I have never owned a business before. Back in 2005, when I had my first book published, I was in charge of writing the book and finding reviewers. I had no problem doing both. There were several sites with willing reviewers and wonderful owners who helped authors. Nearly 20 years ago. Yes. I'm using the numbers for shock value. I popped up a free site on Tripod/Lycos/one of these I think. Easy to pop in content and links. It's homey-looking. My first attempt. It's still out there. Riddled with pop-up ads, I'm pretty sure.
But it was simpler. A simpler time.
I kept up with all of it.
NOW
If you would like a review, there is often a fee or donation. You can hop in the lengthy line of authors waiting to have your book reviewed by BUSY reviewers/content creators/overworked paid reviewers for the big guys. You can purchase ads that may or may not work for you. There's now a FB group that connects authors and ARC readers. Clever. But make no mistake, it's a JOB. I spent two days searching through reputable review resources and over half no longer took books to review. They had either stopped completely or took a hiatus.
Not only is my short ass writing a book, my vertically-challenged self will also make the cover, format it, find editors, edit it myself about three times, publish it, publicize it. Not my forte. Do I make those slick videos and post on TikTok and Insta? Do those work? Not for me. I've tried. I've tried ads on BookBub, Amazon, and Facebook. Not a fan.
I sell the most books in person. I LOVE seeing people and chatting and talking about books and ALL THAT! It's my favorite. 💖
But I have yet to come up with a way to solidify sales on the Internet. But I persevere my friends!
Attending a webinar tomorrow sponsored by the Author's Guild for Self-Publishing Authors. Woot! And attending a Contemporary Romance Writer's Conference (virtually) this Saturday and Sunday.
Wish me well!
Always writing*
...and trying to market my short ass...
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