M. E. Wood

PROMOBEATS INTERVIEW

Cindy Davis

Please join me in a big Word Museum and PromoBeats welcome to Cindy Davis.

Moe: Please tell us what name(s) you write under, the name of your book(s), the genre of your book(s), and the formats.

Cindy Davis: I write under the name Cindy Davis. I work in a couple of genres; middle readers and adult mystery. They're all available in paperback and e-book.

Moe: What do you do to promote your book(s)?

Cindy Davis: Promotion is hard for me. I'm a natural homebody. I'd rather be in the garden (or office) than out schmoozing. In some respects, I've had an easier time than some, since I self-published two regional hiking books in 1999 and 2000. So, I'm fairly well known in the area. That makes it a little easier getting books from smaller publishers into the stores. I spend a lot of time online. I've developed a monthly newsletter. I've gotten all my family members to give me names of everyone they know. I collect email addresses. Send out press kits, postcards, been on the radio. I've got decals in my car windows (and so do most of my family). Hang posters everywhere I go. My car contains a mass of promotional stuff. I had what I consider to be a successful open house. I’m planning another, but will do it at a local restaurant hoping to draw even more people. I have several speaking (yikes!) engagements scheduled.

Moe: What method or methods of promotion have you used that works well?

Cindy Davis: I think the most successful promotional venue is just getting my face out there. People like to buy from someone they know. Secondly, newspaper articles. My best book signing was the day after a feature in the newspaper. I’ve gotten several sales from the posters I hang everywhere I go. The web site has been fairly successful too. I run a contest or two every month. I also have a giveaway: for people who sell, or cause to be sold, four books, they win a copy of my next book which comes out in May.

Moe: What method or methods of promotion have you used that have not worked well?

Cindy Davis: Mailings. Even with follow-ups, they're a hard sell.

Moe: Where did you learn how to promote your books? Is there a special place or places where you find good promotion information?

Cindy Davis: For my self-published books, I just thought about how I made most of my own book purchases. For the ‘bandit’ series, I've spent a lot of time talking. I know a lot of people with kids. If their kids like the books, they're going to spread the word. As for finding information, there's a good yahoo group called publishing and promoting. My publisher at Creek Press regularly sends out promotional information. We had an online chat one night to share thoughts.

Moe: Do you like to promote? Or do you find it frustrating?

Cindy Davis: When I get good response, I like it. Mostly it's frustrating. People are so busy these days, they don't want to take the time to listen to what others have to say. It's hard to get them to part with their hard earned cash. You've really got to have a hook.

Moe: Have you been interviewed as an author? By which mediums?

Cindy Davis: Radio. A couple of years ago. The bookstore where it was done made a number of sales over the next couple of weeks. Also, I've done a couple of interviews with newspapers. That was big. Both times, their spread was a half page with several pictures. I'm still getting comments about it. I plan to do more in that vein.

Moe: Do you have any good promotion tips for your fellow authors that you would like to share?

Cindy Davis: Just be out there. Be accessible. Even if you worked 20 hours the day before or have a migraine that's lasted three days. Smile. Volunteer for things around your town. If people know you as nice, friendly and helpful, they're more likely to buy your book. As I mentioned, I'm not one to get out and do these things, so it's taken a lot of extra work on my part, but it's paid off. A couple of local businesses, who aren't in any way book related, have offered to carry the books and let me do signings/readings. The local jewelry store is doing a signing, featuring me in their ads AND getting a radio interview for me.

Moe: Please add a short bio.

Cindy Davis: I'm a grandmother who enjoys hiking, gardening, needlework, reading and of course, spending time with the grandkids. I live in New Hampshire with my husband. I've bred miniature dachshunds since 1987, and exotic finches since 2000. I can be reached at my website.

04/04