Tips for Self Promotion, Sales, and Advertising discussion

got caught up.

This is awesome! i've been clicking like mad. Here's my link, and I'd appreciate a few clicks of my own.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_nos...

Okay, I hope everybody is still active on this click click click post because I'm about to click click click. :)

I have two books on Amazon and here are their links:
http://www.amazon.com/CHUPACABRA-Chup...

http://www.amazon.com/THE-NIGHT-AFTER...

Thank you all. Now to get ready (cracking knuckles now)

Wow! I hope I got everybody. For those who had 16 or more tags already in place, I worked backwards, giving your less clicked tags more draw. Good luck all and thank you for the recipication.

Michael wrote: "Wow! I hope I got everybody. For those who had 16 or more tags already in place, I worked backwards, giving your less clicked tags more draw. Good luck all and thank you for the recipication."

Got you! Now, to go back and click a bunch of others that popped up since I was last here.

Gotcha Bookie & thank you Jennifer!

LOL! You ARE lucky to have a boss so fun. That's fantastic!

Yes, chuppie has a special place in my heart too.

If you have a spare 15 minutes, I hope you decide to read it, and if so, I hope you like it. :) It's a free short story which leads up to the first novel, Night of the Chupacabra. Muhwahhahaha!

Can I just say a huge Thank you to everyone from this group who supported my this week when I launched my latest novel, Children of The Plantation - thanks to you it's now 34 in Kindle store!
Cheers
Faith Mortimer
xxChildren of the Plantation

Forgot to add my links:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s?_encoding=U...

and http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=ntt_at_ep...

thanks!

Faith wrote: "Forgot to add my links:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s?_encoding=U...

and http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=ntt_at_ep......"

Gotcha!

Jennifer wrote: "Faith wrote: "Forgot to add my links:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s?_encoding=U...

and http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=ntt_at_ep......"

Clicked on you too - thanks!

BookieWormie wrote: "I'll definitely reciprocate! And here's mine if you would all click away :)

http://www.amazon.com/Used-Think-Norm..."

Clicked on yours - mine is lower down

Michael wrote: "Okay, I hope everybody is still active on this click click click post because I'm about to click click click. :)

I have two books on Amazon and here are their links:
http://www.amazon.com/CHUPA..."

Clicked on both books

Thank you Faith. I got all yours too!

Darian wrote: "Alrighty, I'm clicking away! I could use a few clicks if you guys don't mind. Thanks!

http://www.amazon.com/Love-Unfinished..."

Got you, Darian! Here's mine: http://www.amazon.com/Heir-Sun-Jennif...

Just an opinion from someone who's been in the publishing business for 45 years. Your quid-pro-quo clicks and favorable reviews are destroying the EBook market. But, I'm not alone. Here's what the New York Times recently said about it:

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/20/tec...

Here's what Amazon had to say about it in the article: "But they are concerned about the integrity of those reviews. “Any one review could be someone’s best friend, and it’s impossible to tell that in every case,” said Russell Dicker, Amazon’s director of community. 'We are continuing to invest in our ability to detect these problems'."

Suggest you be part of the solution in the future rather than part of the problem.

Sheila, is this a game for someone who's bored with life? Don't you care about the book industry and your contribution to invalidating its reputation? I'm amazed that your post came up right after mine on how EBook sales are being damaged by such practices. As a professional writer and author--thanks a bunch! ;-((

Larry wrote: "Just an opinion from someone who's been in the publishing business for 45 years. Your quid-pro-quo clicks and favorable reviews are destroying the EBook market. But, I'm not alone. Here's what t..."
Larry, I have said this from the beginning, I keep dropping out of the posting business when I see things like this. How can we expect to be taken seriously when we aggrandize ourselves. Sooner or later, the reading public will be wary of us all. If we are good we don't have to cheat. Dr Robert E McGinnis
I hope this helps some of those that think they are doing a good thing.

Hi Doc,
Yes, I sometimes feel like you and I are among only a handful of people who are striving to accomplish within the ground rules rather than making them up as we go along. Somehow, I don't think Janet Dailey, John Steinbeck or Ernest Hemingway ever behaved like some of the people do. Promoting is one thing, trying to cheat the systems and mislead others is quite another. Fraud?

Did you see the N.Y. Times piece I cited above?

I'd like to add my voice to yours, Doc and Larry. Please, please writers - remember readers want to like you, more important, they want to trust you. Unless you have actually read a book - you really don't have the right to review it. Interestingly, even the fact that reviews come from folks who are given free books sometimes influences a readers perception of the review - I had some people in my audience last night say, "I trust the reviews that are put up on amazon by genuine buyers (Marked Amazon Verified Purchase)of the books more than I do ones by professional reviewers."

Lin wrote: "I'd like to add my voice to yours, Doc and Larry. Please, please writers - remember readers want to like you, more important, they want to trust you. Unless you have actually read a book - you real..."

Have I misunderstood the original intention of this thread? I don't want people adding reviews to my book if they have not read it. Whether good or bad, I only want reviews from people who have read my work, without 'solicitation'.

