Excuse me if I do a little *squee*!
I came home this morning from a bit o’ breakfast with my hubby (aka Music Man) and found a completely unexpected surprise on my doorstep: a box of ARCs of my first book, Beyond the Night.
So, of course, I have to give some away. But since this website is so new, no one knows about it.
Any ideas about how to spread the word? I’ll pick three people from commenters below who give me some good ideas on how to get the word out.
July 24th, 2009 at 3:11 pm
I’ll tweet, and I can even try and figure out a facebook message thing… That good enough?
Congrats! This looks really cool!
July 24th, 2009 at 3:13 pm
I’ve just seen this on twitter and will definitely be popping back there to re-tweet it.
They look lovely! If you are sending any abroad, I would love the chance to win.
Liz in London
July 24th, 2009 at 3:16 pm
I want an arc! The book sounds awesome.
Evelyn
July 24th, 2009 at 3:18 pm
Tweeting is a good way and also if you have friends with more popular blogs get them to link to you to get word out.
July 24th, 2009 at 3:21 pm
[...] Here’s the link. [...]
July 24th, 2009 at 3:26 pm
Twitter and facebook were some great ideas given. Also, friends can list it on their blogs. That’s one of the ways I find new books to read. Someone mentions the author’s blog and I go take a look.
July 24th, 2009 at 3:58 pm
Twitter in my opinion is the fastest way to get the word around.
July 24th, 2009 at 4:11 pm
I’ll blog it for the weekend.
But I agree, Twitter is probably the fastest way to get the word out. That and Facebook.
July 24th, 2009 at 4:33 pm
this book sounds awesome!
I see others have already mentioned Facebook and Twitter, the latter being the way I found out about your book (Diana Peterfreund tweeted about it).
I’d also consider setting up a Goodreads page, if you haven’t already.
http://www.goodreads.com/
July 24th, 2009 at 4:42 pm
YAY for new awesome website, name and ARCS. I cannot wait to read your new series.
Congrats and kudos.
Twitter is the best way to go. Start a new twitter account with your Josh Ware name. Or perhaps do a few guest posts on blog introducing yourself.
July 24th, 2009 at 4:52 pm
Clearly you are already doing the Facebook thing, and some have mentioned other people’s blogs, but how about book reviewer blogs? I know this one I go to doesn’t usually do romance, she seems to normally do YA stuff, but it’s called bookshelves of doom, and I often check out her blog to see what she’s read and has to say about it, it’s pretty interesting. Also, I’m pretty sure that there’s romance book review blog I actually learned about when I met Colleen Gleason at a B&N.
Oh, back to FB, my friend on FB once started at discussion forum for invited and approved participants only – our topic was the TV show Lost, but I bet you could start one for upcoming romance releases where fans could stop by to discuss their favorites!
And I would love an ARC if you have one to spare, only because I’m so excited about the new series that I’m not sure I can wait until January 2010!
July 24th, 2009 at 4:52 pm
Tweeting and Facebook are effective. I’m planning to do a “Feature Author” profile of you in this weekends “Urban Fantasy Weekend Report” on my blog. I discovered your site earlier in the week via Colleen Gleason’s blog.
July 24th, 2009 at 4:58 pm
I’ve noticed that Tweeting and Facebook can be effective. Another way is to contact review blogs and see if they won’t put up a promo piece for you. Darque Reviews, SciFiGuy, Amberkatze Reviews and Alpha Heroes have all done it in the past (as have I and I did for you already). I’m sure there are a ton more out there who would too. Others I can think of are Babbling for Books, Smart Bitches, Lurv a la Mood
July 24th, 2009 at 5:03 pm
I will tweet and my space it plus put it onmy reader/author yahoo loop. Love Romances and mOre does stuff like that well for a review site.
Dawn R.
July 24th, 2009 at 5:15 pm
Hey! I think Facebook is the way to spread the word…that’s where I saw it! The new series sounds great. I’d love to win one of the ARCs.
July 24th, 2009 at 5:45 pm
Now that you have my attention (allbeit, a bit confused) would love an ARC of _Beyond the Night_!!!
Wishing you all the best!!!
July 24th, 2009 at 5:55 pm
I think having people blog, tweet, etc is the best way to spread the word.
July 24th, 2009 at 6:11 pm
Thank you all for your suggestions! I appreciate the tweets and re-tweets.
Wish I had enough ARCs for everyone who’s stopped by–but, alas, I don’t. :-/
However, if you’re from a review blog that regularly gets ARCs from Avon, feel free to request one through your regular channels–I know publicity has more ARCs than I do.
(If you don’t get regular ARCs from Avon, contact me and I’ll put you in touch with them.)
