Series Author Develops an “Ask-For” Promotion Plan That Works

Those of you Sharing with Writers subscribers and visitors who might be familiar with my #HowToDoItFrugally Series of books for writers will understand why I am so impressed with the method Dr. Randy Overbeck used to launch the newest book in his series--in detail!--so any writer of any genre can emulate it. You might even have been paying attention to my...er...repeated reminders to avidly build contact lists from first day you hear that term. I spend a few minutes every day after almost thirty years tailoring it to be a better marketing list. I started building mine the moment I decided to publish a book. It turns out Randy’s “Ask-For” list depends on his. Pay attention. Print it out. Stow in in your computer where you’ll know you’ll find it.  Share the permalink for it with your writing groups.  It’s all about sharing. With readers. With friends. With fellow writers. Keep reading for details!

Hugs, as always, Carolyn.

PS: Notice how Randy put what he learned from the from professional marketers he hired when he first started publishing, too. That’s a big way to make money spent on PR and marketing a more frugal exercise. I’ve said it before and I'll say it again: If you decide to do that, think of it as one of the best MFA program classes available anywhere. The only one better is first-hand experience you’ve undertaken on your own.  

“A gripping tale of finding justice for a missing Native American teen…Overbeck kept me turning pages well into the night.”

—John DeDakis, author of Fake and Senior CNN Editor for “The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer.” 

Randy Overbeck Shares His “Ask-For” 

Promotion Formula

By Dr. Randy Overbeck 

Red Shadows at Saugatuck Is my sixth published novel, five in the last six years. As I moved from one title to the next, I came to realize that, regardless how good my novel is—or how good I think it is—it would never get much of an audience unless I did something, er rather lots of somethings. As I waded into the literary universe, I learned, much to my horror, that millions of new titles hit the market each year, a veritable tsunami of books readers have to wade through. Besides friends and family, there would not be readers lining up to read my words…and most readers wouldn’t even know my books existed.

                  So I tried several “things.” I hired a marketing consultant for Blood, the first entry in my Haunted Shores Mysteries. And when the publisher launched the first book in my next series, Lessons In Peril, I worked with an international PR firm. They were both professionals. I enjoyed working with them and tried to learn from them. (Oh, in case you’re wondering, I never came close to achieving ROI--return on investment--on either effort.) I’ve also used some less expensive promos such as blog tours but saw little effect on sales.

                  So, when the manuscript was edited and sent off to the publisher, I focused on planning promotion for the launch. Overall, I’m pretty organized and I put together several steps.

First, I reached out to reviewers in the traditional way asking for and got commitments for reviews of the new novel, some using the manuscript as an ARC (Advanced Review Copy) and others with the newly published novel. (I’ve put together a database of about 25 review options.) A few I paid for—but none were expensive—but most were just authors and reviewers I had made connections with. Those reviews started coming through right before the novel was released with more coming out each week.

Next, I emailed podcasters I’d worked with and lined up appearances on their podcasts. Some of these contacts I’ve developed myself and some I met through the PR professionals. Podcasters are often scheduling well in advance, so I wanted to get on their schedule for August-September, if possible.

The third step in my planning involved reaching out to writing colleagues, literary professionals and media contacts for possible guest posts, interviews and engagements. I’ve been very fortunate to have many supportive colleagues and writing friends and I’m not shy about asking them for support. Quite a few were gracious enough to help to help and I’m more than grateful.

Fourth, I put together a list of friends, fans, and readers who’ve been supportive and interested in my writing. I emailed each asking if they would be willing to pass on news about the launch. Nearly all agreed and two days before the actual launch date, I sent them a promo piece complete with links and asked them to share the email with 5 friends.  

Here’s a bit more detail on each step:  

#1 My list of reviewers were reviewers I’ve used before.(I keep an up-to-date database.) 

#2: I’ve worked with everyone on my podcast list and have maintained a relationship with them. (This is a more modest number--about a dozen--and I’m scheduled on eight of those podcasts so far.)  

#3:  A similar list of past contacts, colleagues, bloggers, interviewers or other promo platforms. (This number is in the dozens, maybe 35.) 

