I hope you’ll indulge me as I put on my author hat, not my blogger hat, and ask you all some questions about how you feel about the newsletters many of us receive by sites that host or promote authors.
To explain, authors do not rely on their publishers to do all their PR/Promotion and get the word out about their books. Authors invest our own money to reach readers. It’s important to know where investing money works and where it doesn’t. There is no way to know without asking, so I appreciate you giving me a forum to do that today.
Here we go:
1. Do you get newsletters from online sites that promote multiple authors and their books and if so, do you read them? Do you make note of which authors have books out from these newsletters? Or do you just delete?
2. Do you receive newsletters with 5 days of excerpts from various sites and or authors? And if so, do you read or delete? And if you read, do these excerpts ever sway you to buy a book or author you may not have read before?
3. Contest Newsletters listing multiple authors – Do you like the newsletters that list multiple authors’ contests? Does this sway you to buy books? Do you enter just to win a prize or does the prize help you decide to purchase a book? (There’s no right answer, and it’s OK to enter to win a prize!)
4. Do you prefer just to sign up for an author’s newsletter because you know them? Or do you like to receive the newsletters listing multiple authors you may never have heard of before?
5. Author News – do you like to read news about authors in these multiple author newsletters? Or do your eyes glaze over as you read?
6. How do you find out what books are out each month? Are these types of newsletters a source?
7. Do you visit group author hosting type sites? If so, for what reason?
I hope you can see from these questions, that as authors we have important decisions to make about how to reach our readers and where to put our limited resources. As valuable readers, I appreciate your insight and advice!
Carly Phillips would like to take 100% credit for all her stories but the truth is, Carly’s strength is writing family, emotion, funky elderly people and animals. She couldn’t plot her way out of a paper bag, which is why she smartly found her plotmonkey pals early on in her writing career. Thanks to their support, Carly is now a NYT Bestselling author of 23 plus novels. Because writing doesn’t keep her busy enough, Carly is also a wife, a mother of one preteen and one teenage daughter, the primary care giver of her soft coated Wheaten terrier and an expert carpool mom.
Destiny
Dirty Little Secrets
Once Upon A Valentine
Through The Night
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I do get the newsletters for different authors, I just pay attention to the authors I like.
I go to the individual websites of the authors I like and I look on Amazon for upcoming books.
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1. I get newsletters from different authors but also from Fresh Fiction, Writerspace, AccessRomance & Romantic Times.
2. I don’t read the excerpts often. I prefer to read the backcover blurbs, so if the newsletters include them, I skip them.
3. Occasionally I will enter the contests on Writerspace, but only if it’s a book I’d be interested in reading.
4. I do both, because obviously I want to keep up w/ fave authors, but also am always looking to discover new ones.
5. If it’s a reasonable number of multiple authors (no more than 10). Otherwise it’s too overwhelming to read the entire newsletter.
6. From the author newsletters, or from checking Amazon’s newly released recs (which isn’t 100% complete since it’s only giving recommendations).
7.Writerspace mostly, for chats and stuff like that.
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1. I get newsletters from individual authors and also from groups (ie baen) and I do make note of who has what coming out that I need to watch for. And for the most part, I read them. I may skim them for the stuff that interests me, but I do go through them.
2. No, I usually don’t do well with these.
3. I love contest newsletters. I may not enter them, but I do go through them, again, to see who has what coming out and I may enter a contest here and there. My luck isn’t all that great usually.
4. When I find a new author, I usually sign up for their newsletters, or at least alerts to new titles. I don’t mind a newsletter listing multiple new authors- they can lead to great treasures!
5. It depends on how long they are and what type of news they are imparting. Sometimes I glaze over on james pattersons newsletter and just skim it.
6. Since I am not at the bookstore anymore I tend to rely on these newsletters and Book Page from the Library. One of my favorite newsletters is from the Mystery Lovers Bookshop. I go through it cover to cover. I currently get it snail mail which lets me circle stuff but they are going green (or paying a dollar a month snail mail) so I will print it and circle. I love their set up. it lets me enjoy little snippets without my eyes glazing over. I have found many new authors through them.
