K.D. Phillips's Blog

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Hey everyone,

I know it’s been a while since my last post—sorry for the long absence! I’ve been deep in the trenches of writing, and this book has been more challenging than I ever imagined.

Right now, I’m working on a novel tentatively titled The Devil’s Mile. It’s still a working title, but it fits the story well. This book weaves together two timelines—one set in the 1950s and the other in the present day, where a paranormal investigation team uncovers a tragic love story buried in the past. The characters are complex, the emotions run deep, and the connections between past and present make every chapter an intricate puzzle.

Would you believe I’ve spent four weeks writing and rewriting a single chapter? The outline is solid, but the depth of the characters means I have to take extra time to make sure their actions, thoughts, and emotions feel authentic—not just in the moment, but in relation to everything that has come before and everything still to come. It’s a slow process, but necessary to do the story justice.

Like all writers, I’m eager to push forward, finish this manuscript, and move on to the other projects waiting in the wings. But good things take time, and I appreciate your patience while I navigate this journey.

I’ll try to post more updates when I can—thanks for sticking with me!

Until next time, K.D.

Just a quick post to share the link to my latest video upload on TikTok. If you’re interested in getting a sneak peek into the world of Words Unspoken and my other projects, be sure to give it a watch! You can also explore the other videos on my profile to see what I’ve been up to in the BookTok community.

Stay tuned for more updates, and feel free to leave your thoughts and feedback in the comments. Your support means the world to me!

@kdphillips714

Looking for a great paranormal romance? Start NOW with “Words Unspoken”, Book 2 of the Leesburg Ghost Adventure Series! #booktokfyp #booktok #readingfantasy #fantasyromancebooks #paranormalromance #ghostromancebooks #ghostromance #authorsofbooktok #authorspromotingtheirbooks #authorsofbooktok #fridayreads #booklovers #booktokauthor

♬ original sound – K.D. Phillips Books and Gifts – K.D. Phillips Books and Gifts

Since releasing my latest novel, Words Unspoken, I’ve temporarily set aside the creative process of writing to dive headfirst into the whirlwind of promotion and marketing. It’s been an adventure—sometimes exhilarating, sometimes overwhelming—but every step has taught me something new.

My primary focus has been carving out a presence on BookTok, the vibrant corner of TikTok where book lovers unite. As an indie author, getting noticed in such a dynamic space is crucial, so I also opened a TikTok Shop to showcase the novels I currently have published. However, what seemed like a straightforward process at first glance quickly revealed itself to be a maze of details and challenges.

Setting up an offsite storefront on Shopify and connecting it with the TikTok Shop turned out to be more time-consuming and involved than I anticipated. The sheer amount of information required and the numerous hurdles to sync the platforms were daunting. While TikTok doesn’t require an external store, I chose to go this route for the added flexibility it offers. This way, I can showcase my Shopify storefront across various sites and social media platforms. It’s a strategic move that I believe will pay off in the long run, but it’s definitely not for the faint of heart.

Creating and posting videos on TikTok itself is relatively easy, but finding an audience is an entirely different story. I’ve had some videos soar with thousands of views, likes, and shares, while others barely made a ripple. TikTok’s algorithms are a mystery, and it’s frustrating trying to understand why one video hits the mark and another doesn’t. While the platform does provide tools to track what’s trending in specific genres like BookTok, success still feels like a game of chance. I’m constantly researching and learning from other authors who seem to have cracked the code, hoping to apply those insights to my own efforts.

In addition to my new BookTok endeavors, I’ve also explored more traditional routes like direct mail marketing on book promotion sites, though with limited success. I’m considering the possibility of organizing a “book tour” through a tour provider, which could open new doors for promotion. I’m always on the lookout for fresh opportunities to get the word out about my books, understanding more and more that marketing is a marathon, not a sprint. Every seed planted today has the potential to bloom down the road.

So, as I juggle the marketing madness with writing the next installment of the Leesburg Ghost Adventures Series, I’d love to hear from anyone with marketing tips or success stories. It’s a journey, and I’m learning that persistence is key. Wish me luck?

TikTok Page: https://www.tiktok.com/@kdphillips714

Shopify Storefront: https://c47a49-02.myshopify.com/

Hey everyone! I’m excited to share that my newest book, “Words Unspoken,” the second installment in the Leesburg Ghost Adventures Series, is officially out! To give you a sneak peek into the storyline, I’ve just posted a new video on BookTok. It provides a hint of the storyline, where Kat Jenkins, our paranormal investigator, meets the spirit of a Union Civil War Officer, leading to an unexpected and captivating relationship.

Check out the video on my BookTok channel, and stay tuned—more videos will be dropping soon with deeper insights into the characters and the series. Link below!

