Ruth Cardello - Using Free eBooks Promotions

Top Shelf Author Advice is a collection of comments made by a group of outstanding authors during Author Interviews and Studies presented by HBSystems Publications. Today's advice comes from:


Ruth Cardello

Author Genre: Romance - Contemporary

Author's Blog: Bestselling Author Ruth Cardello Presents…
Website: Ruth Cardello
Twitter: @RuthieCardello
Goodreads: Check Out Goodreads
Pinterest: Check Out Pinterest
Facebook: Check Out Facebook
E-Mail: minouri@aol.com
Spotlight Author Interview - Ruth Cardello



Question
What was your experience using free eBooks promotions?

Answer
Hoping for a recommendation from a non-buyer.
“I put my first book FREE on all the major vendors in April of 2011. Since then approximately 1 million people have downloaded it. Now, not all read it, I’m sure. Also, not everyone loves it. However, enough people come back to purchase book 2 that I consider it the number one most successful promotion I did for my book series. It put my book in the hands of many readers who may not have taken a chance on a new author if they had to pay for the first book.”



Source Post
Free eBooks Promotions Can Be Pure Gold for Authors

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Ruth Cardello @RuthieCardello is the author of the Legacy Collection.



Author Recommended by: James Moushon, a Mystery Writer and writing industry blogger and HBSystems Publications, a Publisher of ebooks and the sponsor of the following blogs:
HBS Author's Spotlight
Top Shelf Author Advice
eBook Author’s Corner
HBS Mystery Reader’s Circle

Disclaimer
This blog is for information only. It is not an endorsement of the comments or advice discussed in the post. This blog features author’s information gained from the author or the Internet and is by invitation only.
Permission from the author is required via email to publish this information. It is not a group, subscription or forum.
HBSystems Publications Copyright 2014

Chrissy Anderson - Getting Book Reviews

Top Shelf Author Advice is a collection of comments made by a group of outstanding authors during Author Interviews and Studies presented by HBSystems Publications. Today's advice comes from:


Chrissy Anderson

Author Genre: Chick Lit, Romance, Humor And Comedy

Author's Blog: Chrissy Anderson
Twitter: @AskChrissy
Goodreads: Check Out Goodreads
Pinterest: Check Out Pinterest
Facebook: Check Out Facebook
E-Mail: Chrissy@askchrissy.net
Spotlight Author Interview - Chrissy Anderson



Question
What is your method in Getting Book Reviews?

Answer
My method for getting reviews is simple- Every time a new person *LIKES* my facebook page, I post a message directly to them on my page thanking them for *LIKING* me and I ask for them to leave a review on Amazon (I provide the link making it as easy as possible for them) and tell them I’ll look for the review the next day. The acknowledgment and the call-to-action usually results in a speedy AND good review. Also, because of the true life love triangle storyline of The List Trilogy, I get a lot of personal emails from women asking me for advice. I’m quick to reply and I always ask if they’ve left a review on amazon. I constantly reiterating that I rely on reviews for sales and that I’m grateful for the time and effort it takes to leave one.



Source Post
Getting Book Reviews: The Methods Award-Winning Authors Use – A Study

Chrissy Anderson @AskChrissy writes Chick Lit, Romance, Humor And Comedy novels.



Author Recommended by: James Moushon, a Mystery Writer and writing industry blogger and HBSystems Publications, a Publisher of ebooks and the sponsor of the following blogs:
HBS Author's Spotlight
eBook Author’s Corner
HBS Mystery Reader’s Circle

Disclaimer
This blog is for information only. It is not an endorsement of the comments or advice discussed in the post. This blog features author’s information gained from the author or the Internet and is by invitation only.
Permission from the author is required via email to publish this information. It is not a group, subscription or forum.
HBSystems Publications Copyright 2014

Carol Davis Luce - On Free Book Promotions

Top Shelf Author Advice is a collection of comments made by a group of outstanding authors during Author Interviews and Studies presented by HBSystems Publications. Today's advice comes from:


Carol Davis Luce

Author Genre: Mystery & Thrillers, Romance, Literature & Fiction

Author's Blog: CAROL DAVIS LUCE
Website: CAROL DAVIS LUCE–NightWriter
Twitter: @CarolDavisLuce
Goodreads: Check Out Goodreads
Pinterest: Check Out Pinterest
Facebook: Check Out Facebook
E-Mail: caroldluce@gmail.com
Spotlight Author Interview - Carol Davis Luce



Question
What was your experience in having Free Book Promotions?

