Ok, now that my book has been published, what does it mean? Can I just focus on writing my sequel and hope that people miraculously find out about Chaysing Dreams and buy it?

I learned very quickly that my work is just starting. Every evening after my “day” job, my time is focused on marketing for Chaysing Dreams and writing the sequel. Now, don’t get me wrong. I LOVE writing the sequel. I look forward to that because I’m really enjoying the way the story is developing. Plus, I love getting lost in my characters’ world.

The marketing? I’ve got two words. IT SUCKS! But, I know I have to stay positive about it. I mean there’s no way out of it so I might as learn all that I can and keep putting my best effort.

So what have I done so far for marketing?

1. Twitter: https://twitter.com/JalpaWilliby I’m not quite sure how much twitter truly helps. Sure, you can market all you want, but how many people really are reading your tweets? I mean I have almost 700 followers now but most of them are authors like me. They’re doing the same exact thing as I am, trying to promote their own books. We’re all on the same page. So does twitter help? We’ll see, but for now, I’ll keep using it and hope for better results.
2. Facebook: Ok, so I started Facebook account for my author page and for Chaysing Dreams. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Chaysing-Dreams/570671096296291 Please hit the like button when you visit my page. Would really appreciate it. J
   I think Facebook has been pretty effective. I try to post something every day- something interesting about the book. It could be the most recent review, author features, teasers, pictures, etc- anything to keep the hype up. I’ve also joined some groups on Facebook who help promote the book. I try to post something on their sites either every day or at least every other day. Some of these groups have thousands of followers so I hope that they see some of my postings. I also try to pay attention to other postings, especially of fellow authors. I then try to either share, like, or comment. This way, I’m helping them out as well.
3. Website: Yes, it’s crazy, but I have my own website: www.jalpawilliby.com On my website, I’ve posted the synopsis, author bio page, some reviews, and some excerpts. I also try to write on my blog- the topics have varied all over the place. I should probably be blogging more, but honestly, I have no idea how people find the time. I’ve featured authors, I’ve written about autism, about kids with special needs, and a lot about my book. I’m not quite sure if I’m doing this right, but the neat thing is that people from all over the world have hit the website to learn more about Chaysing Dreams: US, Britain, Russia, India, South America, Canada, Philippines, China, Australia. It’s pretty damn cool. I think eventually I’ll need to hire a web designer to really get this site going. But for now, I’m making it work for me.
4. Reviews: The more reviews, the better. Of course, I’ve asked my friends and family to write the reviews after they read the book. But, I’ve also sent the book out to book reviewers and fellow authors- just to get an objective, honest, and impartial review. And to my surprise, almost all have come back with five star reviews and one was a four star review. I was pleasantly surprised and grateful at the same time. So I post these reviews, hoping that people read them and want to read more about Chaysing Dreams. For me, every review is important and I take them all seriously. As an author, I can’t describe the feeling of seeing a five star review. I’ve also begun reviewing for other authors. Sometimes we trade each other’s books for an honest review. It’s good I started doing this because I’m meeting some pretty amazing people who are more than willing to give me guidance if I have questions. **If anybody out there has read Chaysing Dreams, I’d love it if you’d post a review for me on Amazon and Barnes and Noble- also goodreads if you have an account with them.
5. Book Release/Book Signing: I hosted a book release/ book-signing event. That was really neat and I was truly touched at the love and support everybody showed me. We had a lot of fun and we got some cool pictures with the banner of Chaysing Dreams. I think this was good because nothing beats the personal touch; It makes all the difference in the world when you talk to people face to face instead of online or through social media.
6. Visuals: I really try to use visuals to promote the book. I post the picture of the front cover of the book everywhere. I think human senses really respond to “catchy” visuals. I also use the pictures of the bookmarks, business cards, and others reading Chaysing Dreams. That’s my favorite. I can’t even describe the joy I feel when I get a pic of people reading Chaysing Dreams.
7. Trailers: Ok, I believe trailers for books are very important. Again, it’s that whole visual thing. I am currently trying to get an official one released through Outskirts Press for Chaysing Dreams. And, I received an awesome surprise when Swooning Over Books sent me a fan made trailer! Honestly, I was so touched. They read the book, reviewed it, and sent the trailer. I’m telling you, I’ve met some pretty cool people through this crazy journey of mine. I wouldn’t mind getting more fan made trailers… hint, hint!  😉
8. Awards/Recognitions: I’ve recently sent Chaysing Dreams out for a few competitions/Awards. Those results won’t come until next year but hey, you never know until you try.
9. Goodreads/Amazon/Barnes and Noble/Kindle/Nook/iBooks/Outskirts Press: I have Chaysing Dreams listed on all these sites. Stop by these sites when you get a chance.
10. Sales: As far as sales go, I believe it’s done the best on Amazon. If I count all of the sales, including what I’ve sold myself, all of the print books, and all of the eBooks, I’d say I’ve probably sold approximately 200 by now. The book was released around mid-August. So I guess not too bad. I have a feeling that it was mostly friends and family that have bought it so far though. Now, I have to figure out how to get to the strangers- how to convince them to buy Chaysing Dreams. I guess it’s about patience. (not my strongest virtue) But I know I’ll just have to keep trying to put it out there. The goal is to try to sell 1,000 books to help break even. So, I’ve got 800 more to go. Trust me, the cost of publishing adds up- especially if it’s by somebody like me who has to hire a professional for everything. I hired an editor, the photographer, the graphic designer, and paid extra for the customized cover of the book. (never mind the cost for all of the formatting for the print book and eBooks) Yeah, remember the goal is to sell a thousand to at least break even. So tell your friends and family and spread the word!                                                                                                                                                                                          Why do I continue to work hard on the marketing? Because I believe in the story. I put my  heart and soul into Chaysing Dreams and I feel that I have to do what I can to get the word out. It’s not going to be noticed miraculously. As much as I love to live in my fantasy world, I am still sane enough to recognize that it just doesn’t work like that in reality. 🙂 If anybody has any other bright ideas on marketing, please feel free to share. In the meantime, to all who have supported Chaysing Dreams and helped in every which way, I’m humbly grateful. You guys are my true inspiration.