Ask the Author: Cameron M. Hayden
Answered Questions (5)
Cameron M. Hayden
The last person on earth sat in his bedroom, staring at the telephone in the corner. A moment later, it started to ring.
Cameron M. Hayden
Hi Dan, thanks for the question.
I've done at least four giveaways on Goodreads at this point. I think they can be effective so long as you don't pour too much money into them. For example, the number of books you give away does not seem to have an effect on how many people enter the giveaway. Therefore, I only ever offer one copy at a time.
Also, while giving away signed copies is fun, the first time I did it I realized it was much more effort and more shipping costs (since I had to have the books first delivered to me so I could sign them, then delivered to the winners.) However, if you've already got the copies on hand, it's probably a good idea to give signed copies.
The giveaways do occasionally get reviews (two to date) but where they seem most valuable is getting the books on people shelves. They may take weeks or months before they get to them (if they ever do), but just by adding a book everyone on their friend's list sees the book too, so there's some value there, and may have resulted in a dozen reviews or so.
Overall, I'd say the giveaway feature has been very helpful, but it can be a money-sink if you're not careful. I still recommend it though.
I think combining the giveaway feature with a social media presence is key. I usually use my Facebook page & group (http://facebook.com/cameronmhayden).
My goal is 500 ratings for my first book. Here's hoping!
I've done at least four giveaways on Goodreads at this point. I think they can be effective so long as you don't pour too much money into them. For example, the number of books you give away does not seem to have an effect on how many people enter the giveaway. Therefore, I only ever offer one copy at a time.
Also, while giving away signed copies is fun, the first time I did it I realized it was much more effort and more shipping costs (since I had to have the books first delivered to me so I could sign them, then delivered to the winners.) However, if you've already got the copies on hand, it's probably a good idea to give signed copies.
The giveaways do occasionally get reviews (two to date) but where they seem most valuable is getting the books on people shelves. They may take weeks or months before they get to them (if they ever do), but just by adding a book everyone on their friend's list sees the book too, so there's some value there, and may have resulted in a dozen reviews or so.
Overall, I'd say the giveaway feature has been very helpful, but it can be a money-sink if you're not careful. I still recommend it though.
I think combining the giveaway feature with a social media presence is key. I usually use my Facebook page & group (http://facebook.com/cameronmhayden).
My goal is 500 ratings for my first book. Here's hoping!
Cameron M. Hayden
Book 3 of the Arclight Saga, ALL THE GODS BELOW.
Cameron M. Hayden
Thank you for your question, Kelley! There are many different female characters throughout the saga that are not villains! Off the top of my head:
Nima (Taro's sister)
Suri (A recruit in the Magisterium)
Kyra (A tribune in the Magisterium)
Era (Taro's mother)
Moira (the head librarian)
Sivion (the dragon queen, appears in Book 2)
Meia (Appears in Book 2)
Kadia (Vexis' sister)
I also don't consider Magister Ross to be a villain, but I suppose that's debatable.
Nima (Taro's sister)
Suri (A recruit in the Magisterium)
Kyra (A tribune in the Magisterium)
Era (Taro's mother)
Moira (the head librarian)
Sivion (the dragon queen, appears in Book 2)
Meia (Appears in Book 2)
Kadia (Vexis' sister)
I also don't consider Magister Ross to be a villain, but I suppose that's debatable.
Cameron M. Hayden
Write something every single day.
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