Things Authors Can Do Between Books - Marketing Ideas

Marketing tends to be the all-encompassing focus right before and after a book launches, but there are lots of things you can do to build or maintain your platform or audience ahead of your next book. Here are some ideas.

• Look for ways to add readers to your email list. Make sure you take signup sheets to events, have a place on your blog for readers to join, and post about your newsletters on your social media. People sign up when they think they’re missing out on something.

• Set up a regular blogging schedule and try to stick to it. This will provide fresh content and drive traffic to your site.

• Build a backlog of blog posts. It’s always helpful to have a library of content to pull from when you get busy.

• Look for opportunities with other authors to be included in events, giveaways, and social media parties. This is a great way for readers to find you.

• Find ways to celebrate other authors by featuring them on your blog or social media posts.

• Build a list for your next launch. I have a really big spreadsheet that lists bloggers, reviewers, events, bookstores, podcasts, and anything else I can think of that will help me. I add to this every time, I come across something new or someone offers a recommendation.

• Don’t forget the “social” part in social media. You shouldn’t just be active on your sites when you have a book to promote. You build an audience and relationships by sharing, commenting, and posting regularly. This also helps to build your following. Figure out what you want to share and create interesting posts about your pets, recipes, crafts, etc.

• Set up a newsletter schedule. It’s a good idea to publish regularly and not just when you have a book for sale.

• Find projects to participate in that give you opportunities to work with other authors (e.g. guest blogging on your site or theirs, anthologies, etc.). This is a good way to pick up new readers/followers. I’m involved with several anthology projects that give me opportunities to participate in events and interviews where I can talk about my novels.

• Find a writers’ group. Many, like Sisters in Crime, have educational opportunities and ways to share information with other authors.

• Create a plan to add to your social media following. I focus on one or two a month and look for ways to build my followers on Facebook, Instagram. Pinterest, Twitter, Goodreads, and BookBub.

What would you add to my list?

#ThisorThatThursday Author Interview with Tosca Lee

I’d like to welcome Tosca Lee back to the blog for #ThisorThatThursday.

Favorite thing to do when you have free time: Eat stuff like biscuits and gravy. Travel if I can, or watch TV and movies if I can’t. Wait… I feel like I should say “read a book.” But given a night at home, I’m eating buttered popcorn and watching Cobra Kai with my handsome hubby. :D

The thing you’ll always move to the bottom of your to do list: Taxes. Submitting health insurance receipts. Going to the dentist. Washing my hair. For real—people with long hair know washing, drying, and styling your hair is an hour of your life you’ll never get back.

Things you need when you’re in your writing cave: Snacks. Many, please. Mostly salty or buttery or greasy. Buttered popcorn will do. Fritos are great. Bacon is best. But bad for keyboards.

Things that distract you from writing: TV. My kids. My handsome hubby. My cuticles. Anything outside the window. Okay, anything.

Hardest thing about being a writer: Writing
Easiest thing about being a writer: Loving on my fans.

Something you’re really good at: Somehow along the way I became a decent cook of a few, select dishes.
Something you’re really bad at: Drawing. My fans sometimes ask me to draw pictures of specific things or people (Wonder Woman, my dogs…) when I sign books. They’re all stick figures. Everyone laughs.

Last best thing you ate: A double cheeseburger.

Last thing you regret eating: Haha, I regret nothing when it comes to eating.

Favorite things to do: Got to the movies. Wake up beside my husband. Hug my readers.
Things you’d run through a fire or eat bugs to get out of doing: Getting a tooth pulled. Eating bugs.

Best thing you’ve ever done: Marring my husband.
Biggest mistake: Dating anyone else.

Things you will run to the store for at midnight: Buttered popcorn (okay, the movie theater, not the store)

Things you never put on your shopping list: Quinoa.

