You all know just how overwhelmed and grateful I am with the amazing support that people have given so far. You lot are utterly fabulous but… (and believe me I’ve struggled with myself about whether or not to write this blog post, but I also know that I get one shot at this, so…)
Like Bees to Honey is officially published TODAY and this blog post is all about me asking for your help. I’m trying not to cringe, honest, because asking for help isn’t something I like to do (some say proud, others say foolish). But I also know that this time I need and want to reach new readers. So, if you will, I’d really and truly appreciate your help…
Ways you could help:
- Review Like Bees to Honey on Amazon, as well as Waterstones.com, Facebook or anywhere else you have accounts. The more buzz, the better the chance of the book getting noticed.
- Ask in your local bookshop if they have the book in stock. You don’t actually need to buy it, but a regular stream of people asking will keep it high in the minds of booksellers.
- Tweet as you’re reading it (there is a #likebeestohoney tag). This would let your followers know you’re enjoying it (assuming you are!).
- Spread the word. Word of mouth is more important than anything. Read the book in public, on the bus, on the tube, tell strangers on the street… you never know, it might just reach the right person (although I’m not sure who that might be!)
- Buy Like Bees to Honey (with free overseas postage here). I know it’s an obvious one, but you might possibly enjoy it. I’d happily send out a signed or personalised postcard to anyone who hasn’t had the chance to get me to sign a book.
I know that this blog post and today’s tweets will mean that some of you will get cross and stop following me on twitter or here on this blog (oh yes, I’ve lost quite a few followers this week!), but others will embrace this for what it is and understand that I’m just trying to build a buzz and give Like Bees to Honey wings (oh yes, the puns are flowing!).
(And for those new to this blog (hello!), here’s why I wrote about Malta and also a little bit more about Like Bees to Honey)
{ 54 comments… read them below or add one }
… but you are a writer and this is your blog!
why on earth would people stop following you for this??? I don’t understand.
… ah well. i need to reread before i can review - i read it too fast before for a review to do it justice! - but i will review when i have.
(i still owe you a review of BB don’t I? oooops!)
and also - publication day! woooo! congratulations!
sorry, I got distracted by the weirdness of people
Because some people think I am a pain in the arse, alas
I don’t care, I’ll add them to my list! x
Congratulations on your Publication Day.
Like Beth, I don’t understand why you’d lose followers. I certainly shan’t stop following and can’t wait to start reading my copy of Like Bees to Honey very soon.
and that’s because you’re wonderful and mega supportive! x
Totally behind you on this darling. When I”ve finished reading I’ll review it and put the review on Bookersatz inititally and then copy across to Amazon a few days later. I think you’re doing all the right things and Simon would be proud of you x
I *HEART* you x
Yayyyy congratulations
Not happy with Amazon as my copy is still not here! If you have lost followers, then they were not worth having anyway. If people cannot share in your excitement at the publication of your third book then sucksboo to them! Hugz B x
I think your copy may possibly be coming on the back of a snail… THANK YOU for being so FABULOUS! X
Congratulations and Happy P-Day! More than happy to do any and all of those things for you. In fact, I’ve already done the last one and am currently doing the penultimate one and, as I haven’t finished it yet, I’ll be taking it to the Hay Festival with me this weekend. Is that public and book-y enough for you?
Oh yes, take me to Hay
Thank you so much! x
Congrats again. I frustrated because I can’t start reading Bees until I finish the book I’m reading now, and it’s taking too long! But hopefully next week, then I’ll do the Amazn thing etc. So thrilled for you!
Thank you, lovely lady. Enjoy your birthday weekend x
Happy publication day to you sweetie!
I will try not to get paranoid & instead assume you’re mega busy. Although can’t imagine why LOL)
I have tweeted few times about LBTH & used hash tag & will continue to do so (even though you haven’t replied to any of my tweets in ages
No need to worry about asking for help to spread the word. I am surprised it bothers anybody, it certainly doesn’t bother me.
Enjoy your day & all your book signings etc. You deserve it after all your work.
Hugs, Kat X
I *heart* you LOTS! So sorry for being rubbish at replying and yes, drowning! You are lovely x
Oh yes, I’ve thought of that as well, what if my followers get annoyed that I keep tweeting about this Bees To Honey? Well… it’s my account and I blab about what I want! It’s not like I stop following people just because they say that they are only taking sponsored tweets now (but, yes, I have considered it).
Sponsored tweets worry me. I was contacted by a company to do it but turned it down. Thanks for all your support x
No problem, Caroline. Will certainly buzz you on your way. And if you lose followers what the hell? Self promotion is tough, but we all have to do it. (I would STILL much rather talk about anyone else’s books then my own!) And many congrats again on a wonderful innovative and heartwarming bookxxxx
HAPPY PUBLICATION DAY to you too, lovely lady! I LOVED The Bridesmaid Pact. x
Tweeted (and reweeted the “help me” tweet.
