Posted on April 12, 2020 5 Comments
[Updated July 2, 2022]
You’ve slaved away for weeks, months, possibly years creating your masterpiece. You’ve edited. You’ve proofread. You’ve tweaked the formatting. You’ve agonized. You’ve probably even cried a little. Hey, we’ve all been there! But you’ve finally hit ‘publish’ and launched your book. Now comes the hard part. Marketing. Fortunately, this article is here to help you figure out how to market a self-published book!
I’ve often said writing a book is the easy part; it’s the marketing that will kill you. Marketing a new book is a lot of work, and can cost a lot of money. I’ve created a list of options to help and all of them are free!
Now that your book has been launched, it’s time to put that Goodreads account to work by creating an author’s account. Simply add your book to the Goodreads site and then claim it as the author from your personal account. This will convert your account to a Goodreads Author account. Your friends and follows will then get updates from you as you launch new books in the future. Communicate with your readers by answering questions about your work and your writing process. Set up a feed to your author’s blog. If you have a small budget for marketing, Goodreads offers the opportunity to do giveaways of ebook or paperback copies of your work. This is a great way to attract new readers and generate reviews for your book.
Creating a Facebook page for yourself or your book is a great way to market your book. The trouble is, you have to spend time attracting followers to the page. Instead, join Facebook groups themed around book marketing and reading. Many have thousands of active members, so the hard part is already done for you. These groups also offer a way to connect with other indie authors and book bloggers. Swap book reviews and generate followers for your other social media outlets. Look for groups specific to your genre as well as general book groups. Be sure to review the rules for posting in these groups and follow them carefully.
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Instagram can be another great way to generate an audience for your work. Post promotional photos of your book. Follow fellow authors and #bookstagram accounts to connect with book lovers and bloggers. This is another great way to network with fellow authors and arrange review swaps. Use a business account to generate analytics to help you improve your marketing.
Instagram only allows one clickable URL in your profile. This can be limiting if you’re promoting work on promoting work on multiple sites. I recommend creating a later.com account (also free). This will create profile URL that brings visitors to a landing page where they can be redirected to other sites by clicking a copy of the image from your posts. These sites also allow you to pre-schedule posts, which is a great time saver!
Pinterest can be a good way to drive traffic to an author’s blog and to market your book. Use a site like Canva (also free) to generate polished and professional looking graphics for your pins. This is a great tool for creating posts for other social media sites too. Look for group boards themed around reading. Joining is usually as simple as sending a message to the board administrator. Group boards offer greater reach for your pins, generating more potential readers.
Posted on April 8, 2020 5 Comments
By Deborah Feldman
Deborah Feldman grew up in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, in the Samtar sect of Hasidic Judaism, a highly secretive ultra-orthodox community. Deborah was raised by her grandparents after her parents’ marriage failed and her mother left the community. In her memoir, Ms Feldman tells her story of her upbringing in this very restrictive, conservative world and her eventual marriage, as a young teen, to a man she hardly knew. Her curiosity at the outside world leads to her eventual departure from the community.
Ms Feldman’s story was compelling from the first to the last and provided fascinating insight into a world outsiders rarely get to see. This book is a beautiful telling of an emotional story. Ms Feldman’s description of the matchmaking process, of this particular sect, that led up to her marriage to a man she was only alone with once or twice was really interesting. It’s unfortunate this book was met with so much controversy. I would encourage the reader to look past many of their reviews and formulate their own opinions.
Since reading this book, I’ve also had the opportunity to watch the Netflix original series by the same title. The series was inspired by the book but does not follow the same story line. Still, it is very well done and a recommended watch.
This page may contain affiliate links. This means for any purchase made, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
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So many books, so little time! I am an avid reader and love to share recommendations with fellow readers. My choice in books tend to vary by my mood but some of my favorites are mystery, suspense, and thriller. Check back each month for new reviews. I would love your recommendations so please drop them…
So many books, so little time! I am an avid reader and love to share recommendations with fellow readers. My choice in books tend to vary by my mood but some of my favorites are mystery, suspense, and thriller. Check back each month for new reviews. I would love your recommendations so please drop them…
So many books, so little time! I am an avid reader and love to share recommendations with fellow readers. My choice in books tend to vary by my mood but some of my favorites are mystery, suspense, thriller, and humor. Get my reviews direct to your inbox every Wednesday and check back here for monthly…
Join 5,500+ Followers
As a thank you for registering for our email list, you’ll receive free printable reading journal templates and a bonus 100 book reading list! Members of the email list also receive an exclusive discount code for my Etsy store: MapleStreetStudioHRS.
