I once asked my editor what kind of books she thought I wrote. Strangely, an author often doesn't know. She replied Untypical Romance or perhaps women's novels with romances in them. In other words, I seldom follow the tried and true formula of one man, one woman, one romance. My lovers live in a larger world where other things are going on besides their love affair. In my Sinners books, the members of the team form a community. They help each other out when problems crop up - mostly having to do with women. They have wives and children and problems of their own, too. They have sex, but not in every other chapter, just when it applies to the plot.
Having recently finished writing Love Letter for a Sinner, I realize it is another of my untypical romances. I have followed the career of quarterback, Joe Dean Billodeaux, from his first success and now to the end of his career. He has gone from a womanizer to a family man, from a party guy to a team leader, and helped younger players along the way while dealing with his own dilemmas. The new quarterback is on the bench waiting for his retirement and his last chance for a Super Bowl is coming up. He must overcome his dislike of the new guy and even help him find a good woman in order to get his final wish for a fifth ring. Will there be more Sinners books? Maybe. Joe's oldest son, Dean, is now seventeen and showing great potential as a quarterback. His second son, Tommy, is gearing up to be a kicker. Like all things in publishing, it depends on how the previous books sell, but being untypical, I write two books a year whether I have a market for them or not.
I've always thought I simply wrote romances. But it took a contest judge to clue me in that Queen of the Mardi Gras Ball was a "big" historical novel with a romantic sub-plot. I believed Mardi Gras Madness was a mystery. Not so, my editor said. A mystery must start in the very first chapter. I seem to recall Miss Marple wandering around her village for page after page until the actual mystery crops up, but you don't want to argue with your editor. So, it is a romance with a mystery buried inside of it. Got another one of those coming up later this year, Courir de Mardi Gras, but I won't dare call it a mystery.
Whatever I write, I try to give the reader a good absorbing story that reads fast and smoothly to its happing ending. All I can hope for is that people enjoy them no matter how untypical they are.
Monday, June 10, 2013
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Another Book Signing - Sigh
Face it, unless you become a famous author, your first book signing, usually at your local library or bookstore will be your best and most exciting. Friends and family come to wish you well. Many will buy your first book to be supportive, though they may never read it. In my case having been the former county library director, much curiosity was involved. Thanks to the steamy cover on my first somewhat sexy book (only three flames out of five, folks), more than one person whispered that Miss Lynn is now writing dirty books. Nope. I'd probably sell more if I did
.
Once that first rush is over, subsequent book signings will not go as well. It is known that libraries are the worst places to sign as people who use then will simply check out the library copy if interested and now can even borrow them temporarily on their e-readers. Usually, many authors attend as both libraries and bookstores are being bombarded by the self-published for a venue, and so they group all of us together whether self, e-pubbed, or traditionally published for one mass signing. The bad news-lots of competition, the good-lots of authors to talk to in order to make the time pass faster and perhaps make some interesting contacts.
I would advise writers new to this business to dress up your table a little. Don't just sit behind a stack of books and hope. I put out the wonderful red and black Sinners jersey my daughter got for me and display the football romances on it. My new Mardi Gras series titles are nested in a pile of colorful beads and other throws. A bowl of candy might help, but mostly people seem to grab and run. I do envy cookbook authors. They always have a hook - a steaming crockpot of some dish to attract attention. I had some excellent spicy white beans and rice at my last library signing where I sold three books, great compared to the events where I have sold none or one. Mostly, browsers pick up my sexy book cards or my less sexy, but very pretty, Mardi Gras cards. These might result in e-sales later, and indeed, someone bought an entire set of Sinners books in paperback on Amazon the following Monday, so not a wasted afternoon.
