Now the hard work begins . . .

[chelseagirl]

My book release has been utterly delightful -- I've gotten so much positive feedback -- including three glowing reviews so far on Goodreads. Friends and acquaintances are buying the book, and I've been riding a high.

It was a week ago, and obviously my first push of sales is over. Now I have to figure out how to sustain. Quite a few of my FB friends have accepted the invitation to like my author page, but with FB's algorithms, I'm not sure who'll see it. (By the way, if you'd like to "like" it and we're not connected over there, it's www.facebook.com/catesimonbooks )

Because I'm with a small press, I'll need to contact reviewers on my own, and I know I'll need to do a lot of internet advertising and the like. I've got an event set for September, so hopefully that'll lead to a second round.

But since I'm not in bookstores, how do I get the word out to people who don't already know me? This is the hard part. And in a month, I'll be back at work full time, so I want to get a rhythm going now. Any advice from indie and small press authors would be really appreciated!

Comments

[lunabee34]

I wish I had advice to give, but I wish you all the success!

[chelseagirl]

Thanks! Your review is definitely a help!

[oracne]

I've been told having 25 or 30 Amazon reviews (can't remember the exact number) gives you a boost in the algorithms they use. They don't have to be good reviews, or long reviews, so if each friend posts a brief one, that helps.

Also, are you a member of Romance Divas? It's free, and there are many indie authors who can give advice.

[chelseagirl]

I believe it's 50, now, and some of my friends who are with big publishers aren't even getting that. It'll be a long campaign, I'm afraid.

No, I'm not -- I set out to write historical mysteries and this was kind of a side jog, so I haven't looked too hard into romance resources yet. Thanks! I've signed up for the forum and followed their Facebook page.

[executrix]

How do Smart Bitches Trashy Books get their books for review?

[chelseagirl]

They were the first site I submitted to -- but as that was today, who knows? I do think I've got an intriguing premise, so hopefuly. (I mean, I have only 5-star reviews so far, but they're not exactly from random strangers -- though they've been thoughtful and detailed enough that I don't feel like it's just friends cheerleading . . . )