Secrets to Planning a Rockin' Twitter Party

I know consider myself a Twitter Party Addict. I have managed three of my own and hopped on the bandwagon of over twenty of them.

It's a great way to spread the word about your book and to play as an 'appetizer' to a larger launch party.
 
THE LAUNCH

Who says you can only have one book launch party? Well I say, have many. This is the main event for your book. You've been building up to this for months. Doing it on multiple platforms will afford your book a lot of visibility. But even though Twitter is always hopping, you need to promo it a bit.

THE BUILDUP

I usually start my book launches that include a Twitter Party, Blog Party and Facebook Party with a mini-blog tour which includes all the authors who will be part of my Facebook Virtual Launch Party. We do this to build up the buzz.

About 6 weeks before the party all of the authors involved in the big Facebook Party event tweet about the Twitter Party coming (using a hashtag for the book title & a link to our Party Map Page).

The mini blog party kicks off 1 week before the Twitter Party. It's used to build awareness of all of the book release events coming. The Twitter Appetizer Party (which runs the Friday before the Facebook Party) is used to drive even more traffic to the book sales pages for participating authors.

The Giveaway announcement. We run a giveaway announcement on twitter (a daily tweet from each participating author) with link to Party Map Page which has the schedule of the mini-blog tour, the Twitter Party, Facebook Party, links to all books, and rafflecopter.


THE TWITTER APPETIZER PARTY

We call it an appetizer because it's the night before the big Facebook Party event (which usually last for 8 hours on a Saturday and is run by a number of authors not limited to the launch guest of honor).

These usually last 3 hours. Three hours is enough time to run 3 trivia games, intro the book, shout out for prize winners and share links to big party coming the following day on Facebook.


The trick though is to have about 3 other people who you KNOW will be there to help you keep the party going, promo the party, and invite others.

A neat way to make sure you know who's coming is to use the mini-blog tour to build an invite list and later tweet a reminder to participants.

PARTY MUST DO LIST

For a twitter party to work, you need to have the Trivia Questions, links, etc preset (you can use hootsuite or socialoomph to do this in advance). This makes things much easier and allows facilitator to just do promo, invite tweets, and personal interaction with crowd.

Announcing the party should be done 60 to 30 minutes before by the 3 party facilitators. Invites to fans who are on twitter at the time & share a party favor if they show up is a great kickoff. Have a main prize of about $25 gift card that you will give out at end of night.
 
Kick off party with party jargon, a swag giveaway like bookmarks, introduction of participating authors, book, book trailer. Then start the games. Try to stick with games that are themes of the book. In between shout out a reminder about follow-on Facebook party, shout out winners and 'thank you' to participants before running next game. Sticking to 10 questions for each trivia works.
 

Trivia ideas. Movie lines, guess that tune, caption picture contest and many more depending how creative you are.

WOULD YOU GO TO A TWITTER RELEASE PARTY?


by LM Preston, YA & MG Author, http://www.lmpreston.com/

More on Author Branding

I really enjoyed what Susan Kaye Quinn said about the Author Branding last week. It's something I've been thinking a lot about.

I am passionate about branding and feel 100% confident that the "me" I represent online is truly, well, ME. However, my brand doesn't represent my stories very well at all--and the reason is that it's simply not possible. And the reason for that? *I* am not one story. I am not only Desolation, but I am Jump Boys as well. I'm not only Jump Boys, I'm The Swift, Land Magic, Addicted, Blood Crown and the list goes on and on.

I write the stories in my heart and my heart is a bit psycho!

Have you seen the commercial starring musician Carrie Brownstein?

I could watch it all day, but I had a hard time finding it on YouTube because 1) I couldn't remember what she was advertising and 2) I honestly didn't know Carrie Brownstein before the commercial. But I persevered (thank you Google and YouTube search engines) and now I've listened to her music and watched her videos and could probably tell you anything you want to know about Carrie Brownstein. Why? Because of what she said in this American Express commercial.

She said,

I'm Carrie Brownstein and I get to be whoever I want.

Heck yes, she does! And guess what? So do we!

One of the privileges we enjoy as indie authors is freedom, like Sue said in her post. Feel like writing a fun middle-grade romp through space even though all you've written is dark, edgy YA angst? Go for it!

Think it might be fun to write a YA contemporary romance even though you've never written contemporary before? Why not?

Want to throw your hat into Manga, adult romance, or heck, create your own genre?

You. Can. Do. It.

Here's the thing. I've polled my readers on Facebook and Twitter and the answer is universal: Readers want a) to know when your next book is coming out, b) more about YOU and c) more about your stories.

Not once did someone tell me, "I don't care what else you write, I only want to read more about Desi."

Nope.

They told me, "I love everything you write!! Just give me MORE!"

And because we're indie and we can do whatever we want, more is what we can give them!

I think the notion that we are pigeon-holed based on the first story we publish is outdated. I do think we ought to have Facebook pages or websites for those looking for story-specific information, but as for your *AUTHOR NAME* blog/website, I think you should brand it YOU, not your stories.

Because you are many things, just as you have many stories to tell. I know I do. So while yes, I'm the author of the dark and angsty Desolation series, I'm also the author of a space-adventure done Hardy Boys style. And I have a hecka lot more stories (with much genre-hopping) to come.

I am Ali Cross, Author Extraordinaire. I am whatever I want to be. That's my brand.

Ali Cross is the sensei of the writer's dojo where she holds a black belt in awesome. She lives in Utah with her kickin' husband, two sparring sons, one  ninja cat, one sumo dog and four zen turtles.

She's the author the the young adult paranormal romance Desolation series, and the middle grade sci fi adventure, Jump Boys.

Find Ali online: Blog |Facebook | Twitter

Selling Beyond the Reader

So now you figured out you are a publisher? Well figure out ways to sell your stuff beyond just to the end reader.

YES, making money selling your books to readers is great. But the big returns also come when you sell your Subsidiary Rights! That means all the other ways to sell your book. Large publishers have been doing it for years. It's one of the main reasons having a Literary Agent and a Traditional Publisher seems appealing even to an Indie Publisher because entry into the untapped markets of Subsidiary Rights sales isn't easy at all.

Here's some tips from John Kremer, author of 1001 Ways to Market Your Book


SUBSIDIARY RIGHTS

The sale of subsidiary rights is a major source of money for traditional book publishers.


John Kremer states the reasons why publishers should pursue these:

Rights Income will help pay for printing and promos
Make money on your books even before they are released
The sales of these rights increase buzz about your books
The sales of these rights give credibility to your book
More sales create additional sales for other titles
The more sales in this area makes it easier to get booksellers to pick up the book
Movie and TV rights will increase sale of your released book and subsequent books from the author


John Kremer gives tips on selling these rights:

Create a contact list to include buyers for, serial, audio/video, reprints, book club rights and more by category.
Cold call, email, postcard mail these sources to let them know of your upcoming book
Send out review copies with marketing plans, media kits to these prospects
Approach more than one lead at a time
Follow-up with call or face to face visit
Take your time and prepare for the unexpected
Feature rights for sell on your publishing focused website
Get a rights agent that works with publishers


When an author signs a contract with a publishing house, they generally grant the publisher ‘volume rights’ within certain territories. This gives the publisher the right to publish the book in certain formats. The royalties relating to hardback, paperback and sometimes trade paperback (a larger paperback format) editions will be spelled out.

There will be clauses in the contract covering all the other rights. These are the ‘subsidiary’ rights granted to publishers and can also be referred to as sub-leases.

DO YOUR RESEARCH - THINK OUTSIDE OF THE BOX - and pursue other ways to sell your books.

By: LM Preston, YA and MG author, www.phenomenalonepress.com

Join us for an INDIE-kissing blogfest!

Join us for an INDIE-kissing blogfest!

Who can join?       Absolutely anyone!

When is it?     February 14th!

What do I blog about?

share a smoochable scene from your current wip or published work

provide tips on writing kissing or romance scenes

list your favorite books, movies…etc (with kissing, of course)

just write about kissing - your first kiss, perhaps?

suggest ideas for an affordable romantic date night

Can I do a give-away? 

You sure can! Books, gift cards, chapter crits…etc.

How do I join? 

Sign up with the linky link below!

On February 14th put up your post, link back to the Indelibles please, and include the linky code below!

Grab the badge, write your post, and see you on February 14th!

Copy this linky code to include the linky in your Indie-kissing posts!

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Indie Life - Join us!

Starting today, the Indelibles will be hosting a monthly feature called INDIE LIFE. Modeled after Alex Cavanaugh's awesome Insecure Writer's Group, this will be a chance for indie authors to post about indie life, find each other, offer support, encouragement, news, helpful hints, and anything else that makes life as an indie author a little easier.

What is Indie Life?
How: Sign up on the Linky at the bottom of this page
When: Post on the second Wednesday of the month (starting TODAY 1/9/2013)
What: Write anything indie related: something that will inspire or help a fellow indie; something that celebrates a release or a milestone; something that talks about the ups and downs, joys and heartaches of Being Indie.
Grab: The banner above to include in your posts!

Because being Indie doesn't have to mean going it alone.

Laura Pauling brings us her first Indie Life post.

With a new year comes the wave of blog posts about resolutions and writing goals. I enjoy reading them. I love seeing what my friends and blogging pals are up to. What insight they have in how to balance their writing and their families.

I don’t love writing resolution posts myself, so I jotted down some confessions. Most erred on the side of humorous and flimsy. But one mentioned how I miss the good ole days of blogging.

Three times a week, I blogged. Three times a week, I read a lot of posts and commented on most of them. But I didn’t mind it. In a phase of writing where I was querying and querying and querying, publishing to my blog and gaining readers brought a feeling of accomplishment.

Over the past year, each month, my Google reader diminished in posts. More writers were taking extended breaks. Eventually, I joined the crowd and dropped to blogging once a week.

But I was writing more, and I was publishing.

Even though I miss those days, I don’t want to go back. I still love keeping up with my friends and meeting new ones, but even more? I love seeing the progress my friends are making.

Some are signing with agents and getting book deals. Some are just jumping into the querying pool or signing with small presses. Others are self-publishing and hitting the best seller lists. More and more writers are making strides with their careers and finding success.

I couldn’t be more proud. I love it.

So yes, I miss the good ole days of blogging, but I love this day and age of blogging even more. Here’s to another fantastic year even with all the highs and the lows that a creative life brings.

Click here to visit Laura's blog.

HOP THROUGH FOR A PEEK INTO THE INDIE LIFE

ADD YOUR NAME TO LIST IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO JOIN US (NEXT POST 2/13/2013)
NOTE: if you previously signed up, but your name is not on the list - please sign up again! We had a linky catastrophe that deleted everyone's names. Thanks for your understanding!

