36 Comments

I just published my first book. Your article is timely. It's on all the platforms from Amazon to Apple to Barnes and Noble. Now. How do I get people to buy it AND read it?

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I've never written a real book so I don't know the answer but I'm guessing it's along the lines of "Promote that book!"

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I paid them to do that. We shall see what for what I paid.

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I mean, honestly, being here is probably the best way you're going to be able to sell books these days. Building a community around your work and your writing style and offering something people can relate to and connect with is so important, as that is what is going to keep them coming back and wanting to read more of what you have to offer. So yes, just talk about it as much as you can. Mention it at the bottom of Posts. Put a nice ad in the Footer of your emails so Subscribers new and old can see it and know it's available. Things like that. I found Kindle Unlimited was very useful, too. Because readers are far more likely to take a chance on something new when it's already included in their Subscription and they don't have to part with any extra money. You do get paid less that way, but it does help attract some downloads, and potentially Reviews. Good luck with it all... 😎

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Thanks. It’s on Kindle. That’s all good advice.

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These templates are soooo fun! I love your visuals Kristi!!

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Aww thanks Karen! I have a lot of fun coming up with these ideas. Even if nobody EVER buys one, I'm discovering so many ways to serve Substackers. It brings me joy.

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Another brilliant idea from the House of Kristi!

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author

Jan, this is the second time you've coined, "The house of Kristi." I'm starting to wonder if I'm missing out on a brand name i should be capitalizing on 😂

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Haha yes, well to me The House of Kristi is this big colourful room brimming with creative ideas that pop and shine. I love the way you keep coming up with them! So inspiring!

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May 18Liked by Kristi Keller

Wishing you every success Kristi.

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Absolutely. These are always such brilliant ideas... 😎

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May 18Liked by Kristi Keller

PS I agree with Jan.

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author

😊😊

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This is such a wonderful idea. Yes! Sell a feeling and create a mood. I love that. I'm about to take another run at publishing some books myself, so I will definitely be keeping this in mind... 😎

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author

Awesome! Best wishes with your publishing 😊

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Thanks! And good luck with your new 'Dog Snobs' Newsletter, as well. That sounds like great fun... 😎

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Hahaha wow! You are on the ball!! I literally just set up that shell today and haven't even finished yet!

Thank you! It'll be my favorite one BY FAR 😁

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Thank you for this Kristi!! Such a needed insight/perspective for authors. I always feel so silly taking pictures and videos of my book “out in the wild” but this makes me feel so validated in doing so!

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author

Books in the wild 😁 Don't ever feel silly! I think it's a great way to build a scene around a book.

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Haha out in the wild , I love that

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Kristi from "House of Kristi" (that fits, like House of Chanel or House of Yves Saint Laurent). You are a great talent and resource!! I do not have a book yet but plugging away on the writing of posts. Indeed, the rectangle is the starting gate. I think the great and understated power of Substack is the COMMUNITY you can build, even a handful of readers of one's work. The power of Substack is the sharing directly with people. When I was a library Page, shelving in a small library, one did not have much access to the authors. Here on Substack, those of us who are introverts can slowly build up and see what works and what does not. There are so many books out there, it is truly overwhelming. One needs people who resonate with you, to partner with you in books, by reading and some by buying. One word, one page at a time. Blessings to all writers on here tonight! WEW

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Wendy you're so kind 😊 You made me smile all the way through this comment. You're so right about community and support here!

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This is great- thanks for sharing!

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Hey, that’s a really good idea Kristi!!

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Flat rectangle. Hehe.

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author

LOL but true, no? 😁

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You did give me some good ideas though. 😊 thanks

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Loved the idea! Then I realized I had a camera of my own… I mean it’s not professional but it’s not a rectangle.

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author

Hahaha yup there's that!

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May 23Liked by Kristi Keller

Loved 🤩

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May 23Liked by Kristi Keller

I am currently in the query trenches/got a few requests in the works, although I am considering self-publishing. This was a fun read! I love your writing voice, made me chuckle. Thanks!

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author

Sadia, thank you! I kind of love my writing voice as well…I never get bored of myself 😂

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May 27Liked by Kristi Keller

Love this idea! So, if I’m understanding you correctly, once I have the cover design completed, you create the “book in the wild” promo ads? Such fun!

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author

"Book in the wild" made me laugh. And yes, that's the idea.

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