Answer
Ranking dropped
“It can be useful for the first in a series, and for new authors breaking into the market. I’ve had better success with the .99 cent book promotions where, after the sale… I’m not a big fan of giving my books away. The two times I had a Free promotion, my ranking dropped significantly, only to quickly rise higher than before the promotion. I strongly feel that in the past year the market has been glutted with free ebooks. Stop the insanity, please!”



Source Post
Free eBooks Promotions Can Be Pure Gold for Authors

Author Carol Davis Luce @CarolDavisLuce is the known as the NightWriter for her series of "Night" mystery novels starting with Night Stalker.



Author Recommended by: James Moushon, a Mystery Writer and writing industry blogger and HBSystems Publications, a Publisher of ebooks and the sponsor of the following blogs:
HBS Author's Spotlight
eBook Author’s Corner
HBS Mystery Reader’s Circle

Disclaimer
This blog is for information only. It is not an endorsement of the comments or advice discussed in the post. This blog features author’s information gained from the author or the Internet and is by invitation only.
Permission from the author is required via email to publish this information. It is not a group, subscription or forum.
HBSystems Publications Copyright 2014

Troy Blackford - Using Social Media to Connect with Readers

Top Shelf Author Advice is a collection of comments made by a group of outstanding authors during Author Interviews and Studies presented by HBSystems Publications. Today's advice comes from:


Troy Blackford

Author Genre: Horror, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Short Stories

Website: Troy Blackford - Journey to Death at Lifespeed
Twitter: @TBlackford3
Goodreads: Check Out Goodreads
Pinterest: Check Out Pinterest
Facebook: Check Out Facebook
Spotlight Author Interview - Troy Blackford



Question
Is Social Media your main marketing focus (143k twitter followers)?

Answer
I began focusing on my twitter audience because I constantly think of short, usually stupid things to say. Twitter seemed like a great venue for that kind of thought. I do of course mention quite frequently that I have books and stories, and give links to my site - but I also just chat with lots of people and whine about stuff as it happens. I try not to think of it as a marketing tool, but as a way to connect to people. I've met a great deal of my current close friends on there. I don't have much time for 'real life' relationships outside of my family and work, so I appreciate having a 'virtual sea' of like-minded people to commiserate with.



Source Post
Troy Blackford - HBS Author's Spotlight

Troy Blackford @TBlackford3 is a Paranormal Action-Adventure, Short Stories Author and Editorial Consultant.



Author Recommended by: James Moushon, a Mystery Writer and writing industry blogger and HBSystems Publications, a Publisher of ebooks and the sponsor of the following blogs:
HBS Author's Spotlight
eBook Author’s Corner
HBS Mystery Reader’s Circle

Disclaimer
This blog is for information only. It is not an endorsement of the comments or advice discussed in the post. This blog features author’s information gained from the author or the Internet and is by invitation only.
Permission from the author is required via email to publish this information. It is not a group, subscription or forum.
HBSystems Publications Copyright 2014

Melissa Foster - Developing Social Media Relationships

Top Shelf Author Advice is a collection of comments made by a group of outstanding authors during Author Interviews and Studies presented by HBSystems Publications. Today's advice comes from:


Melissa Foster

Author Genre: Literature & Fiction, Mystery & Thrillers

Author's Blog: Amazon Author's Page
Website: Melissa Foster
Twitter: @Melissa_Foster
Goodreads: Check Out Goodreads
Pinterest: Check Out Pinterest
Facebook: Check Out Facebook
Spotlight Author Interview - Melissa Foster



Question
How does Social Media fit into your goals and marketing plans?

