Networking and promoting, what works?

[Jessica Crawford Vernold]

What methods of book promotion and marketing have worked best for you? Basically, how do you get the most bang for your buck? I am looking to network with people like everyone here. I would love to here ideas and advice on how I can promote my book and site, what has worked best for everyone else, and trade secrets. If we can network to help each other, that is great.

[Robert Lee Beers]

Sounds interesting. Do you have more details?

[Justin Bienvenue]

Hey Jessica, I am looking for the same exact thing on here, in fact its why I joined this site. Someone from Goodreads recommended it to me so here I am. I would definitely be more than happy to share ideas on promoting and advice with you, while my book hasn't done much I can share some tips with you that have worked for me. I am here get help and help others any way I can.

[Julia Hughes]

I'm interested in doing a book tour with other indies who have more talent than money:) I twitter, facebook and am on goodreads. One thing I've noticed is that sales do pick up momentum with time on Amazon. I think this may be because if a reader purchases a book in the same genre as yours, Amazon will then present them with 'Other people who bought this book also bought xyz. So as more people purchase your book, it gets more exposure as a suggestion by Amazon.

 

Julia Hughes @Tinkertoldmeto

A Raucous Time

A Ripple in Time

First chapter of WIP available for comment on Goodreads.

[ManOfLaBook.com]

If  you haven't looked at the list of bestsellers in a few decades, money is more important than talent :)

 

http://www.ManOfLaBook.com

[Jessica Crawford Vernold]

Hey if anyone is interested in any of the following please let me know:

 receive a copy of my book (ebook or print) in exchange for promo or feature on your blog and or site and tweet it.

review my book

exchage web site links with me ( i post yours to mine and vice versa)

trade services with me ( I review you, you review me or tweet for tweet etc.)

http://www.readthekeeper.com

 

[Jessica Crawford Vernold]

I am giving away a couple of books on goodreads if interested.

 

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10752283-the-keeper

[Robert Lee Beers]

Hi guys. I checked out the Dreamonus (Dream On Us) site. There doesn't seem to be a way for those of us not with the big name publishers to use it to promote our books. It is, however a way to get a few freebies if you want, but promotion? No, not so much.

[Jessica Crawford Vernold]

Robert, I noticed there was no easy way to offer books also, however, I emailed them through the contact link and they responded with two days with instructions on how to offer your books. They don't charge you unless you get at least 100 shares ( entries), then it is $19. fairly reasonable.

[Robert Lee Beers]

I created a group that should help with promotions, especially if my fellow bookbloggers get involved, http://bookblogs.ning.com/group/sample-chapters. It is set up for authors to post their cover and a sample chapter, but since this site is so massive I'm doing a bit of promotion.

[Untreed Reads]

One thing which is very difficult to escape is selling the book as an extension of yourself. Not everyone is keen to put themselves out there but fans of books, music, movies, etc., really react well to the personality behind their favorite media. Having a blog, as has been suggested by most folks here, is one way to introduce yourself, and therefore your work, to the world. Interact with people, start a conversation instead of dictating. Another great way to develop a relationship with possible readers is by being active on Goodreads, Amazon, anywhere there's a forum for you to virtually meet people, share your thoughts, and listen to theirs.

It takes time. It's also cheaper and easier than covering your car in an advertisement.

One thing we try to get our authors to do is meet with the public whenever they can. People here have already mentioned genre conventions but you should also approach your local library to see if they host author readings. Local newspapers love filling column inches with local celebrities, especially on the weekends. Book stores host talks all the time. Make a little noise in your own town and other towns start to notice. If you're lucky word begins to spread and people are contacting you, not the other way around.

[Jessica Crawford Vernold]

great advice. I agree. It is definitly a process though. No rushing it.

[Marie Symeou]

I blog, tweet and facebook, and recently joined goodreads and kindleboards. I try to do this every day, though it's not always possible. And I've recently set up a website http://mariesymeou.com/

Also currently giving away a free ebook copy of one of my novels. Check out my blog for details. http://marie-deepthinker.blogspot.com/2011/11/free-ebook.html?spref=tw