Visions of Zarua 99p / 99c today only! #epicfantasy #darkfantasy #bookpromo #kindle

Posted on December 9, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

Want to bag a bargain before Christmas?

My debut, standalone fantasy, Visions of Zarua is 99p / 99c for today only via kindle countdown deals in the UK and US.

There are plenty of 4 & 5 star reviews on Amazon UK and US to help you make up your mind. Here’s a peek at the most recent…

This is a dark fantasy novel that I loved, 26 Nov. 2016 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…

How I love the fantasy genre that always makes me think back …, 4 Dec. 2016 How I love the fantasy genre that always makes me think back to childhood and reading fairy tales. It is where anything and everything is possible a place of wizards and witches. This is Suzanne Rogerson’s debut novel and oh my does she deliver the goods. Set back in medieval times the story is shrouded in mystery, spells and deadly mystical creatures….

Two wizards, 350 years apart. Can they save the realm of Paltria from Zarua’s dark past?

Blurb
An ancient darkness haunts the realm of Paltria.
Apprentice wizard Paddren is plagued by visions of a city on the brink of annihilation. When his master Kalesh dies in mysterious circumstances, the Royal Order of Wizards refuses to investigate.
Helped by his childhood friend, the skilled tracker Varnia, and her lover Leyoch, Paddren vows to find the killer.
The investigation leads Paddren down a sinister path of assassins, secret sects and creatures conjured by blood magic. But he is guided by a connection with a wizard from centuries ago – a wizard whose history holds the key to the horror at the heart of the abandoned city of Zarua. Can Paddren decipher his visions in time to save the Paltrian people from the dark menace of Zarua’s past?

#Mondayblogs Call for help & advice with KDP Countdown Deals #indieauthors

Posted on December 5, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

I would like to ask for help and advice for my upcoming KDP countdown deal.

My second attempt at the countdown deals starts in the UK and US on 9th December – if I have set it up correctly this time!

Visions of Zarua will be 99p on 9th & £1.99 on 10th December.

It was a bit of a non event last time as I didn’t know what I was doing. Now I’m hoping to generate some interest via Amazon’s sponsored products & product display Ads. I will also have a Goodreads Ad and Facebook Ad running for those few deal days.

Are there any other free or cheap promo sites that will help me? I really want to draw some attention to the sale and make it worthwhile this time around.

Help from the blogging community would be greatly appreciated. If you could reblog and retweet my posts on those days I would be very grateful.

I also want to set up a Rafflecopter paperback giveaway in the UK before Christmas. I haven’t run one before, are there any tips anyone can offer?

Thanks in advance.

#Mondayblogs My 10 tips on running a book stall/signing #indieauthors #writingtips

Posted on November 28, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

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

Posted on November 26, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

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.

Happy book birthday Visions of Zarua! #fantasy #epicfantasy #darkfantasy

Posted on November 16, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

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.

Amazon UK

£2.99

Amazon US

$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.

Update: 1 week until Visions of Zarua’s book birthday! Join in the #fantasy goodreads giveaway

Posted on November 8, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

Well it’s only a week to go until my debut novel is a year old!

The goodreads giveaway is still live until the big day – 16th Nov 2016. Enter here if you want the chance to win a signed copy.

I’m still planning a Rafflecopter giveaway, but I’ve decided to wait until I’ve been to the Self-Publishing Summit at the weekend. Maybe I’ll get some tips about marketing these giveaways.

I’m also running a new Amazon Ad as I’ve just reduced the US Kindle book price to $2.99. I’m stating the cost in the ad to see if this makes a difference to the amount of people who click and don’t buy. Fingers crossed!

Kindle Unlimited has also been disappointing – my KENP read has been a depressing flat line for the last 10 days. Hopefully this will pick up with a bit of advertising.

Can I ask your opinion on my log line

Currently – Two wizards, 350 years apart. Together they must save the realm of Paltria from Zarua’s dark past.

New option – Two reluctant heroes, 350 years apart. Can they save the realm of Paltria from Zarua’s dark past?

Please let me know if either intrigues you.

***

The blog may go quiet for a few days while I prepare for the Self-pub summit, but I’ll still reply to all your comments.