7. I go to trashybooks and romance by the book daily although I may not always comment. I enjoy the reviews and the insight into many of the topice we discuss. I also lurk at Dear Authors and The Playground and a few others.
My biggest problem is getting time to read everything I have signed up for. Most of it goes to another email address and I don’t always hit it on a regular basis, so many times things are a week or two old when I get to them. But it was easier than cluttering up my regular email inboxes to send newsletters to a different one.
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1. I do both individual newsletters and from groups. After I read a book I go to their website to look at back book list, about the author, writing tips and If I really like the book I email them and I also sign up for the newsletter. I do different group sites such as Author Island they have a bunch or authors and I tend to find new authors that way.
2.I’m kinda funny about excerpts I like to read the backs of the books if I read excerpts then I want to read the book and if doesn’t come out for months I get impatient so for the most part I just look over those briefly.
3.I love contest though I’ve only one here on plotmonkeys
but I enter them, but in saying that I wouldn’t say it makes me buy a book If I’m a big fan and like their books I’m usually going to buy it no matter if I win or not. I will tell you what impresses me more is when I email an author and I get an email back they take time out of their busy schedule read my letter and write back I always feel like I win when I get an email back. The prizes I like the most are autographed books I cherish those.
4.The newsletters help me remember the authors I find there are some authors that I just remember but some of the new ones I forget so when I get newsletters I’m like oh yeah I liked that last book. I also find new authors from special guest bloggers on here and I found LuAnne McLane on author Island and since then have bought many of her books.
5. I graze over this section if I see something that catches my eye
6. Yes news letter are a good way to know what books are coming out
7.I go to many sites that I find from other sites I like finding new authors and writing styles as someone who wants to write I learn through other authors plus once I read all the authors books I’d run out of books waiting for their new ones to come out.
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1. Do you get newsletters from online sites that promote multiple authors and their books and if so, do you read them? Do you make note of which authors have books out from these newsletters? Or do you just delete?
I get a newsletter from Harlequin/Silhouette books and I do read it and if an author or title/cover catches my eye I will read an excerpt. I also check out any of the other links they may have on it concerning writing or author interviews.
I get a newsletter from Harper Collins too. I read it about half the time. Usually I skim it to see if Julie Quinn, SEP, Rachel Gibson, Lisa Kleypas or another of my fave Avon authors has a new book coming out.
2. Do you receive newsletters with 5 days of excerpts from various sites and or authors? And if so, do you read or delete? And if you read, do these excerpts ever sway you to buy a book or author you may not have read before?
No, I don’t receive any of these but if I did I might read a few lines of an author I’ve never read before but unless the author’s voice and style really grabbed me I wouldn’t keep reading.
3. Contest Newsletters listing multiple authors – Do you like the newsletters that list multiple authors’ contests? Does this sway you to buy books? Do you enter just to win a prize or does the prize help you decide to purchase a book? (There’s no right answer, and it’s OK to enter to win a prize!)
I don’t receive any contest newsletters. I usually hear about contests from the RWR or from my local chapter loops. At this stage of the game if I enter a contest it is to final and if I’m lucky to win. I’m no longer looking for any kind of feedback from judges.
4. Do you prefer just to sign up for an author’s newsletter because you know them? Or do you like to receive the newsletters listing multiple authors you may never have heard of before?
I prefer to sign up for an author’s newsletter that I know such as Cindi Myers newsletter which I always, always read.
5. Author News – do you like to read news about authors in these multiple author newsletters? Or do your eyes glaze over as you read?
My eyes glaze over unless it is an author that I know or a new author that I’ve heard a lot of buzz about.
6. How do you find out what books are out each month? Are these types of newsletters a source?
I usually check the author’s web site or the publisher’s web site. I don’t find out this information in a newsletter. Of course, any guest blogger here in the jungle gets my full attention. I check out their web site and read excerpts because hey, it’s the Plotmonkeys baby!!
