About:Nancy J. Cohen

Website: https://nancyjcohen.com Profile Nancy J. Cohen writes the Bad Hair Day Mysteries featuring South Florida hairstylist Marla Vail. Titles in this series have been named Best Cozy Mystery by Suspense Magazine, won a Readers' Favorite gold medal, placed first in the Chanticleer Book Awards and third in the Arizona Literary Awards. Nancy’s instructional guide, Writing the Cozy Mystery, was nominated for an Agatha Award. A featured speaker at libraries, conferences, and community events, she is listed in Contemporary Authors, Poets & Writers, and Who's Who in U.S. Writers, Editors, & Poets. When not busy writing, she enjoys fine dining, cruising, visiting Disney World, and shopping.

Posts by Nancy J. Cohen :

Warrior Lord – New Print Edition

Warrior Lord, #3 in the Drift Lords Series, is now available in a new trade paperback author’s edition. This title was previously published by The Wild Rose Press. A dream wedding in Las Vegas turns into a nightmare when contest winner Erika Sherwood realizes she’s married an alien.

Warrior Lord

Published by Orange Grove Press
Digital ISBN: 978-1-952886-15-7
Print ISBN: 978-1-952886-34-8
Cover Design by The Killion Group, Inc.
Interior Design by Formatting4u.com

Pottery sculptor Erika Sherwood accepts a challenge from a stranger at a Las Vegas casino. The man named Magnor proposes they pretend to be engaged to win a contest with a rich reward. It seems like a sweet deal, except for one point. The winners will be married in a televised segment right after the competition. In a moment of recklessness, Erika accepts Magnor’s proposal.

Much to their surprise, they win and are pushed into a whirlwind wedding on live TV. Once they’re alone, Magnor proclaims he’s a space warrior sent to Earth to stop an alien invasion. He’s searching for a powerful weapon, and he needs Erika’s legendary powers to help locate it.

When they’re attacked by alien soldiers, Erika realizes he’s telling the truth. They’re sucked into a maelstrom of danger as they evade the enemy. But even more alarming are the growing feelings Erika has for her new husband. Once his mission succeeds, he’ll return to the stars. Can she convince him to stay and turn their marriage into a reality?

PRAISE FOR WARRIOR LORD

“A fun combination of action, adventure, sci-fi, mystery, mythology, and romance. I loved this book and cannot get enough Drift Lords.” WiLoveBooks

“Cohen’s third book in her Drift Lords series is an action-packed thrill ride from start to finish. She effortlessly blends fact with Norse mythology and fiction to create a fabulous tale, layered in detail and rich in texture.” Muddy Rose Reviews

“Warrior Lord is a fast-paced science fiction tale with suspense and romance. A well-written book that kept me reading and guessing until the last page.” Reader Forever 

“Another great installment of Nancy Cohen’s series that combines sci-fi romance, action/adventure, and Norse mythology! Recommended for anyone who loves lots of action and sexy romance.” Alyssa Maxwell, author of the Gilded Newport Mysteries

“Warrior Lord held me spellbound with this story of soul mates trying to save the world. If that is not enough for you, this book will have you at the edge of your seat. A great read.” Drue’s Random Chatter

BUY LINKS

Amazon Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08KDHPJHF
Amazon Print: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1952886341/
Apple Books: http://books.apple.com/us/book/id6448873701
BN Nook: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/warrior-lord-nancy-j-cohen/1120033032?ean=2940161037072
BN Print: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/warrior-lord-nancy-j-cohen/1120033032?ean=9781952886348
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/warrior-lord-3
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=LHG9EAAAQBAJ
Books2Read: https://books2read.com/Warrior-Lord
Indiebound: https://bookshop.org/p/books/warrior-lord-nancy-j-cohen/20102232?ean=9781952886348

Excerpt

Cameras aimed at her, and a wedding march blasted from the speaker system. She resisted the urge to press a hand to her aching temples.

