Today's evening blog update is quite possibly the most
self serving one we've written. It's all about how you can help an author out. We're not on Amazon yet (but see point 1 re early review copies) so for now it's a generic 'how to help an author' but once we publish this page is also our 'call to action' help us page.
New authors start from a dead start. We have no fan base, no
readership, and no real marketing budget. As an indie we have even less than
debut print authors, so we need your help to drum up interest in Dead on
Demand.
So here is a short list of the things you can do to help us
(or, any other author).
1.
Give us a
review in exchange for a free copy. We'll supply a copy in pretty much any digital
format you like if you agree to give us an honest review posted at Goodreads
and Amazon. If the idea of a free early look at our debut work floats your
boat, leave a comment and we'll get it sorted. [Only valid until we put the book on sale.]
2.
Buy the
book - You might not fancy an advance copy (which is still subject to
further edits, and proofing - my twitter friends I gave copies to last night
will have spotted a glaring typo on the second page of all places. Thankfully
'refuse' is now 'refuge' as intended!). I'm going to be pricing Dead on Demand
at $2.99 in the US & £1.99 in the UK. I think this is the fairest price for
the work - it is a full length novel, and if went below this we'd drop to the
35% royalty rate which would make it hard to recoup costs etc. Plus you're buying
into two of us. How's that for value?
3.
Tag the
book. On Amazon you've probably noticed a section halfway down the page
that says: "Tags
Customers Associate with This Product."
This is the where tags can be entered. It's
free to do, and only takes a moment. Amazon uses these keywords to match our
work up with other ebooks. Then it suggests titles to their readers based on
the commonality. So by adding to our keywords, and voting them up you'll help
us reach more readers.

5.
Tweet
about it, link to us, Facebook us, share us and badger your friends to try
us out. We're less than a pint of beer, so it's a low risk read. Plus, Amazon
will let you return it within 7 days for a refund if you don't like it.
6.
Tell us if
you spot a typo! We've proofed Dead on Demand numerous times, and roped in
our friends to do the same. Despite that it's certain we missed something. If
you do spot something dreadful, please let me know - and I will update it. The
beautiful thing about digital files is that it isn't all set in stone. Those
who've purchased already can simply re-download the file to get the updates.
7. Share us, like us, digg us, +1 us, and all the rest of it. Social media is a
huge promotional tool, and could really
help us reach more people.

8.
Include us in your Listmania lists. Amazon lets you create lists of for example crime
books you've read. If you've got one, we'd love to be included as this
increases the likelihood someone will stumble upon our work.
Listmania lists can be create at http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/richpub/listmania/createpipeline?_encoding=UTF8
The 'ASIN' is Amazon's own unique
identifier. It's in the link for the book after amazon.com/
I could probably natter on, but you've all
got the gist. Reviews and word of mouth advertising are the lifeblood of indie
authors, and we can't make this project a success on our own. I'd like to say a
massive thank you to those of you that have agreed to take a review copy, or
tweeted about us or will do so. It's hugely helpful to us, and we really can't thank you enough.
We can't offer you cash, goods etc in return for your help - it would be immoral. However if you let us know you've helped in the comment section, we'll try and remember to thank you in the next book (assuming we do one!).
I will do all of these and even more if I can figure out more things LOL
ReplyDeleteIts been really fantastic to hear about you guys and your hard work. I just wonder when we're going to see a teaser page or something? :)
ReplyDeleteThere is a small teaser up at http://www.90daysnovel.com/p/sneak-peek.html and you will be able to read the first 10% of the book free at Amazon once it has been uploaded.
DeleteThis all sounds simple and very doable :) I'd love to offer to do an advanced review of the book and then spread it around where I can (with an eye to buying a real copy when it comes out obviously :) )
ReplyDeleteI have DM'd you on twitter for your email, and shall get you out a review copy as soon as I am able :)
DeleteHell you know we'll do whatever we can to help you :) We want to see your book and your challenge go viral.
ReplyDeleteMuchas gracias :) that would be mondo awesome (do people still say mondo? #90s).
DeleteMaybe we need an insane viral youtube vid.
Great ideas guys. Connecting with and building a base of fans can be daunting but essential to indie authors. I'd be happy to do an advanced review (maybe someday you can return the favor :) ).
ReplyDeleteHello Pixie!
DeleteUnfortunately you're a day late for an advance copy - the book went on sale this morning.
It is only £1.99/ $2.99 so if you still fancy it, it's available at
UK = http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0080FCR2G/
US = http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0080FCR2G/
If you're in an area Amazon don't have copies available, let us know and we'll ping you over a freebie.
Dan