Friday, January 6, 2017

A Funny Thing Happened...



Judith Ashley is the author of The Sacred Women's Circle series, romantic fiction that honors spiritual traditions that nurture the soul.

I will admit that there have been many times on my journey to become a published author that I was excited (someone liked my story) as well as frustrated (technical difficulties). Most recently I found myself laughing which should mean I found something humorous, right?

When I e-published the last two books in the original sacred Women’s circle series in early November, I turned my sights to a much neglected part of being a published author, marketing and promotion.

Earlier (August to be exact) I dabbled in a wonderful promotion through Melissa Storm andBonnie Paulson. I say ‘dabbled’ because in the fantasy world I sometimes live in, I truly did think I would be ready in September to take advantage of the Strong Women promotion.

Nope! Didn’t happen.

Not in September or October but in November?

Of course I could be ready then. My renovated website would be out there and the previously mentioned books would be published. Full steam ahead on promotion!!!

Except there I was, newbie newbie newbie, not at all ready. Somewhere in the back of my mind I thought I just had to sign up for this cool program and write a few emails and it would all come together.

Well, the program is cool and their support people are amazing (check out ConvertKit) but, there was still a learning curve. Oh, and since I was giving (actually still am doing so) a free e-copy of Lily to anyone who signs up for Connections (mynewsletter), I had other things to learn.

Sigh…whatever happened to November?

Finally, everything is ready to go.

ConvertKit support vouches for that. I do one last read through of the emails that will go out to people who signed up in August for the promo and click “Publish”.

Now one of the things I’d been told is to include my name in the subscriber list so I am also getting the emails.

Of course I immediately checked my emails --- oops! Nothings there!!!

Checked another email address in case I put the wrong address in.

Nope, not there either.

A very long, dramatic sigh escaped. I had company for the weekend, a book signing and we’d had a snow and ice storm! I told myself after this much time another couple of days wouldn’t hurt and I knew ConvertKit Support would help me figure out what I did or didn’t do. So I enjoyed my company and the book signing and beauty of the snow and ice.

Surprise!!! The next morning there’s the email.

As soon as I saw it I realized what I Had Done.

I clicked “Publish” Friday afternoon but the time was set for 11 a.m. Laugh Out Loud!!!

I’d actually done everything right. As you read this the emails to Strong Women subscribers have all gone out.

If you missed that opportunity, click here to sign up for Connections. You’ll get an email with the download link to Lily. And through January 2017 you can purchase Elizabeth, the second book in the series at all major e-retailers and from either my website or Windtree Press for $.99.

You can learn more about The Sacred Women’s Circle series on my website.


Follow me on Twitter: @JudithAshley19


I’m also on Facebook

© 2017 Judith Ashley


5 comments:

Judith Ashley said...

And if you are interested in other promotions with free or discounted books go to http://litring.com

Diana McCollum said...

The road to publication and marketing definitely has a few potholes! But you made it , Judith! So proud of you, my friend.

Judith Ashley said...

Thanks, Diana - but, it takes one to know one! We've been on this journey together.

Maggie Lynch said...

Loud clapping from the west side of Portland. YOu did it, Judith! And I promise each time moving forward it will be even easier. You've taken on a lot of technical things the past few months and you are an example to everyone else that it can be done if you put your mind to it. 2017 is going to be a special year for you and your writing because of all the effort you are putting in to the discoverability side now. Congratulations!

Judith Ashley said...

Thanks for your encouragement and support, Maggie. Without you and the other Windtree Press authors, the Goal Reporters Group and the #FTB (finish the book) forum, I'm not even sure I'd have one book out there yet.