Thursday, February 21, 2013

Jerrie Alexander - Can you say promotion?



Linda, thank you for having me as your guest. I love your books and am thrilled to meet a few of your friends today.

Can you say promotion?

Tell me the truth...did you shiver? Writing, editing, and getting a book published was a daunting task. But in my innocence, I didn't grasp how overwhelming promotion could be until I was faced with getting my name in front of readers. I'm not timid but I am reserved (my critique partner tells me I'm private) until I get to know you. And not being an outgoing person, selling is as uncomfortable as dual root canals.

I knew before the book released I didn't intend to be that author who pops up on Facebook or Twitter, waves my arms in the air and shouts, "Buy my book, you know you want to."

I want to be accessible. Friends and readers should feel comfortable that if they like my fan page, stop by my blog, or sign up for my newsletter, I'm not going to bury them with reasons to rush out and buy my book. Whether it's my Monday blog, Facebook posts or Tweets, I try to keep my words interesting, light, informative and supportive.

I love helping my fellow writers, and on Wednesday, everyone knows they'll get a chance to discover a new book. But no pressure, we're grownups here. :)

I enjoy blog hops or guest posting where I get a chance to meet new people and have the chance to broaden my horizon.

Paid ads? I've done a couple but haven't been able to tell if they create an impact, so I shop around and make good use of my promotion budget. And yes, I said budget. :)

I honestly believe there is no magic formula for today writer. Most of us are expected to manage our own promotion. So I try to be honest and sincere. I work hard to keep my promise of producing a good, interesting story. Because if I can touch one reader with my written words all the promotion, ads, blogs, posts and tweets have been worth the effort.

This is a great chance to share ideas and thought. Have you found something that works? Didn't work?


Bio
A student of  creative writing in her youth, Jerrie set aside her passion when life presented her with a John Wayne husband, and two wonderful children.  A career in logistics offered her the opportunity to travel to many beautiful locations in America, and she revisits them in her romantic suspense novels. 

But the characters went with her, talked to her, and insisted she share their dark, sexy stories with others.  She writes alpha males and kick-ass women who weave their way through death and fear to emerge stronger because of, and on occasion in spite of, their love for each other.  She likes to torture people, make them suffer, and if they’re strong enough, they live happily ever after.

Jerrie lives in Texas, loves sunshine, children’s laughter, sugar (human and granulated), and researching for her heroes and heroines.

Social media:
http://www.jerriealexander.com - website
http://www.jerriealexander.com/category/blog/
http://www.twitter.com/jerriealexander
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jerrie-Alexander /121521571355959?ref=hl


Blurb for HELL or HIGH WATER

Release 2-22-13
When ex-SEAL Nate Wolfe learns a woman from his past is in danger, nothing will stop him from protecting her. Not even her.

Dallas Child Protection Services Investigator Kay Taylor doesn't want or need Nate in her life. But he doesn't seem to understand the word no. And he seems to have forgotten the brand he left on her heart.

When her friend is kidnapped, Kay will do whatever it takes to find her, even if it means allying with the one man she can't trust.

And when Kay is taken and sold to a monster, the devil himself couldn't stop Nate from doing whatever it takes to find her.

Excerpt from HELL or HIGH WATER

A chill slammed into her. Again, somebody’s eyes on her sent a shiver up her arms. She whirled.

            A black Harley was parked down the block. She paused at the rear of the car and stared at the rider. Odd that he’d parked away from the funeral crowd and sat there watching. Damn, the black visor didn’t stop the burn as his gaze bore down on her. Her breath caught. Was this the man who’d saved her? Wearing a black leather jacket and matching helmet, the man sat motionless.
            
            She started toward him, and the rider stepped off the bike. If this was her ninja, she’d demand answers after she thanked him. He turned his back to her and then removed the helmet. His fingers wound through shoulder-length black hair, tying the strands together with a piece of leather. There was something vaguely familiar about him. His movements. His shoulders. His hands.

            He turned to face her, and her heart rate raced toward the ozone.
            “Hello, Kaycie.”

            Ten years of missing Nate Wolfe boiled over. He was here. Really here. She sprang into his arms, clutched his broad shoulders and leaned into his hard-as-a-rock chest. God, his scent, a mixture of leather, woodsy cologne and virile man washed over her. Damn. Her body betrayed her by melting into him.

