Episode 124 /  We’re taking this week off for a summer break, but we’re giving you a quick recap on Inkers Con (it was great!) and then replaying one of our early episodes. Historical romance author Cecelia Mecca what she learned when she changed genres and how she now reverse engineers her books before she writes them.

Intro links: 

Sara’s interview with Findaway Voices about writing mysteries, publishing, and audiobooks:  https://youtu.be/RL3lTq0Rix8

Show notes:

• Cecelia’s mistake involving releasing her prequel novella on Super Bowl Sunday
• The challenge of replicating success
• Ceclia’s love of plotting books and how she wishes she’d read more craft books before writing her first novel
• How important packaging is for your book (cover, title, blurb, trope) and reverse engineering your novel, including considering how to marry what her muse wants her to write with considerations about cover and marketing
• Tips for using free marketing strategies including Facebook Live and Facebook groups (types and timing of posts)
• How to get to know your readers
• An incredibly simple, yet effective tip on how to to be successful on social media
• How not using a pen name can be a mistake and lead to confused also-boughts on the ebook stores
• Learning not to be so hard on yourself when things don’t as you expect
• Strategies to reach new readers including being a hybrid author and using print, including hardbacks and large print

Links/Mention: 

• Cecelia’s website http://ceceliamecca.com
• Launching Indie Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/263060221047105/
• Romancing the Beat https://books2read.com/u/mBgGGD
• Rock Your Plot https://books2read.com/u/mYp77P
• Book Faces Live podcast https://nathanvancoops.podbean.com/e/cecelia-and-