Copy this linky code to include the linky in your Indie Life posts!

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Writing for Teens But Pleasing Adult YA Readers Too?

This is a struggle that many writers of Middle Grade and Young Adult literature must have. We see it in the movies all the time. You take your kid to see a Disney Movie like, TANGLED or SNOW WHITE and find that there is entertainment value for both adults and kids.

Is YOUNG ADULT and MIDDLE GRADE WRITING FOR KIDS?

Considering that most authors have to go through a vetting process of getting their manuscript to a Literary Agent who then reads and re-pitches it to an editor at a Publishing house. The editor at the publishing house reads it and then re-pitches it to the publisher to purchase.

All of these adults are reading your book that you meant for a Young Adult or Middle Grade kid to enjoy. And trust me kids and adults have very different reading perspectives.

KIDS like it but ADULTS don't

There are many cases where my kids love a book or a movie that I dislike because doesn't have the same type of substance that I'd want. There are also certain types of things I enjoy in which they read because it has a little something in it for my adult self also. Whether it's the adventure, the action, the young romance or the intelligence of the character.

THE TRUE MARKET of YA and MG

In order to meet that TRANSITION status of super love from both your audiences - because as a YA and MG author I've realized now that I have two audiences - I have the adult audience that reads YA and MG. Then there is the actual audience of Middle graders (11yrs-14yrs) and Young Adult (14yrs-17yrs) to focus on.

How does one author find that same mix?

DO IT LIKE DISNEY?

Should we? Put a lot for our kid audience in there -and consider a bit for our adult gatekeepers? Adult readers that want to relive their youth in books? What is the proper mix?

Honestly, I can't say I've figured it out yet. My teen beta readers (of which I'm lucky to have a good number) want action, adventure, a smudge of romance and more action. My adult readers want a slower pace in order to catch on to the story, figure out where they are and to savor the moments.

WHAT ARE YOUR ADULT EXPECTATIONS OF MG? or YA? and HOW DOES YOUR TASTE DIFFER from the intended audience of the genre of books you read?

Just remember while writing you will never make every reader happy, but as an artist of words we authors do try :-D

by: LM Preston, Young Adult & Middle Grade author, www.phenomenalonepress.com

http://www.amazon.com/Flutter-Of-Luv-ebook/dp/B0088ELXE2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1356245413&sr=8-1&keywords=flutter+of+luv

INDIE-ReCon - an online conference for self publishing!

Hi guys!

Do I have a surprise for you! :)

A small group of indie writers has pulled together and is hosting a FREE online conference on everything INDIE in Feb 2013!

Welcome to the first INDIE ReCon - Make Indie Publishing a Mission Possible

Are you curious about Indie publishing, but don't know where to start?  Or, are you already a published Indie author looking to boost your sales or expand your reach?  Then you'll want to attend a new exciting online conference happening in 2013 - INDIE Revolution Conference.  Or as we like to call it, INDIE ReCon.

INDIE ReCon is happening online from February 12-14, 2013.

INDIE ReCon is a FREE, ONLINE conference that is modeled after the awesome annual WriteOnCon. It is designed to help any writer or author who is curious about the ins and outs of Indie publishing. 

However any author or writer can attend because we cover topics all of you may want to know more about (marketing etc)

Everything from the pros and cons of Indie publishing, essential aspects in creating a high-quality book, successful online marketing, and expanding into International markets. 

We will feature over 30 guests that include industry experts as well as some of the bestselling adult and young adult authors in the publishing industry today including: Bob Mayer, Hugh Howey, M. Leighton, and Samantha Young (just to name a few).  

For three days, INDIE ReCon will highlight new topics every hour (sometimes every half hour) for 8 hours a day which will include interviews, blog posts, vlogs, and live online chats.  You'll receive advice from authors, bloggers, marketing partners, cover designers, editors, and more.  You can check out our line up of topics and guests on our website.

Did we mention it's FREE and ONLINE? Well, there's more. Tons of Giveaways! There will be awesome giveaways from each and every speaker and partner. This will include books as well as services like free book designs, free editing, book development services, marketing prizes, and more. 

So mark your calendars for Feb 12-14th!

But, more importantly, sign up now with your email and we'll be sure to send you updates, news, and reminders as the conference gets closer so you won't forget. 

You won't find this much information (or excitement) about Indie publishing anywhere else. The hosts, partners, and presenters are all giving their time and knowledge for free for one simple reason: they're excited about being Indie and they want to help you decide if it's right for you too.  

You can already sign up on the home page to receive updates and news.

We hope you join us at INDIE ReCon - where we'll help you make Indie publishing a mission possible!

See you there!

Founders/Hosts:

S.R. Johannes

Ali Cross

Laura Pauling

Jessie Harrell

Heather McCorkle

Cheri Lasota

Special thanks to our partners:

ALLi

Bibliocrunch

IndieReader

Kindle Fire Department

World Literary Cafe

9/25/12 Marketing with @duolit

IndelibleWriter We're chatting with Shannon from @duolit at #indiechat! Join us now to talk about marketing, branding, newsletters...etc. -9:03 PM Sep 25th, 2012

mcjordan37 RT @IndelibleWriter: 31 book marketing ideas! via @duolit Guests tonight at #indiechat http://t.co/XxmCUdRw See you there! -9:03 PM Sep 25th, 2012

laurapauling @duolit Well then, officially, Hi Toni! #indiechat -9:03 PM Sep 25th, 2012

JessieHarrell @duolit welcome to the both of you! can't wait to hear your ideas. #indiechat -9:03 PM Sep 25th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @laurapauling I wasn't sure myself. But I did make it. #indiechat -9:03 PM Sep 25th, 2012

laurapauling I've been following Toni and Shannon's blog for a while. They have a ton of great marketing posts! #indiechat -9:03 PM Sep 25th, 2012

BiblioCrunch Love the blog RT @laurapauling: 31 book marketing ideas! via @duolit Guests tonight at #indiechat http://t.co/6foqMQP2 See you there! -9:03 PM Sep 25th, 2012

laurapauling I was thinking we could start with targeting readers. Does anyone have any questions? #indiechat -9:04 PM Sep 25th, 2012

laurapauling I for one have found this rather difficult. #indiechat I mean once you have a huge fan base, it's easy! -9:05 PM Sep 25th, 2012

JessieHarrell I'd love to know, if you only have time for 1 thing a day, what should it be? #indiechat -9:05 PM Sep 25th, 2012

chihuahuazero First question: What do you think of Book Blasts? #indiechat -9:06 PM Sep 25th, 2012

chel_c_cam I second. RT @JessieHarrell: Id love to know, if you only have time for 1 thing a day, what should it be? #indiechat -9:06 PM Sep 25th, 2012

JessieHarrell also, how important are blogs for Indie authors? are twitter and FB better? #indiechat -9:06 PM Sep 25th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @duolit yay! I love your blog/site! #indiechat -9:06 PM Sep 25th, 2012

laurapauling @chihuahuazero What do you mean by a book blast? #indiechat -9:06 PM Sep 25th, 2012

duolit Do something different every time, we have a bunch of 5 minute marketing ideas you can choose from #indiechat -9:07 PM Sep 25th, 2012

laurapauling @duolit What are some of them? #indiechat -9:07 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Battista_j What is the most important thing to do to build a fanbase? #indiechat Besides writing a great book... -9:07 PM Sep 25th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @duolit really, where can I find those? #indiechat -9:07 PM Sep 25th, 2012

duolit @JessieHarrell We're big blogging fans, but only if you think it's something you enjoy and will keep up with... #indiechat -9:08 PM Sep 25th, 2012

duolit Just have a plan and try to tackle one thing from the plan each day. Comment on other blogs, visit forums, update Facebook #indiechat -9:08 PM Sep 25th, 2012

laurapauling @JessieHarrell The importance of blogging seems to be waning...to me anyway. #indiechat -9:08 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Steenaholmes RT @laurapauling: We have a special guest with us tonight. Two gals passionate about helping authors! #indiechat Welcome @duolit -9:08 PM Sep 25th, 2012

JessieHarrell @duolit I'm surprised that a different approach each time is better. #didn'tmajorinmarketing :) #indiechat -9:08 PM Sep 25th, 2012

laurapauling I mean as far as blogging every day...etc. #indiechat -9:08 PM Sep 25th, 2012

duolit Five minute marketing ideas: http://t.co/yPrkMPZ4 #indiechat -9:08 PM Sep 25th, 2012

BiblioCrunch @duolit what are some examples of 5 min marketing ideas? #indiechat -9:09 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Stacey_WB RT @duolit: Five minute marketing ideas: http://t.co/k5d2rQse #indiechat -9:09 PM Sep 25th, 2012

laurapauling @duolit One thing a day isn't too intimidating but can feel insignificant. #indiechat -9:09 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Steenaholmes RT @duolit: Five minute marketing ideas: http://t.co/yPrkMPZ4 #indiechat -9:09 PM Sep 25th, 2012

duolit @JessieHarrell If you enjoy FB/Twitter, just stick with that! To be effective, you have to enjoy it! #indiechat -9:09 PM Sep 25th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @laurapauling what exactly is the topic? i missed it somehow. #indiechat -9:09 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Lisa_Nowak I don't think blogging every day is a good idea. Who has time to read all those posts? I say once or twice a week, tops. #indiechat -9:09 PM Sep 25th, 2012

HeatherSunseri Hey, everybody. #indiechat. Excited about tonight's topic. -9:09 PM Sep 25th, 2012

BiblioCrunch @laurapauling yes! How do you find your readers? #indiechat -9:10 PM Sep 25th, 2012

JessieHarrell @duolit the first one that came up for me was: generate 10 twitter hashtags to use in tweets. how helpful are those really? #indiechat -9:10 PM Sep 25th, 2012

laurapauling @KatGirl_Studio We have @duolit here to talk about targeting readers, marketing...etc. #indiechat -9:10 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Steenaholmes @laurapauling @duolit what do you think the #1 mistake most authors make on a daily basis is? #indiechat -9:10 PM Sep 25th, 2012

duolit @JessieHarrell Different things every day are good provided that you have a plan so there's a strategy, not just willy nilly :-) #indiechat -9:10 PM Sep 25th, 2012

JessieHarrell I like it --> RT @duolit: If you enjoy FB/Twitter, just stick with that! To be effective, you have to enjoy it! #indiechat -9:10 PM Sep 25th, 2012

