In episode 8, Melissa and Jeni talk to Erica Lucke Dean about BookBub deals and promos.
Listen to the audio podcast here: EPISODE 8 - BookBub for authors
Welcome to the Indie Chicks show! We are Melissa Koberlein, an author and professor of publishing and Jeni Chappelle, a freelance novel editor.
Indie Chicks celebrates and supports independent women in publishing. We’re a place for writers at all stages of the publishing process. So, whether you’re on the traditional route to publication or self-publishing, you’ve come to the right place for advice.
On this episode:
We’re talking about Bookbub deals and promos
End with an author tip of the week
This week we’re joined by Erica Lucke Dean. After walking away from her career as a business banker to pursue writing full-time, Erica moved from the hustle and bustle of the big city to a small tourist town in the North Georgia Mountains where she lives in a 90-year-old haunted farmhouse with her workaholic husband, her 180lb lap dog, and at least one ghost.
When she’s not busy writing or tending to her collection of crazy chickens, diabolical ducks, and a quintet of piglets, hell bent on having her for dinner, she’s either reading bad fan fiction or singing karaoke in the local pub. Much like the characters in her books, Erica is a magnet for disaster, and has been known to trip on air while walking across flat surfaces.
How she’s managed to survive this long is one of life’s great mysteries.
Here's the Q&A:
What are the different types of BookBub deals and promos?
BookBub has a lot of different types of promos, but the ones I’m most familiar with are the deals for US or Foreign sales. Thankfully, my publisher does the requesting, so I just sit back and reap the rewards when a deal is nabbed for my books. My books have had both 99 cent runs and freebie runs so far. Both are beneficial.
When did you have your first BookBub deal? How did you make out in regards to cost vs. sales?
My first BookBub deal was back in 2014 for To Katie With Love, and it was amazing. LOL. I think I sold like 2000 copies that day. And made a ton of money. Because I have a publisher, I have to split the profits, but even still, I had a really nice royalty check for that period.
What do you recommend for authors to gain followers on BookBub, and why is that important?
BookBub followers get a special email when your books have a deal running. They also get one for your new releases. And if you have at least 1000 followers, it opens up bonus ads you’re allowed to run.
What advice do you have for authors that are hoping to get a BookBub deal?
BookBub is notoriously picky. Historically speaking, they don’t take books with covers that don’t match the genre or that don’t look professional and polished. They want you to have a solid amount of reviews. And good content. They get tons of requests each week, so they can afford to be choosy. My first cover for Splintered Souls wasn’t cutting it. The publisher couldn’t get a BookBub for it. And I have to admit, I never loved the cover myself. When the second book in the series was in the cover process, it was decided the first book needed a new cover too. I can honestly say, I love the new cover! And soon after it was released, the book got a deal and sold a bunch of copies! It’s had a few sales since and still does really well in its genre. And for anyone who’s been chomping at the bit for the third installment, after a long break due to the big C, I’m back to work, finishing Shattered Souls! Yay!
Tip of the week: If you’re an indie author, and you haven’t already, get on BookBub and fill out your author profile. Then, add a Bookbub button to your website and ask your newsletter followers to follow you on Bookbub.
Thanks for joining us. You can find Erica at www.ericaluckedean.com @ericaluckedean www.facebook.com/ericaluckedean https://www.bookbub.com/authors/erica-lucke-dean
On our next podcast, we are talking with Denise Williams and Allison Ashley about the critique partner relationship. We will also have another Tip of the Week. And don’t forget where to find us! Find our podcast at indiechicks.net or follow us on Spotify or subscribe to Indie Chicks on Apple Podcasts. We also have the Indie Chicks channel on YouTube where you can subscribe. You can follow us on Twitter @Indie_Chicks or Facebook.com/TheIndieChicks.
So, remember, we’re all part of a publishing community, be kind and review your fellow authors’ books! Thanks for joining us!
Indie Chicks out.
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