#4.—For the first time, I put together a list of readers, fans, family members, and colleagues who have been especially supportive and asked them simply if they would pass on my “launch” message. (This numbered close to 100.) A few deferred or I had faulty contact information, but almost all--more than eighty--agreed. I don’t know how many actually passed on my message, though I did receive several emails saying they had followed through and I did I notice  a bump in Amazon sales on the date I sent out the e-mails, a bigger bump than the actual launch day.  

[Carolyn’s Note: It is rare than we--meaning anyone who advertises and promotes--can trace sales directly to a specific promotion, so it may be that many of Randy’s noticeable sales spikes) might be from his new list, #4. It has some distinct advantages rarely used in the publishing industry. A big part may be that personal request. It may be that he contacted his #4 list with a second email containing his promotional material.  Taken as an overall promotion, his efforts also probably benefitted by the “Ask-For” model. We humans always respond more easily when we know exactly what is needed. Randy illustrates that perfectly when he says “I’m not shy about asking for support."  And then there’s specificity of that last part. He ASKED for exactly what he wanted. And what about that idea of giving them another idea in his followup mail.  ASKING them to SHARE his launch news with exactly FIVE. There are seeds of a viral promotion here that are known to be effective.  I have a suggestion for your--and Randy’s next promotion: Close your e-mails with something like “I’d love to hear when you send your creative effort out-- with links if possible--so I can give your effort a little more online exposure!”  

ABOUT TODAY’S CONTRIBUTOR

Dr. Randy Overbeck is an award-winning educator, author, speaker and podcaster. As an educator, he served children for more than three decades and has mined that experience to create captivating fiction, authoring two series, the bestselling “The Haunted Shores Mysteries” and the award-winning series, “Lessons in Peril.” His novels have won critical acclaim and garnered national awards including Mystery of the Year (ReaderViews) Best Book Award (Chanticleer Books and Reviews) and the Gold Award (Literary Titan) and amassed hundreds of 5-star reviews on Amazon and Goodreads. Dr. Overbeck also hosts the popular podcast, “Great Stories about Great Storytellers,” which reveals the unusual and sometimes strange backstories of famous authors, directors and poets and can be heard wherever listeners get their podcasts. He is a speaker in considerable demand, sharing his popular presentations about ghosts and the world of book publishing with hundreds of audiences across the U.S. 

As a member of the Mystery Writers of America, Dr. Overbeck is an active member of the literary community, contributing to a writers’ critique group, serving as a mentor to emerging writers and participating in writing conferences such as Killer Nashville and the Midwest Writers Workshop.

When he’s not researching, writing, speaking or podcasting, Randy enjoys traveling with his wife Cathy and visiting both his far-flung family and the scenic locations around this country, often in search of inspiration for his next great story. 

More info about his novels, programs and podcast can be found at his website www.authorrandyoverbeck.com and randyoverbeck@authorrandyoverbeck.com.

Contact him on social media, too!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorrandyoverbeck

Twitter: https://twitter.com/OverbeckRandy/media

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorrandyoverbeck/

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/randy-overbeck

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Randy-Overbeck/e/B07QQHW7DM

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4825632.Randy_Overbeck

ABOUT OVERBECK’S NEWEST NOVEL: A SYNOPSIS

Darrell Henshaw hoped he was past it all. After all, no ghosts had visited him for years. Instead, he learns his five-year-old-son, Leo has inherited his “gift.” 

Now, they both can see ghosts.

Upon his parents’ insistence, Darrell agrees to drive his young family 800 miles to celebrate his Aunt Gertrude’s 80^th birthday. But, once in the resort  town of Saugatuck, Michigan, their participation gets derailed by the spirit of a Native teen who went missing weeks earlier. When he and Leo inquire about the girl, the locals dismiss their concerns—"Those girls run away all the time.”  Still, as questions pile up and threats grow, Darrell senses they may have stumbled onto something far worse and even more evil than one missing teen. 

Can Darrell continue to pursue justice for the girl if it places his wife and five-year-old son in danger?

 PRAISE FOR OVERBECK’S NEWEST NOVEL

• “One of the finest books ever written! A paranormal mystery that stole my soul and took my breath away.” 5++Stars—N.N. Light Book Heaven
• “Complex and Captivating…mesmerized from the first page to the very last one.” 5 Stars—ReadersFavorite.com
• “Overbeck is a dominant storyteller. A must read book and series.”—Still Moments Magazine
• “Thoughtful, deeply human, and low key terrifying. I recommend it readers who like their readers to feel something, not just guess whodunnit.” 5 Stars and Gold Award Winner—Literary Titan
• "An exciting adventure bristling with suspense…a page turner until the very end.”—ReaderViews.com
• “The mystery and suspense kept the story engaging, not to mention the numerous twists that kept popping up. I can’t wait to read more in the Haunted Shores Mysteries Series and discover what mystery awaits. I highly recommend grabbing a copy of Red Shadows at Saugatuck today!”—The Avid Reader

MORE ABOUT THE BLOGGER

 Carolyn Howard-Johnson is the multi award-winning author of fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry. She is also a marketing consultant, editor, and author of the multi award-winning #HowToDoItFrugally Series (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTXQL27T/ ) of books for writers including "The Frugal Book Promoter" (https://bit.ly/FrugalBookPromoIII), and "The Frugal Editor" both offered in their third editions by Modern History Press. Others in that series are "How to Get Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically," and two booklets, both in their second editions also from Modern History Press. The booklets, "Great Little Last Minute Editing Tips for Writers" (https://bit.ly/LastMinuteEditsII) and "Great First Impression Book Proposals" (https://bit.ly/BookProposalsII) are career boosters in mini doses and both make ideal thank you gifts for authors. The one on writing book proposals is also available as an Audio Book. "The Frugal Editor "(https://tinyurl.com/TheFrugalEditor), was recently released in its third edition. It is the winningest book in this series for writers. 

 Carolyn also has three frugal books for retailers including one she encourages authors to read because it helps them understand what is needed to convince retailers to host their workshops, presentations, and signings. It is "A Retailer’s Guide to Frugal In-Store Promotions: How To Increase Profits and Spit in the Eyes of Economic Downturns with Thrifty Events and Sales Techniques" (https://bit.ly/RetailersGuide). 

In addition to this blog, Carolyn helps writers extend the exposure of their favorite reviews at https://TheNewBookReview.blogspot.com. She also blogs all things editing--grammar, formatting and more--at "The Frugal, Smart, and Tuned-In Editor" (https://TheFrugalEditor.blogspot.com). Learn more and follow it to get news on her new releases directly from Amazon at https://bit.ly/CarolynsAmznProfile.

The Query: Be Specific

  Contributed by Karen Cioffi, Children's Writer

 Writing the query. It can make writers' panicky. Did I put enough information? Did I put too much? Did I have a great hook? Am I submitting to the right publisher?

These are just a few questions that run through a writer’s mind when mailing or clicking the send button for the query. So, how do you answer these questions and the many others that go along with the job of crafting a query?

Well, the first simple response to this question is to READ the publisher’s or agent’s guidelines. Okay, that’s not accurate; you need to STUDY and FOLLOW those guidelines precisely.

Items to watch for when reading those guidelines:

1. What genre does that particular publishing house, agent, or magazine publish?
2. Does the publisher/agent accept simultaneous submissions (see below for explanation)?
3. Is there a specific word count involved if querying for articles?
4. Does the publishing house accept unagented queries?
5. Does the magazine only accept specific themes? If so, is your article on target?

This list is not complete; there are obviously more items to watch out for. So, we go back to the main rule for querying: FOLLOW the GUIDELINES!

However, following the guidelines is just part of the querying process; you also need to know some essentials to be included.

Six rules to use that will help you create a winning query:

1. Be professional. Writing is a business just like any other, treat it as such.

2. Be sure to include your contact information: address, telephone number, email address, and website.

3. If you were referred by someone, include it in the query. Every little bit helps but be sure it’s a referral from someone the editor actually knows.

4. Write tight; be specific and jump right in. You want to provide enough information to warrant the editor to want more, but you need to keep it to one page.

5. The body of the letter:
A. The first paragraph is the introduction.
B. The second paragraph is the pitch. Within a couple of sentences, you need to hook the editor or agent.
C. The third paragraph is about relevant comps; hopefully, you can find a couple.
D. You brief and very relevant bio. Limit personal information unless it adds to your credentials as a writer qualified to write for this publisher. If you’re an expert in the field you’re writing, mention it. If you’re an experienced marketer, mention it. If you have ‘good’ or great social media connections, mention it. Also, mention any publishing credits you have.
E. Your conclusion; thank the editor/agent for their time and mention if you are enclosing a SASE* and if the query is a simultaneous submission.
 
A good way to practice for queries and pitches is to write a one-sentence out-of-the-ballpark description of your manuscript. This will help you to think and write tight and choose the perfect words to hook the reader and convey the essence of your story.

*Simultaneous submission is if you are submitting to multiple publishers or agents at the same time. Some companies don’t allow this, so, one more reason to read the guidelines carefully.
*SASE is a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

I hope this article helps you write a winning query!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Karen Cioffi is an award-winning children’s author, ghostwriter, rewriter, and coach with clients worldwide. If you need help with your children’s story, please visit Karen Cioffi Writing for Children.

Karen also offers:
HOW TO WRITE A CHILDREN’S FICTION BOOK.
 A 250+ book that will help you start or finish your children’s book

PICTURE BOOK, CHAPTER BOOK, MIDDLE GRADE COACHING
Four to twelve-week coaching programs.

FICTION WRITING FOR CHILDREN eCOURSE
4-Weeks / 8 Sections Guided Self-Study Mentoring Program

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MORE ABOUT THE BLOGGER Carolyn Howard-Johnson is the multi award-winning author of fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry. She is also a marketing consultant, editor, and author of the multi award-winning #HowToDoItFrugally Series (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTXQL27T/ ) of books for writers including "The Frugal Book Promoter" (https://bit.ly/FrugalBookPromoIII), and "The Frugal Editor" both offered in their third editions by Modern History Press. Others in that series are "How to Get Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically," and two booklets, both in their second editions also from Modern History Press. The booklets, "Great Little Last Minute Editing Tips for Writers" (https://bit.ly/LastMinuteEditsII) and "Great First Impression Book Proposals" (https://bit.ly/BookProposalsII) are career boosters in mini doses and both make ideal thank you gifts for authors. The one on writing book proposals is also available as an Audio Book. "The Frugal Editor "(https://tinyurl.com/TheFrugalEditor), was recently released in its third edition. It is the winningest book in this series for writers. Carolyn also has three frugal books for retailers including one she encourages authors to read because it helps them understand what is needed to convince retailers to host their workshops, presentations, and signings. It is "A Retailer’s Guide to Frugal In-Store Promotions: How To Increase Profits and Spit in the Eyes of Economic Downturns with Thrifty Events and Sales Techniques" (https://bit.ly/RetailersGuide). In addition to this blog, Carolyn helps writers extend the exposure of their favorite reviews at https://TheNewBookReview.blogspot.com. She also blogs all things editing--grammar, formatting and more--at "The Frugal, Smart, and Tuned-In Editor" (https://TheFrugalEditor.blogspot.com). Learn more and follow it to get news on her new releases directly from Amazon at https://bit.ly/CarolynsAmznProfile.

 

Nine Big Reasons to Learn to Love Amazon

By Carolyn Howard-Johnson, 
author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugallySeries of books for writers

 

Remember the little greeting card girl who looked like Pipi Longstockings? She put her hands on her hips, stamped her little foot, glowered out of the card at her audience and said “Get Over It!” That’s a little like I feel when I hear an author complain about Amazon. Not that I don’t understand their complaints, even sometimes agree with them. What worries me is that sometimes these authors resort to boycotting Amazon which leads to their selling their books out of their garages…or worse. Though what you might have heard about Amazon may be true but we authors still need to just take the advice of Pipi’s look alike and “get over it.” For the good of our books. If you are one of those authors, here’s why Amazon is good for your book and by extension, good for your peace of mind, and, yes, good for your book sales: 

 

1.     Amazon sells far and away more books than any other online 
bookstore. And far and away more books than all traditional bookstores in the US combined.

2.     Amazon provides easily accessed associate sites from Japan to the UK that let you sell your books overseas—even if you haven’t sold foreign rights to your book.

3.     Amazon provides a search engine arguably second only to Google’s—especially if you view this statistic from the standpoint of an author or publisher. Your prospective reader can find you by typing your name, title, or important key words like your genre into the search window.

4.     Promotion packages like Amazon’s Vine Program are available for getting reviewed by their top reviewers. Some are free, some are costly, but they all work.

5.     Amazon offers an author profile. You can even feed your blog and Twitter stream to it and so your readers know more about you instantly. If you don’t have a profile page, go to AuthorCentral.com and explore how you can add all your books to it and a knock-out biography, too.

 

Tip: I include a shortened URL in my e-mail signature that takes my contacts directly to my Amazon author profile.

 

6.     Amazon offers all kinds of ways to promote your book on a dedicated buy page where your readers get to buy your book, often with one click. That page includes:

o    Add-on features that let you highlight your credentials by choosing the best categories and subcategories for Amazon’s logarithms to find and rate your sales numbers against other similar books. (To make the most of these, the author must promote bestselling ratings when they achieve them—perhaps on Twitter.)

o    A new feature is available on your Kindle buy page. It is called “Amazon Plus.” Either the author of a book or its publisher may add five enticing quotations from your book and illustrate each with an arresting image of your choice for entry. Find the A+ entries my publisher (Modern History Press) added for the Kindle version of The Frugal Editor or any of the other books in my HowToDoItFrugally series to get ideas for your own book(s). (It works equally well for books of fiction.)

o    There is a place on your buy page to install an author- or book- related video.

o    The “What other customers buy after they’ve reviewed this item…” feature may feel uncomfortably competitive, but it connects your book to other top sellers on Amazon as well as others’ books to yours.

 

7.    Amazon’s Kindle Select marketing program is free if you can see your way to committing your book as an Amazon exclusive for ninety days. After that period is up, you can publish at Smashwords or anywhere else you want to and you can make marketing hay with the Select program when your book is released.

8.    Amazon offers an annual contest for e-books in partnership with some of the biggest names in publishing.

9.    When you publish new editions, Amazon offers a widget (gadget) for your backlist book’s buy page that directs readers to your new editions. See how one leads you from the second edition of my The Frugal Editorto the new third edition at my buy page. (Find it a little below the title of the book at the top of the page.

 

Tip: You may enter some typical “back of the book” features on your buy page yourself. That includes the more about the author, your favorite review, and more. Do watch this important page for changes. Amazon adds features to it and also taketh away. (It’s also the place that lists your book sales ratings. 

 

Don’t Forget: When your book becomes a bestseller in the ratings (or highly rated in its genre!) that news can become highly convincing marketing material for your book. You’ll find a screen shot of one of the ratings Modern History Press recently made for me during the release of the third edition of The Frugal Editor at the top of this blog page.

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About the SharingwithWriters blogger: 

 

Cover image supplied by Amazon on their new Series Page

 

Carolyn Howard-Johnson is a frequent contributor to this #WritersontheMove blog. Her The Frugal Editorwas just released in its third edition from Modern History Press. It is the second multi award-winning book in her multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally Series of books for writers. Find it on Amazon in paper, hard cover, or as an e-book at the new Amazon page especially for series . (That’s a new Amazon feature, too!) This new edition has been fully updated including a chapter on how backmatter can be extended to both help readers and jumpstart book sales.

Thinking Ahead to the Holidays--"Real Books"

I thought my #SharingwithWriters subscribers and visiting peeps would like to see this cross-promotional effort offered by my publisher Modern History Press as both a gift idea for the holidays and as an example of how a two-fer offer can become a vehicle for great cross-promotion. 

Authors or publishers can use this idea to incrementally boost exposure for their books. These kinds of promotions allow smaller numbers of authors to participate than the traditional ones (like participating in larger promotions like salons or bookstore signings) and it generally take less time. In this case there are three participants: Publisher Modern History Press who provided the web page. Diana Raab, author of inspiring books. And I.  You don't have to buy. Just come check it out at  https://modernhistorypress.com/two-great.  

In a way this is a double two-fer. Maybe more. It can be used as a holiday special, an anniversary offer, and about any other kind of celebration you can think of.  Is there such a thing as a National Authors' Day?  I'll have to check!

You  may decide to feed your own writing soul with this offer of a how-to book to boost your career and and Diana's "Writing Bliss" to inspire you to even in greater things. (-:  Check it out.  For both gifting and book marketing idea at https://modernhistorypress.com/two-great. 

This comes with special thanks to my publisher, Modern History Press.  Victor Volkman is always willing to try to something a little different.  But this could be done by two self-published authors, too.  

MORE ABOUT THE BLOGGER MORE ABOUT THE BLOGGER 

 Carolyn Howard-Johnson is the multi award-winning author of fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry. She is also a marketing consultant, editor, and author of the multi award-winning #HowToDoItFrugally Series of books for writers including "The Frugal Book Promoter" (https://bit.ly/FrugalBookPromoIII), now offered in its third edition by Modern History Press. Others in that series are "How to Get Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically," the new third edition of  "The Frugal Editor," and two booklets, both in their second editions also from Modern History Press. The booklets, "Great Little Last Minute Editing Tips for Writers" (https://bit.ly/LastMinuteEditsII) and "Great First Impression Book Proposals" (https://bit.ly/BookProposalsII) are career boosters in mini doses and both make ideal thank you gifts for authors. The one on writing book proposals is also available as an Audio Book. Carolyn also has three frugal books for retailers including one she encourages authors to read because it helps them understand what is needed to convince retailers to host their workshops, presentations, and signings. It is "A Retailer’s Guide to Frugal In-Store Promotions: How To Increase Profits and Spit in the Eyes of Economic Downturns with Thrifty Events and Sales Techniques" (https://bit.ly/RetailersGuide).

 In addition to this blog, Carolyn helps writers extend the exposure of their favorite reviews at https://TheNewBookReview.blogspot.com. She also blogs all things editing--grammar, formatting and more--at "The Frugal, Smart, and Tuned-In Editor" (https://TheFrugalEditor.blogspot.com). Learn more and follow for news on her new releases directly from Amazon at https://bit.ly/CarolynsAmznProfile.

Value -Added Benefits for Displays at This Book Fairr

I have been displaying all my #HowtoDoItFrugally books for writers at this fair for years! It’s frugal (only $5.per book!) and has benefits that help make it successful even if you can’t be there personally!  Think “networking!” Also find #AuthorsforAuthors group on Facebook. It free, if course. And welcomes author news and tips. . 

Here’s a note from the director, Valerie Allen. 

 

“Start counting the days until registration opens on 09/01/23, for the "Meet the Authors' Book Fair" at the Eau Gallie Civic Center, Melbourne, FL. Vendor tables are limited. Find more info at AuthorsForAuthors.com.

MORE ABOUT THE BLOGGER MORE

 Carolyn Howard-Johnson is the multi award-winning author of fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry. She is also a marketing consultant, editor, and author of the multi award-winning #HowToDoItFrugally Series of books for writers including "The Frugal Book Promoter" (https://bit.ly/FrugalBookPromoIII), now offered in its third edition by Modern History Press. Others in that series are "How to Get Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically," "The Frugal Editor" and two booklets, both in their second editions also from Modern History Press. The booklets, "Great Little Last Minute Editing Tips for Writers" (https://bit.ly/LastMinuteEditsII) and "Great First Impression Book Proposals" (https://bit.ly/BookProposalsII) are career boosters in mini doses and both make ideal thank you gifts for authors. The one on writing book proposals is also available as an Audio Book. "The Frugal Editor "(https://tinyurl.com/TheFrugalEditor), was recently released in its third edition. It is the winningest book in this series for writers. Carolyn also has three frugal books for retailers including one she encourages authors to read because it helps them understand what is needed to convince retailers to host their workshops, presentations, and signings. It is "A Retailer’s Guide to Frugal In-Store Promotions: How To Increase Profits and Spit in the Eyes of Economic Downturns with Thrifty Events and Sales Techniques" (https://bit.ly/RetailersGuide). In addition to this blog, Carolyn helps writers extend the exposure of their favorite reviews at https://TheNewBookReview.blogspot.com. She also blogs all things editing--grammar, formatting and more--at "The Frugal, Smart, and Tuned-In Editor" (https://TheFrugalEditor.blogspot.com). Learn more and follow for news on her new releases directly from Amazon at https://bit.ly/CarolynsAmznProfile.

