At the weekend I hope to go for a weekend wander around Bedfont Lakes. Please join me then.
#WordlessWednesday – Cold day at Bedfont Lakes #photography
4
Monthly Archives: November 2016
#Tuesdaybookblog #Bookreview Getting Book Reviews by @RayneHall #indieauthors
Getting Book Reviews by Rayne Hall
Part of the Writer’s Craft Series
Blurb
Reviews help sell books.
When browsing online for their next read, most readers are drawn to the books with many reviews. More and more readers glance at what other readers have to say about a book before they hit the ‘buy now’ button. The more people have read and liked the book, the more they want to experience it for themselves. This is a known psychological factor called ‘social evidence’, and it plays a big role in purchasing decisions.
The more reviews your book has, the better, especially if they are genuine, personal, thoughtful and positive. Reviews can multiply your sales and catapult your book to the top of bestseller lists – but how do you get them?
Perhaps you’re a new author and can’t get those crucial early reviews to start the train rolling. Maybe you’re a seasoned author and your books have garnered reviews, but not as many as you need to break out. Or perhaps you’ve gone the corporate publishing route, and find that your publisher’s publicist isn’t getting your book the attention it needs.
This book shows you many proven strategies to get the reviews your book deserves. Instead of urging you to labour through tedious, spirit-draining procedures, I’ll reveal quick, fun, empowering tricks.
All my suggestions are legitimate and ethical. In this book you won’t find methods for manipulating, faking and cheating. Strengthen your readers’ bond with you, don’t sabotage it.
Most of the methods I suggest are free, although some incur expenses. You will definitely need to spend time. You can apply them all these techniques, or cherry-pick the ones you like now and keep the rest for another time or a different book.
At the end of most chapters, I’m sharing mistakes I made and learnt from. They all seemed a good idea at the time.
Rayne
My Review
First thoughts
Since I self-published for the first time in 2015, I’ve been trying to increase my book’s profile on Amazon by getting more reviews. This book sounded perfect to help me do that.
Summary
Each chapter in the book covers your options when trying to gain reviews. They state the method, along with pros and cons for each and lessons learnt by the author. There were chapters on things like beta readers, approaching amazon reviewers, review circles and general product review agencies.
Writing Style
The book has a friendly, easy to read style just as the previous book of Rayne Hall’s I read and reviewed recently. Why does my book not sell? 20 Simple Fixes
Issues
My only real issue was that I’d already learnt alot of this by myself the long and hard way! It would’ve been great to have a manual like this to work through, to save time and effort.
Final thoughts
I have stumbled my way throughout the process of self-publishing and the same can be said for the way I’ve tried to get reviews. I have made connections with some brilliant book bloggers and gained some wonderful reviews, but I wish I’d known about this book long before I hit publish; things like putting a personal letter at the back of the book would have been easier if addressed beforehand.
This is a quick read, and one you can go back to again and again for sound advice.
Recommend to
I think this book is most helpful to authors who are soon to publish. Of course if you have already self-published, there are still plenty of helpful tips in here for you.
Rating 4 stars
#Mondayblogs My 10 tips on running a book stall/signing #indieauthors #writingtips
I ran my first book stall at the local Christmas fair the other day. I was nervous about it during the weeks leading up to it, but I knew it was time to start putting myself out there. It felt a bit like coming out of the closet ‘My name is Suzanne Rogerson and I am an author.’
I did sell some books, which is wonderful, but most importantly it was a big step in building my confidence. For those of you who are nervous about trying it, I say go for it! Here are a few tips that might help you make a success of your own event.
My Tips
- I had a sign stating ‘Local Author’
- Display your log line big and bold to draw some interest.
- My posters of the book cover could be seen from a distance and were eye-catching.
- The boards were great for displaying everything a potential reader might want to know without having to ask.
- Have readers quotes on display so the browsers can see others have enjoyed your book.
- Have different forms of information on display. I had posters, picture quotes that I used in my blog tour, quotes from readers with star ratings and my author photo.
- Display the price so you don’t have the embarrassing discussion of money
- Be approachable, but not pushy. I was happy to talk to anyone who wanted to, but I didn’t throw myself at them.
- I had a sign to show where the book is available and the prices. I also mentioned it’s free to read for Kindle Unlimited readers.
- Don’t go over board with stock.
Things I wish I’d done
- I would have had a sign that said please take a card.
- I could have walked around handing out cards – but I didn’t want to force myself on people. I don’t like that approach in the street, and it’s just not me.
- I didn’t mention the magical words ‘If you like it, would you consider leaving a short review.’ Some were bought as Christmas presents so that wouldn’t really have applied anyway, but it’s still a missed opportunity.
