Every first Wednesday of the month, the IWSG (Insecure Writer’s Support Group) engages writers to share their fears, thoughts, progress, struggles, excitement, encouragement, or anything really, about their writing. A different question is posed each month as a writing prompt. Answering it is optional. For May, the question is: “Has any of your readers ever responded to your writing in a way that you didn’t expect? If so, did it surprise you?”
This amazing, supportive group of writers was founded by Alex J. Cavanaugh. Today, the co-hosts are Erika Beebe, PJ Colando, Tonja Drecker, Sadira Stone, and Cathrina Constantine. Click on their names to see what they’re up to this month.
Plunge in the local bookstore called Jabberwocky
My answer to the question – Have any of my readers ever surprised me?
That would be “yes.” In different ways. Beta readers made me realize that not everyone has my sense of humor, my comfort level of sharing/learning about relationship intimacies, and my drive to be open, honest, and transparent. All good input! You see your own writing often as the gospel and get carried away within that mindset.
Then there is the (public) feedback. That one-star review of Lisa G. I have hammered on before (here and here), but just yesterday, I noticed two other one-star ratings (no elaborations) pop up, which brings that dismal total to four on Amazon. Those one-star smudges do surprise and bug me. If you don’t like a book, why not give it two or three stars? And I’m pretty sure that my memoir isn’t written poorly or plastered with typos and grammatical errors, “valid” reasons for such a negative verdict…
Reviews Amazon
On the flipside, I have been surprised and enlightened by positive feedback. In private messages and in reviews. They make my day and are guaranteed to put a smile on my face. Yesterday as well, I received a note from a Belgian friend. He also translated his touching words into English for Goodreads: “What a beautiful, open-hearted, authentic, and honest story about Liesbet pursuing her dream in life. A dream she already had from the very first moment I met her… This book has so many dimensions and is so beautifully written that it reads like a train and makes you finish it without ever looking up. Thank you for sharing your sailing trip through life with us Liesbet; it’s really inspiring!”
Note Koen
There are many four- and five-star reviews for Plunge that have affected me over the months, but the sentiment that was expressed by Sue (Travel Tales of Life) still stands out to a new, indie author like myself: “Through the pandemic I could not settle my mind to actually read a book. Call it anxiety or being unsettled, my mind refused to still itself enough to concentrate on more than a page or two. That is until I began reading Plunge. So intriguing and honest in its telling, for the first time in ten months I enjoyed reading again.”
Review Sue
My book news
For good or bad, Mark, Maya, and I have returned to Newburyport, Massachusetts, with an uncertain future. More so than other periods in our life. But I’ll touch on that later. Our new circumstances do affect our moods and my productivity, to say the least. Luckily, my promotional efforts created some buzz last month.
Our digs in Newburyport, MA
- When researching, I stumbled across another flattering review published in a boating magazine I used to write for: Ocean Navigator. The short piece only appeared on their website, in January 2021, but made me happy regardless, especially Plunge being called a “Notable Title.” Here is an excerpt: “There is much in this memoir to recommend it, not the least of which is Collaert’s engaging writing. Her considerable skill in conveying the quotidian, as well as the emotional peaks and valleys, shapes this book into more than just a sailing diary. It’s a life memoir of a born wanderer always seeking out her next passage.” You can read the entire review here.
Review Ocean Navigator
- I posted about Plunge on a few Facebook groups, but it seems like that market has been “dried up”. Time for new plugs, material, and groups?
- I was quoted on a reviewer’s blog! He highlighted some content of my book as a part of his blog subject and shared my most prominent revelation: “Happiness comes from within. It’s presented in fleeting moments; it’s found when you feel at peace with the decision you’ve made.” – Liesbet Collaert
Quoted and mentioned on J’s blog
- An influential and accomplished sailor and author agreed to read my book and share it with her followers if she liked it. She finished it within days, loved it, and gave it a plug on Instagram, which led to extra sales of Plunge – One Woman’s Pursuit of a Life Less Ordinary. She also left a review and provided a quote for me to use in promotional materials, which I added to my updated editorial review section on Amazon. Thank you, Carolyn from The Boat Galley.
