Maria Gibbs's Blog
March 9, 2015
Pay it forward for authors - Revised
I have been playing around with the idea of authors helping each other ever since I embarked on my second full-time job at the beginning of January. Self-published author with no contacts, no experience in marketing, in fact, no one but myself to do everything that needs doing.
I have had some advice from some kind, helpful authors who have already trodden the well-worn path. I have joined many groups on Facebook and Google+ some of which I have enjoyed being part of or reading comments on even though pressed for time. There are wonderful review groups, groups to chat about what you have read and all things book. On some of these groups, you can't share links to your work, or you can occasionally share and understandably so. These groups are about so much more. Are we really trying to sell to each other though? Is another author our main target audience? Yes, of course, authors read, it is part of the job description but do they want to be inundated with links to other authors books?
I have approached reviewers, some of whom have kindly left me a review; some haven't responded as they have a backload of requests. Some have put me on their lists and for all of those I am grateful. Despite the many hours spent finding reviewers, doing the social media rounds and trying to come up with visually pleasing boards to advertise my books I am still struggling to get noticed. Of course, it is only early days, and I certainly wasn't expecting to make my fortune but I do need to do something. I need to engage my creativity to find a solution for the struggle to spread the word, not only for me but other authors too.
I had an idea before of authors buying and reviewing each other's work (not new or original, not claiming to have come up with a revolutionary concept) on a scale that they find acceptable. But it would seem that this isn't necessarily the way forward. It is hard to be critical of another's work, and some authors don't reciprocate.
So I have adapted the idea somewhat and have set up a Facebook group. The idea is that you post a link to your book(s) and then share someone else's link on Facebook, Twitter or any other form of social media that you wish to use. The one you choose may not be a genre that you read personally. You have a wide range of friends, who will have varying tastes in books. They may enjoy having access to books that otherwise may not be brought to their attention, especially those of a self-published, indie author.
I don't suggest you share every link by every author; you will lose Facebook friends rapidly if you do that. Just as you share theirs, they will share yours. The novel, short story, novella that you poured your heart and soul into will have the opportunity to reach a wider following.
Come and join us, help the little group grow and hopefully take your writing to a whole new audience.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/34114...
I have had some advice from some kind, helpful authors who have already trodden the well-worn path. I have joined many groups on Facebook and Google+ some of which I have enjoyed being part of or reading comments on even though pressed for time. There are wonderful review groups, groups to chat about what you have read and all things book. On some of these groups, you can't share links to your work, or you can occasionally share and understandably so. These groups are about so much more. Are we really trying to sell to each other though? Is another author our main target audience? Yes, of course, authors read, it is part of the job description but do they want to be inundated with links to other authors books?
I have approached reviewers, some of whom have kindly left me a review; some haven't responded as they have a backload of requests. Some have put me on their lists and for all of those I am grateful. Despite the many hours spent finding reviewers, doing the social media rounds and trying to come up with visually pleasing boards to advertise my books I am still struggling to get noticed. Of course, it is only early days, and I certainly wasn't expecting to make my fortune but I do need to do something. I need to engage my creativity to find a solution for the struggle to spread the word, not only for me but other authors too.
I had an idea before of authors buying and reviewing each other's work (not new or original, not claiming to have come up with a revolutionary concept) on a scale that they find acceptable. But it would seem that this isn't necessarily the way forward. It is hard to be critical of another's work, and some authors don't reciprocate.
So I have adapted the idea somewhat and have set up a Facebook group. The idea is that you post a link to your book(s) and then share someone else's link on Facebook, Twitter or any other form of social media that you wish to use. The one you choose may not be a genre that you read personally. You have a wide range of friends, who will have varying tastes in books. They may enjoy having access to books that otherwise may not be brought to their attention, especially those of a self-published, indie author.
I don't suggest you share every link by every author; you will lose Facebook friends rapidly if you do that. Just as you share theirs, they will share yours. The novel, short story, novella that you poured your heart and soul into will have the opportunity to reach a wider following.
Come and join us, help the little group grow and hopefully take your writing to a whole new audience.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/34114...
February 24, 2015
Self publishing - Reviews & the love of writing
So what I am learning is that reviews are the way to get your self-published books noticed. To all those people who read a book whether because they bought it to support a friend, relative or because someone recommended it to you: if you enjoyed it please let other people know, you can do that by telling your colleague at work who likes to read or your best friend's,cousin's, auntie but a key factor especially for self-published authors is for that review to be posted online. If you bought it via Amazon you could leave it on Amazon, in fact, you could post on there even if you didn't buy it. You just add that it was an ARC (Advanced Reader's Copy) given to you in exchange for an unbiased review. Or you can post on Goodreads, if you are feeling very generous you can type up the review on Amazon, copy & paste it into Goodreads.