Answer
For me, social media has been a blessing. I'm a naturally gabby person, and I love to share what I've learned in publishing. Social media allows me to connect with readers across the world, and it's a great avenue for sharing writing related information with writers everywhere. But for me, social media has a more powerful impact on a more important aspect of what I like to share, which is inspiration for seeing the positive side of life, gentle reminders to care about others, and share your joy. To me, success doesn't bring happiness as well as helping others does, and social media has been a gift to me in that way.

As for weeding out the noise, I'm kind of a Twitter addict. You'll notice that I respond to each and every person who tweets to me, unless for some reason I don't see the tweet, which certainly happens, though not often. I don't pay any attention to those who tweet nastiness or drop the "f" bomb, in fact, I block them pretty quickly. There's not much room for negativity in my life. I prefer to surround myself with positive energy. But, there is a lot of valuable information being tweeted by many, and I learn something valuable on a daily basis.

As for my overall marketing plan, I don't think in terms of the typical marketer looking for sales. My life is about building relationships, and for that purpose, social media plays a big role into my life.



Source Post
Melissa Foster - An Author Interview in the HBS Author's Spotlight

Award-winning Author Melissa Foster @Melissa_Foster is the author of several International bestselling novels and the founder of the World Literary Café, Fostering Success and the social and support network for women, the Women’s Nest.



Author Recommended by: James Moushon, a Mystery Writer and writing industry blogger and HBSystems Publications, a Publisher of ebooks and the sponsor of the following blogs:
HBS Author's Spotlight
eBook Author’s Corner
HBS Mystery Reader’s Circle

Disclaimer
This blog is for information only. It is not an endorsement of the comments or advice discussed in the post. This blog features author’s information gained from the author or the Internet and is by invitation only.
Permission from the author is required via email to publish this information. It is not a group, subscription or forum.
HBSystems Publications Copyright 2014

Amy Metz - Your Book Launch: Marketing Methods and Ideas

Top Shelf Author Advice is a collection of comments made by a group of outstanding authors during Author Interviews and Studies presented by HBSystems Publications. Today's advice comes from:


Amy Metz

Author Genre: Mystery & Thrillers, Humor, Romance

Author's Blog: A Blue Million Books
Website: Amy Metz, author
Twitter: @authoramymetz
Goodreads: Check Out Goodreads
Pinterest: Check Out Pinterest
Facebook: Check Out Facebook
E-Mail: amy@amymetz.com.
Spotlight Author Interview - Amy Metz



Question
How do you approach the launch of your books?

Answer
Marketing Buzz
I think it's important for authors to try to get a "buzz" going about their book before it launches. About two months before a launch, I send out queries to as many bloggers and reviewers I can find that fits with my genre. Many don't respond at all, some say flat out no thank you, but some kind souls agree to review the book or to do a feature on their blog. Interviews and excerpts give the reader brief glimpses into a writer's style and their work.

As an author, I know what an invaluable service bloggers provide to authors by helping us promote our work. I try to support authors on my blog in that way, and my goal is to feature a blue million books--hence the name A Blue Million Books! In addition to author features, I hope authors will find my page "Marketing for Dummies (and Indies)" useful. There are so many free resources out there, authors should take advantage of as many as they can.



Source Post
Your Book Launch: Marketing Methods and Ideas Used by Outstanding Authors – A Study

Author Amy Metz @authoramymetz is an Author of Mystery & Thrillers as well as a blogger and book editor.



