Next Step: Promo

So... although I still don't have my contract yet (haven't been able to think of a suitable new title -- the one I thought up already exists at the publisher....almost... so I can't have it :::pouts:::), I'm trying to think ahead to the dreaded: PROMOTION.

What works?

What doesn't?

I've been stalking author Sandy Lender on her virtual book tour for her novel "Choices Meant for Gods" this past week... and will most likely continue to stalk her through the tour. Check out her cool banner:



The place putting her tour together, Goddess Fish Promotions, also has other tours and various "things" they do: trailers, banners, etc.

And this got me to thinking... do they work? I think the biggest thing to do is get your name out there. Get people to see you and network, etc. Banners are awesome and cover ads, too. Will you get a zillion sales off of them? Maybe not -- but people will SEE you and your cover and eventually (or at least I work this way) will be curious enough to check it and you out.

Yes?

I love book trailers. Love watching them and they've, more than once, at least encouraged me to check out a book or short story further. Do I always buy? Nope... but sometimes I do.

I admit to being a pretty visual person, and bad covers really turn me off, so I'm praying to the cover gods for an awesome one. I admit that it's really, really hard for me to overcome an icky cover in order to buy a book -- even if it's come highly recommended from someone I trust.

Still...gotta focus...

Promo.

What do YOU think works? Why do you buy a book (especially from a new-to-you author)?

I really, really want to know.

If Kealie Can Do It...

... I didn't remember what day it was either! Must be a crazy week at the zoo, er, Menagerie *G*.

I have a free erotic short story that will run TOMORROW (Thursday the 25th) at the Whipped Cream Reviews website. The link will be on their story page (right now it's Kealie's story, which is good, too!!) - here.

I was glad they folks there liked it, as I was a little disheartened today. It seems as though the publishing house I was writing my short story for (over there on the sidebar) may not be interested in it because it's about a married couple. And they may not consider it a romance, per se.

So, I have decisions to make (though I may still submit there, and give them the chance to say no):

Do I -

1. Make them not married?
2. Make the story edgier to fit another publishing house or, along those lines make it longer to fit somewhere else?
3. Toss it into the computer's recycle bin.

Decisions, decisions....

But, at least SOMEONE likes my writing! So, after you go look (on Thursday!), I'd love to hear what you think.

Shameless...

Self Promotion is the phrase of the day!

I am running VERY late today, and I sat here staring at the screen trying to figure out what I should blog about. Since nothing else came to me... y'all get my shameless self-promotion. :-)

Another one of my short stories went up this last Thursday at Whipped Cream and I've had some good responses to it. What do you think? Can I hack it, or should I just give up now? LOL

Go take a look (it's a free read) and let me know what you think... since I can't think of anything else to blog about today (it's been one of those weeks).