you're seeing and I am one of those guilty parties.
The Executive's Decision went free in November of 2011. Why did I do that with my best book to date? Why would I put a book out there with only one other book in the series out? Why not? I saw the trend. I needed an audience. What was a few day?
Um...everything has its lessons! IF you make your book free on Smashwords toward the end of the week and your book is in their premium catalog it will be sent out to the many distribution sites that use Smashwords. What that means is your book, which was free on Smashwords, will now be free on many many many more sites! (BTW this is not the good part of my story...this is the part where I went, OMG!!!)
Panic. Backtrack. I had only hoped for a few days after Thanksgiving. C'mon, I had a plan. Now my book is out there for free everywhere. But wait. Its now on bestsellers lists on little sites. Okay, okay, I got it fixed back to paid, but now that so many free copies have gone out the second book is starting to sell like mad! Oh look, even not on free now the book is selling in paid bestseller status. WHAT IS THAT? I got my third book in the series up in time to do a presale and it has gone bestseller in presale? Oh yes, that is what happened.
So now I have bestseller status. I have ten emails a day coming in asking when the next book is going to be out.
Hmmm, maybe free will keep selling everything else.
So I bite the bullet. The Executive's Decision has gone free, perma free. Amazon has picked it up as a free matched book. Awesome! And so begins all the sales of the other books.
Will this happen on every free book? No. And the reason is it still has to be a good book. I have thousands (yep, I said thousands) of reviews. Some hate it. Free books are raked over the coals. Be prepared for that. Again, if you've read my blog you know I don't read reviews. But readers do and even the horrible ones make someone want to read it just for the "is it that bad" factor. And for free, what do they have to lose. But a bad book is a bad book and it will not move other books. So don't just write something you'd only give for free. Make sure it is of "sale" quality.
Do I recommend if you're just starting out to do this? Yes and no. This is what I mean.
Do Not spend all your time writing a free book. Amass a collection. If you're writing a series, when you have a few under your belt, give away book one.
If your free book is your only book you're doing yourself a disservice. The point is to drive business to the next books.
How about short stories or novellas? Yes this can work, but again, the focus is on a free book to hook readers to the author so they will buy more. Make sure you have something to back it up.
How about that Kindle Prime days offer or Book Bub? Use the tools you can. I don't like making my books exclusive to Kindle. I do VERY well on iTunes directly. But, when you're playing with this the Kindle Prime is a good place to feel it out. Not only will they help boost you a bit, lots of sites have built themselves on offering free advertising or prime placement for a nominal fee for free Kindle books. If you're looking for bang for your buck...go Book Bub. Be aware they have some strict rules. You have to have so many reviews and such and they don't take everyone. But if you're lucky enough to be picked up you will see your numbers soar! (A run can cost from $20 to $600, be prepared.)
Free books. I say it is a win win situation for the self-pubbed (or small/independent published.) Free still needs to mean quality and it means a lot of promotional work. But if you have more books, your writing is consistent, and you can handle some critics...then it just might be the way to go.
And just a note. The Executive's decision is still free after all this time. I have 14 books out currently and it helps to open the door to all of those sales. During my BookBub days I had over 100,000 downloads on my first run and over 60,000 on my second (and it trickles down.) So do you have a book--I mean a few? Give it a try. You might not have to work for free after all.
Showing posts with label Marketing Monday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Marketing Monday. Show all posts
Monday, October 21, 2013
Monday, September 30, 2013
Monday Marketing: Let's Talk Interaction
One of the biggest perks (and drawbacks) to being an author is the lack of personal interaction with real people. I mean the living, breathing type. It isn't hard to find authors who never leave their houses. Their social interactions are strictly done online. Well guess what...that works too.
This week I'm discussing interaction. Make those alliances we talked about in past posts. Make reader alliances. Make industry alliances. Oh, and let's not stop there!!! Make alliances of people you have nothing in common with, because you'll need them.
How do you meet and mingle with those industry people? Let's take a look back at going to local writers groups and conventions. These two areas are swarming with like minded people. This is how I met some amazing people, some I have watched go from aspiring to New York Times bestsellers. The first convention I ever attended I jumped in with two feet. I signed up for multiple volunteer positions. That's right. That forced me to get involved and meet at least the person who would be telling me what they needed me to do. (Guess what, it also gave me a special ribbon and people took note that I was one of the people helping to put the convention together.) I met a lot of people AND people, the next day, would say, "I remember you from last night." That took out any work on my part. They approached me.
Another little trick was to sit at a table with people I didn't know. At events such as conventions, people are there to meet each other. Business cards and bookmarks fly! When you get home follow up on all the connections you received. Email them and ask how they liked the convention. You're making connections!
Now, one of the reasons many of us are happy in our writing lives is because we are not social people. We are happy among our four walls of controlled space. This is where social networking come in very handy.
Facebook and Twitter can build you an entire collection of like minded people from all over the world. This is a limitless source of friendship and support. Begin joining groups that you'd be interested in AND participate. Lurking online isn't building any alliances. Be friendly. Join into discussions. If you're going to have books out there you need to let people know who you are. Many writing organizations are also online or have online branches. Get to know your peers.
So we've discussed industry interaction. Authors, editors, agents, publishers, etc. These people will help you get to where you're going. Now let's talk about the alliance of those who have nothing to do with the industry.
Get to know EVERYONE you can. More than likely you are not an auto mechanic, equestrian expert, lawyer, teacher, politician, hair stylist, fashion designer, house painter...and the list goes on and on. BUT in your writing you might need one of these to draw from. People get very excited to be part of your books. (And a simple acknowledgement in your book will thrill them.) Recently I used my cousin who is a songwriter/singer in Nashville. How convenient when my main character in Love Songs is a songwriter/singer in Nashville. In fact, for fun, I added my cousin to the list of characters in the book. That was a lot of fun. BUT if you don't have these connections, I suppose you could research online, but really...what's the fun in just that? ( Big Grin!)
So whether you're a social butterfly or like your quiet space make alliances! They are going to help you reach your goals!
Happy Meeting!
Bernadette Marie
For a complete list of Monday Marketing topics and their links please click here.
This week I'm discussing interaction. Make those alliances we talked about in past posts. Make reader alliances. Make industry alliances. Oh, and let's not stop there!!! Make alliances of people you have nothing in common with, because you'll need them.
