If I were slinging mud at least that would be something productive right?
You would think that since I have seven books out -nine if you count the two Emjai books- that I would know something about promoting myself and my books.
You'd be wrong.
How in the hell did you get to be a quasi-popular (which is what y'all keep telling me--I'm going with that here) author in both the straight and M/M categories of erotic romance and not know how to promote?
Uh, hello, I don't know.
I've never been much into hopping around looking for places to talk about myself. I don't know how to talk about myself. Uh, hey, y'all I have a book out. Is about the extent of what I can do. And then it'll take me forever to figure out how to ask to do a guest spot on a blog. I don't even know how to ask the people I've hosted for a return favor.
I am going to do something here and crawl on my knees....Like I haven't done that before.
I need promotional help.
I keep hearing about Street Teams. I want a Street Team. I need volunteers for a Mercy Street Team. And someone to tell me what I need this team to do for me. I'm supposed to have things like book marks and post cards and stuff made up to send out to teams to distribute for me. At conferences or conventions or Pride events. Problem is I don't have anything printed...yet.
I'm thinking about biting the bullet and getting a real website. Me and Blogger aren't getting along. It keeps cutting text from my posts. I don't know why. And I'd like to move on from the blog format to a more professional look. Maybe add a page for book related merchandise. I don't know if I can even do that using my covers. I'll have to see. Coffee mugs or T-shirts. I'd love to do T-shirts. I hate tote bags. Does anyone use give away tote bags?
Ideas, suggestions, volunteers? Advice.
I know I'm pitiful.
Help!
Mercy
and yes I do say y'all
Mercy, My Love, I have the same problem. Maybe we can combine forces and help each other out? I can even help you draft guest blogs to promote yourself, since you don't seem comfy with that.
ReplyDeleteI need to start a website, too. I haven't been in a hurry, but with book #2 coming out, it's probably time. Pool resources, maybe?
You would like to think the strength of good books could carry writers along but that isn't enough it seems. Heidi Cullinan wrote a blog about a manager that she has that is brilliant and allows her to write, that sounded good. A website sounds good, and I'll gladly sing your praises where I can, but I'm in Australia, so.....Good luck with your promotional attempts. I think you have some good friends on your side, utilise them well. All the best.
ReplyDeleteMercy, let me just say the following: YES. YES YES. YES. YES. Please. A real website would be fantastic for us, the readers and fans. A Street Team is a great way to go. I am already on the street teams for Tara Lain and Jaime Rush. As a street team member I help to promote their books by writing reviews on amazon, goodreads, etc. I talk the books up on Facebook & Twitter.
ReplyDeleteMostly I have received bookmark promo's which if they have books in print, then I go to the bookstore and insert some bookmarks into their works. I also hand them out to friends, and sometimes, strangers.
Get us, your fans, to help you to promote!! I will tell you right now that I absolutely want to be a member of your team. Which would need a cool name. Like, ummmm, hmmm, Mercy's Crew?? I'm not creative.
Those are my thoughts ;-)
Christy