tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681132888977525688.post228817403783633725..comments2024-03-25T05:17:05.202-05:00Comments on Writing In The Crosshairs: HOW TO GET YOUR BOOK NOTICED WHILE WAITING FOR OPRAH TO DO ITRoland D. Yeomanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00338410857990551352noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681132888977525688.post-44963686109649599462015-01-08T10:06:20.790-06:002015-01-08T10:06:20.790-06:00Donna:
Many posts do sadly. Of December's 33 p...Donna:<br />Many posts do sadly. Of December's 33 posts, 29 of mine were directed to entertain, amuse, inform, or just have my visitors relax with a few smiles.<br /><br />I talked of the strange customs of New Year and Christmas, how to cope with depression over the holi-daze, what the holidays meant to me, to the culture, to children, to adults these days.<br /><br />I had fun with visits from the ghosts of Edgar Allan Poe and Mark Twain to tell me what they thought of Christmas. I even wrote a mini-Christmas fable of Jesus visiting post-Katrina New Orleans in GOD CAN'T BREATHE.<br /><br />I spotlighted Cora Pop's evocative book, WANDERINGS ON DARKER SHORES and Damien Lewis's warm, loving true WWII story, THE DOG WHO COULD FLY.<br /><br />4 out of 33 posts I did ask my friends to consider buying a particular book of mine, but I thought 4 out of 33 a good ratio. :-) May the new year bring you only joy!<br /><br />Joss:<br />And a lovely 2015 right back at you! Thanks. It was so nice of you to say this post helped you. May your sales be high!!<br />Roland D. Yeomanshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00338410857990551352noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681132888977525688.post-20918865746423819172015-01-08T08:35:57.987-06:002015-01-08T08:35:57.987-06:00Thank you so much for your great post it has reall...Thank you so much for your great post it has really got me thinking and inspired me to. Hope you have a lovely 2015 :)Josshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07326304210756061011noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681132888977525688.post-70629026229671980312015-01-08T05:07:58.894-06:002015-01-08T05:07:58.894-06:00All sales posts look the same to me lately. Seems ...All sales posts look the same to me lately. Seems blogging is nothing but promotions for self publishing.<br /><br />Well, the community is what it is, right? Jump on the wagon or be left behind.dolorahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08715849844092553699noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681132888977525688.post-61243983666959922522015-01-07T21:34:03.444-06:002015-01-07T21:34:03.444-06:00Arlee:
Thanks for the analogy: it fits perfectly. ...Arlee:<br />Thanks for the analogy: it fits perfectly. We have to break out of the author blog ghetto somehow and reach the wider world of the web!<br /><br />Jennifer:<br />Yes, THE HUNGER GAMES started the bandwagon. DIVERGENT was able to grab hold of Catniss's shirt-tail. But when dozens of similar storylines hopped on that bandwagon, the horses could no longer pull it!! :-)<br /><br />VR:<br />I'm honored that you've printed this post out. The WHY sells books. The WHAT just puts the cart before the horse, right?<br /><br />Chrys:<br />I started my blog for the same reason, but since I have branched out to interesting slice of life posts. We learn by doing, right? And yes, I am enriched by the authors I have met like this!<br /><br />Chemist Ken:<br />Yes, Amazon is the readers' number one search engine and we have to learn how to use to our advantage! :-)<br /><br />Suzanne:<br />Though I wanted to reach authors, when I started out I was just musing most posts on what interested me, thinking it would interest kindred spirits. Three months without a comment that way! Ouch!!!<br /><br />Gwen:<br />There is more to Amazon keywords than meet the eye which is what I will go into next post. :-)<br /><br />Nicki:<br />I am honored you will try this approach. I think it may help. I really am glad you liked this post! :-)Roland D. Yeomanshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00338410857990551352noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681132888977525688.post-54707084921265198102015-01-07T19:52:34.778-06:002015-01-07T19:52:34.778-06:00Okay Roland, you've inspired me to take a crac...Okay Roland, you've inspired me to take a crack at crafting my Hans & Greta blurb to start showing up in some freaking Amazon searches. And I shall strive to focus more on the why for readers in...well, in everything I do writingwise. This is an excellent post in which to start the new year. Thank you. <br /><br /><br />Nicki Elsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11412032684225126973noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681132888977525688.post-4806319903282580072015-01-07T17:02:09.716-06:002015-01-07T17:02:09.716-06:00Sounds like sound advice, Roland. I have heard the...Sounds like sound advice, Roland. I have heard the bit about using Amazon key words. I'll have to check it out on my next book. Thank you!Gwen Gardnerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13132836346305559246noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681132888977525688.post-30161111312051544562015-01-07T16:54:25.303-06:002015-01-07T16:54:25.303-06:00I must admit my blog was started with it's ori...I must admit my blog was started with it's original purpose in mind - a web log - somewhere I could share what was going on with me and mine with family and friends. So I suppose I always have written for the reader. I found this post so informative - thank you!!! :) xxSuzannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15210964582774377295noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681132888977525688.post-82059291086383989172015-01-07T14:23:36.866-06:002015-01-07T14:23:36.866-06:00Such a smart post, Roland! I guess that's wher...Such a smart post, Roland! I guess that's where my mistake was...I started my blog for writers. But then again, I wouldn't have much such amazing authors otherwise. :)Chrys Feyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11955009490266358041noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681132888977525688.post-7776674302852256592015-01-07T13:25:25.527-06:002015-01-07T13:25:25.527-06:00Fabulous information, Roland. I'm printing thi...Fabulous information, Roland. I'm printing this one and saving it as a reference. I absolutely agree with you about the WHY. The WHY is the reason the majority of us read. Unfortunately, books tend to be marketed on the WHAT, a disconnect I've battled since day one.<br /><br /><a href="http://vrbarkowski.wordpress.com" rel="nofollow">VR Barkowski</a>VR Barkowskihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04927993233682731113noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681132888977525688.post-32119895436900171992015-01-07T12:24:39.989-06:002015-01-07T12:24:39.989-06:00Thanks for all the insights, Roland. It's alw...Thanks for all the insights, Roland. It's always good to be reminded that we have to look at things from the reader's point of view. I especially liked the Amazon hints. Chemist Kenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09738272332470397248noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681132888977525688.post-59794572737422689652015-01-07T11:55:19.725-06:002015-01-07T11:55:19.725-06:00Wonderful post, Roland! I like that idea of emphas...Wonderful post, Roland! I like that idea of emphasizing the why instead of the what. In fact, that inspires an opening line of the blurb for my WIP. But Hunger Games and Divergent series? I think those have sold a few copies. ;-)Jennifer Lanehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13300124780126853962noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681132888977525688.post-71363404966306034832015-01-07T11:37:24.400-06:002015-01-07T11:37:24.400-06:00Very powerful and highly useful advice!
You are s...Very powerful and highly useful advice!<br /><br />You are so right about writing for the readers. Writing to impress the writing or academic community is like Ford making their cars with the intent that Toyota will buy them. Writers need to be most active in engaging with the customer base.<br /><br />Lee<br /><a href="http://tossingitout.blogspot.com" rel="nofollow"> Tossing It Out</a><br />Arlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681132888977525688.post-41766128681286800822015-01-07T11:26:09.914-06:002015-01-07T11:26:09.914-06:00Candilynn:
I've missed you! Thanks for visitin...Candilynn:<br />I've missed you! Thanks for visiting.<br /><br />We authors have to stop singing to the choir. We have to find a way to break out of the ghetto of author blogs alone for our contacts.<br /><br />I thought about asking Miley Cyrus out for the publicity, but there are some prices too steep to pay even for success!<br /><br />Maybe Kanye West will sing my praises? No, he is too busy singing his own!<br /><br />We can always hope for Neil Gaiman to speak of our books on his blog! Hey, we can dream, can't we? :-)Roland D. Yeomanshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00338410857990551352noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681132888977525688.post-7150284587875890772015-01-07T10:36:17.968-06:002015-01-07T10:36:17.968-06:00Roland, you're a master at advice and experien...Roland, you're a master at advice and experience and wisdom. I agree. FB, Twitter, and even my writing blog will not be my big book seller. Using those to sell books is like selling a house to a real estate agent or pushing candy on a candy-maker. At least the way I have them set up now. I sometimes wonder if I design them differently, targeting readers, if the dynamics of those social media sites would lend a hand in selling my works. But I'll have to wait until my slow-as-molasses book writing/editing skills actually get something published. Thanks for the Amazon tips. :D<br /><br />Hoping 2015 is good to you, my friend!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02691497935668743387noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681132888977525688.post-2997305257585557422015-01-07T10:05:37.649-06:002015-01-07T10:05:37.649-06:00Hilary:
Aren't those who have commented great ...Hilary:<br />Aren't those who have commented great folks? You, included! :-)<br /><br />Besides being authors, we self-published authors have to be business folks as well. It is sometimes a challenge. But then so is all of life at times. We might as well enjoy the journey!Roland D. Yeomanshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00338410857990551352noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681132888977525688.post-72543709562741719522015-01-07T04:02:58.555-06:002015-01-07T04:02:58.555-06:00Hi Roland - what a great post and commenting ... i...Hi Roland - what a great post and commenting ... it's the content ... and yes as Helena says you are so well read ... then Amazon or all marketing with the keywords, and succinct all encompassing phrases ... <br /><br />Thanks .. great post for the year ahead - cheers HilaryHilary Melton-Butcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681132888977525688.post-18111320201211175222015-01-06T19:56:40.632-06:002015-01-06T19:56:40.632-06:00Sorry, Ladies, I was fighting off the flu today, s...Sorry, Ladies, I was fighting off the flu today, so that is why I am late!<br /><br />D.G.:<br />I am better now. But now I have to go back out into the world where everyone is hacking, sneezing, and coughing!<br /><br />Hart:<br />We all learn as we go along, don't we? I hope your resolutions are going well!<br /><br />Teresa:<br />You make me feel as if my efforts are appreciated. I pray that your days are going better with your writing. :-)Roland D. Yeomanshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00338410857990551352noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681132888977525688.post-51291623904003758582015-01-06T11:30:29.378-06:002015-01-06T11:30:29.378-06:00This is GREAT stuff, Roland. I wander into your bl...This is GREAT stuff, Roland. I wander into your blog knowing I will be entertained and educated. Thanks so much!!T. Powell Coltrinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02160774009926623671noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681132888977525688.post-64181106314022906252015-01-06T10:44:04.714-06:002015-01-06T10:44:04.714-06:00Great advice Roland! I have SO not thought enough ...Great advice Roland! I have SO not thought enough about all this stuff.Hart Johnsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17599570189253229318noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681132888977525688.post-10766945065070381762015-01-05T23:56:11.279-06:002015-01-05T23:56:11.279-06:00Sage advice. Yes, write for the love of it, then ...Sage advice. Yes, write for the love of it, then it will be a pleasant surprise if it takes off. Hope you're doing well!D.G. Hudsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06213237734772028645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681132888977525688.post-64459314765339530212015-01-05T21:51:58.130-06:002015-01-05T21:51:58.130-06:00Helena:
The ghost of Mark Twain just swatted me wi...Helena:<br />The ghost of Mark Twain just swatted me with his hat out of jealousy. :-)<br /><br />It couldn't help to putter around trying for more accessible keywords for your books.<br /><br />Each of us learns as we do. In researching geology and astronomy for RETURN OF THE LAST SHAMAN, I have learned so much that slipped past me in school!<br /><br />Did you know that Earth whizzes through space at 67,000 miles an hour?! No wonder I have a hard time keeping my Stetson on!<br /><br />Stay with your writing and your blog, please! :-)Roland D. Yeomanshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00338410857990551352noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681132888977525688.post-56791876021774079352015-01-05T20:19:58.042-06:002015-01-05T20:19:58.042-06:00As always, you've given some great advice here...As always, you've given some great advice here, and what you say about Amazon's keywords and their search engine makes me realize that I've really underutilized this resource. I definitely have to set aside an evening or half a weekend day and just work on placing my stuff on a much more visible platform.<br /><br />And one of the reasons I want to read your stories is because you are so well read and charming on your blog.Helenahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14967821142796562697noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681132888977525688.post-44327069236950045852015-01-05T19:16:49.528-06:002015-01-05T19:16:49.528-06:00Alex:
It couldn't hurt. And your blog is your ...Alex:<br />It couldn't hurt. And your blog is your strongest point. People like you, and they will buy your book just to support you even if it is not their genre of choice. Your next book will be HUGE.Roland D. Yeomanshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00338410857990551352noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8681132888977525688.post-18814995975054136852015-01-05T18:55:40.797-06:002015-01-05T18:55:40.797-06:00I'm not in control of some of that. But I shou...I'm not in control of some of that. But I should probably work on my proposal.Alex J. Cavanaughhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09770065693345181702noreply@blogger.com