Magnor waited for her under the canopy where myriads of tiny lights twinkled. He looked proud and tall, an unreadable expression on his face as he watched her step forward. His cape swung behind him, making him look like an avenging god with his impressive height and sword.

She took her place at his side and together they faced Dennis. The official held an open book in his hands. Dennis began the brief ceremony, his words bypassing her brain as she stood rooted in place, immobilized by the rapid pace of events.

“With the power invested in me by the State of Nevada and the city of Las Vegas, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

Erika’s head whirled. Not even fifteen minutes must have gone by. Was this what passed for a Las Vegas wedding?

What a sham. She supposed that every minute they were on the air, it cost money.

Magnor’s head descended, and he pressed his mouth to hers. As far as the TV viewers were concerned, they’d been married. The exchange of rings had felt real. She wondered who’d given him the one he’d slid onto her finger. Dennis, most likely.

The ruddy-faced official shook their hands, gave Magnor the key to the honeymoon suite, and said their new car would be available for pickup from the valet. As for the cash prize, it was theirs for the taking. He handed them a large-sized signed check made out to Mr. and Mrs. Magnor.

“Oh, and one more thing,” Dennis said. “I’ll need your signatures on these documents, please. It’s simply a formality, but we do need permission for the resort to use your likenesses for publicity. These papers also include transfer of title to the car, tax forms and such.”

Erika signed with a shaky hand. In her frazzled state, she couldn’t be bothered to read the details.

Magnor followed suit, then grasped her hand in his and raised it in the air. The watching throng cheered loudly.

“That’s it then, wife.” His low, rumbly voice broke through the haze in her head. “You’re mine now.”

New Print Release WARRIOR LORD A dream wedding in Las Vegas turns into a nightmare when contest winner Erika Sherwood realizes she's married an alien. #alienromance #fantasy #romance Share on X

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GIVEAWAYS

Oct 1-22 Booklover’s Bench
Enter to win two free cozy mysteries at Booklovers Bench: https://bookloversbench.com/contests/win-two-free-books-oct-2023

Oct. 1 – 31, Kobo Paranormal Romance BOGO
Paranormal Sci/Fi Romance Sale at Kobo – Buy 1 Get One Free! My book, CIRCLE OF LIGHT, is included. If you don’t own a Kobo e-reader, you can download the free app.  https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/circle-of-light-9

Oct. 16 – 25, BookSweeps Paranormal, Sci-Fi & Fantasy Romance Giveaway
Enter to win my book, WARRIOR PRINCE, and 44 other fantasy, sci-fi and paranormal titles PLUS a brand-new eRreader: https://www.booksweeps.com/giveaway/oct23-win-a-bundle-of-paranormal-sci-fi-and-fantasy-romances/

Paranormal, Sci-Fi & Fantasy Romance Book Giveaway

Are you looking for a fun escape from reality? If so, I’ve teamed up with 45 authors to give away a huge collection of Paranormal, Sci-Fi & Fantasy Romances from Booksweeps to two lucky winners! AND the Grand Prize winner gets a brand-new eReader.

My book, WARRIOR PRINCE, is included in this multi-author book giveaway. This title has “sci-fi, fantasy, mythology, mystery, and humor all wrapped up in a steamy romance.” Enter to win your copy now plus 44 other amazing reads.

Click Here to Enter – https://www.booksweeps.com/giveaway/oct23-win-a-bundle-of-paranormal-sci-fi-and-fantasy-romances/

Good luck and enjoy! Deadline is October 25.