How do you meet and mingle with those industry people? Let's take a look back at going to local writers groups and conventions. These two areas are swarming with like minded people. This is how I met some amazing people, some I have watched go from aspiring to New York Times bestsellers. The first convention I ever attended I jumped in with two feet. I signed up for multiple volunteer positions. That's right. That forced me to get involved and meet at least the person who would be telling me what they needed me to do. (Guess what, it also gave me a special ribbon and people took note that I was one of the people helping to put the convention together.) I met a lot of people AND people, the next day, would say, "I remember you from last night." That took out any work on my part. They approached me.
Another little trick was to sit at a table with people I didn't know. At events such as conventions, people are there to meet each other. Business cards and bookmarks fly! When you get home follow up on all the connections you received. Email them and ask how they liked the convention. You're making connections!
Now, one of the reasons many of us are happy in our writing lives is because we are not social people. We are happy among our four walls of controlled space. This is where social networking come in very handy.
Facebook and Twitter can build you an entire collection of like minded people from all over the world. This is a limitless source of friendship and support. Begin joining groups that you'd be interested in AND participate. Lurking online isn't building any alliances. Be friendly. Join into discussions. If you're going to have books out there you need to let people know who you are. Many writing organizations are also online or have online branches. Get to know your peers.
So we've discussed industry interaction. Authors, editors, agents, publishers, etc. These people will help you get to where you're going. Now let's talk about the alliance of those who have nothing to do with the industry.
Get to know EVERYONE you can. More than likely you are not an auto mechanic, equestrian expert, lawyer, teacher, politician, hair stylist, fashion designer, house painter...and the list goes on and on. BUT in your writing you might need one of these to draw from. People get very excited to be part of your books. (And a simple acknowledgement in your book will thrill them.) Recently I used my cousin who is a songwriter/singer in Nashville. How convenient when my main character in Love Songs is a songwriter/singer in Nashville. In fact, for fun, I added my cousin to the list of characters in the book. That was a lot of fun. BUT if you don't have these connections, I suppose you could research online, but really...what's the fun in just that? ( Big Grin!)
So whether you're a social butterfly or like your quiet space make alliances! They are going to help you reach your goals!
Happy Meeting!
Bernadette Marie
For a complete list of Monday Marketing topics and their links please click here.
Bestselling Author Bernadette Marie is known for building families readers want to be part of. Her series The Keller Family has graced bestseller charts since its release in 2011, along with her other series and single title books. The married mother of five sons promises Happily Ever After always…and says she can write it, because she lives it.
When not writing, Bernadette Marie is shuffling her sons to their many events—mostly hockey—and enjoying the beautiful views of the Colorado Rocky Mountains from her front step. She is also an accomplished martial artist with a second degree black belt in Tang Soo Do.
A chronic entrepreneur, Bernadette Marie opened her own publishing house in 2011, 5 Prince Publishing, so that she could publish the books she liked to write and help make the dreams of other aspiring authors come true too.
Bernadette Marie began writing at the age of thirteen and submitted her first manuscript at sixteen. Just as any aspiring author has learned, the publishing world is full of rejection. So how does an author find readers and allies before they have a book? Self-promotion! Bernadette Marie shares her experiences in building a name for herself before her first book was ever published.
Monday, September 23, 2013
Monday Marketing: Let's Talk Promotion
Let's talk promotion, before and after publication. Promoting yourself before you are published is only going to help you find your readership when you are published. Many of the ideas we cover here might have already been covered in previous posts. However, I do believe they are just as important.
Let's look at the alliances that we have built. By being in an association you're going to make friends or allies out of like-minded people. These people are going to benefit you while you're trying to build your name. Some of these associates are going to be published already or in the process of being published. Likewise, some of them will just be starting out just like you and it's always good to someone on your side.
How can a published author help a new author promote themselves? Published authors are going to have connections that an aspiring author does not have. The benefit of having these allies is that they can make introductions that will come in handy in the future. Also working with published authors while you are still aspiring to be an author, gives you insight as to what is to come.
Take a look at a published author's website, blog, Facebook, and Twitter. Get a good feel of how they interact with their readers. If an author he has a good following that interacts with them well go look at their sales totals. You might find they go hand-in-hand. Imagine applying that knowledge before you're published. Take the time to engage future readers on your blog specifically. Start interviewing authors, industry professionals, and other aspiring authors. Twitter is a great place to find other authors who would like to promote themselves on your blog. Published authors are always looking for either reviews, interviews, or even a place to guests post to show off their work. Trust me, there are plenty of readers out there for everyone. Sharing a day of your blog is not going to harm your chances any. What people remember is that you are willing to help others and they will be willing to help you. This is going to be a great point why you're trying to find a publisher.
Basically, being interactive with the general public and other professionals in the industry is only going to help your promoting yourself before you are published. Getting your name out there, getting your work out there, and helping others is going to help you make a name for yourself prior to publication.
Once you are published you will find whether self published, small house published, or traditionally published you will need to do a lot of promotion on your own. Having already done some of the footwork you will find this a much easier process. If you already have a website, Facebook, Twitter, and an active blog you will be able to dive in and begin to promote your work.
How to promote your work you might ask, very carefully. Twitter is it great place for very brief advertisements, if you will. This is a fast paced place where people can see your work very quickly and follow it if they feel drawn to it. Do your homework, find out which hashtags best suit your certain publicity. Are you releasing? Are you on sale? Think about how you want your readers to find you. Cruise through Twitter and see how other authors whom you have followed have used their tweets to their benefit.
Remember those authors that you made alliances with, well now's the time to see if they can help you. Many times authors will have to set up their own booksignings at bookstores. Bookstores like to sell more books. How do they do that? The more authors that are in their store promoting their books the more books they sell. By having a published author introduce you around and help you get signings you already have one foot in the door.
Again social media is going to be one of your friends during this time. Engage your readers with trivia, contest, and daily intriguing banter. Pushing your book all the time is actually not going to help your promotion. If they think they will just be seeing "ads" for your books they aren't going to want to hang around. Be personable.