Editorial Reviews
- A commenter to one of my Facebook posts alerted me of something really cool! She’d seen Plunge mentioned in a top ten reading list “somewhere” and hunted down the source. What a thrill to find my memoir as a book recommendation in the April 2021 newsletter of Women Who Sail. What made it even more special was that this new, favorable review was written by Janna Cawrse Esarey, author of The Motion of the Ocean. I enjoyed reading her sailing memoir when we were cruising a decade ago; it inspired me to write Plunge and Janna was a big help in the initial stages of my book (hence her presence on my acknowledgements page). I have a lot of respect for her, so discovering she – in turn – enjoyed reading my sailing memoir was a nice surprise!
Janna’s Review
- Last but not least, I gathered my courage to talk to the owner of the local, indie bookstore in town, Jabberwocky, to find out if they would carry my book. Yes! But only because I am a “local author.” Arrangements were made and a few days later I returned to take photos of Plunge on the shelves. Not bad, but I had hoped they offered a display table for local authors. Fingers crossed that customers will browse the racks, notice my cover, and have their curiosity piqued.
What’s next?
Another thing I did last month was follow up with all the sailing magazines who promised to post a review of Plunge (after reading it) and with the ones who never got back to me about my proposal, five months ago. We’ll see what happens. At least three more reviews in boating publications are in the works.
The plan is to research and contact more influencers to spread the word – I have two in mind who kind of showed interest – and compose more pitches for well-known newspapers and magazines. My experience in this area is that those visions of grandeur are pretty much a waste of time. But never underestimate a determined, stubborn Liesbet!
Create a review
And, I have a list of one hundred more tasks that could potentially bring extra sales. One of them is ask my readers to leave a short review on Amazon and/or Goodreads. It’s quick and easy and oh-so beneficial and appreciated! 😊
if I were to have a cup of tea (or coffee) with you, I’d share some of these promotional highlights. Virtually, this happens at Natalie’s Weekend Coffee Share #18.
Do you leave reviews after reading a book? Why or why not?
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May 5, 2021 at 17:05
Hi Liesbet! I so admire your persistence and dedication toward marketing your book. I must have missed that “gene” but it doesn’t mean I can’t tell what a great job you are doing. You deserve all the success you have achieved with your book because regardless of whether it looks easy to others, it is challenging and difficult. I continue to wish you every success with all of your efforts. ~Kathy
May 5, 2021 at 17:31
Hi Kathy!
You have a way to make me feel good about myself. Not sure about that “gene.” I think it’s more stubbornness than anything else, really. After putting so much time and effort in this project already, I need to give it the best chance possible to succeed.
It is all a lot of work and I think I will go through spurts, depending on my lifestyle and my energy level. When I’m on the road, not much happens and I’m okay with that – real life is more important to me than “virtual” life. But now that we are back in MA, I’ll dive into all this again for a period of time, until I’m exhausted/fed up again or until (please, please) we can travel once more.
May 5, 2021 at 17:21
Liesbet, I loved reading your memoir so much I have recommended it to friends and family. My sister has also been reading it recently and loved it. I must try again to leave a review on Amazon, for some reason my first attempt has failed.
May 5, 2021 at 17:35
Hi Gilda! Thank you!! You have been one of my longtime, favorite supporters and I so appreciate all your help spreading the news, sharing my posts, and recommending my book. It makes such a big difference! If you haven’t spent 50 pounds on Amazon in the last year, it is not possible to leave a review there, so maybe that is the issue. You’ve helped me out a lot already and there’s always Goodreads as well. 🙂
May 5, 2021 at 17:23
Hi Liesbet!! You are in New England at my favorite time of the year there. May is my favorite month up that way!!
I have not had the pleasure yet of reading Plunge but I want to read it. These days, and for the foreseeable future I won’t be reading any books.
How interesting that there are people who don’t appreciate your openness and honesty. That is one of the things I love about your blog!! You have a gift for writing too.
May 5, 2021 at 17:40
Hi Lea!
Thank you for your compliments! I’m so glad you enjoy reading this blog. Compared to my book it is quite blah, though. I actually enjoy writing in the voice and style of Plunge better, but it takes more effort, thinking, editing, and time, so I am saving that approach for later. When I have less going on. Once in a while, I turn the writing on Roaming About more conversational and “in the present moment” (like in Plunge) but it has been a while. Apparently, my openness makes some people uncomfortable. Fair enough!
