Girls Write Out
Wednesday, November 02, 2011

Yesterday, I spoke for a large group of women for a ministry named "Buckner" -- it's a wonderful ministry and the houses that one family dedicated to the community for single mothers -- was amazing!

At the end of the event, I signed books for lovely people who gave me grace (I am not the best speaker being very ADD) and I have to say, it was so much easier to offer up the book of devotionals, "Delight yourself in the Lord, Even on Bad Hair Days" because it was a group project. It wasn't about me. And some of its proceeds will go to Ovarian cancer research. As two of our writers (Sandra Bricker and our own Diann Hunt) have fought this awful disease, I felt solid in its power.

I feel the same about "Smitten" because it's such a celebration of friendship and how different the four of us in the book are. (Colleen Coble, Diann Hunter, Denise Hunter and myself.)

I cannot sell myself to save my life. I watch some of these authors and they have no trouble telling you how fabulous their book is, but I just see the flaws. Isn't that a terrible flaw? I can't see the good in a lot of life, and yet, I see it in all of those lovely people around me.

What kind of promotion to do you love/hate from your favorite or even less-favorite authors?
Kristin  
posted at 1:39 PM  
  Comments (10)
 
 
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10 Comments:
At 3:50 PM, Blogger Timothy Fish said...

I hate doing self-promotion. I love my characters and I love my stories, but it is difficult for me to tell people I think they ought to read my work. It is a little easier with non-fiction because there is a clearly defined problem that the book solves. I have had people ask me about setting up a church website and I have literally said, “I wrote a book on that. You should read it.” But fiction is hard because the selling point is that it is an enjoyable read. It sounds silly for me to say that I enjoyed reading my own book. It’s true, but it sounds silly.

When it comes to other authors, I don’t mind them telling me what books they have and what they are about. But there’s a point at which some authors don’t know to shut up. I hate hearing people talk about how they feel God has called them to write. God calls many people to do many things, but he didn’t call us to go around bragging about it. I also don’t like it when authors have trademarks. It gives me the impression that they think too highly of themselves.

 
At 5:39 PM, Blogger Kristin said...

I think a lot of writers justify that selling is for the Lord too. Since I'm not called in that area, I sure can't say, but I'm glad I'm not called in that area and don't feel guilty about it!

 
At 6:08 PM, Blogger Tracy Ruckman said...

I struggle with this too. Everyone used to tell me I could sell anything, but when it comes to my own books, wow, it's hard. I totally get your feelings about being in the books with other people.

When Christmas Miracles was released, there were SOOOOO many great stories in that book, and it was never, ever about me, although my story is in there. I'm honored to be part of that book, and pleased to share it anywhere I go.

I wrote Board to Death with two other writers, and it's harder to promote because there's just the three of us.

I've just joined a new group that's supposed to help with that. It's called the Grace and Faith Author Connection. It's all about cross-promotion of each others' books, so you don't have to do all your own stuff. It's just getting started, but the founders seem to be putting a great program into place, and I'm excited to be part of it.

 
At 6:26 PM, Blogger Denise Hunter said...

I'm sure you did a great job, K!

Most authors hate self promotion. Unfortunately, it's expected of us, and if we want more book contracts, the ones on the shelf have to sell.

I much prefer building relationships with readers, connecting with them on FB etc.

 
At 8:29 PM, Blogger Kristin said...

Yes, that's why I like doing signings where people don't feel compelled to buy. I like to talk with readers and get to know them. Yesterday with these women was lovely, it really was. They made my day!

 
At 8:30 PM, Blogger Kristin said...

Tracy, the cross-promotion is such a good idea. It's easier to believe and talk about another book than your own, I think.

 
At 8:30 PM, Blogger Kristin said...

Tracy, the cross-promotion is such a good idea. It's easier to believe and talk about another book than your own, I think.

 
At 9:25 PM, Blogger Hannah Alexander said...

Cross-promotion is a life-saver for me, because I simply cannot push my own book. Who's to know if a book I wrote will enchant any particular person? If someone has liked my work in the past, then I can say, "Great, we have more!" and not be too worried, but there's got to be a better way than the "Listen to me, I'm the best, look at my book!" uncomfortable input.

 
At 8:01 AM, Blogger Sandie said...

I don't write anymore but I do have an Etsy shop and I don't really do promotion for it except to put links everywhere I can think of. Just like in writing, I never think my stuff is good enough for people to pay money for. That said, I will tell you how to promote your book. Start with "Book 1 of the series ..." If I read Book 1 and I love it, that is it. I will buy every book after that in the series and any other books the author writes. :-) If I discover a series at Book 3, even if it's an old series, I will seek out the books. I must have all of them. LOL

 
At 12:09 PM, Blogger Kristin said...

Good thoughts Cheryl. I LOVE Etsy Sandie. It's all that stuff I can't make!

 

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The Authors
Kristin Billerbeck
Kristin Billerbeck is a proud Californian, wife, mother of four, and connoisseur of the irrelevant. She writes Christian Chick Lit; where she finds need for most of the useless facts lulling about in her head.

www.KristinBillerbeck.com

Colleen Coble

Colleen Coble writes romantic suspense with a strong atmospheric element. A lovable animal of some kind--usually a dog--always populates her novels. She can be bribed with DeBrand mocha truffles.

www.ColleenCoble.com

Denise Hunter

Denise Hunter writes women's fiction and love stories with a strong emotional element. Her husband says he provides her with all her romantic material, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too.

www.DeniseHunterBooks.com

Diann Hunt

Diann Hunt writes romantic comedy and humorous women's fiction. She has been happily married forever, loves her family, chocolate, her friends, chocolate, her dog, and well, chocolate.

www.DiannHunt.com

Hannah Alexander

Cheryl Hodde writes romantic medical suspense under the pen name of Hannah Alexander, using all the input she can get from her husband, Mel, for the medical expertise. For fun she hikes and reads. Out of guilt, she rescues discarded cats. She and Mel are presently taking orders from four pampered strays.

www.HannahAlexander.com

 
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