Giveaways Cheapen Our Relationship

I've noticed, myself included, that there's a huge rise in giveaways by authors and bloggers, whether it be a flash giveaway or a rafflecopter. The intentions are good, but I wonder if the giveaways cheapen our relationships with our readers. They are no longer looking to interact with us because they (and I'm not saying ALL) know we'll do a giveaway to buy that interaction. With that bribery I believe it's in hopes that we will gain readers and our sales will increase. I have not seen this happen personally except on my release days. There are a few issues with giveaways that I have observed.

1) The giveaway host either forgets or lags in sending the winner their prize. I for one know I am guilty for lagging, but not always. It depends on my life situation at the moment, but I know it's seen as unprofessional so I need to be on top of that better. Now the real issue seems to be that readers have grown accustomed to these giveaways and are louder and more confident to call you out publicly if they did not recieve their prize. My issue is for both sides on this. These are gifts, essentially. You did not pay for it so really it's the discretion of the giveaway host whether they are going to follow through with it. Is it unprofessional and somewhat unethical if they don't follow through? Well, of course, but to stoop to bottom feeder level and call them out on Facebook, twitter, etc. is worst in my opinion. On the flip side the giveaway host is buying your fanship (I believe I just created a word there) which by some is seen as unethical. In reality it is a marketing tool, but at what point do we step back and crunch numbers and realize it's a bad one? Well, I have and the numbers just don't work. If I was super on my game right now I would show you the mathematical proof, but I just woke up and would rather write my novel (sorry).

2) You can't buy true loyalty. Yes, you can try to buy the fans of your page and hope they become loyal readers, but how often does that actually work? It doesn't. Not enough at least for giveaways to make sense. And when I say giveaways I am talking about ones with prizes that cost a few dollars or more. I think the smartest giveaways are bookmarks. Those are cheap to make and send out and it still gains a lot of interaction and it advertises your brand. Other inexpensive swag makes SMART giveaways too.

3) Readership Numbness. I believe that readers, fans, whatever you want to refer them to, become numb to our giveaways and also expect us to do them. Some believe that since we do so many that all they have to do is email or private message us and we'll just give them stuff because they asked. And wait for it...they get mad if you say no (GAH). Then there are others that don't even do what's asked in the giveaway or even read the entry instructions and just write DONE in the comments. Of course, there are exceptions to everything. There are amazing readers out there who play fair, are sweet, and gracious, and to those we are all grateful for.

I guess the reason I am writing this is because after seeing how much I spent in promotion last year and seeing where I am at already this year compared to the number of book sales, I am realizing I'm not promoting smartly and I don't want others to fail like this. Moving forward I won't be doing giveaways like I used to. I want to believe that if I interact with the readers thoughtfully through Q & A and such that they will want to stick around for my next book release and a possible flash giveaway surprise. I want to build a REAL relationship with my readers and not one that's based on monetary compensation and/or bribery (I am talking about giveaways here. I don't partake or condone in any bought reviews).

I want to close this off on a positive note. I appreciate how far I have come in such a short period of time AND I appreciate the readers who have become REAL fans and loyal followers. My job is to write quality stories not to do giveaways, so I promise that I will do better by my fans and myself to make that my primary focus. Of course, I'll always do THANK YOU giveaways!

xo Dani xo

Children's Series

Untitled Children's Series
Expected publication: September 2014

           My 7 year old son has a gift for writing and art. When he finally realized that I write books he asked if we could write one together. And of course, my 4 year old daughter wanted to write one with mommy too then. I was thrilled. I told my son to think of ideas for a story. He came up with a couple of cute ideas. But then he came home one day from school and started talking about this series that his friend loves. The title was silly, but it gave me an idea. It's totally unrelated to the series he mentioned, but it inspired a story line. I pitched it to my son. Yes, I actually did a pitch! LOL! And he loved it! The best thing about the series it could be spilt into a boy series and a girl series. It makes both of my kids happy, which makes me happy. The most important thing about this series is I want each story to originate from their creativity and then I can help build and guide them. These are their stories told through the eyes of a 7 year old boy and a 4 year old girl. I am beyond excited to get started on book 1 in each series and get the illustrations underway. The series will be silly and fun and cater to the 10 and younger audience.