I haven’t made any money, but I didn’t enter into it for monetary gain. It’s all about getting my books into readers hands and getting exposure. I’ve already had some lovely feedback and that is what matters. People have been really supportive – friends and strangers alike.
My final advice to any shy writers like me, don’t let it hold you back. Go for it and see what happens!
A brilliant #bookreview of my #fantasy novel Visions of Zarua by @mummyworgan
Happy weekend everyone, at least it has been for me. I’m still on a high from my book signing event last night, and then I woke up to read this excellent review this morning.
Review extract…
Visions of Zarua is set in the magical world of Paltria, where there are Wizards, mythical creatures and enemies around every corner. This is a dark fantasy novel, that I loved from the very first page. It has to be said that fantasy novels are not my usual genre, but I was surprised by just how much this book spoke to me. Even though it is set in the mythical world of Paltria, and the ancient and abandoned city of Zarua, the book echoed the emotions of everyday, normal life. This is why I connected so much with this book and the characters within it…
Click to continue reading on Jo’s blog Brew and Books Review. It’s a great review – I’m not biased, honest!
I’ll post a bit more about the book signing and any tips I’ve gained from the experience in another post.
Bye for now.
#WordlessWednesday – Shell Shelf Art
#Tuesdaybookblog #Bookreview Late Summer in the Vineyard by Jo Thomas #Romance
As promised on my Fridaybookshare post, here’s my review of Late Summer in the Vineyard by Jo Thomas.
Genre – Romance
Blurb
Emmy Bridges has always looked out for others. Now it’s time to put down roots of her own.
Working for a wine-maker in France is the opportunity of a lifetime for Emmy. Even if she doesn’t know a thing about wine – beyond what’s on offer at the local supermarket.
There’s plenty to get to grips with in the rustic town of Petit Frère. Emmy’s new work friends need more than a little winning over. Then there’s her infuriatingly brash tutor, Isaac, and the enigmatic Madame Beaumont, tucked away in her vineyard of secrets.
But Emmy will soon realise that in life – just as in wine-making – the best things happen when you let go and trust your instincts. Particularly when there’s romance in the air…
My Review
First thoughts
This is the first (and only) book I’ve won in a Goodreads competition. I was sent a Marketing Proof by the publishers. Although sadly it doesn’t have this cover, I was still really pleased to be a winner.
Summary
This is a perfect story for escapism. I’m sure in the middle of November, we’re all dreaming of heading off to hot and sunny France. I’d love to visit the vineyards, it all sounds so idyllic.
Main character
I really like Emmy. She’s a genuinely nice person who wants to help everyone and puts their best interests above her own. This has meant she’s put her entire life on hold to look after her dad and younger sister. Her need to look out for others gets her into some very sticky situations.
I did find Emmy’s self doubt a little over the top, but it was completely believable. At times I could have shaken some sense into her and by the end it was gratifying to see her development.
Writing style
It’s mainly told in first person, present tense from Emmy’s perspective. This style really helps to connect with Emmy and understand her thought processes. The situations she gets herself in become more plausible as well.
Issues
I found a part of the prologue annoying and improbable. If someone is telling you to get out their house or they’ll call the police, you don’t suggest a cup of tea (not when your a stranger and a debt collector at that!). It is a sort of comic moment, but it just stopped me believing in the story – thank goodness I carried on reading!
My only other issue would be the amount of simple errors that were present in this copy. As I received a marketing copy, I assume these have been spotted by a proof reader.
Final Thoughts
I enjoyed this book much, much more than I was expecting! I now have a new appreciation for wine, and desperately want to go and visit France. This book created a special feeling about the vineyards and the host of characters Emmy meets. I especially liked Madame Beaumont and her old horse, Henri. It’s a story that stays will you and I will miss reading it. I will definitely read more of Jo Thomas’ books when I want that feel good factor.
Rating 4.5 Stars
Recommend to: Romance readers who like to discover something a little different and want to be transported into another country.
#FridayBookShare Late Summer in the Vineyard by Jo Thomas #romance @ShelleyWilson72
This weekly book sharing game was set up by Shelley Wilson. See the rules below.
First Line
‘Madame, Madame!’ I shout, and wave my arms around like I’m at a Take That concert, trying to attract Gary Barlow’s attention in the midst of thousands of other possessed fans.
Recruit fans
Escape to France with LATE SUMMER IN THE VINEYARD – Jo Thomas’s irresistible follow-up to THE OYSTER CATCHER and THE OLIVE BRANCH. ‘A fabulous French feast of fun’ Milly Johnson
Emmy Bridges has always looked out for others. Now it’s time to put down roots of her own.
Working for a wine-maker in France is the opportunity of a lifetime for Emmy. Even if she doesn’t know a thing about wine – beyond what’s on offer at the local supermarket.
