How To Promote Without Being Obnoxious

We've all seen it:

1.  The author who turns their website or blog into a giant advertisement.

2.  A social media post for their book every waking minute of the day.

3.  Conversations somehow include the title of their newest book.

Advertisers are getting the message about soft selling their products. They engage a viewer/reader with a story and characters that make us laugh, show rather than tell the advantages of an item, and hold our attention.

While some writers avoid all mention of their work, the fact remains: marketing is necessary to make people aware of our offerings. How do we accomplish this without alienating the folks we want to reach?

1.  Name recognition is an important factor. By participating on social media, people are getting to know you as a person.

2.  Back in the day, I followed the local baseball team. One of the things that made the games exciting was knowing about the individual players, their families, and their careers. The same is true for writers. People like to know how we started this journey and what influenced us.

3.  Along with number two above, readers want to be able to relate to authors. They want to know we care about them as individuals and not a cha-ching of the cash register.

Be friendly, be nice, and be real!

Writers:  What are some of the ways you promote your books?

Readers:  What do you want to know about your favorite authors and writers?

Photo Credit:  Jamie Harris

Marketing - The Advantages of Giveaways

Did you know that the author of the wildly successful book, "The Shack," gave away many books to create buzz? Whatever your view of the novel, his marketing approach worked.

Many people argue that giving away books or articles devalues an author's work. It takes much time and effort to produce a quality piece.

So, should we do giveaways? The answer: It depends.

1.  If an author has a series, giving away or offering the first book at a discounted rate can introduce readers to a new author or genre. This can reap benefits of increased sales for subsequent books.

2.  Guest posts on blogs generate more comments and greater traffic if a giveaway is involved. Again, a freebie introduces a reader to the author and/or their work.

3.  Publishers and authors routinely offer Advanced Reader Copies (ARC's) to generate buzz and reviews about a new book.

4.  Submitting articles to non-paying ezines, charities, etc. can result in greater exposure. The benefits must be weighed against disadvantages. Some publications will take advantage of a writer's desire to be published and routinely refuse to pay. Great caution is urged.

5.  Limited time offers for freebies/discounts can pump up sales during seasonal spurts like Christmas and Easter. I've found this an effective tool.

Writers:   Have you done giveaways/freebies/discounts? What are your thoughts on the subject?

Readers:  Do you support an author who gives freebies by doing reviews, sharing promotional posts, and buying their other books? I'd love to hear how you view freebies.

Photo  Credit:  Alex Ling

 

Marketing/Voting/Tiny Baby/Confidence/Devo

1.  Katherine Grubb guest posts on Chip MacGregor.com about four no-fail ways to market your book and grow in confidence.

2.  With election season in full swing, U.S. voters are inundated with candidates seeking our support. Kathi Macias wrote an insightful blog post on the subject. I hope you'll check it out.

3.  Imagine giving birth to a baby at 25 weeks gestation. This little one was given no chance to survive, but she surprised everyone. The pictures are amazing. Read this heartwarming story of Naomi.

4. Gail Elaine Kittleson guest posts at The Write Conversation. She talks about finding the confidence to write.

5.  Dena Netherton wrote a devotional on Five Ways To Avoid Regret.

Writers:  How long did it take you to gain enough confidence to submit your work? Please share.

Readers:  Was there ever a time in your life where everyone declared there was no hope that a certain situation would turn out okay? Please share if you are able. I'll start. After my husband died, it looked like my job prospects were dim at best. Through much prayer and obedience to that still, small voice of the Lord, I eventually landed a great part-time position that went full-time two years later.

Photo Credit: Anonymous/Unknown

Sidebar/Referrals/Market Research/Devo/Recipe

1.  Edie Melson, at The Write Conversation, discusses what belongs on the sidebar of a blog. This is Part 6. I think I need to go back and read the other 5 posts.

2.  California governor, Jerry Brown, signed a bill ordering faith-based pregnancy centers to refer women for abortions. Check out this article.

3.  Penny Sansevieri guest posts at Writers in the Storm about How to Create a Book that Sells and a Marketing Plan that works (every time).  Yeah, that title grabbed me as well. She gives some great tips on researching your market.

4.  Dena Netherton shares 3 Thoughts on "Little Zeke's Gift." This boy has a unique ministry that he faithfully exercises.

5.  I confess my idea of making cranberry sauce is to open a can and empty the contents into a pretty serving dish. For those of you who are more into homemade, you might like this recipe from Allrecipes.com.

Writers:  Whether you're published or pre-published, did you research the market prior to writing your book? Please share.

Readers:  What special dishes do you make at Thanksgiving? If you'd like feel free to share a recipe in the comments.

Photo Credit:  Keira Bishop

Marketing/Frustration/Devo/Videos/Dessert Recipe

1.  I came across this article on 44 Proven Ways to Market and Sell Your Self-Published Book. Even if you're not self-published, there are some excellent ideas here.

2.  Laurel Garver, at Laurel's Leaves, gives tips on Writerly Frustration and how to deal with it.

3.  Susan Panzica's recent experience with an overgrown garden prompted much introspection. Check out this thoughtful post. She gives us a lot to consider.

4.  WND reports on the suppression of the Planned Parenthood videos by two judges and how to get around it. Every time I think of what they're doing to these infants, some of them born alive, I'm horrified. I can only imagine how God views these horrendous practices.

5.  All my family and friends know how much I love chocolate. Pair it with peanut butter, and my heart skips a beat or two. Here's a recipe from Kraftrecipes.com that I'd like to try. If you try it first, will you let me know how it turns out?

Writers:  How do you deal with Writerly Frustrations? Have you used them to communicate that feeling and the tension it causes in your writing? Please share.

Readers:  Do you pin recipes on Pinterest or save them for future reference? Have you actually tried any of them?

Photo Credit: Ket Quang

Plotting/Devo/Chuckles/Cookies/Marketing

1.  For those writers who want to take a shot at plotting (not me, thank you very much), Wendy Paine Miller gives some pointers on the process.

2.  Devotional Time: Edie Melson, at The Write Conversation, asks, "Am I carrying baggage or luggage?"

3.  A chuckle for you compliments of Linda O'Connell, at Write From The Heart.

4.  Jessica Nelson guest posts at Craftie Ladies of Love Inspired. "No Chocolate Chip Cookies? What?!?!

5.  Zoe M. McCarthy gives 32 Marketing Ideas to Promote Your Book.

Writers:     Are you a plotter or a pantser? Have you every tried a plotting method? Please share.

Readers:  Which link was your favorite this week and why? What kind of links do you prefer?

Photo Credit:  Daino_16

Backpacks, News, Gifts, Tips, and Questions

1. Do you tap into the invisible, but very real, emotional backpack your characters carry? Robin LeFevers posts on this fascinating subject at Writer Unboxed.  

2.  World Net Daily reports that smuggling Bibles now carries the death penalty in Saudi Arabia. I'll let you draw your own conclusions. In my estimation, this highlights the precious freedom we have and the need to protect it.

3.  Dena Netherton posted about a special gift we can give those around us: The Listening Gift. Although shared just before Christmas, it's something we can offer year round.

4.  Zoe M. McCarthy gives valuable tips on how to ensure a happy book signing.

5.  Karen Lange, at Write Now, asks, "Why do you blog?"

Writers and Readers: If you blog, why do you blog? I blog because I enjoy the interaction with people and have made some strong friendships.

Photo Credit:  marcacrea