Monday, March 21, 2011
One Book, Two Book, Three Book…Huh?
* Hey, Hector!
* Yes, Chance?
* Think the Bo’sun’s gonna mind, we hijackin’ her day?
* Doubt it, remember, she’s a bit…busy…today. Probably a relief!
* Okay, good. Me alter ego needs ta chat ‘bout her new stories…and show off the covers. What do ya think? This is the first one…
* That is really lovely! The ship is a bit small and blue hair?
* Well, there be a reason fer her blue hair… You should read the book. Remember that night I jumped you? I’d jus’ finished it…
He grins * I do like it when you read books like that!
She snickers * This is the second one, it comes out on Friday…
* Two men? I’m not going to share.* Yeah, I bet you’d go for it if it were me and another woman!
He looks a bit preoccupied. * Perhaps…
* Dream on!
***
Enough frivolity. Yes, I have two new novellas out from Decadent. The first was released last Friday, the next is this Friday. And I’m still promoting The Kraken’s Mirror. I was so ready for that book to come out. I had months to prepare, to set up blog guest spots, buy advertising…I chatted about it, blathered here there and everywhere.
And now, these shorts! I feel caught by surprise! I mean, The Kraken’s Mirror came out January 31st. The Ship’s Mistress came out March 18th. The Sister’s Story is March 25th! And I’m still talking about The Kraken’s Mirror!
Man! The whirlwind of e-publishing!
I made plans to promote all three books at RT. Have promo material, etc. But suddenly, I have a new short out and I don’t know what way to turn! Before I can do much more than set up on blog with it…the second one is coming out!
As I wrote to the Bo’sun yesterday…
I wish I'd been more on top of promoting this short. I'm going to have to ramp up slow and steady, and how the hell do you figure out which to promote when you have two stories out? Soon, three? I mean, honestly!
So, here I am…wondering how to manage this juggling act. I feel like I’m starting a race ten minutes later then the rest of the runners…
(That metaphor would work better if I ran…but you get the idea!)
Okay, better late then never...added after the fact...blurbs for the two books!
The Ship's Mistress
Jahari gave herself to the starborne Etwa to save her little sister from life in a foul brothel. Ironically, tests reveal an aptitude for sensual service and Jahari is trained as a high court slut. A contract of seven years runs out on the planet Mentari but the powerful Basba is determined to keep her. She escapes swearing to see him reported to the Etwan authorities.
Toseman is the captain of the Sea Horse, sailing the seas of Mentari. Several days from port a stowaway is brought before him. Her bright blue hair betrays her high slut identity and puts his secret at risk. Drawn to her, he accepts her offer to serve as ship’s mistress and promises to see her to the nearest Etwan spaceport.
They are pursued by her former master as the two join forces and with the help of the Sea Horse crew, they seek Etwan justice.
***
(Slut: (noun) In the common vernacular a word denoting a man or woman of great sexual prowess, strength and knowledge. A high slut is one considered extremely valuable and treasured. Once a word with a far different meaning among the human population, used to denigrate and deride a woman with a strong sexual appetite. Still in use on the more primitive patriarchal worlds under Etwan influence, a condition the Etwan strive to eliminate.)
***
The Sister’s Story/Sari's Search
Sari lives on the Etwan world of Verdant. A student for twelve years, the Etwan have helped her learn control of her telepathic abilities. She is sexually experienced, a bright woman with a past that is a blank slate. As she approaches her 18th birthday, her desire to know more of her background grows.
Haunted by bits and pieces of a world she barely remembers, she hears a name at a trader’s fair. Her faint memories begin to rise. Determined to discover more, she seizes the clues fallen her way and leaves for the world of Mentari, where she hopes to meet the woman who may have sold her to the Etwan.
On this journey she is accompanied by two men, J’reem and Dell. The three of them find a deep connection on the journey, reveling in the physical and mental bond that develops. But trouble awaits her on Mentari, riding with the Etwan ship. She reaches Mentari and sees the ocean, but whether the high slut Jahari will acknowledge her is something she may never discover.
***
Any suggestions? Do I try to even up the promo? Do I stick with the first figuring that will lead readers to the others? Or vice versa? Help!