We all like praise and knowing that what we are doing is appreciated by others, authors are no exception in this; we've poured a whole lot of ourselves into this and to know that people have enjoyed it is great. Constructive criticism doesn't hurt either but if you have nothing good to say about a book then not leaving a review is the kindest thing you can do. Not only does this review serve the purpose of bringing a smile to the face of the struggling, overworked, underpaid author but it also lets other people know that it is worth a read. If you enjoyed so might they. They may never have heard of this author, but the glowing terms in which you referred to this book may make them read the sample, then with any luck they will be hooked and want to read on.
Not only are the reviews of family, friends, friends of friends important but authors also need to court the attention of reviewers. People who receive ARC in exchange for an honest review. These reviewers may have followers, people who respect their opinions who will buy books on their say so. They may have an Amazon rating, for example, top 1000, top 500, etc...
So the part-time career I embarked upon when I self-published my first short story has grown into this monster of epic proportions. It now transpires that I have two full-time jobs, one I get paid well (ish) for and the other I do for the love of writing and the hope that one day I may achieve a living from it. If this life were a script for my next book, I might even write myself a fortune for my hard work. So if I were not out at the moment, needing to ride my scooter home, I would raise a glass of wine and toast "To the love of writing."
We all like praise and knowing that what we are doing is appreciated by others, authors are no exception in this; we've poured a whole lot of ourselves into this and to know that people have enjoyed it is great. Constructive criticism doesn't hurt either but if you have nothing good to say about a book then not leaving a review is the kindest thing you can do. Not only does this review serve the purpose of bringing a smile to the face of the struggling, overworked, underpaid author but it also lets other people know that it is worth a read. If you enjoyed so might they. They may never have heard of this author, but the glowing terms in which you referred to this book may make them read the sample, then with any luck they will be hooked and want to read on.
Not only are the reviews of family, friends, friends of friends important but authors also need to court the attention of reviewers. People who receive ARC in exchange for an honest review. These reviewers may have followers, people who respect their opinions who will buy books on their say so. They may have an Amazon rating, for example, top 1000, top 500, etc...
So the part-time career I embarked upon when I self-published my first short story has grown into this monster of epic proportions. It now transpires that I have two full-time jobs, one I get paid well (ish) for and the other I do for the love of writing and the hope that one day I may achieve a living from it. If this life were a script for my next book, I might even write myself a fortune for my hard work. So if I were not out at the moment, needing to ride my scooter home, I would raise a glass of wine and toast "To the love of writing."
January 31, 2015
Self-Publishing - Three weeks on
The first thing I learnt after self-publishing my short story was that I hadn't worked out how to get my short story out there. I had been so busy focusing on the writing that I didn't make time for anything else. The last three weeks have been a steep learning curve during which time I have started to focus on social media and trying to make a brand for myself. I have connected with groups, some more than others and found that it is something I have enjoyed. I went from 69 Twitter followers to 564, but that doesn't necessarily equate to sales. I have a website that is growing which I am quietly pleased about. I have set up on WriteHere, Google+, Goodreads and Amazon Author. I have learned to do visual displays, PowerPoint videos and pictures. I will never set the world alight with them, but they do get noticed.
I have been bombarded with private messages desperately begging me to click a link, buy a book or whatever else, and I have to say that desperation is off-putting. I can only hope my posts don't come across that way. I have also linked up with some genuinely nice people who have shared their experiences and tips and with whom I too have shared mine.
Everyone has said how fast this month is going but for me these three weeks have been rather surreal. It feels as though it was six months ago that I realised "As Dreams Are Made On.", but maybe that is because I have been so busy.
I would like to reiterate the need to thank all the people who have supported me; whether that be because, they bought a copy, read, reviewed, shared it or just sent me encouraging words. I have to say that I hadn't realised how much of an ask it is to get someone you know to read and review your book. I would appreciate honest feedback though, positives on Amazon and Goodreads please and anything else in Private Message.
I have, when time allows, been working on short story number two, "A Lifetime or a Season." I have a better idea now of what to expect and what I need to focus on.
Anyone who thinks that writing is easy, think again. You do it because you love it, but it is like any other job. There are aspects you dislike, bits you would rather not do, times that you have to push yourself out of your comfort zone. People who you may not wish to have interaction with and those that it is a pleasure to communicate with.
So if anyone is reading this is an aspiring author who may tread a similar path I would advise them to build their networks first. Enjoy the process, it is, after all, a means to the end, and the end is your dream. Get someone to read over your work, someone who can be objective, make it clear you won't be hurt by constructive criticism, better from them than when you publish. Description is great, being overly descriptive bores the audience. Describing the same things in two different ways is just showing off our knowledge of words it does nothing for the story.
Feedback I had from a good source:
I had written something like "pulled into the horror of a nightmare."
Don't treat the reader as though they are stupid, they know the definition of a nightmare, so the word horror is surplus to requirements.
If you can't get someone to do it, then try to do it as objectively as you can, trying to change hats and be an editor, not an author.
As in all things, sincerity and honesty come across even in the widest arena we have which is the internet. We are lucky to have these tools at our disposal nowadays. If you have a low day, allow it, pick yourself up, dust yourself off and continue on with renewed vigour the next day.
