I’m inordinately fond of twenty-three people. Who are they? Here are some clues:
* They’ve read a mystery.
* They know how to use the Internet.
* They can follow directions.
* They liked my first book enough to want to read the second book in the series.
Did you guess? These twenty-three people took the time to visit my website after reading For Better, For Murder and click on the link to request an email announcing the release of For Richer, For Danger.
Now you may be thinking “twenty-three people—big deal.” Well, it’s a big deal to me for a few reasons.
First, that’s twenty-three more times than I ever requested a similar announcement from another author and I’m a voracious reader.
Second, rumor has it Janet Evanovich once said she became a bestseller by telling five of her friends about her books and asking them to tell five of their friends and so on. I’m starting twenty-three voices ahead when my second book comes out, and whatever I can do to be like Janet is okay with me.
Third, these twenty-three people are independent confirmation readers visit my website. New authors are told they must have a website, but it’s hard to measure the return on investment. For a while, I watched the statistics to see if anyone visited. They looked encouraging. Then my daughter told me her best friend logged onto my site repeatedly to watch my book trailer. So much for statistics.
Finally, these twenty-three people approached me about the mailing list. They didn’t write me a check or participate in a drawing, inadvertently providing me with their address for future use. I didn’t automatically assume they would like to receive book announcements because they sent me an email about something else or joined the same group as me. They’re not on my Christmas card list [yet]. No, these people were excited about my first book and wanted to read more, excited enough to make the effort to seek out my website and send the email.
Now aren’t they fabulous?
Incidentally, For Richer, For Danger is now available for preorder!!
* They’ve read a mystery.
* They know how to use the Internet.
* They can follow directions.
* They liked my first book enough to want to read the second book in the series.
Did you guess? These twenty-three people took the time to visit my website after reading For Better, For Murder and click on the link to request an email announcing the release of For Richer, For Danger.
Now you may be thinking “twenty-three people—big deal.” Well, it’s a big deal to me for a few reasons.
First, that’s twenty-three more times than I ever requested a similar announcement from another author and I’m a voracious reader.
Second, rumor has it Janet Evanovich once said she became a bestseller by telling five of her friends about her books and asking them to tell five of their friends and so on. I’m starting twenty-three voices ahead when my second book comes out, and whatever I can do to be like Janet is okay with me.
Third, these twenty-three people are independent confirmation readers visit my website. New authors are told they must have a website, but it’s hard to measure the return on investment. For a while, I watched the statistics to see if anyone visited. They looked encouraging. Then my daughter told me her best friend logged onto my site repeatedly to watch my book trailer. So much for statistics.
Finally, these twenty-three people approached me about the mailing list. They didn’t write me a check or participate in a drawing, inadvertently providing me with their address for future use. I didn’t automatically assume they would like to receive book announcements because they sent me an email about something else or joined the same group as me. They’re not on my Christmas card list [yet]. No, these people were excited about my first book and wanted to read more, excited enough to make the effort to seek out my website and send the email.
Now aren’t they fabulous?
Incidentally, For Richer, For Danger is now available for preorder!!
10 comments:
I love your cover and I can't wait to read this book.
Yes, Lisa, it is FABULOUS! Before you know it, you won't have 23, you'll have 2,300 and growing!
I have a note on my website encouraging people to write and ask to be added to my e-mail newsletter, as well as a similar comment on my Amazon profile. It works!
Awesome, Lisa! "One reader at a time" is my motto.
Dru - Thanks! You're fabulous--but then you know that. It was great to meet you at Malice :)
Sue Ann - 2,300 is a worthy target!
Darrell - Fabulous motto!
I have been saving emails when people contact me from my web site but I have done nothing about writing a newsletter or sending an announcement. Thankfully, no one seems to have noticed...
Twenty-three is great! Momentum is building for a wonderful series.
Twenty three is a good start, on the road to 2300. (And it's approximately 22 more than have signed up on my website!)
Woot on the new release! Yeah, you have to wonder what the numbers really mean.
What a nice gift those people gave you, Lisa. It doesn't take much to make a person's day : just a note of encouragement and praise.
I hope the momentum builds for your novels until you are amazed at the results. Be sure and pass the kindness on, creating ripples of random acts of kindness.
You have a lovely blog and give a yet-to-be agented writer hope that it can be done, Roland
Gin - I will never commit to a newsletter. I will send them the promised announcement in September.
Thanks, Kathleen!
Alan, let's both strive for 2,300!
M - Thanks. I suppose the only number that really counts is copies sold.
Roland - Thanks!! You are too kind.
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