Artistry With Words

Happy Last Day of March, 2015, to all of you. I hope this finds you well.

I spent this past weekend in the garden tending to the animals, birds and soil.  Talk about replenishing my soul….I woke up Monday overflowing with creativity.

The book continues but the end is in sight. I’m on the final edit…I promise…two more weeks and the query letters will begin.  I can finally say I’m satisfied with the results.  Thanks again to all who helped me as beta readers and friends.  You are invaluable to me.

Today let’s talk a bit about marketing in this ebook world, but first a quote you might enjoy.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“Marketing is too important to be left to the marketing department.”

David Packard
Unfortunately, we are our marketing departments.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY

I heard from a dear friend in my Mailbag series, and she asked about marketing her upcoming ebook.  She was concerned because she has been away from marketing for some time, and she wondered if there were any new marketing tips I might have for her.

I made the statement then and I’ll stand by it now, that social media is a nice marketing tool but it is not the only marketing tool.  A writer must, at some point, get out among the masses and promote their book in person.

My friend responded that this is a problem with ebooks; there is no physical book to promote when doing readings and you can’t do book signings with an ebook.

TIP OF THE DAY

This is not an “either or” situation. Sites like CreateSpace allow you to have a printed copy of your ebook for free or a nominal fee.  For those of you who want a physical copy of your book, this is the perfect win-win situation.

The bottom line is this:  you must get out among your readers and sell.  There are few overnight successes in the writing game, and there are fewer successes that occur by simply marketing online.  Pound the pavement; become an active member of the writing community; market your book like your writing future depends upon it….because it does.

SITE OF THE DAY

Since I mentioned CreateSpace I should probably give you the link to it.  Here it is.  Check it out.

CONTEST OF THE DAY

The Maine Review Short Story Contest is currently taking submissions for their annual anthology. Entry fee is ten bucks and the deadline is April 15^th.  There is a $200 first prize and submissions must be 5,000 words or less.  Check it out here.

THAT’S ALL I’VE GOT FOR YOU TODAY

But you can rest assured I’ll be back next week, good Lord willin’ and the creek don’t rise.  Thanks for stopping by and visiting.  Have a great week of following your passion.

Bill

“Helping writers to spread their wings and fly.”