Anyone who has a blog who’d be willing to do a promo piece on me and the new series, I’m all over that. Email me directly through the Contact Page and I’ll answer any questions you have.
Anyone who feels like tweeting or Facebooking, I’m super appreciative and will keep you in mind for future contests.
Thanks all for your support! This new series is really fun and different, and I hope you all like it!
July 24th, 2009 at 6:19 pm
I would love an ARC. You can guest blog on some friend’s blogs. I saw you on Twitter so that is worksing.
July 24th, 2009 at 6:28 pm
Twitter (I’ll tweet), Getting it on blogs (I’ll add it to mine now). Your fans love you so word of mouth is the best!
July 24th, 2009 at 6:39 pm
Hi Joss. I have done it all but right now the most bang for your buck is twitter. Tweeting gets the word out to soo many in a blip of time. I will also post on my blog… hockeyvampiress.blogspot.com I have posted a few authors links there, I am sure you know one or two, LOL and would love to add yours to it. I can\’t wait to get my hands on this book and to get an arc would be greatly appreciated. I would place it right between my auto copies of B by H and ASF…. LOL
July 24th, 2009 at 6:40 pm
Yay, i’m so glad to see the new site! I’ll get the news out by doing what i always do….TELLING EVERYONE I KNOW!!! My friends are constantly bombarded with the “OMG, you MUST read this book.” Would LOVE an ARC.
July 24th, 2009 at 6:55 pm
I will tell darkdanita heeheehee
July 24th, 2009 at 6:56 pm
The fastest way of getting it out is word of mouth, or in case on the internet world, word of the fingers.
Have people tweet it on twitter, post it on myspace’s blogger and bullentin board, face book, on the many book groups out there (yahoo groups), and by having people tell their friends and family in IMs or emails.
July 24th, 2009 at 7:04 pm
Other than using Twitter and Facebook, have you tried the giveaways through Librarything.com?
Also, I suggest you sign a few copies and post the book to BookCrossing.
Ask people to mention the book in their blogs and send you the link. Pick one or two of these blogs and award the writer a copy…under one condition, they must write a short review for the book on Amazon(or something) and pass the book to someone else who will do the same and continue the process.
@MaureenJohnson gives away a lot of ARC through her twitter…look at what she’s done in the past. She has some fantastic ideas.
Most importantly, be original and have fun!
July 24th, 2009 at 7:13 pm
tweet. Facebook it. Send Arcs to other authors so that they can tweet and blog about the book.
July 24th, 2009 at 7:51 pm
As others have said: Twitter is the way to go. A retweet within the readers community there brings your website all over the world.
I’m in the Netherlands and it’s reached me, so go figure. It’s the quickest way of word to mouth these days.
Oh and having other others blog about it and doing give aways of your books works too. Have discovered many new to me authors through favorite authors that way.
July 24th, 2009 at 9:13 pm
Sometimes authors give extra entries for posting and friending on facebook, myspace and other social network sites.
July 24th, 2009 at 9:57 pm
Wow…what a surprise…and kind of freaky timing, huh?!?
Well…’tweet’ was the first thought that came to my mind(even though I’ve never tweeted!
I was already mentioning the books the old fashioned way at work today…so, um even though I don’t have a fabulous idea…I did get the word out!
So, can I just shamelessly beg!!!
This is so exciting!!!
July 24th, 2009 at 10:26 pm
[...] Ware is giving away ARCs of Beyond the Night in exchange for ideas on how to get word of her novel [...]
July 24th, 2009 at 10:29 pm
Hi Joss, I popped in to say hello…Colleen Gleason sent me…wink, wink…anyway…there have been a lot of wonderful suggestions here for getting the word out…as a reader, I often check out the blogs of my fav authors…they usually have some wonderful suggestions…that is how I found Colleen, and now how I found you. Good luck and congratulations on your first book…
It is uncanny, how you bear some resemblance to Colleen in your pic…probably never heard that one before…lol
Peace and love,
Paula R.
July 24th, 2009 at 10:51 pm
I’m always looking for new authors to read and follow many authors blogs!
July 24th, 2009 at 11:15 pm
Hi Joss, it’s a a pleasure to be here! Colleen “send me” from facebook! I think the “to pass to word on” with the big social networks, it’s perfect and functional. Maybe it’s a good idea to be friends in FB or twitter for example with editors and groups of reading!
I’m so curious!!! Sorry for my english 
I’m hoping your books will be release also in Italy!
July 25th, 2009 at 12:35 am
Had it not been for Jeaniene Frost blogging about your series, I may not have ever heard of you. But I did, kept you on my list, and was thrilled to finally find your online presence
In short: if you have more author pals, see if they’ll name-drop you
Then their blog readers can do their own research.
