Keeping Up With Social Media

I don't know about you, but it seems to me no author can afford to stand still when it comes to social media. There is always something new to learn, something old (maybe only sixth months old) to throw out, and something you are determined to continue.

This morning I learned a little about Quick Promote and decided it was something I wanted to try. If I like it, it will be in next year's Marketing Your book on a Budget.

Through the last few months I have been removing some links in the 2016 version of Marketing Your Book on a Budget that are no longer working for me.

And I am more determined than ever to continue with Animoto, though it now costs me almost $100 a year to keep it going. I also find that my blog is very worthy of my time (more and more people are reading it) and that doing book signings at unique places, and telling folks about it through facebook and twitter, is still my top way to sell (so I will be once again attending  the November Simple Treasures Boutique).

Keeping up with social media means a daily ride with it. That means posting something, learning something new, getting involved with what other writers and book readers are saying; something that will keep you on the social media track.

Here's to moving forward on the fast track!

Kathryn

Marketing Cover!

Good news!

We're nearing the publishing of Marketing Your Book on a Budget 2014.

There have been some last minute needed changes, and a bit of tweaking to the cover, but all in all the changes have been a success.

I should have everything edited by this weekend, so expect to see a new book on my site as well as on Amazon within the next couple of weeks!

Here's the book cover:

I would LOVE to know what you think of the new cover!

Kathryn

I'm All for More Reviews!!

Getting sick of it yet?

All those reviews that keep coming your way?

You may be sick of me telling you about them, but I'm happy to report I'm at 25 for Marketing Your Book on a Budget! If you haven't read a single solitary one of my reviews yet, here's yet another plug to do so.

And if you haven't purchased my book yet, well...

That being said, I have learned some important stuff when it comes to improving my book for the 2014 version. Some have been baffled because my chapters are so short. Others have wondered where my marketing plan is in all of this fun information.

Can I be honest?

I really didn't have a marketing plan.

Now, before you click me off right here and now, allow me to explain. Marketing Your Book on a Budget came about as I tried new ideas and re-experienced old ones. I didn't have a marketing plan because I had no idea how to set one up. I read some stuff on how to do it, of course, but everything was so heavy I didn't want to begin.

So, during the course of getting my newest reviews the last week or so, I came to realize something. I now had a marketing plan! It was created through my experiences of the last 2 years and will be a part of Marketing Your Book on a Budget 2014.

Now, don't get scared. This marketing plan will be the simplest, least draining plan you will have ever seen. You will still have time to write and go out to eat and spend time with your family.

You want a hint?

Well, okay. Put book reviews at the top of your list. Follow book reviews with social networking.
I have seen the greatest personal success within these two areas alone. 

Want more?

You'll just have to read the book.

Snarled by Social Media

Sometimes, we get so excited about our writing, we forget to follow the rules about social media Thus was the case for me yesterday.

I have been sharing my new book, Marketing Your Book on a Budget 2013, with my social media friends and one of them didn't like it.

Photo by: carterse, courtesy of Flickr

I got a pretty specific "you are a snarl" type note about being removed from the group if I let it happen again. I went into the site, checked over the rules, and sure enough, I was a "snarl."

But I was still mad.

Didn't writers want to know about writing books? I wasn't promoting just "a book" I'd written, (you know a fictional tale) but something that could actually help another writer with their marketing.

But there it was in black and white.

"No personal promotion."

I had a choice to make. Since I am actively engaged in at least 20 social media groups; (like those on Facebook or Linkedin) who, by the way, have never discouraged me from sharing my work, especially when the book's just been released, I realized I had two choices. Either I could carry on with the group, trying to remember not to post any personal promotion, or I could drop the group.

I decided to drop the group. This wasn't because the group wasn't good, or I didn't like the people in it, or anything like that. I dropped it because it was far easier for me not to worry about the "one" group that didn't like what I was doing.

Since yesterday, I have thought a lot about joining social media groups, and I think it's important, first of all, to check them out before signing up. It's important to respect the rules that have been set up, or you might be apologizing and doing a Michael Jackson moonwalk like I was.
 