            “Nate,” she whispered into his neck. “You saved me.” Her flesh heated when his large hands flexed against the small of her back and drew her closer.

            “Come hell or high water,” he whispered, his warm breath sending heat streaks across her skin.

A split-second passed before memories of his lying tongue using that same phrase so many years ago hit her. A volcano of heartbreak erupted and spewed forth. 

            “Don’t touch me,” she spit the words at him while scrambling out of reach. “And don’t you dare say that to me. Ever.”

            “You hugged me.” His eyes went wide and he held his hands up in surrender.

            Damn him and his Cheshire cat grin. Kay plowed her right fist into his jaw. God, pain shot up her arm. His head barely moved. Still, she relished the snap of his teeth. Obviously, she didn’t hit him hard enough. He rubbed his scruffy jaw while that sexy little smile inched right back up his cheeks.

Blurb for The GREEN-EYED DOLL

Available for purchase or download from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, ARE and KOBO

Catherine McCoy is on the run. For the past year, she’s been on the move, hiding the secrets and guilt in her heart. When she lands in small-town Texas and meets Sheriff Matt Ballard, he ignites a flame she thought lost forever.

Matt has scars of his own. He left the big city after an undercover operation went bad and his partner was killed. Now, as Matt hunts for a serial killer who paints his victims’ faces like porcelain dolls, Catherine becomes a safe haven for him. Two tortured souls finding comfort in each other's arms—until he uncovers her secret, and their bond of trust is broken.

When Catherine disappears, Matt races to find her, fearing the murderer has found his next green-eyed doll. But the killer has a surprise coming. Catherine will fight to the death before she’ll be a victim again. Will her determination be enough?

Thank you for joining us today, Jerrie. I haven't red The Green-Eyed Doll yet but plan to do so soon. Readers, pick up your copy as The Green Eyed-Doll has gotten awesome reviews.    I expect Jerrie's Hell or High Water will also receive as much praise.

Please leave Jerrie a comment.

Thanks for Reading and Writing!

Linda
www.lindalaroque.com



26 comments:

  1. It's great to have you here, Jerrie! I apologize for the white background in places but could not get it removed. Both of your books sound awesome. Congratulations on both!

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  2. Sorry I'm late getting here today!! Had a few family issues come up that just wouldn't wait. Thank you Linda, I appreciate yo having me over today!

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  3. So true, Jerrie. Love the new cover too!

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    1. Antonia! Thank you for stopping by. I appreciate your support.

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  4. I hate to say this but the book has been pushed back a week! But it will be here before you know it.

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  5. Self promotion is a difficult task to tackle for sure. I do have paid ads, but like you, I have no clue if they are reaching my readers the way I want them to. I too am shy to wave my arms and scream at the top of my lungs every two minutes on Twitter and Facebook, and more importantly, I just don't have the time to. Between writing the next book, being in edits with another, producing book trailers and raising children, my Facebook and Twitter are used more to have fun with my books and friends rather than drown everyone in buy links. But I think a good balance of work and play is key. Remind people of your books, but also show them you are interested in their lives and stories.

    Great post. Thanks so much for sharing!

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  6. Theresa!(sheesh, I'm sorry if I spelled your name wrong) Great points. I can't do the waving arms either. I've seen your book trailer work and you are awesome! We may have to talk soon. :) Thank you for stopping by.

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  7. Hey, Linda. Love the look of this blog. (Even with the white spaces. LOL Funny how quirky these things can be.) Great post, Jerrie. Proud of you for getting out there a bit. Your writing is too good not to shout about. So tickled to read the excerpt of HELL OR HIGH WATER. (You do have the best titles!) Can't wait to read the whole thing. I've read more lately, about the importance of making those connections before you have a book to shout about, so when it comes out, people are already tuned into you. I love "FBing," but Tweeting is more difficult for me. I'm sure HELL will do as well or better than DOLL.

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    1. Thank you for saying so, Marsha. Yep, those white spaces have messed me up before and I can't figure out how to fix them.

      I agree, Jerrie's titles are awesome. I haven't had a chance to read either book but will soon. Trying to catch up!