BOGO Sale

P.S. If you’re a fan of this genre, check out Kobo’s BOGO Sale going on now! Paranormal Sci/Fi Romance Sale runs Oct. 1-31 – My book, CIRCLE OF LIGHT, is included. If you don’t own a Kobo e-reader, you can download the free app. Start reading now: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/circle-of-light-9

Carrabba Wine Dinner – Orin Swift Wines

We attended the October wine dinner at Carrabba’s Italian Grill featuring Orin Swift wines. It was a fun evening with too much to eat! Here is the 4-course menu:

   

          

Shrimp Mandola paired with NZ Sauvignon Blanc

Shrimp, asparagus, roasted red pepper and herbs topped with lemon butter sauce and served with garlic toast. The sauce was so good we couldn’t help dipping the toast in there. The white wine was light and fruity and made the perfect accompaniment.

Rigatoni Amatriciana paired with Department 66 Others Red Blend

Rigatoni pasta with crushed tomatoes, bacon, parmesan, and Romano cheeses topped with grilled chicken. This full-bodied wine was a deep burgundy color and the best of the reds, in my opinion.

Filet and Scallop Florentine paired with 8 Years in the Desert Zinfandel Blend

Wood-grilled filet accompanied by seared sea scallops with spinach and tomatoes in a cream sauce that tasted a bit salty to me. This came with mashed potatoes.

Chocolate Torte with Fresh Raspberries paired with Abstract Red Blend

Chocolate torte with chocolate sauce and fresh raspberries topped with whipped cream. All in all, it was a delightful evening.

GIVEAWAY

Enter to win two free cozy mysteries at Booklovers Bench: https://bookloversbench.com/contests/win-two-free-books-oct-2023

 

BOOK SALE

Buy One Get One Free at Kobo’s Paranormal Romance Sale Oct. 1-31. My book, CIRCLE OF LIGHT, is included. If you don’t own a Kobo ereader, you can download their free app. https://www.kobo.com/us/en/p/paranormal-bogo-us

Facebook Party Takeover Tonight

This is a reminder to Join me TONIGHT from 7:00 – 8:00pm EDT for an Author Takeover at Joanna’s Readers Facebook Group hosted by my friend, bestselling author Joanna Campbell Slan. Fun & Prizes! https://www.facebook.com/groups/1602372550058785

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

Saturday, Oct. 14, at 10:30 am – 12 noon “Book Marketing on a Budget” with Nancy J. Cohen via Zoom sponsored by South Florida Fiction Writers. 10:30 am is meet & mingle and business meeting; Workshop starts at 11am. Register Here: https://southfloridafictionwriters.com/upcoming-events/

 

Oct. 20-22, Florida WritersCon 2023 at the Hilton Orlando/Altamonte Springs, 350 Northlake Blvd, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701. Register here: https://www.floridawriters.org/registration

“Self-Publishing Made Simple” on Friday, Oct. 20 at 3:30-4:30 pm
“Book Marketing on a Budget” on Saturday, Oct. 21 at 3:30- 4:30 pm

 

Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, 10:30 am – 4:00 pm EDT, Indie Author Day, Ponte Vedra Beach Library, 101 Library Blvd, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082. I’m proud to be a keynote speaker and panelist at this event. Free registration: https://sjcpls.org/event/indie-author-showcase/

 

GIVEAWAYS

Enter to win two free books at Booklovers Bench in our monthly giveaway: https://bookloversbench.com/contests/win-two-free-books-oct-2023

 

Paranormal Sci/Fi Romance Sale at Kobo Oct. 1-31 – Buy 1 Get One Free! My book, CIRCLE OF LIGHT, is included. If you don’t own a Kobo e-reader, you can download the free app. Start reading now: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/circle-of-light-9

Journey of Water

This past weekend, we attended a passholder preview of a new attraction inspired by Moana at Disney World’s Epcot theme park. Journey of Water is located in World Nature, which is to the right past Spaceship Earth. It’s an educational and interactive exhibit that relates the cycle of water on our planet.

  

In a garden-like setting, you walk through various sections. You’ll see dancing waters, can move your arms under a falling stream to make music, or raise your arms and make water jump. It’s fun for kids as well as adults and is a very pleasant path surrounded by trees and plants.

