Book Launch Q&A: Lena Gregory, Author GRAVE CONSEQUENCES #booklaunch @lenagregory03 @pumpupyourbook

Lena Gregory is the author of the Bay Island Psychic Mysteries, which take place on a small island between the north and south forks of Long Island, New York, and the All-Day Breakfast Café Mysteries, which are set on the outskirts of Florida’s Ocala National Forest.

Lena grew up in a small town on the south shore of eastern Long Island. She recently relocated to Clermont, Florida with her husband, three kids, son-in-law, and four dogs. Her hobbies include spending time with family, reading, jigsaw puzzles, and walking. Her love for writing developed when her youngest son was born and didn’t sleep through the night. She works full time as a writer and a freelance editor and is a member of Sisters in Crime.

To learn more about Lena and her latest writing endeavors, visit her website at http://www.lenagregory.com/ and be sure to sign up for her newsletter http://lenagregory.us12.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=9765d0711ed4fab4fa31b16ac&id=49d42335d1.

WEBSITE & SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: http://www.lenagregory.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LenaGregory03
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lena.Gregory.Author/?fref=ts

Cass Donovan is reminded that you can’t believe everything you hear, especially when it comes from the dead . . .

When stories begin circulating of a centuries-old ghost haunting the Bay Island lighthouse, Cass is caught up in mystical happenings of her own, with countless voices from the beyond all clamoring for her attention with dire warnings. But before she has a chance to learn whether there’s a connection between the rumored ghost and her restless visitors, the lighthouse keeper mysteriously falls to his death, and Cass’s reputation for communing with the dead lands her right in the middle of the police investigation.

Cass knows the victim was no saint, as he made little effort to hide his philandering ways from his wife or anyone else, and often acted out with no thought for the feelings of others. But had he finally gone too far, or were there more menacing motives behind his murder? As Cass begins building a list of suspects, including the man’s supposedly grieving wife and a mysterious new woman in town, she also turns her ear to those otherworldly voices, hoping for a clue. And as she begins to close in on the culprit, she realizes too late that if she’s not careful, she’ll soon be communicating with the dead in person . . .

BUY LINKS

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0881XMPB2/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=lena+gregory&qid=1588623125&sr=8-6
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/grave-consequences-lena-gregory/1136968677?ean=2940162632931
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/grave-consequences-10
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1019948

 

After your book was released, what was the first thing you did when getting ready for your book launch?

As soon as I received my release date for Grave Consequences, I started looking into advertising. I set up blog tours, ads, and started posting my release date and pre-order links on social media.

After that, what was your next step? 

Next, I started writing guest posts and completing interviews. My next step will be organizing a facebook party to celebrate my release. Then I will follow all of my tours and try to interact with readers, which I very much enjoy.

"My most success with marketing on social media comes from the people who are kind enough to share my releases."

Did you do anything different to spice up your website in lieu of your upcoming book release?

Actually, thank you for the reminder! I did forget to include the new release information on my website, but I just added it to my ever-growing to-do list.

Did you ever consider using a PR agency to help you promote your book or did you prefer the DIY route?

I use blog tour companies for tours, but I don’t use a PR company. I wouldn’t even know how to go about finding one.

Were finding reviews a top priority for you and, if yes, how did you approach that? 

Yes, reviews are extremely important to authors. Once my book went up on NetGalley, I reached out to blog tour companies, as well as reviewers who’ve reviewed my previous books.

What are your views on social media for marketing your book?

I enjoy social media, and I love hosting Cozy Mystery Crew, a facebook group for cozy mystery readers, but I’m not sure how I feel about it for marketing. I’ve tried ads on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, but I haven’t seen much increase in sales from them. My most success with marketing on social media comes from the people who are kind enough to share my releases.

What social media has worked best for you?

Facebook. I love interacting with readers on there, and I’m a huge fan of Facebook parties.

"As soon as Grave Consequences went up for pre-order, I made sure to include it on my Amazon page. I also bought a copy and started tracking rankings."

Did you write a press release and do you think it worked for you?

I’ve never tried one.

Did you revamp your author’s page at Amazon in any way to prepare for the launch (https://authorcentral.amazon.com/)? 

As soon as Grave Consequences went up for pre-order, I made sure to include it on my Amazon page. I also bought a copy and started tracking rankings.

Did you have other books you offered for free in order to help sell your present book? 

Since I’m published with a publisher, I don’t have control over pricing. I do think it’s a good idea, though.

Did you set up booksignings and, if so, how did that work for you? 

Unfortunately, with the quarantines right now, that’s not an option.

"I would suggest going with a blog tour company."

Did you time your book launch around a certain holiday? 

My publisher helped me to get the release scheduled before the Memorial Day weekend.

What was the best money you ever spent on your book launch? 

A BookBub featured new release. Though I didn’t get one this time, they’ve worked well for me in the past.

Any tips for those authors wanting to set up a successful book launch?

I would suggest going with a blog tour company. Two I use for cozy mysteries are Great Escapes Tours and Pump Up Your Book. Both are fantastic. Also, take every opportunity offered to you for exposure. Interviews, blog posts, pod casts. You never know where you’ll find new readers.

Thank you so much for having me!