Hi Everyone,

Lately I have had a lot of people ask me the same question, “How are things going with your book?”

There have been some definite ups and downs of being a self-published author.  It still sounds strange to call myself that- an author.  The pluses are that I have complete control over Cyberwink.  I will never have a publishing house tell me that since it is not selling quickly enough, they are going to stop printing it. (and since they own the rights, everything stops there).  When designing the interior and the cover with the help of my friends, I didn’t have anyone tell me that they wanted to go in a ‘different direction’, so creatively the book ended up exactly as I envisioned.  Even if I had gone the traditional route of trying to find a publisher, I would have been forced to still do a lot of the promotions for the book myself. 

Things that are challenging about being self-published are that I like writing…..not marketing.  I am having to attempt to train myself  in this area, and let’s be honest…most people who are artistic don’t naturally gravitate to sales.  Add to that, the fact that I am not a ‘pushy person’ ,and just want people to buy the book if they want to.  My mom has been incredible in getting the word out and promoting Cyberwink, whereas I feel almost shy when talking about it to others, not wanting to be “pushy”. 

Over the last few weeks, I have realized that so many people have been incredibly supportive of  this book, and that I just need to let people know what simple things they could do that would be an incredible help in getting the word about Cyberwink out there, and make an impact. 

1.  I have created a Facebook page for Cyberwink.  If you could “like” it, that would be one click of a button, but makes a big difference!  After I reach 100 likes, I am going to raffle off a copy.  If you already have one, you could use it as a Christmas present.

2.  If you have read Cyberwink, it would be awesome if you could write a quick review on Amazon.  Just do a search with my name, or the title, and it should be easy to find.  It is apparently only on Amazon.com and not on the Canadian Amazon site though. 

3.  If you are comfortable, mention Cyberwink on your Facebook page, and even include the link  www.createspace.com/3690730. 

4. I have had some people set me up with possible book stores to do signings or some friends have been displaying my book in their stores, salons and work out studios.  This at least gets the book out where people can see it. If you know any contacts like this, feel free to email me.  Also any media contacts that could be helpful would be fantastic.

5. Subscribing for my blog is free….if you received this, you have already done it.  If you could let other people know about it- that would be great. 

6. When you hear of any book fairs or expos that sound like they might be a good place to sell Cyberwink, let me know and I will look into them.  Turns out that the Ultimate Women’s Expo I had high hopes for, was more a venue for women to get their nails done, free massages and makeovers, than it was for books. 

7.  Cyberwink makes a great Christmas present!  It costs less than 3 Starbucks Lattes! 😉 

 To all of you have been incredibly helpful, supporting, and encouraging through this journey, I cannot express how much I appreciate you!

Karen