Photo by: _dChris, courtesy of Flickr

Two, if you're wanting to do some personal promotion of your own, make sure this isn't all you do. I guess I'd gotten a little, shall we say "excited" about my new book and I wanted everyone and their dog (snarl) to know about it. Make sure you ask questions of others and respond honestly to others' comments that are posted. Make some friends. Learn something new. And have fun!

Marketing Your Book on a Budget a Big Success!

Thank you everyone for your support!

At the highest point, Marketing Your Book on a Budget 2013 reached #3 in the Writing Skills arena, and #4 in the Marketing arena of free books at Amazon!

Fantastic!



When one 'window' closes, another opens.
Photo by: pfly, courtesy of Flickr

Did you miss the window?

Don't despair! The eBook is now only $1.99 and the paperback $5.98 http://www.amazon.com/Marketing-Your-Book-Budget-ebook/dp/B0094XV6MA

I will also be co-teaching a class on Marketing on April 3, 2013 at the Holladay Library; 2150 E. 4800 S. at 7 p.m. All Utah writers that live in or near Salt Lake City, will want to attend this FREE class!

In the class I will be discussing various elements of Marketing Your Book on a Budget. If you want to know how to get book reviews, interviews, connect in social media, advertise for free, and more, you'll not want to miss this class.

I will also be offering a special deal on my book following the presentation for those who are interested.

I look forward to seeing you!

Kathryn

P.S. Some of you may know that my husband went in for emergency gallbladder surgery last week during my book's release. Wow, that was exciting! So you know, he is doing well and returned to work today. Thanks for all the well-wishes!

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

Soaring with Social Media

This past year has been an eye opener for me--for many reasons.

First, I've learned that marketing not only takes more time than writing a book, but I've learned what works for me in marketing and wasn't doesn't.

And since I'm all about sharing what I've learned about writing and all that surrounds it, I wanted to let you in on a little secret. I'm still learning, and I'm sure I have much more to learn that will come in 2013. For now, be assured of the following fact:

You will sell more books the more you put yourself out there. The best results I've had have come from two primary sources:

1. Getting out there both body and soul. The time I spent at the two Christmas craft shows showed me that I could not only sell a substantial amount of books but that people were usually curious to know what I did. I met some great people this past year who have not only helped to promote my books (on radio shows and blogs) but who have connected me with others interested in writing. This is great news! Fear never helps a writer succeed when they give in to it. And therein lies the clue. You will always be afraid to try new things, but if you don't let the fear win then you've won! In fact, fear is False Evidence Appearing Real, and in my mind as well as in the mind of the writer who wrote that statement, "Fear is not a gift of the spirit."

2. Using the free on Kindle day has made it possible to get my books out there. No, I don't make any money, but I really do make something if you consider those who get my book(s) for free, like them, and then talk to others about them. The numbers have soared on my book sales when I've offered them for free 1-3 days as part of my book's release, or as part of a special event such as Black Friday.

I have also shared my books on Pinterest, facebook, twitter and LinkedIn. What's important here is that I not only share, I want to be a part of the community and so I respond and connect with others. As for my website, the visitors this year have increased, and this is something I can monitor on my site. And I love the fact that I get responses on my blog almost every day; earlier this year that never happened. I have looked for ways to update my site and have replaced the free publishing ideas with  a couple of radio spots.

I have passed out some postcards this year; quite a lot of them, and really have no idea how well they've worked, though I can say for sure that I've received a couple of new clients by using them. Books signings in general haven't been very profitable for me, unless they've been coupled with the Christmas events as mentioned above. Sure I've sold books, but coupling what you do with what others do, draws in larger crowds; especially if the event is highly advertised.

What hasn't worked for me?

Doing too much social media in one day.

Suffice it to say, I feel good about the marketing efforts that I've put forth this year, but I haven't always been happy with how much time I've spent on the pursuit. Here's what you need to know:



Photo by: Kelsea Groves, courstesy of Flickr

Schedule your time. I was often burned out and a bit stressed because my time wasn't scheduled. A good way to balance your time is to devote much of it to writing, remembering that that's why you became a writer in the first place.

Soaring with social media is a bit like cooking up a cake. Most of the cake is the cake itself; only a portion of it is the frosting, but you usually need that sweet frosting to finish off the cake.