Tips for Self Promotion, Sales, and Advertising discussion

Interesting observations, Bookseller. I've noticed this, too - wherein the authors have lots of friends, but not so many books. My strategy as far as friending authors goes is to only submit a friend request to an author if I have read and liked one of his/her books. (Of course, the author has to actually be on Goodreads, too.)

The beauty of Goodreads is that I can use it to keep track of all the books I've read - with the rankings - and I can list the books I still want to read. I was already noting books I've read, along with comments, in a bedside notebook because my memory is short, but Goodreads makes this more enjoyable. I've had problems trying to remember which books I want to read and Goodreads is a great solution for that.

That is a great post, Bookseller. It's not something I've ever noticed before, but you're right!

Bookseller,
I am quite new to the site, I want to thank you for your post. I agree, I would rather people have an open mind when they read my work, then a formatted advertisement for my work. As my second book is in the process of being registered with Bowker, I am not pressing my book. I have already enjoyed talking with a few people about other books. Not only do I get to have a personal relationship with my possible someday reader, but i get to enjoy everything this site has to offer.
I must admit, this site is very addictive. Now when i am not on here,I am back to reading like mad. I am taking a few weeks before beginning my next book, so for me, I get to actually talk to people. I think in the end it will make me a better writer. I get to listen to what people like. In addition, I get to tune more into what I like:)
Thanks again! It is nice to see the genuine side of people.

KB

Very wise advice!

Hi people, I am new here, so greetings from Tasmania. Bookseller, you really made a great point. As an author, I naturally want people to read my works; however, as I write for the love of it, I give more books away than I sell, mainly because I like to make friends with people and wait until they either bring up or ask to look at my titles. I actually got a compliment on myspace that I having made friends, I hadn't pestered them to read or purchase a book, which got me a sale. I wrote an article on thank a reader a day, on my myspace blog, as readers are treated by publishers etc as just a way to make money. I have even researched, polling readers to see how they see books, publishing etc and was surprised at the responses, which I wish agents and publishers would look at or do their own. Personally, I love being assessable to readers and other authors and yes, I can talk under water with a shipwreck and divers in my mouth and on any topic. Thanks again Bookseller for reminding us that people are important, not just the dollar in our pockets.
Blessings CJ

Over the weekend I came up with a novel idea to include readers in the writing process. Perhaps it has been used before, but not to my knowledge. On my website, I have announced a “be in my next novel’ contest. It is very simple and open to everyone. My request is to submit your first name, choice of villain or hero, and as much detail about yourself as you want to give. On December 6th, 2008, I will draw an entry at random and include that person as a character in my next Fantasy novel, Sorceress. The book will be released in 2009 and the winner will receive a free autographed copy.

What do you think?

As a publisher, and author, and a reader, Goodreads is the best of all worlds for me. I can interact with authors, I can promote our books (becasue I believe our books are worth reading), and I can let people know what I read and what I think.

I have a very outspoken nature and I am not afraid to tell people when I don't like a book, check out my profile and you will see the truth in that.

I'd like ot think that I handle my Goodreads membership with courtesy and diplomacy, both in my reading habits and my promoting habits.

Karen Syed
http://karensyed.blogspot.com

David - what a terrific idea!

I had recently included my friend's dog (Gizzy, a Pomeranian) in my manuscript Courage of the Heart (coming out Feb 2009) as a thank you to his owner Mike. Gizzy is the heroine's dog, a very minor part as he still lives at her family home.

Would you mind terribly if I used a version of this concept for a future manuscript. It is such a fun idea?

Very creative idea David. Not only does it pique the interest it also has a great word-of-mouth marketing angle.

Thank you, Trisha. I thought it was something I could have fun with and use to help promote my books. I am a little disappointed though, as I have yet to receive a single entry and it's been up on my website for a week. I will also be taking entries at four book signing events between now and the cutoff date, however, so all my eggs aren’t in one basket.

David,

Your idea is a splendid one, but I hope that you have some kind of written waiver wording on your contest entries so that you explicitly have permission to use the entrant's name, likeness, (whatever).

When real people actually are in the book, it contradicts the publisher's standard caveat, and your publisher will probably not indemnify you for the event that one of your winning contestants decides to sue you for defamation, if they change their minds.

Best wishes
Rowena Cherry

Rowena Cherry

I have 531 books on my Goodreads shelves, and 10 friends... somehow I don't think my friends list is ever going to catch up. If I send out a friend request (which I don't do often because I'm shy... and fussy, lol), it's because the person I sent it to said or wrote something which made me think, or made me laugh, or both.

I'm a writer, but I'm also a reader. If I had to give up one, it would be the former.

To Rowena

That might be an issue in a contemporary novel, but the intent here is to create a fictional character in a Fantasy world with Dragons, elves and magic. The information provided is simply a guideline for how the character will look and behave.

I will, however, announce only the first name of the winner, so only they will know their entry was drawn. If they want to tell others, then that’s fine.

David, since any aontestant would have ad to submit something in writing, either electronically or in person, you then have the "consent" - just save it.

I love your idea and as I emailed you, I am borrowing a revised version of it. It sounds like so much fun!