Author Services #OpenBook Blog Hop

January 14, 2019

Have you ever been duped by a so-called service to authors? And what is the best service you've ever used?

I'll be the first to admit that sometimes I over-analyze and over-research simple things. I'll spend several hours deciding which hotel to stay in on a trip. I'll take at least that long or longer figuring out the best of several routes to take to our destination.

So it shouldn't be a shocker that I do the same with my limited writing budget. I read endless posts to the writers groups I follow, check out the Writer's Beware page from the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, and hunt down reviews for services I'm considering.

As I result, I don't think I've ever been scammed. Sure, I've tried out services that I wasn't happy with, but I've always received some results. Maybe not the ones I'd hoped for, but something.

For example, for my last release, I hired a publicity company. They got me lots of blog spots, facebook posts, twitter feed, but I still didn't sell many books. They developed a nice banner for the release and several memes, but the book never grabbed the attention of readers. So, I don't consider them a scam, just disappointing.

I tried out someone claiming to be an editor, but she was only a proofreader (and found a few things that needed corrected). I've paid for book promotion spots that didn't get result even though they were sent to the mailing list.

But I've had some good experiences as well. Robin Reads and ENT  (Ereader News Today) are my favorite book promotion newsletters. (I haven't tried BookBub yet.) Granted, Robin Reads is starting to get on the pricey side in comparison to sales, but they still sell books. And ENT does a great job reaching an audience.


My next 'big" experiment will be in trying to get reviews. I think almost every author out there knows what a struggle that is. But I'm not ready yet to take the plunge and join a paid site. I need to do a lot more research first. Anyone have any experience they'd like to share?

While I'm waiting, I'm going to check out what our other authors are sharing, so I can find out what to avoid and what to add to my list of trusted services! 





January 14, 2019

Have you ever been duped by a so-called service to authors? And what is the best service you've ever used?


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