Last week my author Jana DeLeon, who has been digitally self-publishing her backlist titles, hit the USA Today Bestseller list at #98 for the very first time and for the very first novel she ever published: Rumble On The Bayou (originally published in 2007). And the big question is: How did she do that?
It’s a great question. More and more digitally self-published titles are hitting the lists. I’m certainly not a liberty to reveal all the genius marketing ideas Jana has been pursuing but I can tell you one thing that is public knowledge. She’s not doing it alone.
Over two years ago, Jana and 9 other digitally self-publishing authors formed a marketing co-op where they pool ideas, platforms, and resources. Together this group creates aggressive strategies and they’ve seen remarkable results for every member of the co-op.
It gives a whole new meaning to “it takes a village.” I imagine most authors who are digitally publishing tend to go it alone. I’m seeing the real efficacy of marketing in numbers. And I also don’t think grabbing any old person will do. Each member of the group needs to be equally invested and savvy about what it takes to market digital titles.
On a side note, RUMBLE was originally published by the now defunct Dorchester back in the day. I had quite the battle to arm wrestle the rights back when they stopped paying royalties three years ago. Obviously that was worth doing!
Wow, that co-op sounds intriguing! And kudos to Jana!
Congratulations to Jana! I’ve really enjoyed her books. I learned of this release when I saw a tweet from another of my favorite authors, and went right out to buy it.
Wow, that co-op sounds really amazing. I hope Jana will post something about it so future (and existing) authors can learn from her.
Oh, and liking the new blog. I love wordpress too, its just such a friendly interface to use.
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I’m currently reading RUMBLE ON THE BAYOU and really enjoying it.
Huge congratulations to Jana.
It’s just a blast to see a 2007 book jump to a new and invigorated life in i2013. 🙂
Congratulations to Jana! I love the idea of the coop and have just partnered with a group myself. Thanks for posting the pic of the list, Kristin. My book is there at #92!
I’d like to hear from authors as to how the coops are doing and how they work. Many thanks in advance. And congrats to Jana!
Thanks for the congrats, everyone and a huge congrats to Lisa Mondello for her list appearance! It was a great week for indies. 🙂
We will be launching the official presence for our group soon, so look for more information on what the group is and what we’ve got planned coming soon. If you want to make sure you don’t miss the announcement, head over to my Facebook author page and Like it. I’ll be shouting from the rooftops as soon as we’re ready for our public debut. 🙂
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jana-DeLeon-Author/312667975433458
Happy writing, everyone!
Congrats to Jana! Author co-op teams are definitely the way to go for marketing and mutual support. I joined a team one year ago and it’s made a big impact on my sales. My team did a panel on the subject at last fall’s Novelists Inc (http://www.ninc.com) conference. NINC is leading the way in helping published authors learn about and form author co-ops (aka Lifeboat Teams. 🙂 Indie authors are eligible for NINC membership if they meet certain sales criteria, and I highly recommend joining. They’re MUCH more indie-friendly than any of the other national writers’ organizations.
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