Authors Lounge discussion

I'm still learning the ins and outs here on GR and was curious if any of you more experienced authors have found success (or failure) by doing certain things here on Goodreads.

I've already joined a few groups, have imported friends, and completed some invites. I'm still in process of adding books I've read (with a quick star review) and marking those I intend to read (if I get a chance in between writing).

Anyway--anyone willing to offer tips so that this ol' detective can make it possible to retire from the police department and write full time, I appreciate it.

Ken Lang

Have you a blog? I can't say for certain that it's helped me get a bunch of sales, but I do get traffic to my blog through GoodReads because I have it linked up. And my blog has links to my books, and book trailers for my books and everything but a huge sign that screams "buy all of Jade's books!" It's a small, discreet sign. I'm not trying to go overboard.

Just a few words of advice, Ken, which you're probably already aware of, but I think is very important nevertheless for any author on Goodreads.

Don't join groups for the sole purpose of shamelessly flogging your work every chance you get. Readers are very adverse to authors shoving their books in their faces and screaming "Read me! Read me!" And, I can't blame them. I hate that hard-sell, too.

Instead, join groups so you can participate in interesting, stimulating conversations and discussions about books in general or other topics. I'm sure you're probably like me--if you're an author, you're also an avid reader and love to talk about anything book-related...but preferably not your own all the time! :)

The good thing is that most of the groups that I have joined here have author self-promotion folders that allow you to mention your books without fear of being accused of "spamming".

Ditto what Cheryl said. I've found just getting involved in the various forums (here, Kindleboards, MobileReads) in a relaxed fashion is far more gratifying than constantly trying to toot my own horn.

At the end of the day, I'm a reader who happens to do some writing of my own, so I try to put the emphasis on the former and not the latter.

I've even had people tell me, "hey, your book looks interesting. I just picked up a copy" more than a couple of times. That's gaining a true reader right there.

Oh, and another thing. Getting reviews for your books is very important, too, probably as much as trying to get sales. I've noticed several readers and bloggers here on Goodreads offering to review books, and I think it's a good idea to take them up on it as much as possible.

Once you've built up a few ratings and reviews, other readers are more apt to buy your books if they like what they read about them.

Yeah, what they said. If your work sits in a genre then hit that up. But folks on here hate the sales shiz. As do I. As an author myself I think it better to grow organically.
Blogging has worked for me. You can network to the blog so it isn't just sales. People can get to read you and build a following. (My blog and book is now banned in Saudi, Iran, Korea and China).

I guess I have it easier though cos my stuff is stupid.

Jade wrote: "Have you a blog? I can't say for certain that it's helped me get a bunch of sales, but I do get traffic to my blog through GoodReads because I have it linked up. And my blog has links to my books, ..."

I do have a blog and am still setting things up. I'll have to link it. Thanks for that tip!

Scott wrote: "Ditto what Cheryl said. I've found just getting involved in the various forums (here, Kindleboards, MobileReads) in a relaxed fashion is far more gratifying than constantly trying to toot my own ho..."

Excellent! This is just what I've been setting out to do--sounds like I'm in the same ballpark playing the same game.

Lol @ Jade. There is a fine line between too much and just enough. I think most of us struggle to stay on the right side of it and some people don't even seem to try.

Ken, have you thought about Twitter? While I have a love, hate relationship with it most days, I can definetly say that it has been helpful. You just have to look out for that fine line even more on Twitter. Far too many people are spam monsters. I have been today, but its a free promo day, so it's kind of acceptable. Most days I chat with people and retweet other people's work. I only tweet my own stuff when I have something new or significant going on.

Lanie,

I am quite active on Twitter (@DetKenLang) and that seems to be the catalyst for driving people to my website. I usually tweet true crime news (I'm a true crime author) and quotes. I also retweet and post questions that intrigue people to click the link associated with my website (i.e. Ever want to get into a killer's mind? http://kenlang.weebly.com/books.html)

I am also pretty active on Facebook and my blog. Its just that I am relatively new here on GR and didn't want to push the boundaries.

Thank you all for the great tips!

Ken Lang

Hi All,
I have been following this conversation and I need to clarify the part about linking my blog...I have the GR link on my blog. Is that what you mean?
Ann

You can link your blog so that it shows up on your GR profile.

Thanks =)

Hi all,

I am new to the forum. I am a first time author and my manuscript for my non-fiction business/finance book called "Profit Rocket" has just entered the design and production stage which I am very excited about! The launch on Amazon, B&N etc is scheduled for Sept 2012. I am working on my marketing plan now though.

Like Ken, I am keen to learn I can about using Goodreads and other platforms in the best possible way to help create a buzz about my book and that of other authors I wish to support so am finding this forum very useful so far.