Posted on April 1, 2020 Leave a Comment
By Countess Fiona Carnarvon
If you’re a fan of the PBS series, Downton Abbey then you’re likely familiar with the show’s setting, Highclere Castle. This book, one of two written by the current Countess of Carnarvon, gives the reader a look into the real history of Highclere Castle. This book focuses mainly on the 1920s and 30s, and Lady Catherine, formerly Catherine Wendell. Lady Catherine was an American socialite who married the 6th Earl.
The research for this book comes from the Highclere’s extensive archives, including photos, diaries, and scrapbooks. The book includes a large number of images, including photos and letters, scattered throughout.
The real life story of Highclere Castle, and its occupants, is every bit as dramatic as the story depicted in the Downton Abbey series. The book is well-organized and eloquently written. At times, I found myself wondering if I was reading a biography of Lady Catherine or a biography of Highclere Castle. The story is largely focused around the house to the point where the people felt like they were playing a supporting role. I would have liked a little more focus on the individuals. That being said, the writing in this book is so beautiful, I found myself getting lost in the prose and really forgetting I was reading non-fiction.
This page contains affiliate links. This means, for any purchase made, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
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As a thank you for registering for our email list, you’ll receive free printable reading journal templates and a bonus 100 book reading list! Members of the email list also receive an exclusive discount code for my Etsy store: MapleStreetStudioHRS.
So many books, so little time! I am an avid reader and love to share recommendations with fellow readers. My choice in books tend to vary by my mood but some of my favorites are mystery, suspense, and thriller. Check back each month for new reviews. I would love your recommendations so please drop them…
So many books, so little time! I am an avid reader and love to share recommendations with fellow readers. My choice in books tend to vary by my mood but some of my favorites are mystery, suspense, and thriller. Check back each month for new reviews. I would love your recommendations so please drop them…
So many books, so little time! I am an avid reader and love to share recommendations with fellow readers. My choice in books tend to vary by my mood but some of my favorites are mystery, suspense, thriller, and humor. Get my reviews direct to your inbox every Wednesday and check back here for monthly…
Join 5,500+ Followers
As a thank you for registering for our email list, you’ll receive free printable reading journal templates and a bonus 100 book reading list! Members of the email list also receive an exclusive discount code for my Etsy store: MapleStreetStudioHRS.
Posted on March 29, 2020 2 Comments
I would like to thank everyone who took the time to vote for the cover art for The House on Maple Street. The art was one of ten books participating in the February 2020 contest on Alternative-Read.com. The contest included a collection of 10 amazing book covers. Voting took place throughout the month of March and I am so pleased to announce The House on Maple Street was the winning cover.
My cover art was created by my amazing friend and incredible artist, Maggie Duford. It was a great experience to work with her on creating this beautiful cover that so perfectly captures the story. The original painting was created on painted paper, that was then torn and made into a collage. The ads and articles in the background allude to the sub-plot. The house is exactly as I imagined the boarding house, as I was writing the story. The colors and shading speak to the house’s troubled past because the house really is a character, itself, in the story.
To read more about the Alternative-reads.com cover contest, visit their website.
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Excited for a fresh new start, Hillary Altman is about to begin her first semester of graduate school at small New England college. Ever the procrastinator, Hillary waits to the last minute to find housing. But fate smiles upon her, when she takes a room in a picturesque Victorian home, run as a boarding house. But Hillary quickly finds, that all is not as it seems at The House on Maple Street…
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Posted on March 15, 2020 1 Comment
By Betty Lauer
Hiding in Plain Sight is the true story of one young woman’s survival in Nazi-occupied Poland. While waiting for their visas to America, in order to rejoin her father, Betty, along with her mother and sister, were rounded up and expelled from Germany, to Poland. This began a six-year ordeal of living in constant fear of discovery. But time and again, fate stepped in to provide a way forward.