I don't mean this as argumentative, it's an honest question. So you, Doc, and Larry feel that simply having someone click on your link without genuine interest is on the same level as false reviews?

Larry, not only did I check out the link you posted, but I sent it to many of my author connections as well.

Lin, It is a combination of those efforts across the board not just the clicking and not just the reviews. Ever heard of someone being number one because they define a category where there are no other books to compete against? There is a range and depth to the extent people go to in order to be number one, or sell book, or make their work look good etc, etc. We must be genuine and forthright in our lifelong pursuit to be wholly great and truly fulfilled. Like you, I don't want a review from anyone who has not read my book. But I also don't want to trade clicks for clicks or clacks for clacks. I want to stand on merit. Good luck to us all, we are a few among many and the numbers grow everyday. I wish you all the best.

Darian wrote: "Lin wrote: "I'd like to add my voice to yours, Doc and Larry. Please, please writers - remember readers want to like you, more important, they want to trust you. Unless you have actually read a boo..."

Darian,
It is absolutely on the same level. It's the clicking equivalent of a false review. You click me, I'll click you, what else can it be? Unfortunately, those who are most hurt are people like Dr. who rely on fairness to improve their sales and standings.
Just this past week, Amazon announced it's started accepting used machines in trade for other Amazon merchandise. While Amazon just made a bare-bones statement in its media handout, EBookNewser had more to say. According to Nate Hoffelder: "While Amazon might choose to spin this as offering customers a new benefit, I suspect there’s an ulterior motive. I’ve heard of an interesting factoid that was shared over drinks at the Frankfurt Book Fair last week. Only around a third of all of the Kindle that have been sold are still in use. Turn that around and you have a vast number of Kindles sitting in closets.
Considering that Amazon has sold millions of Kindles, that number is scarily large – if it’s true."

For anyone who wants to see the complete report, here's the URL:

http://www.mediabistro.com/ebooknewse...

If the reporter is correct this should be a terrifying prospect for ALL EBook authors. If people aren't using their Kindles, then they aren't buying books. People on Goodreads who give quid-pro-quo reviews and click each other, I feel, bear a lot of responsibility. If a new Kindle owner reads glowing reviews and sees high click rankings, they presume they're making a good reading investment. After two or three really bad books masquerading as quality, they decide Kindle was a mistake and they won't waste time and money reading additional EBooks.
Lin's quote in Message 191 is the writing on the wall when she quotes an audience member saying: ""I trust the reviews that are put up on amazon by genuine buyers (Marked Amazon Verified Purchase)of the books more than I do ones by professional reviewers."

The final proof will be in the number of Kindles sold during this holiday season. With the economy being comparable to last year, any significant decline will, to me at least after 45+ years in publishing, will signal a customer distrust of reviews.
Of course, any publicist can tell you that once a reputation is tarnished, it's tarnished for years or decades. If that happens with Kindle this year, then the legitimate writers who strive to turn out quality product will be harmed for the rest of their writing lives. Tarred by the same brush that's wielded by the fraudulent reviews.
For those who are in the BUSINESS of PUBLISHING I wish you well. For the amateurs, wannabees and egotists who like the author title, it's time to fold your tents and get out of the industry. If you're offended by this, then perhaps you're part of the problem rather than part of the solution.

Larry wrote: "Darian wrote: "Lin wrote: "I'd like to add my voice to yours, Doc and Larry. Please, please writers - remember readers want to like you, more important, they want to trust you. Unless you have actu..."

Offended? Not I. Very well stated Larry, very well. And my apologies for having participated in the click for click. Seeing the larger picture as you have so clearly defined, I hate to think that I've contributed to the decline and became part of the problem, not the solution. I want to do this right, I want to stand among the few who have made it on their own, regardless of how long that takes to happen. There will be no more clicks for me. Thank you for the insight.

Well said, Sheila. Writing is a tough enough business. Now we're not allowed to help each other, lol What's the big deal in liking a fellow writer's Amazon page...sheesh. It's not even close to being fake. Off to like your page, Sheila :)

Sheila wrote: "Larry wrote: "Sheila, is this a game for someone who's bored with life? Don't you care about the book industry and your contribution to invalidating its reputation? I'm amazed that your post came..."

How much does the book industry care about you? Interesting ego-centric comeback. What does any industry care about any contributor, you might as well ask. Real writers strive to achieve recognition in their chosen field through dilligence, hard work and superior work product rather than newbies expressing feelings of entitlement. Yup, you're part of the problem with that attitude. Jeanne too. She doesn't even get it that she's hurting fellow writers with her delusion that she's helping them. As a professional writer for 45 years who still strives to earn respect rather than cheating, I can only hope you all learn the error of your ways when, not if, the Kindle fantasy comes crashing around your ears. Just remember, you all hurt far more writers than you help with such cheating.

The book industry cares a lot about good authors, that is how they stay in business. Good authors are few are rare with none in between. There is a huge difference between liking someone's page, book or website, and that is not to mean you click, click and click because you just want to help someone. I wouldn't know how to answer those who don't see the fallacy of landslide clicking just to help a poor, struggling author who won't stand a chance without it. If we don't strengthen our standards, no one will believe a word we say. I don't know if anyone keeps track, but Amazon is weeding out this problem little by little. rm

I say click like if you want to and don't click if you don't! You'd think clicking 'like' on some author's amazon page was akin to lying under oath. This whole debate is really quite ridiculous.

