Friday, March 4, 2016

Easy & Fun Book Promotion From a Self-Declared Technology-inept Author

By Maureen L. Bonatch 

On more than one occasion I've openly declared my limited ability, and desire, to learn all this new fangled technology.


 Despite my words sounding like a stubborn ancient oldster about to recollect the amount of snow traveled to school back in the days of their youth (hint: it's always uphill both ways)or an ostrich with it's head in the sand—I've come to realize I'll have to learn some of the ever changing world of technology.                    

                                      Wanna come along?


Why Learn Something New?  

Because no one is going to come looking if you don't put yourself out there. 

Believe me, I've waited and waited, but no one has come knocking on my door to ask to see the books I have published...or the four draft manuscripts on my computer. 

Why do people wait, delay, stall or ignore?


Because Change is Hard


Taking that next step, finishing that draft, or learning a new skill is imperative to growth 



I've already...

Today I want to share my latest venture and a display few ways even a technology-phobe-novice like me used PicMonkey and Canva to interact with readers, share my books, and have a little fun. (Some items are free and others have a minimal fee for use- be sure to check.)

Yes, I said fun! Who would've thought? 

I'm not going to provide step by step methods to create these because...they're that simple. Go to the site and it tells you exactly what to do. 

Instead I'll show you a few different ways you can use these great resources for marketing your book, interacting with readers, or just having fun!

1. Use a line/quote from your book 


























 2.  Use a quote of yours, or one you like, to  share your thoughts 



















3.  Use a tagline to tell the reader a little about your story 



4. Use comments  (Be sure to quote and/or give credit)










5.  Use one of your own photos


These are just a few examples, and I'm by no means an expert. 
I mean, none, nada, not even close, miles away from anything close to an expert! 

Now go on and have some fun making your own 

Can't get enough Paranormal and Urban Fantasy? 

 You're invited to the Bump in the Night...a Paranormal Experience Facebook Party on March 12th from 12  p.m until 6 p.m. EST! 


You’ll find me (at 12:30 p.m.- 1:00 p.m. EST- check the time zone peeps!) and 11 other paranormal/urban fantasy authors. Stop by for prizes and loads of magical fun!


About the Author:

Maureen writes stories in the beautiful state of Pennsylvania that boast laughter, light suspense and something magical in the hope of sharing her love of finding the extraordinary in the ordinary world. She writes Paranormal Romance and Fantasy.

Find Me:
Writing on my Website
Tweeting on Twitter
Pinning on Pinterest
Flapping on Facebook

18 comments:

Stephanie Faris said...

Wow, what great tips! I've seen those all over the place. I know on Facebook there's a rule about the text-to-image ratio. I had a designer do one for me and she said she had to follow those rules.

Maureen said...

Thanks for visiting Stephanie! Thank you for that info about FB, I appreciate it.

Susan Coryell said...

An old horse, myself, I've really had to stretch my English-major mind to accommodate technology. I've done the Facebook Party (in a cold sweat after my 30-minute stent), created a blogspot, communicated via Facebook, Twitter and 3 e-mails and even did a Pic-monkey banner. I realize, I still have MILES to go. Thanks for a with-it blog!

Maureen said...

Wow Susan! You're doing awesome! I agree, it's such a learning curve. There seems to be new things cropping up every day. Thank you for visiting!

Pamela S Thibodeaux said...

All Great Advice!

Now if I can only find the time to REMEMBER to do this!

Thanks for sharing.

Pinned to my Writing Process board.
Pamt

M.J. Schiller, Romance Author and Teaser Creator said...

According to Twitter, tweets with images get 133% more engagement. Yet another reason to use teasers! And if you don't feel comfortable making your own, or don't feel you have an eye for it, you can always hire someone to do it for you.

Darcy Flynn said...

Great suggestions! I love Picmonkey! Thanks for the reminder!

Marissa Garner said...

Your graphics are great! I especially like #3. I battle Luddite Syndrome myself, so it's been a terrifying experience to create my own website, FB page, tweets, Pinterest boards, G+ account, MailChimp newsletter, Rafflecopter raffles, and Hootsuite organizer. My family can't believe it's really me doing it. I've just started playing with PicMonkey and have a lot to learn.

Maureen said...

Pam, thanks for the pin! I know- always so much to remember to do :) I appreciate you stopping by.
Maureen

Maureen said...

MJ- as I mentioned, I'm no where near an expert- but I've studied the best- you are awesome! Thank you for visiting! http://maryschiller.wix.com/mjsjustteasingyoupag

Maureen said...

Darcy thank you for stopping by! :)

Maureen said...

Marissa- you sound like you're rocking it! Awesome! Happy you stopped by :)

Karilyn Bentley said...

Great suggestions Maureen! Good job on your creations too! I've played a bit with Canva and it was a lot of fun. :) See you at the FB party!

Maureen said...

Thanks Karilyn!

Alicia Dean said...

Sorry I'm late. Great info here. I've only recently discovered these little gems myself. Yes, learning new things and utilizing them is a great way to put yourself out there. I have minimal success with graphics like this, but for the tricky ones (and the ones I want to look more professional), I use my talented friend, M.J. Schiller's services. Yours are excellent, Maureen!

Maureen said...

Thanks for visiting Alicia! I appreciate it :)

Diane Burton said...

Late to the party. Sorry. Great tips, Maureen. Thanks for sharing.

Maureen said...

I appreciate you visiting Diane!