7. Do you visit group author hosting type sites? If so, for what reason?
Rarely except for Coffee Time Romance because I used to do promo there and they did a fabulous job for me. I will sign with them again when I have a new book in the future.
Last but no least I check the NYT list each week to see if I’m on it.
I can dream can’t I?
Cher :banana:
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Almost forgot, I do promo over at The Romance Studio at present because they have great prices. That will end soon because my last two contracts with Loose Id will end this year.
Cher
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Hopefully, I can summarize in one quick paragraph. I think I get the Access Romance Newsletter, but usually I unsubscribe if it is an author I don’t recognize. I probably have entered their contest, just so I can see if I can ‘discover’ a new author, without the committment. Obviously, if I get a Plotmonkey or a Sizzling pens newsletter (two of the three blogs I go to), I read them. Let me know if I didn’t answer any of your questions.
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Hello,
I sign up for newsletters and enjoy them. I don’t pay much attention to authors’ contests, and don’t enter them.
When all is said and done, though, I buy according to what I see at the bookstore. I never preorder so the newsletter is just something to read, it doesn’t make me order.
(Really enjoy your blog.)
Susanne
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1. Do you get newsletters from online sites that promote multiple authors and their books and if so, do you read them? Do you make note of which authors have books out from these newsletters? Or do you just delete?
I get newsletters that promote multiple authors and I will at least skim over until I find authors I read. I always make notes of release dates and I keep a list in my purse for when I’m at the bookstore(bought way too many duplicate books lately).
2. Do you receive newsletters with 5 days of excerpts from various sites and or authors? And if so, do you read or delete? And if you read, do these excerpts ever sway you to buy a book or author you may not have read before?
I get newsletters with excerpts pretty much everyday. I will read the excerpt and have found new authors that way.
3. Contest Newsletters listing multiple authors – Do you like the newsletters that list multiple authors’ contests? Does this sway you to buy books? Do you enter just to win a prize or does the prize help you decide to purchase a book? (There’s no right answer, and it’s OK to enter to win a prize!)
I like the newsletters with multiple authors, but it gets to be too much if they have too many authors in one newsletter. I would rather get a part 1 and part 2 and have 10 or so on each newsletter than have over 20 one one. I will enter the contest and it doesn’t help me decide if I’ll purchase a book. I have my set auto-buy authors and then others are as I hear about them.
4. Do you prefer just to sign up for an author’s newsletter because you know them? Or do you like to receive the newsletters listing multiple authors you may never have heard of before?
I do sign up for author’s newsletter of those I know, but am ok with a newsletter that list more than one author. I’ve found a few new authors by reading through the multi-author newsletters.
5. Author News – do you like to read news about authors in these multiple author newsletters? Or do your eyes glaze over as you read?
I like to read the news about different authors. I will sometimes only glance to see if there are any specific authors I want to read about.
6. How do you find out what books are out each month? Are these types of newsletters a source?
I get newsletters that list release dates and there are a few blog sites that I’ve found that give the new releases for the month in one post at the beginning of the month. I love it because I can look at just a couple of sources to make my tbb list. I sometimes check at B&N too for release dates.
7. Do you visit group author hosting type sites? If so, for what reason?
I read reviews and chat on some of the sites. Plus several will have authors interviews too.
Comment
1. Do you get newsletters from online sites that promote multiple authors and their books and if so, do you read them? Do you make note of which authors have books out from these newsletters? Or do you just delete?
I hate to admit this but I often delete without reading. I do get individual author (from signing up on there site) emails that I always read.
2. Do you receive newsletters with 5 days of excerpts from various sites and or authors? And if so, do you read or delete? And if you read, do these excerpts ever sway you to buy a book or author you may not have read before?
I read excerpts and yes they can sway me to buy.
3. Contest Newsletters listing multiple authors – Do you like the newsletters that list multiple authors’ contests? Does this sway you to buy books? Do you enter just to win a prize or does the prize help you decide to purchase a book? (There’s no right answer, and it’s OK to enter to win a prize!)
