5 Great Ways to Grow Your Readership Without Going Crazy

If you're an author like I am, you are always searching for ways to get more readers for your book[s]. The problem, at least for me, is TIME to do that.

I barely have time to write, how in the world will I find time to grow my readership?

Photo by Free Walking Tour Salzburg on Unsplash

Here are five things I've done that have produced results.

1. At your next book signing or speaking engagement have readers sign up for your newsletter. Placing the paper on a clipboard and writing "Sign up for my newsletter" takes about 5 minutes. I have the reader include his/her name and email address.

2. No newsletter? Create a simple one that goes out monthly. You can get mine by going here. I include a short letter and news about books and forthcoming books, as well as speaking engagements and book signings. This takes me roughly 20 minutes.

3. I am still working on gaining more followers on my blog right where you are. If you like what you read, click the icon in the upper right-hand corner and join my list of followers. Linked with that is posting on your blog OFTEN. Keep your posts short. I have seen my numbers increase when I have posted more often - say 3-5 times a week. My posts take me between 15 and 30 minutes to complete.

4. Set up a free book promotion on Amazon. Learn more here. This takes roughly 15 minutes to half an hour.

5. Keep writing. The more quality books you write, the more readers you'll get. Yep. This one takes time. If you only have snippets of time during the day to write, use them. 

THOUGHTFUL THURSDAY: Ever feel like doing this?

What Happens When Someone Drops the Hat

This particualar thing doesn't happen often, but when it does, I sometimes forget to replace the cancelled interview with something else.

Yes, I did have a character interview for today, but after seeing the 'sorry' email this morning, I promptly went about my day.

Now, it's three in the afternoon.

So what happens now?

I pick up the hat and let you know about a couple of events coming up that you may be interested in attending.

First, Simple Treasures is coming next week, the 10th through the 13th. I will be signing all of my books.



The following week, I will be at Spring into Books - that's May 20 from 2-6 p.m., for another signing.

Spring Into Books

Event for Salt Lake County Library Services 

At both events, discounts will be offered on my books. 

Get the entire Susan Cramer mysteriy series for only $40. That's all 4 books at $10 each, a savings of $20!

Or purchase one or two of the series for $12; that's $3 off a book!

Happy Reading!

Kathryn

2 Book Signings Coming Up!

Just a little reminder. I have two book signings coming up.

The first will be held TODAY at the Local Authors & You, Veridian Event Center in West Jordan. From 1-5 get an autographed book from your favorite author and attend some FREE writing classes!

I will also be at the Simple Treasures Boutique 
in Farmington November 9-12!

Kathryn Elizabeth Jones is a writer of many genres; her work can be found in business, mystery, middle reader, and both Christian Fiction and Nonfiction. She has been a published author since 2002, and was a freelance journalist for both the Salt Lake Tribune and the Deseret News.

FIVE OF THE MOST READ POSTS SINCE MAY

I haven't done this for awhile - posted the most frequently read posts on my blog. Favorite posts from May to July 2015.

Here they are:

James C. Duckett, author of Hidden Identities and Pushing the Wall, received the most reads. You can find the post here



In second place? My post on Successful Book Signings

In third place: Keep Positive: Sometimes it's Hot Out There, by yours truly, tied with FRIDAY FLICKS:The Gift: A Parable of the Key, also by yours truly.



In fourth, Dancing in the Rain 

And in fifth place, Successful Book Signings - Part 2

I appreciate all my faithful readers!

Kathryn

Successful Book Signings - Part 2

If you missed yesterday's post on book signings, specifically where to have the best book signing possible, you'll also want to read this post. Today I'm going to talk the other ingredient to a successful book signing.



When it comes to selling books, besides having a terrific (perhaps even a 'non-book' place to sell your book), it's good to make sure the venue has great foot traffic. I have had sorrowful signings because there simply hasn't been enough people walking by my booth to sell much of anything.