It is still very cold and rainy in New England at the moment and so many trees don’t have leaves yet. It is a bit weird. In general, May is my favorite month as well, here and in Belgium. But the weather has gone crazy these last years, so June might be the new May. 🙂
May 5, 2021 at 17:33
I wouldn’t worry one bit about those one star reviews. Considering all the reviews you are getting and all over the place are glowing, just enjoy that. (Wish my first book had been reviewed by half that many people shortly after release.) Sorry your future is uncertain but do enjoy the ride of your book release and those who’ve enjoyed it.
May 5, 2021 at 17:44
Thanks so much, Alex! Good for you for writing so many books and collecting reviews along the way, doing better each time. I don’t think I’d be up for that. I have approached the release of “Plunge” quite tediously and successfully, so I’m happy about that. Of course, there are a handful of things I would do differently the next time around. Yes, all the positive buzz is very enjoyable. 🙂
May 5, 2021 at 17:42
I impressed with how much you’ve done in the last month. Marketing is the least desirable part of this for me. I got into some local bookstores, but that hasn’t amounted to much of anything. As you say, unless there is a local authors’ shelf, it’s easy to get buried in the mounds of other books.
May 5, 2021 at 17:47
You are so right, Pete! I dropped off three copies of Plunge at the bookstore to sell on consignment. Nothing has happened in a week… I sure hope you are more successful on that front. It all looks good on photos and when sharing the news, though. But, I’ve found this is true with a lot of things when it comes to book marketing. Even if you’re all over the place to the extend that people are getting sick of your face and/or book cover, it doesn’t mean this presence actually amounts to (many) sales! Good luck with your books and marketing strategies!!!
May 5, 2021 at 17:42
I hope all these great reviews and positive feedback you’ve gotten makes at least one of the agents who didn’t take you on regret their decision 🙂 You are doing such a fantastic job promoting your book and it looks like you are getting noticed. Congrats!
May 5, 2021 at 17:48
Thank you so much, Janis! I especially liked and appreciated your comment about those agents. I think much more has to happen with Plunge to create such a realization and splash, but, hey, I still have a lot of ideas up my sleeve! 🙂
May 5, 2021 at 19:01
Liesbet, keep up the hard work. It will eventually pay dividends.
May 6, 2021 at 18:07
Thank you, Suzanne!!
May 5, 2021 at 19:11
Well done, Liesbet. You must be very proud of yourself. Hey, the new digs aren’t too bad and hopefully adjusting to a new lifestyle won’t be too hard on you both. I too agree with what Janis wrote, their loss another’s gain 🙂
May 6, 2021 at 18:09
I am very fortunate with all my readers – including you – believing in me and supporting me along the way on this authordom journey. 🙂 The digs are fine to write, work, and be around family and friends. The road is where the excitement happens and the travel passion resides.
May 5, 2021 at 20:21
This is so amazing for a first book, Liesbet. Hearty congratulations on all of your success here.
May 6, 2021 at 20:13
Thank you, Jacqui! You have been an inspiration with your focused, organized, and helpful blog posts and comments!
May 5, 2021 at 21:41
Hi, Liesbet – I loved Plunge and I greatly admire how you have been promoting it.
The reviews that I have read on it have been awesome!!
I hope that all is well for you, Mark and Maya. I am anxious to hear more about your return to Newburyport. Sending big hugs your way!
May 6, 2021 at 20:14
Welcome back, Donna! I bet your home is sparkling right now. 🙂 Thank you for the hugs. They are welcome as Mark and I haven’t been in the best of places. But that means things can only become better…
May 6, 2021 at 02:06
Liesbet, you are methodical and persistent, two qualities that help during the dry times. I liked the comment “beautiful, open-hearted, authentic, and honest story,” my assessment as well. And then the follow-up phrase: It “reads like a train,” my personal description of reading PLUNGE,
My experience with booksellers, especially the “indie” ones: Most are accommodating but one, who continues to carry my book has an “haughty” air and has yet to send me my royalty dollars. Now I’ll have to find a courteous way to remind her. On the low reviews, we have to take the bitter with the sweet, even though you know in your heart (echoed here) that low reviews are dishonest and just plain mean.
