26 Responses to “Nalini Singh on Promotions”

1. Wendy Posted: Sep 5th, 2008 at 8:34 am

   1 Hi, Nalini! One of the first things I focus on is the cover - if I like it then I’ll read the blurb, if I like it too then sold! It’s mine. And oh, sticky notes! I use them a lot and I’ve gotten some from authors that use them to promote their books which I think is cool.

2. JadedBee Posted: Sep 5th, 2008 at 8:40 am

   2 Squee! I just bought it yesterday, I’m attempting to quickly finish the Jayne Ann Krentz that I’m reading right now so I can start it….mayhaps over the weekend…. Bam, were you aware that your blog reference leads to a striking resemblance of Pinhead?

3. bam Posted: Sep 5th, 2008 at 10:28 am

   3 Author Comment Bam, were you aware that your blog reference leads to a striking resemblance of Pinhead? damn it. ok. My bad. fixed now.

4. MaryKate Posted: Sep 5th, 2008 at 12:11 pm

   4 Hi Nalini! Fancy meeting you here. Hand to God, I’m NOT stalking you. We just…seem to be hanging out in the same place. What gets me to pick up a book? Honestly, readers whose tastes coincide with mine who make recommendations. I read a ton of romance, and given that so many covers look alike, I never, ever step into a romance section without my trusty (anal retentive) list. So reader recommendation comes first. Same with positive buzz. Or, someone who I’ve encountered online. Jessica Anderson is a prime example of that. I knew she was JR Ward’s CP, and when I heard about their panel at RT and her comments about the BDB, I bought her new bookimmediately. And I liked it. I think she’s quite like Ward, but I like her style enough to pick up the next book. Pleasure Unbound by Larissa Ione is another book that I probably would have passed on if it hadn’t been for all the buzz I’d heard about it. I’m sorry to say it, but she was saddled with one of those covers that looks like everyone else’s. So if I hadn’t heard so much about it, I’d probably have passed on it. And it was my favorite read of the summer. I rarely enter contests, but occasionally I do and I always read the books I win.

5. azteclady Posted: Sep 5th, 2008 at 12:34 pm

   5 Commenting Okay, now with all seriousness: I’m torn on the promotion bit. I mean, I like giveaways because, having a tiny book budget, they allow me to try new-to-me authors which otherwise would fly under the radar. Swag, on the other hand, leaves me completely unmoved (sorry guys–pens and stuff are cute, but don’t make me buy the book, see?) Did that help any?

6. Willa Posted: Sep 5th, 2008 at 1:27 pm

   6 What gets me to pick up a book? Buzz - lots of good buzz around blogland and reading websites. Recommendations from friends with the same reading tastes. I always check out the authors website to see if there are any excerpts available, to try and get a feel for the authors voice. I try not to be influenced by the covers (there are some doozies out there!) or the back blurb, which more often than not can be misleading. Contests that I like to enter - ones that generate some discussion are always good - you can pick up suggestions for new authors or discuss a particular book/character that you really liked. Having a book as the prize is always great - especially if it is autographed - that makes it really special. Have you seen any marketing idea that really struck you as interesting and different? I think it was last year that an author ran a competition where you had to visit a certain number of romance blogs and answer a question about each one - like a treasure hunt. Thought that was different. Well, what little brains I have, have been picked have a great weekend

7. Angela Posted: Sep 5th, 2008 at 1:53 pm

   7 What gets me to pick up a book - first will be friend recommendations. Then there’s the books that get reviewed on several blogs I follow (and trust). When I’m browsing a bookstore - a good cover will always get my attention (and I admit I’ll buy based on the cover and back blurb). Even if I think I’ll be mildly interested I’ll give it a chance. Contests - I’ll enter contests for books by authors that I’ve been thinking about trying out (stuff that I’m interested in, but haven’t gotten around to buying). A lot of the blogs that I read will let me know about contests too, and I’ll enter based on reviews, or their recommendation too (or friends). I just like contests. There’s no specific one I like more than others I can’t think of any that have really stuck with me. I like ones that make me think or do something other than just write an inane comment everywhere. It shows that people that are willing to put the effort in are getting the book.

8. isidri Posted: Sep 5th, 2008 at 3:54 pm

   8 First to make it on my reading list are books by authors whose previous work I’ve enjoyed. I’m author-loyal. Next are books that get a positive review on blog(s) I trust (like this one!). Next, I look through my amazon recommendations, and usually find one or two things to throw on the list. When I buy a book not on the list, it’s usually the title that grabs me first and makes me take the book off the shelf. I always take the blurb more seriously than the cover, but I’m ashamed to admit that if the cover is wicked cheezy, I won’t buy the book unless I’ve already heard good things about it.

