A Note on Marketing
Marketing and me.
I know! Your probably already tired of hearing from me about my new book, Soul of a Sleuth. But most folks don’t understand that for an independent author like me, even publishing through a vital independent publisher like Babylon Books, most of the marketing falls to the author. This creates an interesting Catch 22.
I can rely on word of mouth from my friends and previous readers, like you, or I can pay someone or someones to publicize by books. There are few inexpensive and safe ways, like boosting my posts in Facebook, which I do, but most other approaches cost money, usually much more money than the profit I expect to make on my books, and include risks. So, why do I bother publishing?
The answers are simple. I love to write mystery novels. I like the stories I create and want to share them with people to see what impressions they make. So why don’t I just put them up on my blog for free?
If I did, my stories would last as long as I do. In case you don’t know. I’m almost seventy-four years old. All authors, present company included, would like to think their stories might outlive them. By selling them through Amazon and the other online sites as actual books, I can be sure they will exist in physical form after I’m gone. By working with an ethical and helpful publisher, like Babylon, I can make sure that they are of a quality that will enhance and not detract from what I’m trying to say in my stories. For some reason, I find this reassuring.
Like most people, I have values that guide everything I do in my life. One that I personally value very highly is humility. I try to never over-promise and under-deliver. This was true when I worked as a research scientist, and it’s true today. But for marketing people this is a significant drawback.
I believe that my books can take you on an exciting trip to Maui and introduce you to some interesting characters and mysteries that you otherwise wouldn’t experience. I also hope that some of the events described will get you thinking about some important issues that might stay with you after you finish reading my stories. If that happens, please let me know, and let others know. That is the best marketing money can’t buy.
If you enjoy your trips to Maui with me, you can let me and others know by posting a review on Amazon, or Goodreads, or elsewhere. These really matter. The various vendors look at how many good reviews a book gets, especially those from people who actually bought the book or eBook, and that can lead to them promoting it as well.
For this book that means more than ever because in the acknowledgements section I provide links to various groups that are providing support for the hundreds of people who lost everything in the terrible Lahaina Fire of 2023. If your review entices someone to read my book and contribute to one of these funds, you will have not only had a good read, but helped make a difference.
Next time: I will tell you about another major character in my stories, Sergeant Angela Beyers of the Maui Police Department.
Front cover for Soul of a Sleuth.
Front and back cover for Soul of a Sleuth.
About the pictures:
Top picture: eBook cover for Soul of a Sleuth.
Bottom Picture:Front and back paperback covers for Soul of a Sleuth