This is my Insecure Writers Support Group post for October 2025.
Please stop by their blogs and say thank you.
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What is the most favorite thing you have written, published or not, and why?
(Cover by Carrie Butler)
We 'meet' the first Wednesday of every month. If you're interested in learning more, click on the link above. And don't be intimidated by the size of the group. We're not expected to visit everyone on the list.
That's a tough one. The first novel I ever wrote will always be dear to my heart. But, after reading through it and my debut novel when I reformatted them recently, I'd have to choose my debut, Come Back.
I spent a lot of time writing and polishing that one, and it shows. It has several scenes that evoke strong emotions. I still tear up when I read them, even after all these years.
Following up on my post from last month...
I finished reformatting Come Back and uploaded the revised version to Amazon. I gave the book a general glow-up, but the main change was updating the back matter.
I added a universal link to the series page (QR code in the paperback version) in hopes of improving read-through.
I also updated my author follow options, including info about signing up for my newsletter. I decided not to risk a direct link in the e-book, but I put one in the paperback.
I created a couple of Facebook ads for the US and one for the UK, to supplement my Amazon ads and drive more traffic to it. The UK ad originally included Australia, but I discovered it wouldn't show impressions in Australia unless I got 'verified' with Meta - something that requires a monthly fee - so I edited the ad to only serve the UK. Then I combined it with the identical US ad on Meta's recommendation.
The vast majority of people who've clicked on my Facebook ads are women age 65+. That is valuable information to have, but it also made me laugh. I'm not as relevant as I thought I was. 😄
And now, we wait...
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IWSG is the brainchild of Alex J. Cavanaugh. It's a monthly bloghop that offers a safe haven for writers to express their feelings and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. It's also a venue for offering support, both in the form of comments and positive posts. Writers of all kinds are welcome.
We 'meet' the first Wednesday of every month. If you're interested in learning more, click on the link above. And don't be intimidated by the size of the group. We're not expected to visit everyone on the list.
Well done! Hey, at least you know your target reader now.
ReplyDeleteThanks. That was one aspect of Facebook ads I wasn't aware of until I launched them.
DeleteIt sounds like you've accomplished a lot this month. And like Alex said, it's good that you know your target readers, even if it's a surprise to you.
ReplyDeleteTrue. That kind of data is helpful.
DeleteLet us know how well the ads do.
ReplyDeleteI don't have a way to know which purchases come from which ads (FB or AMS), but they seem to be making a difference overall. The series link also seems to be effective. I know it hasn't been long enough to know for certain, but there has been a slight uptick in sales (and KU reads) of the other Forging America books.
DeleteI really liked that one. Here's wishing you epic success with it!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteSounds like you've been productive! And love your book cover.
ReplyDeleteI read Come Back a long time ago, and really liked it!! I wish you luck with your ads. I also place ads, but usually the book does well if I put it at a low low price, like 99cents, which doesn't pay for the ads, but helps to get noticed and hopefully bring up- the books ranking. Good Luck!
ReplyDeleteThe QR code was a great idea!
ReplyDeleteLike Alex said, at least you know your target audience. Should make your book marketing easier. Wishing you success and good luck!
ReplyDeleteGood for you, Melissa, to always be marketing your books and learning who buys them. I so need to learn marketing and ads. More power to you! And yes. Our first books usually hold a soft spot in our hearts. Bravo!
ReplyDelete