Wednesday 18 July 2012

Nuts and Bolts.


When I got the call from my publisher telling me that my manuscript had been accepted for publication I was ecstatic. The thought that my story would actually become a book was a complete mind boggling concept. In that moment I honestly didn’t give the ‘selling’ of the book much thought, but now I realize that the marketing and promotion of my work has become a great portion of my writing time.
Blogging, interviews, and reviewing are all a necessary, and time consuming, part of an author’s life. We have a commitment to sell our work, as well as selling ourselves as authors. There is no doubt that large promotions born from a dream to do something ‘BIG’ are very worthwhile, and I found my attempt to be very successful, but ultimately it is the little contributions that you do each day that builds your author presence.
The blogging, face-booking, twittering, and other small daily achievements will promote your profile and put you before the masses. People get to see who you are, what you stand for, and become interested in you and your work.
The Christian Writers Downunder e-mail loop is currently conducting a very valuable discussion on marketing. If you are stuck for ideas on how to promote yourself or your work, then this loop is a great place to start. The experience and suggestions shared on the nuts and bolts of promotion will be invaluable. 

Rose Dee is the author of the 'Resolution' Series. Please visit Rose at: http://rosedee.com/ 

13 comments:

  1. Thanks for your great post Rose. You are dead right. The marketing aspect of our books should and does take heaps of time doesn't it? I plead guilty to not giving sufficient time to do this. So thanks for the reminder.

    I find it really hard to manage my time amidst all I need to/want to do - spending sufficient time with God daily, being a good wife and Mum, my ministry responsibilties, running a home, WRITING and caring for the many other people in my life. So to be honest, marketing is right at the bottom of this list. However, I know it is essential.

    Thanks again Rose for sharing.
    Blessings and warm congratulations on your books,
    Anusha

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    1. Anusha, I hear you on the time limitations. It's hard to fit everything in. But your facebook updates have uplifted me more times than I can remember - so I think you are doing a truly wonderful job.

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    2. Thanks for those words of encouragement Rose! That sure lifts me up! :) Bless you.
      Warm regards,
      Anusha

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  2. Thanks for the words of encouragement, Rose. I'm glad you feel the email loop and discussion was worth the subscription price.

    You've not only made my day, but uplifted me in a way you couldn't possibly imagine.

    Thankyou! :)

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    1. Lee, it is worth the subscription price - and much more. This is a forum for our work. It is an extremely valuable outreach to authors and readers alike. The e-mail loop has such vital and generous information that I think everyone should know about it.

      It is the fruits of your labour - and I thank you.xx

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  3. How do I contribute to the email loop again? I remember doing it once or twice but the emails aren't making their way into my inbox and I completely forgot about this option.

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    1. Paula, I don't know what would have happened to your e-mail. Perhaps some tech issue when you moved?????. I don't know how to check if you are still subscribed to the loop. Will ask Lee for you. The recent discussion on promotion has been very good.

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  4. It has been helpful insights on promotion and thanks for your post too Rose.Promotion is not easy and definitely time consuming. It's all a balancing act.

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    1. So true, Dale. It isn't easy and sometimes it is hard to know where to start. I guess just starting with the small things is a good way to go.

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  5. Thanks for your post, Rose - it seems to me you are doing a wonderful job promotion-wise. Very inspiring!

    Like Paula though, I don't seem to be getting any emails via the loop as I used to - and I haven't moved house. I remember receiving them in the past and had wondered what had happened with them. Is it something I have done or not done?

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    1. Hi Jo-Anne. I decided that when it came to promotion I would just 'have a go'. Some things have worked and some haven't - most of my ideas require time I don't have. But I certainly wish I had read the content of the loop e-mails years ago. It is very helpful.

      I will get a message to Lee - perhaps something has happened and some of the e-mail contacts have dropped out. Technology is a great thing - when it works!!!!

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  6. I'm in awe of your promotional skills Rose! Also I don't receive any emails about a discussion going online & would like to.

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    1. Hi Rita. I am so pleased that by blogging about this it has addressed the problem of people not connected to that loop. I know Lee will be onto the problem.

      I do have a lot of help and guidance when it comes to promotion. My husband is a very good and wise sounding board, and my family are always willing to use their talents and connections to help me. I am very blessed.

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