I admit sometimes toying with potential customers who really don't want to buy or even hear about my books. One lady who stopped by for a chocolate fix immediately told me she didn't read those kind of books, i.e. ones with hot covers. She only read mysteries (I hear that one a lot), so I pointed out Mardi Gras Madness which has a mystery sub-plot and is not particularly sexy. Oh, she says, "I can only read Large Print." I suggest she take a card for the book, and she can get it on an e-reader and adjust the print size any way she wants. No, she doesn't have an e-reader, has to hold the book in her hands. Having come full circle, I bid her adieu with a cheerful, "Thanks for stopping by", not adding "and eating my chocolate". An amazing number of folks also only read historicals or non-fiction. Since Queen of the Mardi Gras Ball is an historical, I now only have to produce a non-fiction book to please everyone. As for myself, I read a wide variety of books. I do think I would find literature very limiting otherwise.
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Once that first rush is over, subsequent book signings will not go as well. It is known that libraries are the worst places to sign as people who use then will simply check out the library copy if interested and now can even borrow them temporarily on their e-readers. Usually, many authors attend as both libraries and bookstores are being bombarded by the self-published for a venue, and so they group all of us together whether self, e-pubbed, or traditionally published for one mass signing. The bad news-lots of competition, the good-lots of authors to talk to in order to make the time pass faster and perhaps make some interesting contacts.
I would advise writers new to this business to dress up your table a little. Don't just sit behind a stack of books and hope. I put out the wonderful red and black Sinners jersey my daughter got for me and display the football romances on it. My new Mardi Gras series titles are nested in a pile of colorful beads and other throws. A bowl of candy might help, but mostly people seem to grab and run. I do envy cookbook authors. They always have a hook - a steaming crockpot of some dish to attract attention. I had some excellent spicy white beans and rice at my last library signing where I sold three books, great compared to the events where I have sold none or one. Mostly, browsers pick up my sexy book cards or my less sexy, but very pretty, Mardi Gras cards. These might result in e-sales later, and indeed, someone bought an entire set of Sinners books in paperback on Amazon the following Monday, so not a wasted afternoon.
I admit sometimes toying with potential customers who really don't want to buy or even hear about my books. One lady who stopped by for a chocolate fix immediately told me she didn't read those kind of books, i.e. ones with hot covers. She only read mysteries (I hear that one a lot), so I pointed out Mardi Gras Madness which has a mystery sub-plot and is not particularly sexy. Oh, she says, "I can only read Large Print." I suggest she take a card for the book, and she can get it on an e-reader and adjust the print size any way she wants. No, she doesn't have an e-reader, has to hold the book in her hands. Having come full circle, I bid her adieu with a cheerful, "Thanks for stopping by", not adding "and eating my chocolate". An amazing number of folks also only read historicals or non-fiction. Since Queen of the Mardi Gras Ball is an historical, I now only have to produce a non-fiction book to please everyone. As for myself, I read a wide variety of books. I do think I would find literature very limiting otherwise.
Monday, April 1, 2013
Paradise for a Sinner is Out!
No April Fool's joke, Paradise for a Sinner is now out as an e-book with the soft-cover to follow shortly. Two posts ago, I promised (or threatened) to talk more about Samoa. The trouble with doing lots of reseach on a new subject is you simply cannot use all your learn. I did manage to work some of these subtly into the story but not all the tidbits that go with them.
For instance, my cover designer, Linda Houle, managed to find a genuine traditionally tattooed Samoan backside for my cover. The crack is modestly covered with palm fronds. My hero, Adam Malala, bears such tattoos, once a test of manhood since getting them involved a month long process where in ink is pounded under the skin by a mallet striking a comb-like device. In ancient times, the only anesthetic was the encouraging songs of the village maidens as they rubbed the man's brow. Ouch! The tattoos begin a couple of inches above the waist and continue to the knees and are so thickly done as to resemble cloth. And yes, everything in that area is tattooed. Double ouch! Those who have undergone the process say actually the navel area is the worst. Go figure.
