What works for you???
Every little while I like to ask my readers a few questions about promotion. And because the economy is what it is, every author out there is trying to figure out how to get the most bang for their hard-earned buck. So, without further wait:
1) What do you like to see on websites? Blogs? FAQs? Photos? Something different like…?
2) What types of promotion gets your attention?
Banner ads?
Excerpts?
Blog Tours?
Free reads?
Pens, bookmarks etc?
3) If a booksigning was in your area, would you cancel your plans to attend, or go later in the hopes the author left behind some autographed books? Do you attend booksignings or are you uncomfortable when it comes to meeting authors face-to-face?
4) Do you regularly read blogs? If so, what draws you back again and again? Does an author’s blog mean an automatic buy for you the next time the author has a book out?
5) What gets you to pick up a book? Is it the cover? The blurb on the back? Word of mouth buzz?
I know I’ve asked a lot of questions–but having had a lot of discussions on the above topics with other authors, well, we’re ALL curious as to what works and what doesn’t. So to entice you to respond….
I’ll choose 3 winners from those who post their answers and you’ll get your choice of MONTANA SKIES, MAN WITH A PAST, HIS PERFECT WOMAN, A CHRISTMAS TO REMEMBER, ANOTHER MAN’S BABY, HIS SON’S TEACHER, HER BEST FRIEND’S BROTHER, and SIMON SAYS MOMMY.
Don’t be shy. Tell me what works for YOU.
Kay
January 21st, 2010 at 7:38 am
Hi Kay!
When I visit a blog, and I have a list of about 20 saved that I visit daily, I want it to have newcontent, at least every other day if not every day. I want the website to be updated too. It bothers me to visit a site and a book that I read two months ago is still listed as coming soon. As a reader I love contests for books too!
I love to read excerpts of books and recently have purchased several new authors because of excerpts I’ve read on blogs. I’ll also buy a book based on a word of mouth recommendation from someone I know who shares a similar reading taste.
I don’t know that I would cancel plans to attend a signing – it would depend of the plans and the author. I’m pretty shy around people I don’t know so it would have to be an author I really really like!
It seems like I haven’t had much time to spend browsing in the bookstore lately. But when I do go, I’m drawn to the author first then the blurb on the back. If I see an author that I’ve read about on a blog I’ll pick up their book and read the blurb. Sometimes a title will catch my attention so I’ll read the blurb. But no matter what, if the blurb doesn’t catch my attention, I’ll put the book back on the shelf.
As for promo items, I like notepads and pens but an item that stays in my site and gets used daily is an emery board an author had at one of Lori and Dianne’s get togethers several years ago. I use it as a bookmark more often than a real bookmark! Magnets for the fridge are OK unless they are explicit and with kids in the house I’ll usually toss them if they come in the mail. Same with coverflats and postcards plus I really don’t see the need in keeping them after the book is out.
I hope you get some constructive responses. I know the economy is tough for everybody and we all want to get maximum benefits with minimum output.
January 21st, 2010 at 8:41 am
:bookslp: Hi Kay!
I always love to visit blogs and see photos.. The Excerpts are what always get me to buy, yes the other stuff is nice. But it’s the excerpts that get my attention..
Yes I would always drop whatever I have planned to go visit w/ an author that I really like.. No matter how much my husband would make fun of me for it.. It just some of the things that he doesn’t understand, I guess. LOL I would also bring my oldest daughter w/ me so she could be star struck and excited like I am.. Cause then It’ll get her more excited about reading more.
Yes I like I said I like to read blogs.. For it’s like I get to visit w/ a friend and getting to see and read their personality threw their writings.. I seem to always feel like I’m getting to know them alot more even if I don’t really know them..
For me to pick up the book, I have to read the back cover.. If it catches my attention then I’ll buy it. Of course the cover does help some. But it’s usally the back that I always look at first for my final decision. And if the author is one of my favs then it’s auto buy for me.. No matter what the back says.. LOL Hope this helps you… Hugs Marie
January 21st, 2010 at 9:58 am
On websites~~I like blogs that are new at least every couple of days, photos that are new at least every couple of months, excerpts and book covers, FAQs
Promotions~~excerpts,blog tours, free reads as long as I can read them on my computer
Book Signings~~If the author was one whose books I enjoyed I would definitely would cancel what ever I had planned (unless it was something that could’nt be like a doctor’s appt) and I love meeting authors in person (as you should know)
Blogs~~this goes back to how often a blog is new…I have a dozen I read every day but at least that many that I quit reading because they only had new entries every month or so. And no it doesn’t mean an auto buy for me.
