Ok yes, today is my birthday.
And as a birthday gift, the universe has chose to coincide it with the release of The Blue Monsoon, the second in the Blue Mumbai series.
As if that’s not enough, today is also Dussehra, one of the biggest festivals in India: all about the victory of good and the banishing of evil.
So of course, I’m excited. The Blue Monsoon is about to hit a 100 reviews on Goodreads, and for the first time, I feel like my work might be finding the readers it’s meant for. Early reviews on Netgalley have also been quite positive, and I’ve been tagged in a bunch of cool aesthetics on Instagram.
The author must do their bit of promotion, though honestly, for a trad-published book, no author (unless they have a mega-social-media presence ) can make as much of a difference. I know this book will go only as far as the publisher decides it will, which will depend on how much their initial marketing catches on. My feeble efforts are in aid of this elusive ‘catching on.’
With that in mind, I engage in whatever book promotions I can, including giveaways (here’s an article I wrote about that) and approaching reviewers. I’m also learning Amazon advertising, but the jury is out on how much of an expert I am. My approach is to slowly build community, over years, organically. I’d struggled with my first book, I got more confident with my second, and with my third, I’m only doing what brings me return on investment.
If you have Kindle Unlimited, I’d be thrilled if you downloaded The Blue Monsoon. And if you snag a copy, ping me and I’ll send you swag!
On my book birthday, what advice to you have on book promotion? As an author, what and how much do you do? As a reader, what kind of promotions would nudge you to make a purchase?
My literary crime novel, The Blue Bar is on Kindle Unlimited now. Add it to Goodreads or snag a copy to make my day. The sequel, The Blue Monsoon is on Goodreads, and now available ! Signed copies are available in these independent bookstores. And if you’d like to read a book outside the series, you can check out You Beneath Your Skin. Find all info about my books here or on Linktree.
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Hi Damyanti – I’d no idea you’d started out in a writing group with Dan of No Facilities and Cheryl … we (or I) live and learn. Happy Birthday year ahead … it’s wonderful you’ve completed three books … two have been excellent and I will read The Blue Bar shortly … I congratulate you and all of our blogging friends with books out in the booksphere. I’m so pleased for you – cheers Hilary
Congrats! I just read an except on Alex’s site. It was so good, made me want to read on!
Thank you so much, I’m so glad you liked it!
Congratulations, Damyanti, on your new book. And a belated Happy Birthday.
Thank you! The book was the best birthday present ☺️
Thank you for sharing!!.. first, a belated Happy Birthday and hope the day (and every day) and all your presents were filled with love and happiness… congratulations with your dream coming true, were waiting for the book to come out, will get it in the very near future from Amazon for the Kindle…. 🙂
Hope you have a lovely time celebrating, life is all that you wish for it to be and until we meet again….
May the sun shine all day long
Everything go right, nothing go wrong
May those you love bring love back to you
And may all the wishes you wish come true
May your troubles be less
Your blessings be more
And nothing but happiness
Come through your door
(Irish Saying)
Thank you, I’m so grateful for your support and for taking the time to comment, Larry! You’re too kind. I can’t wait for you to read the book. Wonderful saying, as always!
Happy birthday!
Thank you!
Congratulations and Happy Birthday!!
Thank you so much!
Woohoo 🥳 congrats on the book release and happy birthday, Damyanti!
Happy birthday and congratulations on the release of your third book! Go celebrate big time.
Happy Birthday Damyanti and all the best for your publishing ventures.
I hope you’ve had a wonderful birthday, and as the perfect present, may your book become a runaway success! All the best for today and the future. 🥂🎉
Happy birthday, Damyanti! All the best for a successful launch of The Blue Monsoon!! It looks like its well on its way already.
The Blue Monsoon seems like a really great and intriguing book. 141 reviews on goodreads already (I just checked). That’s incredible. Launch of your book and birthday at the same time! Double congratulations 🎉🎉🎉🎁🎁🎁🎂🎂🎂🥂🥂🥂🏆🏆🏆🥇🥇🥇
Wishing you a very Happy Birthday and lots of success with the books!
So many congrats, Damyanti!!
Thanks so much, Rebecca!! 😁
Happy Birthday Damyanti! ♥
Thank you!! 😁
Happy Birthday, Damyanti. And congrats on your new book. I pre-ordered it and should get it soon. The marketing is a challenge. My attempt with the debut historical fiction book was month long blog posts introducing the characters. I’m going to market both books when I publish the sequel in 2024. And my editor will help with that. Good luck with your new book. 📚🎶 Christine
Thank you so much, Christine! I’m thrilled that you ordered it, and I hope it lives up to your expectations. I agree, marketing can be difficult. Wishing you all the best and the most success with your sequel!
Happy birthday! And congrats on the 100 reviews. IMHO, well deserved! There is a love-fest going on for your latest on my blog right now. My readers are excited about not just the book but your discussion of preparing for publication. Great article, Damyanti.
You’re so kind, Jacqui, I really appreciate it! Each and every reader makes a difference, and I can’t tell you how grateful I am for your support.
Happy birthday 🎉 and congrats on your success!
Thank you!