Making Connections discussion

Good day, I have only published one novel so far. I am new to Goodreads and have just discovered Author Q&A. Their examples are for big name authors with lots of followings. I have a small number of contacts and attempts to engage them has only seen a few responses. I did a giveaway. 250 people shelved my book, but I only received 4 reviews and two ratings. Would anyone attend a Q&A with me? How would I let people know when it took place? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

David,

Be patient. You have been a member of Goodreads for less than a year. Over time, as your book attracts more readers and sales increase, the ratings, reviews, contacts, and following will increase proportionately.

Participate in the various discussions posted within the groups to which you belong. Resist the temptation to constantly self-promote within each post. Reserve it for only those discussion topics specifically intended for self-promotion.

Over time, the following for you literary works and blog will grow and the interaction between your followers and you will create more interest.

I wish you success. The odds against anyone becoming a commercial success within the extremely competitive world of aspiring authors are great. However, a few do eventually succeed. There is no reason why you might not be one of them.

Thank you Jim. That is sound advice.

This is a hard business, but hang in there David!

I agree with all Jim said. My mantra is: this is a marathon not a sprint. (Sometimes that is hard for even me to remember and I'm a marathoner.) At times, the miles pass slowly. It took me three years and many early-morning and late-night hours to write two books, only to find selling those books takes even more work and time (and isn't nearly as much fun).

But! What a run. If you love writing, keep reading, writing and plugging along.

David, thanks for asking this question. I'm in the same boat. Jim and J.C., thank you for your thoughts and advice. It is so hard to be patient when you've worked for years on a novel, finally get it published and then find out that the hardest part has only just begun. But you are right J.C. that it is a marathon, not a sprint. I have to keep reminding myself of that.

I am published by a small publisher which means most of the publicity is on my shoulders. I wasn't ready for it so I'm on a huge learning curve. Marketing my novel is far, far more difficult and time consuming than writing it.

I write historical fiction so I have a lot of research to do before I even start writing. Now, I'm having difficulty squeezing in time to do the research for the sequel between all the marketing efforts.

Best of luck to all of you with your writing and publishing endeavors!

Your book, Kelegene, looks intriguing Eileen. Good luck with it!

Thank you.

Thank you all for your encouraging messages. It can be hard to keep goals in mind while doing the work. Does anyone have suggestions of actions to take to get people to know about and then come to a Q&Q. Again, thank you.