Its not a well known fact that once you have signed a contract and go on that amazing journey there are things I never knew I would need to be responsible for. Marketing is one. Indy publishing will know this – as I suspect that although they may offer a service, it is something extra you will have to pay for. As I took the traditional route it surprised me to find that I have to take charge of the main part of advertising.
I don’t know about you but publicity really isn’t my bag. Now I embroiled in that side of things, I find it is taking the joy out of writing. To me its like standing naked outside a superstore to gain attention – and that’s really not a pleasant image! However, it seems to be the norm for authors these days – to get on with it -publicise yourself – even with a traditional publisher. Though I guess if you are main stream – mega bucks and well known that is all taken care of. As I’m not, that doesn’t apply.
I will say though that the Wild Rose Press do give hints and tips. Now I’ve begun getting it out there, on Twitter, Facebook yadda yadda, I can see why publishers want to step back…. IT TAKES SO MUCH TIME and EFFORT. Plus who wants to read something from me saying BUY MY BOOK all the time?
Of course I would love it if you did.
One point I would like to add here is that I have just received a list of do’s and don’ts relating to publicity.
When I get the chance, I will share them with you – I have to read them myself first and find out if it works 🙂
Anyhow, Rachael Richey sent me a list of reviewers and I sent an ARC to Michelle Ryles – book blogger – and seriously didn’t think she would find the time from her busy schedule to take a look at my debut novel. I was also truly terrified at what she might say. Putting your work out there is really exposing. For me it feels like standing naked in front of a superstore. Enough said.
Anyway, imagine my surprise when I got this message in my inbox: I loved Harriet! My review has been published on my blog today. I will copy it across to Amazon and Goodreads ASAP.
http://www.thebookmagnet.co.uk/2021/09/secrets-shame-and-shoebox-l-b-griffin.html?m=1
Click on the link to get the full version or read review below
‘What did I think?
Oh I really enjoyed this wonderful book. What a fabulous debut from L.B. Griffin! When I first started reading, I thought it was going to be a soap opera style piece of women’s fiction but it is so multi-layered that it burst out of every genre box I tried to put it in.
I loved the main character of Harriet, she’s loving and intelligent but very naïve which sees her being taken advantage of in her work and love life. I felt so sorry for her when she loses her grandmother and her job in quick succession (and in such devious circumstances regarding the latter), but events lead her into the path of love interest Tom.
Harriet and Tom seem so perfectly matched but Tom thinks he’s too old for Harriet and that she can’t possibly be interested in him, so the pair remain friends. Meanwhile, someone else has their eye on Harriet (and he always gets what he wants) so before she knows it, Harriet’s life changes once more but it’s not for the better…
There’s so much going on in this novel that I found it an absolute joy to read, although it does take a darker turn which had me feverishly turning pages as the pacing unexpectedly ramped up. There’s also an air of mystery surrounding Harriet’s beginnings and an intriguing painting left to her by her grandmother, and there are hints and clues to gather along the way, although the mystery is not revealed so we must wait for the sequel to continue this fabulous story. I didn’t feel cheated at all by this, just more eager to read the next book!
Incredibly well-written, Secrets, Shame, and a Shoebox is a magnificent debut from L. B. Griffin. It’s a poignant, disturbing and heartwarming page-turner that has left me chomping at the bit to continue Harriet’s story.
I received a gifted digital ARC from the author and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
My rating: 5 stars WOW!!!!!! FAB – U – LOUS and thank you humbly from the bottom of my heart.
Its simply amazing to find someone has actually bought my book.
When they take the time to read and then post a simply fabulous review it makes my heart soar.
I dont think I could ask for more.
Thank you Michelle, and honestly thank you, to everyone who have been so incredibly supportive.