AI for Introverts, Guerrilla Book Marketing, Poetry Contest, Indie Author Events & Opportunities
Indie Author Insider - July 2023
Greetings, Indie Author,
Please join me in welcoming new subscribers: Anne Whemeyer, Audrea Jack, Betty Palmer, Claudine Wolk, Ferguson, Elizabeth Andre, Harold, Heather, Jer Patch, Joanne, Jon Cronshaw, Josh Coker, Ken Phillips, Mary Louisa Locke, Steve Nicko, Steven Aitchison, Stuart, and Terr! I hope you get to know these fellow writers while learning something new about self-publishing, book marketing, and indie author opportunities.
If you want to contribute an educational information segment to help writers with the business side of writing, please send it to kathy@indieauthorsassociation.com.
You can also do collabs on Substack!
Where do you discover books?
The main way I discover books is when I hear someone talk about them, usually in a video, podcast, or social media post. I have found many books via emails and newsletters. I also regularly check bestseller lists. Book Bub sends an email every day. I have purchased many books from their emails.
I want to offer a similar email service for indie authors—a daily email of independently published books by genre. If you are interested in participating, please send an email with information about the books you have recently published or plan to publish in July-December 2023.
AI for Introverts
I am experimenting with my Bookends Podcast. I want to make it an AI podcast for introverts. This will help authors who are too shy to do face-to-face interviews, don’t want to be on camera, don’t have to worry about being put on the spot with unexpected questions, want to interview at their convenience, etc.
If you want to be the first to try this new interview format, please email your answer to the following ten questions ASAP.
Tell us about yourself (Name, pen name, location, family, pets, hobbies, etc.).
Why do you write?
What books have you written?
What are you working on?
Do you have a newsletter or blog? If so, please include a link. If not, why?
What is the latest book you read that made an impact on you?
What advice do you have for aspiring indie authors?
Where can we find you?
What is your favorite author event? Why?
Is there anything else you want to share?
Email to: kathy@indieauthorsassociation.com
Subject: Podcast Interview
Guerrilla Book Marketing
Guerrilla Marketing is low-cost or free ways to promote your product or service. I have been a certified Guerrilla Marketing Coach for 15 years and have used many of the 200 Guerrilla marketing strategies in my businesses. I am applying some of these teachings to my indie author biz and sharing them with Indie Author Insiders!
I’ll start with social media.
I dove in when Twitter first came onto the scene. I even taught other entrepreneurs how to use Twitter at a local marketing conference. Then I got into Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and many others. I chased social media squirrels. Before I knew it, my focus got scattered, and my creativity came to a screeching halt.
Now, I’m reeling it back in and focusing on a few platforms instead of so many that I feel overwhelmed and get stuck in analysis paralysis. If you’ve been there, you know how debilitating it can be to business success.
On Twitter, I participate in a #writerslift to spread the word about my books and blog. To jump into this active writers’ community on Twitter, simply type #writerslift in the search bar. When you find someone with a following who has engaged writers on their post, follow these four steps:
Follow them on Twitter.
Press the heart on their #writerslift post.
Share your link in the comments of their #writerslift post along with a short message and thanks.
Retweet the post so it shows up on your Twitter page.
In Guerrilla Marketing lingo, this strategy is called fusion marketing and the law of reciprocation. It’s where you team up with other business owners to market each other’s service or product, and when you give, it is natural for the receiving person to want to return the favor.
If you are on Twitter and want to increase awareness and/or traffic to your website, give #writerslift a try and let me know how it goes!
Other popular hashtags for writers on Twitter: #WritingCommunity #BookTwitter #writersoftwitter #AuthorsOfTwitter #BookRecommendations #ShamelessSelfpromoSunday (or the day you are posting, i.e. #ShamelessSelfPromoThursday)
Not a Twitter fan? Try Instagram!
