April Question: Have you taken advantage of the annual A to Z Challenge in terms of marketing, networking, publicity for your book? What were the results?
Of course, I have! Why not???
The very first year I participated in the A to Z Challenge,
I used it to network. My blog was in its third year with very little readers.
By the end of the Challenge I had 32 new followers!
In 2015, my theme was disasters after my Disaster Crimes
Series, which got a wonderful response. A couple of times I promoted Hurricane Crimes in my posts. Then, later
in April, when Ghost of Death came out, I shared the cover art, blurb, and links
for it at the end of each post.
Last year, I did not participate in the Challenge, but
Seismic Crimes had it's release day in April. As a matter of fact, it came out
on S day. How perfect! I set up a Google Form and asked if any bloggers
participating in A to Z would like to add a little promo for my book in
their S post. I don't remember the exact numbers, but I had around 20 (+)
bloggers sharing the info for Seismic Crimes in their A to Z post that day.
When there's something like the A to Z Challenge, or even
IWSG Day, you SHOULD use it for marketing and networking!
OPTIONAL MAY QUESTION: What is the weirdest/coolest thing you ever had to research for your story?
OPTIONAL MAY QUESTION: What is the weirdest/coolest thing you ever had to research for your story?
Reminder: The questions are optional and meant as a
prompt if you struggle with what to post. You don't have to answer a question
if you don't want to. :)
A good idea to use the A to Z Challenge. It gets quite alot of attention. Hope all is well.
ReplyDeleteYvonne.
The attention it gets is a tip off that using it to market is smart. :)
Delete32 new followers in your first A to Z challenge is not bad at all!
ReplyDeleteThanks for co-hosting the IWSG this month, Chrys!
Writer In Transit
I was so excited when my followers count kept rising during the Challenge.
DeleteI also gained many new followers when I participated in the A to Z Challenge. This year I'm being lazy and visiting other blogs instead...
ReplyDeleteThank you for so-hosting Chrys!
I'm being lazy by pretty much taking a blogging break this month. lol
Delete32 new followers is an excellent number, indeed. Glad you've had success with this challenge.
ReplyDeleteThanks for co-hosting!
It was more followers than I had expected.
DeleteGlad the challenge helped you increase your followers and was a good marketing tool. For me, it doesn't fit with my blog theme and is too much work. Thanks for co-hosting!
ReplyDeleteA to Z doesn't fit with your blog theme? You can tailor A to Z to any theme. :)
DeleteThis is my second A-Z and I've used them both to do a bit of research that I would enjoy. I know I picked up a couple of new followers last year.
ReplyDeleteUsing A to Z to research favorite topics is rewarding. And a bonus!
DeleteI remember your A-Z disaster theme. I chose zombie apocalypse as the worst disaster, shudder. Never used A-Z for book marketing but will keep that in mind when I have the opportunity to.
ReplyDeleteAs for the weirdest/coolest thing I researched that'll be numerology, Wicca spells, elemental magic and faeries for my YA story. And dream meanings/analysis for my romance.
If you think of a theme or topic of one of your books, you can use it for the A to Z. Such a simple way to promote without being so "buy my book."
DeleteComing out on S day - now that was perfect timing.
ReplyDeleteToday is one of the biggest traffic days of the month. Why wouldn't you use it or the Challenge to promote?
And thanks for co-hosting today!
DeleteIt was perfect timing, and I had nothing to do with it. lol
DeleteYou're welcome. :)
I read Chapter After Chapter awhile back - it's a good one! I also liked her book, Page After Page.
ReplyDeleteBoth of her books are good. I'll have a little topic going for Page After Page.
DeleteLOL, took me awhile to find a picture to show the Crena, for this A to Z that wasn't pornographic. Statues aren't pornographic, well, some of them might be considered such, but Venus is well known. :)
ReplyDeleteHappy co-hosting!
LOL! That made me laugh.
DeleteYes! Agreed. If you're going to do the A to Z, you should make it work for you. It's too much work otherwise! You know, back in the day, when blogging was THE thing, it wasn't unheard of to gain 50+ followers from the A to Z. Sometimes I wish I'd hopped on that trend when it was most beneficial. *shrugs*
ReplyDeleteExactly! I also wish I had known about A to Z when it first started and really had momentum.
DeleteWow, 50, Crystal. Too bad it still doesn't happen. I guess ya do what ya have to. Have fun with it, chrys.
ReplyDeletesherry @ fundinmental
50 new followers would be awesome, wouldn't it?
DeleteI'm not doing A to Z this year. It's a sort-of blogging break for me. :)
I felt I had too much on my plate to handle the A-Z Challenge this year, but I can see many benefits to participating. I'm active on Goodreads and moderate several groups. I've purchased Chapter By Chapter and plan to participate in the discussion. Thanks for being an April co-host, Chrys!
ReplyDeleteI felt the same way, which is why I didn't sign up. But I can co-host for IWSG. :)
DeleteI am thrilled you'll be participating in the book discussion.
I never intentionaly set out to use A to Z as a marketing tool. I had hopes it would result in sales but other than displaying the badge, nope, didn't do anything.
ReplyDeleteThanks for hosting this month!
(the worst, ickiest thing I had to research was how entrails looked outside the body. EEK. Bet there was some metadata going crazy on me)
When I did it for marketing, I did get some sales. Not astronomical numbers, but a few that made me happy. :)
DeleteEwww!!!!
You guys are rocking the IWSG! I'm bowing out of the A-Z, which stinks because it's a lot of fun- when you have the time.
ReplyDeleteI'm bowing out of A to Z this year, too. I didn't do it last year either...but maybe next year...
DeleteI had great success with gaining followers the first few years. Not so much last year. It was too much for me this year but I have the greatest of respect for those doing it.
ReplyDeleteYeah. Now, it seems like people don't follow back anymore. I had that experience my second year participating. *shrugs*
DeleteI may have told you already that I finally watched Impossible. Wow, that was a powerful film. I didn't care if it stretched the boundaries of reality, it still brought to light the loving strength of family. I enjoyed it very much. Best to you, Chrys. Thanks for co-hosting.
ReplyDeleteImpossible is a fantastic film. And it's actually very realistic. :)
DeleteI learned about the A to Z challenge a little late so didn't add it to my to-do list for this year. It's something I will research more for next year possibly.
ReplyDeleteNext year is always good. I might participate next year.
DeleteEvery year I've participated, I've used it to market a book.
ReplyDeleteSmart.
DeleteThank you so much for co-hosting April's IWSG question. I have yet to publish a book, so I'm learning lots about A to Z Challenge. Like Karen Walker, I don't have many followers to my blog. I'm hoping to increase my numbers though IWSG and learn how you all make A to Z work for you.
ReplyDeleteThis is my first time here, so I will follow your blogging journey. All best to you!
Thank you for visiting my blog, Victoria! A to Z is a great way to network, too. Next year will be here before we know it, and it'll be a good time to join. :)
DeleteThose month-long challenges are time consuming, yet so worth it! I may jump back in next time.
ReplyDeleteYou said it!
DeleteThat's the key. Keeping it fun and informative. Not all booky, spammy.
ReplyDeleteSo have I. :P
I didn't have a lot of followers when I first did A to Z and I benefited a lot by gaining more numbers. And the key with A to Z is that you have to reach other bloggers for it to work.
ReplyDeleteI thought you did a great job with the A to Z while you launched your book. And, of course, "Why not?" use it as a promo tool.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lee!
DeleteJust getting back into this writing life we all share after a brief absence. I will certainly take the A to Z suggestions to heart and use them in the near future.
ReplyDeleteThat's great! I hope your transition back into the writing life is a smooth and happy one. :)
DeleteA clever use of the A to Z challenge, even if the publication date coinciding with the letter S was accidental. When opportunity presents itself, take advantage, right?
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely!
DeleteGood to hear that the A to Z challenge makes a measurable change. I'll consider it, when my blog has aged a little more. Thanks for co-hosting this month!
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a good plan.
DeleteI've never done A to Z. It sounds too overwhelming for my particular blogging style and the amount of time I have for blogging--especially since I'm trying to pull back on social media, so I can more writing time.
ReplyDeleteIt can be overwhelming, which is why I haven't participated this year or last year.
DeleteGetting new followers and marketing away are sure wins at the end of the day
ReplyDeleteThey sure are.
DeleteI'm constantly impressed with the fresh new suggestion IWSG offers it's members. I never dreamed how challenging promoting our blogs or books can be. Once, I'm back to posting regularly, I'll be implementing some of these super ideas. Nice to have one place to find so many options. Thanks for co-hosting this April.
ReplyDeleteI hope these ideas work for you, Lynn!
DeleteChris, you certainly gave us some great ideas on how to use the A-Z for marketing books. I know it takes a lot of time and planning to make it successful. Thanks for co hosting.