Why do I push social media? First this is where the world comes together. Second...it's free! There are a million places to spend your money. Bookbub is going to be one of your greatest dollars spent, but you have to be discounted, and you have to have a certain number of reviews, AND its expensive! BUT you get what you pay for! However, a well managed social media campaign, for free, or even online blog tours is not that expensive. Look for reputable sites who offer a good deal of stops for a good prince. Make sure to check out their list of blogs who host. An erotic site hosting a christian author is not a good use of your money. Social media is worldwide...eBooks are worldwide. Passing out flyers, that's only going to get your neighbors. (That has its place.)
Truly, get your name out there now. People like to be on the forefront so that when you are published they can say, "I knew them when..."
Happy Promoting!
Bernadette Marie
Why do I push social media? First this is where the world comes together. Second...it's free! There are a million places to spend your money. Bookbub is going to be one of your greatest dollars spent, but you have to be discounted, and you have to have a certain number of reviews, AND its expensive! BUT you get what you pay for! However, a well managed social media campaign, for free, or even online blog tours is not that expensive. Look for reputable sites who offer a good deal of stops for a good prince. Make sure to check out their list of blogs who host. An erotic site hosting a christian author is not a good use of your money. Social media is worldwide...eBooks are worldwide. Passing out flyers, that's only going to get your neighbors. (That has its place.)
Truly, get your name out there now. People like to be on the forefront so that when you are published they can say, "I knew them when..."
Happy Promoting!
Bernadette Marie
Monday, September 16, 2013
Monday Marketing Series: Let's Talk Marketing
Marketing. It's more than just getting your book noticed, it's about making a name for yourself.
So you've written a book, or two, or three and now you need to word to know about your books. But even more important you need to let the world know about you and you need to engage with your reader. Think about it, how many times have you read a book and then moved on to the next? Often, right? But if you're in sync with an author you'll always go back and see what they have coming next.
Even if your book is not published yet there is opportunity to promote it. Let people read a little. (C'mon you never know when someone knows someone who knows the MAN right?) But readers want in on the ground level. And especially if you're going to self-publish, get readers involved from the start!
Marketing doesn't mean you'll have to spend a lot of money. In some cases you can do this for free. Yes, I said free. Let's look at what you need to market you and we're going to do it all for FREE!
If you are not in the world of social networking...get there! Social networking is one of the the quickest and cheapest ways to get your name, face, and product out there.
Facebook! You should have your personal stuff separate from your professional. If your mom, sister, and grandma want to follow you, they can follow both pages. But you should have a professional page for all your professional accomplishments. In addition to that page you should have a fan page. A fan page will not limit the number of friends you have and you're going to get a lot more exposure. Use this Facebook page to mingle with readers! Don't just have it up for display...talk to those who came and liked. You don't have to always talk about your books or about writing in general. Be personable and ask a question to gain interaction.
My Facebook page (www.facebook.com/authorbernadettemarie) is used to interact with my readers and colleagues. I try to post something everyday. If I have a book coming out, you bet, I publicize it. But I also say, Happy Tuesday! And I ask what they are doing on that day. People like to interact with you. So let them. Run contests too, but don't always be pushing. Be yourself and let them enjoy you. People really like when you reply to them too. Take a moment a day to do just that.
And though we all have our opinions on the happenings in the world, try to keep those to a very minimum if you want to have a smooth running page. I don't mean you shouldn't believe in your convictions, but people want easy going, they don't want to be preached at.
Twitter! I hear so often, "I don't get Twitter!" Well...you should. Twitter will allow you to mix and mingle with like minded people very easily. This is a great place to build a alliance among other writers. You're going to find multi-published authors are just as willing to follow you back and interact with you as aspiring authors. And ALL of these people will have something to offer you in regards to more knowledge!
BLOG!!!! Get one! What better way to showcase your writing skills than to blog! I use my blog for professional opportunity. I've written a few series, like this one, to share my knowledge with others who might seek it. I've written about daily musing (such as Muffin Tops and Farting in the Tent), but I try to tie it all into the world of writing and my books. Another way I use my blog is to showcase other authors. That's right...share the wealth. Think about it. If I host Miss Sally Something on my blog, my readers learn about another author. (Trust me there is enough to go around.) BUT, Miss Sally Something has followers too! And she's going to tweet, FB, and blog my name to her followers and they're going to come to my blog. That's right, just by interviewing her on my blog I'll have upward to 100 extra people look at my name.
Goodreads is a great place to follow authors! Take a moment to look around and see all the great things there. Mark all the books you've read and get to meet other readers.
What do all these things have in common? They are free! That's right. You can market yourself to thousands of people a day, just by being personable for free.
These are only four examples of opportunities. Look around and you'll find hundreds. World Literary Cafe is one that I think is worth your time as well. The resources there are phenomenal for authors in all stages of their career. Join in on discussions and groups. Get to know others and that will help you. Let people know who you are and what you're doing in the world writing. So many of us out there are in the same boat in this huge sea called publishing. And you always need a friend, right?
Okay, so why get my name out there if I don't have a book? Let me tell you why from a publisher's standpoint. If you send me your query and I like it, I'm going to want to know about you. So I'm going to go look at your Facebook, your Twitter, your Blog, and your website if you have one. I want to know what you've done to pre-promote yourself. In this world of publishing now days authors have to do some of the marketing if not most of it, so I'm going to want to know what you can do. The moment I get a submission that says, we don't do Twitter or Facebook and don't interact on the internet (yes, I've had these) I pass on the submission. I think it is just too important in today's market. A blog will show me how you write other things than just books. Your FB page is going to show me how you interact with the general public. Trust me when I say...get your name out there now!
I do want to also say, beware. Having your name and book out there will cause the opportunity for you to be taken advantage of. Note: publishers and agents DO NOT come looking for authors. Authors go in search of publishers and agents. If a publisher comes to you and says, "I saw your book, I'd like to publish it," be very, very, VERY careful. Think about it...if a publisher is good then authors are flocking to them. The same goes for agents. If they are searching the internet looking for business...then it is not a good sign. Why do I tell you this...because I've walked the walk. It is flattering when a publisher comes to you! BUT after 3 years of battling to get your books back when they fail to pay you or exploit you, then you see the error in your ways.
But don't let this one warning stop you. Go out there and Facebook, Tweet, and blog!!!! Ask to be a guest on a blog (yes...I love to have people on my blog always!!!) Host others on your blog (YES I love to be on other blogs too!) You will find the alliance is HUGE and it's FREE if you just use it! If you don't, who is going to know your name?
Happy Marketing!
