My frustrations with how slow things were moving along in March is now long gone as momentum has picked up and is thrusting me and my book forward. So much has happened in such a short time frame that my mind is still spinning, but I am very happy to be on this journey.
After my final author copy was a go, the Advanced Reader Copies (ARC) were delivered and distributed to 20 individuals and organizations who were an integral part of Grandfather’s Whispers fruition. While setting up my Goodreads Giveaway for the other 25 ARC copies, I noticed a blip in the system. This little blip sent me spiraling into the internet stratosphere only to discover that my book was already available for pre-order. I cannot tell you the sheer excitement I felt to see my book on a well-known booksellers’ website. That kind of glow just sticks with you for a long while.
Now that I figured out the blip, I was able to move forward in contacting the good people of Goodreads to connect my book to my author account so that I could finally set up my Goodreads Giveaway. Once approved, I was blown away by the number of readers interested in my book on the first day. I received over 1,000 entries for 25 copies in less than 24 hours. I must be doing something right.
Currently, I am most excited about an email I received last week from the managing editor of an online periodical. The interview was conducted on Friday, and I can’t wait to share the article with you as soon as it is published. Follow me on my Facebook Page for the media release to be announced later this week.
In the meantime, I met with some of my most amazing friends who have been very generous with sharing their resources with me. I cannot express how important it is to release your fears, overcome your desires as an introvert, and put yourself out there for the world to see so that you can accomplish your dreams and goals. People need you as much as you need them. It is scary, but I am doing it scared and having a great time at it.
Looking ahead, ARC reviews are starting to come in and more will follow soon. I am really excited to hear what people think about my book and look forward to many more reviews to come. The Goodreads Giveaway will close on May 15, 2024 at which time I will be mailing those 25 copies across the United States. For now, I am prepping another press release for June/July to go out to all of the major periodicals, radio stations, and news stations in the surrounding local area, including Detroit. And finally, I am planning to boost my marketing strategy by conducting a brief bookstore tour throughout Southeastern Michigan in July. I plan to meet with the store owners to encourage them to stock my book and hopefully plan additional book signing events.
Speaking of events, Registration is still open to the public forGrandfather’s Whispers Book Launch Party on Thursday, August 22, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. As a reminder, we have a special guest actor who will be narrating Grandfather’s Whispers at the time of the event. There is limited seating. If you haven’t done so already, make sure you reserve your spot today.
Happy reading!
STACY N. ELLIOTT 
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