#WWWBlogs How publishing taught me to be more self-reliant #indiepub #indieauthor

Posted on August 10, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

I just wanted to share a link to my guest post over the Writing & Wellness blog run by Colleen M Story.

To view the article click here . While you’re there, have a look around. There are plenty of great articles to read.

#WWWblogs – Goodreads Giveaway #Indie #Writers take advantage of free advertising

Posted on July 25, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

Are you self published? Have you tried a free goodreads giveaway?

Ok, it’s not free in the sense that you need to supply the paperback and pay the postage, but it is one of the best ways to reach people that actually read books.

I’ve run 3 giveaways for my novel Visions of Zarua. One over Christmas, one over Easter and this last one at the end of my first ever blog tour (see the blog tour page here in case you missed it).

This morning at 8am the competition closed and a winner was selected by Goodreads. I’m pleased to see the winner reads and reviews books, and I really hope they will enjoy Visions enough to consider reviewing it at some point in the future.

I was amazed that 1658 people entered in just two weeks. That’s 1658 people that have seen my book and wanted to win it! That’s my reason why the goodreads giveaways are so good for Indie authors.

Visions of Zarua is also marked as to-read by 1221 people.

I know these are just numbers and don’t equate to sales, but it’s really exciting to think that all these people have seen my book.

Poppy is ecstatic with the results.

(Note to the winner – Poppy’s cuddling my copy. Don’t worry, you have a brand new book being sent to you.)

My experience

Of my 3 giveaways, one winner did drop off of Goodreads completely and I don’t know if they even received the book. When postage costs more than £10, plus the cost of the book, it’s frustrating but that’s just the way it goes. I think it’s still worth the risk to get the book noticed by more people. I have yet to receive any reviews because of the giveaways, but maybe the winners will get around to it one day.

The only thing I would have done differently with this giveaway is the timing. I should have had the giveaway running throughout the blog tour, all that extra publicity missed! But marketing is a learning process and I hope my mistakes will help others as they begin their journey into self-publishing.

Do you have any tips to share?

Have you tried the goodreads giveaways and what did you think?

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On another note – I won my first ever goodreads giveaway at the same time as someone won mine. I can’t wait to receive my free book ‘Late Summer in the Vineyard by Jo Thomas’ and you can be sure I will review it. Watch this space.

#BookReview Gertrude Jekyll Dreams – Helen Thomas #Poetry

Posted on May 10, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

Title: Gertrude Jekyll Dreams

Author: Helen Thomas

Self published 2014.

Length: This is a short book of poetry, 32 pages with 27 poems.

Blurb: Gertrude Jekyll Dreams is the first full collection of poems by Helen Thomas. These personal, funny and moving poems are based on her 48 years of life, love, inspiration, flowers, travels, family and memory.

First Impressions: This was a step outside of my comfort zone as I don’t usually read poetry. Some of poems maybe too personal to the author for me to understand, some were hard to pinpoint, but others really resonated with me, and I wanted to read them again straight away and enjoy them a second time. I particularly liked My Parent’s Garden and Further Adventures In Art And Being.

Style: This is a neat little book, which is lovely to hold and read. The poems are set out one per page. There was space inside the author could have provided a little more details of herself (though there is a bio on the back cover.) She is an artist and I would have liked to have known more about her and if she drew the cover art and what the significance of it was.

Summary: Poems range from abstract, enjoyable to touching. It can be devoured in one sitting, or read at a slower pace. You find you want to go back and revisit those poems that touched you.

Recommend to: This would make a lovely gift for someone who enjoys poetry.

Rating: I don’t feel at all qualified to rate this book, I don’t even know the names of the different forms of poetry. However, I feel this is a good collection of poems that people can enjoy, and everyone should find something that resonates with them personally.

Check out the book on Amazon UK

#AtoZChallenge R – Reviewers

Posted on April 21, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

This is my chance to say a big thank you to all those who review books.

Indie Authors rely on you to help our books stand out from the masses. You give us your time, and post about us on your blogs.

I would like to give a special thanks to those I have connected with and who have been kind enough to review my book, or interview me over the last few months. These are links to their homepages if you want to check them out.

Into another world (hosts author interviews and novel excerpts).

Also let me say thanks to all those book purchasers out there who take chances on unknown authors and post their reviews on Goodreads and Amazon etc. Indie authors wouldn’t get noticed without your help.

Indie authors have you thought of the benefits of reviewing? It’s good to give something back, good to understand books from a readers perspective and good to get involved in the book reviewing community. Plus the more you get involved, the more great books you will discover.

I’ve actually taken my first steps into reviewing, but I am only doing it on a very small scale. I find it hard enough fitting in reading, writing, blogging, and all the boring stuff of every day life. As well as reviewing the books I’ve enjoyed on my own TBR pile, I’ve also joined Rosie Amber’s Book Review Team #RBRT. They are a supportive bunch of writers / reviewers, and I know that Rosie puts in a lot of effort to help authors get reviews. So thanks very much for all your hard work Rosie, and for allowing me to join you.