May 15, 2012 by darlenequinn | one comments.
Much like e-books, audio books are great for saving space on crowded book shelves. They’re absolutely wonderful for people with busy lives because they’re always accessible. Listeners can go for a walk or bike ride, sew, or vacuum the floors while “reading’’ a book.
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April 25, 2012 by darlenequinn | 2 comments.
While many forms of book promotion are important in gaining momentum in overall book sales, one of the most important methods in book promotion and marketing come out of book signings themselves. So why is this form of marketing so important, when promoting a book through virtual platforms is so much easier and sometimes even more cost effective? The pure and simple fact is that there is no substitution for the face-to-face interaction that comes with physically greeting readers and visiting stores.
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Excellent! I add to this because my book (first) had many locales there were book clubs taking it through facebook. And friends had signings for me locally. It is all good. Thanks for what you do for us.
Helpful comments in your blog about book promotion, blogging, in fact, all the info. Thanks
April 5, 2012 by darlenequinn | 4 comments.
People blog for several different reasons, some for their own personal enjoyment, others may use it as a promotional tool to reach for a greater audience, while others still use it as a combination of these two. Even if you already have a blog, are you using it to its highest capacity? If not, what approach can be taken to get the most potential from it?
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Very clear and concise blog, it taught me a lot as Thank you Darlene, I am about to publish my second memoir and have never publicized my first one on Facebook or other social media. This blog helped me to see things never known to me before and are encouraging me to try to expand my website now. Karin
This is one of the best articles on blogging I have seen. Thanks Darlene! I plan to share it.
I am still struggling with getting up to speed in the digital age. Articles like this are a big help. Thanks.
You’re very welcome Sheila! The digital age can be very daunting, I’m so glad that you found my article helpful.
March 23, 2012 by darlenequinn | 9 comments.
The school of thought behind book giveaways on sites such as Goodreads, Amazon, and other book sale outlets have caused a definite divide within the book marketing aspect of the writing community. For some authors, the very idea of giving away something that is in many cases like a child to them is simply unheard of. For others, it’s a means of finding exposure for their work of literature where it might otherwise end up buried in pages upon pages of virtual book sales.
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Mine were free for 48 hours last week. I’m excited to have had over 2k downloads. That’s more exposure for an author they probably would never have heard of. Popularity went up because my book popped up on other book lists. And yes, this translates to more reviews, which means more sales later. Love your post!
I think another part of the decision rests on where you are in your writing career. I currently have a free promo running on Kindle - for many of the reasons you’ve listed above - but it is my first novel and I do not yet have an audience. If people are only buying 5 copies per month, the decision to give away copies to gain exposure isn’t a difficult one. If I gain only 10 sales, it is a successful venture.
Perhaps I will decide differently in the future when my books are already selling on their own.
As promised, here’s my comment! I’ve been using selective giveaways. Mostly to lure readers who WILL review the work based on the quality of my stories PLUS the fact that I’m a male romance author. Yes I’ll leave this on your blog too!
I am as-yet unpublished. I have seen a few people offer their books for 99 cents per download. I’m leaning toward going with that or free for the first book just to establish a fan base. Now if after it’s been available a while, I start to get interest from a publishing house, the terms may change.
I’ve struggled with this, too, but think I have found a compromise. I have begun offering to swap my book with other authors, in return for a review of theirs, and mine.
I was disappointed with a Goodreads giveaway, sending two of my newest books to readers who had no real interest in the content, but signed up to win a free book. Their reviews never came, and when i sent a polite reminder email, they both reviewed briefly and negatively.
Of course, if I only give books now to authors, am I really reaching readers?
As an author and a marketing professional - I recommend to clients and friends that they have a plan when they give their books away for free. If you do it just to do it - its a waste. I have also done quite a lot with free samplers - for myself and clients. Where you can give some content for free - and generate interest, without giving the entire book away free. These can also be used to build your mailing list - which is a great promotional tool. If you’re thinking about doing something for free - outside the Kindle Select program - I definitely recommend a sampler type idea. This has also been a great tool for authors with multiple books and business people with other products and services offer.
I’ve done 1 giveaway with Goodreads and offered 2 paperbacks, not e-Books. The response was good, but I’m not sure it generated many additional sales. I agree people in general are attracted to “free” and I also wonder what impact this and very low priced books have on the readers value of the piece of work. I keep thinking of the old adage “you get what you pay for.”
I give away hard copy’s to different parents at my elementary school as we’ll after story telling events at day cares and other places. as we’ll as on my web sites. I’m getting out my name as so when I come out with fourth book, sales will get much better.
On the one hand, I’m quite chary about the whole ‘getting something for nothing’ culture that has grown up with the internet. Writers have to eat and pay the bills too, and often a book represents years of hard work and they should be valued and paid appropriately. I truly feel that.
On the other hand, my publisher has decided to offer both my historical novels free on Amazon this coming weekend (31st and 1st), and I’m happy with that—chiefly because the novels deal with events which happened exactly 200 years ago this May and June and I want people to be aware of the great men and women who lived back then and what they faced and what they coped with…That’s really important to me that we know and value our collective heritage and history.
