Do you need to advertise your book?

Published on July 25, 2016June 7, 2017 by Jean M. Cogdell5 Comments

I don’t know.

I love writing. Whether, it’s on my blog, short story, flash fiction or a children’s book, I really love writing. Marketing my books, not so much. It always makes me think of bragging.

With the thousands of books written and published every day, how can I convince someone to read mine?

reading book

Is it because I know so little about the selling and marketing side that I don’t like it?

Could be. But one day, I may have to throw off my insecurities and learn more about how to market my books.

That’s why I was thrilled to read the latest post by Nicholas C. Rossis.

His experience with Bookbub’s blog plus the extensive list of links for marketing books will be one I’ll save and read many times. Congrats Nicholas for the recognition he received and thanks for passing on much-needed information.

Hop over and read what happened to Nicholas and the abundance of marketing links on his post. The link is at the bottom of this post. You will want to bookmark his blog!

Tell me are you ready to begin marketing yourself as an author?

Do you hesitate to toot your own horn?

blow horn

Is cost what stops you or the process itself?

I’d love to hear from you! Click the “write me” tab or contact me onTwitter @jeancogdell, Facebook at jean.cogdell and Amazon.com, stop by and say hey! The lights are on and I’m waiting.

Please remember to share this post with your Twitter peeps andFacebook fans.

That Jaw-dropping Moment when Bookbub Mentions your Blog by Nicholas C. Rossis.

Do you know how to use Google forms?

Published on May 10, 2016May 10, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell8 Comments

You might be surprised how handy these forms will come in.

I haven’t built up an email list. I know, I just heard every successful author and blogger out there groan. Like you, I’ve read how important a list can be to stay in touch with readers.

However, I’m not ready to sign up with a service like MailChimp yet. And I’ve got enough on my plate what with the blog and my little sideline called writing.

This is where Google forms come in.

Need to send out a quick request for info, make a form and send it to friends, families, attach it to your blog, Facebook page or Tweet it out.

You can make all types of custom forms to meet whatever info you need.

Like this form, I made, asking for readers to review my little 32-page children’s picture book. She’s making her debut next week.

If you’d be willing to do a quick review for me click on the book cover below.

Want to make your own form? To collect emails, send out announcements or whatever?

Just go to Google Forms and get started! It’s easy.

There are templates for party invites, registrations, sign-up sheets, evaluations and more!

Here is a tutorial to help you get started.

So tell me…

How do you gather information?

Do you use forms or a service like MailChimp?

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.

How to Create an Email Signup Form in HTML?

How to sell your book with a target audience

Published on May 4, 2016May 3, 2016 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!

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 ALEX HEMUS

5 Tips on How to Identify Your Target Audience by Joanna Penn

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

What are the steps to a successful new beginning?

Published on May 3, 2016May 2, 2016 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.