BiblioCrunch What is a book blast? RT @chihuahuazero: First question: What do you think of Book Blasts? #indiechat -9:10 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Steenaholmes @laurapauling @duolit oh and "HI"! (waving madly!) You guys are such an awesome resource for writers :) #indiechat -9:10 PM Sep 25th, 2012

laurapauling @JessieHarrell Maybe overtime the hashtags will be associated with you? @duolit #indiechat -9:10 PM Sep 25th, 2012

duolit @Lisa_Nowak Blogging every day would be awful. Once a week is good and provides fresh content for readers #indiechat -9:10 PM Sep 25th, 2012

laurapauling @Steenaholmes Hi Steena! #indiechat -9:11 PM Sep 25th, 2012

duolit @laurapauling It seems insignificant, but those small steps really add up over time. It's all about moving forward. #indiechat -9:11 PM Sep 25th, 2012

LawsonWrites RT @duolit: Five minute marketing ideas: http://t.co/yPrkMPZ4 #indiechat -9:11 PM Sep 25th, 2012

JessieHarrell @KatGirl_Studio marketing, with guests from @duolit #indiechat -9:11 PM Sep 25th, 2012

HeatherSunseri I'm seeing more and more writers interacting with readers more on FB lately, and doing effectively. Love that. #indiechat -9:11 PM Sep 25th, 2012

BiblioCrunch RT @duolit: Five minute marketing ideas: http://t.co/nqzP42av #indiechat -9:11 PM Sep 25th, 2012

duolit @Steenaholmes Being so overwhelmed that they don't do anything! #indiechat -9:11 PM Sep 25th, 2012

laurapauling Feel free to repeat your question if it got lost in the stream. #indiechat -9:11 PM Sep 25th, 2012

chihuahuazero Book blasts are basically a giveaway that goes up on multiple blogs to promote a book at one time. #indiechat -9:11 PM Sep 25th, 2012

JessieHarrell @laurapauling I mean, I see people using #free or #yalit, but does anyone ever search those? #indiechat -9:12 PM Sep 25th, 2012

laurapauling @laurapauling It's so easy to feel overwhelmed! #indiechat Been there. -9:12 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Stacey_WB RT @duolit: @Lisa_Nowak Blogging every day would be awful. Once a week is good and provides fresh content for readers// Do-able! #indiechat -9:12 PM Sep 25th, 2012

duolit @HeatherSunseri Definitely, take any opportunity to chat 1-on-1 with readers. Build a grassroots following! #indiechat -9:12 PM Sep 25th, 2012

JessieHarrell @HeatherSunseri how do you define effective interaction? share some ideas? #indiechat -9:12 PM Sep 25th, 2012

BiblioCrunch RT @duolit: @Lisa_Nowak Blogging every day would be awful. Once a week is good and provides fresh content for readers #indiechat -9:12 PM Sep 25th, 2012

duolit @chihuahuazero We don't have experience with that specific technique, but it sounds very interesting! ... #indiechat -9:12 PM Sep 25th, 2012

laurapauling @JessieHarrell I don't! I would if there was a free hashtag for just YA or NA though. #indiechat -9:12 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Lisa_Nowak @HeatherSunseri Now that actually sounds like fun. #indiechat -9:12 PM Sep 25th, 2012

duolit @chihuahuazero We'd love for you to try it and write a guest post for us on how it went :-) #indiechat -9:13 PM Sep 25th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @JessieHarrell I use a few art terms for my art and people seem to look at those. Not sure about the others. #indiechat -9:13 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Steenaholmes @laurapauling if they feel overwhelmed - what one thing should/could they do that will help target readers? @duolit #indiechat -9:13 PM Sep 25th, 2012

JessieHarrell @chihuahuazero I sort of like those b/c as people scroll through blogging reading list, see cover many times #indiechat -9:13 PM Sep 25th, 2012

BiblioCrunch What is a book blast? #indiechat -9:13 PM Sep 25th, 2012

chihuahuazero Good thing I'm on the laptop. The storm is causing my bedroom lights to flicker. #indiechat -9:13 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Lisa_Nowak That's me. :P RT @duolit: @Steenaholmes Being so overwhelmed that they dont do anything! #indiechat -9:13 PM Sep 25th, 2012

laurapauling @chihuahuazero You mean when the book first releases? #indiechat I don't think this is as effective as it used to be. But still helps. -9:13 PM Sep 25th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @duolit talking one and one with readers is awesome =^.^= #indiechat -9:13 PM Sep 25th, 2012

duolit @JessieHarrell @HeatherSunseri Effective interaction is anything that gets your fans to share comments/feedback #indiechat -9:13 PM Sep 25th, 2012

JessieHarrell @laurapauling hmm... now there's an idea! #freeyalit #indiechat -9:13 PM Sep 25th, 2012

HeatherSunseri @JessieHarrell For example, I see writers posting links (not necessarily about their own books) and having real conversations. #indiechat -9:14 PM Sep 25th, 2012

chel_c_cam I banged my head against a wall for months with marketing. Best thing to do is write more books. #indiechat -9:14 PM Sep 25th, 2012

chihuahuazero @duolit I'm going to be a participant in a Book Blast this December. Hopefully, it'll draw followers to my blog. #indiechat -9:14 PM Sep 25th, 2012

laurapauling @chel_c_cam Def. agree with the write more books part! #indiechat -9:14 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Lisa_Nowak Yup! RT @chel_c_cam: I banged my head against a wall for months with marketing. Best thing to do is write more books. #indiechat -9:14 PM Sep 25th, 2012

chihuahuazero @BiblioCrunch Exactly! But it's one form on many blogs promoting the same book. A $50 gift card is a big incentive. #indiechat -9:14 PM Sep 25th, 2012

SuttonShields RT @chel_c_cam: I banged my head against a wall for months with marketing. Best thing to do is write more books. #indiechat -9:15 PM Sep 25th, 2012

BiblioCrunch @Lisa_Nowak @duolit @Steenaholmes don't be overwhelmed! Create a spreadsheet that maps your tasks by hr #indiechat -9:15 PM Sep 25th, 2012

duolit @HeatherSunseri @JessieHarrell Links are okay if they provide valuable content but actually talking to people is best #indiechat -9:15 PM Sep 25th, 2012

JessieHarrell @HeatherSunseri do convos start with a question? what makes an author appear accessible? #indiechat -9:15 PM Sep 25th, 2012

duolit @Steenaholmes One thing to do: talk to one of your readers; find how they pick books, how they found you, etc. #indiechat -9:15 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Froze8 Hello #indiechat! I can't say b/c of work but I just wanted to mention that I am still looking for authors to host http://t.co/fpiUCsc2 -9:15 PM Sep 25th, 2012

duolit @HeatherSunseri @JessieHarrell Our saying is "make friends, not sales!" :-) #indiechat -9:15 PM Sep 25th, 2012

chihuahuazero RT @Froze8: Hello #indiechat! I can't say b/c of work but I just wanted to mention that I am still looking for authors to host http://t. ... -9:15 PM Sep 25th, 2012

patricialynne07 Yeah. >.< RT @chel_c_cam: I banged my head against a wall for months with marketing. Best thing to do is write more books. #indiechat -9:15 PM Sep 25th, 2012

HeatherSunseri @JessieHarrell I think it happens on Twitter, too, but on FB it seems more about readers & building relationships with readers. #indiechat -9:15 PM Sep 25th, 2012

chel_c_cam Writing in more than one genre has allowed me to reach more readers who then want to read my other books. #indiechat -9:15 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Steenaholmes @duolit these are good suggestions :) #indiechat -9:15 PM Sep 25th, 2012

JessieHarrell RT @Froze8: I cant say b/c of work but I just wanted to mention that I am still looking for authors to host http://t.co/BM13gWan #indiechat -9:16 PM Sep 25th, 2012

BiblioCrunch @chihuahuazero @duolit is book blast and blog tour kind of the same thing? #indiechat -9:16 PM Sep 25th, 2012

duolit @HeatherSunseri @JessieHarrell Questions never hurt, always a good way to get things going #indiechat -9:16 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Steenaholmes RT @duolit: @HeatherSunseri @JessieHarrell Our saying is "make friends, not sales!" :-) #indiechat -9:16 PM Sep 25th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @duolit making friends is much more fun =^.^= #indiechat -9:16 PM Sep 25th, 2012

laurapauling What about the issue of targeting readers. Where do you we even get started with that? #indiechat -9:16 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Froze8 Also got this giveaway going on, it's a good laugh I promise :) http://t.co/2YhF4ymP #indiechat -9:16 PM Sep 25th, 2012

JessieHarrell RT @duolit: One thing to do: talk to one of your readers; find how they pick books, how they found you, etc. #indiechat -9:16 PM Sep 25th, 2012

BiblioCrunch RT @Froze8: Hello #indiechat! I can't say b/c of work but I just wanted to mention that I am still looking for authors to host http://t. ... -9:16 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Steenaholmes @duolit @heathersunseri @jessieharrell I like this! I find it's better to focus on finding readers rather than finding sales #indiechat -9:16 PM Sep 25th, 2012

HeatherSunseri Absolutely!! RT @duolit: Links are okay if they provide valuable content but actually talking to people is best #indiechat -9:16 PM Sep 25th, 2012

laurapauling w/out feeling like a stalker or slimer. #indiechat -9:16 PM Sep 25th, 2012

BiblioCrunch RT @duolit: @HeatherSunseri @JessieHarrell Our saying is "make friends, not sales!" :-) #indiechat -9:17 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Froze8 @BiblioCrunch Nope, blog tour is over a week or so, book blast is a one day promotion. #indiechat -9:17 PM Sep 25th, 2012

duolit @KatGirl_Studio Exactly! Marketing can be fun if you approach it with the right strategy #indiechat -9:17 PM Sep 25th, 2012

chihuahuazero @BiblioCrunch @duolit Book tours have a variety of posts; book blasts have one type posted on one day. A blast of posts. #indiechat -9:17 PM Sep 25th, 2012

BiblioCrunch Totally RT @KatGirl_Studio: @duolit making friends is much more fun =^.^= #indiechat -9:17 PM Sep 25th, 2012

JessieHarrell @duolit - what do you think about the Goodreads "event" blasts from authors? #indiechat -9:18 PM Sep 25th, 2012

HeatherSunseri Exactly! Building relationships!! RT @duolit: @HeatherSunseri @JessieHarrell Our saying is "make friends, not sales!" :-) #indiechat -9:18 PM Sep 25th, 2012

laurapauling @JessieHarrell You mean the ones where I get spammed from Goodreads people I friend? #indiechat -9:18 PM Sep 25th, 2012

BiblioCrunch @KatGirl_Studio @duolit one really cute and creative thing I saw on @StoryDam FB was writers continuing story in comments #indiechat -9:18 PM Sep 25th, 2012

duolit @laurapauling Start by finding your "one" reader -- helps clarify things! Check out: http://t.co/fJBFEX6e #indiechat -9:18 PM Sep 25th, 2012

chel_c_cam I see a lot of new authors sinking money into marketing that doesn't work. You don't have to pay for marketing.Twitter, Fb r free #indiechat -9:18 PM Sep 25th, 2012

laurapauling @duolit I've been working through the workshop through email you offered on this. #indiechat -9:19 PM Sep 25th, 2012