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51 comments:
Wonderful News Chance!
Stop grousing and start running! :D
I like the idea of sky-blue hair ..... you may start a fashion trend! 8)
Lovely covers, Chance. :) And congrats on more publishing successes!
I'm not sure what the best strategy is for promoting everything. Mmm. Maybe look at it from a reader's perspective? As in, what would YOU find most appealing if you were the reader in this situation? How would you respond if presented with this array of choices?
Can I just say...
WHAT AN AWESOME PROBLEM TO HAVE!
Ok - I'm really goign to put on my ex-book publicist hat for this one. Give me some time (just getting into work and have to deal with emails) and I'll come back with some tips and maybe a little strategy. :)
WAHOO for Chance!
Thanks for the hijacking, Chance! I am not on top of things today. And by golly, I'm starving! *checks clock* Six more hours and I can have real food. Cannot be soon enough!
I gots nothing. LOL! I'm not even the writer in this situation and I'm overwhelmed. I can say I'm reading The Kraken's Mirror and loving it. If that helps. Quote me somewhere!
Definitely keep pushing on Facebook. Get as many writer friends as you can to mention the books. I haven't been reading ebooks long enough to know where the ebook readers hang out!
Let's start with the basics:
You are already doing this, but continue to network with blogs you know and schedule time with them. I would suggest promoting Kraken and book 1 in the new series. I'd focus on promoting book 1 - if they love that one they'll easily find book 2 as a result.
Are you on goodreads? If not get your ass on there stat! Register as an author and get yoru books listed. It's an awesome site that has TONS of sway for readers selecting new books.
Try to do a giveaway there. They have a formal process and it puts your book giveaway in front of an insane amount of readers of all categories.
Get your contacts, family, friends to post reviews of your work on goodreads and amazon. Just be sure they aren't all crazy glowing reviews that seem fake or it will not impress readers. Real reviews work best.
I'm thinking up some really cool ideas for a bigger contest/launch. Still thinking up details and I'll email you some questions about it.
Gotta get back to work, but I'll post more in a bit.
I'm going to leave this to the experts. :) But I second Q's recommendation to put on your running shoes and get running. :)
Ah...yes, it is an awesome problem to have! I have to admit. It's also really terrifying...the fear of doing something wrong or not doing enough...It's one of those things that is hard to wrap the brain around, I know!
Donna - True, but I'm not sure the readers would be the same for the three books!
Bo'sun - I hope you have a plan for what you want to eat once it's all over! I did! Knew exactly where to go and what I was going to have... ;-)
Scape - I'm on Goodreads, but I'm not really sure what to do with it! I looked for how to put together an author page and simply got lost... sigh!
You come up with anything of what to do and I'll owe you a dozen drinks when next we meet!
Hellion - I feel like I've just finished a marathon and walked right into the lineup for another one! I'm winded!
I also think these covers are awesome. :)
I think that if you can find a way to tie these three books together, somehow come up with a "brand," that will help you market all at the same time.
Is there a commonality you can exploit here?
I'm thinking pizza. Though I could so go for a hamburger and fries. But I still can't have that stuff. *sigh*
I'm not on Goodreads but most people I know are. I had no idea you could do all that! What would we do without Scapey around??
Now I want a cheeseburger. :(
Yeah, that sounds so good! But I just got out of bed, so I'm gonna settle for a nice breakfast bar!
I so wish Scape lived closer and I could take her to lunch! For a solid week, with a notebook in hand and my most alert brain, ever!
Chance, I had another thought, maybe something you can do when you're not so crazy busy. Do you write any articles for your RWA chapter newsletter? The reason I mention it is one of my agency-mates was looking for articles, and apparently the newsletter folks post them on some loop they're on, and they use them (with permission) in OTHER chapter newsletters. So it spreads the word many times from doing something ONCE. :)
Donna - Good idea! Our chapter editor is always after people to write articles. In fact, I need to send her a write up about the guest I arranged for next Saturday...
Also, I saw something on Twitter that you can't have PAPER things at the RWA goodie room -- you probably already know that, but people seem to think it includes bookmarks, or brochures, etc. I don't really know, but thought I'd pass it on so you could check it out.