March 9, 2012 by darlenequinn | 2 comments.
For many, there is a definite divide when it comes to preferences around digital media, which allows a person to hold dozens, sometimes, hundreds of articles, novellas, magazines, all at once and the traditional paper-bound print. That said there are definite pros and cons for both mediums.
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When some one searches for his vital thing, so he/she desires to be available that in detail, therefore that thing is maintained over here.
I’ve always loved books. The library was a favorite place as a child. I thought I’d always prefer the printed version over the digital one. However, I was given a Kindle about a year ago, and I found it had text to speech capabilities. I could also load articles and documents on the device and listen to them while doing other things. I purchased a Kindle Fire this year and love it! I can flip through the pages, read in the dark, easily go back to the contents, etc. I have to say, I’m being swayed towards the digital world. That said, I’ll always love the real printed book. It’s a sort of tangible treasure I can touch and feel forever :)
February 21, 2012 by darlenequinn | 4 comments.
In a society where economic climates and longer lifespans have increased the overall age of retirement among the general population, there is still an overwhelming and sometimes biased emphasis on the age. Whether you are male, female, young or old, as it stands, age at its simplest is only a number. How you old you feel on the other hand, is a state of mind.
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I think that age is more than a number to the extinct that most of worry about it more than we should just enjoy it. Enjoy today and tomorrow will take care of itself.
I totally agree with you, Darlene. We are as old or as young as we choose to be.
My body may age but my inner person remains young at heart.
Absolutely! Life is a continuum we can experience and enjoy at any age. Age merely gives us history that adds richness, wisdom that makes us choose more meaningfully, and experience that helps us avoid the pitfalls of our youth. I’ve heard of a grandmother in her 80s who finally got her undergraduate degree—because she didn’t have time earlier, she said, raising children and grandchildren. I’ve heard of a man who, at 98, got his Masters degree because he had to do something with his time! People of any age fall in love, start businesses, become famous authors, or run marathons for the first time. Society tries to perpetuate the youth culture message, and yet, on an individual basis, people are always captivated by someone who has a real passion for life—wrinkles, gray hair, or not.
Good thoughts, if you act old, you become old. Bite your tongue if the first thing out of your mouth in a new conversation is some sort of ache or pain. Get down on the floor and play with your gkids. You are only old if you let yourself be old.
January 31, 2012 by darlenequinn | 3 comments.
Blogs give you more credibility as an author and they make you an expert writer beyond your genre or published portfolio.
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I always enjoy your blogs, Darlene. You have given each of us writers a road map to follow.
Thank you so much for these guidelines and hope! I’ve bee enjoying blogging for a long time just to keep my creativity flowing and fingers o in shape.
Any tips on how to invite others to host?
Great article … and convincing. Now if I only knew how to set up a website to start blogging. Given that my novel will hopefully be out by June, I guess I had better learn or pay someone to set up a site for me.
January 6, 2012 by darlenequinn | 7 comments.
If you answered, “I don’t have time to read” or “I am too busy writing to read the works of others” or “my favorite books are those I have written,” then I would say that you may be selling yourself short. Plus, at the same time, your lack of attention to the works of others may be stifling the creativity and depth of your own work.
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Love means always saying you’re sorry. nobody will ever be perfect enough to never make mistakes. the is why love cannot possibly be never having to say your sorry unless you only love yourself. If you really love somebody it should mean always saying your sorry yet knowing that you never have to.
Darlene,
I really enjoyed this article and you’ve brought to light many important points. Thank you for sharing your wisdom here.
All Best,
Randy Mitchell
I agree! Not to sound trite, but Reading Is Essential! Artists learn their craft by imitating the masters … writers who read breathe in the fluidity and clarity of the written word, by reading it!
I agree so much with that. When I get writer block, I go and read a book then my own ideas starts coming and I go back to writing. But it also helps my mind to remember better, I have MS so it is healthy in so many ways.
I have learned a lot from other writers but I’ve never had to be pushed into reading the work of a good writer. I get curious. I read Mark Twain out of curiosity and the same can be said for Diane Carey and Terry Pratchett.
I completely agree, Darlene. I also think that the best way to learn to write as a child is to read, read, read. Thanks for the post.
Agree 100%. I have learned more about craft, description, character building, good dialogue, plots, setting, etc. from reading than from all the books, courses, articles, posts on writing - though often these also refer to books or writers. Reading is a writer’s biggest teacher and ally.
December 15, 2011 by darlenequinn | 16 comments.
For some writers, self promotion is a hard pill to swallow. We are authors and artists, not sales people. Self promotion makes some of us feel uncomfortable and cheap. After all, they always say the hardest part about being an artist is selling your own work.
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Still learning. Thanks for the great advice! I’m promoting your post to fellow authors right now!
I almost never read a book that I don’t review when I’m finished. I post a review on Amazon and send the review to the writer. Writing a review is a fun thing to do. I’m looking for information about how to write a review. Any suggestions?
I think Darlene Quinn have me swept off my feet.A very wise woman.
