So, I jumped into this only yesterday, and it seems like I have a ton to learn about crowdfunding - which is absolutely true. I'm not what you would call a natural salesman, or an expert marketer. I'm still learning that side of the fence, and it wouldn't be a lie to say that I still cringe when I send out updates, or teasers, in an effort to attract readers. It feels icky when I try to sell myself.
What I am, though, is an author. After a selection of short story publications, and the release of my own post-apocalyptic series, Ash & Flame, I know that I can write. I can create compelling characters, interesting worlds, and stories that stick with people. That's who I am, and what I want to do: I want to create fiction that entertains and captivates.
I want to thank you for taking a look, and for maybe taking a chance on me. That's all I can ask for. Give me that chance.
The rest is on me.
I'm sending you a message because I wrote a book, and I'm hoping you'll give it a chance and check it out." etc etc) messages to individual people, and that method brought in the most orders. And giving away stuff, too. Everyone likes a contest or giveaway.
I got a pretty good response for a few days from pitches, but then it trailed off and no one was responded to those anymore. I think everyone just started sending out so many pitches that people started ignoring them.
I constantly remember a piece of advice from Lindsey Buroker, a self-publishing author that I really respect and admire - she said you pretty much have to hand-sell your first 1000 copies. If you're an unknown author, you have to just go order by order, one person at a time. It's gonna be hard.
But if each of us can get you an order or five, that will help!