Kim McMahill, author and novelist from United States. A writer of adventure fiction and romantic suspense. In this brief interview Kim McMahill shares her personal experiences and insights about promoting her books. Kim is the author of Marked in Mexico, Desperate Dreams and Big Horn Storm.
What literary genres do you write?
I currently write adventure fiction. I started out writing non-fiction and published over eighty travel and geographic articles, and contributed to a travel anthology, but my passion for exotic world travel, outrageous adventures, stories of survival against the odds and happily-ever-after endings soon drew me into a world of romantic suspense and action adventure.
What were the difficulties you faced in promoting your books?
It is difficult to find ways to make your book stand out among the thousands available and to try and convince readers to give a relatively unknown author a try.
What are the main methods and ways you follow to spread the word about your books?
A vast majority of promotion efforts are through internet venues. I have a website (http://KimMcMahill.com) and a blog (http://KimMcMahill.blogspot.com) and I try to locate sources to reach as large and diverse group of potential readers as possible. I haven’t discovered the magic combination, but I think it is important to keep trying new things and hopefully I’ll eventually find the most efficient way to target those who might be interested in my style of adventure fiction.
Do you have a certain routine you follow (for example, daily things to do for that purpose)?
I’ve developed a calendar that I keep close at hand and consult daily where I mark due dates for submitting material for promotions and dates I’ve agreed to guest blog or participate in blog hops. This helps me to keep organized and reminds me what I’ve done recently in order to follow up with those promotion efforts regularly.
How much of your time do you spend to promote your books and how much time for writing? and do you think that the efforts you spend in spreading the word about your books takes you from your passion for writing?
Unfortunately I probably spend at least half the time I allot for writing-related activities on promoting my books. I always have new ideas floating around in my mind for enhancing a work in progress or starting a new adventure, so it’s frustrating when I push my stories aside to focus on the essential component of promotion.
To what extent you feel you were successful?
The process of promoting is a long, difficult and ongoing process, so if each book sells better than the last I feel I’ve succeeded.
To what extent do you use social networking sites? and can you consider it primary in promotion?
I probably don’t use social networking sites as effectively as I could, but it’s a learning process. And, yes, in today’s society social networking is a key marketing tool.
What are your recommendations for people who share the same talent with you?
I’m sure everyone has heard this before, but first and foremost you need to write a great book. Set realistic goals and jump in with both feet. It’s nearly impossible to guess what the next big thing will be, so write what you know and love. Write daily, promote daily, and learn from your successes and mistakes.
Any final words regarding promotion for writers?
Don’t get frustrated and don’t give up.
humanmade.net would like to thank Kim McMahill for taking the time to share with us these valuable information and insights and experience in promoting her writings.
Comments7
I love Kim's books, they are…
I love Kim's books, they are wonderful escapes. Informative interview.
Good thoughts about writing.
Thanks Kim, it encourages me to know I'm not the only one who struggles with promotion. You are so right when you say, "it is difficult to find ways to make your book stand out among the thousands available and to try and convince readers to give an relatively unknown author a try." The competition is fierce. Authors as well as the general public like to read, but there is so little time and money. Your books are great escapes into adventure. You do a good job, and I hope many will find you.
Promoting books
Right on, Kim! Years ago an artist told me the same thing: 50% painting, 50% marketing. Although seems like some days it's more 100% marketing.
adventure fiction
I am also interested in exotic worlravel and really enjoy Kim's work.
Karen Cogan
karencogn.com
Great interview, as always…
Great interview, as always. Good tips on using the calendar to stay on top of writing schedule and promotions.
Kim McMahill's Interview
Great information from this author. FYI, I loved her book "Big Horn Storm".
Kim McMahill's interview
Very interesting interview on promotion. Kim is an excellent writer.