 

GIVEAWAYS

Kindle Winners:

Paperback Release Party for A Firefighter's Flame
BRANDI DAGWAN

Book Boyfriend Hangover blog takeover
CRYSTAL MACMAHAN

Let's Catch Up

A Firefighter' Flame released with a bang! Thank you to everyone for all of the support. I am sorry I have been MIA on here. I promise to be more active because, let's be honest, facebook isn't what it used to be. I have started a newsletter that you can subscribe to and I am in the process of working on bi- weekly newsletters to keep you up-to-date on sales, giveaways, releases, events/signings, and WIPs. I will also be adding a Q & A section on the blog, so I can answer all of your questions.

MY CRAZY LIFE UPDATE

I am excited to announce that I will be completing my post-grad education on May 16th and will be taking a year to focus on writing and really building my brand.

2014 Signings

I registered for many signings across the country and then quickly realized that wasn't the path I wanted to take just yet. Traveling is VERY expensive and I feel like that time and money can be better spent on promotion and building my reader base. I have also made a promise to myself that I will NOT be affiliated with any signings that include repeat MEAN GIRL offenders and signings that becoming more about who you know rather than based on your brand and positive presence in the book world. I really feel strongly about this with the surge in bullying and mean girl behavior. With that said, here are the only signings I am confirmed for this year.

UtopYA (www.utopyacon.com) Nashville, TN
June 20th 6pm-9pm
Table location: Area 51.5, Table 53 sharing with Tijan

Sin with the Saints (http://sinwiththesaints.blogspot.com/)
Park City, UT
August 2, 2014

Authors on the Coast Long Beach, CA
August 23rd 10:30am-2:30pm
Location: Hotel Maya

WIP

Dreams: The Life of Arie series, book 2 (expected publication October 2014)
Untitled NA Vampire series, book 1 (expected publication Winter 2015)

I don't think I have any other updates right now. I will always try to be accessible to my readers, so feel free to email or message me any time.

~Dani
 

NEW HAPPENINGS:

I have an official website!!! www.danihartbooks.com

A Firefighter's Flame cover reveal is on January 13th! Official book release date coming soon!

Special News:

Exclusive scenes for REALITY will be included in an amazing compilation book supporting breast cancer awareness. If you want to know more about how Arie's parents met and more about the world she was born into you won't want to miss this purchase. Plus, you're donating to a good cause. Expected release date is early Feb. 2014. http://bookfri-ends.com/pink-shades-of-words/

Reality Excerpt

If you haven't bought my book yet this is what you're missing! GO GET YOU RIVER & ASHE ON!

“I don’t know what it was about today, but I was starting to feel alive again. My body was responding in ways it never had before. I let him hold me for what seemed like an eternity. Time turned into hours rather than minutes and my breathing became irregular. My vision turned crisp and clear among the darkness and shadows of night. River turned me around and touched my face gently. His fingertips caused electric shocks to pass over my skin. I closed my eyes and let the chill of the night be swallowed by the heat generating between us. I could hear the creatures of the night dancing across the broken fall leaves on the ground and the hoots of owls that filled the tree lines. I swear I could even hear the whisper of baby birds being tucked into their nests. All of my senses seemed to be heightened and I was enjoying every moment of it. A soft pressure pushed on my lips and I could taste the sweetness of River. The tingle on my lips erupted into explosions as I responded desperately. The passion between us rose by the second as if our bodies had been waiting an eternity for us to kiss again. His hands crawled down my back increasing the intensity of the moment. My hands had become limp in the embrace, but now came alive and found his face and locks of hair. I felt more alive in this moment then I had in years. I wanted more! River pushed me up against the car as the desperation in our kiss intensified. And then it was quiet. The rustling of the leaves stopped, the owls went silent, and the quiet whispers of the birds ceased.” ~Reality