This book will grab you from the first and leave you unable to put it down. Ms Lauer’s story is incredibly detailed, which makes this book such a compelling read. She’s faced with seemingly impossible circumstances, living in constant fear of discovery. Ms Lauer’s story is one of resilience and hope.
This page contains affiliate links. This means for purchases made, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Join 5,500+ Followers
As a thank you for registering for our email list, you’ll receive free printable reading journal templates and a bonus 100 book reading list! Members of the email list also receive an exclusive discount code for my Etsy store: MapleStreetStudioHRS.
So many books, so little time! I am an avid reader and love to share recommendations with fellow readers. My choice in books tend to vary by my mood but some of my favorites are mystery, suspense, and thriller. Check back each month for new reviews. I would love your recommendations so please drop them…
So many books, so little time! I am an avid reader and love to share recommendations with fellow readers. My choice in books tend to vary by my mood but some of my favorites are mystery, suspense, and thriller. Check back each month for new reviews. I would love your recommendations so please drop them…
So many books, so little time! I am an avid reader and love to share recommendations with fellow readers. My choice in books tend to vary by my mood but some of my favorites are mystery, suspense, thriller, and humor. Get my reviews direct to your inbox every Wednesday and check back here for monthly…
Join 5,500+ Followers
As a thank you for registering for our email list, you’ll receive free printable reading journal templates and a bonus 100 book reading list! Members of the email list also receive an exclusive discount code for my Etsy store: MapleStreetStudioHRS.
Posted on February 19, 2020 1 Comment
I am humbled and honored to have been nominated for a Mystery Blogger Award! My blog was nominated by Michael Long at www.themilitarytraveler.com. It is incredibly motivating to have my blog recognized by a fellow blogger! Since I got into this six months ago, I have discovered a network of wonderfully supportive people who are all more than willing to help their fellow bloggers succeed.
Michael is a retired veteran who has traveled extensively. He shares his travel experience to help his readers enjoy amazing trips while sticking to a budget. Personally, I look forward to his posts as I enjoy the amazing photography he uses.
The Mystery Blogger Award was created by Okoto Enigma. Check out more information about it here.
“Mystery Blogger Award” is an award for amazing bloggers with ingenious posts. Their blog not only captivates; it inspires and motivates. They are one of the best out there, and they deserve every recognition they get. This award is also for bloggers who find fun and inspiration in blogging; and they do it with so much love and passion.
– Okoto Enigma
Who and/or What Motivates You to Write Your Blog?
As an author, my blog is primarily my way of showcasing my writing, promoting my book (soon to be plural) and sharing my photography.
When Do You Do Most of Your Writing and Why?
I do most of my writing in the evening or on the weekends. If an idea strikes me, I’ll write early in the morning, before I head to work. It depends on what I’m working on and when the muse decides to start speaking.
How do you describe your blogging when you discuss it with family and friends?
Since my blog is how I promote my writing, I describe it as an author’s platform and somewhere they can visit to read stories I’ve written and keep up on whatever work I’m promoting, get release dates of my upcoming books, etc.
If you were an animal, what animal would you be? (My funny/weird question)
I would probably be a cat. I’m a total cat person and the idea of getting to nap all day in the sun sounds pretty appealing.
What is your favorite topic to write about and why?
I bet you think I’m going to say something about story I’ve written or something. Actually, I went a little “off topic” recently with a travel post and I had a blast putting it together. I will definitely be highlighting more of my travels in the future.
Palm Springs Getaway – my travel post
The House on Maple Street – the post where I announced the release of my debut novel
Ruth Long, Age 88 – where I announced my next book
Lisa with Fluxing Well
Sandra with Poof Be Gone
Desiree with Fitmology
Jessi Ann with The Rambling Raccoon
Ana with Goat Dog Simple
Linda with Dreams to Discover
Serena with The Bossy Brunette
Britt with Alternatively Speaking
Andy with The Blogging Station
Nilakshi with Meraki Musings
Nominees – I look forward to learning more about you but you are under no obligation to accept the nomination. It is my pleasure to recognize each of you and give credit to exceptional bloggers who deserve to be noticed.