BiblioCrunch Ah got it RT @Froze8: @BiblioCrunch Nope, blog tour is over a week or so, book blast is a one day promotion. #indiechat -9:19 PM Sep 25th, 2012

chihuahuazero @JessieHarrell @duolit Personally, I tend to ignore them. #indiechat -9:19 PM Sep 25th, 2012

laurapauling @duolit Problem is, it's hard to break the writing/publishing bubble. #indiechat -9:19 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Steenaholmes @laurapauling @jessieharrell I think that's your answer isn't it - spam. #indiechat -9:19 PM Sep 25th, 2012

duolit @JessieHarrell To me, those are way too common and often end up getting overlooked in a sea of GR/FB/etc events. #indiechat -9:19 PM Sep 25th, 2012

overdunne Hello there...I'm late, but here, again! #indiechat -9:19 PM Sep 25th, 2012

laurapauling Though Goodreads giveaways of paperbacks seems to get word out. #indiechat -9:19 PM Sep 25th, 2012

duolit @chel_c_cam Yeah marketing definitely can be done on a small budget if you're willing/able to put in the work #indiechat -9:20 PM Sep 25th, 2012

JessieHarrell @laurapauling yes, those! kind of annoying, but ur bound to get a few hits from them... no? #indiechat -9:20 PM Sep 25th, 2012

HeatherSunseri Me, too. :( RT @chihuahuazero: @JessieHarrell @duolit Personally, I tend to ignore them. #indiechat -9:20 PM Sep 25th, 2012

laurapauling What's the biggest mistake you see authors make? #indiechat -9:20 PM Sep 25th, 2012

chel_c_cam YES. This works. RT @laurapauling: Though Goodreads giveaways of paperbacks seems to get word out. #indiechat -9:20 PM Sep 25th, 2012

LM_Preston #indiechat glad I made it -9:20 PM Sep 25th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @laurapauling the GR giveaways are great. Had over 1500 people each time I did one. #indiechat -9:20 PM Sep 25th, 2012

laurapauling @JessieHarrell Yes, it doesn't bother me too much. I understand! #indiechat -9:20 PM Sep 25th, 2012

chel_c_cam @duolit It's more about the time and the work than the money, at least I think so. #indiechat -9:21 PM Sep 25th, 2012

KeithOsmun RT @chel_c_cam: YES. This works. RT @laurapauling: Though Goodreads giveaways of paperbacks seems to get word out. #indiechat -9:21 PM Sep 25th, 2012

duolit @JessieHarrell You're likely to get some traffic, but whether it converts or sticks around is another matter! #indiechat -9:21 PM Sep 25th, 2012

duolit @chel_c_cam Exactly! #indiechat -9:21 PM Sep 25th, 2012

chel_c_cam Blog hops are a great way to gain followers in a short amount of time. #indiechat -9:22 PM Sep 25th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio I know doing a virtual party didn't work for me but a live twitter chat for an hour was great. #indiechat -9:22 PM Sep 25th, 2012

laurapauling The thing is marketing only works when we have a product the market wants. Would you agree? Or disagree? #indiechat -9:22 PM Sep 25th, 2012

SuttonShields What are Goodreads event blasts? Sorry...newbie, here. #indiechat -9:22 PM Sep 25th, 2012

HeatherSunseri @laurapauling Don't know if it's the biggest mistake, but I'm not a fan of all advertising w/o connecting with people on Twitter. #indiechat -9:22 PM Sep 25th, 2012

duolit @laurapauling Agree, you have to match the right product with the right market. Can't sell flip-flops to Eskimos! #indiechat -9:23 PM Sep 25th, 2012

laurapauling @SuttonShields An author invites their friends to an "event" #indiechat -9:23 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Steenaholmes @laurapauling totally agree. But it's finding the market for our books that can be tricky. #indiechat -9:23 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Froze8 @KatGirl_Studio Yes, I think the chat was easier to follow and interact with :) #indiechat -9:23 PM Sep 25th, 2012

laurapauling @HeatherSunseri I hear the rule 10 percent promo on social media. I do even less than that. #indiechat -9:23 PM Sep 25th, 2012

duolit @HeatherSunseri Yes! Social media without connection is wholly ineffective. #indiechat -9:24 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Froze8 I think I just lost my math test so I may just sneak into #indiechat tonight after all -9:24 PM Sep 25th, 2012

laurapauling @Steenaholmes I agree. Once you attract fans it's easier to interact with them! #indiechat -9:24 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Addison_Moore @HeatherSunseri Hi Heather! @laurapauling I'm very late *sigh* #indiechat -9:24 PM Sep 25th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @Froze8 I agree. I'm totally doing that again this next time. #indiechat -9:24 PM Sep 25th, 2012

JessieHarrell @chel_c_cam I agree with this, but I haven't found that the new followers are "loyal." #indiechat -9:24 PM Sep 25th, 2012

chel_c_cam Amen. RT @duolit: @HeatherSunseri Yes! Social media without connection is wholly ineffective. #indiechat -9:24 PM Sep 25th, 2012

duolit @laurapauling Yes -- 10-20% is a great amount. #indiechat -9:24 PM Sep 25th, 2012

laurapauling @Addison_Moore Hi Addison! #indiechat -9:24 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Froze8 What about using book bloggers to market? Anyone have good sites? I have a list I keep on mine with blogger lists #indiechat -9:24 PM Sep 25th, 2012

BiblioCrunch RT @Froze8: What about using book bloggers to market? Anyone have good sites? I have a list I keep on mine with blogger lists #indiechat -9:25 PM Sep 25th, 2012

overdunne @laurapauling Agree. But not an easy task. #indiechat -9:25 PM Sep 25th, 2012

laurapauling @overdunne No it's not. #indiechat -9:25 PM Sep 25th, 2012

HeatherSunseri @Addison_Moore *waving* Awesome to see you! #indiechat -9:25 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Froze8 @KatGirl_Studio I think it is because your cover is so stunning :) #indiechat -9:25 PM Sep 25th, 2012

chel_c_cam When it comes to Twitter, I try to make less than half my tweets about my books. I talk about pie and TVD and random crap. #indiechat -9:25 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Steenaholmes @Froze8 WOW - Women on Writing is a great venue @womenonwriting for blog tours #indiechat -9:25 PM Sep 25th, 2012

BiblioCrunch @Addison_Moore hi! I'm waiting for your book to come out! #indiechat -9:25 PM Sep 25th, 2012

overdunne @JessieHarrell Very true. I've had lots of followers come and go over the past few weeks. #indiechat -9:25 PM Sep 25th, 2012

HeatherSunseri What about newsletters? #indiechat -9:26 PM Sep 25th, 2012

laurapauling @duolit Can we talk about newsletters for a little bit? #indiechat -9:26 PM Sep 25th, 2012

overdunne @chel_c_cam You talk about pie? I love pie. :) #indiechat -9:26 PM Sep 25th, 2012

laurapauling Some basic dos and don'ts? #indiechat -9:26 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Lisa_Nowak Totally agree. RT @laurapauling: The thing is marketing only works when we have a product the market wants. #indiechat -9:26 PM Sep 25th, 2012

BiblioCrunch RT @laurapauling: @HeatherSunseri I hear the rule 10 percent promo on social media. I do even less than that. #indiechat -9:27 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Froze8 As a reader I personally want to hear more about YOU as a person than your books, I can look those up #indiechat @chel_c_cam -9:27 PM Sep 25th, 2012

bytefulcom @laurapauling @SuttonShields What kind of event? As in a web-based one? I'm new to this too. #indiechat -9:27 PM Sep 25th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @Froze8 that was with 2 different covers. #indiechat -9:27 PM Sep 25th, 2012

chel_c_cam I'd like to know if people have found newsletters effective. It's something I haven't tried yet. #indiechat -9:27 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Stacey_WB RT @chel_c_cam:When it comes to Twitter, I make less than half my tweets about my books. I talk about pie and TVD and random crap #indiechat -9:27 PM Sep 25th, 2012

chihuahuazero RT @Froze8: As a reader I personally want to hear more about YOU as a person than your books, I can look those up #indiechat @chel_c_cam -9:27 PM Sep 25th, 2012

AngelaAckerman @laurapauling is tonight's topic marketing? #indiechat -9:27 PM Sep 25th, 2012

BiblioCrunch YES RT @laurapauling: Some basic dos and don'ts? #indiechat -9:27 PM Sep 25th, 2012

duolit @HeatherSunseri @laurapauling Newsletters are great! Keeps people updated on what's going on with your blog/book #indiechat -9:27 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Froze8 And anyone even want to touch on the feed burner mess? #indiechat -9:27 PM Sep 25th, 2012

chel_c_cam @overdunne Who doesn't love pie? Pie solves everything. #indiechat -9:27 PM Sep 25th, 2012

SuttonShields @laurapauling Oh, okay. :) Is it better to reach out to people, even if they don't accept your request? I always feel so awkward.#indiechat -9:27 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Addison_Moore @BiblioCrunch I'm done editing Part One! I'm doing manic read-thru's now. #indiechat -9:27 PM Sep 25th, 2012

chihuahuazero @AngelaAckerman @laurapauling Yes it is! Also, I received your book in the mail today. It's waiting to be read. #indiechat -9:27 PM Sep 25th, 2012

laurapauling @duolit Mailchimp seems to be the most popular. #indiechat -9:27 PM Sep 25th, 2012

overdunne RT @Froze8: As a reader I personally want to hear more about YOU as a person than your books, I can look those up #indiechat -9:28 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Froze8 @KatGirl_Studio But both were stunning. #indiechat -9:28 PM Sep 25th, 2012

HeatherSunseri @duolit Why is a newsletter needed in addition to an already active blog? #indiechat -9:28 PM Sep 25th, 2012

chihuahuazero @laurapauling @duolit It's because it has a free plan. #indiechat -9:28 PM Sep 25th, 2012

MXKremzen @laurapauling @duolit Hi! A bit late to the talk tonight. Sounds interesting so far! #indiechat -9:28 PM Sep 25th, 2012

chel_c_cam @Froze8 Exactly!!! #indiechat -9:28 PM Sep 25th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @Froze8 feed burner? #indiechat -9:28 PM Sep 25th, 2012

duolit @laurapauling DO make it engaging, personal -- more like a letter to a friend and not a newsletter. #indiechat -9:28 PM Sep 25th, 2012

laurapauling @SuttonShields I don't know. I've never offered one and don't often participate. #indiechat -9:28 PM Sep 25th, 2012

