Keeping Up with the Pro-mashians

Available HERE

 by Landra Graf

For a marketing manager I win the ‘epic fall’ award for promoting my own work. I’m not good at it and I’m not afraid to admit it.  For the person, who others say is not introverted—at all, I’m horrible about getting to know new people, networking with authors from my own publishing company, *WAVES* “Love you ladies”, and tend to miss nearly every launch party or social media parade.

So, how do I publicize my work? I do what I can, when I can.

These blog posts help remind me that I need to promote, promote, promote, and I try to post sale information on Facebook or Twitter when I’m notified. The problem is that writing is more of a priority then promoting. Getting the next book out is a big deal and I don’t have a lot of extra time. Do any of us? Other writer’s tell me the focus should be on the next book and that I need to build a backlist. Promoting now is fine and dandy, but more books under your skirts is money in the bank.

I’m learning about Google Docs and cover reveal/blog tour sign ups. I network by offering my blog space up to other Decadent and non-Decadent authors to help promote their work. I’m always willing to assist where I can. I reach out to contacts and humbly ask their advice on giveaways and if I could post on their blogs at some point.

The other challenge is that big ‘what if’ behind all the promo efforts.

I also don’t like loading down my social media timelines and feeds with promos for books, sales, buy me posts, etc. My interactions are more organic than that. I’m definitely a ‘what you see, is what you get’ kind of gal and if you like me then maybe you’ll like what I write.

Plus, does online blogging, blog tours, and all the efforts really do anything? Some authors say yes, and other say no. Are readers really influenced by excerpt posts or guest spots?

That’s my question for the day. If you’re an author share the promo tips you recommend or if any promo efforts have worked for you. If you’re a reader, do the glitzy blog tours and the giveaways sway your purchase habits? Do you like ads or prefer to discover your future reads more organically?