I feel like the stage manager is going to cue the band to play me off this post any second now! So I will close by once again expressing my gratitude to Michael Long for my nomination. I look forward to learning more about my nominees through this process. Thank you!
Posted on February 5, 2020 Leave a Comment
By Amy Harmon
Anne Gallagher grew up listening to her grandfather’s stories of Ireland. After his passing, she travels back to his childhood home to spread his ashes. Her visit results in her being transported through time, to Ireland, 1921, where she is mistakenly identified as her grandfather’s missing mother.
1921 is a very tense time in Irish history and Anne finds herself in danger. She also finds herself falling in love. Anne is suddenly faced with the choice to leave her old life, as a historical fiction author behind and remain in a time that is not her own, in order to follow her heart.
If you are a fan of Outlander, you will love this book! The story is beautifully written. It’s a powerfully emotional story. Anne is a wonderfully complex character facing an impossible choice. I enjoyed her very practical approach to trying to navigate a time period that is not her own. Her struggles with the unfamiliar. The story takes a wonderful twist in the end. I could not put this down.
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By Amy Harmon Orphaned by his mother, Bayr of Saylok is raised among the Keepers at Temple Hill. With her dying breath, his mother placed a curse on the land which prevents the people of Saylok from having daughters. Bayr is blessed with superhuman strength. But he is also cursed with a speech impediment. His…
So many books, so little time! I am an avid reader and love to share recommendations with fellow readers. My choice in books tend to vary by my mood but some of my favorites are mystery, suspense, and thriller. Check back each month for new reviews. I would love your recommendations so please drop them…
So many books, so little time! I am an avid reader and love to share recommendations with fellow readers. My choice in books tend to vary by my mood but some of my favorites are mystery, suspense, and thriller. Check back each month for new reviews. I would love your recommendations so please drop them…
Join 5,500+ Followers
As a thank you for registering for our email list, you’ll receive free printable reading journal templates and a bonus 100 book reading list! Members of the email list also receive an exclusive discount code for my Etsy store: MapleStreetStudioHRS.
Posted on February 5, 2020 4 Comments
By Amy Harmon
Orphaned by his mother, Bayr of Saylok is raised among the Keepers at Temple Hill. With her dying breath, his mother placed a curse on the land which prevents the people of Saylok from having daughters.
Bayr is blessed with superhuman strength. But he is also cursed with a speech impediment. His strength earns him the role of protector of Alba, Princess of Saylok, and the only girl child born in the country in the past twenty years.
Bayr and Alba, by virtue of their lineage, are each a threat to their country’s greedy king who gained the thrown with deception and murder. In order to defeat him, Bayr’s mother’s curse must be broken.
This is my first book by Amy Harmon and right away, I’m a fan! This story is incredibly well crafted around Viking culture and legend. The characters are wonderfully complex and multifaceted. The story is good balance of action and emotion. I really enjoyed this.
This page contains affiliate links. I receive a small commission for purchases made.
Join 5,500+ Followers
As a thank you for registering for our email list, you’ll receive free printable reading journal templates and a bonus 100 book reading list! Members of the email list also receive an exclusive discount code for my Etsy store: MapleStreetStudioHRS.
By Amy Harmon Anne Gallagher grew up listening to her grandfather’s stories of Ireland. After his passing, she travels back to his childhood home to spread his ashes. Her visit results in her being transported through time, to Ireland, 1921, where she is mistakenly identified as her grandfather’s missing mother. 1921 is a very tense…
So many books, so little time! I am an avid reader and love to share recommendations with fellow readers. My choice in books tend to vary by my mood but some of my favorites are mystery, suspense, and thriller. Check back each month for new reviews. I would love your recommendations so please drop them…
So many books, so little time! I am an avid reader and love to share recommendations with fellow readers. My choice in books tend to vary by my mood but some of my favorites are mystery, suspense, and thriller. Check back each month for new reviews. I would love your recommendations so please drop them…
Join 5,500+ Followers
As a thank you for registering for our email list, you’ll receive free printable reading journal templates and a bonus 100 book reading list! Members of the email list also receive an exclusive discount code for my Etsy store: MapleStreetStudioHRS.
