Promotion is tough. I think we all can agree on that one. But there are ways to make it easier and one of them is to join forces with other authors. First, it's fun to cross promote with authors who write similar books. Second, you reach a bigger audience by merging your promotional efforts. Here's how I'm using group promotion right now:
- Group Book Tour: I have a book tour in the works with three other authors for this coming fall. Bookstores love to book multiple authors for events because it usually drives in more traffic. More authors means more fans.
- Group Blogs: I'm also part of two group blogs, YA Bound and Darkly Delicious YA. YA Bound has been around for a while and runs the very successful Swoon Thursday meme. We get a lot of traffic on a daily basis. DDYA is relatively new and made up of YA authors who write darker books. We promote each other's books and do joint giveaways. In fact, we have one going on right now. We're giving away a ton of our books. That's another plus to joining forces with other authors. You can offer big prizes for very low cost to you and the other authors.
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Do you use group promotion?
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- Blog Hops: I participate in blog hops, which also allow authors to band together and offer prizes to readers. The more authors, the more prizes, and the more happy readers.
These are just a few ways you can join forces with other authors and promote each other. I'm always looking for more ways, so feel free to share in the comments if you know of others.
Do you use group promotion?
I think group promotion is a great idea. Working together is a lot more fun--and therefore more productive--than doing it alone. Do you have any suggestions about how authors can find similar writers to band together with?
ReplyDeleteI'd suggest searching for other authors in your area if you are looking for local group promotion. Online can span the world, so finding other authors (possibly on Book Blogs or She Writes) who are looking to join forces is a great way to reach out to people you could potentially work with.
DeleteI totally agree that teaming up with other authors is a great idea. Not only does it help broaden your reach, but it makes the process a little less lonely.
ReplyDeleteYes, much less lonely!
DeleteExcellent ideas! I'll have to keep these in mind for the day. :)
ReplyDeleteGlad you found them helpful.
DeleteI belong to an author's group with members spread out through PA, NJ, MD, and VA -- and including young adult, middle grade, and picture books. Each member has their own contacts and organizes events, then invites the others to join in. It's a great way to increase your exposure and get into events you might otherwise miss out on.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds great!
DeleteI've done some group blogging. It can work pretty well.
ReplyDeleteYes, it can.
DeleteI really have a great time with blog hops, but haven't gotten involved in group blogging, though I've thought about it. Great suggestions!
ReplyDeleteBlog hops are always fun. Time consuming, but fun.
DeleteI'm planning to jump back into the blog hopping. I had to retire from it over the last few months due to traveling, etc. You know, family time!
ReplyDeleteYeah, I need to get involved in another one too.
DeleteI'm with you, Kelly. I'm a big believer in group promotion. I recently teamed up with author Cassie Mae so we can help promote each other in the #NACrushTourney14. Indie authors need all the help they can get, and joining forces is such a beneficial way of doing that.
ReplyDeleteYes, definitely. Awesome that you and Cassie teamed up.
DeleteExcellent tips Kelly. I need to get busy.
ReplyDelete:)
DeleteGroup blogs are so much fun, Kelly. I really like YA Bound myself (adding your new Darkly Delicious group to my list), and I've also really enjoyed blogging for Publishing Hub (used to be YA Stands). It's a great way to meet people, bond with other authors, and cross-promote! Keep up the great work :)
ReplyDeleteYou too! :)
DeleteGroup Book Tours and Blog Hops are a must! And everyone benefits from authors blending together for these events because they provide major traffic flow. Plus, it always feels good to have that added support from one another=)
ReplyDeleteYes on all accounts. Everyone benefits.
DeleteThese are all great ideas! I love when authors band together! Another thing I have seen authors do is band together to have an author night at a library, bookstore, or other venue. They get more people to come because there are more authors talking and signing books. :)
ReplyDeleteBest of luck!
Yes, I've participated in author panels too and they draw a crowd. The more authors the more attendees.
DeleteI haven't done much group promotion, but I know it can be successful. These are good tips
ReplyDeleteGlad you found them helpful.
DeleteIt's only with my third book (Little Orchid) that I try out a blog hop and a joint giveaway. Both are excellent in garnering support and follows. Group promotion definitely works in getting your work more exposure!
ReplyDeleteYes, it does. :)
DeleteIf I'm ever published, I would definitely like to join a group blog. I always like the ones where everyone's debuting in the same year. They always come up w/pretty neat names. And I love to go one more than one author event. Besides getting mroe bang for your buck( ;) ) I always enjoy seeing authors interacting w/one another, sharing humorous stories, etc.
ReplyDeleteIt's more fun for the authors too when they get to interact with each other at events.
DeleteNo one does this better than you, Kelly. One question- how to handle promoting a book you really don't care for? Group activities will inevitably bring about such situations. maybe this could be another Wednesday post on your blog.
ReplyDelete