THE Group for Authors! discussion

Several years ago, I had a couple of books published in paperback. They both have reviews and ratings on Goodreads.

I recently self-published an eBook in the same series.

Am I allowed to contact those people who reviewed or rated my earlier books, to let them know of its existence? Or is that a total no-no? I wasn't sure whether I was allowed to recommend it.

I don't want to spam readers, for obvious reasons, but like many newly self-published writers, I am having visibility problems.

Contacting reviewers is usually viewed by them as spam, and thus highly counterproductive.

I have created a series for your books and combined them with their editions in other languages.

You have about 250 friends/fans -- have you considered a blog post stating that the book is available via Kindle? You last blog post implied that the book's not for sale yet, so it wouldn't encourage someone reading it to go looking for it.

Thank you very much, Rivka - that is very kind of you.

I'm assuming you mean a blog post on Goodreads, as opposed to on my external blog 'feed'?

I will certainly take a look at the blog and see if I can update it.

Jessica wrote: "I'm assuming you mean a blog post on Goodreads, as opposed to on my external blog 'feed'?"

No, the feed will work too, as it imports to Goodreads.

Ok - I've updated my blog - thank you again!

I've started an emailing list. I find that also helps, because that way you are reaching people who are actually interested. You may want to write a blog post explaining your position, and inviting people to be added to your mailing list.

That's a good idea, Nenia! I've seen suggestions about putting a mailing list sign-up option at the back of an eBook, which I may yet do.

What I was puzzling out how to do was alerting readers of my earlier books. I think your suggestion about setting up a mailing list is a good one. I wish I'd done it before!