While fairly fit and warlike before the missionaries arrived, the real undoing of Samoans has been fast food and such luxuries as the Spam and canned corned beef that arrived with the G.I. stationed there in WW II. Both keep well in the extremely hot and humid climate. It would not be unusual for a Samoan to order a side of Spam with his bacon and egg breakfast. The traditional diet tended toward the starchy side with coconut and taro being used heavily. Since largeness is highly respected, no wonder Samoa produces more football players per capita than most of the United States-also rugby players and wrestlers of various kind. They do still love highly physical sports. Samoans, large but agile, and good team players are most likely to be found in defensive positions.
Family is of utmost importance which I've stated before. Even Samoans living in the continental U.S. are expected to contribute financially to the vast feasts and festivities held for many special occasions, weddings, funerals. etc. At one time, brides were taken behind a curtain during the wedding ceremony by the groom to prove their virginity on top of a white cloth. This custom fortunately has died out, but before that a little chicken blood could come in handy.
Had enough Samoan lore? If not, read the book. My editor says it is the best of the Sinners series, and she does not give compliments lightly. I am not so sure and remain partial to Wish for a Sinner. Let me know what you think.
For instance, my cover designer, Linda Houle, managed to find a genuine traditionally tattooed Samoan backside for my cover. The crack is modestly covered with palm fronds. My hero, Adam Malala, bears such tattoos, once a test of manhood since getting them involved a month long process where in ink is pounded under the skin by a mallet striking a comb-like device. In ancient times, the only anesthetic was the encouraging songs of the village maidens as they rubbed the man's brow. Ouch! The tattoos begin a couple of inches above the waist and continue to the knees and are so thickly done as to resemble cloth. And yes, everything in that area is tattooed. Double ouch! Those who have undergone the process say actually the navel area is the worst. Go figure.
While fairly fit and warlike before the missionaries arrived, the real undoing of Samoans has been fast food and such luxuries as the Spam and canned corned beef that arrived with the G.I. stationed there in WW II. Both keep well in the extremely hot and humid climate. It would not be unusual for a Samoan to order a side of Spam with his bacon and egg breakfast. The traditional diet tended toward the starchy side with coconut and taro being used heavily. Since largeness is highly respected, no wonder Samoa produces more football players per capita than most of the United States-also rugby players and wrestlers of various kind. They do still love highly physical sports. Samoans, large but agile, and good team players are most likely to be found in defensive positions.
Family is of utmost importance which I've stated before. Even Samoans living in the continental U.S. are expected to contribute financially to the vast feasts and festivities held for many special occasions, weddings, funerals. etc. At one time, brides were taken behind a curtain during the wedding ceremony by the groom to prove their virginity on top of a white cloth. This custom fortunately has died out, but before that a little chicken blood could come in handy.
Had enough Samoan lore? If not, read the book. My editor says it is the best of the Sinners series, and she does not give compliments lightly. I am not so sure and remain partial to Wish for a Sinner. Let me know what you think.
Sunday, March 3, 2013
I was born...
I was born, now that is a leading opening Could be followed by: in a log cabin; when Halley's Comet streaked across the sky; or none of the preceding. Recently, I received some advice from Amazon on how to improve my writer's profile. Number one was to redo my biography in the first person to be more warm and friendly, but heck, I like pretending I have a staff to do this stuff. The truth is in the e-publishing world, the author writes everything from her bio to her backcover blurbs, so you may blame me for any and all errors.
Suggestion number two: have a professional portrait done. Check. I did this early on paying a lot for three poses which I have used liberally, so a good investment. However, they do stress not to put pets or anything else distracting the photo. Personally, I think a dog or cat would add to the interest rather than just a head pose of me. I am not that gorgeous, but do have a good smile.
Number three: Give only a few details about your life in the first paragraph, i.e. I live in Louisiana, then cram a second paragraph full of awards you have won for your writing. Now, when I was a librarian, I received some pretty prestigous awards, the best being the Culver Award for Outstanding Librarianship, but that gives me no creds as a writer. Personally, I've found the more awards won, the drearier the book. Unhappy ending assured. I might never have a writing award to list, but my books won't leave you depressed and saying, "Why did I ever read this?" I could give specific examples, but don't believe in dissing other writers. Again, I am cautioned not to talk about pets, children, or my last road trip, this being unprofessional. Frankly, I'd rather hear about an author's cat than some obscure award, but that's just me.
