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Sylvia wrote: "Hi guys. :) I just reentered the GR community because my first novel is now translated and thus I need to aime for completely new audience ... an English speaking audience.
In German I started i..."
(sorry, have never heard of booksirens)
Can I ask you a slightly tangential question? When you say your book 'was' translated - did you pay somebody to do it or was the translation commissioned by a third party?
After I sold enough copies I wrote a request that I was looking for a translator and choose the one whose style suited my novel best among the applicants.So no: nobady ask for it. I started out a selfpublisher and my goal was and is still to get my storie out there. :) But I don't own a fortune so I only invest what my books earned so far. For me it's a kind of 'reinvestment'.
But I know you don't get seen just by being available. Thats what I'm trying to figure out next. :)
And Thanks for your answer. :)
Please receive this in the best possible light. I'm here to help. When you are looking for an editor to help on your copy, let me know. Drop a private line if you would care to. Cheers, Don
Hello all - I am looking for advice on how to get my 'books out there.' I am trying to sell my children's picture books to help raise enough money to purchase a communication device for my brother who was in a car accident and can't speak. If anyone has some good advice, I would much appreciate it.
Dawn, yours is a compelling story. (Bet you've directly approached philanthropists for money or grants. Have you tried the company that makes the product?) Have you sought book reviews? Putting "reviewers of books about disabilities" in my search engine nets a list of numerous organizations. Network with them, ask them for referrals and endorsements. Book reviews help get the word out. Enter your books in contests--awards give books cred. How about academia--who among your colleagues could use your books in their curriculum?
Hi Sheila - no I have not approached philanthropists for money or grants. I started a GoFundMe before I had more books published. It has not done great. I thought advertising that the proceeds from the book sales would go toward the device for my brother might help sales and get people spreading the word as they wouldn't just be donating money. That has not been my reality :-( I have been contacting audiology associations, audiology clinics, newspapers from where I grew up, etc. I have advertised on Twitter, Instagram, Linkedin, and Facebook. I have an author's page on Amazon. I actually sat down and learned how to make a website! I have looked at book contests. I was shocked to find out that the books that win awards actually were submitted for the award with payment of a fee. I don't think you should have to pay to have a good book recognized, but that's my opinion. I had to pay for the illustrations for my books, so even donating money from the sales means I don't recoup any of the upfront costs I had to pay. I think it is worth it for my brother.
Dawn, You're networking, I'm glad to see. I believe hard work pays off in the end--yet, there's no guarantee no matter what the motivation is. I urge you to get endorsements from experts or authors associated with the hearing loss community or disabilities in general. You have the determination so I hope the opportunity you so diligently seek arrives soon.
Thnak you, Sheila. I have been receiving a lot of positive feedback so hopefully good things will happen. As far as endorsements, I wouldn't even know where to begin for that. I do appreciate your kind words and encouragement :-)
I just found your information and very touched. I have an idea that may result in funds for you, but it will take some research. However from what I have read, you are great at that. Hollywood actors have big hearts when it comes to philanthropy. My idea is for you to research as to who within the Hollywood community has a family member with a similar problem and may be willing to do an endorsement. Also many years ago actor Spencer Tracey and his wife created a foundation due to the fact that their son had hearing impairment and speech was part of the problem as well. The same was true of Nanette Fabray, Have you researched the Helen Keller foundations (there must be at least one still viable).
Unfortunately I did not get in on your situation until just now so I may be way off base with my suggestions. Anyway, if not please go for it and Much Good Luck.
Sylvia, You did a better job of saying what I was trying to suggest. By googling "10 famous people with hearing loss" several lists appear with famous actors and musicians. That's a start. Here is another site: https: //hearinghealthfoundation.org/celebriti.... I agree with Sylvia--Hollywood has a big heart. It's only going to take getting one celebrity or entertainer to listen--and, Dawn, you are good at that.
sheila,you are an angel to stay on top of this and help make the search easier. I am keeping my fingers crossed for this family and the wonderful sister most of all.
Thank you, Sylvia, For all we know there may be folks on goodreads with connections to one of these folks. Words I heard long ago still ring true: Don't lose heart!
Dawn, Please check out the Spark Book Awards for children's books. There is no fee.https://www.scbwi.org/awards/spark-aw...