Author Recommended by: James Moushon, a Mystery Writer and writing industry blogger and HBSystems Publications, a Publisher of ebooks and the sponsor of the following blogs:
HBS Author's Spotlight
eBook Author’s Corner
HBS Mystery Reader’s Circle

Disclaimer
This blog is for information only. It is not an endorsement of the comments or advice discussed in the post. This blog features author’s information gained from the author or the Internet and is by invitation only.
Permission from the author is required via email to publish this information. It is not a group, subscription or forum.
HBSystems Publications Copyright 2014

Melody Anne - Book Marketing using a Reader's List

Top Shelf Author Advice is a collection of comments made by a group of outstanding authors during Author Interviews and Studies presented by HBSystems Publications. Today's advice comes from:


Melody Anne

Author Genre: Romance, Young Adult

Website: Melody Anne
Twitter: @authmelodyanne
Goodreads: Check Out Goodreads
Pinterest: Check Out Pinterest
Facebook: Check Out Facebook
E-Mail: authormelodyanne@gmail.com
Spotlight Author Interview - Melody Anne



Question
How do you use social media programs to build a reader list?

Answer
Build Relationships and Friendships

I lean heavily on popular social media platforms to build and maintain reader’s lists. More accurately put, I use social media to engage and build relationships with my readers. Using social media, I allow readers to come into my life and share in experiences that they can relate to, from the view point of one woman to another.

I think heavy engagement with my followers via social media is one key aspect to building my reader list. Due to the viral nature of things like Facebook and Twitter, if a fan “likes”, retweets or comments on anything I post, the friends of my fans can usually see it, attracting a sort of viral attention to my social media presence.



Source Post
How Do You Develop and Use a List of Your Readers? - HBS Author’s Corner STUDY

NYT and USA Today Best Selling Author Melody Anne @authmelodyanne. She is the author of many Romance and Young Adult novels.



Author Recommended by: James Moushon, a Mystery Writer and writing industry blogger and HBSystems Publications, a Publisher of ebooks and the sponsor of the following blogs:
HBS Author's Spotlight
eBook Author’s Corner
HBS Mystery Reader’s Circle

Disclaimer
This blog is for information only. It is not an endorsement of the comments or advice discussed in the post. This blog features author’s information gained from the author or the Internet and is by invitation only.
Permission from the author is required via email to publish this information. It is not a group, subscription or forum.
HBSystems Publications Copyright 2014

Annamaria Bazzi - Methods Used to Get Book Reviews

Top Shelf Author Advice is a collection of comments made by a group of outstanding authors during Author Interviews and Studies presented by HBSystems Publications. Today's advice comes from:


Annamaria Bazzi

Author Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Author's Blog: annamaria's writing corner
Twitter: @AMBazzi
Goodreads: Check Out Goodreads
Facebook: Check Out Facebook
Google+: Check Out Google+
Spotlight Author Interview - Annamaria Bazzi



Question
What methods do you use to get your book reviews?

Answer
I haven't had much luck with reviews. When I first queried websites that said they review books I got no responses from the website owners except for two; Del Sheree from The Edible Bookshelf and Judy Shafer from Voracious Reader responded.

I keep querying blogs that review books, but all I ever get is no responses or sorry I'm too swamped at the moment and am not taking any new requests. I've found out quickly that no reviews mean no sales…

So now I've changed my marketing strategies. Kendika, the MC of White Swans (Kendika is the orphan character from Annamaria's book White Swans.) now has her own Facebook page and website… she has more traffic than my blog and she's been up and running for only one month :)



Source Post
Getting Book Reviews: The Methods Award-Winning Authors Use – A Study

Annamaria Bazzi @AMBazzi is a Mystery & Fantasy Writer and is noted for her White Swans series.



Author Recommended by: James Moushon, a Mystery Writer and writing industry blogger and HBSystems Publications, a Publisher of ebooks and the sponsor of the following blogs:
HBS Author's Spotlight
eBook Author’s Corner
HBS Mystery Reader’s Circle

Disclaimer
This blog is for information only. It is not an endorsement of the comments or advice discussed in the post. This blog features author’s information gained from the author or the Internet and is by invitation only.
Permission from the author is required via email to publish this information. It is not a group, subscription or forum.
HBSystems Publications Copyright 2014

M.R. Mathias - Methods Used to Get Book Reviews

Top Shelf Author Advice is a collection of comments made by a group of outstanding authors during Author Interviews and Studies presented by HBSystems Publications. Today's advice comes from:


M.R. Mathias

Author Genre: Fantasy - Magic & Wizards

Author's Blog: M. R. Mathias Connection Hub
Website: M.R. Mathias Fantasy Author
Twitter: @DahgMahn
Goodreads: Check Out Goodreads
Facebook: Check Out Facebook
E-Mail: mrmathiasjr@aol.com
Spotlight Author Interview - M.R. Mathias



Question
What methods do you use to get your book reviews?