9. Nalini Singh Posted: Sep 5th, 2008 at 4:13 pm

   9 Loving the comments / suggestions / thoughts everyone! Please keep them coming

10. Aymless Posted: Sep 5th, 2008 at 5:44 pm

    10 Me no stalkin’ either… honest… *g* I’m with MK, Willa and Angela… lots and lots of recommendations. I am way more likely to pick something up if it’s recommended by someone I know (friend/reviewer who has similar tastes) or hear lots good things about it everywhere. I picked up Pleasure Unbound by Larissa Ione and the Black Jewel Trilogy by Anne Bishop that way. For others, I’ll pick up a used copy or borrow it. If it’s great I’ll go buy it new if at all possible. And also I’ll buy authors that I’ve enjoyed in the past (am a totally series junkie *g*).

11. Denice Posted: Sep 5th, 2008 at 6:43 pm

    11 hello. just discovered this site and am hooked. will be returning often. as to the question? quite often i pick up a book because of the recommendations by authors i like on the cover. sometimes it’s the cover art itself. but sometimes it’s just some undefinable… something that leads me to read the back cover and then go “hmmm. this sounds interesting.” it is seldom the title alone (although, to be honest, i did check out Mario Acevedo’s X-RATED BLOODSUCKERS just for that reason.) :-)

12. Lorelie Posted: Sep 5th, 2008 at 6:53 pm

    12 A hot cover can get me to pick up a random book I’ve never heard of before (my definition of hot, not marketing’s) but it can’t get me to buy it. Blurb, first couple pages. Sometimes if I’m really torn, I’ll hop to the last couple pages. I’m strange like that. I use the post it notes I get. If I get a cute button, it gets stuck through my mesh desk organizer. Bookmarks get chucked. Pens are kept only if they meet my picky standards. I *like* the contests that make you work for the prize - writing, reviewing, crack a joke, something like that. But I am totally not above whoring myself out on simple “comment here” ones if it’s something I really want. I’m shallow like that. lol

13. Jessa Slade Posted: Sep 5th, 2008 at 10:18 pm

    13 Nalini, I thought your contest for HtP was great (having people post on their blog with a question centered around the book world). Not only did it get you out there, it gave me something to put in my endlessly hungry blog I also like contests that give you multiple chances to win: post a comment on one site, collect a clue from another site, write a limerick, whatever. Kind of that treasure hunt idea. It keeps people around longer. I’m afraid I’m one of those people attracted to good covers. Then back cover blurb. Then page 1. Only one of which is controlled by the author. I should know better! But I am also driven by recommendations and I have lots of writer & reader friends so a really good book will usually make its way into my hands. Thanks for having this discussion. As a newbie author myself, all the ideas have my head spinning.

14. Michelle Johnson Posted: Sep 5th, 2008 at 10:59 pm

    14 T&A. Need I say more?

15. LesleyW Posted: Sep 6th, 2008 at 5:46 am

    15 A cover won’t necessarily get me to pick up a book, but if it’s really bad it will discourage me from picking it up. I also tend not to go by author recommendations, I’m not convinced they’re that reliable. I go a lot by reader recommendations. There are several reader blogs I follow and if they’re all excited about a new book then that definitely perks up my interest. I like to be able to read excerpts if possible especially if it’s an author I haven’t read before. I like contests where I can win a book. I’m a pretty loyal reader, hook me on your series and I will follow it to the end. And pimp it to as many people as I can. I suck at competitions where I have to think up things though. My brain doesn’t work well under pressure. So I like the comps where just put your name in the comments is an alternative. If I can come up with something creative I will but I like the option of not having to.

16. LeaF Posted: Sep 6th, 2008 at 7:19 am

    16 Hi Nalini: If the cover of a book jumps of the shelf at me I will often pick it up and read the synopsis and take a peek inside to see if it is a work I might enjoy. However, lately many of the covers are quite similar and whoever is designing them seem to be using the same models so choosing a read that way hasn’t been as inviting. I have so many on my TBR shelf that the main way I pick books now is through word of mouth on the various blogs and threads out there. For instance, there has been tons of buzz over at Amazon about your books and they come up time and time again when folks ask for recommendations. So, needless to say I’ve added one of your stories to my “Wish List”. Bam and Tumperkin have book reviews on their blogs which have been very helpful. I also belong to a on-line book club which has a monthly read for discussion and it is introducing new authors that I haven’t read previously. Regards Lea

17. TIFF Posted: Sep 6th, 2008 at 8:43 am

    17 Suz Brockmann creates reader’s guides that include interviews with characters, short stories, author insights, etc. I wish more authors would do them. She also used to do a month long countdown up to the release date that included excerpts, character descriptions, ect on her website. I liked those, too. I probably liked that more than the guides.Those countdowns are what started me reading her books actually. I was intrigued by some of the characters and wanted to know more.

