Connecting Readers and Writers discussion

Hello, forum! In July, I published an article concerning the things I stumbled upon during my beginnings as an independent author. It gained a lot of attention on Reddit and, now that I have joined Goodreads, I figured it might provide new writers with a few warnings, so to speak. Here is the link:

http://donluiszavala.wordpress.com/20...

Enjoy!

You are most welcome, Derek.

Hi Don, that was one of the most honest blog posts I have ever read. As your experience mirrors mine and I have proceed along the lines you hope will work for you, I take heart from knowing a best selling author whose numerous novels are traditionally published and much to my surprise, his road is no easier than our own.

If it did nothing else Don, I am definitely going to take a look at your first book because I like your writing style in the blog.

Very best of luck to you in your future endeavours.

Looked Inside the Book and it grabbed my attention. If you want to build your reviews, happy to do so. Are you interested in review swap?

Have you tried eReader News to give the book that boost to lift ranks and dare I say, garner some sales? They are probably the only one I consider worthwhile out of all the promotional sites. Bookbub works but is too rich for my blood. As you say who wants to keep giving away the profits to sites that perform poorly.....or well.

Hello, Yvonne. It is always encouraging to learn that the roads we take are the same many of us on top have followed. For that, I thank you for sharing it. I will have a look at eReader News and Bookhub in case it persuades me, yet my goal is to keep producing material at the moment. Fortunately, I enjoy religious thrillers, which is your main focus. We could do the review swap but currently I'm catching up on a LOT of reading. Regardless, is there one in particular you want me to look at?
Also, if it is an interest to you, I will be publishing a short story this week (if all goes well). My plan is to have it available for free using Amazon's five-day promo option. I will inform all my Goodreads friends so they get a chance to download it before time is up. Other than that, I appreciate you enjoyed my article. Independent publishing is a very bizarre business but fascinating to explore and engage, nontheless. Take care!

Do let me know when your short story is published. Happy to do a review swap for that as well. Let me know when it is up and running. I am happy with pdf or mobi files.

I would appreciate a review for the second book in my series, THE IMMORTAL MADONNA. Please contact me at [email protected] and advise whether you would prefer a mobi or pdf file forwarded to you.

Alternatively we can purchase each other's books and this will give us a verified purchase review.Don wrote: "Hello, Yvonne. It is always encouraging to learn that the roads we take are the same many of us on top have followed. For that, I thank you for sharing it. I will have a look at eReader News and Bo..."

Nice article. I've come to pretty much the same conclusion: that all the usual suspects mentioned by pundits on how to market eBooks are oversaturated with millions of wannabe writers. Forums and even much of social media are full of writers screaming "LOOK AT ME!" at each other, while most of our actual audience is engaged elsewhere.

I haven't put together a web site yet. I've only used FB on a personal level, not specifically as an author. I haven't done Twitter or Reddit or Google+...I don't have a blog other than here on Goodreads. (I don't own a smartphone or use mobile devices.)

Yeah, I'm a bit of a curmudgeon, I guess. But I'm not like that for any ideological reason--I'm no Luddite. No, it's more that I fear having my life fall through a digital hole that will suck my time away. I used to play video games a lot...I know what happens.

I get distracted and am unproductive enough already, so I try to limit distractions and spend as much time writing as possible.

In the last year I've released a novel, a novella and two short stories as eBooks. I'm nearing completion of two novelettes and have a second novel ready for editing. On top of that I've got an embarassingly large backlog of stories already started (they've been accumulating for over 20 years!).

So while I know I should be doing more marketing, I feel that it's equally (or more) important to build a catalog. Maybe by the time I retire from my day job people will have caught on that I've written some books, and hopefully some of those are worth reading. ;D

Micah wrote: "Nice article. I've come to pretty much the same conclusion: that all the usual suspects mentioned by pundits on how to market eBooks are oversaturated with millions of wannabe writers. Forums and e..."

As a READER who posts reviews online for both indie authors and those who are published by traditional publishing houses I thought I'd share some of my observations for you folks, the indie authors struggling to market your work. I hope some of you find something helpful.

Most importantly to me and certainly I think for YOU remember WHY it is that you began writing in the first place.
Did you really pick up your pen to become a marketing expert? I hope not because if so your writing probably sucks.
As a reader (and a prolific one at that) I've become increasingly annoyed with some indie authors who quite frankly churn out "product" continuously and spend any effort remaining to them in zealous self-marketing.
The actual BOOK etc suffers because they have forgotten what it is readers want, which is a good quality BOOK.

