Monday 30 June 2014

Why giving away my forthcoming novel to those who help promote is not going to hurt sales.

I once had someone get rather angry at me on Facebook for posting a page of a forthcoming poetry fanzine that I was in. I can't remember their exact words but it was something along the lines of: "How DARE you give away its content for free! How is the creator supposed to make money like that?"

Of course, I defended myself. I said that if you can't offer a free sample of your work, how are new readers supposed to discover you and know if they like you?

People are allowed to browse a bookstore, pick up a book, and look inside to see if it's something they might like to buy. Why should we prevent people from having the same experience if they're browsing online?

We shouldn't. And I've taken this idea even further.

If you follow this blog, or are connected with me via Facebook or Twitter, or are subscribed to my newsletter, you may have noticed that I am giving away an e-copy of my forthcoming novel, WHITE LADY, to every single person who signs up to my Blog/Facebook tour this October. I'm also giving away an e-copy of the book to one commenter on each of these Blogs/Facebook pages during the tour.

So far, in one week, I've had 70 people sign up. So already, I'm giving away 140 free copies of my book. And the sign up form is going to be open until the end of September. If 70 people have signed up in one week, there is a potential of giving away almost 1700 copies of my book by the end of October. (I very much doubt the number will grow that high, but I can't ignore the possibility.)

"What the HELL?" you're saying? "You could have made at least half of those in sales! What the flip are you doing?"

What am I doing? I'll tell you what I'm doing ...

Not only does this mean there is a potential of getting 1700 book reviews early on in the WHITE LADY release, but there is also the potential for people, who have never heard of me, reading those reviews and buying the book. If only 10% of those people read and review the book, that's still 170 reviews (not a number to be laughed at), and I'm still going to have my book cover and its blurb splashed over a potential 850 blogs and Facebook pages in October (also not a number to be laughed at).

And guess what?
  1. I'm saving myself the cost of paying for a blog tour company.
  2. I'm saving myself the cost of NetGalley, ($400 to list a book on their database for anyone who's interested to download it at no cost. Isn't what I'm doing the exact same thing? Only it's not costing me anything, is it!?)
  3. I'm saving myself the cost of other online advertising, because I'm pretty sure I'm going to get plenty of that by just doing this for the time being. Of course, I may purchase advertising for the Xmas holiday season, but I definitely will not purchase anything for its release.
And guess what else?

I don't like taking things from people without giving them something in return. And I think giving them a copy of the book that they are signing up to advertise is the least I can do. And giving it to them, without pressuring them to read and review it is even better.

There's nothing worse than having the "I must read and review this book" pressure hanging over our heads nowadays. I don't like it when it's expected of me, and I end up feeling stressed. So why would anyone else like it? We all have so much going on in our lives. I really think it's too much to ask.

So, the more I give away, the more chance there is of someone CHOOSING to read and review it. And to be honest, if someone CHOOSES to read and review a book, there is a bigger chance of them enjoying it and giving it a good review, because they have picked up a book they are interested in.

What do you think? Would you do what I'm doing, even if it meant giving away thousands of copies?

Okay, now have at me with your arguments as to why I should not be doing this. But if you tell me that FREE degrades the value of books, I'm just going to point you toward the fabulous guest post this Wednesday for The Artist Unleashed, by Susan Kaye Quinn, called USING FREE SAMPLES TO INCREASE SALES: FICTION AND NON-FICTION, and tell you to think again.

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EASY TWEET:
Why giving away her novel 2 ppl who help promote won't hurt sales—via @MsBessieBell http://bit.ly/1rOPS9P #bookmarketing #selfpub #promotip
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PS: If you'd like to sign up to the tour and receive a free copy of WHITE LADY, you can do so by clicking HERE. It's a no-fuss, hassle-free tour, in which I will just send you the post (each will be short, but unique), and you copy and paste it into your blog or facebook page on an October day of your choice.

Have a great week!