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  8. Thank you, Marsha. I'm thrilled you enjoyed the excerpt! I have made some wonderful friends (like Linda) through social media. Like you and I, we don't try to sell our books but we do support each other.

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  9. Hey Jerrie and Linda, ya'll almost made me run away at the word "promotion". It's a really hard balance to not be in everyone's faces all the time, but you have a good handle on it.

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  10. Jerrie,
    Hell or High Water sounds fascinating. The cover is to die for and you must so thrilled. In so far as promotion, you're doing what needs to be done: writing and writing well. Congrats on another splendid novel.

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    1. Susan, you are right. I'm thrilled with the cover. Etopia really listens to their authors wishes. Thank you for the kind words, I appreciate your support.

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  11. Clover, I'm glad you stood your ground and came to visit. Promotion is the hardest part!

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  12. Hey Jerrie,
    I face the same problems with marketing. I like to use FB and Twitter for chatting and promoting other people's works, but feel really embarrassed to toot my own horn. I haven't tried any paid ads, but have wondered about them. I heard the best marketing is to keep writing and getting published so that's what I'm focused on.
    Congrats on book #2! Please come back to Little Read Hens and tell us about it!

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    1. Thank you Larissa! I love to tweet and FB for other writer's that I love their books too. Thank you and I'll be in touch!

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  13. Same with me. As a newbie I ask myself "how much is too much" and "how little is too little". I'm sure I've spent more on my debut release than I probably should have. I'm still trying to find the right balance between writing, promo and the rest of my life. I do know I'm spending far more time on promo than I should be. Some of it I have fun with. I like the interviews and the blog hops. But I don't like putting my own name out there and tooting my own horn either. Too shy for that :)

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  14. Anne, The Green-Eyed Doll is my first book so I with you on the newbie side. There are no hard and fast rules and I think we have to go with what works for us. I've spent more on promo with this book that I should have. Maybe the investment will pay off down the road.
    Good luck and thanks for coming by!

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  15. Linda, thank you for having me as your guest. I enjoyed visiting!

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  16. The only times Facebook or Twitter have worked for me have been when a fellow David Cook or Supernatural fan discovered I was an author and bought a book. I announce my new releases, but it doesn't seem to do much good.
    This is the first year I've decided to actually spend money on advertising. I'm currently running an ad on Goodreads. Over 8000 views and only 5 clicks (Thank goodness you only pay for the clicks!) but it's inexpensive, and too soon to know if it is doing any good.
    The best promo I've ever done are contests with other authors. People love giveaways and when you group authors together, you all bring your own readers to the table. It really works. I've run a contest doing that twice in the past and our sales all went up for that period. I'm trying to organize it again this year after not doing it the past two years (personal things came up and I couldn't) but the author response is lagging this year :(
    Honestly, I think the best way to increase sales is: Have a good amount of work out there, have an awesome cover (people really do judge a book by its cover), and just try to get your name out there as much as possible.

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  17. I am so excited about your new release, Jerrie! The blurb on Hell or High Water is intriguing and the cover is phenomenal. With your success with The Green-Eyed Doll, I'm sure you have many readers, just like me, who are anxiously waiting to get their hands on this new book. Congrats on all of this...along with your future successes!

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  18. Jerrie, Your writing is superb. Isn't it amazing that no matter how good we are, without promotion our books just sit there. I've heard lately that the place to be is Google +, so I'm trying to be more active there, though I'm convinced that readers read blogs and so try to keep myself on mine and guesting on others much as I can. There I try to share information rather than wave my arms and yell buy my book. Loved that.

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  19. So excited to read both of the releases, Jerrie! My head is all a-whirl with promotion, marketing, getting the words out, but I've found if I try to stop stressing, feel my way through so I'm comfortable, it shows in both my enjoyment and everyone else I manage to reach. "Try" being the operative word, of course, about so many things! Best of luck to you in your endeavors!

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  20. New book sounds wonderful Jerrie and I love the cover. Congratulations on both releases!

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  21. I haven't found any one particular thing works. I think it's constant exposure of my name that is responsible for my sales climbing. Also, I hope that means readers like my books once they try them. ☺ I dislike promotion, but it's necessary if we want sales. All I ever wanted to do was just write.

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