Shameless Promotion - Part 3

Hi everyone. I am rounding up my friends and doing a panel on indie-publishing.  I asked a bunch of questions (things I want to know and others probably do to), they answered, and I am putting it together. Stop by every Wednesday for the next few weeks.

So why the title of this post? Because they are promoting how awesome they are.

My authors are: Erica Cope, Heather Diemer, and J.A. Lantz

Erica:

What is the best avenue for you in promoting your book(s)? I have no idea because I've never done much promoting. The success of my books is 100% thanks to word-of-mouth and some kick ass friends.

Who is someone who has helped you to establish yourself? I owe everything to Komal Kant, Michelle Flick and Heather Sloan. <3 b="" ladies="" you="">

For someone just breaking into writing, what would you suggest to them? Get a great Critique Group! They are so helpful!

What are some wonderful things about self-promotion? What are some difficult things?  Through self-promotion you meet some really great people but at the same time, it's really awkward for me personally to be all like “Hey, wanna read my book?”

What do you spend most of your time in the promotion world? Why? 
Oh gosh, I guess just Facebook. I've never done a blog tour though I think I should....maybe with my next book!

J.A. Lantz

What is the best avenue for you in promoting your book(s)?

I’m not very good at it but I have a blog, Avid Reading, Constant Writing I use to write about my writing, the writing process and to review books. The blog is a work in progress. I’ve recently made a Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/joseph.lantz.161) for my writing. The Facebook page has allowed me to connect with students who are interested in my novel.

Who is someone who has helped you to establish yourself? 

Michelle Rowe. Thank you for encouraging me to write, for pushing me to start my blog, for encouraging me to start the Facebook page and for the figurative kicks in the butt when I’ve needed it. 

A tremendous Thank You to Nadine for editing, for your insights, for your suggestions and for your enthusiasm for my writing.

For someone just breaking into writing, what would you suggest to them?

Write the story as it is in your head and worry about editing when its time to edit.

What are some wonderful things about self-promotion? What are some difficult things?

 I’ll get back to you on the wonderful. The difficult thing about self-promotion: self-promoting. I’m horrible at it. 

Heather: 

What is the best avenue for you in promoting your book(s)?

Social media seems to be the way indie authors are promoting their books.  Blog tours are popular as well.  Having an author like page separate from your personal page is a good way to gain fans and spread the word.

Who is someone who has helped you to establish yourself?

Erica Cope first encouraged me to seriously consider writing a book over a year ago and since then I’ve been writing out every story that comes to my head. I’ve have quite a few short stories finished and about 30,000 words for a story I can’t get out of my head, but I can’t seem to move forward with.  Since then I’ve gained some new friends who’ve been very encouraging and pushing me to write more. 

For someone just breaking into writing, what would you suggest to them?

Just write. Even if it’s silly, just write what you think about.  You never know how a story will develop.  And you never know what will inspire you.  And always carry a notebook and pen with you. I’m always inspired while driving.  I can’t really drive and write, but I can jot something down real quick.  

What are some wonderful things about self-promotion? What are some difficult things?
I’m not there yet so I don’t know…

What do you spend most of your time in the promotion world? Why?

Not sure yet

Me:

What is the best avenue for you in promoting your book(s)?

My author page on FB. It gets the most traffic and serves as a hub to my blog. Head over and like it - the button is on the side of my bog.

Who is someone who has helped you to establish yourself?

Komal Kant - I met her three (?) years ago. Komal would do something and I was like: Hey! I want to do that too! Then that was followed up by: Komal how do I do that. She was great. She always answered my questions and was super supportive. 

For someone just breaking into writing, what would you suggest to them?

Everyone said write. I agree. Networking is helpful too. It's good for self-promotion, trials and tribulations, writer's therapy...mostly writer's therapy. :) Go out and post, comment, and tweet.

What are some wonderful things about self-promotion? What are some difficult things?
You are in control of it. The difficult things: You are in control of it. It can be overwhelming because it is constant.

What do you spend most of your time in the promotion world? Why?

FB - it's where everyone seems to be. So that is where I am. 

Go follow my awesome panel! Come along with us on that journey too!