  

  

Flowers provide splashes of color along the easy-walking trail. Toward the end is a topiary representation of Moana in a peaceful setting.

 

  

I felt the entire exhibit was well done and was sad when it came to an end. I like nature trails anyway, and this one is a delight to explore and to learn about our water cycles at the same time.

Epcot Food & Wine Festival

All this scenic wonder roused our appetites, so we headed to World Showcase to sample the dishes at Epcot’s Food & Wine Festival. Our first stop was Australia for the lamb chops. The meat was very tender and tasty, but I found the seasoning too salty for my palate.

We enjoyed the food at Kenya. Richard and I shared the coffee barbecued beef with mashed potatoes while Sue & Mark Bernstein, our companions, said the shrimp skewers were very good. Those are definitely on my list for next time.

     

I tried the mimosa flight at Shimmering Sips. I liked the berry one in the middle, but the other two choices didn’t have much taste.

The crab cake at Coastal Eats was delicious. Crispy on the outside and moist on the inside, it had mostly crab meat with no shells and I didn’t taste any filler. Very good and so was the slaw that accompanied it.

All in all, we had a great day except for the heat. It’s time for Fall already!

 

Kobo Paranormal Romance Sale

Buy One Get One Free at Kobo’s Paranormal Romance Sale Oct. 1-31. My book, CIRCLE OF LIGHT, is included. This title was my first published book and winner of the HOLT Medallion Award. It’s book #1 in the Light-Years Series. Get started on the sale by ordering CIRCLE OF LIGHT now!

If you don’t own a Kobo e-reader, you can download the free app HERE.

Giveaway

Enter to win two free books at Booklovers Bench in our monthly giveaway:

Save the Date

Monday, Oct. 9, 7:00pm – 8:00 pm Facebook Author Takeover at Joanna’s Readers Facebook Page – Fun & Prizes!

Writing Workshops

Saturday, Oct. 7, 12:00pm to 5:00pm EDT, SinC Into Great Writing: Masterclass Day. I’m doing a workshop on “Book Promotion on a Budget” at 1:15 – 2:15 pm EDT.

Saturday, Oct. 14 at 11:00 am – 12 noon “Book Marketing on a Budget” via Zoom sponsored by South Florida Fiction Writers. Pre-Register Here.

Friday to Sunday, Oct. 20-22, Florida WritersCon 2023 at the Hilton Orlando/Altamonte Springs. I’ll be presenting these workshops: “Self-Publishing Made Simple” on Friday, Oct. 20 at 3:30-4:30 pm and “Book Marketing on a Budget” on Saturday, Oct. 21 at 3:30- 4:30 pm. Register Here

Saturday, Nov. 4, 10:30 am – 4:00 pm EDT, Indie Author Day, Ponte Vedra Beach Library, 101 Library Blvd, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082. I’ll be a presenter. Free registration here: https://sjcpls.org/event/indie-author-showcase/

Kobo Paranormal Romance Sale #BOGO #KoboBooks Share on X

Coming Next: Warrior Lord New Print Book Release and Bad Hair Day Box Set Six Pre-Order

 

A Flight on the Millennium Falcon

Earlier this week, we visited Disney’s Hollywood Studios along with our friends, Es & Rick Cohen and Sue & Mark Bernstein. We rushed there early to try and get on Rise of the Resistance in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Unfortunately, the ride was closed. We moved on to the only other ride attraction in this area. With trepidation, we asked a passing guest how it was. He said it was great and not as rocky as Star Tours. I knew this one was a flight simulator and I’d tended to avoid those types of rides. But his reassurance persuaded us, and we got in line.

         

      

Indoors was comfortably air-conditioned as we snaked through the line and climbed up several ramps to the boarding station. Along the way were several interesting scenes.