Four: Establish a feed to your blog. I managed to do this for www.romancingthejock.com almost by accident, but never did tie this one on to my profile. No matter. I am not the most prolific blogger. Once a month for both blogs is all you will ever get out of me. I so much prefer to be working on my latest novel. As I like to say, I write two of those a year whether any publisher wants them or not.
One thing I do like about blogging is getting comments, which rarely happens, and looking at my statistics so nicely provided by Blogger. Today, I learned my biggest following seems to be in Russia. Go figure. I did study Russian in high school and could greet you with the first dialog we memorized, that is to say "How are you?" "Very good, and you?" However, I have no idea how to type that in Cyrillic. Other than that, I have retained only a few stray words, most of them regarding food. See, this tidbit did not make it into my biography at all. So, Hi to my friends in Russia and good-bye for the month of March.
Suggestion number two: have a professional portrait done. Check. I did this early on paying a lot for three poses which I have used liberally, so a good investment. However, they do stress not to put pets or anything else distracting the photo. Personally, I think a dog or cat would add to the interest rather than just a head pose of me. I am not that gorgeous, but do have a good smile.
Number three: Give only a few details about your life in the first paragraph, i.e. I live in Louisiana, then cram a second paragraph full of awards you have won for your writing. Now, when I was a librarian, I received some pretty prestigous awards, the best being the Culver Award for Outstanding Librarianship, but that gives me no creds as a writer. Personally, I've found the more awards won, the drearier the book. Unhappy ending assured. I might never have a writing award to list, but my books won't leave you depressed and saying, "Why did I ever read this?" I could give specific examples, but don't believe in dissing other writers. Again, I am cautioned not to talk about pets, children, or my last road trip, this being unprofessional. Frankly, I'd rather hear about an author's cat than some obscure award, but that's just me.
Four: Establish a feed to your blog. I managed to do this for www.romancingthejock.com almost by accident, but never did tie this one on to my profile. No matter. I am not the most prolific blogger. Once a month for both blogs is all you will ever get out of me. I so much prefer to be working on my latest novel. As I like to say, I write two of those a year whether any publisher wants them or not.
One thing I do like about blogging is getting comments, which rarely happens, and looking at my statistics so nicely provided by Blogger. Today, I learned my biggest following seems to be in Russia. Go figure. I did study Russian in high school and could greet you with the first dialog we memorized, that is to say "How are you?" "Very good, and you?" However, I have no idea how to type that in Cyrillic. Other than that, I have retained only a few stray words, most of them regarding food. See, this tidbit did not make it into my biography at all. So, Hi to my friends in Russia and good-bye for the month of March.
Friday, February 1, 2013
Samoans in Football
Last spring, I was hard at work on my new Sinners football romance, Paradise for a Sinner. A new character, Adam Malala, a Samoan cornerback, joins the team. His story required a large amount of research into the culture of American Samoa, and his conflict is deeply rooted in the customs of that country. We encounter him newly jilted by his fiancee back in the islands. She is the village virgin or princess who upholds the traditional ways and serves as a model for young women. Pala feels Adam has abandoned his origins and glories in all being a star football player provides. In the Samoan culture, personal ambition is subordinated to the good of the extended family, and those who give the most away, keeping little for themselves, are greatly lauded. Adam is caught between his two worlds. He soon takes up with Winnie Green, a newly divorced nurse. Both think a quick fling is what they need to get over their losses, but of course, they get more than they bargained for in the end. The book should be out in March or April and was long since edited before the whole Manti Te'o scandal happened.
