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This week: One Writing Tip: Avoid Excerpts Edited by: Vivian  
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Many tips for authors to market their books exist. However, I want to cover just one at this time. In time, I’ll discuss other tips because even if our book is released by a publisher, we the authors must market our books.
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Marketing Tip: Don’t Give Your Book Away
Many people advise authors to post excerpts from their books on blogs, theirs and belonging to others, to promote an interest in that book. Some writers post excerpts before the book is released; some, after. At times, that action may boost an interest, but it doesn’t always. So what might create an audience that anxiously awaits the book, that wants to read the book, that will spread the news? Writing a short item that ties to the book and giving that item away.
Yes, I said write something short that will create the interest in the book and give it away. Ah, I see a puzzled look on your face. You want to know what I mean about a “short item.” Perhaps a prequel, a story that leads up to the actual novel. Perhaps a short story, that includes minor characters from the book, can use a part of the theme or an incidence from the book from that character’s or characters’ point of view. If the story is well written and closely tied to the book, readers will want to know more and will be ready to read the book, but none of the book itself will be revealed. Make an eBook and offer for free, or post on blogs, or email to everyone on your contact list – giving everyone a free peek at the material that will tease them into wanting to read your book.
I have a historical novel set in the 18 century BC, during the reign of King Ahaz. The king and his followers sacrificed their children to the idol Moleck, burnt them alive as the infant or child or even older child screamed in agony. To “preview” the book, I’m writing a short story from the point of view of a minor character, a mother, who witnesses the roundup of children to be sacrificed, without their parents’ permission. The beginning of the short story follows:
Sacrifice
716 BC
Bethlehem
The sun’s heat pressed on Deborah as she wandered through the market. When she ran her fingers over her dry lips, her husband handed her the water skin.
“Here, drink. If you wish, we can leave, walk to Jacob’s house.”
After tipping the bag to drink, Deborah smiled. “No, Ruben, I just …” She glanced around, her eyes searching. “Do you feel the difference this market day from the others? I know we don’t come to town often, but usually market day has been louder, more joyous. Today, people seem quiet, pensive.”
Ruben shrugged. “Perhaps a bit, but the day is hot.” He took the water skin and slipped it into the bag he carried. “Also, since the soldiers who live here have been sent some distance away to settle some uprising, something, the townspeople may feel uncomfortable.”
“And, you are probably thinking I’m being silly.” Deborah smiled. “At least the children are as playful as ever.” She watched their daughter and grandson run around booths with two boys she didn’t know. “Jacob seems in a hurry.” She nodded toward the young man half-running toward them.
I haven’t finished, but would you want to read more? After reading about a crazed adviser to the king ordering soldiers to grab children, even infants from mothers’ arms, using violence, would you want to know more about the insanity? When the story is finished, I am going to make an eBook to give away. Hopefully, the story will create the interest needed to seduce readers into wanting the book.
Oh, how will readers of the story know anything about the book? The end of the story will have a blurb announcing the coming release of Burnt Offering.
A writer could write a prequel, a prolong to the book, or be creative and write something else that ties into the book and will create interest. Whatever the author decides to write should be offered for free, leaving the final book to be purchased. |
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Words from Our Readers
brom21 
I thank you so much or your encouraging information. The idea of persevering through rejection and the process of dusting yourself of when you fall and continue submitting is calming for me. When I first started writing, I wrote for the sake of writing. Now however I write things that I enjoy writing. I’m basically learning to work out my preconceived vision through the whole story I compose. The piece I am is probably my best example called Memories in The Snow.Thanks again!
I added the link to your piece in the Writings from W.Com.
Quick-Quill 
This NL is very timely. There seems to be an arrogance among writers today. Anyone can publish anything. What I've found when looking at books posted on amazon are some very poorly written works that were read and reviewed by friends and family. No one wants to out their friend or relative. The standard of what is on the market today is very low. I think it behooves the writer to write better. I have some issues with some of the standards. I took issue with a writer who says, "King and Evnaovich don't seem to keep to using less of the was, went, were words we are taught to keep to a minimum." Most writers aren't those two who have editors. If they are prolific writers no one cares anymore if there are too many words we shouldn't use, they are hot sellers. If you aren't King or Grisham or Patterson, you'd better stick to the rules, or chances are you'll never be next to them on the shelf. Only ones like Stephanie Meyer who's stories hit at the right time and connected with an audience can their bad editing be overlooked. Strive to be better not fill your ego just to say, "I have a novel to sell." My cousin's husband self-published. His friends and family read and reviewed. I can't get through it.
Having expert editing is a must in order to have writing that people want to read. Your example is one reason self-publishing has a black mark against it.
ANN Counselor, Lesbian & Happy 
"...we must take that urgent and necessary step." That's what you said about bedoming published. What "urgent steps" do you say one needs to take?
That's what I wrote about gaining recognition, after I wrote all the ways before that last sentence.
Thanks for joining me again. Wonder what I'll write about next time?
Vivian |
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For Authors: June 25, 2014 Issue [#6392]
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