@kdphillips714

Looking for a great Supernatural read? Start NOW with “Words Unspoken,” book 2 of the Leesburg Ghost Adventures Series In the haunting twilight of an old Civil War battlefield, Kat Jenkins—a modern-day paranormal investigator—finds herself face-to-face with a Union Officer whose spirit remains tethered to the site of his final battle. Through whispered poetry and shared moments together, an improbable romance begins to bloom, but this burgeoning bond is threatened by more than just the boundaries of time. Follow @kdphillips714 today! Like this post. Drop a comment. Share this with a friend. Save this for later. #readingfantasy #fantasy #bookcommunity #booklove #booklovers #booknerd #booknerdigans #bookreview #bookworms #fridayreads #lovebooks #readers #readersofig #readinglist #readingcommunity #writingfantasy #writingprompts #authorsoftiktok #fantasywriting #booktokauthor #booktokghosts #booktoksupernatural

♬ original sound – K.D. Phillips Books and Gifts – K.D. Phillips Books and Gifts

Hey everyone! Sorry for the radio silence, but I’ve been incredibly busy with some exciting developments. First off, I’m thrilled to announce that my latest work, “Words Unspoken,” the second book in the Leesburg Ghost Adventures Series, is now available on Amazon! I’ve poured so much into this story, and I hope you all enjoy the read.

In addition to the book launch, I’ve been diving into some new marketing efforts. I’ve opened a new store on Shopify, set up a presence on BookTok with a fresh store there, and rolled out several direct mail campaigns. It’s been a whirlwind, but I’m excited to catch up and share all the details with you soon.

Stay tuned for more updates, and happy reading!

Dear fellow paranormal adventurers,

I’m thrilled to share some exciting news with you all regarding my latest writing endeavor. As many of you know, I’ve been hard at work on the next installment in a series that began with the paranormal tale, “Fireflies.” Today, I am delighted to announce that the series is expanding, and it now has a name: “Leesburg Ghost Adventures.”

But that’s not all—allow me to introduce you to the eagerly awaited sequel to “Fireflies”: “Words Unspoken,” just recently published.

In closing, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for your continued support and enthusiasm. Without you, none of this would be possible, and I am deeply humbled by your unwavering encouragement. Here’s to the thrilling journeys that lie ahead!

Stay tuned for more updates!

Warmest regards,

K.D.

Dear fellow paranormal adventurers,

I’m thrilled to share some exciting news with you all regarding my latest writing endeavor. As many of you know, I’ve been hard at work on the next installment in a series that began with the paranormal tale, “Fireflies.” Today, I am delighted to announce that the series is expanding, and it now has a name: “The Leesburg Ghost Tour Adventures.”

But that’s not all—allow me to introduce you to the eagerly awaited sequel to “Fireflies”: “Absolution.” Yes, you read that right! “Absolution” will be the second book in “The Leesburg Ghost Tour Adventures” series. As I delve deeper into the world of paranormal mysteries and captivating characters, I’ve realized that there’s so much more to explore, and I couldn’t be more excited to share these adventures with you.

As with any creative process, writing “Absolution” has been a journey filled with twists and turns. From the initial spark of inspiration to the final chapters, I’ve poured my heart and soul into crafting a story that I hope will captivate and enchant readers just as much as “Fireflies” did. While the manuscript is written and a title selected, I must caution that everything could change in the editing process. So, stay tuned for updates as we progress further in the drafts.

Now, I know what you’re thinking—what’s the storyline for “Absolution”? Well, I don’t want to give too much away just yet. Suffice it to say, our beloved characters will face new challenges, uncover secrets, and embark on a journey that will test their courage and resolve. But fear not, dear readers, for I promise to fill you in on all the juicy details as soon as I can.

But wait, there’s more! While “Absolution” is nearing completion, I’m already hard at work on book 3 in “The Leesburg Ghost Tour Adventures” series. With the outline phase behind us, we’re diving headfirst into chapters and beats, and I couldn’t be more excited about where this next adventure will take us.

As for a publishing date, I’m aiming for a late May release for “Absolution.” Of course, I’ll keep you updated every step of the way, and I can’t wait to share the final product with you all.

In closing, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for your continued support and enthusiasm. Without you, none of this would be possible, and I am deeply humbled by your unwavering encouragement. Here’s to “The Leesburg Ghost Tour Adventures” and the thrilling journeys that lie ahead. May they be successful and enjoyable reads for all!

Until next time, happy reading and stay tuned for more updates!

Warmest regards,

K.D.

In a previous blog post, I shared the excitement surrounding my direct email campaign for my book, “Fireflies.” The response was immediate, and I promised to keep you updated on the journey. Well, here we are, with some exciting insights to share.

Let’s dive right in.

Since the inception of “Fireflies” earlier this year, we’ve been diligently tracking its performance. Like any author, I’ve experienced the highs and lows of sales rankings. But with the recent direct email campaign, the trajectory shifted dramatically.

The first chart I’ve shared details the sales ranking of “Fireflies” since its release in January of this year. Initially, there was a steady decline in interest, which is not uncommon for new releases. However, the launch of our direct email campaign acted as a catalyst, breathing new life into the book’s visibility. Now, onto the second chart, which provides a closer examination of the sustained effects post-campaign.