Bernadette Marie
So you've written a book, or two, or three and now you need to word to know about your books. But even more important you need to let the world know about you and you need to engage with your reader. Think about it, how many times have you read a book and then moved on to the next? Often, right? But if you're in sync with an author you'll always go back and see what they have coming next.
Even if your book is not published yet there is opportunity to promote it. Let people read a little. (C'mon you never know when someone knows someone who knows the MAN right?) But readers want in on the ground level. And especially if you're going to self-publish, get readers involved from the start!
Marketing doesn't mean you'll have to spend a lot of money. In some cases you can do this for free. Yes, I said free. Let's look at what you need to market you and we're going to do it all for FREE!
If you are not in the world of social networking...get there! Social networking is one of the the quickest and cheapest ways to get your name, face, and product out there.
Facebook! You should have your personal stuff separate from your professional. If your mom, sister, and grandma want to follow you, they can follow both pages. But you should have a professional page for all your professional accomplishments. In addition to that page you should have a fan page. A fan page will not limit the number of friends you have and you're going to get a lot more exposure. Use this Facebook page to mingle with readers! Don't just have it up for display...talk to those who came and liked. You don't have to always talk about your books or about writing in general. Be personable and ask a question to gain interaction.
My Facebook page (www.facebook.com/authorbernadettemarie) is used to interact with my readers and colleagues. I try to post something everyday. If I have a book coming out, you bet, I publicize it. But I also say, Happy Tuesday! And I ask what they are doing on that day. People like to interact with you. So let them. Run contests too, but don't always be pushing. Be yourself and let them enjoy you. People really like when you reply to them too. Take a moment a day to do just that.
And though we all have our opinions on the happenings in the world, try to keep those to a very minimum if you want to have a smooth running page. I don't mean you shouldn't believe in your convictions, but people want easy going, they don't want to be preached at.
Twitter! I hear so often, "I don't get Twitter!" Well...you should. Twitter will allow you to mix and mingle with like minded people very easily. This is a great place to build a alliance among other writers. You're going to find multi-published authors are just as willing to follow you back and interact with you as aspiring authors. And ALL of these people will have something to offer you in regards to more knowledge!
BLOG!!!! Get one! What better way to showcase your writing skills than to blog! I use my blog for professional opportunity. I've written a few series, like this one, to share my knowledge with others who might seek it. I've written about daily musing (such as Muffin Tops and Farting in the Tent), but I try to tie it all into the world of writing and my books. Another way I use my blog is to showcase other authors. That's right...share the wealth. Think about it. If I host Miss Sally Something on my blog, my readers learn about another author. (Trust me there is enough to go around.) BUT, Miss Sally Something has followers too! And she's going to tweet, FB, and blog my name to her followers and they're going to come to my blog. That's right, just by interviewing her on my blog I'll have upward to 100 extra people look at my name.
Goodreads is a great place to follow authors! Take a moment to look around and see all the great things there. Mark all the books you've read and get to meet other readers.
What do all these things have in common? They are free! That's right. You can market yourself to thousands of people a day, just by being personable for free.
These are only four examples of opportunities. Look around and you'll find hundreds. World Literary Cafe is one that I think is worth your time as well. The resources there are phenomenal for authors in all stages of their career. Join in on discussions and groups. Get to know others and that will help you. Let people know who you are and what you're doing in the world writing. So many of us out there are in the same boat in this huge sea called publishing. And you always need a friend, right?
Okay, so why get my name out there if I don't have a book? Let me tell you why from a publisher's standpoint. If you send me your query and I like it, I'm going to want to know about you. So I'm going to go look at your Facebook, your Twitter, your Blog, and your website if you have one. I want to know what you've done to pre-promote yourself. In this world of publishing now days authors have to do some of the marketing if not most of it, so I'm going to want to know what you can do. The moment I get a submission that says, we don't do Twitter or Facebook and don't interact on the internet (yes, I've had these) I pass on the submission. I think it is just too important in today's market. A blog will show me how you write other things than just books. Your FB page is going to show me how you interact with the general public. Trust me when I say...get your name out there now!
I do want to also say, beware. Having your name and book out there will cause the opportunity for you to be taken advantage of. Note: publishers and agents DO NOT come looking for authors. Authors go in search of publishers and agents. If a publisher comes to you and says, "I saw your book, I'd like to publish it," be very, very, VERY careful. Think about it...if a publisher is good then authors are flocking to them. The same goes for agents. If they are searching the internet looking for business...then it is not a good sign. Why do I tell you this...because I've walked the walk. It is flattering when a publisher comes to you! BUT after 3 years of battling to get your books back when they fail to pay you or exploit you, then you see the error in your ways.
But don't let this one warning stop you. Go out there and Facebook, Tweet, and blog!!!! Ask to be a guest on a blog (yes...I love to have people on my blog always!!!) Host others on your blog (YES I love to be on other blogs too!) You will find the alliance is HUGE and it's FREE if you just use it! If you don't, who is going to know your name?
Happy Marketing!
Bernadette Marie
Sunday, September 8, 2013
Monday Marketing: Let's Talk Branding
Authors have their own branding as well. Think about why you follow an author from book to book. You like the author's voice (the way they write the story.) You like the stories themselves, be it may be romance, erotic, historical, mystery or any other genre. Every once in a while an author will try a new tactic and it disrupts the branding the audience is comfortable with. Well, if you're an author you'll quickly pick up on their like or dislike of this certain maneuver.
Let's look at a few of my favorite authors and see if we can find some of their branding tactics.
The first author I fell in love with was Sidney Sheldon in the mid-eighties. His style was quick paced and easy to read. His chapters were very small. His descriptions minimal and he told you a story more than engaging you in it. But, I ate it up. I couldn't get enough of his strong heroines in their amazing positions. I felt a huge loss when he died because that branding of his voice became part of me.
Nora Roberts is another that I fell in love with 2007, yes I can even pinpoint the moment I picked up my first Nora book. Anyone who has read many Nora books can probably vouch for the difference in style from when she wrote for Harlequin and when she moved to Penguin. There is a different feel to her stories. But one thing remained between sweet romances and romantic suspense...her voice stayed the same. You are pulled in by the characters and thrust into their lives. You become part of a family, you are the loner, you do fall in love with the bad guy. Nora Roberts can weave a tale of three-hundred plus pages that you can't put down. Part of the branding is you know you're going to need to carve out an afternoon to read.