Now I DON'T wish to sound heartless and please forgive my overuse of caps but I'm the reader here, your potential audience or customer.

My experience has taught me that just because the likes of KDP etc make it POSSIBLE for just about anyone to publish a book, it doesn't necessarily follow that everyone SHOULD be a published writer.
I'm not referring to anyone in particular, certainly not anyone in this group and I also read the above blog post and found it very interesting.

Sites like wattpad and fan fiction etc are there for people to produce free reads, mostly as fan fiction. Now posting on these sites is fine but remember that if you're a genuine author wanting to make a living from your writing, I'd suggest only using these platforms as somewhere to try out ideas, do writing exercises, find fans and communities of people interested in whatever genre or writing exercise you're looking into. I don't think this is a way to go to plan your professional writing career.

Remember something that I've discovered and I don't see discussed too often for the benefit of indie authors: these sites are constantly monitored by the traditional publishers looking for The Next Big Thing.

The amount of books I see coming to print with vague references to thanks to social media and tiny tiny publication notes that the work was previously published under another name in a slightly different form in x installments is increasing.
After all, why would publishers spend bucket loads on advances or take on an unknown when trolling the established sites tells them what already will be well-received WITH SOME PROFESSIONAL EDITING.

This editing issue is huge for me. My suggestions for indie authors are the following:
* any online work you publish ensure its formatted and edited so it's readable. Punctuation, grammar and spelling aren't optional just because you're an aspiring indie author.
* if you ask for "genuine reviews" from people who want to give your book a chance, actually mean it. Don't be one of those fakes who have a fit or specify that a review must be above a certain number of stars.
* it doesn't matter if a review isn't five stars. In fact, this marketing strategy has ruined the star rating system in my mind. As long as your book is discussed it's out there becoming known.
* don't be surprised if when you offer copies for review that you don't always receive the same number of reviews as copies you gave out. For whatever reason, reviews become lost in systems (I've had many I've had to re-post several times), personal issues with readers/reviewers interfere with the process, someone may not like your work but they like you so don't want to leave a less flattering review, files become corrupted, computers crash etc.
* Goodreads is a good platform for indie authors because they also provide readers with newsletters etc about all the best sellers, prize winners, big name authors, what's going to TV or film etc.
* having your own blog with links to things related to your writing is nice. However, if you start something remember your focus is writing a book, not blogging. Try to retain your perspective.
* I think Stephen King said it very well and really it's all that matters in the end. Write what you know. If you don't know about something, please do good research before you include it in your story because nothing will let your writing down more. Well, unless it's an inability to use the English language and in that case focus on blogging.

Anyway on this note I'll leave it. I've managed to not get approximately one hour's work done by writing this.
This being my last point: the point of you writing a book is WRITING A BOOK. Focus on that part but keep the rest in perspective or the writing/book always suffers.

Cheers and good luck to you all.

Alisinny

Thanks Alisinny. A lot of good points. I think the number one trap for indie writers is getting sucked into the marketing machine and not knowing how to get out of it. Before they know it, a year has passed and the only writing they have to show for it is 15,000 tweets and several hundred social media and blog posts. At the same time, it is a really understandable and even tantalizing trap because there is a genuine need for new writers to find a readership and that is not easy with all of the noise out there.

Absolutely Owen! I really do understand how difficult it is for all you authors and I'm glad you found something useful in my comment. I read lots about how much angst this marketing causes.
I think I just wanted to reassure writers that the focus should be on their writing not their marketing skills. Perspective in this regard is probably a tough balancing act when all of it is new.
But- you are a writer! So write!

This is meant to be encouraging to you all!

Cheers
Alisinny

Alisinny wrote: "As a READER who posts reviews online for both indie authors..."

Excellent post. Totally agree on all points.

Thanks very much Micah. It was your comments which really drew my attention.
You described yourself as possibly a "curmudgeon" for your refusal to get caught up in self-promotion rather than concentrate on actually writing your book/books.

I had to let you know that from my perspective as a reader/reviewer I admired your standpoint as being common sense, not being a curmudgeon!

Frankly, your ability to use the word "curmudgeon" and the other literate uses of English throughout your comments reinforced my opinion that you CAN write. Put it this way, I see many works aggressively marketed which do not demonstrate a fraction of the facility for the language. Or for any written language to be honest.

I think you're taking a good route. Do the WORK of writing and then worry about what happens next.

I hope that somehow this is encouraging to all the genuine indie authors. It's NOT really in your best interests to focus on marketing to the detriment of your actual writing.

Alisinny wrote: "Absolutely Owen! I really do understand how difficult it is for all you authors and I'm glad you found something useful in my comment. I read lots about how much angst this marketing causes.
I thi..."

