Publicity and Promotion Issues with Free Books

moderntimes · Post by **moderntimes** » 29 Sep 2015, 18:51

You've got every right to be upset, for certain. And like all of us writers, we put our expectations into our work and hope to receive decent or fair treatment for what we create.

Problem is, it ain't gonna always happen.

I think you've reached the correct decision, however. I know it's hard to let it go but let it go you must. But understand that there are plenty of people reading the thread and they might just "happen" to post a non-threatening non-obscene but strongly worded post into the Courier-Journal's facebook page. Huh?

All we need is a green light.....

zeldas_lullaby · Post by **zeldas_lullaby** » 29 Sep 2015, 19:03

HA HA HA! O-hoh no. You've just made my day.

moderntimes · Post by **moderntimes** » 30 Sep 2015, 11:06

Like my Homicide cop always says, "Done is done."

TrishaAnn92 · Post by **TrishaAnn92** » 04 Nov 2015, 08:25

I hope you are able to get it sorted out! I agree with everybody's statements. Courtesy is a big thing all around. When I receive books for review or to copy edit I keep the author in the loop the whole time and if I get behind I let them know.

For instance, I had surgery Oct. 8th the day after I received a package for two children's book and book concepts that the author wanted me to look over. It took me 3 weeks to get to it and I made sure he knew my situation and that I would be getting to them soon. It's common courtesy and should be a common courtesy but people today feel more self-entitled that they do courteous.

I'm sorry you have had past trouble with the newspaper, they don't seem very reliable in the act of communicating with the people they may or may not be associating with.

moderntimes · Post by **moderntimes** » 04 Nov 2015, 09:54

My new publisher has also been very considerate with my own health battles -- some days the writing juices just don't flow -- and so she has been very considerate and kind. But I'm still plugging away, which is the only way to make things come out -- you gotta keep on track.

BTW, our friend "zelda's lullaby" got banned here. I'm not of course aware of the specifics, but it was some dispute with the forum moderators and the boss, Scott. She was a lively and regular contributor and she'll be missed.

But forum rules are forum rules, and stuff happens. We're all told the rules and if we misstep we're warned. Hey, I'd love to tout my mystery novels and talk at length and bore everyone about the books, post their titles and links to Amazon for purchase and whatever. But that's a no-no and thus far I've managed to avoid this, having yet to have my knuckles rapped.

TrishaAnn92 · Post by **TrishaAnn92** » 04 Nov 2015, 10:00

I completely agree. The only reason I didn't read and review the books was because of the pain medI cation my Dr has me on. I was able to push through it and get it done l. Now with my novel I am working on it am pushing through with it and it's been a good way to take my mind off the pain.

Oh wow I was not aware zelda's lullaby had been banned. That's a shame. I agree rules are rules and they should be respected.

moderntimes · Post by **moderntimes** » 04 Nov 2015, 12:27

I know this is a very fair forum and I really don't know what Zelda did (or was supposed to have done) and it's none of my business. I was surprised and will always wonder what went on. Perhaps Zelda got frustrated at something and burned some bridges. I dunno.

I've been fighting illness myself and sometimes it really busts in onto my energy and saps my strength. I just have to keep on truckin' and fight the good fight. So I understand the problems, and especially since you've got kids to care for too.

Try to write a little each day. I think it's often counterproductive however to set strict goals. This is the real world and we've got other real things happening. But what I do, is to try to at least review my earlier chapters or do a little research into my subject matter or some other productive measure toward my novel each day, even if it's not actually putting words on page.

TrishaAnn92 · Post by **TrishaAnn92** » 04 Nov 2015, 12:49

Fighting the good fight is all any of us can really really do. I'm getting ready to start a 6 month monthly injection therapy and that is supposed to help with my condition so we shall see. I gave up on strict goals a while ago all it did was frustrate me when I didn't meet them.

I think that is a good idea. Good luck with everything!

Connoisseur · Post by **Connoisseur** » 29 Dec 2015, 22:14

I wouldn't expect much when trying to get someone to review your book for "free"; unless you're paying them money directly, they will not feel obligated. That is just life. If you ever want your book reviewed, in the future, offer payment AND a free book or ebook. At least then if they don't do the review (deliver the "product"), you can get your money back through a dispute if you use electronic means of payment.