Books~~Different things make me pick up a book but only the blurb on the back will get me to buy unless I have read an excerpt somewhere else. Sometimes and author is an auto buy for me.
AND~~since I have read all your books listed don’t enter me in the drawing just keep writing books I’ll love to read!!!
:kitty:
January 21st, 2010 at 10:47 am
Website – an easily accessible list of books with cover pics and an option to read an excerpt. Also, if it is part of a series, a list of the books and their order. A separate tab for the author’s blog would be nice.
Otherwise, a well-organized, easy to read website is great!
Promotion items – I usually look for excerpts or a notice of an upcoming book in my e-mail or by U.S. mail.
I don’t usually go to book signings unless it is really close by.
I do read blogs but none on a regular basis. There are so many of them out there now it is starting to get a little bit confusing. I enjoy small snippets I receive on facebook. That is about all I can handle at the moment.
And finally what gets me to pick up a book? First, word of mouth or a known favorite author release. Next, if visiting a bookstore, the cover art, then after reading the blurb, I would decide whether to buy it or not. Having another author’s endorsement doesn’t do much for me.
Positive reviews on goodreads or other book review sites. I think a ‘regular’ person’s opinion is the best guideline rather than those reviewers who have their reviews published regularly in a magazine.
January 21st, 2010 at 12:07 pm
Websites: Covers, blurbs, excerpts.
Promotion: A beautiful cover might get my attention, but I think banners, and a blog tour, seeing the author and her title numerous places would get me to take a good look at the book.
Book Signing: Whenever a sports star has taken the time to stop and autograph something for me, it usually makes me a bigger fan, I’d imagine getting the chance to meet an author would make me more inclined to buy their books in the future.
Blog: Updated frequently. I’d rather read less personal things and more about the writing process. Inspiration for the story and characters can get me more intrigued about a book, and therefore, more tempted to buy it.
Selling point: Word of mouth can get me to look at a book, but usually the blurb, and the excerpt are what get me to buy it.
January 21st, 2010 at 2:21 pm
When I have some money to spend on books I:
1. Look for authors I know and love
2. Pick up books I’ve heard about on the eharlequin website
3. Pick up books from my favorite categories
4. Read the back blurbs and if they entice me, I will read the beginning of the first chapter.
I don’t pay much attention to individual author websites
because I would never get anything else done.
I would go to book signings if they were happening at a location I can easily get to and during a time I am not working
Excerpts do catch my eye and if I read something I like I will either order the book online or pick it up when I am at my favorite bookstore.
January 21st, 2010 at 3:33 pm
1 – Blogs and behind the scenes type excerpt – could be how the writer came to write a particular story or an excerpt of what happened after the story ended
2 – I love the little book cover cards you give out! I didn’t realize I had them all! Except Simon Says Mommy and your soon-to-be released She’s the One. I love pens too!
3 – Attend!! I love to meet the person behind the story.
4 – Yes – blogs give me insight into the writer and the writing life. Sometimes they are an auto buy – I may read one or two of their stories, but sometimes I may not be pulled in enough to buy again.
5 – Cover, author, and rarely is it by word of mouth.
No need to enter me – I have them all. But if you want you can send me the little book cover bookmark.
January 21st, 2010 at 3:58 pm
Hi Kay,
1. An easy to navigate website is a must – I have just recently started reading blogs so I am not sure what I really like yet.
2. Definitely free reads – autograph give aways and the such will start me reading an author I might not have already picked up. A good excerpt works too.
3. I’ve never been to a book signing, it seems I always find out about them too late, I would love to go if I didn’t have to wait in line for more than 30 to 45 mins.
4. See no. 1
5. The cover first and then the blurb.
Thanks Kay –
Melinda
January 21st, 2010 at 6:04 pm
Hey Kay thanks for asking out input!
1. On Websites I like to see backlist books, on these backlist books I like to see book covers and excerpts. Your books that will be printed in the next few monthes is always a plus with this as well for me.