Amen. The best marketing is to keep writing.

At least we all agree on one thing: quality work, and making MORE quality work, is precisely what every writer should aspire to get done. Thanks to all for sharing your thoughts on the matter. Lots of great points!

Nice article.
I don't spend a lot of time marketing. Once or twice a day on twitter, usually pin a cover on Pinterest, a few minutes on facebook and post to stumbleupon. Spend the major part of my day editing, writing, improving covers and blurbs and fiddling with the metadata. Most important is writing new material and editing old material

I'm late to this thread, but I appreciate all the good information in it.


Cheers,
Piper

Even later, but wanted to add my thanks to Don for a thought-provoking piece and to Alisinny for a valuable professional perspective.

We seem to be back to grudgingly admitting that the trad publishers are still the filter for most (paying) readers.

What other trusted filters are out there?

Hi Everyone, as an avid reader and lover of indie authors, I have found many books that were offered by Amazon for 99 cents. Often, I have read one book and then purchased others by the same author (at full price) because I enjoyed the book so much. Also, I like to provide reviews to authors, and not just for a free book!

That's a useful comment Angela. It gives the author's an insight into a reader's mind.

What genre of books do you like to review?

Angela wrote: "Hi Everyone, as an avid reader and lover of indie authors, I have found many books that were offered by Amazon for 99 cents. Often, I have read one book and then purchased others by the same author..."

I read all the posts. Most authors (me included) are not good at promoting their books. They are self-conscious and don't like to sound like they are bragging, and nobody else will do it for them.

Offering your book for free isn't enough. Now you have blogs offering cash prizes plus the free book, and are charging the writers for the use of their platform.

Basically we are all hawking our books in a loud, shrill market, and the chances of being heard are limited. That is why there is something called the 'thunderclap' now.

Why only books? Movie stars are promoting their films.

Publishers want writers to promote their work on social media. I have one book by a regular publisher, and the rest are indie.

In spite of what the pundits say, I'm not sure social sites help much. There is too much of information being shared and retweeted; I doubt any reader has the time to process it.

Yet, having published the book, one has to make an attempt.

Just a thought, do indie writers with their freebies drive e reader sales?

I placed my book for free using Amazon's five-day promotional option just to give it a shot. This was in August. A little over 250 people downloaded it, but have yet to receive plenty of reviews to jump with sales. I believe readers simply download whatever it is available (something which, perhaps, tickles their attention) and then read it whenever they want, or scheduled it. Does this mean they will write a review after finishing? No. I will be discussing this, and other things, in part-two of this same article.

Hi, I am an avid reader, clinical social worker and published poet, and I very much respect the time and energy that it takes for writers to not only create their books, but also to promote them. For me, if I am able to download a free or .99 e-book, I usually read any reviews first and then download. The majority of the time, I will provide a review and also purchase other books by the author, if I enjoyed the book. I think it is a good idea to ask readers to leave a review, especially if they are receiving a free book.

Alisinny wrote: "Micah wrote: "Nice article. I've come to pretty much the same conclusion: that all the usual suspects mentioned by pundits on how to market eBooks are oversaturated with millions of wannabe writers..."

A genuinely accurate and informative post of which all would-be or even established writers should take notice.

So many experts tell writers it's all about marketing. It's not, although marketing is an element in the mix. It's about the book. It's about how good it is. It's about engaging readers and not trying to flog them part 32 of a series. And, from my point of view as both an avid reader and a writer, it's about how much I enjoy either writing it or reading it.

Without wishing to sound pompous, it's also about writing what you want to write and not a marketeer's idea of what you should write.

Just love it, either as a writer or a reader. Life is short.

Yes. Hopefully we can set standards for literary quality that reach beyond concerns for profitability.

Thank you for the article, Don. It's really helpful!

Utilizing the full range of marketing tools and techniques produces the best results.

Website - Designed for and dedicated to a specific book and its author.

Press Release - Customized to appeal directly to the specific audience to whom it is being targeted.

Push Cards, Business Cards, Thank-You Cards, and Bookmarks - Featuring the book, author, and contact information.

Public Appearances - Literary Festivals/Conventions/Book Clubs/Book Stores. Prepared to deliver a well rehearsed presentation with book-signing pen in-hand.

Interviews - Literary magazines, blogs, and websites.

Literary Social Websites - Active participation, not only in self-promotion threads, but general discussions as well.

Of course, like any other product, a book must meet the customer's expectations regarding quality and value, or the above marketing suggestions will be an exercise in futility.