Promotion? Yes or No?...........
So I was just wondering......it's one thing to sit and write books. A job I love and feel emminently qualified for, given that I do NOT play well with others. I like sitting alone on my couch, creating people and worlds that wouldn't exist without me........Hmm. That sounds like some sort of God complex, but that's a blog for another day.
The question is, is writing a good book enough? Does the writer have to also become a huckster? You know, getting out there, taking out ads, printing up newsletters and mailing out bookmarks? (Used to do bookmarks when I was a newbie, but haven't in a long time!)
What I want to know is, does the promotion make a difference to you, the reader? Will you try someone you've never read before because of a well placed ad or because you picked up a bookmark at the store? What is it that makes you want to read someone new? Quotes on the cover? Word of mouth? Or should I start employing a few publicity specialists??
posted by Maureen Child @ 10:41 AM
15 Comments:
At 10:57 AM,
Erica Orloff said…
God, I both love and hate this topic. I have had my books get great blurbs in Cosmopolitan, US Weekly, Woman's World, American Girl . . . I had a feature written on me in Romantic Times. And yet . . . even some of those very same books fizzled. And then I wrote a book that was riskier--but didn't get any push from my publisher--and my numbers were great. So I just have no idea. So much is a matter of unknowns, timing, luck, word of mouth. I write the best book I can, do some publicity . . . and keep plugging, you know? I control what I can control.
E
At 12:28 PM,
Maureen Child said…
Erica, hi! Good attitude, I know. Control what you can control, let the rest go.
But sometimes, you wonder. Yes, some of my most pushed books did nothing and others with no fanfare at all, sold great. So maybe the answer is, there is no answer!
At 2:14 PM,
Shari C said…
As a reader I find new authors and books many times through reading other blogs and by searching various bookshelves in stores and reading the teasers on the book cover or inside. Also by visiting with employees in bookstores I have been given many tips on books I might enjoy when I tell them the type of stories I prefer. I believe luck plays a big part in whether a book does really good as does the timing.
At 3:00 PM,
Maureen Child said…
Shari......excellent point. Luck plays a huge part in just about everything, I guess, when you think about it!
I appreciate hearing how you make your decisions! For me, a lot of times, I read the front page. If it grabs me right away, I buy it. But as a writer, I like to know if there's anything I can do to hook the reader from the get go!
At 3:45 PM,
Anonymous said…
What attracts me to a particular book always varies Sometimes it's the cover, sometimes it's something as simple as the title or just a familiar author. The little blurbs by other authors and reviewers has never held any sway over whether or not I read a book. Sometimes the best way to find a new book is through the little teaser summaries they put in the back; like coming attractions. Then if you are still unsure about a book, there is always the page 69 trick you told us of... Hasn't failed yet!
BTW, the new book is great!
At 5:51 PM,
Kate Carlisle said…
Hi Maureen! I occasionally hear about new authors and books from friends, sometimes from blogs, some from reviews in RT. Really, it depends on whether the story grabs me. Even the best reviewed book might not grab me in terms of the story line.
Your books always grab me!!
At 6:22 PM,
Maureen Child said…
HI Trish.......you know, cover quotes never do it for me, either... but thanks for the compliment!!
Hi Kate!...Like you, I hear about books on blogs or in RT..but even if the reviewer doesn't like it--if the story appeals to me, I'll risk it! And thanks!
At 8:01 PM,
Carmen said…
I have to say first that I loved the books I've read so far...especially the newest one and I am looking forward to the next one. What attracts me to a book is definately the cover and the overview. If it sounds spunky I get it! If its great, then I will remember the authors name and slowly start to collect more books by that author. I promote my favorite authors through email to my family and friends. That's how I convinced my grandmother to read Harry Potter. Book signings and newsletters don't really interest me but a good website is paramount so we can find out what's coming out soon. Hope this helps...best wishes!
At 8:36 AM,
Maureen Child said…
Carmen, hi! It does help, so thanks very much! My website is slated to get a big redo...as soon as my faboo webmistress gets back on her feet! so watch out for it!
and thanks for the kind words on the books!
At 8:55 AM,
Christa said…
A lot of new books come via word of mouth or recomennations on a blog. Also since I have my subscriptions at eharlequin so I get to try new authors that way.
At 9:24 AM,
Christa said…
Another surce that gets me to try a whole slew of new authors are anthologies. Also if the author is participating in an ongoing series where I just can't miss any of them.
At 12:49 PM,
Maureen Child said…
Oooh. Christa. Good one. Forgot all about anthologies! LOL... and I too buy a lot of new writers to me because of my friends reccomendations!
At 2:22 PM,
Erika said…
I have found a lot of new authors via blogs. For instance my daughter now reads Liza Conrad because I clicked on her profile from this blog. I found Maureen Child and JR Ward through Jennifer Apodaca. Sometimes I find an author purely by chance. When I was in Laughlin I ran across a book by Leanne Banks and Janet Evanovich. I am officially a Leanne Bank fan. Now, I had never heard of her prior to the co-authored book.
Word of mouth is good to me too. :)
At 9:52 AM,
Christa said…
I've also discovered authors through theme collection I have ordered through eharlequin
At 1:07 PM,
elaine said…
Hi Maureen!
I recently discovered your books and i gotta say i'm hooked! when i decide to try a new author i usually check the front cover first then i read the back to find out about the book, if it interests me i buy it. that's what happened with your books.
keep up the good work!
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