We CAN! promote our books

7 Twitter Rules of the Road

Hi, Ava Pennington, CAN Secretary, here. Our CAN members have been learning how to better use social media, thanks to several recent member webinars. As I apply what I’ve been learning, I've noticed some parallels with driving…

Have a New Book Releasing? Let's Party!

Hi everyone! Pamela Meyers here with my monthly post on marketing your books. Last month I described the inception of my debut novel, Thyme for Love, which released last November with OakTara Publishing. Along with describing how the idea for my story evolved, I also shared ways in which thoughts toward marketing the book materialized as the story took shape.

As soon as I learned my release date of November 14, 2011, my thoughts went to how was I going to celebrate my debut novel and, at the same time, get the word out to people in my local area about the book? What better way than a party and book-signing event? After all, we only have one debut novel in our writing lives.

 

Maximizing Marketing When Speaking

Aloha from Karen Whiting. CAN treasurer

I Love speaking to Moms, Women, Writers, and well, anyone who shares similar passions. I also find that there are many ways books get promoted when I speak, beyond the actual time I stand and talk.

It starts the moment I get a speaking engagement with the meeting planner letting people know I'll be coming and my posting the event to my website upcoming appearances. There are several ways to maximize the promotional possibilities.

 

My Journey to Publication & What I've Learned Along the Way

Hello from Pamela Meyers

I’ve been asked to write a series of blogs about how my debut novel came to be and what was entailed in its ultimate publication last November. Especially how the conceptualization relates to marketing the book once it was published. Like a proud mama, I’m always pleased to talk about the birth of my baby. Isn’t that how we authors come to think of our stories, be it your very first novel, or your hundredth?

What better combination is there than a good romance coupled with a who-done-it mystery written cozy style? At least to my point of view, that’s always a dynamite combination. Since I was a girl, I loved reading mysteries. Think Nancy Drew and Trixie Belden. As I grew into my teen years, I started reading romance stories. One of my favorites was called Geneva Summer, which was set in my home area of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. I devoured that book, not only because it was fun to read a story set in places I knew well, but also because I couldn’t wait to see if the hero and heroine ended up together at the end. Of course they did, as all good romances go.

Hope and Writing

Aloha from Karen Whiting, CAN treasurer

This week I received an email from an editor that surprised me. I met with the editor last March at a conference and submitted some requested manuscripts but heard nothing. Evidently my submission made it into the accepted folder but in changing secretaries the company missed sending me a contract. This week the editor checked for the contract before preparing to put the article into an upcoming issue, found the error, and emailed me. The article is a new twist on something they like to publish and I hope readers enjoy it.

This unexpected Christmas acceptance adds a final touch of blessing from God to end the year.

I love surprises and each acceptance always surprises me in some way.

An Author's Time ~ Social Networking

Greetings from contemporary fiction author, Deborah Vogts. This past year, I've tried to evaluate the moments in a writer's life. The next two months, I'd like to break this down even further and consider how we spend our promotional time. This month, I want to narrow in on social networking.

An Author's Time ~ Reader Time

Greetings from contemporary fiction author, Deborah Vogts. If you're reading this, chances are you are part of the writing profession, and you understand how this activity fills nearly every nook and cranny of your life in one way or another. Because of this, it's easy for our lives to become lopsided, neglecting one or more ingredients that will make them richer, and will actually enhance our ability to "write" more effectively.

This past year, I've tried to evaluate the moments in a writer's life. The next three months, I'd like to break this down even further and consider how we spend our promotional time. This month, I want to narrow in on readers, specifically. 

ICRS, Where the Industry Meets

Aloha from Karen,

 A few weeks ago I attended the International Christian Retail Show (ICRS). I've been going for more than a decade. One convention hall fills with authors, publishers, sales reps, agents, and store owners, and all the newest Christian books and products. It's an exciting place for anyone who loves books. Many authors sign free copies of their books. I didn't sign this year but  Faithwords gave away a huge stack of my books as I stood and watched them disappear in a few minutes.

    A lot happens at this show.

 

You're More Than Just a Pretty Face

Using Your Facebook Avatar as a Promotion Tool

Hello, CANners! Cat Hoort here, sending you greetings from the Kregel Publications offices.

We’ve chatted in the past about promoting on Facebook. Maybe “chatted” isn’t the right word. Discussed? Debated? Deliberated? Whatever you call it, I typically side with those of you who see Facebook as a valuable marketing tool. When I listen to the stats about how many people are on Facebook and how often they login, I find it hard not to use this great social media to market Kregel, our books, or our authors.

The Jewels of Amazon

Hello and happy spring from Cat Hoort and Kregel Publications!

Question for you: have you found the jewels of Amazon?

I’m not talking about any lost treasure, rain forest, or river. I am, of course, referring to Amazon.com: the go-to online retailer that has made it easy for practically anyone anywhere to get our books. We know them as a retailer—a seller. But did you know they also market? Amazon offers several ways for you to interact with your readers—right there on your book’s product page. Here are a few “jewels” that are easy, accessible, and effective ways to market your book on Amazon: