Hubby and I had a relaxing fourth of July – saw Ocean’s 8 the day before (awesome cast, writing could have used more humor), then spent the fourth with friends grilling out and chilling in the pool. Which felt delicious in the 95 degree heat.
The youngest son is still on his European tour, and performed in Switzerland this past weekend. Since it’s one of two places he was most excited to visit (the other is Germany), I asked how he liked it. His response? ‘I’m going to try to find out the logistics of moving here.’ Guess it met his expectations.
I’m completely frustrated with promoting The Gemini Connection. Whatever worked for Sarah, isn’t connecting with TGC. Even with the price drop, it’s just not moving, and I’m not sure what else to try. If you have suggestions, please share them. I have a blog tour and a few more promos coming up in July, so I’m hoping that’s the push it needs.
If you’re in the Lexington, KY area this Saturday, July 14th, I’ll be at the Lexington Legendary Book Bash. Looking forward to meeting readers and seeing authors I’ve met at other events! Hubby and I are also helping the oldest son move into his first ‘adult’ apartment. I have high hopes he’ll keep it looking like an adult lives there and not revert back to his piggish college ways. Keep your fingers crossed.
Books and Such 
I don’t know what to suggest. Some things just work better for one title than another. Just keep doing what you’re doing, and hope for the best. Not the most helpful advice, I know. But it’s all I’ve got.
Glad your younger son is enjoying his trip so much. Good luck to the older one… Hope he keeps his place nice.
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I keep telling myself maybe it’s because they’re different genres – and to be patient (something I’m not very good at). Hoping he keeps the new apartment nice – but I’m not holding my breath. Thanks, Tori!
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Trying to find ways that work when it comes to book promoting is difficult. Some things that worked for Addict didn’t work with my previous titles, and vice versa. I swear, it’s lusck half the time.
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I think you’re right, Matt. I saw Addict on NetGalley – hope you get lots of requests!
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Ooh, is it? I knew NSP were going toa dd it along with The Fox, The Dog and The King, but I hadn’t realsied it was up! I must share that around …
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I do think so much of it is luck. Especially if you don’t have a New York publisher spending tons of money on promoting your work. I’ve got ten novels and never have been able to really find the magic formula to sell lots of books.
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Guess it’s just trial and error with each book, the time of year, etc. Sure wish there was a magic formula – if you find it, met me know, Cynthia!
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That’s the thing, isn’t it? Sometimes jsut doing tehr giht thing (no matter how small) at the right time is enough for a boost, but it’s having that luck consistently that’s the difficult bit.
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Someone had mentioned advertising on Instagram, something I’d never tried, and sold several copies of Sarah that weekend. Tried it with the new book – nothing. Luck and timing, I guess.
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Aye. I’ve not had much luck with Instagram. Pinterest got some interest drummed up briefly though, I think.
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Haven’t tried Pinterest – maybe that’s next?
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It’s worth a shot!
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It is baffling – trying to get traction for ANY book. I get it! I’m not sure what to suggest other than trying to push it during author fairs or times where you are talking one-on-one with people.
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Have a few author fairs scheduled, Sue, so hoping that will help. I’ve been selling some at signings and book fests, but the ebook is stalled.
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More of the same here, Teri. Promo is difficult and strategies are fickle. Wishing you all the best.
Hoping the move went well for your son. And the European trip continues to be wonderful for your other son.
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You’re right Staci – what works for one book may not work for another. Another author in my pub group is killing it with Facebook ads – I’ve tried them and gotten little to no results. Will let you know about the move next Monday – I should take pics while it’s clean, lol.
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I’ve been studying ads recently. I’m about ready to try them again. My last efforts were pathetic.
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This just came across my email, Teri. Maybe it will help. https://nicholasrossis.wordpress.com/2018/07/07/the-essential-facebook-metrics-for-authors/
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Thanks, Staci!
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I can’t give you any suggestions since I have not found something that works in all circumstances. I think the advice of continuing what you are doing is good advice.
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Trying not to worry too much about it and work on the new WIP. Easier said than done!
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I know. Been at this for six years.
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Wow, I’m super excited for your son! Sorry the book promoting isn’t working out. I hope you get that figured out. I don’t have any suggestions, but I do plan to read it. ❤ Have a great week, Teri!
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I’m excited for both of them, too, Mischenko. One having the summer of a lifetime with travels, the other having his first ‘real world’ job and apartment after college. Hope you enjoy the book – thanks, Mischenko!
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I imagine it’s a sigh of relief for you. I mean, my oldest is 18 and the worry is still there lol. I think I’ll feel better once mine get out there like yours have. 😉💙
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My youngest is 18, and I swear he was born an old soul. Put him in any situation and he displays confidence beyond his years – I honestly don’t have to worry about him at all. So far!
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Here’s one thing I do and have done consistently. I blog. Not always about my books. I love to blog and it doesn’t feel like work. But I link to Twitter on #MondayBlogs and to my Facebook fan page so it keeps my name on people’s minds. Obviously, you blog too. Just try to keep that up, because if you love blogging (and not just about your books, not even MOSTLY about your books) you’ll connect with readers.
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I can check all those boxes (I’ve been blogging about 5 years), except I don’t have my blog linked to my Facebook author page – maybe I’ll give that a shot and see what happens. Thanks, Cynthia!
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It sounds like your son is having a great time, Teri. Good for him.
I wish I could suggest something for promo, but I’m in the same boat, trying all kinds of things to promote Cusp. I’ve got two paid blog tours, FB ads, a friends tour, a newsletter blast, my own newsletter—ugh! Could be the time of year too. It seems there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to this stuff.
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Someone else mentioned the time of year can make a big difference, and I’m wondering if that’s true – summer vacations, camps, etc. Good luck with your promos, Mae – let me know if anything causes a landslide in sales!
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Will do. Cusp had a strong release and did pretty well the first week, but things are really petering off now. 😦
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I have no more input that any of the others. Some of them do okay, and some titles languis with the same treatment. I’ve about given up on promo. Deciding production of more titles could be a better use of time.
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Some days I feel like that also, Craig. Today I’m planning to send in one more promo commitment, then working on nothing but the new book.
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I was interested in your comments about TGC. I also have a book that just doesn’t move and I also don’t know why. The others do fine. Writing is a strange business. The most annoying thing is that it is the one that was the most work that doesn’t sell.
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It’s maddening trying to figure it out, Robbie. I’ve got a few more promos scheduled with TGC, so I’m hoping for something to come out of it.
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