Since the mail-out on March 27th, “Fireflies” has continued to shine brightly in terms of sales and visibility. This sustained buzz is a testament to the effectiveness of direct email marketing efforts.

One question that arises is whether the campaign affected Amazon algorithms.

While we can’t definitively say, the evidence strongly suggests that it did. The sustained sales and increased visibility indicate that “Fireflies” caught the attention of Amazon’s algorithms, leading to improved rankings and exposure.

So, what’s next for “Fireflies”?

Well, we’re not resting on our laurels. Building on this momentum, we’re exploring new avenues to reach even more readers. From social media campaigns to collaborations with book clubs, the journey is far from over. A new book launch promotion will be starting on April 30th with an extended reach across multiple direct email platforms. The projected audience could exceed 800 thousand targeted readers! I’ll update you on the results of this new campaign once it is completed.

In conclusion, the recent promotion for “Fireflies” has been nothing short of a triumph. It’s not just about boosting sales; it’s about igniting a passion for storytelling and connecting with readers around the world.

Thank you for being part of this incredible journey.

K.D.

I’m thrilled to share some exciting news with all of you – my latest book, “Fireflies,” has been honored with an Honorable Mention Award at the prestigious Spring 2024 The BookFest Awards! The recognition comes in the Fiction, Supernatural, Ghosts category, a testament to the otherworldly journey the book takes its readers on.

The journey of creating “Fireflies” has been one of passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to storytelling. As an author, there’s no greater satisfaction than seeing your work recognized and appreciated by readers and industry peers alike. To have “Fireflies” acknowledged by The BookFest Awards for outstanding literary achievement is truly humbling and inspiring.

I am immensely grateful to The BookFest Awards for this recognition and for providing a platform that celebrates and uplifts the literary community. Their commitment to promoting literary excellence and fostering a culture of appreciation for diverse voices and genres is commendable.

To my readers, who have embraced “Fireflies” with open hearts and minds, I am endlessly grateful. Your enthusiasm and support fuel my creativity and inspire me to continue weaving tales that captivate and resonate.

With warmest regards,

K.D.

In the fast-paced world of book marketing, authors often find themselves navigating a maze of strategies to promote their work effectively. Recently, I embarked on a marketing journey for my book ‘Fireflies,’ and today I’m excited to share the results and insights gained from this experience.

The marketing campaign for ‘Fireflies’ primarily revolved around two key channels: Facebook advertising and a direct email campaign. Let’s delve into the details of each component and dissect the outcomes.

Facebook Advertising Campaign:

The Facebook campaign, branded as ‘Readers Reach,’ spanned five days, running from March 26th to March 30th. During this period, the ad garnered significant attention, with 6,287 impressions and 368 clicks. These metrics indicate a healthy level of engagement and interest among the audience targeted through Facebook.

However, despite the attention garnered, direct purchases of the ebook were not recorded during the campaign. This might initially seem disappointing, but digging deeper into the data reveals a more nuanced picture.

Direct Email Campaign:

In addition to the Facebook campaign, a one-day direct email campaign was launched on March 27th. This targeted approximately 160,000 subscribers, aiming to create direct engagement with a sizable audience.

Similar to the Facebook campaign, direct purchases from the email campaign were not immediately evident. However, the impact on Kindle Unlimited (KENP) page reads was substantial. Within days following the promotion, over a thousand page reads were recorded, showcasing a surge in reader engagement through the Kindle Unlimited platform.

Increased Print Book Sales:

One of the most encouraging outcomes of the campaign was the noticeable uptick in print book sales. Post-promotion, ‘Fireflies’ saw a significant increase, with four copies sold compared to just one in the preceding 30 days. This surge in print sales underscores the indirect benefits of increased visibility and reader engagement.

Key Takeaways and Future Strategies:

While direct ebook sales during the campaign were not as expected, the overall impact on reader engagement and visibility has been positive. The KENP page reads, coupled with increased print sales, indicate that the campaign successfully generated interest and conversions, albeit not in the traditional sense of immediate ebook purchases.

Moving forward, it’s essential to build upon these insights for future promotions. One key strategy will be incorporating discounted pricing in the upcoming campaigns. While the initial campaign focused on the book’s full Kindle price, offering discounts can act as a powerful incentive for potential buyers.

In conclusion, marketing endeavors are often a blend of trial and error. The ‘Fireflies’ campaign highlights the importance of looking beyond direct sales metrics and considering the broader impact on reader engagement and overall visibility. With each campaign, there’s an opportunity to refine strategies, learn from outcomes, and ultimately, enhance the reach and success of the book.

As I look forward to the next promotional cycle, I’m filled with enthusiasm and a deeper understanding of the dynamics of book marketing. It’s a journey of continuous learning and adaptation, and I’m excited to see how these experiences shape future successes.

Stay tuned for more updates and insights as the ‘Fireflies’ journey continues to unfold in the dynamic world of literature and publishing.