M.A.D Syndrome

-by guest blogger, author Isabella Redwood

M.A.D – Marketing. Argh. Dread.

When I began my self-publishing journey, marketing was one aspect that I gave little thought to. I was too busy preparing my novel, getting cover design sorted and having it edited. Once that was complete, I concentrated on formatting and proofreading until my eyes turned red. Marketing was the furthest thing from my mind and now I am paying for it.

After setting my book up on Amazon with KDP Select, my numbers were steady and the only marketing I had to do, if you can even call it that, was during promotional times. Amazon was sending me emails trying to sell me my book, and I assumed they were doing the same to others. I was doing better than I had hoped for from a sales point of view.

The problem started when I left KDP after my 90-day period had finished. I had been amazon exclusive and now what was I going to do?

I had no plan and no ideas.

Party Time

Prior to publishing, Facebook parties were no secret, although I had never attended one. Truth is, I didn't like Facebook and never focused on it much as part of my writer’s platform. I wish someone had told me I was making a big mistake by ignoring this valuable resource. Today, I often think: if only someone had pulled me aside and told me to plan a launch party on Facebook (and really I can’t figure out why no one did).

Since the release of my book, I have attended several Facebook launch parties and even guest hosted at one. My experience has left me convinced that it is an absolute must for any author releasing their book into the wild.

Why do I say that? Because love it or hate it, Facebook is one of the biggest, most used social platforms on the Web. And hosting a party on it is some of the best free advertising you’re ever going to get.