Watching Dr. Phil and Katie Couric interview these young Samoan men made me cringe. I thought when doing my research, the island life would be wide open and rather sexy. Turns out Samoans are rather conservative having been converted by the London Missionary Society (think Puritans) centuries ago. Homosexuality is condemed in the way it is practiced today. Traditionally, a place was made for men with such impulses by allowing them to live as women and even marry. Often, they became village entertainers. But today, Samoa is not a place to be recommended for a gay couple to vacation. Even meeting a woman online would be frowned upon since families and family connections are all-important. I do believe that Te'o lied to his family about how he met this fictional woman. They would not have approved. I also think, he would have cut off the relationship if he had any idea he corresponded with a man.
As for the other guy whose name I will not attempt to spell, he described himself as sexually confused. It would be hard for him to admit to homosexual feelings so publically. I feel he did great harm to Te'o emotionally, but do doubt that such a good player will be overlooked in the draft. He might expect some harsh jokes about his situation, and I hope he has the inner strength move forward with his life. Frankly, I think his prankster is still glorying in the ruse and deserves no more notice.
I'll probably write more on other aspects of Samoan life next month. I did find the research fascinating and unexpected. My editor says Paradise for a Sinner is my best book in the series, but I am still partial to Wish for a Sinner. You will have to let me know which you like best.
Watching Dr. Phil and Katie Couric interview these young Samoan men made me cringe. I thought when doing my research, the island life would be wide open and rather sexy. Turns out Samoans are rather conservative having been converted by the London Missionary Society (think Puritans) centuries ago. Homosexuality is condemed in the way it is practiced today. Traditionally, a place was made for men with such impulses by allowing them to live as women and even marry. Often, they became village entertainers. But today, Samoa is not a place to be recommended for a gay couple to vacation. Even meeting a woman online would be frowned upon since families and family connections are all-important. I do believe that Te'o lied to his family about how he met this fictional woman. They would not have approved. I also think, he would have cut off the relationship if he had any idea he corresponded with a man.
As for the other guy whose name I will not attempt to spell, he described himself as sexually confused. It would be hard for him to admit to homosexual feelings so publically. I feel he did great harm to Te'o emotionally, but do doubt that such a good player will be overlooked in the draft. He might expect some harsh jokes about his situation, and I hope he has the inner strength move forward with his life. Frankly, I think his prankster is still glorying in the ruse and deserves no more notice.
I'll probably write more on other aspects of Samoan life next month. I did find the research fascinating and unexpected. My editor says Paradise for a Sinner is my best book in the series, but I am still partial to Wish for a Sinner. You will have to let me know which you like best.
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Promotion - What works for me - Continued
Here I am a back again in the New Year having survived the Mayan apocalypse (as did we all) and the dreaded Fiscal Cliff which was even more to be feared. I finished all my edits for my 2013 releases, A Trashy Affair, Paradise for a Sinner, and Courir de Mardi Gras. That's the good news. Now the bad - I am having knee surgery next Monday and will be laid up for six weeks or more. I do hope to spend that time working on a new Sinners novel and catching up with piles of unread books and unwatched DVD's, hopefully while eating chocolates and being waited on by friends and family, but I don't think it will be that much fun.
Other mentionables: I am participating in a new blog, www.romancingthejock.com aimed at readers of sports romances and will post once a month, my first time being January 5th. This group of twelve authors, many more talented than I, is starting things off with a bang. Visitors to the site will be entered to win a Kindle or Nook tablet or one of several gift baskets, so it is worth a look-see on your part. Now, having done my bit to promote the new site, on to what you really want to read, more promotional ideas.
Last time, I left off the one idea that helped me the most. A fellow writer of sports romances, Jami Davenport, developed a Listmania on Amazon of books with sports heroes. She graciously added my first two books, Goals for a Sinner and Wish for a Sinner. There I was co-mingled with the likes of Susan Elizabeth Phillips and Bella Andre. Soon, the Listmania (a bibliography of similar titles if I did not make that clear) appeared alongside my books on Amazon. Sales that had slacked off for my first book blossomed again and continue to grow and extend to other titles. So, if you can devise a list of well-known books similar to your own and post it, this might mean sales for you as well.