How have you gone about getting relevant bloggers etc to review your books? I am actively trying to connect with small business and entrepreneur focussed bloggers/website owners/authors so would appreciate any suggestions for the best way to approach this

Best regards

Kelly Clifford

Kelly wrote: "Hi all,

How have you gone about getting relevant bloggers etc to review your books? I am actively trying to connect with small business and entrepreneur focussed bloggers/website owners/authors so would appreciate any suggestions for the best way to approach this..."

A lot of Googling. I searched extensively for book blogs of all kinds (those geared to YA novels, since that's my genre, those geared toward indies and ebooks, etc.) and sent out personalized emails to them. You can also find book reviewers through various GoodReads forums, and even on Twitter.

Jade wrote: "A lot of Googling. I searched extensively for book blogs of all kinds (those geared to YA novels, since that's my genre, those geared toward indies and ebooks, etc.) and sent out personalized emails to them. You can also find book reviewers through various GoodReads forums, and even on Twitter. "

Hi Jade,

Thanks for the response. That's pretty much the approach I am taking at the moment apart from Goodreads only having just joined the group. I have even identified authors in the Amazon Top 100 in my area to send them a personalised email

Thanks again Jade

Best regards

Kelly

What hasn't been mentioned so far, and can provide a bit more exposure for your book is a Goodreads Giveaway, if you have your book in hardcover or softcover. Sure, you don't want it to be your only form of marketing, but if you do it conjunction with building a presence on Goodreads, Twitter, Facebook, etc., it might help give your book a boost.

Robert,

Thanks--I've been meaning to explore how the giveaway works.

Ken Lang

You're welcome, Ken. Best of luck in your marketing endeavors. It's not easy, but if you put in the effort, you'll begin to see results.

Denise, I'm in! ;)! Looks interesting.

Oh, I don't do that! Thanks for the tip...I will start doing it. =)

Virginia wrote: "When you put up a new blog post, be sure to put your own name (pen name if you use one) in the section for labels or tags as that will make you show up more often on an actual google search. You ca..."

Smart tip, Virginia!

Yes indeed, Virginia, in 162 posts I've never done that! Thanks for that fantastic tip!

Denise wrote: "Rachel wrote: "Denise, I'm in! ;)! Looks interesting."

YAY! Thanks, Rachel! Hope you win it."

I hope I do too. :)!

Kelly wrote: How have you gone about getting relevant bloggers etc to review your books?

I agree--a lot of Googling. But here's the trick that works for me. I'm a "true crime" author and soon to be "crime novelist" (I plan to write a detective series based in Baltimore). So when I'm searching I am looking for bloggers specifically geared towards my genres. When I find them I then look for links on their site to other similar sites. And once you find one, it can be like striking gold because sometimes one site can offer up to 20 new similar sites you didn't know anything about and didn't see listed in Google or other search engines.

I keep track of these site using an Excel worksheet. That way I have all the contact information and can sort the listings to make sure I haven't doubled up on the contacts.

I'm now finding that by making these contacts I'm being invited to guest blog on those sites that don't feature a book review per se.

Hope this is helpful.

Ken Lang

Jade wrote: "Virginia wrote: "When you put up a new blog post, be sure to put your own name (pen name if you use one) in the section for labels or tags as that will make you show up more often on an actual goog..."

this is good info! I also include a section at the end of every blog that includes my name and short bio with a link to my website. Here it is:

--
Ken Lang is a former homicide detective and an award-winning author of several true crime books, including Walking Among the Dead: True Stories from a Homicide Detective. In 2011 he was named one of 50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading by The Author’s Show.

He resides in North East, Maryland with his wife and three children. To learn more about his true crime books and upcoming crime novels visit his website at www.kenlangstudios.com.

Now I've enriched the search engines again with my information pertaining to this blog! ;)


Ken Lang

Thanks for useful tips! And congrats on your award(s)!

I'm not sure if it matters for sales in the end or not. I am extremely new at this as well, but one thing that I can offer for evidence is that I posted by debut fiction novel on a goodreads e-book give-away under events for this weekend end. Over the whole weekend, with the only advertising being here on goodreads, I am looking at about 300 downloads. I paid $10 before and posted a one day listing with the kindle book review and had 411 downloads in one day.

The downloads are on Amazon, I just want people to read my book, and I am not making a penny off of it. I want people to read and enjoy my work first and foremost, if money ever comes, so be it.

For what that's worth

Thanks, Michael! My books are all currently physical only, but my husband is looking into Kindle. He'll have to do it himself since we're currently on a low income.

just review online how to do it. i use mobi creator and have excellent looking ebooks. over at smashwords you can get a list of people who will do it for you for fair rates, like 60 bucks for an entire book and work with you to tweek it.

Thanks again, Michael. Glad to hear it's not too difficult. I'm sure my husband can do it. So far, it's all been a family affair with me as writer, Ron as editor and cover creator, and his daughter as a helper in other aspects.

All good advice above. It takes time and dedication. Good luck.

Thanks, June! I often need some positive feedback.:)