Thanks very much for this thread. It makes me feel better. I promoted one of my free Amazon days a while back, had about 1500 downloads, got just one review (5 stars) ... and on here have had one person review (2 stars) :(... and that's it since the give away! :( I thought I would just give up.... but reading people's comments here at least gives me hope that maybe just more effort is needed on my part. Does anyone have any thoughts for best way to find exposure for a fun dating advice book? I haven't found a good way yet to reach people interested in this kind of book.
Brenda wrote: "I am having trouble getting recognition for my book. I did a Goodreads giveaway and that only got me one review. People who actually read the book, and it is a children's book, tell me it is great ..."I too struggle with reviews everyone loves the book but only 6 reviews. Plenty of raves but not reviews.
Everyone has trouble getting reviews. I've heard for every 400 readers, you get one review. I've also heard for every 1,000, you get one. It probably depends on genre and cost of the book. People will download free books and may not read them for a while.
I also think it matters if you are a self-published author or if you have a traditional publisher. I think there is a supreme bias towards self-published authors. Most of the groups on GR seem only to review books from major publishers and then they "promote" them within the groups. One caveat to that comment is that I have not looked at then entirety of their suggestions, but for the most part they all seem like there are no books by self-published authors being promoted by the GR groups. If there is one, I'd like to know what it is. If you are self-published then most of the reviews seem to come from sources gotten by marketing on social networks (FB, Twitter, Instagram) and from friends and...? Though none of my marketing in those places seems to have resulted in much exposure.
Plane wrote: "Thanks very much for this thread. It makes me feel better. I promoted one of my free Amazon days a while back, had about 1500 downloads, got just one review (5 stars) ... and on here have had one p..."I am having trouble getting readers, I have only sold 16 copies and had 2 5 star reviews, on my book, "A future of trouble and chaos" Any advice?
Julian wrote: "I am having trouble getting readers, I have only sold 16 copies and had 2 5 star reviews, on my book, "A future of trouble and chaos" Any advice?"It's not a book - it's a 13 page short story which are really hard to sell and if you hadn't used first rights, you could have tried submitting it to magazines. The cover appears to be home made and gives no idea as to genre. There are fundamental craft issues and an obvious lack of editing. To top it off, neither 5-star rating appears to be genuine and one makes the observation that you're not the author?
If you want to sell books: write a full length novel. Find critique partners and learn the fundamentals of craft and story telling. Workshop the full length novel until it shines. Engage a professional editor. Buy a professional genre appropriate cover. Write more books so that any advertising dollars spent are more effective. Rinse and repeat.
A.W.'s comment (message 70) contains observations and advice worth heeding.The inventions of the personal computer and internet provided opportunities to aspiring authors that greatly enhanced their ability to make their work available to the reading public. That said; professional writing remains an extremely competitive field in which the chances of an unknown author achieving commercial success are quite low.
Too many independent writers do not seem to realize that writing is a profession; therefore, they do not expend the time, energy, and financial investment required to obtain the basic writing skills, professional input and assistance, and advice needed to produce a polished, professional literary work.
Despite the odds against them, some novice writers do eventually achieve commercial success. A few even become best-selling authors. There is no reason why you might not be one of them. Be patient, learn the trade, and most importantly, never cease to strive to continuously improve and expand upon your knowledge and skills.
Jim wrote: "A.W.'s comment (message 70) contains observations and advice worth heeding.The inventions of the personal computer and internet provided opportunities to aspiring authors that greatly enhanced th..."
Be patient - in my opinion the best advice you can give to young authors, and you can receive as a new author.
It took me 4 years to wstablish my books and my name in a moderate extend in my motherlanguage, and so I think it's very likely, it'll need the same amount of time - if not more - for the translation.
Getting in touch with readers ( in Germany espacially blogger and booktuber) is a key point. One at a time - and value each and every review you get. there is a 1%-rule, that means only 1% of actual readers are going to review a book.
Though you can ask - politely- in your 'special thanks' section of a book, that your readers give you feedback, explaining, how crutial it is for us writers, to get noticed.
A fellow author did this an got an average of 16% more reviews for his books. So I think, it is worth a try. :)
A.W. wrote: "Julian wrote: "I am having trouble getting readers, I have only sold 16 copies and had 2 5 star reviews, on my book, "A future of trouble and chaos" Any advice?"It's not a book - it's a 13 page s..."
Amen. I did a whole blog series about learning to write before calling yourself an author, starting with Can I be honest about your writing? (Part 1 - Oh, the vanity of it all).