Doc, I think you said it and nicely.

Jeanne wrote: "I say click like if you want to and don't click if you don't! You'd think clicking 'like' on some author's amazon page was akin to lying under oath. This whole debate is really quite ridiculous."

Jeanne, how many years have you been in the book industry and/or product marketing. I have 45 years, including publicity for such brands as Harlequin. If the New York Times (see link on Message 184) Business Section feels it's important, how does your expertise top theirs, mine or Dr.'s? This is probably the most important "debate" on Goodreads. Of course, if a person is either an anarchist who doesn't believe in industry guidelines or is totally stubborn, then yes, debate would be a waste of time.

http://www.amazon.com/Saves-Little-Ea...

For those of you who like to click, here is one. Please read inside the book first. Anyway, I am sure most of us are of the same mind and it is possible we all agree, but just can't say it in the same words. Life is good, I love life and all of the challenges. Take care all, and keep working on whatever it is that you enjoy doing. Dr R

Re: clicking "like" on an Amazon book page means you are interested in that book,or that type of book. Amazon uses it to establish what your tastes are, and makes recommendations to you based on that.
C'est tout.

I'm clicking everyone's links now!

Here are mine when you get a chance. Thank you!
http://www.amazon.com/gp/search?rh=i%...

PS - Has anyone noticed if this really helps?

well, we appear to be a dark group of writers! i was expecting to see more light and fluffy stuff. lol. im in good company. glad i found this group!

I am not sure I would call this group dark, there are some great intellectuals here and I hope you don't think I include myself in that category. I am more of a misplaced hillbilly with an outlook toward a Paradise here on earth. There is some sniping from time to time, but for the most part with a careful side glance at what is said, there is something to learn. Good to hear from you. I hope you speak up again, we always can use some new visionaries.

oh, i'm sorry - i meant genre-wise - that there were many titles about demons and darker fantasy kinda stuff. u guys rock! i <3 dark stuff.

i've read through a ton of posts. i can tell u guys are intellectuals, which is awesome. there is so much that goes into making a book, and indie's are awesome b/c they do everything...writing, marketing, formatting. thanks for the welcome! glad to meet u!

I knew what you meant all along, you are now more than welcome.

Harrie wrote: "Allison Boozer, the Marketing person at Create/Space, Amazon's self-publishing house told me that to get your book placed as an "...all recommended" or other favored slot, YOU NEED TO HAVE PEOPLE C..."

I did yours. Please do mine. Pegasus in hardback,paperback and kindle. By Marilyn Holdsworth.

Deborah wrote: "Hi Harrie,
I'll click on yours, please tag me!

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_......"

Hi Deborah, I clicked and tagged you, please do mine
http://www.amazon.com/Pegasus-ebook/d...
http://www.amazon.com/Pegasus-Marilyn...
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/tags...

Clicked and tagged Harriet Rose and Deborah Brodie. URL for my hardcover, paperback and kindle are as follows:..http://www.amazon.com/Pegasus-ebook/d...
http://www.amazon.com/Pegasus-Marilyn...
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/tags...

I will begin working on the rest. Great idea Harriet!

Penelope wrote: "It's that easy? Just click. Okay. I'll be clicking like mad. :^)

Penelope
http://www.penelopemarzec.com"
Got you clicked Penelope. Marilyn Holdsworth

Deborah wrote: "Hi Harrie,
I'll click on yours, please tag me!

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_......"
I clicked and tagged Deborah and Harriet..http://www.amazon.com/Pegasus-ebook/d...
http://www.amazon.com/Pegasus-Marilyn...
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/tags...

Hi everyone, I will begin clicking.

H.M. wrote: "I'm clicking everyone's links now!

Here are mine when you get a chance. Thank you!
http://www.amazon.com/gp/search?rh=i%......"
Got you clicked HM.

R.L. wrote: "Sounds like a good idea. I'll start clicking. The title of my book is Tall, Dark & Lonely by R.L. Mathewson. The Amazon link is,

http://www.amazon.com/Tall-Dark-Lonel..."

Got you clicked, Marilyn Holdsworth, please do mine:....
http://www.amazon.com/Pegasus-ebook/d...
http://www.amazon.com/Pegasus-Marilyn...
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/tags...

Pat W. wrote: "Traci wrote: "Hello everyone!
My link is http://www.amazon.com/Burn-Out-ebook/...

I've clicked everyone on the list so f..."

Got you clicked Traci.

Chaz wrote: "Hello everybody! This was fun - now that I have clicked through, I have to go back again and check out your books. I saw a lot of them that looked intriguing!

Here is the Amazon link to my two b..."

Clicked you Chaz

I clicked you BookieWormie

Hello all - my second novel, A Greater Monster just went up on Amazon. I would appreciate clicks on my tags, and I will reciprocate. Link is here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0983...

ps. i went back and clicked everyone's tags who had a link from message 151 on. Thank you!

Hi David, got it tagged.