As of July 6, 2023, Instagram launched a Twitter-like feed called Threads. I will write more about it after seeing how it works, but for now, if you like Instagram, check it out.
https://about.instagram.com/blog/announcements/threads-instagram-text-feature
So much for not chasing shiny objects. Thanks, Zuck!
Spruce Up Your Amazon KDP Book Page with A+ Content
I always wondered how authors got those fancy photos on their Amazon book sales page. Now I know, with Amazon’s A+ Content. Have you tried it? I want to publish a book so that I can!
Book Brush created a video to show us how to create A+ Content on Amazon KDP. Check it out.
PSI Poetry Contest - Make Money and Get Your Poems Published
This is my first year as the Contest Director for the Poetry Society of Indiana (PSI). This is their 45th year of having the poetry contest. I won first place in one of the categories a few years ago, so I can tell you first-hand how exciting it is to receive $100 for spending a few minutes writing a poem. I also won a third-place prize of $25 and publication in their anthology.
It’s interesting being on the other side this year. I get to read all the poems that will be submitted from around the world. You don’t have to be from Indiana to enter the contest. The PSI Poetry Contest has 32 categories this year. If you are a poet, I highly recommend checking this contest out and spreading the word to your poetic friends!
NEW BOOK RELEASES
Samhain (Wheel of the Witch Book 1) by Teresa Keefer
Natalia is a successful witch and medium who owns a magic shop in the French Quarter. She finds solace in her small home in Algiers Point, where she grows magical herbs and crystals. Jamie is a solicitor in an Irish village with a talent for reading people's emotions, while his sister has greater magical powers that have recently gone awry. When an ancestor appears to Jamie, only he can perceive her. Their paths cross when Jamie is sent to New Orleans to find a descendant of the original Coven of Sisters. If the descendants fail to form a new coven, their faerie-given powers will disappear forever!
Karlie’s Yummy Dog Treats by Andie LaComb
Do you love making cookies and treats for your dog but are tired of recipes with obscure ingredients? Then this dog cookbook is for you! Author Andie LaComb shares nine of her senior rescue dog-Karlie's favorite treats. Recipes include cookies, muffins, and chews from ingredients already in your kitchen. Color pictures and detailed, easy-to-follow instructions are included for each recipe. Your dog will love these cookies and treats, and you'll have fun making them too.
Do you have a new book launching or recently released? Email kathy@indieauthorsassociation.com to have it featured in the Indie Author Insider!
INDIE AUTHOR EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
Do you want to connect with indie authors, meet book lovers, and sell more books? Check out these upcoming opportunities!
Taylor University Professional Writers Conference, Friday, July 28 - Saturday, July 29, 2023.
This is my favorite Writers Conference for so many reasons. Let me count the ways:
1. It’s close to where I live. Taylor University is located at 1846 Main Street, Upland, Indiana. It’s only a few minutes from my home in Gas City.
2. It’s affordable. $139. Seriously! If you want the Advanced or Teen Track, it’s $249.
3. It feels like a family and friends gathering. It’s not one of those huge conferences where you get lost in the crowd. Not too peopley for us introverted authors.
4. They sell your books for you on consignment while you attend the conference. This is one of my favorite features!
5. They offer one-on-one time with the faculty member of your choice.
“One-on-Ones: One of the best things about a conference like ours is the opportunity for you to sit one-on-one for 15 minutes with a faculty member. This is not required, but, seriously, you should take advantage of the chance to do this. You can pitch your book; you can bring some pages for a quick review; or you can just chat for a bit about the industry, the person’s job, and any other questions you might have.”
6. They provide tech support!
“Frustrated with Microsoft Word? Can't figure out how to use Twitter? Need help navigating Instagram? Wondering how to make your website better? Sign up for Tech help—personalized 30-minute sessions for you to talk to a specialist.”
7. Free Headshots!
“Do you need to update your headshot? For the first time ever, we’re offering you the chance to have free headshots taken. Signups will be at the registration table for a limited number of slots on Friday afternoon. If you want a headshot, be sure to come dressed in (or bring) a top that will show you off well!”