I did this once or twice but I found I was trying to win more than taking interest in the new to me authors. Now I don’t bother.
4. Do you prefer just to sign up for an author’s newsletter because you know them? Or do you like to receive the newsletters listing multiple authors you may never have heard of before?
As with the PlotMonkeys I have to love the authors.
5. Author News – do you like to read news about authors in these multiple author newsletters? Or do your eyes glaze over as you read?
With the plot monkeys I read everyword!
6. How do you find out what books are out each month? Are these types of newsletters a source?
I have an Authors file folder. It contains my favorite authors sites. I check often to see when the new release is due and add it to my cellphone
alerts by date. Yes it’s nice to get reminders when new releases are coming out. Janet E. for example senda a newsletter to my PO Box. Always a fun and personal nice touch.
7. Do you visit group author hosting type sites? If so, for what reason?
I come to Plotmonkeys cause I love you guys you are like my online family. I really have no time for more I guess.
Zoey is pouting
I returned to work PT yesterday. Wow six months out of work puts you way behind in the cellphone business.
Heck this week will be spent taking tests and catching up. I miss Maine.
Fall is almost peak here in R.I.. Lovely!
Carly, check out the new Blackberry Storm. I think this one is more to your liking than the curve.
I am working my way through Linda Lael Miller and Linda Howard’s back lists and tremendously enjoying myself.
I absolutely owe the Plotmonkeys’ new releases and Janelle’s back list for a wonderful summer in the woods while I healed. Hugs to all!
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1. Do you get newsletters from online sites that promote multiple authors and their books and if so, do you read them? Do you make note of which authors have books out from these newsletters? Or do you just delete?
I get Writerspace and I usually skim down through it, stopping to read if a title or author catches my eye. Then I delete when I hit the bottom.
2. Do you receive newsletters with 5 days of excerpts from various sites and or authors? And if so, do you read or delete? And if you read, do these excerpts ever sway you to buy a book or author you may not have read before?
Uhm….no clue. Therefore, probably don’t receive.
3. Contest Newsletters listing multiple authors – Do you like the newsletters that list multiple authors’ contests? Does this sway you to buy books? Do you enter just to win a prize or does the prize help you decide to purchase a book? (There’s no right answer, and it’s OK to enter to win a prize!)
Once again, Writerspace, and I did once. Lots of clicking and redirecting, though. I’m like ev. My luck ranks down there between none and bad.
*hangs head* I never did make it over to your site to enter the Lucky Charm contest. 
4. Do you prefer just to sign up for an author’s newsletter because you know them? Or do you like to receive the newsletters listing multiple authors you may never have heard of before?
Once again, I’ve only signed up for the one multiple listing. In fact, I don’t think I’ve even signed up for any of ya’ll’s newsletters. I just come here to get the news. I’m such a
LOL Oh…wait. I think I bet Brenda Novaks newsletter (because of her awesome auction) and….Judith Krantz? I’m not sure how I ended up getting hers. Probably from clicking on Writerspace. I skim it and delete, though I am on the waiting list at the library for her newest. I’m not familiar with her and that’s my usual modus operandi to check someone not on my “hard” list.
5. Author News – do you like to read news about authors in these multiple author newsletters? Or do your eyes glaze over as you read?
If I’m interested in the author, definitely! If not, I graze over the blurb and keep going.
6. How do you find out what books are out each month? Are these types of newsletters a source?
I also get Borders Monthly and the B&N news letter. I usually catch new releases there. I have a very small “watch list” of authors whose books are on my “BUY IMMEDIATELY” list. The rest I either wait for library copies or until I have a gift card and the time. Right now, I have 25 books on the TBR pile and five more on order arriving once they are released. (FYI, Carly, I’m a couple of chapters into LUCKY CHARM.