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Wednesday 25 June 2014

The Artist Unleashed: WRITING THE SECOND NOVEL by Carol Cooper

The Artist Unleashed posts have moved to a new domain. Please click HERE to read the rest of this post and for the opportunity to comment. Just search for the title of the post in the search bar on the new site.

Tuesday 24 June 2014

In which I dirty my mind (and yours) with sex, drugs, coarse language, and violence.

So guess what? I'm actually prepared for the launch of my next novel well in advance. Since 2011, I've just been releasing my books and then telling everyone about them.

But this time I'm going to be a bit more strategic, because this book is special (as it's not my usual fare). It's a psychological thriller (or what is commonly termed nowadays as "domestic chiller" or "chick noir") and I have very high hopes for it!

If you are interested, would you like to sign up to the blog tour which will take place in October this year? Everyone who signs up will receive a free e-copy of the book, and you will also have the opportunity to offer a free copy to one of your blog readers as well.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION AND THE SIGN UP FORM. 

​Here is the book trailer:




Here is the blurb:

Sonia yearns for sharp objects and blood. But now that she’s rehabilitating herself as a “normal” mother and mathematics teacher, it’s time to stop dreaming about slicing people's throats.

While being the wife of Melbourne’s leading drug lord, and simultaneously dating his best mate, is not ideal, she’s determined to make it work.

It does work. Until Mia, her lover’s daughter, starts exchanging saliva with her son, Mick. They plan to commit a crime behind Sonia’s back. It isn’t long before she finds out and gets involved to protect them.

But is protecting the kids really Sonia’s motive?

Hope your week is off to a great start!


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Wednesday 18 June 2014

The Artist Unleashed: HOW TO USE MUSIC TO AMP UP EMOTION IN YOUR WRITING, by PK Hzero

The Artist Unleashed posts have moved to a new domain. Please click HERE to read the rest of this post and for the opportunity to comment. Just search for the title of the post in the search bar on the new site.

Tuesday 17 June 2014

Live Q&A with New York literary agent, Katharine Sands, TODAY. You comin'?

PictureAt 11 a.m. EDT, I will be hosting a live Q&A with New York literary agent, Katharine Sands, about all things writing, publishing (even self-publishing!) and Homeric Writers' Retreat & Workshop related. On my Facebook profile.

How it works is, I tag her in the post, and we have a live conversation in the comments section. What's even cooler about this is, that YOU get to ask her questions in the comments section too!

So, if you've got any questions for Katharine, even if they're about self-publishing alone and nothing to do with retreats, drop by for a chat! You're very welcome.

Please note, this is a bit of a publicity stunt to draw attention to the retreat I run, but Katharine is fully aware that the questions will not only be retreat-related. She's happy to chat to you about anything you like.
See you then? 11 a.m. EDT!

Just drop by my Facebook profile at 11 a.m. EDT, and you will see where we are. :-)

Please share! Just copy/paste this tweet:

Drop by Jessica Bell's FB page 4 a live #QnA w- NY lit agent Katharine Sands! 11 a.m. EDT! http://ow.ly/y7qiw #writing #askagent
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By the way, I'm going to be participating in a The Writing Retreat Blog Hop this Friday. It's a fun and simple challenge to list what you'd pack for a writing retreat. Those tagged to post should do so within 3 days of being tagged, so that would be next Monday for you. If you'd like to be tagged, please leave a comment and I'll send you more info! The very first blogger to post, will be Debbie Young, today. So if you want to check out the deal, you can do so by clicking here.

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Friday 13 June 2014

Writing retreat in stunning Greek setting: LAST PLACES AVAILABLE! Get in quick!

The Homeric Writers' Retreat & Workshop invites participants to their very own private odyssey on the island of Ithaca—a retreat focused on riveting one's writing through an immersive and intimate Homeric journey. This much-anticipated event will take place August 1-7, 2014.


What better place for this unique experience than this beautiful Greek island that is truly a writer’s haven. Ithaca remains unspoiled by the modern world. Even in the height of summer you can find a secluded beach or a rustic corner to contemplate your thoughts. On Ithaca you'll discover the island’s rich culture and the reason why it holds such a special place in the hearts of those who have visited its shores.