Let's look at my marketing. Now I've done a few things where I've played with my style. My voice is the same. I have engaging characters that pull you in with their common everyday dialogue. I don't put a lot of detail into what I write when I write scenery. I let the audience build that in their heads with the details I give them. Early on I would take you into the bedroom with my characters but as I grew as an author I began to shut the door. Still the tension is there and, well, you know what is going on. At one point an ex-publisher, who after having contracted me, decided she was a Christian publisher and made me change all my books to read as such. Well, I don't write Christian books and that was taking away my voice. But, when I opened my own house I thought I could engage that audience too by having a regular version of my book and a sweetened version as well. In time it was too much work to do both, but what happened was those who expected sweet and clean, they got to book four where there were some sexy scenes and the bad reviews came. It was time to get a grip on my voice branding. My books are not full of curses or sex, but my readers have come to expect that here and there there might be a few bits of this.Don't change your voice to try and entice. Your voice will be what brands you to your reader.
Now lets look at what you write. You can have a great career genre hopping, but there needs to be some consistency among your books as well. My biggest suggestion is, if you're going to write Romantic Suspense, then put out at least four books in the genre before hopping over to Historical. Your readers are going to follow you, but they might be reluctant. If you only have one book in each genre they will more than likely look over your name.
If you're content with writing one kind of genre get to work! In my case, I have branded myself as an author that writes engaging family series. My bestselling Keller Family Series will run into 10 books, and this is all reader driven. The series was supposed to be four books. My readers know that if they pick up one of my books they will have strong women to grip on to. They will often have a family and/or friends who are supportive and engaging and they will get Happily ever after.... always because that is my tag line. If you want a feel good romance, you come to Bernadette Marie.
Let's take a look at book covers as well. I've included my covers on the blog today. One thing I have carried over on all of my book covers is my name. As CEO of my own publishing company I can make sure that my name always reads the same. People see that and the know me. It is the same on my website and on all my materials. My head shot is the same in all my books and on my site as well. Though in time I'll get a new one...this one looks just like me and people know that is me. The font on the name and the picture are the same.
I also have a simple way about my covers. I'm including the covers here too of author Lisa J. Hobman and Susan Lohrer. You will see they too have a branding going with their kinds of covers. Lisa's voice too brand her with how she organizes her stories. You are not always in present day. You are, though out her books, taken back and forth through the lives of her characters...seamlessly. Susan writes romantic comedy and you can't help but to keep turning pages to find out what crazy thing is going to happen next.
Interaction with your readers is another way of branding yourself. My readers know that if they interact with me on Twitter or Facebook I'm going to interact back. My posts on Facebook are friendly and engaging where on Twitter I tend to talk more about my books and my blog.
Happy Branding!
Bernadette Marie
For a complete list of Monday Marketing topics and their links please click here.
When not writing, Bernadette Marie is shuffling her sons to their many events—mostly hockey—and enjoying the beautiful views of the Colorado Rocky Mountains from her front step. She is also an accomplished martial artist with a second degree black belt in Tang Soo Do.
A chronic entrepreneur, Bernadette Marie opened her own publishing house in 2011, 5 Prince Publishing, so that she could publish the books she liked to write and help make the dreams of other aspiring authors come true too.
Bernadette Marie began writing at the age of thirteen and submitted her first manuscript at sixteen. Just as any aspiring author has learned, the publishing world is full of rejection. So how does an author find readers and allies before they have a book? Self-promotion! Bernadette Marie shares her experiences in building a name for herself before her first book was ever published.
Monday, September 2, 2013
Monday Marketing: Let's Talk Conventions
Conventions. This word can bring on anxiety of mass proportion!
Back to associations, in the last Monday Marketing topic, we discussed how most associations will hold a conference or convention. Some of your smaller associations might host a conference. The venue would be smaller and the topics for discussion would usually be very specific. Let's say a conference on how to edit your manuscript and write a query. Yes, this could be combined in a workshop too.
A convention is going to be much bigger. You're going to have authorities there to do breakout sessions on many different topics. There will be keynote speakers and usually some kind of an awards banquet. For authors, these conventions might also host opportunities for you to pitch to agents and editors. There are often fun events to help the attendees mix, mingle, and network. And of course there are usually private parties put on by some of the bigger sponsors. (Again, with regards to authors, this might be given by publishers.)
One set back with conventions is cost. Most of the time these conventions travel from big city to big city annually. You have the cost of a hotel room (and usually a minimum of a four day stay,) travel, food costs, and then there is the convention fees. These usually are in the $200-$600 range. If you are a member of the association giving the convention you are likely to have a reduced admission cost.
The benefits of these conventions certainly outweigh the costs! If you can be a bit social and perhaps step out of your comfort zone you will be emerged in a whole new world. By simply sitting at a table full of people you don't know you are opening yourself up to at least ten other people who might have insight you need or you might have something they need. You meet all sorts of authors from newbies to New York Times bestsellers. I often think about the day that I sat down at a table with three Southern women who were laughing and having a great time. They were so much fun and it was so nice to get to know them. Then I found out that one of them was up for an award and I did go buy her book. It was phenomenal! A fan was born. Yes, how awesome was it to meet New York Times bestselling author Karen White before she had the title! An honor for me, that's for sure--especially since I was aspiring at the time.
I've walked out on a few classes, you can't win them all. But author Kelley St. John gave a workshop on self-promotion that I will never forget. To this day, some five years later, I still remember almost all of her information, I utilize it, and now I teach it. (I do believe in that class I met a writer from a daytime soap opera who had an Emmy! See you never know!)
On the flips side of this, you're going to attend conventions you walk away from wishing you'd saved your money. Watch for the first years. In fact, the first five years of a convention can be iffy. Usually the coordinator has decided they can put on a smaller venue convention, but usually the demands of the attendees are greater than what is coordinated.
I have twice now attended conventions where there wasn't enough room, the food was not right, items were not delivered. There is always an assistant taking the brunt of the complaints flooding in. The last convention I attended, each and every event was over an hour late. I walked away not learning anything, having taken a week off of work, and having traveled to attend. Now what happens to your networking? Well, you find some serious character flaws in people when they get stressed out. They are negative, non supportive, and you don't get a lot of connections. But if you're lucky enough to attend a good convention that won't be the issue. So look at the track record of a convention. If it's in its infancy, know that going in and expect issues.
