WHAT I'M DOING WRONG
It's been almost three years since I published my first book and in the three years since, I've published five more books and one short story. Combined, I've sold less than a thousand copies and garnered nearly four thousand free downloads. I have less than thirty reviews on Amazon. My Facebook fan count sits at 444--after two and a half of years of practically begging for every like. And let's not get started on all the bloggers I've approached with ARCs that have politely (or rudely) rejected or ignored me.
All of this leads me to one inevitable conclusion: I'm doing something wrong.
After consulting with a few other writers, doing countless hours of research, and eating my way through several pints of Ben & Jerry's while sobbing, I think I've figured it out:
1) PROFESSIONAL EDITING
I do not use a professional editing service because frankly, I can't afford one. My friend Kristin does the best she can to proofread and edit my books; I continually consult my English teacher cousin for advice; and I do dozens of read-throughs before I hit publish. Apparently, this is not enough.
Professional editing services cost a fortune, no matter who is doing the editing. I consulted over twenty editors for quotes: unless I plan to spend a minimum of $150, I'm S-O-L. Even though $150 is a small fee in the grand scheme of things, I have to support four kids on a tight budget. There is no wiggle-room to cover the editing fees. Writing does not pay the bills.
And let's face it: unless I know the book is going to do well and I'll recoup the cost, there's simply no point in going broke. If my current sales are any indication of what's waiting on the other side, I think I'll save that $150 for groceries.
2) PROFESSIONAL COVER ART
Again, money plays a HUGE factor in this department. Most graphic artists charge a starting fee of $200. And if you don't like the art, you still have to pay them. And you keep paying until you get a graphic that you will use. So, if you decide on the fifth cover, you've spent over a $1,000 in fees that you'll spend an entire year trying to recoup.
My cover art consists of photos that I've repurposed for covers (with the exception of For Foolish Pride and Before A Fall, which were done by the ever fabulous photographer Corey Carpenter). I wish I was savvy enough to design covers myself or rich enough to afford to hire someone to do covers for me. Again, I cannot justify dropping an entire paycheck from my day job to repeatedly pay for covers that may or may not pay off. While I'm aware that covers often lead to sales, you need money to afford the covers that will hopefully lead to sales.
3) BLOG TOURS
Blog tours are the about the only way indie authors will get noticed. I've never done a blog tour and it's not from a lack of trying. I've been rejected by several bloggers and after a while, you get the picture that you're the kid sister that's not wanted at the party.
Successful blog tours translate into strong sales and lots of reviews--positive or negative. I've never paid for a review although I've resorted to nearly bribing for a review--to no avail. I've learned the hard way that without backing from bloggers, you're not going to get very far and chances are, if bloggers don't like you--for whatever reason--your books will probably be DOA.
In short, make friends with bloggers. They're your key to the kingdom.
4) SOCIAL MEDIA
Once upon a time, I was an avid Twitter user. Then one day, I wasn't anymore. Even now, I randomly log on, take a look around, and log out. My Facebook page is another story. I actively post teasers, giveaways, questions, contests, etc. The same six or seven people participate and mostly, they're family and friends.
Which begs the question: what's the point to social media if no one is social with you?
Social media is undoubtedly the most important tool for becoming known and making sales. Without social media, you won't get far. I know of an author who wrote a book that was fairly decent and should definitely have made far more sales than it currently has; however, she refuses to do any marketing for it. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but sweetie, you won't go far.
Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, MySpace (does this still even exist?), AbsoluteWrite, and countless other media forums are helpful for marketing yourself and your work. Use it wisely.
THE BIG PICTURE
Why am I sharing this with you? Not for pity, I promise, but to help you. Do as I say and not as I do. Hopefully, you'll have far greater success than I did.
Hire a professional editor. Employ a professional graphic artist. Make friends with bloggers. Use social media wisely.
Seriously, do as I say...and whatever you do, don't follow in my footsteps. I'm headed towards the cliff.
All of this leads me to one inevitable conclusion: I'm doing something wrong.
After consulting with a few other writers, doing countless hours of research, and eating my way through several pints of Ben & Jerry's while sobbing, I think I've figured it out:
1) PROFESSIONAL EDITING
I do not use a professional editing service because frankly, I can't afford one. My friend Kristin does the best she can to proofread and edit my books; I continually consult my English teacher cousin for advice; and I do dozens of read-throughs before I hit publish. Apparently, this is not enough.
Professional editing services cost a fortune, no matter who is doing the editing. I consulted over twenty editors for quotes: unless I plan to spend a minimum of $150, I'm S-O-L. Even though $150 is a small fee in the grand scheme of things, I have to support four kids on a tight budget. There is no wiggle-room to cover the editing fees. Writing does not pay the bills.
And let's face it: unless I know the book is going to do well and I'll recoup the cost, there's simply no point in going broke. If my current sales are any indication of what's waiting on the other side, I think I'll save that $150 for groceries.
2) PROFESSIONAL COVER ART
Again, money plays a HUGE factor in this department. Most graphic artists charge a starting fee of $200. And if you don't like the art, you still have to pay them. And you keep paying until you get a graphic that you will use. So, if you decide on the fifth cover, you've spent over a $1,000 in fees that you'll spend an entire year trying to recoup.
My cover art consists of photos that I've repurposed for covers (with the exception of For Foolish Pride and Before A Fall, which were done by the ever fabulous photographer Corey Carpenter). I wish I was savvy enough to design covers myself or rich enough to afford to hire someone to do covers for me. Again, I cannot justify dropping an entire paycheck from my day job to repeatedly pay for covers that may or may not pay off. While I'm aware that covers often lead to sales, you need money to afford the covers that will hopefully lead to sales.
3) BLOG TOURS
Blog tours are the about the only way indie authors will get noticed. I've never done a blog tour and it's not from a lack of trying. I've been rejected by several bloggers and after a while, you get the picture that you're the kid sister that's not wanted at the party.
Successful blog tours translate into strong sales and lots of reviews--positive or negative. I've never paid for a review although I've resorted to nearly bribing for a review--to no avail. I've learned the hard way that without backing from bloggers, you're not going to get very far and chances are, if bloggers don't like you--for whatever reason--your books will probably be DOA.
In short, make friends with bloggers. They're your key to the kingdom.
4) SOCIAL MEDIA
Once upon a time, I was an avid Twitter user. Then one day, I wasn't anymore. Even now, I randomly log on, take a look around, and log out. My Facebook page is another story. I actively post teasers, giveaways, questions, contests, etc. The same six or seven people participate and mostly, they're family and friends.
Which begs the question: what's the point to social media if no one is social with you?
Social media is undoubtedly the most important tool for becoming known and making sales. Without social media, you won't get far. I know of an author who wrote a book that was fairly decent and should definitely have made far more sales than it currently has; however, she refuses to do any marketing for it. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but sweetie, you won't go far.
Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, MySpace (does this still even exist?), AbsoluteWrite, and countless other media forums are helpful for marketing yourself and your work. Use it wisely.
THE BIG PICTURE
Why am I sharing this with you? Not for pity, I promise, but to help you. Do as I say and not as I do. Hopefully, you'll have far greater success than I did.
Hire a professional editor. Employ a professional graphic artist. Make friends with bloggers. Use social media wisely.
Seriously, do as I say...and whatever you do, don't follow in my footsteps. I'm headed towards the cliff.
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