I started getting published about five years ago. It has been an interesting evolution. Everything has changed from my genre to my publishing outlet to my pen name to my marketing.

I started out writing M/M romance exclusively. Slowly started to include het romance and then removing the sex scenes and then getting younger with my audience.

here’s the link!

My last book, A Zombie’s Guide to Being Dead was released in December 2015 as a kindle book and print book. And anyone of any age who likes zombies and/or contemporary romance would probably have a good laugh reading it.

The book that I am currently working on though-a YA Cinderella steampunk/sci-fi retelling, Cinder Unit: Book One of the Duplicate Series- is the first thing that I’ve written in a long time that I think is so incredibly me that I absolutely have to put my all into in.

I was projecting to have the writing done by march, but I finished the novel early! (I was a little overly excited when my writers block passed) And I am planning to publish in the summer or fall 2016, depending on circumstances.

But before that, and for the first time, I am properly going to market this book well before its release date.

I’ve been doing a lot of research, reading books and blogs and scouring the kindle community and nanowrimo forums and loads of other places in search of my plan of action.

Here is the list that I have so far and in the order that I will proceed in.


Document my editing process through my blog! (This one is an easy and fun way to gather like minded writers and readers interested in the craft)


I will begin to share quotes and images through twitter and facebook (To gain interest from people who enjoy the YA/fairytale retelling/romance/steampunk genres)


I will create the book’s profile on goodreads. (My favourite website ever, btw)


I will have the cover completed.


I will schedule a cover reveal and free excerpt of Cinder Unit to be released at the same time on this blog and various other websites. (they will be shared between all of my twitter accounts, websites, facebook, author pages on goodreads and amazon and any other book related sites that I know of that do such promotions)


Once Cinder Unit has been edited to perfection I will submit it to review sites. (List to come!)


I will contact bloggers in order to do a blog tour! (I’ll write a post about this soon too!)


Reviews will be added to the books info as I add it to Kindle Scout! (learn more about Kindle Scout here, its pretty cool!)


During Cinder Unit’s 30 day campaign on Kindle Scout, I will have my blog tour!


Hopefully, Cinder Unit will be chosen for publication following that, but if not, everyone who voted for my book will still be notified upon its release!


I will schedule a goodreads giveaway for the longest time possible. (In order to gain as much attention as possible)


I will schedule my book release to be at least a month after the giveaway campaign has ended to give the winners time to read/review on goodreads before the book is even out.


I will post relevant reviews from reputed sources into the description for my book on amazon. (this can be done with any book selling sites)


I will find the optimum tags and categories to place my novel into. (There is a system for this. It takes time but I will walk through it in a future post)


I will make my  book available to preorder (if it isn’t selected by kindle scout) for the full 90 days. (the more preorders, the higher the rank will be when it is released)

 

Phew! That is a little overwhelming, I’ll admit. BUT, I am giving myself loads of time. Maybe too much time, but we will see. I have some very big shoes to fill in this genre (the top book under YA Steampunk is currently The Golden Compass!) but I still want to make a mark in the genre and hit my target audience.

So with that in mind I will work toward my goals and take it one step at a time. If Cinder Unit is selected for publication by Kindle Scout, the timeline will drastically change. If not, then I am using their platform for additional advertising.

Wish me luck and also, I am always looking for more marketing ideas and tips. If you have any, feel free to share!