You have gone above and beyond in your book marketing. But knowing you, you’ll plunge ahead with promotion regardless of outcome. Cheers to all of this! 🙂
May 6, 2021 at 20:23
Hi Marian!
I’m glad you liked the review of my Belgian friend. It sounds even better in Dutch. 🙂 I hope you manage to get your check from the bookstore. They should know that authors are suffering artists, keen to be paid!
I so appreciate your continued encouragement and kind words and support, my friend. I mean it. You know me well – yes, I will barge ahead and keep focusing on promotion ideas and executions, but I also know this isn’t possible in the long run. (And I have other jobs to do.) So, I’ll keep at it while I can and hope for the best. Cheers!
May 6, 2021 at 04:42
You’re right – our comfort levels with different things and our sense of humour can vary widely.
May 6, 2021 at 20:24
Yep. Strangely enough. But, if they wouldn’t vary, the world would be a boring place, humans would be clones, and everyone would be a nomad like me. 🙂
May 6, 2021 at 09:17
I agree that one star is harsh for a book you personally don’t like but is well written. I think perhaps your book is not exactly what people expect for a “sailing memoir.”
I am so impressed by all of the promotion and good press you have gotten for your book. The Boat Galley is quite a good one!
May 6, 2021 at 20:30
I think you hit the nail on the head, Duwan! While many people appreciate that Plunge is more than “just” a sailing memoir, the readers who buy it and read it, expecting a sailing travelogue will be disappointed. And, they will show that! But, if you read reviews of my book before buying it, or read the blurb or the first three chapters which are free on Amazon, you kind of know to expect a unique tale or twist or approach. Oh well.
I’ve been working hard on getting slots in well-known magazines or in well-known, respected circles, but the real key to success and positive reviews and press is the product itself. It’s because people love Plunge that these results happen. Phew. 🙂
May 6, 2021 at 20:07
Mean-spirited reviews well and truly suck. Congratulations, though, on all the glowing reviews from people who were inspired by your book!
May 6, 2021 at 20:31
Thanks, Rhonda! Hey, now I know you write under a pseudonym. I had no idea! Thanks for swinging by, commenting, and co-hosting!
May 6, 2021 at 21:00
A great answer and philosophy to writing in general, Liesbet, sharing the first question. I especially appreciate the words from your Belgian friend, and he seems to ‘get you’ and your book. I can feel the genuine emotion from Sue. I always appreciate your candor and describing the behind the scenes.
Confession: I loved your book, yet I have stopped writing reviews. I read constantly and I have many books on a “to review list.” In the past I have written comprehensive reviews and I found it daunting, a responsibility and very time-consuming. Some of the books had complex characters and a complicated story. You remind me how I should rethink how I write reviews. Like you say, beneficial and appreciated.😀
May 7, 2021 at 15:57
Hi Erica!
I enjoy sharing behind-the-scenes stories and insights. (Like you do on your blog!) Our lifestyle is always so glamorized on Instagram and in magazines that people get the wrong picture in their heads. So, I’d like to inform as well as inspire readers when it comes to a life less ordinary or writing and publishing a book.
Creating full-on book reviews is super time consuming and exhausting. I totally agree. Plus, ideally you make notes while you read, which takes away from the experience. That’s why I tell readers who are interested in leaving reviews that a few sentences that grasp the common emotion or concept of the book suffices. Still, people have to be comfortable doing that, which I respect.
May 10, 2021 at 11:37
Thank you, Liesbet. I am enjoying everyone’s comments and learning a great deal. Like you say, reviews make a difference and you have inspired me to rethink my approach. One paragraph can make a difference. Besides, I do not feel it is truly necessary to summarize the book for a potential reader. xo
May 10, 2021 at 11:52
Agreed! No summary of the book is needed in reviews; that’s what the blurb is for. 🙂 And, it would be repetitive as many readers do provide a quick overview of the content of the book anyway.
May 7, 2021 at 14:49
Liesbet, Well done with all your book promotions! I’d keep things in perspective and not let the very few low ratings define the overall positive experience for a debut memoir.