)
7. Do you visit group author hosting type sites? If so, for what reason?
My life is busy enough trying to get my own writing career off the ground that I try not to cruise the net too often. I come here. I hit SBTB. I went to visit Alannah yesterday and will check on her periodically. :wave: And I need to add Cher to my rounds, too. I occasionally cruise just to see what’s out there for “market research” – to get ideas for promotion, etc. once I do make the sale.
Bottom line, I learn about “new-to-me” authors from recommendations from friends and the lovely folks who comment here and on SBTB and from Amazon, Borders and B&N. OH! And I pick up new “wants” from the guest bloggers here!
These are great questions, Carly, and I’ll be checking back to catch up on answers!
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Susanne- I don’t pre-order, but I do make lists from my newsletters. Lots and lots of lists. Sometimes I even remember to bring them with me to the bookstore! :cursing:
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I get author newsletters. Don’t read them in detail. Browse for info on new releases. Don’t much care for tidbits about what’s going on in the author’s life outside of writing.
I used to get newsletters with excepts. Enjoyed them because gave me a chance to see whether I might like an author’s writing style. But it just became too much to keep up with and I discontinued all of those newsletter subscriptions.
Contests have never convinced me to buy a book. I enter only those that I’m truly interested in reading. If I don’t win, I might purchase the book or borrow from the library. And, I understand why authors require addition to their newsletter in order to enter contest, but I HATE that. I will unsubscribe pretty quickly after receiving the first newsletter in most cases.
I prefer to sign up because I’ve read the author (or the author’s blog) and want to be on their newsletter. Not to enter a contest.
Glazing eyes. Put your news on your website or blog. If I want to know more, I’ll go there.
I find out about new releases mostly through blogs and newsletters, including publisher newsletters.
Love group author sites if I can learn more about writing.
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1. Do you get newsletters from online sites that promote multiple authors and their books and if so, do you read them? Do you make note of which authors have books out from these newsletters? Or do you just delete?
Yes I get them and yes I read them. Yes i make note of author books coming out.
2. Do you receive newsletters with 5 days of excerpts from various sites and or authors? And if so, do you read or delete? And if you read, do these excerpts ever sway you to buy a book or author you may not have read before?
I have bought books from reading an expert before.
3. Contest Newsletters listing multiple authors – Do you like the newsletters that list multiple authors’ contests? Does this sway you to buy books? Do you enter just to win a prize or does the prize help you decide to purchase a book? (There’s no right answer, and it’s OK to enter to win a prize!)
I like the contests and i will enter them, I usually look at all the authors I know first, and then if a cover or title catches my eye I will also read about that book
4. Do you prefer just to sign up for an author’s newsletter because you know them? Or do you like to receive the newsletters listing multiple authors you may never have heard of before?
I like both. If I sign up for an author who is in a multi author site, I will look at the other authors in the same site, b/c usually they are grouped together b/c they write the same type of books.
5. Author News – do you like to read news about authors in these multiple author newsletters? Or do your eyes glaze over as you read?
I tey and read the author all the author news and I like finding new authors.
6. How do you find out what books are out each month? Are these types of newsletters a source?
Newsletters, blogs, romantic time, borders. I usuall y visit the local borders once a week and the clerk knows me and what books I like. She will recommend books to me and or tell me about authors I have not read and may like.
7. Do you visit group author hosting type sites? If so, for what reason?
sometimes I like the convince, and I do enjoy finding new authors.
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1. I do get these, and generally delete them b/c there’s nothing of “substance” and usually know what the “new books” are anyway.
2. Yes, and excerpts have made me go book hunting. Excerpts or previous experience with an author are what really drive me to read or buy books.
3. I always forget to check these, but… I love prizes. And I’ve gone out and bought an author’s entire backlist after reading a book I won in a contest. (Of course this has happened for authors where I didn’t win their books either. But yeah.)
4. I like both – one because I know what I’m getting. The second because I might discover new authors. At the same time, the latter can be less preferable b/c I might not care and it could be spam-y.
