Authors Hit Brick Wall When It Comes to Promotion

Nov. 7, 2013 - PRLog -- Things have changed in the publishing industry over the past decade, and today most authors must promote themselves to get their books noticed by readers. But promoting a book is never easy, especially for self-published authors or small press authors. They don’t have the backing of a big publisher; they compete against hundreds of thousands of books published every year, and many readers are hesitant to try new authors and stick with authors they know. So how do authors attract readers?

These are the issues Louisa Clarkson faced when researching ways to promote her children's fantasy novel, The Silver Strand, and that’s why shecreated the concept of Indicated, a place where authors help promote each other. "Authors are readers too,” she says, “when they find a good book, they tell their family, friends and colleagues, thus promoting a book to new readers.”

Indicated is a pay-it-forward promotional and educational tool, offering self-published and small press authors the chance to gain exposure to new readers through features and reviews. It also provides ongoing resources that will strengthen marketing endeavors and encourage feedback that will improve an author's writing craft. It’s a place to meet and socialize with other authors, perhaps even critique partners. “These activities,” says Clarkson, “are designed to stimulate word of mouth promotion, create spikes in sales, reviews and drive traffic to authors sales pages. This may boost a book’s ranking, get it seen by more buyers and gain additional recommendations to other customers.”

Clarkson runs Indicated from her home office, accompanied by Delta — the Maltese cross Shih Tzu — perched on the royal seat (desk chair) beside her. Louisa builds upon her experience as an Environmental Engineer and Project Manager by studying courses in creative writing and book PR and marketing.

If you’d like more information about Indicated, or to get involved, visit www.indicated.com.au (http://www.indicated.coma.au) or contact Louisa at louisa@indicated.com.au