P.S. The CAPTCHA code background looks like water, with ripples in it. LOL
I saw that bit about the RWA goodie room, too. I mean what would you put there if not paper things? Since Ter and I opted out of the Nationals due to money constraints, I don't plan on sending anything anyway!
Yeah, sometimes water, sometimes bricks, granite...
I've heard the RWA goodie room kerfluffle. Seems very odd to me, but then the rule doesn't apply to me. Yet. :)
I know this will make no sense to anyone else, but if I never drink another drop of Gatorade the rest of my life, I'll be a happy camper. Sheesh.
I like this article idea. In fact, I could probably turn a blog or two into an article. Too bad I don't belong to a chapter. Hmmm....
Ah, that's right -- I forgot about the not going to RWA thing. LOL
I only drink Gatorade to help cure being "overserved". It replenishes but it tastes yucky.
I think you could find some way to get your article to the right place, Terri. I think they're always looking for stuff.
Okay, I'm off to get some chores done. See ya later!
I suck at advice but have to say that those covers are wonderful!!! Good luck with everything.:)
It's odd, I always get stressed at the idea of writing articles...no real idea why! Well, maybe because I can't make stuff up from my head totally! ;-)
Kelly, I do love my covers, I agree. If I could get them out more, might help out a lot!
*waves to Kelly*
Hey there, girl! Lovely to have you back!!
I just realized you were supposed to use this blog to promote the books and instead, we're talking promoting in general. Could we at least put a BUY THESE BOOKS! at the top and get some links, please?
We also need blurbs. Something to make the books the stars here.
Bo'sun, you don't have to belong to a chapter. The articles I sent in to chapters--the Jack Sparrow guidelines, compass, et al? I wasn't in a chapter. They took them anyway, and they used Jack Sparrow all over the place. The other ones not so much, but the Jack Sparrow one had better timing. A movie coming out and all.
The chapter articles is a good idea! People came to check out the website for a little while after that. It can get you noticed if it's a good article.
Editor! I've got an editor on the blog! Fine, give me a few minutes... ;-)
...if it's a good article being the key phrase there. :) My blogs tend to meander and fail to make their point. But I can spend extra time on articles. And I have plotting stuff I like to talk about. Goodness knows most around here run from that sort of thing. LOL!
Kay, I'll work on one today. Promise!
And I added two blurbs.
The links. Did we get the links??
The title of The Ship's Mistress takes one to the buy page...The Sister's Search isn't out until Friday!
There we go! I see it now. For $2.99, what a bargain!
Yes, see, you need to play up the bargain aspect, Chance. *LOL* We women like to feel we're getting a steal!
All my words should be priceless...so at any price, it's a deal!
HAHAHAHA!
And now, Bonnie is ready to get out of this house, the sky is blue... Be back in a bit!
All my words should be priceless…so at any price, it’s a deal!
A t-shirt worthy comment if I've ever read one. :)
Oh, Marn...what a good idea!
Hee, hee!
Wow, okay, favorite Barista...she knows how to make it perfect! Sigh of bliss...
I can understand your feeling overwhelmed with the promo, Chance, but as problems go, this is a great one to have. Sounds to me as if Scape has a multi-faceted plan. I don't have anything to add except hearty congratulations and tons of good wishes.
Thanks, Janga. It feels so much like it all just rushed at me so fast with these two shorts. I feel like I was caught with my pants down as the starting gun went off.
I knew they were slated to come out before RT, so there is no real excuse, other than the distraction of doing a bazillion things for RT...
I have to remember that promotion never ends and if I get started late, then it doesn't really matter...it's a building sort of thing...
Hey pirates I'm sure you have better ideas than I do too! Seriously, everyone has a different viewpoint and it helps create a fuller plan which = more awareness of her books. :)
You can come up with great suggestions!
(Scape - They're all in shock that I suddenly appeared on a Tuesday!) ;-)
Really, we need to talk. I must come up with a good time to speak to you on the phone...
I will admit, I'm considering hiring a publicist, if she'll come cheap enough...my agent recommended her and we've talked, so we'll see!
