There’s so much noise out there. Too much noise.
It seems as if every book that’s published arrives with a fanfare – as the author would want, of course. But it’s also there for every cover reveal, sometimes you feel there’s an announcement of every breath the writer takes.
I’m no better than any of them. I create my book trailer, my ad and put them up on social media to try and prime the pump before publication day (as an aside, writers these days need to be well-versed in Photoshop or Gimp, editing videos and sound; does anyone remember when writers just wrote?).
And why? Because the window to be noticed seems to grow shorter and shorter. So many books find their way out there, week after week after week. Publishers advertise where they feel it will do the most good, but everyone – where traditionally or independently published – uses social media as a tool to let people know that HEY, WE’RE OVER HERE! It’s free, it’s what we all have.
The result is a timeline or news feed that’s jammed with bits and bobs on new books.
Information on blog tours.
And the restless, haunted souls of writers looking for attention.
I did a short blog tour last month. It felt worthwhile, and I’m grateful to the blogger who organised it. I think it helped sales, at least for as long as it was going on, that first week of publication. It put the book in front of a wide range of people who might never have known about it.
But without a friendly, well-connected blogger, it’s difficult to do.
What are the choices?
Honestly, I wish I knew. We use the tools at our disposal. I advertise some of my books on a crime fiction blog. I’m not certain it makes much difference, but it doesn’t cost much. Apart from that…it’s the same as everyone else, to get out there and make some noise of my own, to add to the Tower of Babel.
Suggestions gratefully received.

Comments

[Kristopher]

Never discount the value of a well-connected blogger. You clearly understand this, but so few authors do.

As media space shrinks, book bloggers continue to provide an important service. But it goes beyond their (our) reviews. Book bloggers are often on the ground at conventions, book festivals, and other literary events - more than probably most people know about. It's that word of mouth potential that is invaluable.

For example, I was standing in the book room at Bouchercon, I saw a stranger pick up a book I had recently review. I simply said, "wow, I just reviewed that book and loved it so much." They talked to me for a few moments, asking for a bit more detail. They then said "I'm buying this because you felt the need to say something to someone you don't even know." (And they've signed up for the blog, written to tell me the loved the book, so it was a win-win)

[Sue Trowbridge]

I hate to say it, but you appear to be a terrible promoter - because you didn't sign your name to this post! I have no idea who wrote it!!