ReplyDeleteJQ Rose
It's all about thinking outside the box. :)
DeleteYou can't beat the A-Z for making connections and networking. I met almost all of my blogger buddies thanks to the A-Z.
ReplyDeleteI joined the Goodreads group and have to get my copy of this book. I'm looking forward to being part of the group!
A to Z and IWSG is where I met most of my blogger buddies. :)
DeleteYay!!!
Thank you for co-hosting #IWSG for April, Chrys, and for sharing your success stories of marketing during AtoZ. I will check out the Goodreads bookclub, also.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Gail! And thank you for visiting my blog. I hope you join our book club. :D
DeleteThanks for co-hosting Chrys. You're right we should use the IWSG and A to Z for marketing and networking. I have begun to network with people in IWSG and WEP and it does make a different.
ReplyDeleteShalom aleichem,
Pat
IWSG and A to Z are so easy to integrate into your marketing plans.
DeleteI may try the A to Z challenge one day, but only after I finish my book. As far as using it for marketing, we'll see how that works out when the time comes. Thanks for co-hosting this month's IWSG blog hop
ReplyDeleteI hope A to Z is still alive and kicking then. I hope to participate next year, if it's still around. Fingers crossed!
DeleteI've indirectly promoted my writing during A to Z, since the themes on my main blog are related to my writing. Networking makes all the difference.
ReplyDeleteThat's smart and the way to do it.
DeleteThe A to Z is a great networking tool. I've met so many wonderful people. Thanks for all your hard work with the Goodreads book club!! AND the IWSG newsletter. I hope you find time to write :)
ReplyDeleteThank YOU, Nicola! I haven't been writing lately due to depression but the Book Club is really lifting my spirits and motivation. :)
DeleteHi Chris! This is the second time I've heard of the A to Z challenge. I'll have to check it out. I also need to get back to Goodreads and find you. Awesome work. As always, you rock!
ReplyDeleteThe A to Z is an interesting challenge. They changed it a bit this year (there isn't a sign up list) but it's great fun if you have the time and stamina.
DeleteThanks! You rock, too!
It works better for networking, which we may be able to use for marketing. It seems to be both strategic and serendipitous.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! Networking and marketing go hand in hand.
DeleteDoing the A to Z Challenge in the past definitely helped me to get some more followers and meet some other bloggers. The IWSG, too, probably more so!
ReplyDeleteThanks for co-hosting!
That's definitely something these challenges/blog hops are good for. :)
DeleteI look forward to having the chance to use the A-Z challenge more fruitfully next year. Kudos to you for your intriguing book titles.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I have fun naming my books.
DeleteI never participated in the A-Z challenge but I like your approach. Maybe next year, I'll try something similar.
ReplyDeleteGo for it!
DeleteGlad A-Z helped so much! I'm excited about the book club and took a peek at the book...but need to do more :) Thanks for hosting!
ReplyDeleteI'd love it if you participated in the book club. :)
DeleteYeah. I made tons of great friends doing it. My Aprils seem so busy anymore.
ReplyDeleteApril does seem to be a busy month for me every year.
DeleteGreat idea to use S day for your book! And I love next month's question. :)
ReplyDeleteThe answers next month will be fun.
DeleteThanks for co-hosting this month, Chrys. I'm so glad you've seen a benefit from the A to Z Challenge. I've not tried it, but those who do rave about it. Best wishes.
ReplyDeleteI'm surprised to learn how many people haven't participated in A to Z, but it does take a lot.
DeleteThanks for co hosting. No have not tried the A to Z Challenge but have not missed an IWSG since I joined in 2014.
ReplyDelete' Juneta @ Writer's Gambit
Good for you!
DeleteI like helping out a writing buddy with their book during the A to Z. It gets more eyes on the book.
ReplyDeleteHelping writing buddies is an awesome thing to do.
DeleteGreat idea for utilizing the A-Z challenge! Your new book club (I joined!) sounds fantastic. I love GR but not on it enough.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to really dive in with the book club for discussions and more. :)
DeleteA to Z is a great networking tool. And you used it well.
ReplyDeleteIt sure is.
DeleteThanks for the great explanation of how the challenge works in real life! There's a lot of potential to mine in reaching readers. I'm intrigued by group - just afraid there aren't enough hours in the day to participate in a meaningful way. Thanks for co-hosting today.
ReplyDeleteOur days can get very busy, but our book club is laid back. You can read the book or not. :)
DeleteThe Challenge is a fantastic opportunity. I love seeing the clever things people come up with to promote their work. Thanks for co-hosting! :)
ReplyDeleteThe Challenge is an easy way to get clever with promo. :)
DeleteThanks for sharing about the GR group--I hadn't seen that yet and it looks like a good resource.