About Tosca:

Tosca Lee is the New York Times bestselling author of eleven novels including The Line Between, A Single Light, The Progeny, The Legend of Sheba, Iscariot, and the Books of Mortals series with New York Times bestselling author Ted Dekker. Her work has been translated into seventeen languages and optioned for TV and film. She is best known for her meticulous research, masterful prose, unexpected points of view, and high-octane thrillers.

Lee is the recipient of numerous awards including two International Book Awards, Killer Nashville’s Silver Falchion in Science Fiction (beating one of her own books for the win), Literary Titan gold, Top Shelf Magazine Editor’s Choice Award, and the ELCA Book of the Year in Fiction for her portrayal of the infamous betrayer of Christ in Iscariot, which Publisher’s Weekly calls “impeccable and masterful.” The Legend of Sheba was a finalist for the same award the following year. In addition to the New York Times, her books have appeared on the IndieBound, Amazon, iTunes, Barnes & Noble, and Christian bestseller lists, Library Journal’s Best Of lists, and as part of Target Stores’ “Target Recommends” program.

She has been called the “queen of psychological twists,” and “in a league of her own,” her work praised by Publisher’s Weekly, The Historical Novel Society, Kirkus, Booklist, Woman’s World, Romantic Times, BookReporter, BookRiot, The San Francisco Book Review, The Dallas Morning News, and The Midwest Book Review as “deeply human…” “powerful…” and “mind-bending.” She can currently be heard on American Airlines’ in-flight entertainment system on the Beautiful Writers podcast alongside writing luminaries Lee Child, Elizabeth Gilbert, and Dean Koontz.

Lee is best known among fans, however, for her personal connection with and devotion to her readers, with whom she regularly shares home life from the family farm live, featuring her giant German Shepherd Timber and rotund Black Labrador, Charlie—the true stars of Story Time with Tosca.

Lee lives with her husband and three of four step-children still at home in Nebraska and posts her adventures as an author, city-girl-turned-farmer’s-wife, and insta-mom of four—on social media. To learn more about Tosca, please visit: www.toscalee.com.        

Let’s Be Social:

Facebook: @AuthorToscaLee

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/tosca-lee

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/427839.Tosca_Lee

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Tosca-Lee/e/B001JPCC42/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_1

More Book Marketing Tips - What I Learned from Sandra Beckwith

I had the pleasure of attending an online presentation from the Buckeye Crime Writers with Sandra Beckwith. Check out her Build Book Buzz website. It is a wealth of information for authors.

Here were my key take-aways from her presentation.

1. The bulk of book promotion is up to the author.

2. If you are an indie (self-published) author, you need to follow the traditional publishing standards (e.g. covers, editing, writing standards). Readers have expectations for the books they choose.

3. Hire a professional with experience in your genre to do your cover.

4. Make sure your book is edited and proofread.

5. Know who your reader is. Look at the demographics of your social media followers.

6. Put your effort in the social media sites where your readers are.

7. Be an active contributor on social media.

8. Make sure you have an email/newsletter list.

9. Before you launch your book, make sure you have a marketing plan. It should start before your book launch.

10. Have realistic expectations about sales and success.

11. Be gentle with yourself.

12. Don’t give up. It takes time to achieve success.

13. Continue to market your book as long as it is available for sale.

#ThisorThatThursday Author Interview with Rachael Tamayo

I’d like to welcome author, Rachael Tamayo, to the blog for #ThisorThatThursday!

Things you need for your writing sessions: A computer. That’s it.

Things that hamper your writing: Ideas, and being a “pantser.” I can’t plan what I write. I just have to wait for it to come to me.

Hardest thing about being a writer: Starting a new book -creating that first chapter.

Easiest thing about being a writer: Is there anything easy? LOL I can’t think of anything.

Words that describe you: Laid back, rolls with the punches, mom and wife, strong.

Words that describe you, but you wish they didn’t: Overwhelmed (sometimes), abuse survivor.

Favorite foods: Tacos, burgers and fries.

Things that make you want to gag: Brussel sprouts, rye bread, and licorice. YUK!