 

 

REALITY IS LIVE

OMG! Such a great thing to wake up and see that these links are LIVE!!! (having issues with kobo and iBooks, but working on it). Please don't forget to post, at the very least, a rating of my book on all sites. This supports authors by keeping their books visible on the recommendation lists. Love all of your support! Feel free to tweet (@authordanihart) me how you liked Arie's story! xo

KINDLE: http://www.amazon.com/Reality-The-Life-Aries-ebook/dp/B00FB35OOS/

NOOK: http://productsearch.barnesandnoble.com/search/results.aspx?store=EBOOK&WRD=reality+dani+hart&ugrp=2

SMASHWORDS: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/359421

Discussion Group

I have created an official group for THE LIFE OF ARIE series where all my fans can discuss the book(s) openly and freely! Please see the pinned post before posting.

I can't wait to answer questions and be a part of the discussions!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1439995669559279/

Publishing

Publishing for the first time is an amazing, scary, and exhilarating feeling! I imagine you might see this post in your feed and just keep scrolling, but whether a book is good, bad or indifferent it's an amazing accomplishment for any author who has put their heart and soul into it. So I say kudos to all authors who have put themselves out there for the world to judge and you will always have my support for your bravery and confidence! I love all of you guys, including the readers who make us want to create! Thank you for your support, love, and loyalty! xo

WITH THAT SAID:
I am a total rookie and publishing on 5 sites that all have different time frames (12-72 hrs) for uploading, so I started the process tonight. Who knows when this stuff will go live...LOL! I promise I will post as soon as I see LIVE links. If you see it first then feel free to private message me. I did activate paperback orders through Amazon, but that takes longer to go live than ebooks. If you want both I would wait for the paperback because I have it set to discount the ebook if bought together :-). 

Blog Tour

  

 

 

Book 1 Progress

I am in the home stretch of the rough draft! Yay! All of my beta readers have given it a solid 5 stars, so far! It will be off to the editor at the end of the month for a last look edit and formatting for publication.

My cover reveal is scheduled for July 22nd and hosted by Ena at www.swoonworthybooks.com. They can also be found on facebook at www.facebook.com/swoonworthybookreviews. My amazing original artwork is by Nosim. She can be found at www.nosimart.com. My digital artist is as equally talented and can be found at www.facebook.com/cassidycoverart.

And I am so excited to announce that Paranormal Book Club will be hosting my blog tour set for Sept. 23-Oct. 4 (weekdays only). They will be sending out emails soon for sign ups. They can be found at https://www.facebook.com/ParanormalBookClub?fref=ts and http://paranormal-bookclub.com/

The support I have received being an unknown indie author is absolutely amazing! Thank you all so much!!!

xo

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17938428.Reality

WELCOME TO MY AUTHOR PAGE

YOUNG ADULT (mature) URBAN FANTASY ROMANCE

 

The Life of Arie Series:

 

This story has manifested into a series of books following the journey of Arie as her life and world changes after the death of her mom and the introduction of an unexpected love triangle.

 

Reality (Book 1): Release September 2013
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17938428-reality 
Add to your WANT TO READ/TBR list now!
 

Arie slowly discovers she's more different then she could have ever imagined and that love exists on more then one level and reality.  As her journey of discovery begins, more questions then answers arise.

TEASERS:
                                                                                   

RECOMMENDED PAGES:

www.facebook.com/authordanihart
www.goodreads.com/authordanihart
www.swoonworthybooks.com
www.facebook.com/swoonworthybookreviews
www.facebook.com/midnightmommydesigns


PLEASE FEEL FREE TO LEAVE CONSTRUCTIVE FEEDBACK ON THE CHAPTERS!