Not the way I thought things would be going right now…

But that’s life, right?
I have clung to this hope that if I just work as hard as humanly possible, write (polish and publish) as many books as possible in the shortest amount of time, I can influence algorithms and sell more books and gain more fans.
For the most part this strategy is working. “The Fae Realm” – my lead magnet that is free on all retailers – is downloaded consistently. My email list is growing. I am selling books.
But…
For the effort I’m putting in, my ROI (return on investment) isn’t what it should be. I’ve looked at the data, tweaked a few things, tried the Goodreads review groups, but I’m screaming silently in a crowd.
I’m sure you know what I’m talking about.
And then I remembered something fundamental: the IWSG isn’t just for us to commiserate, celebrate and have awesome friends – it is also to help each other. Just like Alex said in this awesome post he wrote for my blog.
So will you help me? Please? All of these are short fantasy reads.
For May and June, I want to focus on getting the word out on “Dark Desires”. I have two excellent reviews (thanks Jacqui and Louise!), but I can definitely do with more. I’m also thinking guest posts about the book (YA fiction, folklore, dark fantasy, about beta readers, character interviews with playlists) and interesting interviews to help readers get to know me and my work.
For July and August, I want to focus on the launch of “Magic at Midnight”. Technically, it will be published at the end of May in time for my author experience function 1 June (I’ll talk about this in July). Again I’m looking for reviews, guest posts and interviews.

For September and October, I want to focus on “Black Moon”.
For November and December, I want to focus on “Freedom”.

Next year, I’ll focus on the others.
Yeah, “focus” is my watchword right now.
And, of course, I’ll return the favour. Just check out my March #bookblast posts.
I don’t like to ask for help. I’m one of those people who want to be able to do everything on her own. But I do know that I need help from this awesome community. If you can think of other ways I can promote my work without being sleazy, please tell me in the comments (or add it to the form under “other” if you are willing to help me).
Have an excellent month!

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**Note: Your comment was successful even though it looks like it’s been swallowed by a gremlin. Technical stuff I still have to figure out means that I have to manually approve your comment. Know that it will happen every twelve hours and that I will answer your thoughtful response to my post. Thanks for stopping by!
Count me in, Ronel. I filled the form out and am excited to be featuring your book on my blog Friday. See you then!
Thanks, Jacqui 🙂 Your encouragement means a lot.
Sorry, I’m more of a behind-the-scenes kind of gal. Need a beta reader? I’m there for you. 🙂
Anna from elements of emaginette
Thanks, Anna 🙂 I’ll email you with something new to read when I finally finish the next project!
I love your Magic at Moonlight cover. I will help as soon as life keeps throwing boulders at me. But I will help. 🙂
Thanks, Roland 🙂 I love that cover, too!
I’m glad to help with blog appearances. Reciprocity is the name of the game in publishing!
Thank you!
There is a blogger by the name of Colleen Cheseboro, “The Faery Whisperer”. She does book reviews of fantasy, myth, fairy genre and she hosts guest author posts. She gets a lot of traffic and might be able to help you get the exposure you want.
https://colleenchesebro.com/
Thank you so much for the recommendation 🙂
Ronel, I’m happy to help. That is the strength of this support group. I’ve filled out your form – let me know what format you think is most effective.
Thank you, Lee 🙂
Ronel. I would like to help. Need a little time to figure the best way to help you. Need a few weeks. Retiring and relocating this month…
Things are moving quickly. More to follow 🙂 Blessings✨
Thank you 🙂 Good luck with the new changes!
You’re welcome Ronel 🙂 Thank you. Blessings✨
I can’t sign up for a post on my blog because I only blog once a week and my schedule is full. But there are other ways that I can help if you’re a follower. I talk about it today on the blog if you’re interested.
Thanks, Natalie, I’ll check it out 🙂
You have some cool covers! Asking for help is always hard, always. Good for you for doing so. Thank you for dropping by my blog and commenting…
Thanks, Lisa 🙂
Let me see what I can do after I finish my edits this month 🙂
Thanks, Erika 🙂
Never be afraid or feel bad about asking for help. It’s impossible for any of us to do it all ourselves. And I, for one, am always glad to help out when I can. 😀
Thanks, Renee 🙂
I’d be happy to feature you on my blog. I filled out the form! Good Luck!
Thanks, Cathrina 🙂
Signed up for a guest post. I recommend contacting book blogger Olivia Savannah to request a review and maybe do guest post. Here’s her blog url https://oliviascatastrophe.com/.
Thank you so much, Lidy 🙂
The comment thing on WP. Go to Dashboard, then to settings, then to Discussion. If you scroll down you will see Before a comment appears and Comment Moderations. You can make it where you only have to approve a person once and after that, they can post without moderation, however, I do suggest you approve the first comment because experience shows spam gets through otherwise. Anytime you clear you que or cookies you will have to reapprove once until you maintenance again, but that is a lot better than every single time.
I signed up left a suggestion too.
I think you are awesome in all you do, impressive and inspiring. I can’t keep up in my own stuff or remember half of it or not get overwhelmed where I shut down and have to put it aside for a while before I go back. I can’t get all done either I am struggling with that.
Thanks, Juneta 🙂
I contacted some tech help and they added two more steps for me — hopefully commenting and liking posts on my blog will be much easier for readers from now on.
The support from my blogging friends has been overwhelming — I should have asked for help months ago. Taking a breath and accepting help really helps with the overwhelm 🙂
Filled out the form!
Thanks, Alex 🙂
I know exactly what you mean. I can definitely host you on my blog for a guest post whenever you want/need it.
Thanks, Chrys 🙂
I signed up to do all these things! I’m not a good candidate for reading/reviewing except in June and July, probably, but I’d love to host you for a guest post, or just feature the books. Of course, with all my erratic posting and presence the last few months I’m not sure if anyone’s reading me. But having you on my blog might bring some people back! 🙂
Sadly, I have no great other ideas for publicity. If you find the magic formula, please share! 😀
Thanks, Rebecca 🙂 I’ll email you.
I signed up to do a guest post. We’re all here to help!
Thanks, Nick!