Favorite beverage: Dr Pepper and iced coffee

Something that gives you a sour face: black coffee and whiskey

Favorite smell: black cherry, cherry, and men’s cologne

Something that makes you hold your nose: maybe let’s not go there—LOL

Something you’re really good at: Writing and 911 dispatch

Something you’re really bad at: folding laundry (don’t look in my laundry room- ever. Ha!)

Things you’d walk a mile for: my kids and husband.

Things that make you want to run screaming from the room: mean, selfish people and people that hurt others.

Things you always put in your books: bad words, adult situations, and dark themes. Characters that are realistic.

Things you never put in your books: flat and too perfect characters.

Favorite books (or genre): psychological thrillers, and anything by Daphne De Maurier

Books you wouldn’t buy: erotica, romance, sci fi.

Favorite things to do: Have a drink, play pool or darts with husband, dance with my daughter, sing karaoke (at home).

Things you’d run through a fire or eat bugs to get out of doing: If offered, going back to high school or being eighteen again. NO THANK YOU.

Things that make you happy: When a stranger contacts me to tell me they love my books, or glowing book reviews.

Things that drive you crazy: Jerky people.

Best thing you’ve ever done: Become a published author.

Biggest mistake: stopping for so many years (writing)

Most daring thing you’ve ever done: let someone read my books when I was so scared of what they thought.

Something you chickened out of doing: backing out of social functions because- people- Lol

The nicest thing a reader said to you: said something I wrote was brilliant, and that I should be famous.

The craziest thing a reader said to you: The lady that left a book review on Goodreads when she obviously didn’t even read or finish the book.

About Rachael:

Rachael Tamayo is a former 911 emergency operator and police dispatcher.  After twelve years in those dark depths, she’s gained a unique insight into mental illness, human behavior, and the general darkness of humanity that she likes to weave into her books.  A formerly exclusive romance author tried her hand at thrillers in her award-winning novel, Crazy Love, and loved it so much that she decided not to turn back.  She is the author of multiple bestselling novels and the acclaimed Deadly Sins Series. 

 Born and raised in Texas, Rachael lives in the Houston area with her husband of almost seventeen years, and their two small children.      

Let’s Be Social:

website: https://rachaeltamayowrites.com/

email: rtamayo@rachaeltamayowrites.com

facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RachaelTamayowrites

Tiktok: @rachaeltamayowrites 

#WriterWednesday Interview with Liz Milliron

I’d like to welcome author, Liz Milliron, to the blog for #WriterWedneday.

Things you need to throw out: The pile of old cell phones on my dresser that have a quarter-inch of dust on them (no joke).

Things you need for your writing sessions: a snack and a cup of tea

Things you love about writing: Creating a new world out of almost nothing

Hardest thing about being a writer: Marketing and promotion (oh, if only readers came flocking the minute you said, “I have a book!”)

Things you wish you’d never bought: A car for my son (more stress than it’s worth)

Words that describe you, but you wish they didn’t: stubborn and perfectionist

Things that make you want to gag: sashimi (raw fish--no, just…no)

Music that drives you crazy: rap music (isn’t that an oxymoron?)

Something that gives you a sour face: coffee (I know, I know)

Favorite smell: vanilla and cinnamon

The last thing you ordered online: Slippers for my son

The coolest person you’ve ever met: Mary Higgins Clark

About Liz:

Liz Milliron is the author of The Laurel Highlands Mysteries series, set in the scenic Laurel Highlands of Southwestern Pennsylvania, and The Homefront Mysteries, set in Buffalo, NY during the early years of World War II. She is a member of Sisters in Crime, Pennwriters, and International Thriller Writers. A recent empty-nester, Liz lives outside Pittsburgh with her husband and a retired-racer greyhound.

http://lizmilliron.com

Coming February 2021

The Stories We Tell (Home Front Mysteries #2) - "The Stories We Tell has its dark side, but Buffalo's First Ward in 1942 is still a world of warmth and charm, where Betty's honour, loyalty, and sheer moxie are guaranteed to win the day." Catriona McPherson, multi-award-winning author of the Dandy Gilver Mysteries