BiblioCrunch @duolit @HeatherSunseri @laurapauling totally agree with newsletter bit. I use mailchimp which makes it really easy to track #indiechat -9:28 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Steenaholmes @laurapauling @duolit Mailchimp is fairly easy to create personalized newsletters #indiechat -9:28 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Addison_Moore @chel_c_cam @overdunne And plus it's healthy for your emotional state of mind. Just saying #pie #indiechat -9:28 PM Sep 25th, 2012

duolit @laurapauling Mailchimp is perfect for authors -- easy to use and free! #indiechat -9:28 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Froze8 @chel_c_cam I personally am not a fan of newsletters, if I want to know the information I probably follow your website 4 updates #indiechat -9:28 PM Sep 25th, 2012

NovelistLauren There's an #indiechat !!! Gah! How did I not know about this?!? -9:29 PM Sep 25th, 2012

laurapauling oo, good one RT @duolit: @laurapauling DO make it engaging, personal -- more like a letter to a friend and not a newsletter. #indiechat -9:29 PM Sep 25th, 2012

JessieHarrell @HeatherSunseri my guess: ppl don't have to come to ur blog, but your newsletter goes to them. #indiechat -9:29 PM Sep 25th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @Froze8 thank you =^.^= did you see all the ones I did this summer? http://t.co/EVbUgz94 #indiechat -9:29 PM Sep 25th, 2012

bytefulcom @Steenaholmes @duolit @heathersunseri @jessieharrell And to expand on that, really caring about the readers that you find :) #indiechat -9:29 PM Sep 25th, 2012

duolit @laurapauling Do NOT break your neck trying to produce original newsletter content, you can just promote your blog content #indiechat -9:29 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Steenaholmes @duolit @laurapauling oh I like this … a letter to a friend rather than a newsletter! That's perfect! #indiechat -9:29 PM Sep 25th, 2012

chel_c_cam PIE FTW. RT @Addison_Moore: @chel_c_cam @overdunne And plus its healthy for your emotional state of mind. Just saying #pie #indiechat -9:29 PM Sep 25th, 2012

laurapauling I've sent out one letter! Hopefully another one with a couple new releases before christmas. #indiechat -9:29 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Addison_Moore RT @duolit: @laurapauling DO make it engaging, personal -- more like a letter to a friend and not a newsletter. #indiechat -9:29 PM Sep 25th, 2012

duolit @laurapauling DO -- Have a point to each update; a link to click, question to respond to, etc. #indiechat -9:29 PM Sep 25th, 2012

JessieHarrell RT @duolit: DO make it engaging, personal -- more like a letter to a friend and not a newsletter. #indiechat -9:29 PM Sep 25th, 2012

MXKremzen @chel_c_cam @laurapauling Is it this a matter of putting up the book on your page or getting the word out to groups? #indiechat -9:29 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Froze8 @KatGirl_Studio From google for blogs. It shut down (now I need an alternative) Been a bad thing for bloggers #indiechat -9:29 PM Sep 25th, 2012

chel_c_cam @Froze8 Good to know. #indiechat -9:29 PM Sep 25th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @Steenaholmes mailchimp is the best. Nice peeps and so easy to use. #indiechat -9:29 PM Sep 25th, 2012

laurapauling RT @duolit: Do NOT break your neck trying to produce original newsletter content, you can just promote your blog content #indiechat -9:29 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Stacey_WB @HeatherSunseri It's a great way to give loyal readers discounts on new releases or special promos. #indiechat -9:29 PM Sep 25th, 2012

overdunne I personally have so much incoming email that I just delete newsletters now. So I doubt I'll send them #indiechat -9:29 PM Sep 25th, 2012

duolit @HeatherSunseri New posts get lost in crowded RSS feeds, the newsletter helps bring it to your readers' attention #indiechat -9:30 PM Sep 25th, 2012

AngelaAckerman @chihuahuazero awesome! I hope you get a lot of use from it...thanks for giving it a chance! @laurapauling #indiechat -9:30 PM Sep 25th, 2012

laurapauling @duolit my plan is just to send out when I have news. #indiechat -9:30 PM Sep 25th, 2012

JessieHarrell @NovelistLauren hi Lauren! pretend I'm editing and not here. LOL. We are here every Tues. at 9 pm #indiechat -9:30 PM Sep 25th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @Froze8 what did it do? #indiechat -9:30 PM Sep 25th, 2012

laurapauling Don't know if that's a good or bad plan. #indiechat -9:30 PM Sep 25th, 2012

SuttonShields @laurapauling I'm really clueless about it all, I guess. :/ Par for the course. lol #indiechat -9:30 PM Sep 25th, 2012

HeatherSunseri @JessieHarrell True. Hmmm. something I've thought about. Might be something I add in the future. #indiechat -9:30 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Addison_Moore @JessieHarrell @HeatherSunseri I really want to do this. Where do you advertise for readers to sign up? A blog post? #indiechat -9:30 PM Sep 25th, 2012

chihuahuazero @Froze8 @KatGirl_Studio I've been suggesting MailChimp as an alternative, since it has a free plan. #indiechat -9:30 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Froze8 RT @Steenaholmes: @Froze8 WOW - Women on Writing is a great venue @womenonwriting for blog tours #indiechat -9:30 PM Sep 25th, 2012

duolit @laurapauling We did that for awhile, but find it more effective to send them out weekly... #indiechat -9:30 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Stacey_WB @laurapauling I only send out a personal one when I have new releases. #indiechat -9:30 PM Sep 25th, 2012

JessieHarrell RT @Stacey_WB: Its [newsletter] a great way to give loyal readers discounts on new releases or special promos. #indiechat -9:31 PM Sep 25th, 2012

duolit @overdunne Yes, I clean out my newsletter subscriptions regularly, but that makes the ones I keep even more valuable #indiechat -9:31 PM Sep 25th, 2012

duolit @laurapauling That way your fans get used to seeing you in their inbox, opening your updates and responding. #indiechat -9:31 PM Sep 25th, 2012

laurapauling @Addison_Moore I have a newsletter sign up on my blog. #indiechat Your fans will find you! -9:31 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Addison_Moore @overdunne I have to agree that I rarely open them. #indiechat -9:31 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Steenaholmes @Stacey_WB @heathersunseri I use them to give my readers first dibs on books, freebies etc. #indiechat -9:31 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Addison_Moore @Stacey_WB Now that would be worth it! @HeatherSunseri #indiechat -9:31 PM Sep 25th, 2012

laurapauling @duolit Yes, and I actually read yours! #indiechat -9:31 PM Sep 25th, 2012

chihuahuazero @duolit Is occasional exclusive content via newsletter okay? #indiechat -9:31 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Froze8 @chihuahuazero I know Mailchimp is good for newsletters but as an alt for RSS? #indiechat -9:31 PM Sep 25th, 2012

BiblioCrunch @duolit @laurapauling what would qualify as a good open rate for an author newsletter? #indiechat -9:31 PM Sep 25th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @duolit I know I get your newsletter. Though I'm a little behind because of the wedding. #indiechat -9:32 PM Sep 25th, 2012

duolit @Addison_Moore The key is to make your emails something your fans *want* to open, make it engaging, personal. #indiechat -9:32 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Addison_Moore @laurapauling I will check out your blog! #indiechat -9:32 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Steenaholmes @duolit @laurapauling i like getting yours in my inbox weekly. They are helpful #indiechat -9:32 PM Sep 25th, 2012

NovelistLauren @JessieHarrell Lol... It's okay, Jessie!!! #indiechat sounds awesome! -9:32 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Froze8 @Addison_Moore @JessieHarrell @HeatherSunseri For a blog tour? I'd put it on your blog and social media (oh and sign me up ;) ) #indiechat -9:32 PM Sep 25th, 2012

duolit @chihuahuazero Exclusive content is a perfect use of your list and a great reason for folks to sign up! #indiechat -9:32 PM Sep 25th, 2012

chihuahuazero @Froze8 It does RSS-to-email! Quite well, actually. #indiechat -9:32 PM Sep 25th, 2012

laurapauling @duolit And Addison has a ton of fans who want flashes of alt. povs! :) #indiechat -9:32 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Addison_Moore @chihuahuazero That sounds smart. Added incentive. @duolit #indiechat -9:32 PM Sep 25th, 2012

duolit @BiblioCrunch Depends on your list size, but something around 20% would be pretty good. #indiechat -9:32 PM Sep 25th, 2012

BiblioCrunch RT @duolit: @BiblioCrunch Depends on your list size, but something around 20% would be pretty good. #indiechat -9:33 PM Sep 25th, 2012

chihuahuazero @Froze8 There's a slight learning curve, so I suggest testing out MailChimp on your own email before sending to your fans. #indiechat -9:33 PM Sep 25th, 2012

bytefulcom @laurapauling @duolit Is promoting posts in a letter enough? Is there a way to keep it fresh while talking about prev content? #indiechat -9:33 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Addison_Moore @duolit I'm tragically boring. True story. But I could do book extras! #indiechat -9:33 PM Sep 25th, 2012

chihuahuazero Is there any particular milestone I should hit for email updates? (ie, 50 subscribers) #indiechat -9:33 PM Sep 25th, 2012

JessieHarrell @laurapauling oooh - like that idea! alternative POVs as exclusive newsletter content. #indiechat -9:33 PM Sep 25th, 2012

overdunne @duolit definately need to keep it interesting to get the average over-loaded reader's attention. :) #indiechat -9:33 PM Sep 25th, 2012

laurapauling @bytefulcom I think it's easier with nonfiction to have consistent content in newsletter. #indiechat -9:33 PM Sep 25th, 2012

AngelaAckerman I posted 5 marketing tips awhile back in a guest post... Feel free to check it out http://t.co/kkKqvLUW #indiechat -9:33 PM Sep 25th, 2012

duolit @bytefulcom Definitely -- add in comments you've received, additional info you've thought of since then, etc. #indiechat -9:34 PM Sep 25th, 2012