There’s plenty to get to grips with in the rustic town of Petit Frère. Emmy’s new work friends need more than a little winning over. Then there’s her infuriatingly brash tutor, Isaac, and the enigmatic Madame Beaumont, tucked away in her vineyard of secrets.
But Emmy will soon realise that in life – just as in wine-making – the best things happen when you let go and trust your instincts. Particularly when there’s romance in the air…
Introduce the main character
Emmy – Caring, self-deprecating, naïve
Delightful design
Audience appeal
Romance lovers, especially those who like to be transported to other countries (France in particular).
Your favourite line
‘Very nice. But I don’t think I ordered room service,’ says a sleepy American voice.
‘Shit!’ I spin round to what I thought was my pile of luggage that I’d left on my bed ready to unpack but it isn’t a pile of luggage at all. My luggage is now on the floor. My heart starts thundering like a young horse in its first Grand National. My eyes open wider and I clutch the towel more firmly.
It’s a person, a body, a man… in my bed!
***
I am totally loving this book and will hopefully post a review next week. In the meantime check it out on goodreads.
Book Spotlight – Faithful by Michelle Hauck @Michelle4Laughs #fantasy #giveaway
The next volume in the Birth of Saints series is available now!
Following Grudging–and with a mix of Terry Goodkind and Bernard Cornwall–religion, witchcraft, and chivalry war in Faithful, the exciting next chapter in Michelle Hauck’s Birth of Saints series!
A world of Fear and death…and those trying to save it.
Colina Hermosa has burned to the ground. The Northern invaders continue their assault on the ciudades-estados. Terror has taken hold, and those that should be allies betray each other in hopes of their own survival. As the realities of this devastating and unprovoked war settles in, what can they do to fight back?
On a mission of hope, an unlikely group sets out to find a teacher for Claire, and a new weapon to use against the Northerners and their swelling army.
What they find instead is an old woman.
But she’s not a random crone—she’s Claire’s grandmother. She’s also a Woman of the Song, and her music is both strong and horrible. And while Claire has already seen the power of her own Song, she is scared of her inability to control it, having seen how her magic has brought evil to the world, killing without reason or remorse. To preserve a life of honor and light, Ramiro and Claire will need to convince the old woman to teach them a way so that the power of the Song can be used for good. Otherwise, they’ll just be destroyers themselves, no better than the Northerners and their false god, Dal. With the annihilation their enemy has planned, though, they may not have a choice.
A tale of fear and tragedy, hope and redemption, Faithful is the harrowing second entry in the Birth of Saints trilogy.
Faithful– November 15, 2016
Harper Voyager
Find It: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | HarperCollins | Goodreads
Also enter to win a signed paperback of Grudging, the first book in the series:
A world of chivalry and witchcraft…and the invaders who would destroy everything.
The North has invaded, bringing a cruel religion and no mercy. The ciudades-estados who have stood in their way have been razed to nothing, and now the horde is before the gates of Colina Hermosa…demanding blood.
On a mission of desperation, a small group escapes the besieged city in search of the one thing that might stem the tide of Northerners: the witches of the southern swamps.
The Women of the Song.
But when tragedy strikes their negotiations, all that is left is a single untried knight and a witch who has never given voice to her power. And time is running out.
A lyrical tale of honor and magic, Grudging is the opening salvo in the Book of Saints trilogy.
GRUDGING
November 17, 2015
Harper Voyager
Find it: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Goodreads
Michelle Hauck lives in the bustling metropolis of northern Indiana with her hubby and two kids in college. Besides working with special needs children by day, she writes all sorts of fantasy, giving her imagination free range. A book worm, she passes up the darker vices in favor of chocolate and looks for any excuse to reward herself. Bio finished? Time for a sweet snack.
She is a co-host of the yearly contests Query Kombat, Nightmare on Query Street, and Sun versus Snow.
Her Birth of Saints trilogy, starting with Grudging and Faithful (November 15, 2016), is available from Harper Voyager. Another epic fantasy, Kindar’s Cure, is published by Divertir Publishing. She’s repped by Marisa Corvisiero of Corvisiero Literary.
#WWWBlogs My top ten tips for New Writers #indieauthors #writers #amwriting
I’ve been writing novels for over 20 years and as this is the anniversary of my first year of self-publishing, I thought it would be great to go back and revise the advice I had for new writers at the start of my own journey back in November 2015.
1. Online courses
I’ve completed both novel writing and short stories courses. You learn as you write and having your assignments critiqued by experienced tutors helps you improve as you go along. Online course can fit around your work and family.
2. Go to writing workshops and creative writing classes.
I’ve attended several adult education classes over the years, and a couple of one day workshops. Meeting like-minded people was a real turning point for me. Critiquing and editing others work helps you look at your own work more objectively. Also having others critique your work helps you develop that famous thick skin all writers need.