Jim wrote: "A.W.'s comment (message 70) contains observations and advice worth heeding.The inventions of the personal computer and internet provided opportunities to aspiring authors that greatly enhanced th..."
Amen. Great advice. Thank you.
Sylvia wrote: "Jim wrote: "A.W.'s comment (message 70) contains observations and advice worth heeding.The inventions of the personal computer and internet provided opportunities to aspiring authors that greatly..."
Amen and I'm guessing I'm a dinosaur. I'm intrigued enough by the last three posts - Sylvia, Jim and A.W. - that I'd like to see their books. My prejudice is, based on their words and thoughts, they probably tell a good story well, something increasingly rare based on what's available.
Sylvia wrote: "I just found your information and very touched. I have an idea that may result in funds for you, but it will take some research. However from what I have read, you are great at that. Hollywood act..."
Sorry for the delayed reply. I haven't been in here for a bit. Busy getting my latest book ready to launch and another illustrated. Thank you for all the wonderful advice. I will see what I can find out. My birthday is this Friday (International Women's Day) and my brother's is on March 25th. He will be 55 and I am hoping I will be able to give him the communication device. Not looking very hopeful, but I'll try.
Sheila wrote: "Dawn, yours is a compelling story. (Bet you've directly approached philanthropists for money or grants. Have you tried the company that makes the product?) Have you sought book reviews? Putting "re..."It's difficult for me to get reviewers because I didn't self-publish. My books are published by a small publisher in the US. How does one get reviewers when that is the case?
Sylvia wrote: "sheila,you are an angel to stay on top of this and help make the search easier. I am keeping my fingers crossed for this family and the wonderful sister most of all."
Thank you so much for all the suggestions. I am going to try to see what I can find. Our GoFundMe has done miserably and my books have not done much better. I have been active on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, Tumblr, you name it. My usernames must not be attractive or I don't have the right posts or words. :-(
Sheila wrote: "Dawn, Please check out the Spark Book Awards for children's books. There is no fee.https://www.scbwi.org/awards/spark-aw..."
You have to be a member to enter and that does have a fee.
Sylvia wrote: "I just found your information and very touched. I have an idea that may result in funds for you, but it will take some research. However from what I have read, you are great at that. Hollywood act..."
How do you actually contact a celebrity???
Dawn wrote: "It's difficult for me to get reviewers because I didn't self-publish. My books are published by a small publisher in the US. How does one get reviewers when that is the case? "Your publisher should be doing it. The marketing reach and effort of a publisher is one of the reasons for going traditional, rather than self publishing.
Prior to publication the publisher should have sent out ARC copies to bloggers, You-Tubers, reader groups and influencers in the book community. I would be going back to the publisher and asking what they are doing. Did you discuss marketing effort prior to signing the contract? Did they present you with a marketing plan when the book was in production?
Julian wrote: "...for Christ's sake I can't afford publishing or editors..."Wow. So you think being rude to people who are trying to help will bring you sales? If you are only 14 you are a minor and cannot advertise (or even have an Amazon KDP account, so did you commit fraud to publish?) and you cannot enter into commercial contracts.
From your reply it sounds like you can't even be bothered learning how to construct a story or understand the fundamentals of grammar. If you can't afford to invest in a decent cover and an editor then you shouldn't be publishing. Why should readers spend their limited disposal income buying a short story you half-arse slapped together?
My advice stands. Learn the craft FIRST. Get critique partners - there are numerous online sites that are free where you can learn how to give/receive critique and develop your writing skills. For your age demographic Wattpad is a fantastic site to get feedback on your writing for free and make connections with other writers.
Just because anyone can publish, doesn't mean anyone should. There are over 5 million books on Amazon and the market is saturated. If you want readers to find your book then you first need a polished professional product people are willing to pay for.
A.W. wrote: "Julian wrote: "...for Christ's sake I can't afford publishing or editors..."Wow. So you think being rude to people who are trying to help will bring you sales? If you are only 14 you are a minor ..."
I do not wish to be rude. I am just annoyed, I just wanted to help my family and was aware of no such age rule. I have an english literature major partner who helps me polish what I write. They are very busy, however so the book is even today getting edited.
Julian wrote: "...I just wanted to help my family... "While that is admirable, very few people make money from writing. It is quite literally the LAST thing you should try if you need money. There are loads of after school jobs you could take to bring in steady cash to help your family.
As I keep saying, the ebook market is saturated, you need to invest time, money and effort in the quality of your book if you want any sales. That includes learning the craft, getting a professional genre appropriate cover, having the book professionally edited and formatted correctly.