Attendees will be thrilled to learn that guest Katherine Sands, well known New York literary agent, and Debbie Young, a self-publishing expert, will be speaking at this year’s retreat, and attendees will not only have an opportunity to spend quality one-on-one time with them, but will also benefit from group workshops.

Attendees will enjoy special excursions, including a guided walk to Homer's School, dinners, complimentary cocktails by the sea, village sightseeing, and a traditional dance festival. The clear blue seas and lush green valleys and mountains are home to one of the friendliest communities in Greece and the Homeric Writers’ Retreat & Workshop!

Retreat Attendees will receive:
  • Expert instruction on all topics of traditional publishing and self-publishing
  • A comprehensive critique of the first 50 pages of their work, a full query edit, and/or a synopsis or nonfiction book proposal critique
  • Market recommendations for their work
  • Free books on writing
  • 6 nights at Nostos Hotel, including buffet breakfast
  • A welcome and farewell dinner, various events and excursions
  • Gift hampers on arrival, filled with traditional Greek goods
To learn more about the writing retreat, please visit www.homericwriters.com.

However, anyone attending the Homeric Writers' Retreat & Workshop with a friend, sharing the same room, will receive an extra 250 Euros off each attendance fee. In fact, the bigger the group the larger the discount they may obtain. For more information, please contact the host of the event, Jessica Bell, at: homericwriters@gmail.com.

Bookings close on July 1. Get in quick! :-)
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Wednesday 11 June 2014

The Artist Unleashed: WHY WRITERS NEED A THEME SONG, by Julia Tagliere

The Artist Unleashed posts have moved to a new domain. Please click HERE to read the rest of this post and for the opportunity to comment. Just search for the title of the post in the search bar on the new site.

Tuesday 10 June 2014

Downloading this FREE BOOK = a donation to the Los Angeles Youth Orchestra!

Heroes of Phenomena_Jennifer Redstreake Geary
Can you believe that the epic motion picture advertising music production house, audiomachine, will make a donation to the Los Angeles Youth Orchestra with every free download of the PHENOMENA album companion collection? It's true, and oh so generous!

Heroes of PHENOMENA is a global, cross-industry collaborative campaign encouraging the next generation of authors, artists & musicians!

A dedicated youth section showcases talented aspiring artists and authors from Elevate’s Life & Art Studios, alongside an amazing cast of inspiring industry professionals and the winning entries of PHENOMENA’s Epic Heroes Event!

I’m thrilled to announce the ebook anthology is FREE on SmashwordsKobo! Available for $0.99 on Amazon. *help us push Amazon to price-match by reporting the FREE listings*

Inside you'll find a short story of mine alongside the work of these fabulous authors: Alex J. Cavanaugh, Amy Michele, C. Lee McKenzie, Crystal Collier, Darynda Jones, M. Pax, Ruth Long and Susan Kaye Quinn.

Coming soon to iTunes & B&N!

Here is the book trailer created by the writing students from Elevate Life & Art Studios which blends the music of PHENOMENA with the boundless creativity of the next generation—inspiring their peers in a humorous tribute to authors, musicians, artists and dreamers.


What are you waiting for? Download it now!

KOBO (FREE)
SMASHWORDS (FREE)
AMAZON ($0.99)


Daniel Pennystone
ms. annegirl
Brennah Whiteside
Carter Lundgren
Braelyn Whiteside
Emma Schneider
Caleb Lotz


Sarah Aisling
Alayna Fairman
Nitish Raina
Melissa Muhlenkamp
Ryo Ishido
Lukas Jurco
Camille Cabezas
Elizabeth Ann Watts

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Wednesday 4 June 2014

The Artist Unleashed: THE ROAD MAP TO “THE END”: MIND-MAPPING YOUR NOVEL by Sandra Schwab

The Artist Unleashed posts have moved to a new domain. Please click HERE to read the rest of this post and for the opportunity to comment. Just search for the title of the post in the search bar on the new site.