On any given day you're going to have 'lookers,' 'buyers' and 'not interested' people strolling by for a little 'look see.' If there are only a few stragglers making their way to your signing, expect to sell very few books. When you consider that most folks have to see your book multiple times (some say 7) before they purchase it, it's no wonder that the numbers will really matter when it comes to sales.

If your booth is outside, and the day is stormy, that's another consideration, though one out of your control. I prefer getting a table inside to prevent the stress of last minute storms. A fine storm may still slow down the crowd a bit, but at least you'll not get rained on.

Consider the numbers who attend craft shows and other big events in your city. Think about the holidays and what your city does. Yes, some of the booth spaces are pricey, but there are others less so. Do some checking at least six to eight months ahead of time - many of these spaces will fill up fast.

Don't be afraid to ask questions. If you're unsure about how many folks attended the particular event you're interested in signing at, ask. Another option is to attend the event you're interested in one year, and if you like what you see, set up a booth space the next.

An important thing about doing a signing at any event is that you man the table at all times. Some events allow you to display your items, leave the event, and return later to restock. I have been to shows where the author has left the table, only to return with the same book count. You need to be at your table, not only to sign autographs for interested readers, but to speak about your book and answer questions that may not be able to be answered by simply reading the back cover.

You need to do all you can to get the word out about your book - and this means not being afraid to talk about it.

Good luck!

Kathryn

Successful Book Signings

If you're like me, you find that the best book signings are those outside of a book store. Some of my slimmest attendance has been at book stores, my greatest, at places like craft fairs and beauty salons. If you doubt me, try it.

There is something about being in a place least expected for autographs. Something rewarding about the surprise. Variety is the spice of life, so they say, so why not have your book signing at an unexpected place?



If you've written a book about dogs, why not plant yourself at a pet store?

If you're book is flowing with romance, why not make some plans to do a signing at a candy store; better yet, plan a fun event at a candy store around Valentine's Day.

Consider a mystery, a children's book about moving to a new home, a book about plants. Get the juices moving. Make a list. Take a look at that list. What idea gets the heart pumping? What idea stands out from the others?

What makes a signing great?

Your creativity under pressure. Yes, you're under pressure to sell some books, but making your signing fun and unexpected is half the battle to making it a success.

Tomorrow I'll talk about the other half.

Kathryn

Market Your Book With Flair: 5 Ways to be Remembered

Almost anyone can market their book, if they are willing to get out there and talk about it.

But what about marketing with style? With flair?

Marketing so that others remember you is not always easy. There is so much competition, so much vying for attention, that it seems almost impossible for an author to get noticed; especially a newly established one.

So what should you do?

Do an unusual book signing. I have almost sworn off bookstores. Not that they aren't nice in the sense that folks are coming in to buy a book and there you are signing yours, it's just that most bookstore signings are boring.

To spruce things up I have a book signing party at my home. For my upcoming book, Sunny Side-Up, I will be having a luau at my home complete with music, dancers, food, and books. For Scrambled, I had a scrambled egg breakfast signing.

Use Animoto for your book trailers. What intrigues you the most when you hit upon a new website and/or Facebook posting? Is it the text or the video that most draws you? Even with readers, your site will get more hits and more lasting interest if you provide a video on your front page and write an occasional post with a book trailer.

To make the most of your book trailers, have a website/blog that is updated at least 3 times a week. Even more is better. Make sure your blog is professional in appearance and reflects you and your books. Make sure it is easy to use. Get out of your own head and post topics of interest to others instead of just marketing your book every day.

Get the reviews you need, the interviews that are offered on other sites; in a nutshell, work your online marketing like there's no tomorrow. Every day, along with your writing, do some marketing. Balance these two pursuits. And keep them balanced and moving forward no matter the roadblocks.

Think of creative ways to do an interview. I've started one on my site where I interview the main character of a book. I have been dabbling with interviewing the antagonist. IF YOU'RE UP FOR THE CHALLENGE, EMAIL ME AND I'LL SEND YOU A LIST OF QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED BY YOUR BOOK'S ANTAGONIST.

