How to Publicize Your Novel

So you want to be on the top of the New York Times bestselling list? Do you hire a publicist? A literary agent? Do you shell out a wad of cash (or thousands) to promote your novel? Maybe later.

In this day and age, many of the more successful writers have in fact self-promoted their books to a certain degree. How? There are many ways to reach an audience successfully, without breaking the bank thanks to the new technology. Online presence counts for just about everything today, so this will be key in your novel’s success.

The first and most important step is preparation: make a plan. The very least you will need is a press release, short bio, synopsis of the book, and a full manuscript. Once you have all of the basics, it’s time to get down to the not-so-basics. Online presence. Not everyone is technologically savvy, so be sure to connect with someone who can help you with this step.

Starting a blog is essential, and linking it to your author page (if you don’t have one– make one) can drive interest groups to your site. Social media has launched the careers of thousands of successful artists– whether that be through Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or a YouTube channel. Pick your favorite, forget it, and create an account in ALL OF THEM. You want to reach as many people as possible through as many social media platforms as possible.

Once you’ve created the above, you are now able to reach out and pitch to various outlets — agents, news sources, bloggers.  Here at PennedApp, we are in the process of doing all of the above, and we have found that pitching your idea must consist of a short honed-in sound-bite of the full version. You want to catch everyone’s attention in the shortest amount of their time. What makes you and your book special or unique? Why are you the only person who could have written it right? Add a touch cleverness, humor, or cliff-hanger mentality to lure the listener in. Remember, the press, agent, blogger, etc whom you reach out to, reads hundreds of pitches a day– standing out is key.

Take advantage of technology, you can do your own promotion at the early stages to help save you time and money. Once you gather a following on your own (even a small one), approaching an agent or news source will be a whole lot easier as they will see you as more appealing.

Here at PennedApp, we believe in the power of technology. We are a platform for writers and readers to create, interact, and share their work with others. We are an ‘Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook’ for writer’s combined, creating the ultimate community. We have thousands of readers, aspiring writers, and a select few of authors who preview their novels to our readers through the application. For more information or to preview your work on PennedApp, visit us in the AppStore (free) and at www.penned.me. ContactSonia@penned.me to speak about any opportunities to collaborate and connect you to our readers as a featured author. The writing world awaits!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Sonia Chopra is a newly-graduated student from UCLA, working with founder Brian Sanders on Penned: the new platform for writers. While she spends most of her time connecting and reading up on aspiring indie authors, she also works as a model, celebrity publicist, and freelance writer.

 

ABOUT DANICA CORNELL:

Danica Cornell is the author of the forthcoming DARK STAR Sci-fi/Fantasy Series, soon to be published by Cool Geek Books. To learn more about Danica’s work, her love of dogs, and her support of UNICEF, please visit her website at www.danicacornell.com.

Danica Cornell is a proud member of RAVE REVIEWS BOOK CLUB.

The Long Way Home

Submitted by Danica Cornell

Call me crazy, but when it comes to authors, I think I may have picked up on what (at least at first glance) looks to be a fairly common thread—one that quietly binds us in a way that’s interesting, if not a bit unexpected.  The thread I’m referring to is the journey of returning to our truest selves—as writers.  For some, this voyage is a long and arduous expedition back to our roots.  For others, the trek isn’t quite as difficult, even though it does still represent a period of personal growth.  Not to mention, perseverance.

For those of us who set out on this pilgrimage, we do so because penning stories is what we must do.  Our words and make-believe worlds fill us with joy (and sometimes tremendous self-doubt).  But either way, in the end it’s always the same.  We turn back to the written word like a flower turns towards the sun—because to do otherwise would be to deny our truest selves.  Words nourish our souls.  Words ignite our creativity.  We breathe life into our words, and our words breathe life back into us.  Without this type of artistic expression, we begin to feel stagnant.  And sullen.

I should state up front that my observations are decidedly unscientific.  I’ve conducted no official interviews and I have no statistics to back up my impressions.  What I do have are years of data from a variety of sources tucked neatly away in the back my mind.  And while I’m sure it isn’t always the case, it appears that fairly often young writers are pulled away from pursuing careers (as authors) by well-intentioned family members who don’t want to see their loved ones dejected.  Not to mention, penniless.  As the years slip away, adult responsibilities leave many of these same folks with little time (not to mention energy) for starting or completing that long-dreamed-of novel, and thus they find themselves swallowed up by an overwhelming sense of stagnation.  Not to mention, frustration.

For those writers who (almost miraculously) make it over these hurdles years later, it seems quite a few will face yet another uphill battle in the form of questions or prods by spouses, significant others, extended family, and sometimes even the dearest of friends.  “What do you mean you’re experimenting with writing styles?”  Or maybe, “I don’t understand—what’s the big deal with dialogue?”  Or my personal favorite, “Quit playing on Twitter!”  Very often, these types of comments are meant to help, but often end up hindering emerging authors because they distract us from the steep learning curve (for writing, marketing, and networking) that goes hand-in-hand with such an undertaking.  Even worse, such comments have the potential to make budding authors question their efforts and writing abilities just as they’re finding their way back to themselves.