I have been bombarded with private messages desperately begging me to click a link, buy a book or whatever else, and I have to say that desperation is off-putting. I can only hope my posts don't come across that way. I have also linked up with some genuinely nice people who have shared their experiences and tips and with whom I too have shared mine.
Everyone has said how fast this month is going but for me these three weeks have been rather surreal. It feels as though it was six months ago that I realised "As Dreams Are Made On.", but maybe that is because I have been so busy.
I would like to reiterate the need to thank all the people who have supported me; whether that be because, they bought a copy, read, reviewed, shared it or just sent me encouraging words. I have to say that I hadn't realised how much of an ask it is to get someone you know to read and review your book. I would appreciate honest feedback though, positives on Amazon and Goodreads please and anything else in Private Message.
I have, when time allows, been working on short story number two, "A Lifetime or a Season." I have a better idea now of what to expect and what I need to focus on.
Anyone who thinks that writing is easy, think again. You do it because you love it, but it is like any other job. There are aspects you dislike, bits you would rather not do, times that you have to push yourself out of your comfort zone. People who you may not wish to have interaction with and those that it is a pleasure to communicate with.
So if anyone is reading this is an aspiring author who may tread a similar path I would advise them to build their networks first. Enjoy the process, it is, after all, a means to the end, and the end is your dream. Get someone to read over your work, someone who can be objective, make it clear you won't be hurt by constructive criticism, better from them than when you publish. Description is great, being overly descriptive bores the audience. Describing the same things in two different ways is just showing off our knowledge of words it does nothing for the story.
Feedback I had from a good source:
I had written something like "pulled into the horror of a nightmare."
Don't treat the reader as though they are stupid, they know the definition of a nightmare, so the word horror is surplus to requirements.
If you can't get someone to do it, then try to do it as objectively as you can, trying to change hats and be an editor, not an author.
As in all things, sincerity and honesty come across even in the widest arena we have which is the internet. We are lucky to have these tools at our disposal nowadays. If you have a low day, allow it, pick yourself up, dust yourself off and continue on with renewed vigour the next day.
Excerpt - "As Dreams Are Made On."
"We are such stuff
As dreams are made on, and our little life
Is rounded with a sleep."
Prospero, The Tempest
William Shakespeare
Chapter 1
I fought the creepy fingers of sleep like a wounded fox limping from a pack of baying hounds. The nightmare pulled me from the comfort of my memory foam mattress and flung me back into the deprived streets of a bygone age. I lifted the ends of my green, satin, dress out of the filth that caked the road. I could feel the eyes of its inhabitants following me as I crept along, fearful and ever watchful.
“Ear luv; buy some lucky heather.” The toothless crone reached out her gnarled fingers and touched my hair.
I cowered away, retching at the smell emanating from her. I felt sure that lice now crawled through my hair.
“I'm sorry… I don’t have any money.” I trembled, praying that my rescuer would come soon and take me to safety.
Her fingers pawed at my dress, resplendent and beautiful. I could never wear it again. I looked at her tatty grey dress and black shawl, covered in a multitude of patches.
“Tis a bonny dress you be wearing. I'm sure you must have a penny to spare for a worthless wretch like me.”
I could see the others converging on me, clothes ragged, hunger in their eyes and their emaciated bodies. I started backing away, one tiny footstep at a time, my dainty slippers little protection against the cold stone. I saw the rancid bare feet of my tormentors as they continued their slow, inexorable march towards me. I was cornered. Sweat broke out on my brow. What will they do to me?
As dreams are made on, and our little life
Is rounded with a sleep."
Prospero, The Tempest
William Shakespeare
Chapter 1
I fought the creepy fingers of sleep like a wounded fox limping from a pack of baying hounds. The nightmare pulled me from the comfort of my memory foam mattress and flung me back into the deprived streets of a bygone age. I lifted the ends of my green, satin, dress out of the filth that caked the road. I could feel the eyes of its inhabitants following me as I crept along, fearful and ever watchful.
“Ear luv; buy some lucky heather.” The toothless crone reached out her gnarled fingers and touched my hair.
I cowered away, retching at the smell emanating from her. I felt sure that lice now crawled through my hair.
“I'm sorry… I don’t have any money.” I trembled, praying that my rescuer would come soon and take me to safety.
Her fingers pawed at my dress, resplendent and beautiful. I could never wear it again. I looked at her tatty grey dress and black shawl, covered in a multitude of patches.
“Tis a bonny dress you be wearing. I'm sure you must have a penny to spare for a worthless wretch like me.”
I could see the others converging on me, clothes ragged, hunger in their eyes and their emaciated bodies. I started backing away, one tiny footstep at a time, my dainty slippers little protection against the cold stone. I saw the rancid bare feet of my tormentors as they continued their slow, inexorable march towards me. I was cornered. Sweat broke out on my brow. What will they do to me?
