Marketing That Gives by Amanda G. Stevens

If you're a new writer, getting your name and book information into a world crowded with new writers can seem like swimming up a waterfall. Today, Amanda G. Stevens gives us some good, common-sense tips for that swim. -- Sandy

Amanda: As a new author (my debut released less than a year ago!), I have no magic marketing formula, no silver bullet to bring on the book sales. I try to notice what works for me as a reader first—what piques my interest in an author, and what does the opposite?

1. Be diverse in conversation.

We’ve all heard the Twitter caveat: don’t tweet solely (or mostly) about your book. We ought to embrace the spirit of this rule in all our reader interactions. On Goodreads, don’t rate your own books. On Facebook, discuss what you’re reading; ask questions and respond to the answers. Discuss music and movies, too. Your artistic tastes are likely to coincide with those of your target audience. But more importantly, talking about these things demonstrates you’re not here to push a product.

2. Be generous.

Offer readers something unique. Maybe your budget doesn’t allow for $100 Amazon and Starbucks gift cards. (Mine doesn’t!) Well, can you give away a $10 card? Do that. There’s a fun thrill in winning even small things. Remember, though, you can be generous in other ways. Offer knowledge. For example, one of my author friends posts recipes on her blog. Offer encouragement. Look at your life experience. If you’re ready to be open, I don’t doubt there’s a group of people you could speak to. Do you take great pictures? Turn them into Bible verse memes. Whatever it is, I promise you have something to give.

3. Be thankful.

I saw Taylor Swift in concert when she had only one album out and was still an opening act, and I won’t forget the sweet humility of her stage presence that night. I lost count of how many times she said “thank you!” People are buying our books. Reading our books. In other words, spending money and time on the work of our hearts. What an amazing honor! It’s great fun to see authors who don’t take that for granted but rather express gratitude to their readers, not only by offering giveaways but by saying thank you.

4. Be courteous.

I’m speaking as a reader especially here, because nothing more quickly turns me away from an author than entitled or antagonistic behavior toward his/her readers. Most atrocious is the author who comments on negative book reviews. There’s no way to do this well. No book is liked by everyone. Publishing a book means exposing it to criticism. A few bad reviews are proof your book is being read by a wide audience. Soak that up!

5. Value your tribe.

No author promotion is as persuasive as reader word of mouth. When everyone is buzzing about a book, I’ve got to read it and join the discussion. Especially when my friends with similar reading tastes are the buzzing ones. They’re disinterested parties and I know them and I trust them to know me. The tribe who spreads the word about your book to people of like mind—they are the priceless ones. Treat them well!

What has been your greatest difficulty in marketing your book? If you're a multi-published author, what is something that you did in the beginning to get your name out? What kind of problems do you run across even now? How have you attacked those problems? 

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Bio

As a child, Amanda G. Stevens disparaged Mary Poppins and Stuart Little because they could never happen. Now, she writes speculative fiction. Holding a Bachelor of Science degree in English, she has taught literature and composition to home-school students. She lives in Michigan and loves books, film, music, and white cheddar popcorn.

My Stubborn First Novel by Amanda G. Stevens

Amanda G. Stevens

Have you ever written a story or had an idea for one that just wouldn’t release its hold on you? Have you ever been discouraged because someone thought you should toss aside the story of your heart? Read on! Author Amanda G. Stevens shares her experience and offers encouragement. ~ Dawn

My Stubborn 

First Novel

Since before I could read, story has been my deepest love—universal magic, the people I create weaving threads of connection to people I’ve never met. I write because I love my characters and want others to love them, too. Along the way, I want to be honest—about the darkness of the world we live in and about the only true Light, Jesus Christ. And I want to create the most excellent art I can for His glory. But sometimes that takes me a while.

I wrote my first story in first grade and decided I was a writer. By third or fourth grade, publishing a novel was on my list of things to do with my life. I’ve basically never not been writing.

In December 2003, I graduated from college; in January 2004, no longer obligated to all the papers required by an English degree, I started drafting the first incarnation of what would become Seek and Hide. I revised it and rewrote it and scrapped it and started over and revised it and rewrote it. I gobbled craft books and worked to apply what I learned. For eight years, I worked on the same book.

Along the way, knowledgeable and reputable people advised me to consider putting this book in a drawer and starting a new story. At the very least, they said, don’t write the second book in this series. What if you never sell the first one? I wanted to be teachable, and their advice made sense, so I started something new. But I couldn’t care about it.

While I was engaging in author-angst over this, a writer friend asked me, “What do you want more? Yourself to be published, or this series to be published?” I don’t think she expected my answer, but I’m grateful she asked. After that conversation, I returned to Seek and Hide. And revised some more.

In 2011, I drafted the second book in the series. My agent signed me in May 2012 and then worked with me on needed story edits. In October 2013, she called to tell me David C Cook had offered a contract.

I’d never say everyone should be as stubborn about that first novel as I was. Not everyone reaches their goal by the same path. But if, like me, that story won’t leave you alone … maybe there’s a reason. If it’s not ready, don’t despair that it never can be. Learn craft. Be ruthless in revising. Trust God’s path for you even if it’s unusual; and to do that, focus on Him before you focus on your story. (I type this reminder to myself as well.) Falling sparrows matter to Him. Surely the stories He gifts us matter, too.

 

Seek and Hide

Seek and Hide

Six years ago, the government took control of the church. Only re-translated Bibles are legal, and a specialized agency called the Constabulary enforces this and other regulations. Marcus Brenner, a new Christian, will do anything to protect his church family from imprisonment—including risk his own freedom to gain the trust of a government agent.

Aubrey Weston recanted her faith when the Constabulary threatened her baby. Now released, she just wants to provide for her son and avoid government notice. But she's targeted again, and this time, her baby is taken into custody. If only she'd never denied Him, maybe God would hear her pleas for help.

When Aubrey and Marcus's lives collide, they are forced to confront the lies they believe about themselves. And God is about to grab hold of Marcus's life in a way he'd never expect, turning a loner into a leader.

As a child, Amanda G. Stevens disparaged Mary Poppins and Stuart Little because they could never happen. Now, she writes speculative fiction. Holding a Bachelor of Science degree in English, she has taught literature and composition to home-school students. She lives in Michigan and loves books, film, music, and white cheddar popcorn.

To learn more and connect with Amanda, please visit these sites:

(website) Amanda G. Stevens Books

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