2. Promotion that gets my attention is usually a blog tour or word of mouth!
3. I have never known of a booksigning being close to my area but I would absolutely love to go. So yes if one were going to be around here you could bet I would be there. Unless I had plans with the stepdaughter that cant be missed.
4. I read blogs but what keeps me coming back are normally the blogs that have mulitple authors posting on it because it is always something new and not the same ol same ol stuff. Constantly giving us a variety to read.
5. Normally the blurb works best for me. Even though sometimes it doesnt’ really match up to the story.
January 21st, 2010 at 6:25 pm
1) I love when there is a blog for the author and I enjoy seeing photos which help connect with the author
2) I like excerpts for promotion whether it be on blogs, chats, forums. I really enjoy pens/bm’s and notepads which the name of the author is on.
3) I don’t live in an area where there are book signings, honestly. The closest one I heard about was a 6 hr. drive away. I’d definitely go if there was one.
4) I visit blogs regularly and keep going back if there is new info to see fairly regularly.
5) I love covers of books and think they are art in and of themselves. It would be the back cover blurb or an excerpt I’d seen on the website, etc. that would make me pick up a book BUT I love when the cover is intense.
January 21st, 2010 at 7:16 pm
Hi, Kay!
1. I visit authors’ websites to learn more about my favorite authors and their work, and to read more about new-to-me authors. Sometimes, authors publish with more than one house, so it makes it easier to find out what books they have on the market that I may not have known about. It is a must for the website to be easy to navigate, and I am always pleased when authors add links to their websites. I admire those who post advice for aspiring authors. I have purchased several books for this very reason. It shows that the author is not only serious about their work, but is undaunted by those who are honing their own skills. The extra links and helpful tips show that the author isn’t all about himself/herself. The perception is that they actually care about their readers, as well. And, it is all about perception! FYI: I never revisit a site that has brightly colored backgrounds and hard to read print. Also, too many graphics can slow a site down, making it a chore to view. I never could stand chores!
2. Cover art is usually the first to attract attention; however, the back cover blurbs and excerpts are the selling points for me! And, if the excerpts are really good, I read them several times just to pump myself up for the rest of the book!
3. If there is a booksigning in my area, and I like the author and/or the type of books the author writes, I would definitely make plans to go! The problem is either the lack of advertisement in my area, or the fact that I am living under a rock and do not see the ads. I never know when there is a book signing in my area.
However, If I knew about one, I would change my plans to attend, provided they are not life altering plans (i.e., childbirth, death, etc.) 
4. I’m not a big blogger (unless, of course, you count the contests where books are the prizes). Seriously, I have never purchased a book based on my experience with a blog. However, I have purchased several books just because I thought the authors were nice in the eHarlequin forums!! I really believe those forums sell books. And, you know what? I usually love the books and purchase every book released by those particular authors. Maybe a nice author just makes for a better read, who knows? However, if I feel like the author is only there to make an appearance every once in a while, without really involving themselves with the topics, I pay little attention to what they write, and don’t even bother to look at what they have released recently. Also, I don’t readily remember those who post a quick blog to let everyone know they have a new release, and then don’t show back up until they have another release. The eHarlequin community is chock full of hungry readers salivating over the next new release! Yes, I am one of them, thank you very much!
5. Ok, so to summarize my two cents, a great easy to read website, a super-friendly author, and an unforgetable back cover blurb sells me every single time!
January 22nd, 2010 at 5:50 am
Wow! You guys ROCK!
I loved reading all your responses. Thank you so much for answering in such detail! The above was exactly what I wanted.
As to the winners…posts #2, 8, and 11 by Marie, Melinda and Michaela!!!
Ladies, click on the Contact Kay link above and send your shipping information along with your preference of books from the titles given.
Thanks so much!
Kay
January 22nd, 2010 at 8:24 am
1. I love author’s blogs when they write regularly – whether is daily, twice weekly, or weekly. I like knowing when I should check them.
2. Excerpts are my favorite form of promotion. I really enjoy seeing some interaction between the characters that sets the tone/pace of the book.
3. The idea of book signings is appealing; however, I have not attended any. The one time I heard about a book signing in my area, it was at the last minute and I could not fit it into my day because of prior appointments.
4. See #1.
5. For new authors, usually word of mouth – either from an author’s blog or the lady in my local bookstore.