I try to create a book update biannually, but might change that to annually soon, because not that much is going on anymore with promotion for and hype about Plunge, leading to decreased sales. I published my first travel memoir Plunge – One Woman’s Pursuit of a Life Less Ordinary the end of November 2020 and it has had a nice run, but now I’m getting burned out by the need for constant promotion if I want to keep selling copies. So, I think it’s time to let Plunge ride and fend for itself soon.
Plunge in front of a steam-spewing Volcano Nevado del Ruiz in Colombia
Book news
This is what’s been happening the last six months regarding my promo attempts:
- Last summer, my friend Christine, who works for Women Offshore and is also their podcast host, recorded an episode with me at her home in Colorado. That podcast went live on the Women Offshore website in December 2022. You can listen to it here.
- In January, renowned artist, author, and writer Alyson Sheldrake featured an author interview with me in her excellent “newsletter that thinks it’s a magazine,” Snapshot. You can find that interview here.
- I was tagged on a lovely shout-out and review for my book on Facebook in January as well.
Incredible and nice mention of Plunge by a new reader
- Sometime in February, UK podcast host and traveler extraordinaire Ruth Millington of Extreme Holidays, recorded an episode with me. She said she would rename this episode “Extreme Nomad.” She is editing the episode with me right now and it is supposed to air in July 2023.
- I won a free cover redesign through BookLife. Cover designer Michelle Argyle of Melissa Williams Design came up with this result – and her reasoning.
New cover design with artist notes
Which cover do you like better, the old one with dogs Kali and Darwin or the new, flashy one?
- I submitted my book to a contest called the 2023 Page Turner Awards, which should have its winners announced this summer. The early-bird price (submission in January or February) was 20 pounds, afterwards it rose to ₤30.
- In April, I was a Wednesday Author on the We Love Memoirs Facebook page – a fun day of posting different stories and photos and interacting with commenters, but it didn’t lead to extra sales.
WLM Wednesday Author banner April 2023
- I composed a Best Sailing Memoirs by Women list for the website Shepherd, which I worked on for over a year, since I had to read five books that I liked! Two were oldies and no-brainers, my favorites The Motion of the Ocean by Janna Cawrse Esarey and Tightwads on the Loose by Wendy Hinman. I thought I could easily add three books, but this proved to be difficult for two reasons: I don’t have much time to read – my days are filled with my lifestyle on the road and my evenings with social media, emails, my diary, and Spanish lessons. The second reason is that – even after asking advice of fellow sailors and readers, stressing the point that I’m a picky reader and that books I invest time in HAVE to be well written and devoid of typos and other textual issues – I could not include some of the books I eventually read…
Best Sailing Memoirs Written by Women
But my list was complete and sent off in April and allowed for promotion of my own book, which falls into the same category. This “Best of” was published online in May (you can read it here) and I shared it exuberantly on Facebook groups. Ironically, I didn’t sell any books related to this grand effort. I hope the other female authors did get a boost!
- Plunge was included in the TripFiction list Ten Great Stories of Female Adventurers, which made me proud. You can check out this list here.
- I’ve been pitching an article or interview with me to major newspapers (New York Times, Washington Post, Boston Globe, HuffPost, and CNN Travel), as my milestone of being a nomad for exactly twenty years falls next month. Even with the help of Seth Kugel from NYT (he’s a nice guy!), I was unsuccessful to draw attention and have anyone feature me. Maybe in another ten years I am a more interesting, unique, and special subject? This effort has been demotivating, especially since none of these periodicals even got back to me. Being ignored is the worst!
- I’ve also submitted Plunge to the Kindle Book Awards 2023. The cost for that privilege was US$32 and the results will become available in the fall of 2023.
- A few more reviews and a mention (by Terri of the blog Second Wind Leisure Perspectives) trickled in, which is heart-warming, encouraging, motivating, helpful, and just plain awesome. If you’ve read Plunge and enjoyed the story, please consider leaving a quick review on Amazon. Thank you!