Jacquelyn Lyn Shares How NOT To Find Clients on LinkedIn

Welcome to my guest blogger Jacquelyn Lynn! I found her awhile ago on Amazon where she is a Vine reviewer. She is a woman of many talents and a real boon to the publishing industry at large (keep scrolling to see her bio and some links you won't want to miss!). I fell in love with this article because at its heart it's about the way to approach anyone you would like to join you in your marketing efforts--and she does it with humor and aplomb.  ~ Carolyn

How NOT to Connect and Market on LinkedIn

LinkedIn can be a great tool, but please don’t waste my time.

Image created by Jacquelyn Lynn using MockupShots

By Jacquelyn Lynn originally for her Shareable Saturday Newsletter

LinkedIn is a great business networking tool. I’ve found great resources through it, and some of my best clients discovered me on LinkedIn.

But recently, in the span of fewer than two days, I had two people who offer book marketing services send me requests to connect on LinkedIn.

That’s fine.

After all, I write books, and I help my clients write and publish books, and we have mutual connections.

But immediately after I accepted their requests to connect, both of these people sent me private messages asking me what I write.

One wrote this:

Hello 👋 It’s Awesome connecting with you How are you doing today?

I can see you are an author, what’s genre do you write?

The other wrote this:

Hello Jacquelyn How are you doing?

Are you a published author?

Excuse me? Did either of them read my LinkedIn profile? That would be the profile that clearly describes what I do and lists the books I’ve written.

Apparently not.

I ignored their messages.

I understand people use LinkedIn to prospect for clients — that’s a big part of the purpose of the platform. But if your prospecting irritates your targets and makes you look incompetent, you might want to rethink your approach.

A message that essentially says, “I would like you to buy my services, but first take your valuable time to engage in trivial chitchat and tell me everything about your business” isn’t likely to get much of a response — especially if it includes errors.

A better approach is to read my profile, check out and engage with some of my posts, and then tell me why what you offer might be a match with my needs.

Does that take more time? Yes.

Is it more likely to produce positive results? I’m not a sales and marketing expert, so I don’t have any proof, but I think the answer is yes.

Why not give it a try?

And if we’re not connected on LinkedIn, here’s the link to my profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacquelynlynn/

ABOUT TODAY'S GUEST BLOGGER

Jacquelyn Lynn is an inspirational author, ghostwriter, and self-publishing consultant. Her more than 45 books include The Simple Facts About Self-Publishing: What indie publishers need to know to produce a great book and How to Avoid Being Ripped Off by a Publisher. Learn more at CreateTeachInspire.com. Get 10 seconds of inspiration delivered to your inbox every Saturday morning: Join Jacquelyn’s Shareable Saturday community at CreateTeachInspire.com/ss. 

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 ABOUT THE  #SHARINGWITHWRITERS BLOGGER

 Howard-Johnson is the multi award-winning author of fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry. She is also a marketing consultant, editor, and author of the multi award-winning #HowToDoItFrugally Series of books for writers including the multi award-winning "The Frugal Book Promoter" (https://bit.ly/FrugalBookPromoIII), now offered in its third edition by Modern History Press. She is also the author of" How to Get Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically." 

Carolyn  has two booklets in the #HowToDoItFrugally Series, both in their second editions from Modern History Press. "Great Little Last Minute Editing Tips for Writers" (https://bit.ly/LastMinuteEditsII) and "The Great First Impression Book Proposal" (https://bit.ly/BookProposalsII) are career boosters in mini doses and both make ideal thank you gifts for authors. The one on writing book proposals is also available as an Audio Book. "The Frugal Editor" (https://bit.ly/FrugalEditor), recently released in its third edition, is the winningest book in the series.

 Carolyn also has three frugal books for retailers including one she encourages authors to read because it help them understand what is needed to convince retailers to host their workshops, presentations, and signings. It is "A Retailer’s Guide to Frugal In-Store Promotions: How To Increase Profits and Spit in the Eyes of Economic Downturns with Thrifty Events and Sales Techniques" (https://bit.ly/RetailersGuide). 

 In addition to this blog, Carolyn helps writers extend the exposure of their favorite reviews at https://TheNewBookReview.blogspot.com. She also blogs all things editing--grammar, formatting and more--at The Frugal, Smart, and Tuned-In Editor (https://TheFrugalEditor.blogspot.com). Learn more and follow for news on her new releases direct from Amazon at https://bit.ly/CarolynsAmznProfile.