Hello from Colorado. Davalynn Spencer, here, and so happy to introduce our pro today, Loree Lough.
Loree, how many books do you have published?
I have 105 (four more releasing between July 2016 and November 2017).
What are a few of your latest titles?
A Child to Love series (Harlequin Heartwarming)
Those Marshall Boys series (Harlequin Heartwarming)
Secrets on Sterling Street series (Whitaker)
For Love of Eli (Abingdon’s Quilts of Love series)
You were last featured on the CAN blog in 2013. What are the chief lessons you’ve learned about the writing life since then?
Expect the unexpected, and keep an open mind about opportunities to write outside your comfort zone.
What are the chief lessons you’ve learned about promotion since then?
PR is never-ending. Think of it as a part time job that costs you money!
What are the most effective means of book promotion you’ve tried?
Sincere one on one interactions with Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest followers.
What are the least effective promotional activities you’ve tried?
Bookmarks/plates, postcard mailings, email blasts.
What’s your favorite way to connect with your readers?
One on one in Loree Lough & Friends: A Nice Place to Hide (650-member closed Facebook group formed by a reader-turned-friend, Janet Marie Dowell).
Did you see God open any doors you never expected in the promotion of your books?
Book-to-movie options—none of which I sought or orchestrated—came my way. Seven of them, to be precise. And despite the fact that none have yet been produced, it’s an honor knowing ‘movie people’ saw potential in my work.
What are your top tips for new authors promoting their first book?
Don’t spend money you don’t have on promotional materials or snail mail programs. Talk with other authors about PR to see what has/hasn’t worked for them, and why. And whatever you do, resist the temptation to ‘hawk’ your book on Facebook and Twitter … but nothing else. Readers will view you as a ‘used car salesman’ type who’s interested in nothing but selling books. Just be yourself. Talk about things that interest you, and you’ll connect with others who are interested in those things, too. And when they find out you’re a writer, they’ll support you and your career because they already like and respect you!
Thank you for your great tips, Loree. Readers and authors – connect with Loree on her website and her blog.
