Marketing and Sales

Marketing is probably the most frustrating of all for an author, but a necessary evil if you want sales. And who doesn't? Your book is finished and published. Your baby is out in the world, you hope. But how do you get it there so readers can learn of the wonderful novel you've written. Writers aren't sales people. Unless you are already well-known, your publisher expects you to do the heavy lifting. With hundreds of new books coming out almost daily, how do you stand above the crowd? With three novels under my belt, I still don't have the definite answer, but I've learned that personal contact with your potential reader is the most successful way for me. I've tried Amazon ads, Publishers Weekly promotions, and NetGalley with little success. When I do local book signings I'm able to engage readers personally, resulting in sales as well as invitations to speak at book clubs. Recently I was able to be interviewed by the Los Angeles Times. They gave me a half-page spread with a nice picture and a very complete overview of my books, my background and credibility for the theme of my novels. The result, my book sales immediately spiked, with 31 Kindle sales so far, and still counting. For months I had no sales at all. I hope these readers will like what they read, tell their friends, and maybe the word will spread. I'm always interested in new ideas, so readers, if you have any, please let me know.