Never would have believed that the marketing of the books was this difficult. I thought writing them was, but now I have to rethink that thought.
So I have been studying the sales on B&N, and they are remarkable compared to the other sites. Maybe I have focused too hard on that area. I am now updating several versions of these books in hopes of breaking through the Smashwords Meatgrinder, and maybe I have actually figured out what they are looking for.
Been reading the Kindle boards, and I have to admit I am very confused about several of the tips and tricks. Tagging, for one seems to be above my level.
Today, however, I am going to dive in head first, and see if I can figure it out.
I have gotten some great advice from a well known author in my genre, and her words of wisdom are incredible. I am going to look into using CreateSpace for Print On Demand, and maybe that will help my other sales.
If anybody has any suggestions or comments, please please please send them my way!
Thanks to all!
Laura ~
I saw you were doing well at B&N. Congrats! I was looking around there the other day and saw your stuff in the top 10 or 20. That's great!
ReplyDeleteI highly recommend this book. It's $0.99 at Smashwords:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/27297
It's by Ruth Ann Nordin, who's done extremely well as an Indie author. It's common sense advice, but it's really great. I also highly recommend joining Goodreads if you haven't already done so.
Who in your genre gave you advice? Do tell, if you would.
Sorry it took me so long to post. I tried to post a comment yesterday, but when I clicked "Post Comment" my stuff just went away. Go figure.
ReplyDeleteI had my novel listed at $2.99 until just this week. I read an article by Joseph Robert Lewis in his blog explaining his thoughts on pricing for standalones and first books in a series. I've since lowered the price of my novel to $.99 and have seen no discernable increase in sales. I suppose time will tell.
Anyway, joining goodreads is good advice. I joined, and have been using some of the forums. I did a book giveaway and had 1550 applicants for three books. Out of that, I gave away three books (one to the US, one to Canada, and the last to the UK) found three new friends, and gained about three hundred listings on other member's to be read lists.
I've also tried advertising on goodreads and through project wonderful, but could not tell which sales came directly from the efforts as they only tell you how many people have clicked on you ad. It did not seem that it gave me a huge increase in sales suddenly or even later, as far as I can tell.
Other things that have worked for me is using the Kindle boards and Nook boards. I created profiles, announced my books, and participated in discussions. I actually had people email or comment on my post that they liked what they saw and were buying the book. This is kind of a grassroots, word-of-mouth advertising that works best.
I think you've done all the right things such as list some stories for free to entice readers, and having more than one work available. That's something I'm trying to work on now. I'm currently writing the sequel to Lovestruck Succubus, and am working on a couple of short stories using Azra as the main character.
I wish I could tell you more, but I'm sure, as time moves on, we can help each other with ideas and newly learned knowledge.
And yes, you'll just have to spill with your advisor.
Have you tried that PuBit! thing at B&N?
ReplyDelete