I read a lot of books and rarely write reviews unless requested. Main reasons: 1) It’s time consuming to write a concise and fair review. 2) For well-established authors who don’t know me, I don’t feel my review makes a difference to their book sale. My reading of their book is more valuable. 3) As a reader, I prefer to discover a book, read it, and form my own opinion ( as opposed to read reviews before choosing a book).
May 7, 2021 at 16:05
Hi Natalie! Those are all good reasons not to write reviews. To create “professional ones” is a big task that I am not fond off either. It’s the same when I beta read or proofread a book; it’s work instead of enjoyment. I never used to write reviews, partly because I only read books of well-known and established authors, like you mention in #2. But because I now realize the value of reviews, especially for indie, debut, and fellow authors I know, I try to form an opinion that takes about a paragraph and conveys my overall feedback. Thank you again for taking the time and review Plunge!!
May 8, 2021 at 18:37
You’re welcome, Liesbet. Thank you for linking up with #WeekendCoffeeShare.
May 7, 2021 at 16:03
The promotional part of being an author is more work than the actual writing. (And a lot less fun.) Kudos to you for all your hard work!
I don’t leave book reviews, ever, even though I’d love to. I don’t dare, because my books are sold through Amazon. They have a weird algorithm that occasionally, and for no apparent reason, decides that if an author reviews other peoples’ books, they must therefore be buying or trading reviews with another author, which is forbidden. In one fell swoop, they can strip all the reviews from a book and/or remove all of an author’s books and prevent the author from selling on Amazon ever again.
I’ve heard of this bomb being dropped on a few authors, and the appeal process for them was exhausting and intensely stressful. (And I don’t know if it ever got resolved.) I’ve also experienced a similar (and less-devastating, fortunately) thing with Amazon: They refused to let one of my readers post reviews on my books. I had never heard of this reader before she contacted me to let me know what had happened, but apparently Amazon had decided that we knew each other (who knows how?), and therefore prevented her from reviewing.
Since my career as an author is my sole source of income, I don’t dare take a chance. Sad, but true.
May 7, 2021 at 16:34
Hi Diane!
Thank you so much for sharing your insight and experience with Amazon reviews here, as it is a side that is not known by non-authors. When readers can’t leave a review on Amazon, it is usually because they didn’t spend enough money ($50) on the site that year. Sometimes, however, reviews are not posted because of other reasons like you mention. This is very disappointing.
To get to your first point. Yes. I have heard (and experienced) some of these Amazon algorithms and the outcome can be and has been scary! On one hand, it is good and beneficial that they are doing their due diligence, reading all the reviews and making decisions about “fake” or “paid” ones, but unfortunately, the algorithms can be wrong as well, with terrible – often unresolvable – consequences.
Luckily, so far, I haven’t had issues with reviews for Plunge – as far as I know. But I have gotten in trouble once leaving a review for an ARC copy of a book I read. Because there wasn’t evidence that I bought the book and possibly the algorithms deciphered that I knew the author, my review – and all previous reviews for unrelated products – was deleted. I did challenge Amazon customer support with that, explaining my side of the story, and was reinstated as a customer and reviewer, but others have given up on that altogether and don’t leave reviews on Amazon anymore.
I guess it is safer to just leave reviews on Goodreads… But, for us, authors, the Amazon reviews hold more weight. I will definitely keep your comment in mind from now on!
May 8, 2021 at 02:18
My first visit with you. I am in awe of those who write and publish. Well-done. Hope your year continues to go well. Denyse #weekendcoffeeshare
May 9, 2021 at 17:22
Hi Denyse! Thank you for visiting and leaving a comment. Writing and publishing books is not for the faint of heart. That being said, it’s a different kind of adventure than the one on the road. 🙂
May 8, 2021 at 13:06
Liesbet bravo to you for your perseverance in continuing to promote your book. Such a challenge to get the word out there. Thank you for sharing my review in this post and a link back to us. Its truly how I feel and you may be happy to know I am on book 15 since Plunge ignited my love of reading again.
May 9, 2021 at 17:26
Hi Sue!
I actually never thought (or realized) that an indie author has to push hard and promote often to be able to keep selling books. But, that’s the reality of it and not necessarily a part that writers enjoy. Sigh. The good thing is that there are no deadlines. So, if I have a less productive day, it’s not a big deal. I can be flexible again. Most of the time. :-).