 Now Available

Broken Trust (Laurel Highlands Mysteries #3) - “Highly recommended.” - R.G. Belsky, author of the Clare Carlson mysteries

 The Enemy We Don’t Know (Home Front Mysteries #1) - “…an exciting crackerjack of a novel.” - James W. Ziskin, author of the Ellie Stone mysteries

What I Learned about Creativity from Artist, Noah Scalin

Recently, I had the pleasure of listening to artist, Noah Scalin, talk about creativity. If you have not seen his Old Navy commercial, check it out, along with his art. He is so talented and inspiring.

One day, he started a project that turned into a year-long effort. Each day, he created a different skull, and he used a variety of materials. He posted each one to his blog, and it eventually turned into a book. The project that started off as an exercise to create something for himself, opened up a world of opportunities for him. Here’s what I learned from him about creativity:

• You have to create or cultivate the fertile ground for your efforts. This is your creative foundation.

• Creative bones don’t exist (Many say, “I don’t have a creative bone in my body.”) But you do have creative muscles that you need to stretch and grow.

• You were born with creativity. All kids are creative.

• You need the motivation to keep going.

• Start small. Little ideas aren’t as overwhelming.

• Tiny steps move you forward.

• Your work doesn’t have to be perfect. You can’t get it right every time.

• Fresh opportunities will grow from your efforts.

• Get up and move around.

• Work with your hands.

• Bring others into your projects.

• Pay attention to what’s happening around you.

• Don’t miss opportunities.

• Expand your default settings. (We tend to use the tools/techniques we know.) You need new ways to solve problems.

• Do something creative every day, and you’ll see the world differently.

• You can’t do it alone. You get ideas, dialog, and inspiration from others.

• Inspiration is everywhere. You need to train yourself to recognize it.

• Don’t wait. Get to work.

• You don’t realize all the lives you’re touching.

One of my resolutions this year was to learn new things. I’m going to expand this into creating new things. I’m going to try for one, new thing each month (or there about), and I’ll post my progress.

What creative thing have you done recently?

#ThisorThatThursday Author Interview with the And I Thought Ladies - Wilnona and Jade

I had so much fun with during an interview that Wilnona and Jade, the And I Thought Ladies, did with me about my mysteries that I had to invite them to the blog to share their stories with you.

Favorite beverage: Wilnona: My favorite beverage is 21 year old scotch on the rocks Jade: Coffee and/or water

Something that gives you a sour face: Wilnona: Tear jerkers Jade: Lemon Drops

Favorite smell: Wilnona: I love the smell of cookies Jade: Baking bread

Something that makes you hold your nose: Wilnona: a port a potty Jade: Old fashion potpourri

Something you’re really good at: Wilnona: Like any writer I am good at procrastination Jade: Finding time for a nap.

Something you’re really bad at: Wilnona: I am terrible with math Jade: I am terrible with only having one glass of wine.

Something you wish you could do: Wilnona: I wish I could have skipped 2020 Jade: I have to agree with Wilnona.

Something you wish you’d never learned to do: Jade: how to waste time.

Something you like to do: Wilnona: Travel Jade: Eat great food.

Something you wish you’d never done: Jade: Read Ivanhoe (yeah I know I’m going to get hate mail for that). Wilnona: One time with friends a drank some cheap wine. It was disgusting I will never forget that taste.

Last best thing you ate: Wilnona: I enjoyed a seafood platter with Chicago delicacies shipped from Chicago,

Last thing you regret eating: Jade: A dry cake I made I didn’t want to waste food so I just kept eating it.

The last thing you ordered online: I ordered my specialized water Jade: I order everything online now a days.

The last thing you regret buying: Wilnona: Pants without looking at the reviews. Can you say disaster? Jade: Cheap pens most of them didn’t write.

Things you’d walk a mile for: Wilnona: Any type of good food or exercise Jade: I concur, Wilnona.

