The difference between two of my books

 

A year ago I did a blog post on the differences between my first Wattpad book secrets and The Hybrid mate (check it out here if interested) but I thought it could be a good idea to compare the differences and similarities between two of my books The Hybrid Mate and Bound Desires 

The main differences between The Hybrid Mate and Bound Desires would be the word count with The Hybrid Mate having a word count of around 48k words and Bound Desires of a word count of around 58k words. 

The fact that Ruby in The Hybrid Mate knew of the supernatural world already unlike Freya who only knew a human life and was thrown into the supernatural realm after her kidnapping. Bound Desires also has a lot more supernatural creatures appear throughout the book unlike The Hybrid Mate. Bound Desires also has a lot more “main” character deaths. 

The biggest similarities between the two however is that both are human at the start of the book and hate their mates for who they are at the start of the book before slowly becoming more accepting and even falling in love as the book continues to progress. 

Both Ruby and Freya have a child by the end of the book and both have big themes of evil people and things set to destroy them. 

How to write the perfect book blurb

Writing the perfect book blurb is essential for attracting potential readers and convincing them to buy your book. Here I have outlined some steps and tips to help you craft an engaging and compelling book blurb. 

1. Hook the reader: Start with a captivating sentence that grabs attention. Example: “In a world where magic is forbidden, one girl’s discovery will change everything.”

2. Introduce the main character(s): Briefly introduce the protagonist(s) and their key traits. Example: “Elena is a rebellious teenager with a knack for uncovering secrets.”

3. Set the scene: provide a glimpse of the setting and the context of the story. Example: “In the dystopian city of New Arcadia, where technology rules and emotions are outlawed”

4. Outline the central conflict: Highlight the main conflict or challenge the protagonist faces. Example: “When Elena stumbles upon a hidden library of forbidden magic books, she becomes the target of the ruthless Enforcers.”

5. Tease the plot: Give a hint of the plot without revealing too much. Create intrigue and leave the reader wanting more. Example: “As she unravels the mysteries of the past, Elena must decide whether to use her newfound knowledge to fight for freedom or to protect those she loves from the dangerous truth.”

6. Highlight the stakes: Emphasise what’s at stake and why it matters. Example: “With the fate of New Arcadia hanging in the balance, Elena’s next move could save or destroy her world.”

7. End with a cliffhanger: Leave the reader with a question or a statement that makes them want to read the book to find out more. Example: “Can Elena harness the power of magic before it’s too late?”

8. Keep it concise: Aim for 150-200 words. Be concise and to the point, avoiding unnecessary details.

9. Use strong, vivid language: Use vivid and evocative language to create a strong impression. Avoid clichés and generic descriptions.

10. Include a call to action: Encourage the reader to take action. Example: “Dive into this thrilling adventure today and discover the secrets of New Arcadia.”

Sample Blurb

In a world where magic is forbidden, one girl’s discovery will change everything. Elena is a rebellious teenager with a knack for uncovering secrets. In the dystopian city of New Arcadia, where technology rules and emotions are outlawed, she stumbles upon a hidden library of forbidden magic books. Suddenly, she becomes the target of the ruthless Enforcers. As she unravels the mysteries of the past, Elena must decide whether to use her newfound knowledge to fight for freedom or to protect those she loves from the dangerous truth. With the fate of New Arcadia hanging in the balance, Elena’s next move could save or destroy her world. Can she harness the power of magic before it’s too late? Dive into this thrilling adventure today and discover the secrets of New Arcadia.

By following these steps and tips, you can craft a compelling book blurb that can draw the readers in and makes them eager to buy and read your book.

Websites that cost money but can help you promote your book

 

Promoting your book with paid services can significantly enhance its visibility and reach. Below I have outlined some websites that cost a fee that can help you promote your book. 

Book Promotion Sites

1. BookBub

Services offered: Featured Deals, targeted email campaigns to a large audience of readers.

Cost: Varies based on genre and book price, typically ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.

2. BookSirens

Services offered: Review campaigns to get honest reviews from readers.

Cost: Starting at $10 per review.

3. NetGalley

Services offered: Distribution of ARCs (Advance Review Copies) to librarians, booksellers, and reviewers.

Cost: Starting at $399 for a six-month listing.

4. Reedsy Discovery

Services offered: Book promotion through editorial reviews and recommendations.

Cost: $50 per book.

Advertising Platforms

5. Amazon Advertising

Services offered: Sponsored product ads, display ads, and custom ads on Amazon.

Cost: Pay-per-click (PPC) model, budget is set by the author.

6. Facebook Ads

Services offered: Targeted ads to specific demographics and interests.

Cost: Flexible budget, minimum daily budget as low as $1.

7. Google Ads

Services offered: Search and display ads targeted by keywords and demographics.

Cost: Pay-per-click (PPC) model, budget set by the author.

Marketing Services

8. Smith Publicity

Services offered:Comprehensive book marketing and publicity services.

Cost: Packages start at $2,500.

9. BookBaby

Services offered: Book marketing services including press releases, social media promotion, and email campaigns.

Cost: Packages starting at $199.

10. Kirkus Reviews

Services offered: Professional book reviews and marketing services.

Cost: Reviews start at $425, marketing services vary.

Author Services

11. Prolific Works (formerly Instafreebie)

Services offered: Promotional campaigns, reader magnet giveaways.

Cost: Plans start at $20/month.