HeatherSunseri @Steenaholmes Great idea. Seems a newsletter would be more popular and worth more if you were offering something of value. #indiechat -9:34 PM Sep 25th, 2012

laurapauling RT @AngelaAckerman: I posted 5 marketing tips awhile back in a guest post... Feel free to check it out http://t.co/ewXsJENN #indiechat -9:34 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Froze8 @KatGirl_Studio They are shutting it down. I went from 22 people to 0 and then heard they are shutting it down #indiechat -9:34 PM Sep 25th, 2012

duolit @HeatherSunseri Love the alt POV-idea. Perfect for YA! #indiechat -9:34 PM Sep 25th, 2012

duolit @chihuahuazero Not really, 5 fans are a great resource for feedback to grow your newsletter list even more #indiechat -9:34 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Steenaholmes RT @AngelaAckerman: I posted 5 marketing tips awhile back in a guest post... Feel free to check it out http://t.co/kkKqvLUW #indiechat -9:35 PM Sep 25th, 2012

overdunne I always notify fbook and twitter folk that I've blog posted. Keep the exclusive stuff on the blog. #indiechat -9:35 PM Sep 25th, 2012

laurapauling @Addison_Moore More Gage! More Gage! More Gage! #indiechat :) -9:35 PM Sep 25th, 2012

duolit @Froze8 Yes, we had that happen to us over the weekend. Silly Feedburner! #indiechat -9:35 PM Sep 25th, 2012

SuttonShields In order to approach local bookstores or libraries at part of the mkting, do you need to purchase an ISBN? #indiechat -9:35 PM Sep 25th, 2012

AngelaAckerman @laurapauling guest posts in newsletters can help keep it fresh too. #indiechat -9:35 PM Sep 25th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @Froze8 but what did it do? I can suggest an alternative if I know what it does. #indiechat -9:35 PM Sep 25th, 2012

bytefulcom @Froze8 @KatGirl_Studio They're shutting down the API, but I don't think they're shutting down the whole service. #indiechat -9:35 PM Sep 25th, 2012

BiblioCrunch @Froze8 @KatGirl_Studio you can import your feeds into mailchimp #indiechat -9:36 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Steenaholmes @HeatherSunseri gotta say, I love the idea of making it like a letter to a friend…#indiechat and less like a sales pitch. -9:36 PM Sep 25th, 2012

JessieHarrell sorry guys, but I gotta go clean a supremely nasty coffee pot so it's useable tomorrow. caffeine = necessity #indiechat -9:36 PM Sep 25th, 2012

laurapauling I prefer not to bloat my newsletter by making it a requirement for a contest. #indiechat -9:36 PM Sep 25th, 2012

laurapauling @JessieHarrell G'night jessie! #indiechat -9:36 PM Sep 25th, 2012

BiblioCrunch That is brill RT @JessieHarrell: @laurapauling oooh - like that idea! alternative POVs as exclusive newsletter content. #indiechat -9:36 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Froze8 @KatGirl_Studio It was an RSS service. People would sign up by e-mail and get my blog posts sent directly to their e-mail #indiechat -9:36 PM Sep 25th, 2012

chihuahuazero @duolit So I should experiment to get my current subscribers to open my emails? #indiechat -9:36 PM Sep 25th, 2012

BiblioCrunch Im actually team logan RT @laurapauling: @Addison_Moore More Gage! More Gage! More Gage! #indiechat :) -9:36 PM Sep 25th, 2012

MXKremzen @duolit Is there anything indie authors often forget to do that they really should do? #indiechat -9:37 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Froze8 @bytefulcom Still doesn't look likely they'll fix my lost subscribers, I'm looking for something more stable. #indiechat -9:37 PM Sep 25th, 2012

duolit @laurapauling Yeah it loses it's value if you force people to join, that's a good point #indiechat -9:37 PM Sep 25th, 2012

DougSolter Very late. But I'm here for... #indiechat -9:37 PM Sep 25th, 2012

AngelaAckerman I think fun links that would interest the target audience are a good way to keep newsletters interesting. Everyone likes humor #indiechat -9:37 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Addison_Moore @laurapauling He gets his own POV with Logan in a new book and let me tell you, that boy is more than slightly naughty. #indiechat #Gage -9:37 PM Sep 25th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @Froze8 oh why not use Follow plug-in it does the same thing. #indiechat -9:37 PM Sep 25th, 2012

laurapauling @BiblioCrunch I"m torn at times. I like Logan too. I go back and forth depending on if Logan is being a jerk or not. #indiechat -9:37 PM Sep 25th, 2012

BiblioCrunch Play with subject lines :) RT @chihuahuazero: @duolit So I should experiment to get my current subscribers to open my emails? #indiechat -9:37 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Steenaholmes @laurapauling good point Laura! When you bloat contests you never find out who your real readers are. #indiechat -9:37 PM Sep 25th, 2012

duolit @chihuahuazero Definitely! Use Mailchimp's built-in A/B testing or just do your own experimenting to find what works. #indiechat -9:37 PM Sep 25th, 2012

HeatherSunseri @laurapauling Yeah, that seems spammy and gimmicky. I want people to "want" to receive my newsletter, not feel bullied into it. #indiechat -9:37 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Stacey_WB @laurapauling I'm the same. I always suggest that people sign up for it, but I don't make it a requirement to get contest points. #indiechat -9:38 PM Sep 25th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @Froze8 I have it on my sites. #indiechat -9:38 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Froze8 @KatGirl_Studio Is that for wordpress? I have blogger. #indiechat -9:38 PM Sep 25th, 2012

laurapauling @Addison_Moore Should be interesting! #indiechat -9:38 PM Sep 25th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @duolit what's A/B testing? #indiechat -9:38 PM Sep 25th, 2012

chihuahuazero @duolit A/B testing is a paid feature, but I'll just fiddle around with the subject line. But it'll be a slow process. #indiechat -9:38 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Addison_Moore @BiblioCrunch Logan's in there too! ETHEREAL KNIGHTS an Oliver POV novel! All done just waiting in the edit line. @laurapauling #indiechat -9:38 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Battista_j @SuttonShields Definitely helps.#indiechat -9:38 PM Sep 25th, 2012

BiblioCrunch @DougSolter hi! #indiechat -9:38 PM Sep 25th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @Froze8 yes it is. I'm sure they make one for blogger too. #indiechat -9:38 PM Sep 25th, 2012

chihuahuazero @KatGirl_Studio @duolit Basically, showing two different versions to separate groups and measuring which one performs better. #indiechat -9:39 PM Sep 25th, 2012

duolit @KatGirl_Studio A way to test different subject lines in MailChimp to see which work better. #indiechat -9:39 PM Sep 25th, 2012

duolit @MXKremzen I think it's easy to get caught up in making friends w/other authors instead of readers. #indiechat -9:39 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Froze8 @duolit Very frustrating too! #indiechat -9:39 PM Sep 25th, 2012

duolit @chihuahuazero Boo that it's a paid feature now; it was free when we signed up. :-( #indiechat -9:39 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Addison_Moore @laurapauling This is why I play it safe and stick with Marshall. ;) #50shadesofnaughty @BiblioCrunch #indiechat -9:39 PM Sep 25th, 2012

duolit @MXKremzen It's good to have author friends, but don't inundate them with your promos, they're not your target market #indiechat -9:39 PM Sep 25th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @duolit oh mine a just the newsletter name and then the issue number. #indiechat -9:39 PM Sep 25th, 2012

BiblioCrunch @Addison_Moore @laurapauling Marshall in kind of growing on me #gage is too goody shoes #indiechat -9:39 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Addison_Moore RT @duolit: @MXKremzen It's good to have author friends, but don't inundate them with your promos, they're not your target market #indiechat -9:40 PM Sep 25th, 2012

AngelaAckerman I have to wonder if making signing up 4 a newsletter 2 enter a giveaway is a turn off. Ppl might resent their email being clogged #indiechat -9:40 PM Sep 25th, 2012

SuttonShields @Battista_j Does it matter if it's one you buy from CS, or should it be the big boy ISBN for about $99? #indiechat -9:40 PM Sep 25th, 2012

MXKremzen @duolit So true! I'm definitely stuck in that rut right now. Any advice on how to get out of it? #indiechat -9:40 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Froze8 @chihuahuazero I've used mail chimp for work so I'll have to look into it. #indiechat -9:40 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Addison_Moore @duolit There are no truer words. But we read, too. So there's that. Maybe light marketing to authors. @MXKremzen #indiechat -9:40 PM Sep 25th, 2012

duolit @KatGirl_Studio Yeah, I would play around with it -- maybe try some fun, catchy headlines or something! #indiechat -9:41 PM Sep 25th, 2012

overdunne You've lost me in the dust... I'm so not techie I'm having the 18th C printing press guy print up bookmarks 4 my signing next w/e #indiechat -9:41 PM Sep 25th, 2012

bytefulcom How many people give away a sample of their book for people who signup for their newsletter? Thinking of first 2 chapters #indiechat -9:41 PM Sep 25th, 2012

laurapauling @AngelaAckerman I want subscribers that actually want to hear from me! #indiechat -9:41 PM Sep 25th, 2012

AngelaAckerman RT @duolit: @MXKremzen It's good to have author friends, but don't inundate them with your promos, they're not your target market #indiechat -9:41 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Steenaholmes @AngelaAckerman I think it is. it also gives a false reality to author when they think they have so many 'likes' #indiechat -9:41 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Addison_Moore @BiblioCrunch I think it's time for the shoes to come off. #Gage @laurapauling #indiechat -9:41 PM Sep 25th, 2012

HeatherSunseri This goes back to building those relationships over time. RT @laurapauling I want subscribers that actually want to hear from me! #indiechat -9:41 PM Sep 25th, 2012

duolit @MXKremzen Refocus on your target market and use a service like HootSuite to separate Twitter followers into groups #indiechat -9:41 PM Sep 25th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @duolit I have about 250-350 subscribers already so it seems to work. #indiechat -9:41 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Battista_j @SuttonShields No difference. The CreateSpace one is free because they buy in bulk and take a cut of your profits. #indiechat -9:41 PM Sep 25th, 2012

jclillis @AngelaAckerman Good article; very useful tips. Thanks. #indiechat -9:41 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Addison_Moore @laurapauling I still think facebook is the place. @AngelaAckerman #indiechat -9:42 PM Sep 25th, 2012

duolit @laurapauling Exactly! You want true fans on your email list, not just folks entering giveaways. #indiechat -9:42 PM Sep 25th, 2012

AngelaAckerman RT @duolit: @MXKremzen I think it's easy to get caught up in making friends w/other authors instead of readers. #indiechat -9:42 PM Sep 25th, 2012

MXKremzen @Addison_Moore @duolit I've cut back on marketing, esp through twitter (for now) because I've noticed my list is all authors #indiechat -9:42 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Addison_Moore @KatGirl_Studio Did you do a blog post advertising it or do you have a button on your blog? @duolit #indiechat -9:42 PM Sep 25th, 2012

SuttonShields @overdunne Oooh, I'm not a techie, either. Give me a bookmark any day! lol #indiechat -9:42 PM Sep 25th, 2012

bytefulcom @duolit @MXKremzen You can even sort them into lists on the Twitter website too. I did that today. #indiechat -9:43 PM Sep 25th, 2012

