Well, as you all know last month I did my first free promo on Amazon, where 400 people snatched up their own Kindle copy of my paranormal/mystery “THE BRIDGE”. Now, one of the things that inspired me to take that risk was the fact that I’d read in many different articles and blogs, that such a promo could help actual paying sales. Those who grabbed a copy start spreading the word about how much they liked the book and tell others to get their own copy. I can safely say, I’ve seen a slight increase in the number of actual purchased copies of the book, but nothing astronomical.
So this last weekend I did a special .99 cent promotion which netted about 5 or 6 sales total and that’s all. Now a number of you may be thinking, “Wow, that wasn’t very impressive.” And you’d be right. But, it’s about what I expected because, “THE BRIDGE” is my first book. I’m still an unknown author. I did try and foster a following in advance and build up anticipation and interest in the book and look at the total results. To date, about 500 copies of my book are out there, which to me is rather impressive for a first timer. The book has been garnering mainly 4 and 5 star reviews, 13 on Amazon and 15 on Smashwords. Now only 3 of those reviews came after the free giveaway.
That might sound discouraging to some people, but I’m not looking at it that way. When you do a free giveaway, most people are loading up their Kindles with books that they will eventually read. A lot of those people who downloaded my book, still haven’t had a chance to read it yet. I know this, because a number of them have told me this is the case. They message me and to say, ‘You’re number ( ) in my reading list, but I’m looking forward to your book and getting back to you about it afterwards.’
So, I have reason to hope for more reviews and that these folks will be so excited by what I’ve done, they’ll not only be dying to see the next installment (which is something I keep hearing from those who have read “The Bridge”). But I’m also hoping they’re going to be spreading the word about it and the upcoming sequel to all their friends and networks, which will in turn translate into more sales.
Remember when it’s only your first or second book, you’re still building a fan base which takes time and patience.
Now, I do plan to do one more free giveaway on Amazon sometime in August, before my exclusive KDP Select contract expires. Once it does expire, I’m bringing “THE BRIDGE” back to Smashwords, Nook, Apple and other e-readers. I’ve already had a number of inquiries of when the book will be available in those formats, so I’ve still got more prospective customers to come.
On the other hand, I do have one concern and that is, “Have I hit my limit of possible customers in my current “sphere of influence?” I’m always interested in getting the word out about my book out to more and more people, but I’m starting to run low on ideas of how to make that happen. I’ve done LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, press releases, contacted radio and newspapers (with minimal results on these two but I’m still trying).
So, if any of you have suggestions, please leave them down in the comments section for me and other readers to learn from. Remember, we’re all in this writing thing together and one of the main purposes of this blog is to share ideas and experiences. So don’t be afraid to share or ask questions.
Until next time, take care and keep writing.
Everybody’s experience of the KDP Select free promos is different, but I personally think they do help a new author. It isn’t just about recommendations and reviews, I think it’s also about appearing in the ‘also bought’ section. Every free download still counts as a sale, so when those people go on and download something else they generate an also bought link to your book. I have no idea if this is true, it’s only a guess. But I know, when I was in the KDP Select program the first time I got a few sales every month. Not more than I could count on two hands, but enough. When I dropped out at the end of three months, so I could get on Nook etc, I didn’t sell anything in five weeks. I probably should have been more patient, waited to get some nook reviews, but the lack of sales depressed me, so this month I’ve rejoined KDP and have just completed a three-day free promo. The next few weeks will show if I made the right decision and the residual sales come back!
Good luck with your book – it’s tough being an indie-author. I’m working on my next two releases as I think the only way to get more sales is to write more books!
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Agreed, having more books to your name does help from what I’ve been told. The more books with your name on, the better it seems.
I’m currently planning to do the KDP Select first when I release my next book. Then after 3 months expand to Smashwords, Nook, Apple, etc. just before Christmas. I’m hoping to capture some of the holiday sales this way by building up a rep on the new book with Amazon, as well as service those fans who are anticipating the Nook and other versions.
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Sounds like a good plan!
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My view, like all things to do with writing; if you can pay for the promotion it works or get a name to promote the book and it will sell. I did 3 promos and the short and polite version of my opinion, for me they were worse than useless and stank, the last one killed my award winning book in the ratings, which is why like many of us; I won’t do it again.
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I understand. I’m so sorry things went so badly for you Alan. Thanks for sharing this with me and the other readers.
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It’s great that you’ve had 500 sales so far. Free is an interesting beast. I’m still debating whether I want to do it, but Writer/Mummy brings up a good point about the also boughts. I hadn’t really thought about that as an advantage. As always, interesting food for thought.
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I hadn’t thought about the ‘Also Boughts’ either and it is good food for thought.
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Writer/Mummy is completely correct when she says that everyone’s experience with KDP differs. For my romance writer’s ,KDP Select jumpstarts their sales. For other genres, it depends on the genre.
The way you do the promotion is also important. Things like the size of your writer’s platform, where you list the giveaway, and how long you run it for can have an impact. The important thing is to try new things until you hit on the mix that works best for your genre.
It is hard to be an indie, but if you have quality product and you keep at it, you will find your way!
Rachel Simeone
Book Marketing Coach
Zetablue Marketing
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I’m happy for you having 500 sales! Congrats!! You’re really doing great!
I will try to read your book during my vacation and review it, ok?
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Sounds good, hope you have a great time on your vacation.
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Hi.
I am very impressed with your tenacity. It encourages me to keep going. So, keep at it. I know you will succeed because you won’t give up, until it happens.
Ciao,
Patricia
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Thanks Patricia, you’re right I am going to keep at it. I don’t give up easily. Good luck to you too.
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Very interesting. I’m about to do this too. Thanks for the information. I will also let you know how mine went. Cher’ley
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Great. Good luck, hope you do really well.
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