I’ve made writing friends from classes too. It’s so important to have people in your life who understand the struggles of a writer. Now with online forums, and blogs etc. it’s easier to connect with other writers, but I still think the workshops can play an important part in the learning process.
3. Enter competitions, especially those offering critiques
There’s nothing worse than sending your story into a competition and never hearing anything again. Not knowing where you’re going wrong. The critiques can help you grow as a writer. And if you follow the suggestions made, next time your story may just get placed.
4. Don’t rush. Don’t pitch too soon.
I’ve made this mistake many times. Thinking the book is ready and contacting the agents I would love to work with, or the publishers that accept unsolicited submissions. Once they’ve turned your book down, there’s no going back. It’s the same with some novel competitions; once they’ve seen your entry you can’t resubmit when you’ve made a better version. If you do it looks unprofessional.
5. Start building your online profile now.
I’ve been blogging since July/Aug 2015. A lot has happened in a year and a bit. I’ve gained followers and made many online connections with writers and bloggers. I’m close to reaching 4K followers through the various platforms – Blog, Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads. I’d say that’s not too bad for a year, though the time involved has taken me away from my writing. Challenges like the April A-Z blog challenge and running my own my blog tour in Jun/July were very time-consuming, but lots of fun and well worth the effort.
6. Beta readers can make a huge difference.
Especially beta readers who are writers themselves, who understand the structure and techniques of writing. I’ve been lucky enough to have made some really good friends from writing classes. We’ve kept in touch and still occasionally meet up to critique each others’ work. They’ve offered honest criticism about where I’m going wrong, but also shown me my strengths as a writer and their encouragement has been a big boost to my confidence.
7. Join a book group
I’ve been a member of several book groups. It’s really interesting listening to readers critiquing books you’ve read, and to imagine how your own book might be seen from the readers’ perspective. They also force you to read outside your comfort zone, which can help you grow as a reader and a writer.
8. Get all the professional help you can afford
This is in the form of critique companies, professional editors, paid for beta reads if you don’t have writing friends you trust to be honest with you, cover artists, proof readers. The list of help available is endless and you need to work out what is most important to you and where you need to invest the money most. My first choice would be a good editor every time.
9. Know when it’s time to let go and move on
This is probably the hardest part; to tell yourself it’s finished, and let go of your book as you hit publish.
This is also true once you’ve been published for a while. You need to stop obsessing over your sales, book ranking and the amount of reviews you have or haven’t got. There is only so much marketing you can do, and as I have been told by many professionals, the best thing to do is get another book published.
10. Enjoy the journey, and celebrate being a writer
It’s an amazing feeling creating worlds and characters, and not everyone can do it. It takes hard work, dedication and an absolute determination to succeed.
Now that Visions of Zarua has been published a year, I look back and think wow. All that hard work has paid off. I’ve gained over a dozen wonderful reviews in that year and that is proof enough that it was worth taking a chance on self-publishing.
***
What is your advice for new writers?
Happy book birthday Visions of Zarua! #fantasy #epicfantasy #darkfantasy
The day is finally here – Visions of Zarua is a year old!
Sometimes I still can’t believe I actually did it. I locked away all the self doubt and published the ebook on 16th Nov 2015. After a lot of deliberation and encouragement from friends and family, I published the paperback a month later.
I’m so happy that it’s been well received by book reviewers and readers. I love reading the reviews, knowing that people have enjoyed Paddren, Varnia, Leyoch and Jago’s story as much as I enjoyed creating it. I get all teary-eyed when people say how much they loved Paddren or Varnia, that the characters I’ve lived with and loved for over ten years are resonating with readers. I’m very proud of this book and fully intend to toast it tonight with a glass or two of something bubbly!
Thank you to everyone who’s supported me, to those who have read it and those who will take the time to read it in the future.
***
Before I go…
There’s still a few hours left to enter the worldwide Goodreads giveaway here
Next week I’ll be doing my first ever book signing! I’m totally nervous and excited about. It’s at a Christmas shopping event at my daughters school where I’ll have my own stall and my son has offered to be my salesman for the evening!
I’ll write about the experience, but does anyone have any tips for running a successful book signing?
Now I plan to spend the day setting up my next Kindle Countdown Deal, along with ad’s on Amazon, Goodreads, facebook and possibly twitter to run alongside the deals and hopefully promote it to lots of readers. Again, any tips will be gratefully received.
Finally, if you haven’t bought your copy of Visions of Zarua yet, here’s the links.
£2.99
$2.99
Free to read on KindleUnlimited
Two wizards, 350 years apart. Can they save the realm of Paltria from Zarua’s dark past?
Why not pick up a copy and find out. And let me know what you think by leaving a review or contacting me via the contact page.
Suzanne Rogerson Fantasy Author 