The final and most obvious advice is to write your next book. Do not spend all your time and effort trying to sell your first. If you are doing a series, this is even more important. You must have more to offer and quickly or readers will pretty much forget about you. Quickly in publishing terms means a one year period, even better if you can get two out fast in that time span. But, I caution, write them with the same care as your first or your series and sales will fizzle.
In parting before I hobble off to the hospital, welcome to my new follower, Suzanne, and have the best of New Years.
Other mentionables: I am participating in a new blog, www.romancingthejock.com aimed at readers of sports romances and will post once a month, my first time being January 5th. This group of twelve authors, many more talented than I, is starting things off with a bang. Visitors to the site will be entered to win a Kindle or Nook tablet or one of several gift baskets, so it is worth a look-see on your part. Now, having done my bit to promote the new site, on to what you really want to read, more promotional ideas.
Last time, I left off the one idea that helped me the most. A fellow writer of sports romances, Jami Davenport, developed a Listmania on Amazon of books with sports heroes. She graciously added my first two books, Goals for a Sinner and Wish for a Sinner. There I was co-mingled with the likes of Susan Elizabeth Phillips and Bella Andre. Soon, the Listmania (a bibliography of similar titles if I did not make that clear) appeared alongside my books on Amazon. Sales that had slacked off for my first book blossomed again and continue to grow and extend to other titles. So, if you can devise a list of well-known books similar to your own and post it, this might mean sales for you as well.
The final and most obvious advice is to write your next book. Do not spend all your time and effort trying to sell your first. If you are doing a series, this is even more important. You must have more to offer and quickly or readers will pretty much forget about you. Quickly in publishing terms means a one year period, even better if you can get two out fast in that time span. But, I caution, write them with the same care as your first or your series and sales will fizzle.
In parting before I hobble off to the hospital, welcome to my new follower, Suzanne, and have the best of New Years.
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Promotion - What Works?
Ah, another trick question to which I do not have an answer. But, since we are so near Christmas, I will tell you what works for me and what doesn't as a gift. Keep in mind, this does not mean it will work for you, and some of the things I have tired and failed at do work for others.
Expensive ads do not work. An investment of $350 to place an ad did not amount to one discernable sale, not even at the local bookstore. I asked myself when I ever bought a book because of an ad placed in any magazine and replied to me, "Never." I buy from reviews, book club recommendations, the word of friends, or a favorite author. All of these are free but hard to come by.
Blog tours do not work for me, though I often get offers to have one set up for me for a fee. Frankly, most bloggers will let you take over the task for nothing. I did four guest blogs for Mardi Gras Madness and Queen of the Mardi Gras Ball. Though some of the spots gave me lovely layouts, only one resulted in a few sales. It takes time and thought to create a good blog geared toward the site. So far this has not paid off for me. Yet, I will be blogging once a month at a new site, www.romancingthejock.com starting in January. Designed especially for women who love sports romances, we have a target audience. Eleven other authors are participating. If you like blogs, take a look at it. Will it increase my sales? I'll have to wait and see.
Promotional items are fun, but mostly people pick them up and do not buy your book. The wisdom here is to offer something people will take home like pens and notepads. I give away fabulous flaming foam footballs. The footballs amuse the children while the mothers browse your offerings and do have order information stuck to them. Usually, I will throw one in free with a sale or give them to any who ask nicely. As for the woman who squeezed and coveted my balls and then said she didn't want any of my books in a rather nasty manner-her I charged a dollar. I am under no illusion that any sales ever came from them. I scarf up free pens and such, but rarely even read the imprints. Bookmarks and magnets just get thrown out. Save your money.