I’ve concluded that the best way forward for me regarding book promotion and actually making money is to pitch articles to magazines – and hopefully have them accepted. That way, I get paid and my byline will mention my memoir. It sure would be a better use of my time!
What’s next?
- Sally Cronin of Smorgasbord Blog Magazine will give Plunge a push on July 3rd by featuring an excerpt of my book on her website.
- Marcia Meara of The Write Stuff has two slots reserved to promote me and my book, on August 15th and September 6th.
- My podcast with Ruth Millington should go live on July 18th.
- My feature story Island Hopping in the Western Caribbean (with one of its photos as the cover) is published in the June/July issue of the free boating magazine Caribbean Compass. You can read the story here and check out the cover here.
- I’ve contacted more podcast hosts and plan to involve a couple more book reviewers. I’m also pitching articles to sailing and travel magazines again.
I’ll let you know how all that went in six months…
Thanks to everyone for your continued support for my lifestyle, my travel memoir, and this blog!
June 23, 2023 at 13:11
You are amazing with your efforts. I’m beyond impressed, Liesbet. One of the best promotions for a book may be the next one, another great journey that would then help sell both. I hear you need three books to break through, but that might just be fiction.
Good luck and keep inspiring me!
June 23, 2023 at 15:57
Hi Jacqui,
As always, you are right. Writing more books is the way to keep selling books. Many writer friends have confirmed this and I have now come to that conclusion as well, since the authors who are still in this game keep writing and publishing books. As I mentioned before, I do not have time for that right now, but I am writing enough diaries and blog posts to create many more volumes in the future. If I so desire – and think it’s worth it! 🙂
June 25, 2023 at 23:20
Wow. It seems that promoting a books takes more work than writing it. I like the New Cover but i think and even better picture would be you at the helm of the boat in stormy weather.
June 26, 2023 at 10:28
Thanks for the idea, Ann! Me at the helm during stormy weather is a non-existent photo as we avoided storms and when in foul weather like that, the last thing you think about is taking photos or getting your camera swamped with fresh and salt water. Plus, it would give the wrong idea of the book themes, except from a symbolic sense – life is stormy, wherever you are. 🙂
June 23, 2023 at 14:55
That’s a lot of work, Liesbet! You’ve done well, and I hope you feel proud of what you’ve achieved. And I’m interested to know what others think, but I prefer your original cover!
June 23, 2023 at 16:03
Hi Sally,
Thanks for swinging by, leaving a comment, and preferring the old cover. 🙂
I’ve had some good tips on the We Love Memoirs Author Facebook page about promotion strategies and what would be the right approach for Plunge going forward. There are some hardcore, awesome, and successful authors in our little group. I’m thankful you are a part of it as well. I really wish Plunge could become a book club read again (like for Journey Woman :-)) but it’s really hard to make it stand out from all the other travel memoirs written by women!
June 23, 2023 at 15:33
I admire your professionalism and avenues you’ve taken to share Plunge. I love your imagination and gift of story telling. I lived on the sea; similar to the one you described. I was riveted from beginning to end.
I believe new doors are opening for you.
June 23, 2023 at 16:05
You are such an awesome person and friend, Lynn. Thank you for your wonderful and encouraging words. You always lift me up with your comments and messages!!!
June 23, 2023 at 15:59
Re your cover question – I prefer the original!
June 23, 2023 at 16:06
Yay! Thanks for “voting,” Anabel!
June 23, 2023 at 16:29
Me too! Both covers are great, but I like the original the most!
June 26, 2023 at 09:36
Thanks, Donna! It seems like people who read the book prefer the original cover. 🙂
June 23, 2023 at 17:10
As much as I loved your book and everything you have poured into it becoming one, self-publishing is daunting! Your efforts are quite remarkable, Liesbet. Glad to read there will be more avenues for promotion next month and beyond. I’m in the camp of the original cover too, but I like the vibe of the new one. Something about swimming with your dogs is heartwarming and precious and describes “plunge” so viscerally.
June 26, 2023 at 09:41
Hi Terri,
Writing and self-publishing a book is a major ordeal that involved much more time, work, decisions, and learning curves than I could ever imagine. It’s one of the things that keeps me from producing a second volume, to be honest. Thinking back about all the aspects Mark and I went through, it’s daunting to do it again. You know what it’s like!