 

Finally, we got to the boarding area. Two of us were assigned as pilots, two as gunners, and two as engineers. The attendant described our roles and what we had to do. We piled inside the craft in that order. I was a gunnery officer. I was to look for a flashing button by my station and push it when I wanted to fire weapons. Did our actions have any effect on the scene? Who knows? It was fun to think so. The craft held six seats in rows of two, so it worked out perfectly for our crew. We fastened our seatbelts and prepared for liftoff.

      

What followed was an awesome thrill ride as we zoomed through space, down into canyons, and across planetary landscapes and jumped into hyperspace. Enemy fighters shot at us and we fired back. I was too dazed to follow the story, if there was one, but the ride must be called Smuggler’s Run for a reason. I would agree with the assessment that this experience isn’t as jarring as Star Tours. It was great fun if you don’t mind a little jostling around. I’d love to watch the video by itself to see the scenes that went by so fast.

  

Once done here, we headed over to the “Frozen” singalong show. We relaxed inside in a comfy chair and listened to a retelling of the Frozen story along with music. It was a very pleasant interlude with a rousing grand finale that included a surprise snowfall. This one is a great feel-good experience.

After eating burgers at the Backlot Express, our crew headed next door for the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular. Loud booms and explosions accompanied this exciting demonstration of movie magic.

We tried to get on Micky & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, but that ride had technical issues and shut down. Meanwhile, Rise of the Resistance was up and running again but had too long of a wait. By now we were hot and ready to leave before the afternoon thunderstorms arrived. I’ll still have to come back for the Star Wars ride I keep missing but our next Disney trip will be to Epcot.

Warrior Rogue – New Print Release

I am excited to announce a new trade paperback edition of Warrior Rogue, #2 in the Drift Lords Series. A fashion designer and a space warrior race to fulfill an ancient prophecy and save the world in this magical blend of science fiction and fantasy romance.

Published by Orange Grove Press
Printed in the United States of America
Digital ISBN: 978-1-952886-14-0
Print ISBN: 978-1-952886-33-1
Cover Design by The Killion Group, Inc.
Interior Design by Formatting4u.com

Fashion designer Jennifer Dyhr lands a job as costumer for a video-game commercial being filmed in Japan. When their lead actor fails to show, Jen accepts responsibility since she’d recommended him for the role. A hunky replacement arrives, but her relief is short lived. Paz Hadar claims he’s a space warrior sent to save Earth from an alien invasion.

Space ops warrior Paz Hadar has fallen through a spatial rift onto Jen’s film set. He recognizes her as one of the legendary Earth women whose powers can defeat the enemy. The invaders, known as Trolleks, have opened a portal to access other worlds, and Paz’s job is to shut it down. He needs Jen’s dormant powers to succeed.

Jen doesn’t believe Paz’s stories about myths and magic until alien soldiers attack them on the flight home, and they’re stranded on a remote island. As they struggle to stay one step ahead of the enemy, she discovers that fighting her attraction to the dashing Drift Lord is as much of a challenge as staying alive.

Finalist in the Carolyn Reader’s Choice Awards and the Reader’s Crown Awards

BUY LINKS

Amazon Kindle – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08KCC9F1N
Amazon Print: https://www.amazon.com/Warrior-Rogue-Drift-Lords-Nancy/dp/1952886333/
Apple Books: http://books.apple.com/us/book/warrior-rogue/id6448665977
BN Nook: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/warrior-rogue-nancy-j-cohen/1115236378?ean=2940160921648
BN Print: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/warrior-rogue-nancy-j-cohen/1115236378?ean=9781952886331
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/warrior-rogue-1
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=QGK8EAAAQBAJ
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1386859
Indiebound: https://bookshop.org/p/books/warrior-rogue-nancy-j-cohen/20067448?ean=9781952886331
Books2Read: https://books2read.com/WarriorRogue

Excerpt

Jen tilted her head, taking the plunge. “I’m just wondering where we’re going with us.”

“Are you embarrassed because of my job, is that it?”

