Welcome back featured author B.J. Scott
today at the Book Boost!
She's here to chat about beginnings and endings and here's what she had to say...
The end is only the beginning.
So you finished your manuscript after months or maybe even years of hard work. You've gone over it so many times, you know every word by heart. The editor loves it , you've signed your contract, you've made the requested revisions and your release date is set. Now, you can sit back and relax, wait for the royalty checks to come in and move on to your next book.
WRONG.
Signing the contract and handing over your work to an editor is only the beginning and not the end. Especially if this is your debut novel. The misconception that it is now solely in the hands of the publisher is one many newbies make. The book may be wonderful and a hit, but only if you can market it yourself in a way that gets the public's attention. Friends and family can only buy so many books, then the onus is on the author to maintain a presence by doing what they can to get noticed and to stay noticed.
With over one million books being offered on sites like Amazon and dozens of new releases every day, it is not easy to stay in the public eye for long. That is why you must start your marketing strategy before the book goes to print or e-book.
A website and/or blog showcasing your talent, news and tells the readers a bit about yourself is a great place to start. Becoming familiar with the various social media at your disposal is another. While they may seem overwhelming to someone who has never accessed these sites before, it is necessary.
Ads on review sites, websites dedicated to promotion and in popular romance magazines is another. Mind you, the latter can be costly, so you must also set your marketing budget at the start as well. A book trailer, one you make yourself or have professionally done is another way to get your book noticed. Bookmarks, cards, mugs, pens (etc...) can be made with your cover and given away as contest prizes or to people attending conferences. Anything that gets your name out there is useful. There are countless ways to promote your book. It is up to the author, in conjunction with the publisher to decide what method is right for you.
A Note From the Book Boost: And, of course, guest blogging and author interviews such as this one are helpful with picking up the attention of a potential new reader! Thanks for joining us today, B.J. Hope your book is selling well.
Blurb:
Faced with an abhorrent betrothal, Cailin Macmillan flees her father’s castle and quickly learns that a woman traveling alone in Medieval Scotland is an easy target for ruthless English soldiers. When Highland patriot Connor Fraser comes to her aid, his steadfast dedication to king and country is challenged by his overwhelming desire to protect Cailin—even if he must marry her to do so.
Accused of murdering one of her attackers and determined to rely on her own resourcefulness, Cailin dresses as a lad, intent on seeking refuge at the camp of Robert the Bruce. Can she elude an enemy from her past—a vindictive English lord bent on her utter demise—or will she fall prey to his carnal intent and be executed for a crime she did not commit?
Want More B.J.?
Visit her on the web here: www.authorbjscott.com
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9 comments:
Wise advice. I think new writers have it the toughest because there are so many choices and just as many costs associated with promoting a first book; and it's hard to know what works and what doesn't.
Very interesting blog, Barb. And so true. Sometimes I feel like Alice in Wonderland--with the queen screaming "off with her head." Running for my life to keep up, lol.
Marketing and networking is such a challenge. And trying to figure out what works is even harder. Great advice, Barb! Thanks so much!
Thanks for stopping by Ann. Always great to see you. Having your first book The Millionaire's Bauble released, you would know all too well what a shock the amount of promo there is that needs to be done.
I hear you Callie. If my head was not attached to my shoulders, I would have lost it a long time ago lol. With three books out and more in the wings, you should be getting accustomed to the promo frenzie.
Thanks for stopping in
Thanks for coming by Darcy. I don't thing anyone knows until they release that first book, just how much work there is to promotions. You are right, knowing what the best method to take is a challenge.
Hi Barb. So true about the work not ending with the book getting published, not by a long shot.
Good summary, Barb. Marketing and promo are not my cup of tea, though they do have their positive aspects. I've met some lovely people online from all over the world and learned things about blogs, computers, and web sites I would otherwise know nothing about. Still learning. Best to you and your writing - and marketing!
Thank-you for the great information Barb!! Always good to hear from those that walked before...always more and more to learn.
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