On the networking...this is invaluable! I have not only met published authors but my friend Gretchen Galway, an amazing bestselling author, wasn't published when I met her, and neither was I. We were able to banter about the process and get frustrated. I got published and then one day we were bouncing around the bestsellers lists together. How fun is that? I met bestselling authors, I got to sit in a room with one of my idols in writing, Nora Roberts! Debbie Macomber walked across the room and introduced herself to me. Like I mentioned before, I met a soap opera writer, and the bloggers! They are not to be looked beyond. Make friends with the bloggers.
Some of the smaller conventions will also be author/readers events. These are great opportunities for book lovers to rub elbows with those who love their work. And it's a great place to get a good feel for what they're reading now.
How do you get the most out of these events? Plan.
When you register you should be given an itinerary of events and classes. Plan you stay and decide what you're going learn. Are you in need of query help? How about self-publishing? Here's a hint too...attend one class that has nothing to do with anything you need. You will be amazed at what you take away from that class.
Sit at tables where you don't know anyone. Shake lots of hand and take lots of business cards. Eat a meal with someone just looking at the menu. They are probably as lost as you are. Regardless, keep your mind open.
Take notes. This is education you're paying for. Meet the people on both sides of you in any seminar. They might be the person to change you're life.
Be prepared to introduce yourself, hand over a business card, maybe even have your 30 second pitch ready. Again, you never know who you're going to meet.
Don't bombard authors, editors, or agents. They have processes to acquire their next talent. You knocking on their hotel room door will likely give you a boot to the curb. But hand them your card and introduce yourself. They are there to meet you, just not in the dark alley!
If you can afford one convention a year I say it is a must to advance your career. If they are the smaller, local conventions, just keep an open mind that they might have a hiccup, but really nothing in life is hiccup free...in a smaller setting we just notice more.
Most of all have fun. Because why be a author if you can't have fun doing it!
Good luck!
For a complete list of Monday Marketing topics and their links please click here.
Bestselling Author Bernadette Marie is known for building families readers want to be part of. Her series The Keller Family has graced bestseller charts since its release in 2011, along with her other series and single title books. The married mother of five sons promises Happily Ever After always…and says she can write it, because she lives it.
Back to associations, in the last Monday Marketing topic, we discussed how most associations will hold a conference or convention. Some of your smaller associations might host a conference. The venue would be smaller and the topics for discussion would usually be very specific. Let's say a conference on how to edit your manuscript and write a query. Yes, this could be combined in a workshop too.
A convention is going to be much bigger. You're going to have authorities there to do breakout sessions on many different topics. There will be keynote speakers and usually some kind of an awards banquet. For authors, these conventions might also host opportunities for you to pitch to agents and editors. There are often fun events to help the attendees mix, mingle, and network. And of course there are usually private parties put on by some of the bigger sponsors. (Again, with regards to authors, this might be given by publishers.)
One set back with conventions is cost. Most of the time these conventions travel from big city to big city annually. You have the cost of a hotel room (and usually a minimum of a four day stay,) travel, food costs, and then there is the convention fees. These usually are in the $200-$600 range. If you are a member of the association giving the convention you are likely to have a reduced admission cost.
The benefits of these conventions certainly outweigh the costs! If you can be a bit social and perhaps step out of your comfort zone you will be emerged in a whole new world. By simply sitting at a table full of people you don't know you are opening yourself up to at least ten other people who might have insight you need or you might have something they need. You meet all sorts of authors from newbies to New York Times bestsellers. I often think about the day that I sat down at a table with three Southern women who were laughing and having a great time. They were so much fun and it was so nice to get to know them. Then I found out that one of them was up for an award and I did go buy her book. It was phenomenal! A fan was born. Yes, how awesome was it to meet New York Times bestselling author Karen White before she had the title! An honor for me, that's for sure--especially since I was aspiring at the time.
I've walked out on a few classes, you can't win them all. But author Kelley St. John gave a workshop on self-promotion that I will never forget. To this day, some five years later, I still remember almost all of her information, I utilize it, and now I teach it. (I do believe in that class I met a writer from a daytime soap opera who had an Emmy! See you never know!)
On the flips side of this, you're going to attend conventions you walk away from wishing you'd saved your money. Watch for the first years. In fact, the first five years of a convention can be iffy. Usually the coordinator has decided they can put on a smaller venue convention, but usually the demands of the attendees are greater than what is coordinated.
I have twice now attended conventions where there wasn't enough room, the food was not right, items were not delivered. There is always an assistant taking the brunt of the complaints flooding in. The last convention I attended, each and every event was over an hour late. I walked away not learning anything, having taken a week off of work, and having traveled to attend. Now what happens to your networking? Well, you find some serious character flaws in people when they get stressed out. They are negative, non supportive, and you don't get a lot of connections. But if you're lucky enough to attend a good convention that won't be the issue. So look at the track record of a convention. If it's in its infancy, know that going in and expect issues.
On the networking...this is invaluable! I have not only met published authors but my friend Gretchen Galway, an amazing bestselling author, wasn't published when I met her, and neither was I. We were able to banter about the process and get frustrated. I got published and then one day we were bouncing around the bestsellers lists together. How fun is that? I met bestselling authors, I got to sit in a room with one of my idols in writing, Nora Roberts! Debbie Macomber walked across the room and introduced herself to me. Like I mentioned before, I met a soap opera writer, and the bloggers! They are not to be looked beyond. Make friends with the bloggers.
Some of the smaller conventions will also be author/readers events. These are great opportunities for book lovers to rub elbows with those who love their work. And it's a great place to get a good feel for what they're reading now.
How do you get the most out of these events? Plan.
When you register you should be given an itinerary of events and classes. Plan you stay and decide what you're going learn. Are you in need of query help? How about self-publishing? Here's a hint too...attend one class that has nothing to do with anything you need. You will be amazed at what you take away from that class.
Sit at tables where you don't know anyone. Shake lots of hand and take lots of business cards. Eat a meal with someone just looking at the menu. They are probably as lost as you are. Regardless, keep your mind open.
Take notes. This is education you're paying for. Meet the people on both sides of you in any seminar. They might be the person to change you're life.
