"How do I get started?" As a blogger, beta reader and reviewer I am frequently asked this question. These are the people I love to help! I see a need and I offer solutions!
*First, I test the water and try to build trust. If I am scrolling through my News Feed and come across a book being promoted, I ask if I can promote their link on my Facebook blog page. I then ask if I can share it on other sites. I offer to share with them links to help them get started.
Sounds easy, right? Not always. There are some crazy people in this world and that is why establishing trust is important. No one wants to be associated with something that doesn't go along with their basic comfort level. Maybe the link to your site is for a children's book, but the blog mainly promotes mature adult material. This is not a fit!
*Read through the blog. What do their comments look like? Are their reviews condescending and inappropriate? Remember, your name will be attached to this site! Is this how you want to be represented? Do you want to be told your book was a waste of time and they wish they could wash their eyes out with bleach? (yes, those are actual comments.) If it's a match for you, great! If not, move on and don't feel guilty for doing so!
*Most bloggers are happy to promote your links and it is OK to ask if they will do this for you. They will copy, paste or share whatever you provide them.
*Watch the activity on Facebook in your area. For me, Facebook is busiest from 4 pm to 10 pm Monday through Thursday. On Friday the traffic picks up at 4 pm and goes until the wee hours of the morning. Weekend days have less activity than evenings. Why is this important? You want your link to be displayed when traffic is heaviest and will be seen by the most readers.
Weekday mornings are busy with most people heading to work and getting kids ready for school so posting during these times can be futile. Your posts will have less visual impact or won't be seen.
*Remember the world wide web is open 24/7/365.
*Connect with other Indie authors. Most are more than happy to share their experiences of what worked and what didn't. They can be a wealth of knowledge!
*Learn the language.
ARC - advanced reading copy
Beta or beta reader - someone who reads your ARC before going for edits
Review - comments given by someone who has read your story. It is important to check this out before choosing a reviewer. What are there comments like? A rating score of 1 to 5 Stars is given. (see Amazon and Goodreads)
Swag - promotional items often given away, such as pens, pins, bookmarks, tote bags
Author Take Overs - YOU promote YOUR book on a blog site that isn't yours. This is a great way to build up "Likes" on your page, get followers, give out swag and connect with readers
HEA - happily ever after
Tag- in the comment section under a post add your name and/or a friend's name
Share - click 'share' and send the link to your friends
Book boyfriend - the hunky, swoon-worthy guy in the story, the one wanted by every girl
Is it scary? Sure, but you are not alone!
Feel free to contact me and I will help you get started!http://www.facebook.com/thebooklender
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