So, who am I to talk about all of this anyway?  Well, for starters I’m like a lot of other indie authors—I’m an unknown writer who’s busily penning a science fiction/fantasy series.  At the tender age of 17, I too was talked out of pursuing a writing (or journalism) career.  Later on, when I decided to bite the bullet and try my hand at this craft, I ended up making just about every mistake there is to make—not only with writing—but with everything that goes along with it.  For example, I initially set up my Facebook pages incorrectly which ended up causing me some significant security headaches later on.  I didn’t understand how to use Twitter in the early days which means I probably (inadvertently) ticked off more than a few people.  I renamed my book series because I realized the first name wasn’t catchy enough.  I’ve struggled with web design and book trailers.  And worst of all, I didn’t network for a really, really long time—probably because I was swallowed by the self-doubt and self-consciousness that seems to infect so many emerging authors, especially during their early days.

But here’s the thing.  With all the mistakes I’ve made, I’ve learned an equal number of valuable lessons.  I’ve learned about the art of writing a novel—not to mention an entire series. I’ve discovered who I am as an author—what I stand for and where my boundaries lie.  And perhaps most importantly, I’ve made connections and genuine friendships with other writers who seem to share many of the same (or at least similar) experiences I’ve described here.

Once I reflected on all of this, I realized I truly had come full-circle–not only as a writer but as a person.  I also became cognizant of the fact that in order to end up back where I started, I had to learn when and when not to listen others.  There’s a reason why I spent a year experimenting with writing styles and dialogue.  And as for Twitter?  I’m not “playing.”  I’m interacting with writers and readers.  Besides, what’s wrong with making some new friends on my journey to becoming a published author?  I truly value each and every one of these lovely people.  They make my days more fun, and I’m more than happy to support them just as they do me.

So, in the end I guess it’s true that I may have taken the long way home…but I sure am happy as hell to be back!  🙂

Until we meet again…

Happy writing,

Danica

I cordially invite you to visit me at:

My Author Site:  http://www.danicacornell.com

On Twitter:  @DanicaCornell

At the RAVE REVIEWS BOOK CLUB:  http://ravereviewsbynonniejules.wordpress.com/rave-reviews-book-club/

2014 – A Fresh Start!

Please help me welcome my friend, the talented Jan Romes, romance author of the Texas Boys Falling Fast Series.  Jan is here today to share some helpful thoughts about how writers might go about setting realistic expectations and goals in the New Year.

 Submitted By: Jan Romes

 In spite of the snow and frigid temperatures that accompany January, it is one of my favorite months. As an eternal optimist I embrace it as my start-over-with-a-clean-slate month. I spend time reflecting on the things that happened the previous year and make plans for what I’m going to improve on or do differently in the following months. I’m a resolution maker from the word go. The first few things on my list probably mirror those of many others; put God first, give more attention to family and friends, lose weight, choose what I eat more wisely, worry less, etc. Those are wonderful things to strive for that will make me a better person spiritually, mentally and physically. Farther down on the list, but not less important, are the goals for my writing career and that’s what this post is about – not my personal goals, per se, but writing goals in general. I hope you’ll stick around and leave a comment.

On with the good stuff…

First and foremost, I think it’s important to set realistic goals and expectations. Even with that clean slate you need to be reasonable with what you will require from you. This is a comment I made in December on Facebook —

‘I’ve organized all the papers/scribbled notes/sticky notes, etc. They are now in individual folders. In 2014 I have 16 books to write!! Haha! No unrealistic expectations there! But hey…at least I won’t run out of ideas’

The comment was lighthearted and definitely said in jest! There’s no way I could write 16 books in a year. With that said, I think it’s important to have a practical, yet exciting vision for your long term success, but to also create some amazing, attainable short term goals to get there. Setting smaller goals will help you stay focused and you will be able to measure your achievements. You’ll be able to see forward progress.

There will be times where life will get in the way, it happens to us all. That’s why smaller goals won’t throw you in a huge tizzy if you don’t reach them in your pre-determined time frame. It will be easier to get back on track.

Have a healthy relationship with your writing. Your passion wants to explode all over the place, yet to be a successful writer you also need to see it as a business. It won’t crimp your creativity; if anything, it will help you keep your eye on the prize.

Don’t forget to take care of you while you’re taking care of your manuscript. Occasionally pull yourself away from the computer and do some light stretching or go for a short walk. Drink a glass of water. (If you’re dehydrated chances are your concentration level has taken a nose dive) Eat something that will do your body and mind good – carrots, celery, apple slices, etc.

Have faith in you and in your goals. If you have a set amount of words you want to write per day, sit in that chair and make them happen. If the words won’t flow like you want them to, don’t beat yourself up. You might be fighting your muse instead of the other way around. Take a step back, gauge where your story is at, and ask “what if?”

I’m getting a little long-winded here, so I’ll leave you with this link to a song by Electric Light Orchestra – ‘Hold on Tight to Your Dream’.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKQsv1Q3ZNY

    Have a great year writing all those great stories that are burning to be told!

Jan Romes is the romance author of the Texas Boys Falling Fast Series.  To learn more, please visit:

Website:  http://www.authorjanromes.com/

Blog: http://www.jantheromancewriter.blogspot.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JanRomes

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jan.romes.5