Tag: Children’s literature

Do you know the definition of insanity?

Published on by Jean M. Cogdell7 Comments

Me!

Doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result.

I’ve been working on learning how to use Kindle Kids Book Creator for my new picture book. This is to release it in e-version.

Well, the squirrels in my head have been spinning on their little wheels and getting nowhere, for the past week. Why?

Because, the Kindle Previewer only shows what the book will look like in Kindle products, not in Kindle apps on an Ipad or Iphone. This was driving me nuts.

I spent days pouring over the internet, sending out questions on Twitter and Facebook. I finally found the answer.

The reason why no one else reported this problem is… Drum roll, please! 

There is no problem! Duh!

You heard me.

Once published in .mobi format, Amazon converts book to the correct format for an Ipad. 

Click here and read a great article from EBook Architects  which explains everything you need to know about publishing ebooks. 

Now I can move on and get going with the rest of my stuff. After I take something for this massive headache a result of days head banging on desk.

Stay tuned, I’ll eventually get this Reluctant Princess to the end.

Any of y’all ever published a book with KKBC? 

What program did you use to publish your picture book?

Talk to me, the lights on and comments are now open.

You can find me on Twitter @jeancogdell, Facebook at jean.cogdelland Amazon.com, stop by and say hey! Please remember to click and share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.

Here is the final cover…

a 9 canva cover square front

 

 

 

How to sell your book with a target audience

Published on by Jean M. Cogdell16 Comments

On this subject, I’m totally clueless.

There I said it. They say the first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem. Well, I don’t know about you, but this is a problem for me.

I’ve never been good at the sell!

book_sale

One thing I’ve learned through this process. Targeting an audience begins with the title of your book. This is something I didn’t realize until now.

I’ve now discovered the audience for my upcoming book is preschoolers. That means my target audience is their parents or grandparents. Right? Because preschoolers can’t order books on Amazon at least not without a little help.

So, what’s next? I can’t lurk in the parking lot at Tiny Tot’s Preschool as parents drop off their kids. That might get me a lot of publicity but not exactly the type I need.

Step 1- my target audience:

  • Moms, Dads, and Grandparents
  • Little girls with big imaginations
  • Ages 1-5

Step 2 – where they hang out:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Online publications
  • Local Libary

Now what?

Y’all have any suggestions?

Talk to me, the lights on and comments are now open.

Keep reading great links at the bottom of the page!

You can find me on Twitter @jeancogdell, Facebook at jean.cogdelland Amazon.com, stop by and say hey! Please remember to click and share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.

Do You Waste Time Marketing Your Book To The Wrong Readers? by

5 Tips on How to Identify Your Target Audience  by

How To Target an Audience (And Avoid Book Launch Flop) by

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What are the steps to a successful new beginning?

Published on by Jean M. Cogdell7 Comments

Well, to tell the truth, I’m not sure myself.

But, each new book is a new beginning. A new story to launch. A new child to send into the cold cruel world. Buckle her seat belt and blast her off into the web outer space? 

blastoff

I know absolutely nothing about marketing. Nothing. But then, I knew nothing about writing a blog much less a book when I started this crazy idea.

The idea of writing and publishing a children’s book was the last thing on my list of things to do and now I’ve finished two. Even with good reviews, sales aren’t filling my bank account to overflowing. At least not yet. 

Yet the more I read about marketing and selling my books the less I understand. I’m on a mission to improve my knowledge about the flip side of being an author, selling what you write.

Now that the launch is almost here for “A Most Reluctant Princess,” I’ve made a list of what I need to do.

  • Update author bio

Check you bio, I was shocked to realize mine needed a lot of work. Maybe you’re like me and yours just doesn’t work for your current WIP. 

  • Set a launch date

Even if you are unsure of an exact day, as I am, set a general day. For me, I’m shooting for May, 21st. Fingers crossed. 

  • Develop a tagline

Done:  “Imagination is fun.” 

  • Develop a good book description for the back cover.

Done and off to the printer. 

  • Secure book reviews

 

  • Decide on a target audience

 

  • Link you book to trending topics – Google it

 

  • Update email signature to include new book release

 

  • Book trailer? 

I’m not sure about this one. 

Half way there and a bit nervous. I’m hoping that you’ll give me a hand and together maybe we can learn the tips and tricks of the trade. 

Help me, let’s figure out the next steps together!

Do you have another tip to add to my list?

What else do you think I need to do before launch?

Talk to me, the lights on and comments are now open.

Keep reading great links at the bottom of the page!

You can find me on Twitter @jeancogdell, Facebook at jean.cogdelland Amazon.com, stop by and say hey! Please remember to click and share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.

How to Create a Rock-Solid Tagline That Truly Works by 
50 (AND MORE) WAYS TO PROMOTE YOUR BOOK
71 Ways to Promote and Market Your Book by

 

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Do you feel lost and unsure what to do next?

Published on by Jean M. Cogdell10 Comments

Happens to me every time I finish a big project!

Like the  A-Z Challenge that just wrapped up on April 30th. 

Nothing to do but wait as I sit biting my nails and waiting for my proof from IngramSpark.  I hate waiting. Now, I know what you’re gonna say– start something new and start it fast. But, I’m tired. Aren’t you? 

Reading blogs, commenting, posting, writing and pushing toward a deadline is exhausting. Part of me wants to open a carton of ice cream, turn on NetFlix and veg. 

But no rest for the wicked. So, here I am typing away and trying to motivate myself to move forward on another project.

What are you going to start now that the  A-Z Challenge has ended?

Back to blogging or have you started a new manuscript?

I’d love to hear about your latest WIP, do tell!

If you’re going to be in my neck of North Texas, be sure, stop by the Sachse Library and say hello at the Author Con on May 21st.

Author Con Flyer

In the meantime, the lights on and comments are now open.

You can find me on Twitter @jeancogdell, Facebook at jean.cogdelland Amazon.com, stop by and say hey! Please remember to click and share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.

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