Finally, get out there and market! Sitting behind your desk only produces so much connection. Get out there and market your book whenever you can. Make it easy on yourself by keeping a few copies of your book in your car. Make sure you have postcards made up with your book cover on it. And be prepared to answer questions about your book because you will be asked.

Being remembered is a little like meeting someone for the first time and recalling who they are because of something intriguing they said or did.

An author remembered is just like that.

Positive Attitude Attracts Like Readers or How to Have a Successful Book Signing

The other day I heard this quote:

"I want to match what I'm going to meet."

I like it. And I agree with it. Not only because I believe those I connect with in life are living lives with similar goals to my own, but that people in general, who connect with me, may just decide they love what I write even if they haven't read any of my work yet.

How do I know this?

I have experienced the change that happens when the potential reader and I connect. It's like, suddenly, we've been friends for years.

Granted my positive attitude helps. I know that what I have to share is worthwhile and it reflects in what I say; what I share. My positive attitude shows not only in my voice; my tone, but in my presentation itself. I NEVER sit behind a table, hoping someone will walk up to me and begin a conversation. I stand in front of the table. I pass out postcards. I smile. I talk to people.

Sure, it may be that the person is broke, strapped for time, or simply doesn't want to try out a new book no matter how good the book looks, or how wonderfully you've connected with them, but be assured they will remember you, and when the time is right for them, they will buy your book.

Readers are just like you, with the same hangups, the same challenges, the same joys. If your attitude on the day of your next book signing is less than positive, expect that you will also meet like individuals who may not be intent on getting your next "positive"  Christian novel.

Remember, if you're more intent on "selling books," and less intent on "connecting with new readers" you may sell very little anyway, because people can sniff out snake oil salesmen from miles away.

Sure, your book has to be good, but it also have to fill a niche for your potential readers. That's why it's so important to be positive about your work, and to take the initiative to connect, rather than expecting others to do it for you.

If that means you need to change your attitude, you simply must do it.

Keeping Up With New Book Signing Trends

I don't know about you, but I'm always discovering new ways to do book signings that haven't even entered my head before; others I have heard about before and am always happy to hear about again.

Why?

We authors need to stick together, and it's always good to hear from authors about what has worked for them. Because, quite frankly, what works for them may just work for me.

Here is a list in no particular order of successful book signings I have had. (Notice that not one of these signings was held in a book store).

1. Beauty Salon
2. Craft Show/Boutique

3. Book Release Party at My Home
4. Writer's Conference
5. Book Club
6. Hallmark Store
7. Hospital*
8. Boutique Store*

First off, allow me to focus on the starred items above. Sometimes, you will plan a book signing, and the success you have will not consist of multiple book sales but an opportunity to learn something you wouldn't have learned otherwise.

In the case of the hospital example I gathered multiple authors for this signing. What worked was that I got to know better those authors I had invited; I got to connect with them. None of us made many sales because of our location within the hospital. We were inside a room, rather than down a hall. Although signs were posted in elevators to make people aware of the signing, most of those we gathered in to the signing were employees of the hospital. If I could do it over, I would ask to be down a hall, perhaps right in front of the gift shop.

The boutique store seemed like a good idea. The boutique was new and so the price was low to have a booth there. What didn't work: Because the boutique was new and very little advertising had been done for it, there wasn't enough traffic to make my December showing a financial success. I did learn once again that LOCATION  is key to a successful moneymaker.

But so is ADVERTISING. Advertising doesn't have to cost a lot, but it does have to be thought out and worked on every day.

Successful signings need not only a great location and some good advertising, they also need to be CREATIVELY handled. By that I mean, you, as an author, need to do more than merely sit behind your table waiting for people to look interested in your books. For ideas on how to have fun at a book signing, click here.