*waves at Kelly*
Seriously, woman, we've missed your face. :)
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO - I just wrote a freaking novel of an idea on here and the comments ate it!
so...my brillance is lost. Here's a shorter not as awesome recap.
check out this author promo campaign:
http://moirarogers.com/blog/archives/3473
Now - this is awesome. Except where is the call to action for the reader to buy the book? To sign up for a newsletter or give their email to be emailed an "exclusive excerpt found no where else on the web."
It's fantastic for building an author brand for readers and it builds relationships with bloggers, but where is the engagement now and in the future?
Really great promo takes it from just being a contest to being an opportunity for future engagement. Think about promo that can help you capitalize on reader interest down the road as well.
Yes, get them in on a contest that gets your name out there with a bang! BUT - make it one where you are engaging with them.
More to come later.
Don't ya hate when captain Catcha does that!
Okay, I checked that out and wow, it seems so convoluted.
I'll share with you the big contest idea I have for after RT... My cover for The Kraken's Mirror lost the white tentacle between the e-edition and the print edition. (One of those layer things and it wasn't noticed so...sad, but an opportunity!)
I'm going to hold a contest between my Facebook author page and my blog, which I will be transferring to my website before the contest.
The hook? Where is the Kraken? I figure on giving multiple choice options...entries have to like my author facebook page and do something on the blog...either comment or sign up for a newsletter, etc...
And I want to give away either a kindle or a nook. Run the contest three weeks or so, small prizes every week for a random comment...big grand prize at the end...
Options so far for where the Albino Kraken went? 1) He's courting the Lockness Monster in Scotland.
2) He picked up his cousin from the world of Harry Potter and together they are banishing the creature in the lake outside the Mines of Moiria at Gandalf's request.
3) Mixing drinks at the Restaurant at the End of the World
4) Working to insert himself into the newest Pirates of the Caribbean movie...
Not sure of them all, but this contest is a work in progress...
What do you think? Anyone who is still hanging around? ;-)
Wow! I'm still amazed at how fast you went form one book to three. What a fantastic accomplishment. I can understand how it all finally hit you.
It seems like you have a lot of suggestions to guide you in the right direction. So far, it seems like you've done a fantastic job with your promoting.
Well, I hope someone is still around... I need to get Bonnie out again and find some lunch... Be back later!
Chance, regarding Goodreads. Here's a linky on how to sign up. I think, if you already have an account under your (author name) you can log in, search for your book, click on your/author name, and scroll down to the bottom to find the "Is this you?" link. I just took the path of least resistance and made a brand new account. But it was really easy.
I like that your are reclaiming "slut" as a positive, sort of like a "companion" in Firefly.
Chance, I'm being dullwitted, but I don't understand how the kraken contest works exactly. Are people supposed to track the kraken? You'll leave clues of where he MIGHT be and then they come back and leave comments about it?
If so, that sounds cool. If not, you might need to explain it to me. :)
How many times can I enter the contest for the Kindle? *LOL* And would any of the pirates have a chance? *LOL*
I really want a Kindle. Which I'd immediately download your books, Chance, obviously.
I love the Where's the Kraken?! contest. Sounds like a great way to bring people in. Kindles and Nooks seem to be the killer prize these days.
I'm home, coherent, and waiting for the pizza guy. :)
Amen for pizza! *LOL*
Nah, Donna...I'm not going to put together a scavenger hunt of anything. It will be a multiple point questions people will log onto either my blog or my author FB page and give me their choice. Or if they want, they can make up another option. It's not about anything but having fun and upping my stats on FB and getting more people to look at my blog.
Hellion - Everyone can enter. Not sure yet if I'll limit how many times a person can enter, but probably not...
This is all still in the infant stages and depends a great deal on my figuring out how to move my blog and whether I should start a newsletter, etc. I'm more inclined to ask people to friend or whatever it is people do to the author page on FB and go it from there... I hate to add another task to myself, of putting together a newsletter!
Yeah, pizza!
Pat! You got a winner of your book from Friday yet? ;-)
*Waves to all* I've missed you guys too.:)
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