Word of Mouth

 

I haven’t had great luck with Facebook Ads. Maybe for some authors, they make a tremendous difference. And blog tours are great for getting the word out about a book. But for me, the most effective way, my favorite way, to find and engage new readers has to be word of mouth. There is nothing better than hearing one reader say they heard about my books from someone who loved them so much they had to share.

Like this message from Shamika of Sticky Reads to her friend.

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Or this one. I stumbled across this Goodreads review from a new reader. In the comments, I saw she found me from Cristal’s recommendation. Cristal loved book 1 so much, she went on strike at 75% when she realized it was a cliffhanger. She wouldn’t finish until Down to My Soul released! I call it my fave DNF ever. 🙂

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And one of my favorites? A reviewer, TeriLyn, reviewed my debut novel, When You Are Mine. She has read and reviewed every book I’ve written. At some point she started shouting about my writing. Next thing I know, her friend Jx Pink Lady is 6-starring My Soul to Keep, and barreling through my entire backlist. Then their friend Irene from The Literary Gossip reads and shouts. Then, bringing up the rear, I call Deanna PinkLady the “caboose” because she was the last of their little #BookwormCrew to read my books, and now she reads and shouts. Love these ladies.

My point is that readers trust other readers. So I’ve designed a giveaway for, not only those who review, but for those who rave, called “Word of Mouth: A Raving Readers Campaign.”

Here’s how it works:

  1. Post your review of My Soul to Keep and/or Down to My Soul on a retail site. (So if it’s only on Goodreads, just copy and paste it to Amazon or whatever retailer you use). ONLY THOSE WHO REVIEW ARE ELIGIBLE FOR ALL PRIZES.
  2. Tell a friend! If you loved the book, tell at least one person you think would enjoy it, too. Or if you’ve already told a friend(s), tell them about this giveaway so they can post their review, and maybe reward you for shouting.
  3. Let me know who told you! There is a space on the entry form asking if someone recommended the book(s) to you. If someone told you about the book, put their name there as a RAVER. I’ll draw winners from the REVIEW and RAVE columns. If you review, you have a chance to win. If you rave and your friends let me know, it increases your chances to win!

*Remember, ONLY those who link to their review in the form are eligible.

Here’s the FORM to enter! I’ll draw FOUR winners on Friday, May 6!