HeatherSunseri We've come full circle. This was my thought at the beginning of the night. Re: FB @Addison_Moore @laurapauling @AngelaAckerman #indiechat -9:43 PM Sep 25th, 2012

duolit @MXKremzen Or use Twitter to reach authors and Facebook for fans. I find that's easier for me to handle :-) #indiechat -9:43 PM Sep 25th, 2012

franticsimple RT @duolit: @MXKremzen It's good to have author friends, but don't inundate them with your promos, they're not your target market #indiechat -9:43 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Lisa_Nowak Me too. RT @Addison_Moore: @laurapauling I still think facebook is the place. @AngelaAckerman #indiechat -9:43 PM Sep 25th, 2012

laurapauling Is it just me or are more indie authors branching out with genres and finding it doesn't hurt their brand? #indiechat -9:43 PM Sep 25th, 2012

chihuahuazero @duolit I'm figuring out how to use MailChimp's referral program to earn credit for a paid account. #indiechat -9:43 PM Sep 25th, 2012

duolit @MXKremzen We're actually opening up a free 4-week marketing course, if y'all are interested: http://t.co/zdP7IqKM ... #indiechat -9:43 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Froze8 @AngelaAckerman I don't enter contests that make me sign up for anything with my e-mail, hate it #indiechat -9:43 PM Sep 25th, 2012

miralsattar @andilit she lives really far away. We turn on SKYPE or FaceTime and write for 20 min. Then we read our pieces aloud #indiechat -9:43 PM Sep 25th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @Addison_Moore I have a sign up on my sites and take a paper sign up to every event I do. #indiechat -9:43 PM Sep 25th, 2012

SuttonShields @Battista_j I see. It's very confusing--free, $10, $99. So, that number is fine for selling elsewhere, say the town bookstore? #indiechat -9:43 PM Sep 25th, 2012

chihuahuazero By the way, has anyone read any good writing articles today? #indiechat -9:44 PM Sep 25th, 2012

AngelaAckerman @jclillis author thanks! @Janice_hardy wrote some great marketing posts on my blog too just look up the tag, 'marketing' #indiechat -9:44 PM Sep 25th, 2012

IndelibleWriter RT @duolit: @MXKremzen We're actually opening up a free 4-week marketing course http://t.co/A7qoKCh2 ... #indiechat -9:44 PM Sep 25th, 2012

duolit @bytefulcom It'll cover what tactics work, how to find fans and keep them engaged, etc! #indiechat -9:44 PM Sep 25th, 2012

duolit @laurapauling Yes, some use pen names to keep things separate but I think it's fun to explore different genres #indiechat -9:44 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Steenaholmes RT @laurapauling: Is it just me or are more indie authors branching out with genres and finding it doesn't hurt their brand? #indiechat -9:44 PM Sep 25th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @laurapauling I'm going to be in 2. YA and info design books. #indiechat -9:44 PM Sep 25th, 2012

MXKremzen @duolit That's great advice! Thanks! #indiechat -9:44 PM Sep 25th, 2012

overdunne @SuttonShields :) Mind you, the launch/signing is at a working historical village, so it's a cool perk. :) #indiechat -9:44 PM Sep 25th, 2012

laurapauling @KatGirl_Studio Awesome! #indiechat -9:44 PM Sep 25th, 2012

duolit @bytefulcom Whoops, meant to send that to @MxKremzen! :-) #indiechat -9:45 PM Sep 25th, 2012

chihuahuazero @duolit @laurapauling Pen names: Yay or nay? #indiechat -9:45 PM Sep 25th, 2012

HeatherSunseri Good night everyone. Thanks for the awesome #indiechat tonight. Thanks, @duolit. So nice to meet you. -9:45 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Steenaholmes @laurapauling I think authors are learning to brand themselves rather than by their genre maybe? #indiechat -9:45 PM Sep 25th, 2012

MXKremzen @duolit I'm in! #indiechat -9:45 PM Sep 25th, 2012

laurapauling Yes I agree! RT @Steenaholmes: @laurapauling I think authors are learning to brand themselves rather than by their genre maybe? #indiechat -9:45 PM Sep 25th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @laurapauling after the wedding of course. #indiechat -9:45 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Froze8 @laurapauling I think as long as when it is a series it says together than the author can write anything they want #indiechat -9:45 PM Sep 25th, 2012

duolit @HeatherSunseri You too!! Would love to hear from you again :-) #indiechat -9:45 PM Sep 25th, 2012

AngelaAckerman @Froze8 I agree! yet I see a lot of people that do this. #indiechat -9:46 PM Sep 25th, 2012

duolit @chihuahuazero @laurapauling It depends, if the genres are WAY different it's okay but it's a lot of work to create new persona #indiechat -9:46 PM Sep 25th, 2012

DougSolter Hello! RT ?@BiblioCrunch @DougSolter hi! #indiechat #indiechat -9:46 PM Sep 25th, 2012

laurapauling @Froze8 You mean like make sure the series is branded? #indiechat -9:46 PM Sep 25th, 2012

overdunne @laurapauling I think that's part of the reason why indie's stay that way. Freedom to write what we want. #indiechat -9:46 PM Sep 25th, 2012

laurapauling @overdunne No kidding! I love it. #indiechat -9:46 PM Sep 25th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @laurapauling all my books are YA but some are urban fantasy and some will be straight up fantasy. #indiechat -9:47 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Steenaholmes @duolit @chihuahuazero @laurapauling having a different persona is hard. I had one. I'm slowly letting it go. #indiechat -9:47 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Froze8 @AngelaAckerman I make everything optional on my giveaways #indiechat -9:47 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Battista_j @laurapauling I'm experimenting with it. New book drops in Nov. #indiechat -9:47 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Addison_Moore @laurapauling I'm seeing that more but the crossover isn't too diff. like, paranormal romance to romance. Still Romance. #indiechat -9:47 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Loriprima @laurapauling I def agree with you there. I dislike when people make me join 4 separate things for contests. Reeks of shadiness! #indiechat -9:47 PM Sep 25th, 2012

laurapauling @KatGirl_Studio I think those are close enough together anyway. #indiechat -9:47 PM Sep 25th, 2012

MXKremzen @bytefulcom @duolit That's a good point. #indiechat -9:47 PM Sep 25th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @overdunne exactly. #indiechat -9:47 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Addison_Moore RT @overdunne: @laurapauling I think that's part of the reason why indie's stay that way. Freedom to write what we want. #indiechat -9:47 PM Sep 25th, 2012

duolit @Steenaholmes Yes, it's doubling your work and not often doubling your fanbase. #indiechat -9:47 PM Sep 25th, 2012

laurapauling As a reader I have no problem telling different genres apart by the same author. #indiechat -9:47 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Addison_Moore @HeatherSunseri I heart you girl! SO nice to see you~! @duolit #indiechat -9:48 PM Sep 25th, 2012

overdunne I'm all over the place. YA hist fic, YA contemp fantasy, WIP is an adult contemp, have a MG epic fantasy finished on back shelf #indiechat -9:48 PM Sep 25th, 2012

laurapauling @Addison_Moore Very true! picture books to adult thrillers might be different. #indiechat -9:48 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Steenaholmes @duolit exactly! I've also discovered what I love to write and what my readers want…so it helps in grounding or branding myself #indiechat -9:48 PM Sep 25th, 2012

bytefulcom @SuttonShields @Battista_j Main neg of using CS ISBN is that some may look down on it since imprint is listed as "CreateSpace" #indiechat -9:48 PM Sep 25th, 2012

duolit @laurapauling Yeah lots of great authors have done it, James Patterson, Carl Hiaasen, John Grisham, etc. #indiechat -9:48 PM Sep 25th, 2012

AngelaAckerman @Froze8 I think that is the right way to go. I do the same. I think ppl are happy to tweet and more WHEN it isn't a condition. #indiechat -9:48 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Steenaholmes @laurapauling I like to see authors who do this. It gives me a variety to read! #indiechat -9:49 PM Sep 25th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @overdunne and that's ok. Some readers will just like your style and read everything you have. #indiechat -9:49 PM Sep 25th, 2012

overdunne More and more Trad Pub'd authors are writing in difft genres now, too. #indiechat -9:49 PM Sep 25th, 2012

bytefulcom @SuttonShields @Battista_j You can get a custom imprint name for $10, which is what I did. Downside is you can't get in libraries #indiechat -9:49 PM Sep 25th, 2012

laurapauling @Steenaholmes I read in several different genres. #indiechat -9:49 PM Sep 25th, 2012

MXKremzen @chihuahuazero @duolit @laurapauling A pen name made sense in my case. Fits the genre I write in, and is more memorable. #indiechat -9:49 PM Sep 25th, 2012

laurapauling @overdunne yes, they branch off after a few books. I think that's good. #indiechat We all morph as writers and readers. -9:50 PM Sep 25th, 2012

duolit @Steenaholmes Exactly, if you like an author's style you'll probably like them no matter what the subject #indiechat -9:50 PM Sep 25th, 2012

bytefulcom @SuttonShields @Battista_j The whole ISBN process reeks of an industry built to service large companies instead of individuals #indiechat -9:50 PM Sep 25th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @bytefulcom why? #indiechat -9:50 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Steenaholmes @laurapauling exactly! #indiechat we need to learn to trust our readers more! -9:50 PM Sep 25th, 2012

chihuahuazero @MXKremzen @duolit @laurapauling Current pen name's for privacy purposes. I'm ditching it when I turn eighteen/release a book. #indiechat -9:50 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Kismuth @HeatherSunseri @laurapauling Me, too! #indiechat -9:50 PM Sep 25th, 2012

chel_c_cam This. RT @duolit: @Steenaholmes Exactly, if you like an authors style youll probably like them no matter what the subject #indiechat -9:50 PM Sep 25th, 2012

laurapauling @chihuahuazero yes, there are cases where pen names work! #indiechat -9:51 PM Sep 25th, 2012

overdunne @laurapauling exactly. And why not? Writing is more fun when you change it up, challenge yourself to do different things. #indiechat -9:51 PM Sep 25th, 2012

laurapauling anything anyone wants to talk about? Marketing wise? #indiechat now's your chance! -9:51 PM Sep 25th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @bytefulcom I just bought a stack of 100 ISBN's because it was more worth it. #indiechat -9:51 PM Sep 25th, 2012

bytefulcom @Steenaholmes @duolit @chihuahuazero @laurapauling Was your other persona Kareem Abdul Jabar? ;) #indiechat -9:51 PM Sep 25th, 2012

chel_c_cam Luv. RT@laurapauling exactly. And why not? Writing is more fun when you change it up, challenge yourself to do different things. #indiechat -9:52 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Battista_j @bytefulcom @SuttonShields I have gotten into libraries with mine. But I had to provide the copies. #indiechat -9:52 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Steenaholmes @bytefulcom @duolit @chihuahuazero @laurapauling not me ;) #indiechat -9:52 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Stacey_WB @laurapauling I have two pen names, but one is almost like my real name and the other...I say it's a pen name! Only one persona! #indiechat -9:52 PM Sep 25th, 2012

laurapauling @duolit What's the biggest mistake authors can make it come when marketing? #indiechat -9:52 PM Sep 25th, 2012

chihuahuazero @laurapauling However, I might switch to another pen name--one that isn't as ridiculous. #indiechat -9:52 PM Sep 25th, 2012