I’ll put it on my website “I’m reading” widget soon to.
Ex
As for the people who unfollowed you - sod ‘em! Their loss!
Great - thank you!
Well… As you know I’m not a charitable soul, nor naturally prone to good deeds but I DO love your books… and you ARE pretty mint, how… so yeah. It’s payday tomorrow, time to hit Amazon I reckon…
As for losing followers, well… If they’re get annoyed with you for being rightly proud of your work then they weren’t worth keeping anyway.
(Happy Publication day, yo!)
x
You’re a star Mister and it’s been too long since we had a catch up. I promise to email soon x
Happy,Happy Publication Day. I wish you cake and big sales.
Anna May x
That’s 2 very fabulous wishes, thank you x
Happy P Day!
Nik X
Thanks pumpkin
x
Started reading it last night and I’ll tweet while I’m ready and review it once done! Really enjoying it, by the way.
Really really appreciate it and hope you’ll visit my blog next year when your novel is out. You’re welcome here any time you wish x
Hey Honey!
It’s your blog and your book. You SHOULD be asking others to help spread the word, especially if they love your work (as I do).
I’ve posted a blog post, facebooked and tweeted my blog post and will be sending out a note in my newsletter.
You should be very proud of what you’ve accomplished honey. You are magic.
Huggles
Jamieson
You, my lovely friend, are A STAR. Thank you x
Congratulations Ms Smailes… It’s a lovely baby … book!
Very pleased for you hon.
Buzz buzz buzz will be following soon. (Naughty volcanos and naughty badger’s computer have been throwing spanners etc).
Don’t take unfollowing personally. I constantly vary who I follow depending on how much time I have, what I’m wanting to talk about at that time… and stuff that is not about the people I’m following. (never unfollow yoououou tho, obv).
Buzz buzz buzz.. fear not, my dearest friend, I think publication is a time of awakening and realising how lucky I am to have so many who are LUSH! (like you x) x
Glad you posted this. I doubt many would take issue with it, and I, like the others here will be posting a review as soon as I finish the book. As your fairy godfather says, if you don’t ask, you don’t get.
Thank you, my most lovely fairy godfather x
Are people still following people on Twitter? I keep the good ones on lists. That is how I found you today.
Yes, that is how the game is played. I learned that from my sister, Mary Alice Monroe.
Thank you!
Congratulations. There certainly does seem to be a buzz about your latest book - that’s how I ended up here. Looking forward to reading a copy and will post a review when I do.
Thanks so much Dan! I especially like that you managed to include the word buzz
x
People love to do things to help - I do think it was terribly clever of you to arrange your publication date just before the Bank Holiday weekend. Extra reading time, mmmmmm.
Am proper chuffed for you X
Hello lovely lady! Thank you and I am so glad that we have finally met x
Congratulations Caroline. The plot sounds fascinating and the cover is truly wonderful. With that combo how will you go wrong! Good luck with the sales. I hope to get my paws on a copy soon.
Thanks so much. You’ve been an amazing support x
It is incredible that people would stop following your blog because you are promoting your new book. The world has some odd uns in it!
Absolutely I will help out - I have already posted a review on Amazon. Not sure how intelligent it is (I always write reviews straight after when I’m excited about the book so it doesn’t always come out the best!)…
I hope you sell squillions…
x
Don’t get me started on it all… seriously, it’s a crazy online world. But I am lucky that the ones who are shouting the loudest are the lovely ones! Thank you for my review. It made me cry x
I’m hugely sorry I missed congratulating you on the publication of Like Bees to Honey yesterday (I had a VERY bad day). I have blogged about your lovely book launch today, hope you sell millions of copies and that your next novel is out this time next year. x
I best get writing then… ekk
x
Happy Publication Day to You!
Like the others, I find it odd that someone would be annoyed by self-promotion for your book…of course, knowing how hard it is to get published, I recommend shouting it from the rooftops!
You should be proud. Am excited to dig in as soon as I finish my current book, and I will definitely review and keep promoting LBtH.
xx
Thank you SO much
x
Don’t be disheartened.
I’m not, I promise!
Many many congratulations! I’m over from Talli Roland’s. The launch looked fabulous. Ignore anyone who unfollows you - promoting and celebrating your work on twitter is what social media is all about - and that’s why I, for one, follow you!
Hello Missy and thank you for understanding. Social media is fabulous for connecting me with people I also get on with in RL! x
Hi Caroline - it was lovely to meet you at the launch and hear you read from the book - just finishing the book I’m reading now and really looking forward to reading Like Bees To Honey - and catching up on your blog!
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