Be prepared to introduce yourself, hand over a business card, maybe even have your 30 second pitch ready. Again, you never know who you're going to meet.
Don't bombard authors, editors, or agents. They have processes to acquire their next talent. You knocking on their hotel room door will likely give you a boot to the curb. But hand them your card and introduce yourself. They are there to meet you, just not in the dark alley!
If you can afford one convention a year I say it is a must to advance your career. If they are the smaller, local conventions, just keep an open mind that they might have a hiccup, but really nothing in life is hiccup free...in a smaller setting we just notice more.
Most of all have fun. Because why be a author if you can't have fun doing it!
Good luck!
For a complete list of Monday Marketing topics and their links please click here.
When not writing, Bernadette Marie is shuffling her sons to their many events—mostly hockey—and enjoying the beautiful views of the Colorado Rocky Mountains from her front step. She is also an accomplished martial artist with a second degree black belt in Tang Soo Do.
A chronic entrepreneur, Bernadette Marie opened her own publishing house in 2011, 5 Prince Publishing, so that she could publish the books she liked to write and help make the dreams of other aspiring authors come true too.
Bernadette Marie began writing at the age of thirteen and submitted her first manuscript at sixteen. Just as any aspiring author has learned, the publishing world is full of rejection. So how does an author find readers and allies before they have a book? Self-promotion! Bernadette Marie shares her experiences in building a name for herself before her first book was ever published.
Monday, August 26, 2013
Monday Marketing: Let's Talk Associations: do you need them?
Associations for everything are everywhere. If you're an author you will find a wealth of associations that fit you. Each genre is supported by an organization as well as every publishing method.
What does an association membership get you? This depends on you.
My sister always uses the term: Reason, Season, and Life. Usually she is talking about friendships. But it applies to this too.
REASON: The reason you join associations is to advance your career. As we are specifically talking authors here, the reason would be to get published.
A novice author, when they decide this IS the path they want to travel, will join an association to learn the ropes. This industry is very overwhelming, but if you could meet another person in the same shoes as you, already you're making progress. Networking with other like minded people is a must. An association can offer this.
Most associations are national and have local affiliates. My suggestion is to get involved in a local branch of a bigger association. You will then meet people in your area pursuing the same goals. During these local meetings you will not only network with like-minded people, but classes are held that help you understand the industry you are now working in.
Let's specifically talk writers. During these meetings you will be introduced to how to write a query, how to outline, editing skills, dealing with editors, what you need to know about contracts, how to promote yourself...and on and on. The goal is to get you, the author, from jotting down ideas to holding that book in your hand. This group will be made up of people on each leg of this journey. You'll be able to walk it together and support each other. When you have that support the mission is easier.
The national associations usually hold multiple conferences or a big convention once a year. I highly recommend attending these. The education is bigger and sometimes better and there are hundreds of people to meet. (Not just authors. Editors, publishers, agents, bloggers, readers...you get the picture.)
SEASON: This refers to the time you will spend in these organizations. Going into it you're thinking, "I'm home!" But the truth is, you might outgrow your association. Specifically, author organizations tend to educate the newer authors. The classes become redundant when you're looking at taking your tenth class on how to pitch to an editor. In time, if everything has worked the way you want it to, you move from being a novice to an expert. Hopefully you have that book in hand, as that was the goal. Now you begin to teach the classes the newer authors need. You've become the expert. But, you can get stuck here and alliances shift. That's when we move into the phase of Life.
LIFE: As a new author I adored the alliances I made with the successful, multi-published authors. I was grateful for their help, their advice, and their willingness to still hang with me--a nobody. As my own career changed I met them eye to eye on the world of publishing and still I was grateful to have them. But, what happened was they weren't the ones "running" the smaller organizations. They had done their time in the presidential seats and had held all the offices. Now the published authors are being directed by those who are just getting their feet wet. It was hard to sit through a class on "how to write a query" for the tenth time and now it was being taught by someone without a publishing contract. The reason for that is: the published author is now too busy being published to help organize the classes for the newbie.
This isn't in any way a slam to the published and successful. It is reality. But as a published author you might find that the association holds nothing for you at that point and it's time to walk away.
Life can also mean, you're in there for life. I have seen authors get stuck in associations and they never get out and they never meet their goal. They hold every position on the board, more than once. They love to be in the midst of it all. They organize the events, they plan the contests and oversee them, they teach those classes over and over...but they never get published. They write the same book 300 times and submit it to every contest out there, but they never leave the organization. They get stuck there for life.
So you see some pros and cons. You have to decide what is right for you and you have to know when to step up and when to step out. Be mindful that I don't mean any disrespect to the organizations as they are there to better the environment for the author. They are proactive when it comes to legislation and to fighting for rights on many levels. (RWA was right there to help Nora Roberts out when she was plagiarized and was a big component in getting rules established for such things.) These organizations need forward thinkers. The industry is changing fast and they need people to lead them into the future.
What might happen is you'll find yourself shifting organizations due to need. Once I was a great candidate to be an RWA member. I got so much out of that and I loved every moment. But when I became a publisher the game shifted. I'm not an author to them anymore, even though that is my main focus. So I shifted my organizational needs. I now am part of organizations that embrace both sides of my career. Neither is better than the other, just better suited to me.
Aside from the networking (which is key), the educations (which is necessary), you're going to find that you'll receive benefits you can't get on your own. These benefits can range from legal advice to discounts on a rental car. Yes, use all the benefits that come with membership.
Educate yourself on the right association before you shell out your hard earned money. They can be essential to the success of your career and they can all be beneficial as long as you know what you want out of it.
For a complete list of Monday Marketing topics and links please click here.
Bestselling Author Bernadette Marie is known for building families readers want to be part of. Her series The Keller Family has graced bestseller charts since its release in 2011, along with her other series and single title books. The married mother of five sons promises Happily Ever After always…and says she can write it, because she lives it.
What does an association membership get you? This depends on you.
My sister always uses the term: Reason, Season, and Life. Usually she is talking about friendships. But it applies to this too.
REASON: The reason you join associations is to advance your career. As we are specifically talking authors here, the reason would be to get published.
A novice author, when they decide this IS the path they want to travel, will join an association to learn the ropes. This industry is very overwhelming, but if you could meet another person in the same shoes as you, already you're making progress. Networking with other like minded people is a must. An association can offer this.
