A Quick Thank You, Plus An Update On Book 2…

I wanted to say thank you to everyone who took part in my “Hobbit Birthday Party Weekend”.  Whether you picked up a copy of the book or helped promote it, thank you so much.  We all know getting the word out about a brand new book is more than half the battle for Indie Authors.  So this was a real shot in the arm.  I’m pleased to say that 39 people took advantage and snapped up a free copy through Smashwords over the last 3 days.  I felt somewhat vindicated for not going the KDP route, where I would have had to given them the exclusive e-book distribution and sales for up to 90 days.  I know Amazon is bigger and has a wider reach, but I never felt right about cutting off Nook, Apple and other e-reader customers.  So thanks for letting me know I did the right thing.

 

Now, I’ve never done a free e-book promotion before, so any of your more experienced authors please let me know if 39 was a good number or not.  I’m still learning as I go along this path.  As a result of the promotion I already got one 5 Star review that is now up on Smashwords.  I’m hoping for many more reviews, since it helps promote more sales or so I’ve read.

 

Today I’ll be working on my e-press release kit and then a physical one as well.  I also have to do research to find out who/where to send press releases to.  This is seeming to be the next big hurdle for me so if anyone has advice please leave it here, it would be greatly appreciated.

 

Finally, book number 2 “THE SHIP” is coming along nicely.  The first draft is about 1/3-1/2 done at this point.  I’ll be doing more drafts of course to clean things up and make sure the pacing is going well.  But even more importantly, to make sure I’m keeping the readers’ interest.  The new book has a similar fun feel to the first, but it’s also feeling quite different to me.  Mostly because I’m dealing with different leading characters, who were prominent in the first book.  But now the focus is on these two women developing their new romantic relationship as well as dealing with new and old enemies.  I’m trying to keep a balance between the nervous romance of two people getting to know each other more deeply, while also developing the secrets they haven’t shared.  It’s an interesting experience for me as a writer.  I know that in the end their relationship will have gone much further, but to make it happen gradually while not losing the fun ‘banter’ that a lot of people enjoyed in the first novel is quite a balancing act.  But, this is still the first draft.  Creating just the right balance is what 2nd and 3rd drafts (along with edits) are for.

 

Take care and have a great week everyone.

 

 


Comments

13 responses to “A Quick Thank You, Plus An Update On Book 2…”


  1. Nice update Allan! I can’t help too much with the e-book results as I have not tried that route yet. Once I finish the drawings for the one childrens book, I am going to try it. I think that the response you got was fair. I just hope that they also take the time to review. That is important.

    Nice pace for book 2. Keep us informed!


    1. I hear you Liz. I’m hoping for some good response in the forms of reviews. Thanks for the comment on the pace of book 2. I will be keeping everyone updated on its progress.


  2. I really like this update, Allan.


    1. Thank you, I tried to make it upbeat and informative.


  3. I’m in the dark ages and I don’t have an e-reader yet, so I couldn’t take advantage of your great offer. I wish you the best and I’m enjoying learning from your book writing experiences.


    1. Sorry you don’t have an e-reader. Are you able to read PDF’s? Because that is one of the options on Smashwords. Because if you like, I could supply you with a coupon code to Smashwords so you could get a copy. But only if you wish.

      I’m so glad you’re finding my blogs so helpful and informative. That was one of the main purposes behind my creating this blog. I’ve been working in the dark a lot and learning as I go along, so I felt if my experiences could help others I wanted to share.


      1. That would be awesome, Allan. I do have the ability to read pdfs. You are kind and gracious for this and for sharing your journey with us.


      2. Okay, use this code before midnight tonight: VY49X
        at https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/272613


      3. Here’s the coupon code: VY49X before midnight tonight.
        And here’s the link to the site to use it at: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/272613


      4. Thank you much, Allan. I joined Smashwords and downloaded the book. I look forward to reading it.


      5. You’re quite welcome. I hope you enjoy it tremendously.


  4. Hi Allan,

    I have never done an e-book promotion because my first book isn’t published yet, but 39 sounds like a send off. I can say this though. I am one of those 39 people and I look forward to reading your book.
    All the best.
    Ciao,
    Patti


    1. Thank you Patti, I hope you enjoy the book tremendously when you get a chance to read it. Keep us all posted on when your book comes out please. Take care.

      Allan

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