The Wednesday Word

Author To Author’s Newsletter                                                    

December 4, 2013

Writing & Publishing Tips

 

Hello, December!

The holiday season is officially upon us. No doubt we will all be very busy in the coming weeks with festivities, get-togethers, family visits, and of course, shopping!

As if we won't be busy enough with all of the day to day activities that the upcoming holidays require of us, our jobs as authors can also take on a different form during the next few weeks.

What can you do as an author to help get your readers in the holiday spirit?

There's plenty, none of which may seem as though they will get attention in the midst of the holiday madness. However, you might be surprised by what a few simple actions on your part can do to spread some festive cheer among your readers and perhaps even add a few new members to your existing audience.

1.) Have a Holiday Sale

This is easy enough to accomplish. Choose a few dates on which a novel or two of yours will be available at a discounted price. We are all looking for deals around the holidays and your readers will be thankful for the discount you are offering. Don't forget to advertise it so that you can reach as many people as possible. Work within your budget, you don't have to purchase internet ads to get attention for your sale. Spread the word to readers, other authors, and as many bloggers as you can. Most of these people will be glad to pass on the savings to their audience. Don't forget to include links and preformatted code for those willing to share. They are doing you a favor and you should make their job as easy as possible.

2.) Host a Giveaway

If people love saving money, they love freebies even more! Giveaways are a fun and easy way to gain new readership and simply make someone else's day a little brighter. Sites like www.rafflecopter.com and social media make it easy to handle a large number of entrants. As with a sale, spread the word through authors, readers, and bloggers in your network.

3.) Publish a Christmas Story

This might be a bit last minute for this year, but that doesn't mean you can't get started on a nice Christmas novella for next year while you are in the cozy holiday mood! Many readers enjoy Christmas stories that carry a sweet and heartfelt theme. Otherwise, why would Hallmark be so successful in the many ooey-gooey, make-your-heart-melt, holiday-themed movies produced each year? Don't lie to yourself, you know you love them too!

Lastly, and this one might be difficult even if it sounds easy...

4.) Be Merry!

The holidays can bring quite a bit of stress into our lives. Financial issues, family troubles, and simply being busy can drain you. Don't let that shine through to your readers. Try to remember that many people go through rough times during the holidays, your positive attitude and sense of fun might impact the mood of those around or connected to you. Spreading a positive message of cheerfulness might just make one of your readers have a better day. This is not only beneficial to you as an author, but as a human being as well. Helping others, no matter how small the act, always brings with it a sense of accomplishment. Doing the right thing never feels wrong. Don't be a scrooge!

 

By Author to Author Member and Contributor, Andrea Goodson. You can learn more about Andrea on her website, www.andreagoodson.wordpress.com

Exciting News for Author to Author Group Members

Sydney Logan's Giveaway & New Release

Sydney Logan has published another holiday story! The Little Drummer Boy is currently available on Amazon! Visit Sydney's website to enter her giveaway for a $10.00 Amazon gift card and a hand-crafted bracelet! The contest closes December 6th, so get moving! http://www.sydneylogan.com/2013/11/giveaway-little-drummer-boy-by-sydney.html

Win a Kindle Paperwhite

Authors Sydney Logan and T.M Franklin are hosting a giveaway for a Kindle Paperwhite or a $100.00 Amazon Giftcard! Visit their websites to enter, the contest goes until December 6th! www.tmfranklin.com www.sydneylogan.com

 

Malfunction Erotica Hosts Giveaway

Enter to win one of over 50 prizes! visit the website for your chance to win! http://houseofmalfunction.com/2013/12/01/malfunction-erotica-c-w-book-reviews-xmas-giveaway-2013/

Wednesday's Weird Word

Banausic

Definition: Mundane or simply functional.

Savvy Savings

Riverbend: The Collection

99 Cents

By Andrea Goodson

http://www.amazon.com/Riverbend-Collection-Andrea-Goodson-ebook/dp/B00FE5BTLK


Holiday Hijinx

99 Cent

By Roxy Queen

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GZ01RRO

Thank you for reading this week's edition of Author to Author's, The Wednesday Word! Visit us again next week for more news and savings to refresh your bookish pleasures! As always, feel free to share and spread the word!