8. Free Shoulder Massage!
“We’re guessing you might just need some of that stress from driving and sitting massaged out of your shoulders. Our certified massage therapist, also available for the first time ever, will be happy to help. Signups for a limited number of slots (from 3:00-5:00 p.m. on Friday) will be available at the registration table.”
9. Hang out with fellow writers at Open Mic Night.
“Would you like 5 minutes to read from your WIP? With a microphone? To an audience? We’re here to help. Friday evening we have an open mic night. Bring along ONLY 5-minutes worth (about 700 words) to grace us all! Signups for a slot will also be at the registration table.”
10. They have drawings happening throughout the conference. You might just win something!
Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to network with your tribe and learn what’s happening in the publishing world.
INDIE AUTHOR EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
Attending indie authors at the Hoosier Indie Authors Book Fair: Andie LaComb, Bess Sturgis, Beth Powers, Brian K. Morris, Charles Kelly, Gretta Rose West, Kathy Gerstorff, L.B. McGrimm, Leland Gamson, Lynda J. Cox, M.A. Koontz, Paul Barile, and Teresa Keefer.
Hoosier Indie Authors Book Fair, Saturday, September 23, 2023, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. 5502 Evans Road, Gas City, Indiana, near the Beaner Linn Park, where the annual Ducktail Run will be. This event is part of the James Dean Festival, that attracts visitors from around the world. Register at hoosierindieauthors.com. The vendor registration deadline is August 1st. Questions? Email kathy@indieauthorsassociation.com or teresa.keefer.author@hotmail.com.
THANK YOU to the Hoosier Indie Author Book Fair sponsors! Marion Arts Commission, Indie Authors Association, [Bookends], Bookworm Orchard, K&E Tree Service, Bess Sturgis, and Teresa Keefer!
Book Signings & Calendar of Events
Look for indie authors at these upcoming book signings & events (Times are EST unless noted)
JULY 2023
Saturday, July 8th, 1-4 p.m. Charles Kelley, Half Price Books at 86th & Ditch, Indianapolis, IN.
SEPTEMBER
Friday, September 15 - Saturday, September 16, Brian K. Morris at CIL-CON at Village Square Mall, 51 Village Square Mall Drive, Effingham, Illinois.
Saturday, September 23, 2nd Annual Hoosier Indie Authors Book Fair. Join Teresa Keefer, Brian K. Morris, Beth Powers, M.A. Koontz, Leland P. Gamson, L.B. McGrimm, Lynda Cox, Kathy Gerstorff, and many other authors at the 2nd Annual Hoosier Indie Authors Book Fair, 5502 Evans Road, Gas City, Indiana.
OCTOBER
Saturday, October 28, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. - Sunday, 29, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Beth Powers at FantastiCon, Grand Wayne Convention Center, 120 W. Jefferson Avenue, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46802
NOVEMBER
Saturday, November 4, Brian K. Morris during the Indie Author Book Expo at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, Elwell Family Center, 3000 E Grand Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa.
Wednesday, November 8 - Sunday, November 12, 74th Annual Christmas Gift & Hobby Show. Look for Charles Kelley, Leland P. Gamson, and Teresa Keefer there.
DECEMBER
Saturday, December 9, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. - Sunday, December 10, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., L.B. McGrimm at Shipshewana on the Road, 215 E Division Rd, Valparaiso, Indiana. 46383
Do you have a book signing or event you would like added to our Calendar of Events? Email it to: kathy@indieauthorsassociation.com.
Special thanks to founding Indie Author Association Members: Bess Sturgis and John Sherman.
Thank you for supporting indie authors. We appreciate you!
Thank you for reading the July issue of Indie Author Insider (Publication #39). I hope you found it helpful. You are invited to share info about your books, events, and what you want to see in future editions by emailing kathy@indieauthorsassociation.com.