Posted on January 29, 2020 6 Comments
By Barbara O’Neal.
Kit Bianci is a California-based doctor who suffered the loss of her sister, Josie, in a terrorist attack while Josie was traveling in France. But, fifteen years later, Kit swears she spots her sister in a news report about a night club fire, in New Zealand. Kit makes the journey to New Zealand, seeking the truth of what happened to her sister, only to discover Josie has been living a lie.
This is my first book by Barbara O’Neal. I found her characters really relatable. The story weaves between Kit and Josie, in past and present. While the telling of this story is complex, at no point did I find myself lost. It is artfully crafted. It’s a emotional read as these two sisters, separated for so long, start weave their shared past back together and rebuild their relationship.
Join 5,500+ Followers
As a thank you for registering for our email list, you’ll receive free printable reading journal templates and a bonus 100 book reading list! Members of the email list also receive an exclusive discount code for my Etsy store: MapleStreetStudioHRS.
So many books, so little time! I am an avid reader and love to share recommendations with fellow readers. My choice in books tend to vary by my mood but some of my favorites are mystery, suspense, and thriller. Check back each month for new reviews. I would love your recommendations so please drop them…
So many books, so little time! I am an avid reader and love to share recommendations with fellow readers. My choice in books tend to vary by my mood but some of my favorites are mystery, suspense, thriller, and humor. Get my reviews direct to your inbox every Wednesday and check back here for monthly…
So many books, so little time! I am an avid reader and love to share recommendations with fellow readers. My choice in books tend to vary by my mood but some of my favorites are mystery, suspense, thriller, and humor. Get my reviews direct to your inbox every Wednesday and check back here for monthly…
Join 5,500+ Followers
As a thank you for registering for our email list, you’ll receive free printable reading journal templates and a bonus 100 book reading list! Members of the email list also receive an exclusive discount code for my Etsy store: MapleStreetStudioHRS.
Posted on January 22, 2020 6 Comments
By Mez Blume
The story opens with Katie Watson, a young girl who is feeling a little left out when her parents and older brother leave her to spend her summer holiday with her grandparents while they go hiking in the Scottish highlands. Katie is a mystery enthusiast and amateur sleuth. During a day trip to Otterly Manor, Katie Watson finds herself transported to another time.
I am admittedly not a frequent reader of young adult fiction but I’m starting to discover more of it. I was initially drawn to this book by the cover art. It’s really unique! I really liked the symbolism of the different images on the cover and how they tie into the story. The story is well paced and action packed. The heroine, Katie Watson, is wonderfully inquisitive and seems wise beyond her years. I really enjoyed it.
This page contains affiliate links. I receive a small commission for purchases made.
Join 5,500+ Followers
As a thank you for registering for our email list, you’ll receive free printable reading journal templates and a bonus 100 book reading list! Members of the email list also receive an exclusive discount code for my Etsy store: MapleStreetStudioHRS.
So many books, so little time! I am an avid reader and love to share recommendations with fellow readers. My choice in books tend to vary by my mood but some of my favorites are mystery, suspense, and thriller. Check back each month for new reviews. I would love your recommendations so please drop them…
So many books, so little time! I am an avid reader and love to share recommendations with fellow readers. My choice in books tend to vary by my mood but some of my favorites are mystery, suspense, and thriller. Check back each month for new reviews. I would love your recommendations so please drop them…
So many books, so little time! I am an avid reader and love to share recommendations with fellow readers. My choice in books tend to vary by my mood but some of my favorites are mystery, suspense, thriller, and humor. Get my reviews direct to your inbox every Wednesday and check back here for monthly…
Join 5,500+ Followers
As a thank you for registering for our email list, you’ll receive free printable reading journal templates and a bonus 100 book reading list! Members of the email list also receive an exclusive discount code for my Etsy store: MapleStreetStudioHRS.
Heidi Slowinski 