What you have written is NOT a book, it's a short story which are incredibly had to sell unless you are a big name or you get them into magazines or anthologies. The fact you cannot distinguish between a first effort short story and a publication ready full length novel is in itself a huge warning sign that you are nowhere ready for the business of publishing.
A.W. wrote: "Julian wrote: "...I just wanted to help my family... "While that is admirable, very few people make money from writing. It is quite literally the LAST thing you should try if you need money. Ther..."
I respect your opinion, but I am aware of the difference between a short story and a novel. I didn't have time to write a novel. I live in the middle of nowhere so any jobs that are available to more centralized teenagers are unavailable to me. Driving would cost more than anything I could earn from a job. I additionally am homeschooled and do not go into cities much.
Toni wrote: "Hi Charles. I have learned to treat writing as a hobby, steadily doing it when inspired. Keep your day job, but don't stop doing what you love 💘.
Then, join your cities recreation programs, the pa..."
We are not performing artists. Is there purity in sales as a measure of quality or worth? - I don't know. I have found marketing to be challenging and therefore interesting but it is not writing, as I have planed. The simple truth is, most of us did not start to write for sales. We write for expression, revelation, entertainment, sharing, and more...
A.W. wrote: "Julian wrote: "...for Christ's sake I can't afford publishing or editors..."Wow. So you think being rude to people who are trying to help will bring you sales? If you are only 14 you are a minor ..."
Amen to the advice.
Keith wrote: "Toni wrote: "Hi Charles. I have learned to treat writing as a hobby, steadily doing it when inspired. Keep your day job, but don't stop doing what you love 💘.
Then, join your cities recreation pro..."
Keith,
Thank you for pointing out that many novice authors write to merely to share an idea, personal philosophy, or story with others, with no thought of ever achieving commercial success.
My one and only novel was published Aug. 9, 2011. I was 63-years-old at the time. The original intent was to just provide copies of the manuscript to my four adult children in order to share a story with them that had been fermenting inside my head for decades. They encouraged me to publish.
I did not anticipate commercial success; therefore, I was not disappointed when it, predictably, did not succeed. That said; surprisingly, it did sell many more units than I ever thought it would. The final sales report issued by the publisher on December 31, 2016 revealed that 1.029 units had been purchased during the 5 years and 4 months of commercial availability. Although not a commercial success, knowing that over a thousand people purchased and, I presume, read my writing is reward enough for the time, effort, and money expended.
Julian: If I might make a suggestion? Check out: Richie Billing's website. He has a wonderful website and under the writers resources are lists of publishers who pay for everything from novels to short fiction. His lists are up-to-date and contain fabulous information. He lists publishers by everything from desired word count to how much they pay for short fiction, long fiction, you name it he has many lists. He is a great resource and I find him an entertaining blogger. I've learned a lot from his website. Take a look maybe it will help.
Wendy wrote: "Julian: If I might make a suggestion? Check out: Richie Billing's website. He has a wonderful website and under the writers resources are lists of publishers who pay for everything from novels to s..."Thank you, I will look into it.
Whoever suggested you target your prospective readers was absolutely right. If you write for women go to women's groups, if you write for children go into schools, if you are in the UK go to festivals and fairs like the UK Southern Book Show. Always have a copy of your book with you and go on writing. If an author has more than one book they earn more respect from the publishing community.
Wendy, can you post Richie's website address pls?
<> This blog post by goodreads author Sandra Beckwith might give you some helpful ideas and direction:https://buildbookbuzz.com/what-to-do-...
What is the link to Richie Billing's website?My seventh book was just released yesterday on my birthday. "If an author has more than one book they earn more respect from the publishing community."
Dawn wrote: "What is the link to Richie Billing's website?https://richiebilling.com/
Congratulations on your seventh book! I just published book three in my Kingdom of Jior series.
I just reentered the GR community because my first novel is now translated and thus I need to aime for completely new audience ... an English speaking audience.
In German I started in 2015 and my high fantasy trology went for a couple of 1000 readers, which is okay I guess. Now the first part is translated and I knew from the beginning, that marketing would become hard (but for a German selfpublisher geting an English agent is even more impossible. So my greatest strength is stubborness and I dno't know the phrase 'it is impossible to...'
So I'd really like to exchange ideas.
Just recently I found out about a group called 'booksirens'. Has anybody of you ever heard of it or even experiences?