When I first started publishing my stories in 2010 the formula was simple. Publish more books. I did great. But, in the fast moving, ever-changing landscape of digital publishing the rules change. I didn’t do any marketing, I just wrote. Now, I have to market to keep up with the competition. No matter how good your work is it’s not enough if you can’t get it on the digital shelves for others to view. So, as I try to follow other writers I’ve learned new ways for a successful launch.
This is where you come in because I need my elite readers that I’ve done my best to stay in touch with. Think of this as a marketing experiment. Normally, I put a story out for pre-order on Amazon. Not this time. This time I’ll send a post to my subscribers (you), letting you know the book is out. The Scarab’s Curse is a 20k word novella, and it will be .99 cents the first few days. If and I hope, hundreds of you will buy it. This will shoot it up on the bestseller charts. (But at that price my commission is half) It will get a new story the exposure it needs. After a few days, I’ll then put the story on the Kindle Unlimited program. (Many of you have that). But the cost goes up to 2.99 because that’s Amazon’s rules. With the book high on the charts new readers will grab it. Oh, and post reviews as soon as you can too! Let me know if you want a beta read. Scarab is at the editor now.
Dollars and sense: Between the cover and editing, I have $500 invested in this story. It would be great to break even the first month. Being a one shot short story, it won’t be a bread winner, but it’s going to be a blast to read. Writing stories isn’t about money with me, it’s about entertaining, but I still run it like a business. And I like to write stories on my different ideas. I just need to squeeze them in. Now, I should be applying this strategy to my new series Squawk, but I already set it up for pre-order. Bummer. Hey, marketing is not my forte’ but I have to learn to survive.
With all of that, I hope you help me out. If you want others to know about my books this is the best way to do it. And going forward, I’ll be doing this with other new series, so you can get a super deal on a new book. Please, email or comment. craig@thedarkslayer.com The curse should be out late Feb or Early March.
Fight or Die,
Halloran
This is what I feel like when I’m trapped in a webinar!
Count me in, looking forward to the new release!
I look forward to reading The Scarabs Curse. I have always been a love story reader, satisfying, but predictable for the most part. Then I decided to check out The Chronicles Of Dragon. Wow! While I am waiting for the next book in series 2 of that series, I will be reading more of Craig’s books, he is definitely one of my all time favorite authors. He opened a whole new world of reading for me.
I so enjoy your book and those I have read I have left my reviews on Amazon. I would love to read this new book so bring it on and whenever you post on Facebook I will share it with my friends!
Will definitely buy it and read it. I I’m all excited and can’t wait to read it.
I would very much like to buy and read the scarab’s curse. When and where can I purchase it?
i will read it as soon as it is available.
As a rabid fan and avid reader, having read everything else you’ve written, I will DEFINITELY be reading this as well. Best wishes Craig. I talk up your work whenever I can.
Let me know when it’s live. Love your work.
As always, you can count on me, you’re stories have yet to disapoint.
Sounds like a plan! I’ll definitely buy it Craig! Can’t wait ….
Suffering sulphur have faith
I’m in! !! You are awesome…
looks like a riot, I am there sir! keep em coming
You KNOW I’ll be buying it, for sure. Your fantasy writing is epic in my opinion.
I’ll be contacting right after this is posted.
Meg
Bring it on. Greetings from the UK!!
You are at the top of my author list. Your stories are top notch and highly entertaining…bold characters…fantastic worlds…dastardly villains.
I’ll read anything by the great mr halloran !! Eagerly awaiting Squawk !! Pre ordered the next two dragon books !! Fight or Die !!
I love reading your books. Can’t wait to get my hands on it.
Can’t wait to read it. Soon as it gets ready I will purchase it!!!!!
Will have to buy and read this one!
Thanks!
I would like to suggest that as a marketing technique, that when you send out a request for readers that you include a brief synopsis of the basics of the book. I have read and enjoyed and highly reviewed A couple of dozen of your books. I am and if I knew what the book or a new series was about. enthusiastic fan . Some of your series don’t resonate with my interests. I would be far more interested if I knew what the book or a new series was about.
Very helpful Galvin! I’m working on that. Sometimes descriptions give too much away and I like to have many surprises. However, I’m changing this technique a bit. I’m working on better one line synopsis as well. For example, my new book Squawk, “A headstrong boy bonds with a peculiar dragon in a dangerous post-apocalyptic world.”
Hey, you know that if you wrote it, I will read it.😊
Looking forward to this Scarab’s Curse !! Sounds fantastic and I am sure it will be that and then some .
A great rollicking read just ordered the next book