Marketing has to be the most frustrating, awful, draining,
dratted thing a writer has to do. No doubt about it, it goes against the grain
of the intuitive, creative person God wired us to be.
If you’re like me, the only reason you go to all the work of
learning the craft of writing and copiously re-writing a novel is to spread the
message of Christ to all and any who will listen. Selling books isn’t your main
goal.
Having said that, we must market as much as we hate it. You
thought you made sacrifices before in regards to the writing ministry. Well now
it’s time to really step out on the water.
It’s time to build your platform, and one of the biggest
ways is by public speaking. My advice, take a speaking class. One I highly
recommend is Toastmasters.
Make sure your website is enticing and clear as to what you
want your visitors to do---buy your books.
If they don’t read your book, how will your message get across?
So on your home
page make sure there is clear instruction that says, click here to buy this book. Amazon link for Shadowed in Silk
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Originally, I made the mistake of politely
inviting my guests to check out the next page. I was making my reader work. Big mistake.
If you notice on my web, intsructions to buy my books are right on the front page.
Tell your guests what to do in the same way you would warmly instruct
them to enter the dining room when the roast beef and Yorkshire pudding is
waiting for them. It’s only being an effective hostess.
Learn how to sell books on the internet. That’s the big
store these days. And get visual, either have a professional make your book
trailer, or really learn how to do it yourself like I did.
Hint, to listen to this book trailer---Turn up the volume on your computer---the music is fun and evocative of the story.
Make friends with other bloggers. It’s terribly
time-consuming, but it’s basically free advertising.
But can we do all this and still feel like a human being?
Responding to comments and blogs creates relationships, and helps me feel good about marketing. At
least when I’m chatting with someone on a blog, I try to be a real person with
them. Not just a writer selling books. In many cases I’d developed real
friendships.
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Give your book away to key people. Seed the market.
Providing you’ve done the work, and you have a professional looking book, the
editing is up to snuff, your story is good, then let your work shine.
Garner as
many reviews as you can, and the only way to do this is give your book away.
If a blogger does a free giveaway of your book, then kindly
ask that winner---providing they like your book---to tell all their friends and
family. Most likely they’ll have a blog too, and will do this. But I found it
best to come right out and ask.
Please share the news about Amazon link for Captured by Moonlight
Always be polite and kind. Win people over by being a
real person, and not just an author. Perhaps one reviewer will not like your
book, but thank them anyway. They may be so charmed by your response they’ll
introduce you to someone who will enjoy your particular style.
Never burn a
bridge.
And pray. Oh my goodness, pray. Have fun.
About the author: Irish-born Christine Lindsay writes award-winning
historical novels, and delights in weaving the endless theme of God’s redemptive
love throughout stories of danger, suspense, adventure, and romance. The
Pacific coast of Canada, about 200 miles north of Seattle, is Christine’s home.
Christine
Lindsay’s latest novel Captured by
Moonlight.
Prisoners to their own broken
dreams…
After a daring rescue goes awry, Laine Harkness and her friend Eshana
flee to the tropical south of India…and headlong into their respective pasts.
Laine takes a nursing position at a plantation in the jungle, only to
discover that her former fiancé is the owner…but fun-loving Laine refuses to
let Adam crush her heart like he had years ago.
Eshana, captured by her traditional uncle and forced once more into the
harsh Hindu customs of mourning, doubts freedom will ever be hers again, much
less the forbidden love for Dr. Jai Kaur that had begun to flower.
Amid cyclones, epidemics, and clashing faiths, will the love of the True
Master give hope to these searching hearts?
Would you like to read the First two chapters of Captured by
Moonlight
Kobo Link for Shadowed in Silk
You are so right that marketing is not the most fun part of being an author. Thanks for the encouragement to treat it like making friends.
ReplyDeleteYour new trailer is fabulous! You do the marketing well!
that is sooo true! I find myself running away from Marketing because it's just so... well, I get shy and I feel like a twelve year old asking another girl if she wants to play with me. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Christine, for all your excellent suggestions. I think what has helped me with marketing is that I look on it as a form of ministry to others, particularly when I get to speak somewhere. But I do understand and love your comment above, Jenn!
ReplyDeleteAll right, Christine, you've put out the challenge. I'ts time I got stuck into that side of things.
ReplyDeleteChristine, great post! Thanks for sharing your helpful marketing tips :)
ReplyDeleteChristine, thanks for a great post!
ReplyDelete