Great stuff, Darlene. I’m always keen to tweet FB G+ and LinkedIn fellow writers. As long as their content is useful to my audience I’ll promote them in the hope that some of the sharing love will return. And if it doesn’t directly,no problem my readers enjoy quality content and they know they can get it from me an the people I interact with
Darlene, this is wonderful information and I agree with what you say.
Thank you
Pat Ritter
I believe this is an awesome idea! Since Ihave joned some groups like this one I have learned so much! I will definitely participate and also let everyone know when my book comes out in January 2012, so you can do the same.
Christy Smith, CAP
Nicely done.
Love this perspective, Darlene! There are so many wonderful books and writers out there to get the word out about.
Great points, Darlene and you’re absolutely right.
-:) Joan
I agree wholeheartedly with all you say. Some people are so self-centred that no sooner have I accepted their friend request and their book links, website links, blog links and anything else they care to mention about themselves are posted on my wall and more than often than not it doesn’t occur to them to return the favour.
Thanks for posting and reminding us of the basic common courtesies of self promotion.
Darlene makes an excellent case for cross promotion. However, I wonder how well it works for authors writing in different genres?
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Alter-Ego-In-Chanel/180271468719166
I completely agree with you & do my best to help promote others as they do me. Thank you for sharing your advice!
So i am NOT promoting my book. Nut here it is!! call it seld promotion!!
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Great information Darlene!
“United we are promoted, divided we stand alone and ignored.”
That’s a good rule to keep in mind. 2
Darlene,
This is a very good post that helps to bring writers down to earth. It’s true— all too often on FB (or on any social media), people get so caught up about ME, ME, ME that they forget about other people. Your advice is well received by this writer.
December 8, 2011 by darlenequinn | 3 comments.
We all seem to be rushing around doing our holiday shopping, making lists and checking them twice. Naturally, as an author, I would love for you to buy my books — However, there are a lot of people out there in desperate need. Your local food bank could use a donation, for example. Ditto your local animal shelter.
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Darlene, thank you for the opportunity to share this information with your readers. My family did a big re-evaluation concerning how we handle the holiday season last year, and have found that it made a difference in not only *our* quality of life, but that of the world around us. I appreciate you letting others in on my philosophy.
Merry Christmas, Sharon! You are inspiring.
My husband and I encourage people to donate a toy for the Toys for Tots campaign, and are holding an open house at our shop, Wooden Toys and Gifts, tomorrow while “Santa Tours the Town” on a firetruck, accompanied by US Marines collecting toys. They drive down every single street in our town. It’s amazing. For a small town of about 6000 residents, we’ve kept track each year, and since 2000 our townspeople have donated more than 28,400 Toys for Tots! Yay, Georgetown~ and I’ve written that story and others in my book called Georgetown at the Turn of the Millennium. <3
Best wishes and congratulations as you continue your string of successful books!
"Webs of Fate grabbed my interest from the first line of the prologue and wouldn't let me go."
Nancy Taylor Rosenberg, New York Times bestselling author of The Cheater and My Lost Daughter
“On first opening the pages of Darlene Quinn’s Webs series, readers may well feel that they are in for an engaging ‘all about’ novel—in Quinn’s case all about the glamorous, dangerous, byzantine, and ultimately exciting world of fashion and high-end retail—and those readers would be right. But wait! There’s more! Quinn develops her storylines and plot in a way that keeps the world engaging and the books charging forward. And don’t get complacent—nothing is what it seems and no character is without great secrets that will twist events and surprise the reader in breathtaking ways. There’s a great deal of fun and entertainment to be had in falling into these beguiling webs.”
Frank Gaspar, author of Stealing Fatima, Endowed chair/distinguished professor and writer in residence, University of Massachusetts
With obvious “insider’s” knowledge, Darlene Quinn has created a web of intrigue that draws the reader into the best and worst of the retailer¹s world. I found myself rooting for her smart women, and wishing I could boo the villains. The book came with me on a trip, and once I began reading, I made sure it was always within easy reach. Best of all, I can say proudly, Darlene was once one of my students.
Maralys Wills author of Higher than Eagles, Author of Damn the Rejections, Full Speed Ahead
Darlene Quinn expertly captures the drama, greed, and emotional tumult of personal lives gone awry during the hostile takeover attempt of a high-end retail chain in Webs of Power.
Laura Taylor, award-winning author of Honorbound
May 15th, 2012 at 4:16 pm
I actually only began to try “audiobooks” once my own novels began to be recorded at audible.com (I now have 4 available and more being recorded).
But I keep going to audible.com and clicking around wondering how anyone can ever find anything without knowing it’s there.
How do people use that website to find things? Or do they only use amazon.com to find a book they want to read, then see if it’s in audiobook on that book’s page?
If so, how do they find audible.com titles from B&N’s website?
I know how to find a book I want to read, but I’ve no idea how to find one I want to hear.
And though I know some of my book’s readers, I’ve no clue how audible.com’s internal system works. I know my publisher has posted almost all my books he has available because they keep getting chosen by readers and recorded. But my readers want to hear particular recorders. I just don’t see how to connect everyone with everyone.
Jacqueline Lichtenberg