THE Group for Authors! discussion

Is there a hello thread somewhere? I couldn't find one.

*waves*

I have been very slow to become active because Goodreads tends to defeat me. Somehow I have a terrible time figuring it out. But I was in such a good mood today I decided to post! OMG I am SO relieved! Amazon finally fixed the glitch that kept my new novel Freedom's Sword from being sold in the US. The last week has been horrible with trying to figure out why it wouldn't. I don't handle that kind of thing well.

Anyway, hello everyone. :)

Hello back JR!
Glad they fixed the glitch for you - how frustrating! I'm just becoming active on Goodreads too. Love this site, but its addictive! : )

By the way, because of the glitch I WAS doing an "Amazon Hates Me" giveaway on Smashwords though 23 March but since it's fixed, I'll call it the "Amazon Doesn't Hate Me After All" giveaway. It is with coupon # JN34T. Sorry if that's puffing my own novel too much. I won't make a habit of it.

Yes, it was the MOST frustrating thing.

I'm very new. I have to learn the marketing protocol, so please forgive me if I step across a line.

I know I'm going to enjoy this blog very much.

Hi to all! A quick hello, as I have just recently joined up to Goodreads and its Author Program (my book is "If Only I Could Talk"). I'm really enjoying it so far and am having great fun learning (with healthy does of head scratching too!) how to navigate my way around the site and get to know it better.

All the best,
Tony

Looks like a great book Tony. Good luck with it. I'll try to check it out.

HI everybody. I'm not new to Goodreads, but I am new to the Authors' programme. I just published my first book entitled The Reaches in ebook format and am waiting for the first copy of the print edition to reach me. The book is part of a series of books called the Storytellers Quest of which I have already written three but I haven't got round to publishing them yet. I generally write fantasy novels... My major concern at the moment is promoting the books and finding ways and means to further improve the quality of my work.

Hello!! I've just joined Goodreads and the author programme, and listed my first book, and still finding my way around! Hi to everyone, and good luck with your writing and happy reading :)
Vickie

Well,a word on promotions...what works? No one really knows...it depends on the book and you. Michael Cain suggests that promotion works in circles that ripple outwards...your family and friends...their friends...local news...regional...national...etc.
But you have to start those ripples. I tell all the authors we publish that "we're in this together." I would suggest talks, readings and signings, bookstores and libraries...campuses and coffeehouses. It all depends on you and the book. Some ads help, but they are expensive...get folks to go up on Amazon.com and recommend the book if they like it. Blogs are the most immediate...so connect with those. Do a little each day and hang in there.

Here's the thing about promotions, you never can see a direct line from an ad or a review to sales. It's all a mystery based largely on the hope it will reach people. The best thing that worked for us was when Garrison Keillor read a couple of my poems on "Writers Almanac" and posted a link to purchase on that web site...It was a slam-dunk as they say. Within 24 hours, we had sold 15 books. Otherwise, it's the direct sales at readings you do where you are featured. There you can see the sales as well. "Intimacy creates value." You need to get the book out there, even when you can't measure. Best to you.

That is SO true, Larry. I see my best sales at events where I interact with readers. As good as online social media may be, it will never replace the face-to-face human contact and interaction.

I'm new to Goodreads, too, and still finding my way around. I published my book, Treespeaker, to Kindle last week and today had the sale I was waiting for - the first one that I have no idea who bought it! I haven't done a print version yet, but i'm beginning to think it might be a good idea. Here in Australia, we're at least five years behind the rest of the world as far as ebook technology goes.
I'm looking forward to getting to know everyone, though I suspect I already know more than I realise from other sites.

Hi Everyone! I'm a newbie too! Great thread idea for us, so thanks JR! I'm loving the chance to explore everyone's profiles and hook up with people who have similar interests!...

I've been putting it off for so long, trying to focus on writing because it looked like far too much work for me, but I was BURSTING with so much exciting news today about big my Award win and original Theme song that's gone crazy with nearly 200,000 hits in youtube...

so I was DESPERATE for a blog - and goodreads seemed to be about the easiest, so I finally bit the proverbial bullet today, and now I've got fans I never realised I had! (I'm blown away!)