Ideas 1-6 incorporate the creativity handle along with location and advertising. For book signings 2 and 3, I sent out postcard invitations; part of advertising. For the book club, readers purchased my book and read it before the presentation. For the beauty salon, I waited patiently as primarily women came in and waited their turn for a hair cut. Writers conferences are great places to sell your books, especially if you speak at the same conference, and the Hallmark store on a Saturday always brings in shoppers.

Keeping up with new book signing trends means getting online A LOT and checking out what other authors are doing. It's being willing to try something new, something that makes you nervous, something that (at first glance) seems off the beaten track.

It means more than sitting behind a table at your nearest Barnes & Noble.

Setting Up a Backyard Book Signing + Video

I've been thinking about book signings again today. (Learn how to do a Drive-By Book Signing at the end of this article).

My next book signing should be in the backyard of my new home, but I'm still looking for a home, so we'll see.

Previously, when I've done a backyard signing, I have made it a point to do the following things:

1. Let my friends and family know about the signing at least two weeks in advance. I email, connect with my social media friends, and send the message out daily on twitter, Facebook and Linkedin (my three favorite social media sites). When I am out and about, I hand out postcards with my book cover on one side and my contact information and book synopsis on the other. I leave postcards, with my event listed, anywhere I go that will allow me to leave a few cards.

2. I make up a nice sign for the front yard. I get this professionally done. No hand-written stuff that looks lopsided or unprofessional! This time around I'm going to add helium balloons to attract more attention. These can be purchased and filled easily at the dollar store, but get them the morning of the event, not the night before; balloons may begin to lose their buoyancy if they have to sit over a night.

Photo by: Dinner Series, courtesy of Flickr

3. I make sure that here is enough seating for everyone and that the tables look nice. Table cloths are always needed as are centerpieces.

4. I make sure I have food, and plenty of it. My last signing for my book Scrambled, was a breakfast.
We had scrambled eggs (which my husband cooked up) sausage and pancakes. Always get a chef so that you can talk to those who come to your back yard signing. For my next signing there will be plenty of desserts to go along with my book, The Feast.

5. I have a table set up with my books (not just my new book), and I make sure I have plenty of copies. Decide the count on how many people you invite. You can usually expect a 10 percent showing on most signings--but count on 20 percent. That means if you invite 200 people, expect to sell at least 20-50 books. (If you feel as if this isn't enough books, order a bit more. If you sell them, great, if not, you'll be that much ahead for your next signing). While most readers will purchase your new book, expect that they will also want the other books you've published if they haven't already got them. Plus, many readers are looking for gifts for their friends and relatives.

6. Set the price of your books cheaper than your readers would buy the book elsewhere. I make my price an even number like: $10, rather than charging say, $10.98. I don't want to worry about change if I can help it. Your readers need to know before they arrive that they're getting a discount on their book. And, this is a given, but make sure that you autograph each copy you sell.

7. If I'm giving away freebies, or offering a contest, I let everyone know before the event. While I'm all in favor of small items that come free just for attending, you may want to reconsider a contest that offers a copy of your book. Some folks might hope they win, and instead of buying a book, will wait to see if they're a winner. I have never offered a contest at my back yard signing, and have sold at least one copy to everyone who has attended.

8. Play some music in the background, or, if your book is geared toward children, plan some games that relate to your book. I have a friend who writes middle reader/YA books and she always has games as part of her book's release. The kids love it!

The most important thing is to have fun! Relax and enjoy your friends and family that have come to support you!

What do you do at your book signings? I'd love to hear!

Is your book in bookstores? Here's how to do a Drive-By Book Signing!

Marketing Your Book on a Budget

Today's post will be short but I wanted to let you in on a new booklet I'm working on that should be out in the next couple of months.

UPDATE: Release date March 21! Paperback $5.98, eBook $1.99.


If you've read "Marketing Your Book on a Budget 2012" then you should have a heads up on what is currently happening with book marketing. If you haven't, consider getting the 2013 edition; if you have, know that the 2013 edition will be giving you even more.