Just make sure they don’t come on too strong with their pimping – it may backfire. I prefer a subtle reference to a full-on shout
You’ve done well by setting up a website, blog, Twitter and Facebook. Just keep those up to date, and as more info about your books are released to the public, your reader numbers should rise
July 25th, 2009 at 12:40 am
Hi
I found this via a Tweet by @StaciaKane.
Twitter is a great way to get people to:
A) Know you, and the books you write
B) Your blog/website
C) Become your readers
Are you on Twitter yet?
Love from Northern Ontario
twitter.com/RKCharron
xoxoxo
July 25th, 2009 at 12:42 am
Send the permalink to your contests, guest blog spots, and any interviews you do to Win a Book. I’ve got a ton of readers and have been told that I’m driving a good amount of traffic to the host sites.
July 25th, 2009 at 3:02 am
I would use twitter or facebook, visit blogs of authors you like and do a book tour!
July 25th, 2009 at 4:00 am
Getting known on the blogosphere:
1. Have a contest (like you are already doing) but have entry depend on linking back to your site from their blog site, facebook, myspace etc. On entry per link.
2. Float around the blogosphere and leave comments on things that interest you. I’ve found a lot of sites by looking at people to comment on my site.
3. Become a blog follower on the site you like. I almost always link to blogs of my followers so I know who’s out there.
Hope this helps!
I’ve posted your give away on my blog! Hope it helps. I’m always interested in new authors.
July 25th, 2009 at 6:58 am
Twitter is great for advertising! I just gave this contest a Tweet, in fact. Blog tours, online book reviews, and giveaways are great ways to spread the word.
July 25th, 2009 at 2:15 pm
Post anywhere you can and ask everybody else you “know” to post about it (or link it) on their blogs, etc.
July 25th, 2009 at 2:21 pm
Post a link anywhere you can and ask everybody else you “know” to post about it (or link it) on their blogs, etc.
July 25th, 2009 at 9:50 pm
I’m an independant book reviewer for my own blog, and I’d love to help you promote by reading and reviewing your book, maybe doing an interview and a giveaway for a copy of your book. I have over 100 viewers as of now, and keep growing everyday.
If your interested, please don’t hesitate to email me or visit my blog, I’d be more than happy to help you.
Thank you,
Jenni
July 26th, 2009 at 4:42 am
I am a reviewer for Romance Junkies and would be happy to do a review for you there. You can also get set up there for author interviews and promos. Promoing on reader loops is also a way to get your info out there!
Aside from that consider donating a copy of your book or other item/s (gift cards & certs are among a fav) in giveaways, especially higher traffic areas.
Congrats and I wish you much success
!!
July 26th, 2009 at 10:35 am
Tweet and Facebook were my first two ideas as well. Also, I review books on my blog, Goodreads, Waterstones, Amazon and MediaReviews.
You could get a chain going where people agree to post about your book in 5 different places such as blogs, tweets, FB posts and then link back to you – perhaps with a draw to win a copy.
FreshFiction would hold a comp for you as well as romance is their main genre. They tweet all interviews as well.
July 27th, 2009 at 6:44 pm
Hello Joss!! I would love an ARC! I have added your books to my Amazon listmania of ‘Steamy Romances coming in 2010″ part 2. I like to keep track of what books I want to read by creating these lists, and they get a lot of traffic over time too.
July 30th, 2009 at 6:53 am
Ask all your friends to tell their friends.
July 30th, 2009 at 11:42 am
I will put it on facebook and tweet about it Ok. I hope that helps oh and My friend has a very popular blog I’ll have him post it also.
Thanks for the chance to win Smiles, Shawna
July 30th, 2009 at 11:43 am
shawna Lewis
weloveourdogs@juno.com
I’ll also stumble it for you
July 31st, 2009 at 11:40 pm
How about being a guest author on some established blogs to get the word out about your new series and blog…PlotMonkeys, Deadline Dames, For All the World to See, etc.
August 3rd, 2009 at 6:49 pm
You could do an interview for other authors websites. That’s how I find alot of the authors I’m reading right now, by finding them off of someone elses page. Which is how I found yours! lol. Off of Colleen Gleason’s blog!
Good luck and I look forward to reading your books!
August 9th, 2009 at 11:35 am
I find a lot of new authors and giveaway on blogs which list these at least one a week.
Try Popins Lair at http://proudbookworm.blogspot.com/
or http://bookcontestlinks.blogspot.com/
Carol
August 12th, 2009 at 1:40 pm
Already some great ideas here, and a lot already, like me, going to, or have already blogged about. But viral marketing through fans is a great way to spread the good word.
If we each tell 8-10 friends, who in turn do the same, and… well, it’s the six-degrees of separation thingie all over.