I have recently spent some time chatting with new author Peter Perrin.  He has written a seasoned romance story; a much over-looked genre.  Talking about his book, Peter says:

“I believed the younger generation thought most people over the age of sixty had one foot in the grave, and were just killing time until the grim reaper claimed them. But, I knew that wasn’t the case for many people. So, I looked for a way to write something to show them in a positive light and with love in their lives.

I got the idea to write a romance, with the hero and heroine being over sixty. The idea is to show that mature characters can have romance, relationships, and even sex.”

His book, ‘Grace’s Turmoil’ will be the first in a series called ‘Not Too Old for Love. Starting off life as an eBook, it will be available from www.DevineDestinies.com from 15th December and from Amazon as an eBook or paperback by Xmas.  This beautifully crafted story will be of great interest to the mature reader.

We also talked about the use of flyers as a marketing tool and, inspired by Peter, I set to work to design one for Akea. Writing in entirely opposite genres means the flyers are equally different, but it is an excellent example of how ‘two heads are better than one’.  Collaborating in some way with a fellow author is both informative and enjoyable. I can thoroughly recommend it.

Two interesting things happened today. The first was a response to an email I sent to the local primary schools to offer them a copy of my book.  I was quite stunned to receive a reply so quickly and then rather panic stricken when they asked me to come in and see a group of KS2 pupils.  Now I just need to come up with a plan of attack. It’s also made me think of the possible gains to be had from donating a copy to the local library, but I think I will contemplate that a little longer.

The second interesting thing to happen today, was to be invited to provide a guest blog for a lady I made contact with through twitter.  I have had an enjoyable afternoon putting together something on my issues with Aspergers, anxiety and depression, and how my volunteering with animals and story writing help or hinder these.  I hope I have done it justice.

Good reviews make you feel very positive; great reviews just blow you away.  Then of course, there is being told that your teaching friend enjoyed it so much that she wants the class to read and discuss it, and write to the author…

If a picture speaks a thousand words, then a video clip can speak millions.  While it can be tricky to conjure up something fantastic without using real wolves, I believe this simple book trailer captures something of the atmosphere felt when reading Akea.

AKEA -THE POWER OF DESTINY

Having made it onto the websites for both WHSmith and Waterstones, I am delighted to be releasing a few dramatic readings from Akea that are now on Youtube. I’m even more delighted to say that I’ve actually managed to get them onto this website, so there is hope for my tech skills yet.

WHSmith

Following a steady trickle of sales through Amazon and several copies sold directly from us, I took the bold step of emailing WHSmith and telling them about my book.  Central to this email was the presence of a WHSmith store in my own town and the possibility of making something of a connection with a local author.

Much to my surprise, I was asked to send in a sample to the Head of Children’s Books for consideration.  Presentation is the key to many things, so rather than send in a pile of paper, I decided instead to send them a complimentary copy, along with an accompanying letter that elaborated on my previous email. As yet, I have heard nothing back, but it may be that my book is working its way to the top of the pile for consideration.  If nothing else, I have the satisfaction of knowing that a bit of initiative comes in handy.

Audio Advertising

With so many new books on the shelves these days, it occurred to me that more than a good cover and a catchy book blurb may be needed.  For my book launch I produced 3 short readings which, along with the right type of music,  I felt captured something of the atmosphere of the book. After adding a chapter photo to this file, I was able to produce something that could appeal to both the eye and the ear, and indeed that sends shivers down my own spine every time I hear them. As well as playing these on the screen during the launch, I have started putting them on to YouTube to give readers an idea of what to expect.

Here is the first of these dramatic extracts from Akea: https://youtu.be/ymIUBX_3AZY

In this country, it is often necessary to be well known for people to be interested in what you have to offer.  Across the pond, they actively seek out the new. This means that, as a new author living in the UK, a knowledge of good marketing is essential.

And there you have me; although we have a steady trickle of sales through Amazon, building up some sort of momentum and getting Akea into places like WHSmiths is proving a daunting task.

It seems a lot of homework and hard work lies ahead.

One should never underestimate the usefulness of the Independent Book Shop. I have approached our nearest independent – Brendon Books in Taunton – and they were delighted to take 5 copies on a sale or return basis. They even have a section of the shop specifically for local authors.

To help with sales, I have mentioned that there are signed copies available at this location on the local Facebook pages.

Another useful social network area open to me, is that of the Home Education networks. Everyone likes to hear a success story, especially when it involves something they are passionate about. Having shared my journey with a few such groups, I found my Amazon sales skyrocketed and for a short time they were even out of stock.