5. To be honest- sometimes glazing does occur.
6. Author webpages, reader buzz, newsletters, and going to bookstore sites to see what’s “upcoming.”
7. Yup – to find out about authors, book buzz, contest, and etc.
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I don’t like excerpts…I don’t read them for the most part. (I would read a Laura Kinsale excerpt..I am not certain why. It would just torture me as I wait for years for the book to come out) However, I do want to find good books. If an author that I really like recommends a book, I am likely to buy it. Finding out the plot line is helpful. I have also bought books because I found the author to be funny, witty, wise or interesting on the internet.
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Gonna be super honest here. I cannot answer each question individually.
So, I will share what I can. I sign up for newsletters from authors whose work I have read and want to read more of.
I get some newsletters from a reader site–cannot think of the name but you all are in it and it has contest. I usually skim through it.
I enjoy getting them but I am not vested in what they have to say. But once I know a book is coming like Lucky Charm I keep my eyes peeled for it.
I hope this helps your research.
Have a great day.
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1. I get newsletters from different authors but also from Fresh Fiction, Writerspace, AccessRomance & Romantic Times.
2) I don’t usually like to read the book excerpts especially if the book isn’t due out for a few months because I’m not exactly patient…lol
3) I do some contests, usually just my favorite authors–I love autographed books :wub:
4) I do both.
5) lol, both…I usually find this interesting as long as it’s not too much and depending on how much time I have, but I always read about my favorite authors, for them I always have time!
6)Yes, the newletters help with release dates of books but I also use Amazon ALOT! Seriously I’m on Amazon everyday, its a bit of an addiction.
7)I do check out quite a few author blogs, just to keep up with whats going on.
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I receive individual and group author newsletters. I read them. I do not read the excerpts.
I receive contest newsletters and may or may not enter .
I find out about new releases from publishers newsletters, Fresh Fiction, Writer Space and Access Romance.
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1. The only newletter email I get with multiple authors is from Writerspace, I just skim through it. I get several emails from my favorite authors that keep me up dated as do their blogs.
2. ??? Don’t know!
3. Sometimes I will enter to win a book by a favorite author from Writerspace.
4. I prefer to sign up for authors that I enjoy their books. New authors can be discovered here or on other websites I visit or at bookstores.
5. Multiple author newsletters usually have me skimming over most of it, therefore I don’t subscribe! That would exclude the Plotmonkeys, of course. I read every word about the Plotmonkeys.
6. I find out about new books from author newsletters, eHarlequin, Border’s monthly newsletter, authors blogs, looking at book displays in Wal-Mart, Border’s or where ever I happen to go that sells books. I do get emails from Amazon also. Forgot that!!
7. Plotmonkeys are my only “group” authors. :monkey :monkey :monkey :monkey
Carly, I hope my answers help you. I picked up Lucky Charm at Border’s yesterday. They had a nice amount of the book in a couple of different spots.
:pumpkin:
:yikes: :arrr: :vampire: :bat:
Just because Halloween is coming & you have all these cute icons!!
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THANK YOU. We all appreciate the information!!!!!!!!
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1. Do you get newsletters from online sites that promote multiple authors and their books and if so, do you read them? Do you make note of which authors have books out from these newsletters? Or do you just delete?
I do get newsletters. I do not just delete them. I look at what books are coming out, read the news and any contests.
2. Do you receive newsletters with 5 days of excerpts from various sites and or authors? And if so, do you read or delete? And if you read, do these excerpts ever sway you to buy a book or author you may not have read before?
Yes, I read them and yes, they have swayed me – especially a new author.
3. Contest Newsletters listing multiple authors – Do you like the newsletters that list multiple authors’ contests? Does this sway you to buy books? Do you enter just to win a prize or does the prize help you decide to purchase a book? (There’s no right answer, and it’s OK to enter to win a prize!)
I find it harder with multiple authors – I do like to enter contests.
4. Do you prefer just to sign up for an author’s newsletter because you know them? Or do you like to receive the newsletters listing multiple authors you may never have heard of before?