“I brought you home to meet my parents, didn’t I?”

“That’s not a proper answer.”

She folded her arms across her chest. “All right, I really like you. I want to be with you. But what happens when your mission is over?”

His gaze hardened. “I go back to my job.”

“Exactly. You leave me. You leave Earth.”

“Why, would you come with me?” For a moment, something flickered behind his expression.

“Not if you’re a space jockey hopping from one port to another. I want to settle down and have a family.”

“Well, then I guess you’ll have to look for someone more stable and suitable to your goals.”

Hurt and disappointment slashed through her. “I guess so. Someone like you can never understand drive and ambition. You just know how to kiss women or kill people.”

He grinned, but his eyes were two cold ice chips. “I’m very good at killing, Jen. It’s my best trait. Too bad you don’t count that among your requirements for a mate.”

Reviews

“Cohen’s futuristic, paranormal romance series blends aspects of science fiction with magic and mythology then tops it off with steamy sexy scenes that are so hot you will need a fan and a mint julep drink to cool off… “I love the Drift Lords so much I dream of having one of my own.” Manic Readers

“It had a Romancing the Stone feel to it that I really liked.” Musings and Ramblings

“Romance, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, all rolled up into one neat package that keeps you on the edge of your seat. There’s a good dose of humor and passion with a satisfying ending. What really appealed to me was the present-day setting. Highly recommended.” Haley’s Comments

“This is a book you will devour in one fell swoop! Nancy J. Cohen has created a very realistic world with characters you cannot help but love.” Faerie Tale Books

ORDER NOW!

Orlando Reads Books – Workshops Part Two

Orlando Reads Books Convention in Altamonte Springs, FL offers advanced writer workshops for two days prior to a public booksigning. These are my notes, and any errors are due to my misinterpretation. This is a summary of what I learned. 

Tackle the Trifecta Touch – Email, SMS, and MMS with Dana Claire

Newsletter Optimization – Create an automation sequence, such as five sequential emails with a welcome message, reader magnet, reviews, author events, birthday gift. Or talk about different aspects of your book.

Connect with your readers where you can find them. Write. Click. Engage.

SMS stands for Short Messaging Service (i.e. text messages). MMS stands for Multimedia Service.

Average 20% open rate for emails and 98% open rate for texts.
Average 2% clicks for emails and 30% clicks for texts.

There are SMS marketing platforms such as Simple Texting, Attentive and others.

Get readers to subscribe via website, forms, popups, QR codes, superfans, social media. Entice subscribers with a reader magnet, discount codes, swag items, or an audiobook freebie. Collect opt-ins and provide an opt-out. You must provide a means for them to unsubscribe.

Give value to get value. With each message, introduce yourself. Use short keywords such as “free” or “book.” Content can include updates, pre-orders, book sales, new releases, review links. Make it about them, not you. Send a birthday gift. Present an inner circle vibe. Include a call to action with links. For texts, there’s a character limit. Make sure you respond to each message. Vary the content for email and SMS.

Elevating Your Author Business with Aria Bliss

Set Goals.
Branding and packaging to market.
Build a backlist.
Core marketing/advertising focus

GOALS should be prioritized.
Production and Publishing – word count, timeline, publication schedule, production
Marketing and Advertising – Set a sustainable monthly income then raise it. Like, start at $500/month then raise it to $1000, $5000, and 10k a month.
Reader Engagement via social media and newsletter.
Superfans/Reviewers/Bloggers

Review sites – BookSirens and Booksprout. She limits copies to 100 arcs. Check how long each site keeps your book up for review.

BRANDING

What is the look and feel of comp authors?
Subgenre packaging
How should your brand look?

WRITING TO MARKET

Evergreen Tropes – Enemies to Lovers, Second Chance, Fake Dating, The Chosen One
Trending Tropes – Reverse Harem, Age Gap, Bully Romance, Stalker Romance, Taboo

See The Trope Thesaurus and TV Tropes

Book One to Book Two 50% sell-through is good. Should be higher for Book 2 to Book 3.