18. Suzette Posted: Sep 6th, 2008 at 9:35 am

    18 I guess that reader reccomendation is what makes me pick up an author I had never read in the first place. Most of the time it’s an author that is recommending someone new. I began reading Kresley Cole AND Nalini Singh because of Gena Showalter. Knowledge of an authors’ previous work usually is the reason I pick up a book there after. If I read you before and enjoyed it there’s a great chance I’m getting the next book you put out. LOYAL if I love you! I try not to pick out by cover because as others have stated, they tend to start to blend or look to much alike. EX. Jaquelyn Frank and JR ward. I like scavenger hunts as far as the contest are concerned but will enter any book contest if its an author I love. Buzz campaigns are my favorite since if you are one of the lucky few chosen to read an ARC, you are then able to blog your review wherever you can to spread the word. Marjorie M Liu has done this with her Dirk & Steele paranormals and I always try out for those when the opportunity arises. When it comes to promo, the best thing to give away is a book by that author(ARC is always lovely, especially signed). I also am really loving how some authors will give a book with either jewelry or candles inspired by their books. Stella and Audra Price do this with theirs and I try to never miss those contests. I hope I helped some.

19. Mona Posted: Sep 6th, 2008 at 11:02 am

    19 The picture on the cover usually grabs my attention, but what gets me to buy the book is the blurb on the back on excerpt in the front. I like to enter simple contests… send your name and we’ll draw a number…or contests that ask you questions about characters or events that have occurred in the authors other books. Marketing ideas…..hmmm I can’t think of anything that has leaped out and grabbed me in the literature world. I simply like visiting blogs or review sites to see what other readers enjoyed or visiting the authors site and joining up with their newsletters to keep abreast of the current and future books as well as free excerpts. Mona

20. Leslie Posted: Sep 6th, 2008 at 2:45 pm

    20 Hi Nalini, I usually try books that other readers with similar tastes have recommended. There are a core group of readers/bloggers that I can depend on to give honest reviews. Those are the ones I pay attention to. What can authors do? Have decent websites with excerpts of the books. If it’s a series, general background info on the series and character bios are always helpful. The short stories are a bonus and can give a new reader a chance to “try out” the author’s style of writing. Also with so many blogs, forums, etc. an author’s online presence is important. Giving online interviews and chats are a wonderful way to connect with readers and get the word out about new releases. I found out about your books on a reader’s forum and it is one of my favorite series.

21. Nalini Singh Posted: Sep 6th, 2008 at 2:54 pm

    21 I’m taking notes here! It’s really great to hear what works and what doesn’t.

22. Malin Posted: Sep 6th, 2008 at 3:14 pm

    22 What gets me to pick up a book by an unknown author? (In a bookstore) If I’ve heard the author mentioned somewhere. If the book is shelved next to an autobuy (Go, Julia Quinn!) and something about it catches my eye. Color, author’s name, text, title. I’ll read the back and think about it. (But picking up a book and carrying it around the bookstore doesn’t mean I’ll end up buying it. Money matters and if my conscience starts grumbling it’s the unknowns that get ditched.) What gets me to BUY a book by an unknown author? When I buy new I tend to play it safe. Recommendations. This summer, mostly from DA & SBTB. Recommendations by authors I like (but not solely). Buzz. Enough mentions and eventually I’ll have to find out what the fuss is all about. Free reads. (Picked up Julia Quinn and Lois McMaster Bujold because of free reads. Not to mention Tor authors.) When I buy used, I try out everything that looks interesting since I can always return what wasn’t to my taste. (And get some of my money back.) But when I find something I like, I’ll go back and get the backlist, used or new. And look for new releases. Contests: I’ll enter any contest where there’s a chance of winning a book. Unless it’s too complicated. Or I’m not eligible for entry. (I truly hate US-only contests - there are readers across the ocean also! We have money! We buy books!) Can’t help out much on the marketing, being across the ocean. Mentions on blogs I visit, reviews, contests, interviews, etc. help me find out you exist. Enough mentions and I’ll sample your work.

23. Malin Posted: Sep 6th, 2008 at 3:16 pm

    23 Make that enough positive mentions! There are a few authors that are definitely DNB because of internet behavior.

24. Ann N Posted: Sep 6th, 2008 at 3:21 pm

    24 Hi Nalini, For me, I tend to go for books with an intriguing synopsis on the back cover. That usually works 70% of the time for me. I used to go for contests all the time but nowadays, I tend to read a couple of recommendations but I don’t always look at blogs. For me, I am wary because some blogger’s tastes don’t necessarily match my own. Other times, they are so fanatical, I don’t know if the book is truly good or if the eagerness to tell me about the author actually makes me want to go the other way. I’ve also been blessed w/a couple of free reads that have been very pleasant surprises for me.

25. azteclady Posted: Sep 7th, 2008 at 8:58 am

    25 Congrats, Mona! Have a great Sunday everyone.

26. Mona Posted: Sep 9th, 2008 at 7:10 pm

    26 Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Mona