I normally sign up for an author’s newsletter after I either read about them when guest posting on a blog or after I’ve read their books.
5. Author News – do you like to read news about authors in these multiple author newsletters? Or do your eyes glaze over as you read?
As I’ve said.. multiple authors in a newsletter sometimes a tad much to look at.
6. How do you find out what books are out each month? Are these types of newsletters a source?
Normally I will check my favorite author’s website, or look over their newsletters.
7. Do you visit group author hosting type sites? If so, for what reason?
I enjoy reading author websites.
Hope this helps.
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1. I receive the AccessRomance newsletter. Haven’t really gone in search of any others. If a book appeals, I’ll add it to my list to consider purchasing.
2. Can’t say that I receive letter with excerpts – but I find if I’m not familiar with an author’s work, excerpts can sway me to making a purchase. I prefer to find the excerpts on the individual author’s websites.
3. I don’t get the contest newsletters. I will enter contests if I would like to receive the prize. I don’t sign up for the newsletters mainly because I’m not located in the US, and so for the most part I’m not eligible for a lot of contests.
4. I like to sign up for the newsletters of the authors that I do read. I also like the multiple author newsletters for finding out about authors I haven’t read.
5. I don’t really tend to have a preference – a lot of the time, it depends on how I’m feeling and how many other emails I have waded through at the time.
6. I tend to use author’s websites and Amazon as a guide for what books are coming out when. I don’t find newsletters a great guide as New Zealand Customs has a nasty habit of holding up book shipments for the local bookstores, which means that I just get impatient knowing that the books have been published. That said when the exchange rate is good enough to be ordering on Amazon these newsletters can be helpful.
7. I do visit Plotmonkeys (obviously) but haven’t really visited others because of laziness.
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1. Yes, and I usually give them a quick scan before deleting. If anyone or any book jumps out at me, I’ll make a note before deleting.
2. I don’t think so; I do receive excerpts from various chat groups, and sometimes I keep them to remind me to get the books; other times I just delete.
3. It can go either way–I do enjoy a contest, especially when the prize is books, and it has happened that I’ve bought the book if I haven’t won it. It’s another way of making sure an author/title is front and center in my brain when I go to shop!
4. I tend sign up for a newsletter if I already know at least one of the authors, but have sometimes been tempted into trying someone else “by association.”
5. Depends on the news–I do like a little update every so often, either of a book sort or of a more personal kind.
6. Yes, the newsletters keep me more up to date. And blogs, for sure.
7. Mostly group blogs, and then Writerspace for the contests
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Hi Carly,
I read everything the authors I’m most interested in, even if they are a multiple author group. However, most of the info. I receive from said newsletter I already have in my wish list (excel spread sheet up through 2010 listing books or at least characters from series with tentative dates–I update as info. becomes available). I keep track of these authors mainly through yahoo boards, blogs, & websites in that order.
Newer authors I’m checking out I read newsletters & info. they send through mainly the yahoo board for that particular author or authors. If it’s high traffic yahoo board I digest & skim posts for info. I find these authors through blogs like Plot Monkeys when they interview them. If something sounds good I investigate further (web site, blogs, info. posted). Since finding the net a couple of months ago, I have expanded my wish list exponentially. I have must have authors, authors I want when I see the book, & a TBR shelf/file (which I have never in my life had before in 25 years of reading). I just bought & read!!
Contests are always very cool, especially the ones like Plot Monkeys & Writeminded that have 1 every Friday or a certain day of the week. However, I check in daily no matter what b/c of the other great info. I get. Blogs that do multiple giveaways throughout the week are another place I get lots of great info. like Mad’s RR@H Novel Thoughts (I saw you there). I love her blog b/c she is great about interacting in the comments along with most of the authors she has presented. That’s another thing especially for me looking at a new author when they interact I feel invested!! Makes me want to go out & buy & read & comment back!!! I guess it makes it more personal to me the buyer in the business sense which brings about loyalty!!!
Have a great weekend & I hope this gives you the insight you are looking for,
Susan