Promo Time
I have four releases coming out in 2008. That’s more than I had in 2006 and 2007 combined. I’m excited, but the idea of multiple releases gets me thinking about promo stuff. I wish I knew what worked and what didn’t. Think of the money to be made in packaging and selling that info…
For my book buying habits, I can say the more I see a cover, the more likely I am to pick up the book in a store. Yes, I am a marketer’s dream. Great covers grab my attention. So do terrible ones. In general:
**I read Romantic Times every month. RT is the one place where ads have an impact on me.
**I check out the monthly recommendations at Dear Author (can’t get the link to work at the moment)- and, yes, the fact YOUR MOUTH DRIVES ME CRAZY was a July recommendation there is part of the reason.
**I look at the Coming Soon pages on authors’ websites. I also get a tad miffed when I find a 2006 release on that page even though I know the author has had books out since then.
**I like to see which books are getting attention on reader blogs like Sybil’s. However, I am puzzled when I see all the same books everywhere when other books aren’t getting any attention. Not sure how that happens but I’m thinking it has something to do with the ARCs reader blogs get from publishers. For example, Berkley seems to send out tons of ARCs. As a result, you see more Berkley books getting attention. Or, that’s my theory.
Some things do not work on me. For example, I never look at those flashing banners and small ads on sites. For some reason, they just don’t register with me at all. I look at the bookmarks on the tables at conferences, but I rarely pick one up. Again, for me it’s a matter of checking out covers. Once one sets in my mind, I’m going to track it down.
That’s me. I know other things work for other people. If anyone has a suggestion about what does or does not work, let me know.
October 30th, 2007 at 6:29 pm
4 books HelenKay? Now that’s what I like to hear. Keep ‘em coming, girl.
I like RT magazine, not necessarily for the reviews, but for the various new releases coming out within the next month or so. I do check out some of the reader blogs out there too.
I sometimes check out Amazon’s “Coming Soon” section though it’s frustrating not to get a synopsis of the book, but then there’s always the author’s website, provided it’s up-to-date. And I love an author who lists any of their books in order in a series or if they are even loosely linked. Some websites don’t do that, and it’s very frustrating when I discover a “new to me” author who may have several releases out.
October 31st, 2007 at 3:58 am
I’m influenced by what other people are reading. Not just my friends. I’m always checking out what people are reading in the library, at the bagel shop, in waiting rooms. If the same book is turning up in other people’s hands over and over again I usually check it out to see why.
October 31st, 2007 at 4:20 pm
Congrats on all the new releases coming out!!!
I also tend to be a cover shopper, which would explain what a massive book collection I have. *evil grin*
November 1st, 2007 at 10:41 pm
I love the RT. I love reading the about the books coming up. I don’t let the reviews limit what I read. I find that books reveiws, like movie reviews, do not necessarily coincide with my tastes. I have bought the RT since I discovered it in a book store in 1989. I have also kept every one… don’t ask me why ( I am a pack rat!) I also like to check out Amazon’s “Coming soon” section…Nothing like a little anticipation to get the blood flowing.
I love to read, and I love to read alot!