DougSolter Do any of you spend money on advertising? Or has this question been asked? #indiechat -9:53 PM Sep 25th, 2012

chel_c_cam When it comes to marketing, be yourself. People will be able to see if you're trying to be something you're not. #indiechat -9:53 PM Sep 25th, 2012

duolit @laurapauling Just wanted to let y'all know that we have a free 4-week marketing course starting tomorrow: http://t.co/zdP7IqKM #indiechat -9:53 PM Sep 25th, 2012

overdunne @KatGirl_Studio ISBN's are free in Canada. Although some print companies force you to use theirs. #indiechat -9:53 PM Sep 25th, 2012

SuttonShields @bytefulcom @Battista_j Oooh, okay, I didn't know that...can you get it into bookstores? #indiechat -9:53 PM Sep 25th, 2012

MXKremzen @duolit Is there any way to encourage readers to submit more reviews on Amazon/Goodreads #indiechat -9:53 PM Sep 25th, 2012

laurapauling RT @DougSolter: Do any of you spend money on advertising? Or has this question been asked? #indiechat -9:53 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Addison_Moore @Stacey_WB Different genres then? @laurapauling #indiechat -9:53 PM Sep 25th, 2012

chel_c_cam @overdunne Lucky Canadians. #indiechat -9:53 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Stacey_WB @overdunne Another reason why Canada rocks! #indiechat -9:53 PM Sep 25th, 2012

laurapauling @DougSolter Some do but from what I've read they don't see a big enough bump in sales to make it worth it. #indiechat -9:54 PM Sep 25th, 2012

bytefulcom @laurapauling What are the top 2 bits of advice regarding author newsletters? (thinking of starting one) #indiechat -9:54 PM Sep 25th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @duolit oh will you be doing it again? I'm getting married in a month and that's taking up all my non-work time. #indiechat -9:54 PM Sep 25th, 2012

chel_c_cam @laurapauling I'm doing my first paid add in October for my new release on KND. We'll see how it goes. #indiechat -9:54 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Diana_Murdock @laurapauling That's the beauty of being indie. No boundaries. #indiechat -9:54 PM Sep 25th, 2012

laurapauling @bytefulcom From what we said earlier: keep newsletters personal. #indiechat -9:54 PM Sep 25th, 2012

duolit @KatGirl_Studio Definitely, but it's all email-based, so you can save them for afterwards if you'd like :-) Also: congrats!!! #indiechat -9:55 PM Sep 25th, 2012

laurapauling @chel_c_cam Hope it goes well! #indiechat -9:55 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Stacey_WB @Addison_Moore YA, NA/regular Paranormal romance, Erotic Romance. Yup. #indiechat -9:55 PM Sep 25th, 2012

IndieAuthorNews Book Promotions - Book Features - Author Interviews ?? http://t.co/q11uqNEE ?? Where Readers discover new Authors - #Writing #IndieChat -9:55 PM Sep 25th, 2012

AngelaAckerman @KatGirl_Studio congrats!!!!#indiechat -9:55 PM Sep 25th, 2012

overdunne RT @Diana_Murdock: @laurapauling Thats the beauty of being indie. No boundaries. #indiechat -9:55 PM Sep 25th, 2012

SuttonShields @Battista_j @bytefulcom And by copies, do you mean paperbacks? I'm sorry for all of the questions. Hope to be smart on this 1 day.#indiechat -9:55 PM Sep 25th, 2012

DougSolter That's what I've heard too. Just wondering if anyone has tried it and had similar results. RT @laurapauling #indiechat -9:55 PM Sep 25th, 2012

MXKremzen @KatGirl_Studio Congrats! #indiechat -9:55 PM Sep 25th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @duolit oh yay awesome! #indiechat -9:55 PM Sep 25th, 2012

duolit @MXKremzen Just keep reminding them via social media, blog, newsletter. You don't want have an incentive, that gets slimy #indiechat -9:55 PM Sep 25th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @AngelaAckerman thanks =^.^= #indiechat -9:55 PM Sep 25th, 2012

jclillis @chel_c_cam @duolit @Steenaholmes I hope so! That was one lure of going indie for me: more freedom to genre-hop. #indiechat -9:55 PM Sep 25th, 2012

duolit @laurapauling Getting overwhelmed and doing nothing. Just keep pushing forward, no matter what! #indiechat -9:56 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Addison_Moore @Stacey_WB Oh! I need your name, lol! I so want to do that. Steamy is fun. #indiechat -9:56 PM Sep 25th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @duolit then I'll totally sign up =^.^= #indiechat -9:56 PM Sep 25th, 2012

duolit @bytefulcom Be friendly, skip the HTML stuff and keep it to no more than once a week #indiechat -9:56 PM Sep 25th, 2012

BiblioCrunch Alright, heading out a few minutes earlier! Chat soon! #indiechat -9:56 PM Sep 25th, 2012

AngelaAckerman @bytefulcom @laurapauling if I can add, don't make it 'all about you'. I know several authors who do this & think it is a mistake #indiechat -9:57 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Stacey_WB @Addison_Moore It is fun and a good way to get better at writing short stories. :) #indiechat -9:57 PM Sep 25th, 2012

laurapauling Be sure to check out @duolit blog for a terrific reserve of blog posts and services! #indiechat http://t.co/D0Fu1lpO -9:57 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Battista_j @SuttonShields @bytefulcom I did extended distribution and that gets me into Ingram which the bookstores order from. #indiechat -9:57 PM Sep 25th, 2012

SuttonShields @duolit @MXKremzen What do you mean by incentive, exactly? Man, my level of dumb if through the rood tonight. #indiechat -9:57 PM Sep 25th, 2012

duolit @BiblioCrunch Thanks for joining us! :-) #indiechat -9:57 PM Sep 25th, 2012

jclillis @overdunne That's so good to know! I'd been second-guessing myself about jumping from YA to adult contemp. #indiechat -9:57 PM Sep 25th, 2012

chihuahuazero I'll be leaving now. Good night, fellow writers! #indiechat -9:58 PM Sep 25th, 2012

overdunne @chel_c_cam good luck with your ad/release! #indiechat -9:58 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Battista_j @SuttonShields @bytefulcom Anyone can walk into a bookstore and order my book if they don't stock it. #indiechat -9:58 PM Sep 25th, 2012

MXKremzen @duolit Definitely not! Truth always outs and fake/bought reviews should be avoided like the plague. #indiechat -9:58 PM Sep 25th, 2012

laurapauling @chihuahuazero Goodnight! #indiechat -9:58 PM Sep 25th, 2012

bytefulcom @duolit Thanks :) Is once a month too infrequent? #indiechat -9:58 PM Sep 25th, 2012

duolit Yes! RT @AngelaAckerman: if I can add, dont make it all about you. I know several authors who do this & think it is a mistake #indiechat -9:58 PM Sep 25th, 2012

KatGirl_Studio @duolit what if i already receive your newsletter? will this sign me up twice? #indiechat -9:58 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Addison_Moore @Stacey_WB Are novelleas better in the that genre? #indiechat -9:58 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Loriprima RT @laurapauling: Be sure to check out @duolit blog for a terrific reserve of blog posts and services! #indiechat http://t.co/D0Fu1lpO -9:58 PM Sep 25th, 2012

laurapauling @AngelaAckerman I agree. I love putting suggestions for great reads in my newsletter. #indiechat -9:59 PM Sep 25th, 2012

duolit @SuttonShields Like offering a giveaway of something to reward people for reviews. It leads to weak/not genuine responses #indiechat -9:59 PM Sep 25th, 2012

chel_c_cam @overdunne Thank you! It's in a new genre, so I have no idea how it's going to go. #indiechat -9:59 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Addison_Moore @BiblioCrunch lol! @laurapauling #indiechat -9:59 PM Sep 25th, 2012

duolit @bytefulcom No, but definitely no less often. Experiment, too, to see if more often is better. #indiechat -9:59 PM Sep 25th, 2012

overdunne @jclillis my adult contemp is VERY different from my YA's. VERY intense emotionally. May have to clarify to readers. #indiechat -9:59 PM Sep 25th, 2012

duolit @SuttonShields People will see through that, esp. if you have tons of 5 star, five word reviews :-/ #indiechat -9:59 PM Sep 25th, 2012

jclillis @Diana_Murdock Amen to that. #indiechat -9:59 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Battista_j @SuttonShields @bytefulcom Yes, I took in 6 trade paperbacks. They've been checked out pretty steadily. #indiechat -10:00 PM Sep 25th, 2012

laurapauling @duolit So it's better to have a smaller but genuine response. #indiechat -10:00 PM Sep 25th, 2012

overdunne @chel_c_cam Ooh! Fun stuff! :) #indiechat -10:00 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Stacey_WB @Addison_Moore People like, uh, quick, ha ha. 8K-15K for 99 cents sell really well. #indiechat -10:00 PM Sep 25th, 2012

bytefulcom @Battista_j @SuttonShields Doesn't that involve a reoccuring fee? I heard you make much less per book sold. Is it worth it? #indiechat -10:00 PM Sep 25th, 2012

duolit @KatGirl_Studio Nope! It'll just keep you on once :-) #indiechat -10:00 PM Sep 25th, 2012

Battista_j @SuttonShields @bytefulcom I also offered my ebooks for free for libraries on Smashwords. #indiechat -10:00 PM Sep 25th, 2012

SuttonShields @duolit Oooh, of course, that would wreak of smarmy! Okay. I LOVE the idea of giveaways, but strictly for fun and smiles. #indiechat -10:01 PM Sep 25th, 2012

laurapauling @duolit Thank you so much for being out guest tonight and offering your wisdom! Great chat, everyone! #indiechat -10:01 PM Sep 25th, 2012

chel_c_cam @overdunne Oh yeah :) #indiechat -10:01 PM Sep 25th, 2012

duolit Yes, definitely! RT @laurapauling: @duolit So its better to have a smaller but genuine response. #indiechat -10:01 PM Sep 25th, 2012

AngelaAckerman night all &thanks for your expertise, @duolit ! Happy marketing, all! #indiechat -10:01 PM Sep 25th, 2012