Every author knows how hard promotion is. We've gone into it recently, haven't we?
So here's a point which can be question: if those readers who like your book (okay LOVE your book) recommend it to their friends does it help to sell your book? In a word, YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!
Look, you're in the EVERYTHING HAS CAUSE AND EFFECT BUSINESS now, guys!
It helps if people know your name, they like you--if they like what you say, how you come across.
Now HOW you come across is key! I detest hard sell, I don't think it works. You need to find the right balance.
THIS IS HOW NOT TO DO IT:
I've read books I've loved and told my friends because I wanted them to enjoy the book too. And sometimes, a book so hits you that you find you are bursting to tell someone. You do this at gatherings, parties--wherever and whenever the situation presents itself.
And you don't just concentrate on your little miracle either, writers! We're all out there competing in a tough market. Put in a good word for another writer whose book you really liked.
Spread the word, increase the good karma and do some good!
Let the books go forth and find new readers to enjoy stories they didn't know were out there!
Good point, Carole! It's a competitive business, but that doesn't mean we exclude other writers when we talk to people about great books. It's not all about ME. This is a WE business. The cream will rise to the top.
ReplyDeleteBlaze
that's right! we need to stick together.
ReplyDeletei notice actually the ones who are utterly devoted to 'hard sell' only care about their own books. they never see past their nose. i hate that.
You are a great writer, Marissa Farrar is, James Garcia, Nicole Hadaway, Lee Pletzers--I want to sell books sure, but I want those writers I know are excellent to also sell their books!
Love the clip!
ReplyDeleteI just recommended about 30 horror novels to a friend who sends books to her nephew in Afghanistan. Not a once did I recommend a book because the author told me I should read it. I recommended what I thought a soldier would enjoy.
I don't look at book sales as a competitive market. It's not like if you were a landscaper or a plumber trying to find new clients. We're not competing against each other. We're all selling a story and our clients can read 10-60 books a year. I certainly couldn't fill that quota. We are all partners out there and it is our job to help our readers find great reads!
Extremely well-said and thank you for that.
ReplyDeleteThat's right. who wants to have a book about a fish that solves crime stories (when you don't read crime) or a book about alien cock aroaches that eat up the White House--when sci fi is not your thing? No matter how much it's jammed down your throat it ain't gonna make you want to read it.
Precisely, recommendations must take into consideration what sort of novel it is and whether or not you think a particular person is going to enjoy it.
Well said. thank you!