Postcards work for me, but often not for others. However, I do not give them out wholesale and never do a mailing. Like everyone else, I order from Vista Print and design my own. The front is my bookcover, the back: a blurb, order information, and other books in the series. I give them to people who show an interest and might later order on their Nook or Kindle as a reminder. Where do I find these people-everywhere. Last night I handed out a few at a party. When I go on vacation, I give them out to other people on the tour, especially if I cannot take any of my books along. By the time I get home, I usually notice an increase in sales.
Face-to-face meetings sell books far more than book signings, though I've had good ones and bad ones. I've worked up two lectures: Adventures in E-publishing and Writing the Historical Novel. Generally, I will have sales after addressing a group and more later from those who buy the e-book. The hard part is finding places to host you and getting people to attend. I have filled entire rooms and fallen flat on my face when only two people showed up (neither bought a book). A recent readers' luncheon I attended gained me twelve new readers.
Art walks and arts and crafts fairs also work well for me, but beware of paying much money for a special booth. Unless the space is free or very cheap, I wouldn't bother. You will never make up the cost in sales. I know one man who keeps up his membership in an art group simply to sell his books at their events. He doesn't paint at all, yet always has sales.
This has gotten long and must end with wishing you Happy Holidays and a Great New Year- with lots of books sales and new contracts galore!
Expensive ads do not work. An investment of $350 to place an ad did not amount to one discernable sale, not even at the local bookstore. I asked myself when I ever bought a book because of an ad placed in any magazine and replied to me, "Never." I buy from reviews, book club recommendations, the word of friends, or a favorite author. All of these are free but hard to come by.
Blog tours do not work for me, though I often get offers to have one set up for me for a fee. Frankly, most bloggers will let you take over the task for nothing. I did four guest blogs for Mardi Gras Madness and Queen of the Mardi Gras Ball. Though some of the spots gave me lovely layouts, only one resulted in a few sales. It takes time and thought to create a good blog geared toward the site. So far this has not paid off for me. Yet, I will be blogging once a month at a new site, www.romancingthejock.com starting in January. Designed especially for women who love sports romances, we have a target audience. Eleven other authors are participating. If you like blogs, take a look at it. Will it increase my sales? I'll have to wait and see.
Promotional items are fun, but mostly people pick them up and do not buy your book. The wisdom here is to offer something people will take home like pens and notepads. I give away fabulous flaming foam footballs. The footballs amuse the children while the mothers browse your offerings and do have order information stuck to them. Usually, I will throw one in free with a sale or give them to any who ask nicely. As for the woman who squeezed and coveted my balls and then said she didn't want any of my books in a rather nasty manner-her I charged a dollar. I am under no illusion that any sales ever came from them. I scarf up free pens and such, but rarely even read the imprints. Bookmarks and magnets just get thrown out. Save your money.
Postcards work for me, but often not for others. However, I do not give them out wholesale and never do a mailing. Like everyone else, I order from Vista Print and design my own. The front is my bookcover, the back: a blurb, order information, and other books in the series. I give them to people who show an interest and might later order on their Nook or Kindle as a reminder. Where do I find these people-everywhere. Last night I handed out a few at a party. When I go on vacation, I give them out to other people on the tour, especially if I cannot take any of my books along. By the time I get home, I usually notice an increase in sales.
Face-to-face meetings sell books far more than book signings, though I've had good ones and bad ones. I've worked up two lectures: Adventures in E-publishing and Writing the Historical Novel. Generally, I will have sales after addressing a group and more later from those who buy the e-book. The hard part is finding places to host you and getting people to attend. I have filled entire rooms and fallen flat on my face when only two people showed up (neither bought a book). A recent readers' luncheon I attended gained me twelve new readers.
Art walks and arts and crafts fairs also work well for me, but beware of paying much money for a special booth. Unless the space is free or very cheap, I wouldn't bother. You will never make up the cost in sales. I know one man who keeps up his membership in an art group simply to sell his books at their events. He doesn't paint at all, yet always has sales.
This has gotten long and must end with wishing you Happy Holidays and a Great New Year- with lots of books sales and new contracts galore!
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