#WWWblogs 1 week to go with #KDPSelect – My thoughts & why I’m renewing #indieauthor #indie

Posted on November 1, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

The first 3 months

It’s been an interesting 3 months using KDP Select for the first time. So far the biggest impact has been having my book enrolled in Kindle Unlimited. The page numbers read has increased each month from 0 in Aug, 768 in September and 786 in October. The figures are modest, but they are still readers, that’s what matters most to me!

I’m always so happy when I check the daily report to see the line on the graph has moved up. Thank you unknown readers, whoever you are.

I’ve yet to see an increase in reviews or sales through KDP Select, but I’ll take this success and continue to be positive about it – after all I sold nothing through Smashwords and the various retailers after the pre-order buzz for Visions of Zarua.

So based on the small success of Kindle Unlimited, I’m going to renew for another 3 months. At least I no longer feel as if my book is completely lost amongst the thousands.

5 day free promo or Kindle Countdown deals?

The next question is shall I run a 5 day free promo or go with kindle countdown deals again? People seem to have mixed opinions on what works best. I suppose it depends on the outcome you require. I want to encourage readers to read and review my book, I’m not so interested in hitting Amazon’s best seller lists for free book downloads. That would be great of course, but my genre is too big to get near those rankings.

With the Countdown Deals at least I understand how things work this time around. I’ll make sure I run the UK & US deals starting on the same day! Thanks Terry Tyler for pointing that one out!

Amazon Ads

I’m also going to promote the Kindle Countdown deal this time, which I plan to do via Amazon Ads: Sponsored Product and Product Display Ad for the sale period and maybe a few days after as well.

My current Amazon Ads have cost me quite a bit with only one sale coming out of 64 clicks! I don’t understand why so many people have clicked on the Ad (which shows the book cover, tag line, cost and star rating) and not followed through. Maybe some of them have gone on to read it via Kindle Unlimited. I have asked Amazon if there is more data available regarding these clicks, and will let you know if I hear back from them.

Hopefully combining the Ad’s with the Countdown Deals will see a better return.

Other book sales sites

I want to try other sites that promote book sales, can anyone recommend any that aren’t too expensive?

***

I hope you’ve found my 3 month experiment with KDP Select helpful.

My other posts were 1 month in with KDP Select and 2nd KDP update

What are your thoughts and experiences on the scheme? If you have any tips to share, I’d love to hear them!

And of course, if you have read Visions of Zarua, would you consider leaving a review? Just a short one, letting other readers know what you think and what you liked / didn’t like.

#GoodReads #giveaway – Visions of Zarua #fantasybook #epicfantasy

Posted on October 27, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

There’s still time to enter the Worldwide giveaway for Visions of Zarua, a standalone epic fantasy. The winner will be picked on 16th November to celebrate the 1st anniversary of publication.

Here’s a taste of some recent reviews…

A gripping fantasy with a strong premise and endearing characters, 16 July 2016

Wonderful 3-dimensional characters in an epic fantasy, 12 July 2016

brilliantly written fantasy, finished it and wanted more!, 7 July 2016

Click the link to enter Goodreads giveaway.

Two wizards, 350 years apart. Together they must save the realm of Paltria from Zarua’s dark past.

An ancient darkness haunts the realm of Paltria.
Apprentice wizard Paddren is plagued by visions of a city on the brink of annihilation. When his master Kalesh dies in mysterious circumstances, the Royal Order of Wizards refuses to investigate.
Helped by his childhood friend, the skilled tracker Varnia, and her lover Leyoch, Paddren vows to find the killer.
The investigation leads Paddren down a sinister path of assassins, secret sects and creatures conjured by blood magic. But he is guided by a connection with a wizard from centuries ago – a wizard whose history holds the key to the horror at the heart of the abandoned city of Zarua. Can Paddren decipher his visions in time to save the Paltrian people from the dark menace of Zarua’s past?

***

Read for free on Kindle Unlimited.

I’m also offering ebook review copies in exchange for honest reviews. Please get in touch if you’re interested.

Indie Interview: Suzanne Rogerson #indieauthor of #epicfantasy Visions of Zarua

Posted on October 18, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

I’m really pleased to share my interview over on Rebecca’s ‘Read A Lot’ blog.

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Since I’ve missed a whole week, I got right on to getting this interview uploaded for you. Suzanne Rogerson kindly agreed to take part in the Q&A, and there are even some graphics with qu…

Source: Indie Interview: Suzanne Rogerson