Book Marketing Challenges : Why and How? Wendy H. Jones
During the month of August I have joined in with a book marketing challenge, which I have thoroughly enjoyed doing so far; although I will admit it has been a real challenge. Some of the days are tough but I've enjoyed working my way through them. This has got me thinking about these challenges - are they worthwhile and more importantly, do they drive book sales?
Half way through I would say a categorical yes to the first part, while the second part is difficult to measure in tangible terms. Firstly, the question you are probably asking, how do you get involved in these challenges? I got involved with this one as one of my friends said she was doing it. I asked her if I could join in and we first cleared it with the authors who set the challenge. Whilst the challenge is out in the universe and I suppose I could have just done it, I believe it is polite to ask the originators as they have put the hard work into preparing the challenge, may have a specific reason for doing so and may only want certain authors involved. I also asked if I could invite a small selection of other authors and this was agreed.
Your second question might be, why bother? It's a good question as they are hard work but I believe they are worth every bit of effort you put in to them. Why? The answer is simple - I have learned so much about myself, my books, my characters, and my writing, in the process. The challenge has made me think about every aspect of my writing career. It has been what it says on the tin - a challenge. I think, as authors, we become complacent about what we do and how we do it. This challenge has made me think in new ways and my writing career is better for it.
Doing the challenge has also been a way for me to help others. Every Thursday is #ThankfulThursday where I acknowledge the people who have helped me, have been there for me, and make my author journey such an exhilarating one. Those people are gold dust. It has also allowed me to support others by commenting on their posts and sharing them. This collective sharing means the audience is much wider for all involved.
I'm loving the Hashtags that we are using. Today is #ShowMyCharacters so I created the images below.
I can assure you I had a lot of fun doing these for each of my series. Yes, it takes time but it's worth every minute.
My advice would be, if you ever get a chance to take part in a book challenge, jump at it. If you see one about to start and feel it would be a good fit for you, contact the originators and ask if you would be able to join. Not only will you enjoy the challenge but will make friends along the way. I am interested, have you ever been a part of a book challenge? If so, let me know in the comments what it was and how it went. I'm thinking of drawing up a challenge myself and would love to learn from you.
About the Author
Wendy H. Jones is an award-winning, international best-selling author who writes adult crime books, young adult mysteries, children's picture books and non-fiction books for writers. She is also a writing and marketing coach, runs the Writing Matters Online School and is the CEO of Authorpreneur Accelerator Academy, The president of the Scottish Association of Writers and hosts The Writing and Marketing Show podcast. She is currently writing a series of historical fiction novels based around the life of a 19th Century Surgeon in the Royal Navy.
Comments
. So my goal is to plan a rhythm of the week which I’ll start in September. Thank you for this challenge.