The new cover is more dynamic than the old one, and maybe more innovative, but I find it less original. Many people who publish sailing memoirs depict themselves on their boat on the cover. I was striving to reach a more general public with my book, which is not as heavily focused on sailing as similar books, hence my original cover.
June 23, 2023 at 19:22
The second cover grabs my attention in a different way from the first. it may not have been the vibe you were after but it’d be interesting to see the sales results if you changed it.
June 26, 2023 at 09:44
Hi Catherine,
Thanks for swinging by and leaving a comment!
I agree, both covers instill different themes and feelings. The new one is more vibrant and attention grabbing, I think. It seems like new readers prefer that one, while readers who devoured Plunge prefer the original one.
I have no idea if a new cover would attract more readers or sell more books. It might be interesting to see the results, but I’m not ready to swap it over as that’s a bit of an ordeal and costs more money.
June 23, 2023 at 20:24
I don’t think I have a thick enough skin to face so many rejection, Liesbet. I’m so impressed with your constantly seeking other outlets that might help with the increase of book sales and never giving up. Hope something breaks through soon with all the feelers and promotions you mentioned.
June 26, 2023 at 09:50
Hi Annie,
Mark and I grew thick skins from running our Wirie business and having to deal with nasty customers. That was good practice!
I’ve gotten used to rejections, it’s part of the game, but being ignored still bothers me, especially since composing pitches and personalized cover letters takes a good bunch of time and energy and to then do it all “for nothing” is demotivating and disheartening.
Thank you again for your exclusive promo tip. 🙂 I’ll write something up today.
June 23, 2023 at 23:04
Hooray for you and your tireless promos – it’s tough to keep up momentum, and I’m impressed with your tenacity! 🙂
I like your original cover best, too.
June 26, 2023 at 09:51
Thanks, Diane! You know the rules of the game: keep writing! 🙂
June 24, 2023 at 04:42
Well done, Liesbet. You have worked so hard, but promotion is relentless. If you can publish another book, that always helps. I find a spike in sales and KU page reads across my whole series when I release a new title. I do little promotion – I just don’t have time to do that, write, and live – but sales trundle along. I couldn’t live off them, though!
If you want to make money, selling articles is definitely the way forward. Even my worst paid article was the equivalent of me selling nearly a hundred books!
Even so, pitching articles is relentless, as you found with your book. I don’t know why people can’t just manage a ‘no thanks’, though. To me it’s just polite. However busy I was as a marketeer, I always replied to people. I view it as marketing, since the way you treat people leaves an impression, positive or negative. I get a weekly e mail of writing jobs from amberpetty.com. I’ve been ignoring it lately, as I’m trying to focus on my own stuff and not get distracted by guest posts.
I prefer your original cover. I wondered if it was just because I’m familiar with it, so I showed Mark both covers. He instantly said the original too. I feel it sums up your adventure more, and I like all the blue tropical colours. The new cover just shows a woman sailing, to me, not a circumnavigation of the globe with no experience!
June 26, 2023 at 09:57
Hi Jackie,
Thanks for your insights and suggestions. We are on such similar paths with our writing and our overlanding lifestyle and our focus. 🙂
Yes, having an article published doesn’t even compare to selling books regarding income. The thing is, as you know, after investing so much time and energy in producing a good book (or multiple, like you), you want to put them in the hands of as many people as possible to make it worth all the effort. And, ideally, you make some pocket money as well.
I don’t seem to be able to let Plunge ride yet, so we will see. Even after having an article published and having my book mentioned in my byline, I don’t see the sales scale move. I find that the best way to sell books is by having it reviewed (positively) in the press and, secondly, by having a Facebook promo post take off. But that’s certainly rare and requires the right photo, the right message in the post, and the right audience on the right day.