12. Book Funnel

Services offered: Distribution of ARCs, reader magnet services, email list building.

Cost: Plans start at $20/year.

 Book Tours and PR

13. Pump Up Your Book

Services offered: Virtual book tours, blog tours, social media promotion.

Cost: Packages starting at $299.

14. The Book Publicist

Services offered: Media campaigns, author PR, event management.

Cost: Custom pricing based on services required.

Analytics and Optimization

15. KDSpy

Services offered: Amazon Kindle market research and analytics tool.

Cost: One-time fee of $97.

16. Publisher Rocket

Services offered: Keyword research and AMS ad optimization.

Cost: One-time fee of $97.

Considerations

- Budget: Assess your budget and allocate funds to services that provide the best ROI (Return on Investment) for your specific needs.

- Goals: Define your promotional goals (e.g., increasing sales, gaining reviews, building an email list) and choose services accordingly.

- Research: Investigate each service's reputation and effectiveness through reviews and testimonials from other authors.

By investing in these paid services, you can leverage your professional marketing tools and strategies to effectively promote your book and reach a wider audience but remember even when spending money you may not see the outcome you are wanting. 

Book marketing tips for self published authors

 

Advertising a self-published book effectively requires a mix of both online and offline strategies and can be quite daunting when you first start but eventually you will find the way that works best for you through trial and error. 

Some ways you can advertise a self published book include:

1. Create a professional website: Develop a website or blog to showcase your book, share your writing journey, and provide purchase links.

2. Leverage social media: Use platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok to connect with readers, share updates, and run targeted ads. You can also join relevant groups and forums to engage with potential readers.

3. Email marketing: Build an email list by offering a free chapter or exclusive content in exchange for email subscriptions. Remember to send regular newsletters with updates, special offers, and insights into your writing process.

4. Utilise book promotion sites: Submit your book to sites like BookBub, Freebooksy, and Bargain Booksy for featured promotions. Consider running a paid promotion on these platforms to reach a larger audience.

5. Run amazon ads: Use Amazon’s advertising tools to target readers searching for similar books. Optimise your book’s Amazon page with compelling descriptions, keywords, and reviews.

6. Engage with book bloggers and reviewers: Reach out to book bloggers and reviewers for potential reviews and features. Offer free review copies to influencers in your genre.

7. Participate in online and offline events: Join virtual book tours, webinars, and author panels. Consider attending local book fairs, library events, and writing conferences to network and promote your book.

8. Collaborate with other authors: Partner with authors in your genre for cross-promotions and joint giveaways. Contribute guest posts to each other’s blogs or social media channels.

9. Offer limited-time discounts and giveaways: Run special promotions, such as limited-time discounts or free ebook days. You can also host giveaways on social media to generate buzz and attract new readers.

10. Create engaging content: Produce content like behind-the-scenes videos, author interviews, and book trailers. Share interesting snippets, character backstories, and deleted scenes to keep readers engaged.

Consistency and engagement are key. Regularly update your strategies based on what works best for your audience and remember it can take time to see results.

How to write an "About Me" page

 

Writing an engaging and effective "About Me" author page involves a balance between professionalism and personality. Here are some tips to help you create a compelling author bio to hook your readers. 

1. Start with a Hook: Begin with an interesting fact or a unique aspect of your writing journey that grabs the reader's attention from the get go.

 2. Introduce Yourself: Provide a brief introduction of who you are. Mention your name, your profession as a writer, and any notable achievements or recognitions you may have.

3. Highlight Your Writing: Discuss your writing background, including genres you specialise in and any published works. Mention any awards, accolades, or significant milestones in your writing career.

4. Share Your Journey: Give a glimpse into your journey as a writer. Explain what inspired you to start writing and any challenges you’ve overcome. This helps readers connect with you on a personal level.

5. Personal Touch: Share a bit about your personal life, such as hobbies, interests, or other creative pursuits. This humanises you and makes you more relatable to your readers which is what you want.

6. Include Professional Details: Mention your educational background, writing affiliations, or memberships in literary organisations. This adds credibility to your author profile but is not a necessity.

7. Call to Action: Encourage readers to connect with you. Provide links to your social media profiles, website, or blog. Invite them to subscribe to your newsletter or follow you for future updates.

8. Professional Photo: Include a high-quality, professional photo of yourself. A good author photo helps readers put a face to the name and adds a personal touch to your bio.

Sample Author Bio could look like

Hi there! I'm (Name), a passionate storyteller and dedicated author of the fantasy genre. My journey into the world of writing began when I was in high school.

Over the years, I've written (number) novels, including (mention notable works). My work has been recognized with (mention any awards or recognitions), and I'm constantly inspired by the magic of storytelling.

When I'm not immersed in my latest manuscript, you can find me out hiking. Whether it's hiking or watching tv, I believe that every experience adds a new layer to my storytelling.

I hold a (degree) in (field) from (university), and I'm an active member of (writing organizations or affiliations). My commitment to honing my craft is unwavering, and I'm always excited to share my stories with readers around the world.

I love connecting with my readers, so feel free to reach out! Follow me on (social media links) or visit my website at (website link) for the latest updates and exclusive content.

Thank you for being a part of my writing journey. Your support means the world to me!

Warm regards,

(Name)

The goal is to create an "About Me" page that is authentic, engaging, and inviting for your readers but try and achieve the perfect balance as to not make it sound like you are bragging but also consider where you are posting it and the world count for that platform.