And as a bonus I've scored a virtual bookshelf manager that's helping me get back on top of my to-be-read list!! FANTASTIC! Now I wish someone had told me about it years ago!! :))

Aabra wrote: "Hi Katie and Welcome! And contrats on your first sale! That's exciting! Glad to have someone on board from Australia, a country I've always wanted to visit but it's soooooooo far away from me he..."

No problem... Goodreads IS very popular here in Oz
:)) You can also search yahoogroups.com with whatever genre you write as a keyword along with one of the keywords: Oz or Aussie or downunder and you'll get genre groups down here. Good luck!! :)

Hi on the promotion side, I'm finding it pretty hard too. Some people advise the book tagging thing in the forum on the amazon site, but to be honest that blew my brain. I've given out some free coupons in exchange for reviews - that sometimes works. However I have had some people promise reviews, but not follow up. Best of luck!

That's a great idea. Thanks for the info and I'll have to check into that!
A.A. wrote: "Aabra wrote: "Hi Katie and Welcome! And contrats on your first sale! That's exciting! Glad to have someone on board from Australia, a country I've always wanted to visit but it's soooooooo far a..."

I'm new to Goodreads and am trying to learn how to use this tool effectively in the process of promoting my book. I need some help in learning how I can encourage people to check out my book, Under His Helmet.

Damn..3 fractured ribs sure keep an author from laughing very much!! But the docs tell me I'll feel fine in 4-6 weeks :-(.. The protagonist/hero in my thriller novel, Raker, should have prevented this!!
Liam www.terminalpolicy.com

Liam, I just had to extend you my sympathy. Laugh and the world laughs with you and all that - and somehow you grabbed my attention, made me smile and tore me away from my keyboard. I don't connect on line nearly enough. I must get out there and put myself about. I don't know why, but you drew me out. Take care of yourself and look forward to laughing in a few weeks.
Jean. www.jggoodhind.co.uk

I've gotten a good review for my book "The Word Gang" by Maria Savva, a reviewer here and at Bookpleasures. I'd love it if a few of you 'added' my book. I've been stuck on 18 for the last month. ps You don't have to buy it, just add it. Thanks, Mark

pps Anyone watch the wedding? It was fun. I've been married before so there was a bit of nostalgia involved. Imagine 2 billion people watching you mumble through your lines. They did great, those royals and fellow human beings.

thanks to YOU, Jean...it IS getting a bit better each day. I've been invited to do a book signing for Terminal Policy at the Salinas, CA Elks Lodge before their huge rib-night dinner...but thank goodness that's not until Aug 5... so I should be fine by then. Now...get back to your keyboard!!!!

Keair, on your author profile page, click the link that says "Is this you? Let us know" all the way at the bottom of the page. Follow the directions to submit a request to join the Goodreads Author Program, and then wait about 24-48 hours (usually) for it to be approved.

I'm kind of stuck in the mud. Lots of positive feedback from friends and relatives, but no one wants to be first with a review. They're suddenly all shy and stuff.

It's a full-length book; about 340 pages. Thanks in advance for anything any of you can do.

www.vermillionroadpress.com

Darlene wrote: "I'm kind of stuck in the mud. Lots of positive feedback from friends and relatives, but no one wants to be first with a review. They're suddenly all shy and stuff.

It's a full-length book; about 3..."

Hi Darlene authors in the http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/8... read and review other members books.

Thank you! I'm going to look into this.

Wave from New Zealand. I've been a member for a while but only just learned about changing my profile to an Author's profile. My debut Regency romance came out in Mrach 2011. So I have a lot to learn about Goodreads Author Program which I upgraded to today.

I've been with Goodreads for a couple of years now, but only just joined this group. Looking forward to reading and sharing.

Welcome aboard, Sharon. I dip my toe into the water only now and again - getting involved in writing a gothic thriller of late - totally different from the Honey Driver series.
We're a mixed bag here, but one thing that never fails to amaze me is the determination and knowledge of people publishing their books as ebooks. It takes grit to do it with an agent and mainstream publisher on board. It takes ten - perhaps a hundred times that - to go it alone. Best wishes to everybody.

Hi, I'm still fairly new and trying to find my way around the discussion groups...

has anyone seen a chat group or section for announcing major lit awards that we've won?

I entered the keywords and come up empty, sigh.

