J. J. Hebert’s debut novel, Unconventional (paperback), became an Amazon.com best-seller in three categories on July 19, 2009. The Kindle version has been the #1 Inspirational Book in the Kindle Store numerous times. J.J. is also the founder of MindStir Media, which helps authors successfully self-publish and distribute books worldwide. Currently, he lives in New England, home to some of the greatest sports teams in the world (for now), where he’s at work on his latest novel, Saving Dad, and a children’s book, Weepy the Dragon.
Visit J.J.’s website at www.jjhebert.net or his blog at www.jjhebertblog.com. Connect with him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/authorjjhebert or Facebook at www.facebook.com/authorjjhebert.
Welcome to Book Marketing Buzz, J.J. Can we begin by having you tell us a little about your book?
Unconventional focuses on James Frost, a young janitor who decides to pursue his dream of becoming a published author. His journey from mopping floors to finding love, God, and literary stardom is inspirational and quite entertaining.
What is the first thing you did to promote your book once your publisher accepted your manuscript?
I became much more active on Facebook.
After that, what happened?
I realized that wasn’t enough, so I delved into other networks such as Goodreads (the largest social network for book lovers) and then started an e-newsletter. I also joined Twitter and did quite a bit of blogging (my blog has transformed since).
What did your publisher do to promote your book?
I self-published (via MindStir Media), so I had to rely on handselling and lots of word of mouth via the Internet early on.
What’s your opinion on blogging? Do you see that it is helping sell your book or is it not making much difference in terms of sales?
I see that blogging has made a significant difference in terms of sales. I’m able to use my blog to not only provide tips for aspiring authors, but also attract new readers by utilizing SEO techniques.
I understand using the social networks to promote your books is also an effective marketing tool. Do you find it is or isn’t?
Social Media is extremely helpful… I’m 100% certain that I’ve sold MANY books because of social media. I’ve watched my sales rank climb as a result of social media campaigns. I’ve seen tons of sales receipts through Paypal from people I “friended” on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/jjhebert) as well as fans there (http://www.facebook.com/authorjjhebert). Many Twitter followers (I’m @authorjjhebert) have also purchased copies of Unconventional. And I haven’t even mentioned Goodreads … Members from that social network have purchased and reviewed Unconventional, helping my book gain exposure. Now that I mention reviews—I am able to trace many reviews back to friends/followers in my social media world. Those are reviews from people that otherwise would not have heard of Unconventional …
Besides blogging and using the social networks to promote your books, what other ways are you promoting your book?
E-newsletters, forums, handselling…
If you had to pick just one book marketing tool that you’ve used to promote your book, which would you say has been the most effective?
Goodreads.com, which is the #1 social networking site for book lovers. As of now, the site consists of around five million members. I prefer this social network over Facebook (the runner-up, in my opinion) because Goodreads is completely geared toward people who love to read. Marketers would call that “targeted marketing.” I promote my book Unconventional via Goodreads by participating in the free author program. More information can be found here: http://www.goodreads.com/author/program.
What are your experiences with offline promotions such as booksignings?
I’ve seen some pretty solid sales at my book signings, but I prefer utilizing social media, which is free!
Thank you for this interview, J.J.! We wish you much success!
Related posts:
- Shining the Book Promotion Spotlight on ‘Pairs’ D.W. Richards
- Shining the Book Promotion Spotlight on Women’s Fiction Author Susan Wingate
- Shining the Book Promotion Spotlight on Mark Oetjens
- Shining the Book Promotion Spotlight on Laina Turner-Molaski
- Shining the Book Promotion Spotlight on Mike O’Mary
Posted in 
Tags: 