Thanks for showing the cover to Mark. I was starting to think – based on reactions to both versions – that people who read Plunge preferred the original cover and others the new one, which is helpful information in case I wanted to swap them out…
June 24, 2023 at 08:53
Hi Liesbet, as always, I admire your diligence and if hard work could translate to book sales, you would have a best seller. I honestly don’t know what more you could do. You are a very good writer with entertaining stories to tell. Keep the faith.
June 26, 2023 at 09:59
Hi Suzanne,
Thanks for the encouraging words. Once a writer, always a writer. It’s my passion, so I’ll keep doing it in the different forms that I’m used to. While Mark is gone, I have more time for a last Plunge push. Later this week, it’s back to our life on the road and paid jobs. 🙂
June 24, 2023 at 11:22
Like others here, I admire your efforts in publishing a first-class book and then promoting it wholeheartedly, which takes dedication and stamina. Stamina, especially, since marketing a book for indie authors is never-ending. You leave no stone un-turned, Liesbet! At times, you too must feel like Sisyphus, pushing the big rock up a mountain.
Your post prompted me to check out my own progress. So, I believe it’s time to let Mennonite Daughter “ride and fend for itself soon,” although I’ll display it at my college class reunion in October 2023 and then again at my high school reunion, April 2024.
Friends have been kind to promote my second memoir via a podcast, blog book tours, and just reading/writing a review. The drum beat in my head says, “You must do more, more, more,” but at some point I’ll have to let book 2 fend for itself too.
Again, kudos, Liesbet, for all your fine work. We all admire you, my friend! 😀
June 26, 2023 at 10:04
Hi Marian,
Probably like you, I have times that I’m more energetic and creative regarding book marketing and ideas and pursuits than other days. Most of the time, I forget about it. But since I was on my own the last couple of weeks, I had more computer time and it was easier to focus on several projects at once.
Have you seen an uptick for Mennonite Daughter after releasing My Checkered Life? Or maybe it’s too early to tell. Everyone says that writing more books, keeps selling books… Nice that you have those reunions as in-person book events. I’ve never been to a school reunion in my life.
I guess you suffer from the same brain disturbance as me, the one that keeps hammering “must do more!” 🙂
June 24, 2023 at 13:52
You really have worked so hard at your book promotion, Liesbet. You put me to shame. I used to try a lot harder than I do now but it can be exhausting after a while, so now I just support authors on Twitter and FB and hope they’ll do the same for me. Largely speaking, I find authors on Twitter are the best and incredibly supportive, but it’s all give and take. I think most of my very meagre sales now come from there. I also didn’t sell anything after my Wednesday author day, but I had a lot of fun. I can’t honestly recommend anything that doesn’t require a lot of effort, but it sounds as if writing articles is more lucrative than writing books, so if you make a few sales as a bonus, that is great. For my
Art, I’ll keep tweeting you as long as I see you there, my dear!
June 26, 2023 at 10:09
Hi Val,
If I would have more books out, like you, I’d focus less on promotion either. There just isn’t enough time for all of it! And you are so right, every promotion effort that could lead to sales takes heaps of time and effort. Usually, without knowing if it will be worthwhile. As I often tell myself now: how many hours am I willing to work to make $3 for the one book sale that it might result into? Guest blogging is a good example for that ratio. Yes, writing articles is (financially) more rewarding.
Thank you for your continued support on Facebook and Twitter. I really ought to shift my focus to Twitter a bit more, but I feel myself being spread thin. I spent most my time on Facebook when it comes to social media and – selfishly – only to post my travel photos and reply to comments. Then, I move on. I don’t want to fall into the trap of spending hours on Facebook each day, browsing other people’s pages…
June 28, 2023 at 12:45
That’s why I like Twitter, Liesbet. It’s much less demanding timewise than FB. Of course, you can put loads of time in, but you don’t have to. You can just RT other people’s posts for 10 minutes and then go. I tend to go to the We Love Memoirs page and RT what’s there, and then look at the boating and travel hashtags for more topical RTs. I don’t make much but then I don’t put much effort in either. My biggest social media time waster is reading blog posts, which I love. 😄
June 29, 2023 at 10:36
Hi Val,
I get you about Twitter. I really ought to spend a bit more time on it, because it is so easy and non-committal. But, at the moment, I’m starting to grow a following for my Roaming About Facebook page and this means I try to post photos on there every day, about our sights and adventures. It’s fun, but it’s time consuming. Especially since I am adamant about reacting and replying to all the comments.