Things that make you want to run screaming from the room: Wilnona: The reflection of my bad hair day

Favorite places you’ve been: Jade: Greek Isles Wilnona: Same here

Places you never want to go to again: Jade & Wilnona: Canada during the winter. Y’all it was just down right cold.

Favorite books (or genre): Jade: Pride And Prejudice Wilnona: Mickey Spillane

Books you wouldn’t buy: Wilnona: An exercise book, I just prefer videos.

Things that make you happy: Jade: Finding a new author to read that has a series of books.

Things that drive you crazy: Jade: People who fold down edges of the pages to mark their spot in a book. That’s what bookmarks or scrap pieces of paper are made for.

Most embarrassing moment: Wilnona: Getting. My dress caught in a gas pump hose

Proudest moment: Jade: Winning IALA Poet of the Year 2019

The coolest person you’ve ever met: Jade: My dad and I am pretty fortunate because I met him a few seconds after my birth.

Wilnona: My mom when I was old enough understand how cool she really was.

The celebrity who didn’t look like he/she did in pictures/video: Wilnona: Myself People say it all the time “You don’t look the same in person”(I’m so not a celeb, but I couldn’t help myself.)

About Wilnona and Jade

The And I Thought Ladies, Wilnona and Jade are award-winning poets. Jade is the IALA Poet of the Year in 2019. Wilnona is Advocate Award winner.   They are  the co-founders of the Inspirational Women in Literature Media and Journalism Awards, the founders of the 25 hottest Authors magazine, the thoughtful book festival, and the and I thought literary magazine. They are. the  authors of 17 books in two series (The And I Thought & Miss-Fit guide Series). Their most recent book was a #1 Bestseller in poetry & anthologies category. They are 18th most interviewed authors and international pop poets who have read for poet laureates, been on four European book tours and co-hosted conferences on three continents. They are the US Correspondents for UK TV show Chrissy B. The ladies also host four podcasts, a vlog, and have a clothing line based off their books.

Let’s Be Social

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andithoughtladies/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andi.thoughtladies.5

Twitter: Wilnona (@justwritenlife) / Twitter and (2) Jade D (@Jaded2555) / Twitter

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoiC7fdJbRngoBkFWMyINbA

Book Links: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=wilnona+marie&crid=JTWGKZHT3BMZ&sprefix=wilco%2Caps%2C167&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-a-p_2_5

Submitting? Querying? Follow the Rules

When you submit your work for a consideration whether it’s to a publication, contest, or anthology or as a query to an agent, make sure you follow the rules/guidelines. There are certain ways you need to submit your work, and there are formatting requirements. You need to tweak your submission to fit. One blanket submission does not fit all. Don’t give them a reason to reject your work.

I’ve been a part of quite a few anthology projects, and in addition to formatting requirements, there are themes, story type, genre, and word count specifications.

In these examples, the stories were rejected (even though the writing may have been good).

• For a mystery anthology, we had paranormal, science fiction, and horror submissions.

• On a cozy mystery anthology project, we had people who submitted stories that weren’t in the genre, even when the guidelines provided a definition and what not to include (e.g. foul language, graphic violence, etc.).

• For another project, the protagonist needed to be an amateur, female sleuth. Two people submitted stories with male detectives.

• One short story anthology had a requirement of no more than 5,000 words. We received multiple stories that ranged from 7,000 - 10,000 words.

The same applies to agents or publishers. Each has specified on his/her website how they want to receive your work. Make sure your cover letter is polished and be sure to submit all the items requested. Some may ask for a synopsis, a few chapters, or the entire manuscript.

Before you submit anything, make sure your work is as polished as it can be. Typos and formatting issues detract from your work. You want your submission to be as professional as possible.

After you have edited your work, make sure you do another read through to catch any typos or formatting issues. Read all of the submission criteria again to ensure you’ve covered everything.

Good luck with your queries and submissions. It’s a lot of work to customize each one, but it’s worth it.