I’m so glad that your reading speed has picked up! I still only manage to read one book every two months, because of other time sinks/priorities…
May 9, 2021 at 05:32
Well done Liesbet, I loved reading your book and writing a review was a pleasure. You are doing a great job getting your book out there for the world to read, but I can imagine it’s not always easy!! #weekendcoffeeshare
May 9, 2021 at 17:29
Hi Debbie! It truly is readers like you who make this book writing and promoting worthwhile. Thank you for making the effort to compose this (and other) review(s) and putting a smile on my (and others’) face! 🙂
May 9, 2021 at 06:23
Well done on getting your book on the shelves of a local bookstore. And you’ve done so well with the reviews in the magazines. I couldn’t find those other 1 star reviews, but I wouldn’t worry about them. I love horror films, but my partner doesn’t. He likes gardening, but I don’t. Can you see where I’m going with this, Liesbet? Not everyone will like what we may like. Concentrate on the good reviews, because there are far more of them than the bad ones.
May 9, 2021 at 17:35
You are totally right, Hugh! Not everybody likes the same things (luckily) and you can’t make everyone happy. Plus, others have told me that negative reviews validate that people are reading the book, show the different opinions out there, and mean that the author is not paying for reviews. So, I guess they can be a good thing. There is only one one-star review for Plunge, but there are three more one-star ratings with no words attached. I have made a few enemies over the years, so it could just be that. 🙂 Good idea to focus on the positive!
May 10, 2021 at 05:06
Those wordless bad reviews should not be allowed, Liesbet. I don’t know why sites allow somebody to click on how ever many stars without leaving at least one sentence of at least seven or eight words. Anyway, the best thing is that you’re not allowing them to influence you. You’re doing a great job with marketing your book. I saw 58 reviews on Amazon. UK. That’s an excellent figure. I’m sure there will be many more.
May 10, 2021 at 11:51
I agree, Hugh. It is too easy for someone to just click one star (and not leave a comment) and “destroy” an author’s reputation. Aha, now I understand why you didn’t see those one stars, I don’t think they have transferred yet to the UK site. 🙂 On Amazon.com (USA) the total ratings are up to 63. I’m aiming for 100 by the end of the year. Hopefully, they don’t move the bad stars over on the international sites. Right…
May 10, 2021 at 17:17
Liesbet, so exciting to see your book on the shelf of a book store. Bravo! And all this positive feedback about your travel memoir. Do NOT worry about that poor book review. You’ve got this, my dear! Congratulations. As for sitting still in Massachusetts, breathe my dear. Life is good. Stay well and be happy!
May 11, 2021 at 13:25
Hi Victoria! I’m working hard on promoting and distributing Plunge now that I’m back in Massachusetts. It’s been an interesting ride. I’m glad life is good for you these days. We could use some improvement on our end. 🙂
May 10, 2021 at 22:06
I admire your tenacity Liesbet. And so happy for you, your networking is beginning to branch out. Congrats on getting in the bookstore. This is great. I’m only sorry about the nonsensical and stupid bad reviews. I loved your book and if I didn’t I wouldn’t say it. I hope you get more reviews in soon to counteract that nonsensical negativity. Hugs my friend. xox
May 11, 2021 at 13:28
You always said being an author is not for pussies, Debby. Or something along those lines. 🙂 Of course, you are right. Putting yourself out there is never easy or 100% rewarding and promotion is hard work with little return in many cases. So, I’m plugging along and glad you are on my side about those nonsensical reviews. Cheers to positivity – and time. In your case and my case, time will bring us answers. xxx
May 11, 2021 at 16:48
You work so hard at writing and promoting your book, I am filled with admiration for you. Certainly reading these reviews made me want to buy your book! I wonder if you supplied a table and pretty/quirky display, would the book shop, (of which I am so glad it is there when so many are disappearing), may be happy to host the display for a time. If you pitched it as local authors, it may be more appealing. Would he consider a book signing/give away at his store?