If you've wondered about reviews, book signings, interviews (both radio and blog) book trailers that won't cost you a dime to produce, social media, contests, free advertising and more, you'll want to check back.

The first time around, "Marketing Your Book on a Budget" was produced in Kindle form only for .99 cents. I have since discovered that there are many readers who also prefer the paper version, so expect to see this addition in the next few months.

Once you've purchased one copy of the book through Amazon, (and you let me know per instructions at the end of the book) you'll be on the list and I'll send you updates every year without you having to purchase another book!

So keep in touch!

Happy writing!

Kathryn

Memories Keep You Writing

How I LOVE making memories! Memories keep you writing and excited for the next event, the next opportunity to share what you write!

I had a lot of fun at Lakeview Hospital, but it's not the end of my book signings, nor is it the end of fun! If you keep a journal like I do you may also find that you're pulling ideas and mixing them up a bit. Just because something starts out as nonfiction material (in your journal) doesn't mean you can't turn it into (fiction) and it doesn't mean that this is the only way to keep your writing going.

Signing Event at Lakeview Hospital

Sunday I went through some of my old scrapbooks and discovered a terrifying secret! I hadn't pasted a picture since 2006. If you know me, you also know that a lot of things have happened since 2006, and those things are memories for me to use today in my current works.

Speaking of current works, since finishing "Scrambled," and getting it out in September, I have begun the sequel to the first cozy, "Sunny Side-Up." As I was writing and reflecting about my life and how (in some instances my story becomes fiction in this book) I was given the book title for the third book and a bit of the plot line. Want a little hint?

I'll give you a one. The title is, "Hard Boiled." Boy, do I have some memories with that!  

Here's to your writing success!

 

Kathryn

When at First You Don't Succeed

I am continually amazed at how difficult it is to market a book. Even a great idea can bring a roll of the eyes to someone who may not see YOUR vision.

I think it's interesting that when we think of marketing a book we usually think of book signings--as if that's all an author can do to let others know they have a new book out.

Photo by: jkirtan, courtesy of Flickr

For those of you who know me I really don't cater to the book signing mentality at a book store, and that's not because folks won't see me with my book there. It's because the idea is so overdone it's hardly exciting anymore.

Think about the last time you entered a book store only to discover a book signing from an author you'd never heard of before. The man or woman was was slicked behind a table and their eyes looked sort of glazed. There was no line, no seeming interest, just a stack of books with a bored writer sitting behind a table.

The last time this happened to me--and no, I wasn't behind the table but in front of it, I merely smiled and walked away. Knowing how this thing feels I should have at least spoken to the woman for a few minutes.

It's easy to get discouraged as a writer when we don't receive the interest we expect. That's why I like to try new things every day--ideas off the beaten track that others may not see as plausible ways to get the word out. But I'll try the new idea at least once.

It can't hurt.

(And I'm going to remember the lone book writer the next time I see him/her at a book signing). 

Marketing on Foot

Yesterday I did a bit of marketing on foot. What that means is that I gathered my books and other marketing materials and talked with local business owners.Those owners that were not in I tried to gather business cards for.

My goal was to place books, book materials, get some writing classes going and be at the right place at the right time for some book signings. In the end, I set up one writing class, was given a possible opportunity to be a part of an art festival and had met some wonderful people.

Photo by Craig Cloutier, courtesy of Flickr

I think it's interesting that only when a writer steps out of their comfort zone that even more changes begin to occur. When I'm putting my book out there for the very first time, that takes guts, and changes occur. When I began marketing online I gleaned even more interest, but it wasn't until I began asking for reviews, interviewing and posting blogs on others sites that more change occurred.

I used to think change was hard, and I used to think of change in a sort of negative light. But change is about new discoveries and growth and a quickly beating heart. And I'd like to think that marketing on foot will bring about even more of the same.

If you're stuck in front of the computer, trying to figure out how best to sell your book, don't forget to leave your front door and talk to your neighbors.

It's probably the biggest step you'll ever make.