Answer
When I first got into self-publishing, I went through Goodreads reviewers looking by similar genre books, for reviewers that had over a thousand followers. I asked several of them if they would review The Sword and the Dragon, and The Royal Dragoneers. Many said yes, as many said no, and even more didn't respond. But by having reviewers with over 1,000 followers being my goal, those reviews I did get, had reach.

I am also a member of the Independent Author Network, Author's Den, and I have grown sizable twitter followings of writers and readers and movie fans. For a long time there was an author's review exchange at a few nook and kindle boards, and they shut it down because we all were a bit overly critical of each other, but it helped.

Just like I say in my publishing help book, The First Ten Steps, If you are your own publisher then it is ALL up to you. It is a full time job I do besides maintaining four fantasy series, and the projects I am working on now.



The First Ten Steps - To Take AFTER You Publish Your New eBook


Order the Book From: Amazon
Buy from Barnes and Noble
Buy from KOBO


Source Post
Getting Book Reviews: The Methods Award-Winning Authors Use – A Study

Author M.R. Mathias @DahgMahn is an award-winning self-published Fantasy Writer. He is noted for his epic fantasy novels and his prolific social network marketing activity.



Author Recommended by: James Moushon, a Mystery Writer and writing industry blogger and HBSystems Publications, a Publisher of ebooks and the sponsor of the following blogs:
HBS Author's Spotlight
eBook Author’s Corner
HBS Mystery Reader’s Circle

Disclaimer
This blog is for information only. It is not an endorsement of the comments or advice discussed in the post. This blog features author’s information gained from the author or the Internet and is by invitation only.
Permission from the author is required via email to publish this information. It is not a group, subscription or forum.
HBSystems Publications Copyright 2014

Katherine Logan - Getting Book Reviews: Pre-launch Activity

Top Shelf Author Advice is a collection of comments made by a group of outstanding authors during Author Interviews and Studies presented by HBSystems Publications. Today's advice comes from:


Katherine Logan

Author Genre: Romance, Mystery & Thrillers - Time Travel

Author's Blog: Katherine Lowry Logan's Notes from Tabor Lane
Website: Katherine Lowry Logan
Twitter: @KathyLLogan
Goodreads: Check Out Goodreads
Pinterest: Check Out Pinterest
Facebook: Check Out Facebook
E-Mail: KatherineLLogan@gmail.com
Spotlight Author Interview - Katherine Logan



Question
What kind of Pre-Launch Activity do you do to get a head start on book reviews?

Answer
With my second book, I contacted Twitter followers who had tweeted that they loved THE RUBY BROOCH. I asked them if they would like to beta read the sequel THE LAST MACKLENNA. They all said they would love to read the story. Not only did they catch typos, but they wrote reviews that were ready to be posted on Amazon as soon as the book went live.

Source Post
Getting Book Reviews: The Methods Award-Winning Authors Use – A Study

Award winning, best-selling author Katherine Logan @KathyLLogan is the author of the Celtic Brooch Time-Travel Series.



Author Recommended by: James Moushon, a Mystery Writer and writing industry blogger and HBSystems Publications, a Publisher of ebooks and the sponsor of the following blogs:
HBS Author's Spotlight
eBook Author’s Corner
HBS Mystery Reader’s Circle

Disclaimer
This blog is for information only. It is not an endorsement of the comments or advice discussed in the post. This blog features author’s information gained from the author or the Internet and is by invitation only.
Permission from the author is required via email to publish this information. It is not a group, subscription or forum.
HBSystems Publications Copyright 2014