May 13, 2021 at 22:59
Hi Amanda! The reason the bookstore even allowed me to leave my books is because I’m a local author. I had hoped they had a “local author” section, but they don’t. It’s a very full store. I would certainly consider a book signing event, if the store owner is interested. I might approach her again about this. I can’t afford a giveaway yet. Thing is that at the store, I make even less per book than online. 🙁
May 17, 2021 at 06:37
That is a little disappointing, but don’t give up. If only to knew some other local authors, you could hold a dual book signing or display at the library?
May 17, 2021 at 13:19
You are full of good suggestions, Amanda! Have you ever had noticeable success doing a book signing or having a display at the library? I just have experienced first-hand how some efforts are not worth the (potential) rewards, as usually there are few to speak of, except maybe recognition and exposure. It is so hard to sell and promote books these days!
May 13, 2021 at 07:26
Liesbet, thank you for your openness in your Plunge promo work, as open as you’re wonderful Plunge memoir. You have written a fabulous book. Period. So the bad reviews are from people who either (1) are afraid of the honestly or (2) are jealous of your talent and your life shown in your book. As authors, we know that we make ourselves so vulnerable by publishing our from-the-heart books. But it’s worth it. My memoir is out in 2 days and I’m excited and scared at the same time. I’m learning about promotion steps from you. RE local libraries. I’ve talked to the manager at our next-town-over local bookstore, and he put his nose up at any of my books (children’s, romantic suspense) because they’re “Indie published.” What a snot! I asked him to read the books first, then decide, but nope. Oh, unless I paid the bookstore $100 to shelve a book or two. ;-0
May 13, 2021 at 23:03
Thanks for the pep-talk, Pam. And a BIG congratulations again with the upcoming release of your memoir!!! I hope to feature it in my next IWSG writing update. Such attitude at that local bookstore! I remember you mentioning something about that before. Jeez. And, you’d have to pay him to shelve your books? What’s wrong with bookstore owners? You’d think they know a thing or two about the struggling life of (indie) authors. Well, that store is not worthy of your books. Simple as that!
PS: I’ll reply to your email soon. Crazy busy days.
May 14, 2021 at 23:24
I am so glad to hear about the writer’s association – Insecure Writers Support Group. Interesting name followed by an intriguing question for the month of May for writers to share their anecdotes and experiences! The rave reviews you had been receiving for you book is quite a read! I especially loved the one by Sue for you book Plunge. Looking forward to get my hands on it!
May 15, 2021 at 11:44
Hi Kritika! Thank you for swinging by, reading, and commenting. I hope you enjoy reading Plunge. 🙂 The Insecure Writer’s Support Group is a great place to learn more about the craft and find some, you know, support. 🙂 Their Facebook page and blog are good resources as well, if you’re a writer. Have a great weekend!
May 18, 2021 at 20:20
Hi Liesbet, Looks like you are doing well. I’m doing an interview of Amanda and Sandy’s Friendly Fridays Challenge, and am going to use one of your quotes. With your permission, I’d like to link this post to your comment. 🙂
May 19, 2021 at 07:32
That sounds wonderful, Marsha! Of course you have my permission. I’ll make sure to swing by, this weekend.
July 3, 2021 at 15:06
Liesbet, I am so impressed with your hard work and persistence in promoting your book. I’m sorry to say, I did very little promotion of my book of poetry when it came out. I did a book launch and reading at a local bookstore, and a few readings at various events including an invited talk to a creative writing class, and was interviewed on CBC radio. Also, the small publisher that published my book marketed it in BC, including placing it in the BC Ferries gift shop. And a friend who is a creative writing teacher made it a required reading in his poetry course. But I didn’t hustle like you are doing to promote it. I think the biggest reason was that much of the poetry in my book was deeply personal and I felt really uncomfortable promoting it (which is silly, because if I was that uncomfortable about it, I shouldn’t have published it). Next time, I’m going to follow your good example and do the hard work of marketing and promotion. And as for those one-star reviews, just try to ignore them and don’t let them get to you. There are always haters out there, or people who get joy out of kicking other people down, or who are in a dark place in their own life and it spills out everywhere.
Jude
July 8, 2021 at 11:50
Wow, Jude! That was a lot of traction and excitement that you managed to build around your poetry book. Those were great opportunities and “big” events. Just like everything else regarding authordom, with promotion you’re in it for the long run. Although, there is a lot of flexibility and time to pause as well, like I’m doing right now!