Here is the general awards section: http://www.goodreads.com/award

RE:
http://www.goodreads.com/award

Thanks Mlady!
:))

hello fellow writers! i'm therese, i'm a novelist, essayist and poet. my sweet paranormal romance, "matching wits with venus", was recently released by astraea press. i'm really happy to find this group - i am on a few other goodreads loops as well.

Hi, everyone, I'm William, just joined into the group, working on getting to home base with two works in progress, and getting used to the site.

thanks aabra! and welcome, william.

Hello! I'm new to Goodreads and just got my status switched to author a day ago. I joined this group to help me learn how to fully utilize this site. I'm still learning.

hi beth! the people on the goodreads site are really helpful.

Hi,

I'm Dave, I'm still finding my way around Goodreads.

I have had some stuff published, self-published some stuff, and I have two WIPs that will be self-pubbed this summer (maybe more).

I read lots too, but less since I started self-publishing, something I intend to rectify this weekend.

Dave

David wrote: "Hi,

I'm Dave, I'm still finding my way around Goodreads.

I have had some stuff published, self-published some stuff, and I have two WIPs that will be self-pubbed this summer (maybe more).

I read..."

Hi Dave. I not surprised you find less time for reading. Writing and self-publishing are quite time consuming! I find it much more difficult to read since my first book came out.
Alan.

I've been pretty okay about keeping the same amount of writing time, except around release day, understandably.

But the writing will dry up without the lifeblood of reading, so I have to jig things around a bit.

Now that both releases have a bit of "lift", I can step back a teeny bit.

(I hope).

Dave

David wrote: "But the writing will dry up without the lifeblood of reading, so I have to jig things around a bit."

Intriguing, Dave. I don't feel my writing comes from my reading although of course what I read does help. I suppose my way of writing could best be called inspirational... The characters talk to me (as it were).
Alan.

It comes from lots of things. But if I don't feel stimulated, it does dry up.

I could spend 3 months lying on the most beautiful beach in the world, but if I didn't get some alternative cultural stimulation, the creativity would dry up at some point.

It can come from books, movies, going for a walk, observing people, anywhere.

But with the amount of time I am spending indoors at the moment, working at my computer, reading is the most likely source.

I suppose everyone is different.

I get a lot of ideas taking out the bins!

Hi everyone. I'm a Newbie and just getting my self familiarized. What a wonderful environment!

Pleased to meet you all!

xxxKim

hi kim!

Hi Everyone,
I'm new to the group and also to Goodreads (published my first book in April) and am wondering if anyone has some advice on the best way to utilize this group for support and information.
Thanks!

Hi everyone, I'm Larry Moniz. To quote an old saying, I''m a "Jack of all trades and master of none." In case you haven't already guessed, that means I'm a writer. :-)
Actually, I'm a semi-retired journalist and publicist. In addition, I'm a working author. I published my first book as a trade paperback a few years ago. It's a self-help book on promotion for authors and is based on my experiences in book promotion and publishing. I also have contributions from a dozen others authors. Some are best-sellers, other just had clever promotional methods.
I've now released my first fiction book, a mystery/adventure set in New Jersey's Pinelands.
Putting the finishing touches on an earlier manuscript in historical adventure genre, and am also working on the outline of a detective novel set in the 1930s. Oh, I'm also the proud grandfather of three great kids ranging in age from 2 to 11.
Best to all.

David wrote: "Hi,

I'm Dave, I'm still finding my way around Goodreads.

I have had some stuff published, self-published some stuff, and I have two WIPs that will be self-pubbed this summer (maybe more).

I read..."

I have been heads-down busy with the production of two books in both e-book formats (which ends up being four different ones to please everybody) and print version using InDesign. Your message reminded me that I need to do some reading to relax before I can ever hope tackling the WIPs I have which is two half done novels. Thank you! I'm off to focus on rejuvenation.

Katherine Owen

hello everyone,
I am new in this site, still don't know excetly how to nevigate... here.. but i'm going to learn with some help from you - hopefully
:-)
thanks sara

Hi Sara, navigating is confusing because many of the forums have differing internal structures rather than standardized conventions. Best of luck.

Larry wrote: "Hi Sara, navigating is confusing because many of the forums have differing internal structures rather than standardized conventions. Best of luck."

ohh, thanks Larry :-) enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Hi Therese, thanks for the welcome!

Therese wrote: "hi kim!"