We love it when authors share news with us and are always open to Guest Blogs from authors at Write Words, Inc.
Today is our first such guess blog, from Ann Nolder Heinz!
Congratulations Ann, on becoming an "Award Winning Novelist!"
When Write Words, Inc. accepted my book Last Stop Freedom for e-publication, my delight soon turned to terror as I contemplated the fact that I would need to market the book myself.
A complete novice, I began by searching for reputable reviewers who would agree to read the book. One such person, Sandra Heptinstall, was so enthusiastic that she urged me to enter two contests, one of which was the 2011 Royal Dragonfly e-Book Award contest.
Sandra's suggestion was particularly timely as it came mere days before the contest was due to close on November 1, allowing me to squeeze in under the wire.
I was notified on December 2 that my book had won first place for historical fiction. Needless to say, I was ecstatic!
I would urge all other authors to go this route as well. There was a $50 entry fee, but it was well worth the cost, especially now that I am able to use my first-place award to further promote my book.
Full information about the awards can be found at www.dragonflyebookawards.com.
As the author of the mystery thriller, The Mistake, and a novice to the social media, I am embarrassed to say that I created quite a mess in my marketing plan by not understanding how it works before creating sites. Fortunately, I came across Dana Lynn Smith, The Savvy Marketeer who wrote a book, Facebook Guide to Authors, who explained how Facebook is the center of the hub and all other marketing sites are the spokes. After spending a week redoing Facebook and Twitter and my blogs, adding FAN PAGES and MORE I have gained more book marketing resources, more friends, and a time saver. Without this resource and all her other invaluable help, I would have dug myself into a hole, achieving nothing in sales.
ReplyDeleteFor all of you that understand Facebook that is great. For the rest of us, these resources are essential. If I can be a help to anyone let me know.
Steve
(aka Bruce Castle)