IT’S ALL MY FAULT.

NO PROMOTIONS = NO SALES.

I published two books earlier this year and I neglected to promote them, so I received few sales and even fewer reviews. The more reviews a book receives, the more visible it becomes on Amazon.

Buy Tales from Paradise here. Buy Two Poofs and a Poodle here.

WHAT ARE THEY ABOUT?

Tales from Paradise – This banquet of stories and delicious anecdotes is one man’s attempt to find a snippet of understanding of the ways of Bali and other parts of Indonesia.
Steve’s insights are revealed in twenty-five helpings of delight, in which he shares with the reader some of his discoveries of the culture he immersed himself in and came to love. Throughout, he’s accompanied by a warm-hearted and cheerful cast of characters who do their best to keep this gregarious foreigner in check. Often with limited success.
From Andre’s sale of his landlady’s furniture, to visiting in-laws feasting on prized catfish, to travels that have more in common with a circus than a bus trip, this master-raconteur invites you to accompany him on a journey through the Indonesia he seized with both hands.
You’ll find yourself sometimes tasting, occasionally swallowing whole or, at times, taking only one satisfying bite.
In the end, you’ll be asking for more.

Two Poofs and a Poodle – Previously published as “Rescued – The poodle’s story” by Steve Castley.
After a whirlwind romance Steve and Bayu move in together choosing to believe the differences in their ages, languages, religions and cultural backgrounds won’t really matter. How wrong they were. A year in, they’re still together and they decide to adopt Rina, a white miniature poodle. She becomes the love of their lives, their confidant and a witness to the ups and downs on their gay relationship. This tale of unconditional love is told from the poodle’s quirky perspective and you’re guaranteed to laugh and cry from beginning to end. If you loved The Art of Racing in the Rain, you’ll love this book.

These two books sat on Amazon, invisible to buyers. I killed my book sales by failing to promote them. If the descriptions above appeal to you, please buy one or two.

WHAT SHOULD I HAVE DONE?

1. Before I thought about publishing, I should have asked a selection of friends to read my manuscripts and for them to leave reviews as soon as I uploaded each book to Amazon.
2. I should have down a countdown for the 30 days before my books became active on Amazon. I should have done this to all my subscribers and on social media.
3. I should have got subscribers to advance purchase books, before they became active.
4. I should have promoted my books daily on social media and when I received reviews, posted these too on social media.

IS IT TOO LATE TO BOOST SALES?

NO! It’s never too late. This is why I’m finally sending out this blog. I’ve also signed up to a few book clubs who are reading my books and will post reviews. And I’m hammering social media, always including the book links, trying to garner sales.

HERE’S HOPING. I’LL LET YOU KNOW IF MY SALES IMPROVE.

Coming soon, my next blog – Learning from my mistakes.