Most associations are national and have local affiliates. My suggestion is to get involved in a local branch of a bigger association. You will then meet people in your area pursuing the same goals. During these local meetings you will not only network with like-minded people, but classes are held that help you understand the industry you are now working in.
Let's specifically talk writers. During these meetings you will be introduced to how to write a query, how to outline, editing skills, dealing with editors, what you need to know about contracts, how to promote yourself...and on and on. The goal is to get you, the author, from jotting down ideas to holding that book in your hand. This group will be made up of people on each leg of this journey. You'll be able to walk it together and support each other. When you have that support the mission is easier.
The national associations usually hold multiple conferences or a big convention once a year. I highly recommend attending these. The education is bigger and sometimes better and there are hundreds of people to meet. (Not just authors. Editors, publishers, agents, bloggers, readers...you get the picture.)
SEASON: This refers to the time you will spend in these organizations. Going into it you're thinking, "I'm home!" But the truth is, you might outgrow your association. Specifically, author organizations tend to educate the newer authors. The classes become redundant when you're looking at taking your tenth class on how to pitch to an editor. In time, if everything has worked the way you want it to, you move from being a novice to an expert. Hopefully you have that book in hand, as that was the goal. Now you begin to teach the classes the newer authors need. You've become the expert. But, you can get stuck here and alliances shift. That's when we move into the phase of Life.
LIFE: As a new author I adored the alliances I made with the successful, multi-published authors. I was grateful for their help, their advice, and their willingness to still hang with me--a nobody. As my own career changed I met them eye to eye on the world of publishing and still I was grateful to have them. But, what happened was they weren't the ones "running" the smaller organizations. They had done their time in the presidential seats and had held all the offices. Now the published authors are being directed by those who are just getting their feet wet. It was hard to sit through a class on "how to write a query" for the tenth time and now it was being taught by someone without a publishing contract. The reason for that is: the published author is now too busy being published to help organize the classes for the newbie.
This isn't in any way a slam to the published and successful. It is reality. But as a published author you might find that the association holds nothing for you at that point and it's time to walk away.
Life can also mean, you're in there for life. I have seen authors get stuck in associations and they never get out and they never meet their goal. They hold every position on the board, more than once. They love to be in the midst of it all. They organize the events, they plan the contests and oversee them, they teach those classes over and over...but they never get published. They write the same book 300 times and submit it to every contest out there, but they never leave the organization. They get stuck there for life.
So you see some pros and cons. You have to decide what is right for you and you have to know when to step up and when to step out. Be mindful that I don't mean any disrespect to the organizations as they are there to better the environment for the author. They are proactive when it comes to legislation and to fighting for rights on many levels. (RWA was right there to help Nora Roberts out when she was plagiarized and was a big component in getting rules established for such things.) These organizations need forward thinkers. The industry is changing fast and they need people to lead them into the future.
What might happen is you'll find yourself shifting organizations due to need. Once I was a great candidate to be an RWA member. I got so much out of that and I loved every moment. But when I became a publisher the game shifted. I'm not an author to them anymore, even though that is my main focus. So I shifted my organizational needs. I now am part of organizations that embrace both sides of my career. Neither is better than the other, just better suited to me.
Aside from the networking (which is key), the educations (which is necessary), you're going to find that you'll receive benefits you can't get on your own. These benefits can range from legal advice to discounts on a rental car. Yes, use all the benefits that come with membership.
Educate yourself on the right association before you shell out your hard earned money. They can be essential to the success of your career and they can all be beneficial as long as you know what you want out of it.
For a complete list of Monday Marketing topics and links please click here.
When not writing, Bernadette Marie is shuffling her sons to their many events—mostly hockey—and enjoying the beautiful views of the Colorado Rocky Mountains from her front step. She is also an accomplished martial artist with a second degree black belt in Tang Soo Do.
A chronic entrepreneur, Bernadette Marie opened her own publishing house in 2011, 5 Prince Publishing, so that she could publish the books she liked to write and help make the dreams of other aspiring authors come true too. She believes her journey into the publishing world and onto bestsellers lists is one to be shared and enjoys teaching others how to make their own success happen.
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Monday Marketing Series
I'm very excited to announce my newest blog series, the Monday Marketing Series. This series will run right here every Monday and I will share with you some Marketing insights that might be of use to you.
This specific thread will have a list of the topics and I will update the links as they go live as well, so you'll always have the list handy when you're looking for topics.
I hope you enjoy...Marketing Mondays
This specific thread will have a list of the topics and I will update the links as they go live as well, so you'll always have the list handy when you're looking for topics.
I hope you enjoy...Marketing Mondays
MARKETING MONDAY SERIES
Marketing
Monday
10/21 Let's
Talk Free Books: Write it to give it away.
10/28 Let's
Talk Keeping it Fresh: What to do when you've blogged, talked, tweeted, and
facebooked everything you know
11/4 Let's
Talk Promoting Others: Helping other authors find an audience through your blog
11/11 Let's
Talk About Keeping the Preaching in Church: Remember that your blog IS full of
your opinions, but keep your audience in mind
11/18 Let'sTalk
Making Friends: Other authors aren't competition, they are allies
mentor, shoulder, ear, friend,
promoter.
Is there a topic you'd like to know about, but perhaps it isn't on the list? Send me an email and I'll look into it. Remember I'm not the only authority on the subject, I just know what has worked for me!
Bestselling Author Bernadette Marie is known for building
families readers want to be part of. Her series The Keller Family has graced bestseller charts since its release in
2011, along with her other series and single title books. The married mother of
five sons promises Happily Ever After
always…and says she can write it, because she lives it.
When not writing, Bernadette Marie is shuffling her sons
to their many events—mostly hockey—and enjoying the beautiful views of the
Colorado Rocky Mountains from her front step. She is also an accomplished
martial artist with a second degree black belt in Tang Soo Do.
A chronic entrepreneur, Bernadette Marie opened her own
publishing house in 2011, 5 Prince
Publishing, so that she could publish the books she liked to write and help
make the dreams of other aspiring authors come true too.
Bernadette
Marie began writing at the age of thirteen and submitted her first manuscript
at sixteen. Just as any aspiring author has learned, the publishing world is
full of rejection. So how does an author find readers and allies before they
have a book? Self-promotion! Bernadette Marie shares her experiences in
building a name for herself before her first book was ever published.
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