Stay in Your Lane. Stick to one genre and keep your promise to the reader.

Readers love Easter Eggs. Use crossover characters and interactive maps between books.

MARKETING PLAN

Define your goals and set a budget.
What are your desired results: To make money? To revive a backlist? To increase traffic to a series? Promote a new release? Gain new readers? Get Facebook ads to work? Raise your book’s rank on Amazon?

Utilize stacked email promos, Facebook and AMS ads. Skip ads on preorders and start them the day before release.

Writing Action/Fight Scenes Realistically with L.E. Perez

Utilize the five senses.
Set the tone.
Determine how you want the reader to feel.
Avoid gratuitous violence.
Use your own experiences.
Be aware of slang terms, i.e., a whooping versus a beating.
Violence differs upon location, i.e., urban setting versus the suburbs.
Self-Defense is blocking, not attacking.
Break away when you can and run.
Watch the movie “The Forbidden Kingdom” for good fight sequences.

GIVEAWAY

Enter Now to win two free cozy mysteries from Booklovers Bench.

Orlando Reads Books – Workshops Part One

The industry workshops at Orlando Reads Books Convention in Altamonte Springs, FL were excellent. They were aimed at advanced authors with all the latest marketing tips and tricks to attract readers.

These are my notes, and any errors are due to my misinterpretation. This is a general summary of what I learned.

Mastering the Art of Ad Strategy with Bonnie Paulson

Set your release date. Book ads on the right platforms. End ad promo before or after release but skip that day. Create engaging content. Analyze via read-throughs, ranking, newsletter signups, and reviews.

Pick a comp title and then look at their “Also Likes.”

AMS ads are most beneficial for authors whose books are in KU. Not so much if you’re wide. Consider dynamic ads at Amazon for $5 per day. The tone of ads should match the blurb tone. A Landing Page can hold reviews, blurbs and excerpts.

AI in Your Author Business with Mandie Stevens

ChatGPT and Claude are AI. Check the plans available.

Prompts for using an AI:

What tropes are in my book blurb?

How can I raise the stakes for my characters?

Show me some Facebook ad examples. (Don’t use emojis.)

Give me some ad headlines that I can use.

Give me some engaging questions for my Facebook page.

Be as specific as possible. i.e. Give me some engaging questions for cozy readers on Facebook.

How can character A conflict with character B?

Can you help me punch up this opening?

Beware of mentioning sex or violence to the AI and specify that your work is fiction. i.e. “How can I kill somebody?” might raise red flags.

You can ask the AI to break down your story into chapters and scenes.

Upload your work and then say, “Something is missing. What can I do to fix it?”

Direct Sales with Bonnie Paulson and Mandie Stevens

Pros:

You determine pricing
Control over cover
Merchandising
Bundles, upsales, add-ons
No competition from other authors as on a retail site

Cons:

You have to redirect readers who are used to buying at Amazon
Change all the back matter links in your books

You should post a new release on your website store first before uploading it to retail sites.

Shopify and Payhip for Direct Sales with Fulfillment through BookFunnel (WooCommerce is another one). Bookvault for print copies. For print copies that are signed, charge an extra $5 or $10 plus postage since you’ll have to mail them out.

Offer reward points for reviews or sales that can lead to discounts or free shipping.

“Top and Tail” Email Drip Campaigns – first and last ones; fill in more later

Drip campaigns are automation sequences

Things to talk about in the drip campaign:

Were you able to download my book?
Did you like the book or have a chance to read it?
Are you a fast reader or a slow reader?
This is my favorite part. What’s yours?

As a reader, do you find drip campaigns (i.e. automated email messages) to be welcoming and enticing, or do they annoy you?

GIVEAWAY

Enter Here to win two free books from Booklovers Bench