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for visiting!
Rebecca The Ninja Librarian’s Favorite Characters and IWSG
I hope you join.
DeleteYou're welcome! And thanks for visiting mine. :)
This year I am using AtoZ to market my book. First time I've done that. So far so good. People are enjoying it, and I hope it helps people think up ideas for characters.
ReplyDeleteThank you for co-hosting this month.
Excellent! Keep it up.
DeleteAnd thank YOU for co-hosting. :)
Thanks for co-hosting Chrys! Love your post. I'm so impressed by writers who take advantage of a promo op and use it to market wisely.
ReplyDeleteKnowing when it use an advantage is important and A to Z is a great one.
Deletei totally loved doing a to z for 6 years - feel like something is missing not doing it this year, but my schedule wouldnt allow me to. i got many new followers as well, visiting is the key to getting visits back. one year i promoted an upcoming release, but i also had a sub theme of writing tips.
ReplyDeletehappy april!
Tara Tyler Talks
6 years? Wow! Many who have done the Challenge weren't able to this year do to busy schedules. It's okay. :)
DeleteCongrats on using the A to Z Challenge successfully to network and to market your books.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Damaria!
DeleteAfter reading everyone's posts, I'm wondering if the piano tied to my butt is dragging me down--or just making me incredibly lazy. hehehe
ReplyDeleteAnna from elements of emaginette
You have a piano tied to your butt?! :O
DeleteI remember those disaster posts. Those were among my favorites that year.
ReplyDeleteE is for Experiment: Turning the USS Eldridge Invisible
Really? That is awesome to hear. :D
DeleteI agree, if you have a book coming out why not make your theme for A to Z something that will help to promote your book. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for co-hosting.
The Book Club idea is a wonderful one! Your suggestions about marketing are another sign that you are an accomplished writer, Chrys! As a first-timer, promoting myself still feels weird. And, how serendipitous that your S-book came out on S-day that year. :-) Thanks for co-hosting (again).
ReplyDeleteLiesbet @ Roaming About – A Life Less Ordinary
I hope you join our book club, Liesbet!
DeleteI was super lucky with my release, that was for sure. And don't worry, you'll being to get the hang of marketing.
Great post. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting!
DeleteI wish I had to time to do A to Z. Sigh. Let's see...the weirdest coolest thing for research... hmm...the funnest thing was visiting Oregon and hanging out for a week to research...the next coolest thing? Going on a ghost tour maybe of Boston? IT was really fun. :)
ReplyDeleteA ghost tour! I've wanted to do a ghost tour.
DeleteI'm a little sad now that I didn't join the A to Z Challenge this year. Seems like such a great place to build community.
ReplyDeleteIt is. And since it changed, it might be an even better place to build community.
DeleteGood for you, using the challenge this way! Excellent idea!
ReplyDeleteWhat a brilliant strategy, to use the A to Z to debut your book through a multitude of different bloggers! Very wise.
ReplyDeleteFrom what I'm seeing, it's natural for people to take time off from the Challenge and come back to it another year. It's a rewarding experience, but a ton of work.
It is a lot of work. I did it for two consecutive years and then didn't do it for two consecutive years. Now I'm thinking of doing it next year. :)
DeleteHi Chrys, I have not used A to Z to market my books. I like to have fun with it and just have a good time. I figure people are to bust visiting other blogs to listen to pitches and consider buying books.
ReplyDeleteBut the posts should never just be a book/sell pitch. It has to be fun, interesting, and engaging like my disaster theme from 2015.
DeleteThanks for co-hosting and all that you do for IWSG!
ReplyDeleteI love next month's question. :)
Thank YOU, Tyrean!
DeleteNow I kind of wish I had used it to promote my book!
ReplyDeleteDoing a Sarah Palin theme would be an easy one to promote your book. :)
DeleteI see a lot of awesome A-Z challenge entries. Good job to writers.
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting, Lux!
DeleteYou have a lot of awesome marketing ideas. Loved hearing how you were able to promote your blog and books through A-Z. The form for S was a great idea! :)
ReplyDelete~Jess
Thank you, Jess!
DeleteI also used A to Z to market my books once, but not sure if it was particularly helpful. :-/
ReplyDeleteIt can be so-so. The networking and getting-the-word out aspects of A to Z are wonderful, though.
Delete