Yes, blogging and reading blogs is enjoyable and my preferred online “task” as well. Reading the blogs, especially, is super time consuming, though, so I am trying to find a balance with that. I used to spend a couple of hours a day, in the evening, reading blog posts of people I respect and/or am interested in, but I had to call a halt to that. My diary writing and Spanish learning have taken over that slot.
July 23, 2023 at 05:44
Agh, I’m late back here, but yes! I get you about how time-consuming reading blogs is. Since you wrote this comment, Liesbet, you’ve had that wonderful boost of the CNN article, so I don’t think you’ll be needing Twitter’s help for a while. Congratulations, my friend. 🙂
July 23, 2023 at 09:40
Haha, Val. I have to admit that CNN is better than Twitter regarding book publicity! 🙂 To be honest, the only reactions I’ve had on Twitter after posting the link there to our story on CNN is hate comments! Based on that, I might actually close my Twitter account. I’ll give it a bit more time…
June 24, 2023 at 13:53
Sorry, that should have been ‘for my part’… pfff. I hate touch screens!
June 26, 2023 at 10:10
I got that. But thanks for correcting! You are a true writer, who, like me, hates to see typos, mistakes, and autocorrect get away with things. 🙂
June 28, 2023 at 12:41
Yes, me too! I always go back and correct my mistakes when I can. Xxx
June 29, 2023 at 10:30
And then there are the mistakes we miss and when, coincidentally rereading the comment later, it’s a cringe-worthy moment. Or, when you have a husband who uses your Facebook account to research and help other people out on forums, but who leaves comments full of typos, without you even knowing it! 🙂
June 24, 2023 at 18:46
Hi Liesbet, I’m impressed by your resourcefulness to promote your book. I prefer the original cover. Have a wonderful weekend!
June 26, 2023 at 10:15
Thanks for voting on the cover, Nathalie. I had a nice weekend with friends – and I hope the same for you. But Toronto was probably sunnier than Ibarra this past weekend! 🙂
June 24, 2023 at 21:25
I can only echo what everyone else said about your remarkable effort to promote your book. I prefer the original cover, although I can see the valued of featuring you front and centre. It’s a nice photo, but there is something magical about the other photo. I don’t like the new fort and colours and find them all too harsh and too big.
June 26, 2023 at 10:17
Thanks for your input on the covers, Margie. I tend to agree with all your impressions. Other people who preferred the new cover also suggested a different font and colors if I were to go ahead with it. Which I don’t think I will. It’s not an easy change and it involves extra costs as well. I’m trying to stay on the positive side with my book income these days! 🙂
June 25, 2023 at 04:35
You’ve worked hard to use media to promote – without the hard sell – and I feel your frustration at the lack of sales resulting from it all. That’s pretty much what we all face, I think. A couple of things occur to me.
– My best sales have always come from personal appearances (that sounds very grandiose) – talking to schools, companies, groups of all kinds (eg Rotary, Soroptomist, WI etc). you have so many great anecdotes and a big message, and lots of organisations are desperate to find interesting people to come and talk. Since you’re always on the move, you have an in-built succession of places to try. In each town you go through, find a group/school/company to speak to (arrange in advance, obvs). For an audience of, say, 40, you should sell to at least 10% of them. If you gather their emails/contacts, you can keep in touch and ask them to spread the word, publicise your next port of call, etc etc. Costs v little apart from your time and will build database, enthusiasm and sales.
– on getting into the media: one tack might be to focus on specific highlights of your book – dramatic (scary) moments, exciting bits. If possible, find bits extracts or themes that tie into current affairs,veg Titanic tourism : ((( Journos will be pleased to talk to someone who has personal experience of whatever is going on. Larger themes, about skilled women, courage and freedom, aspects of money, all sorts of themes. the more accurately you can target your press release/article pitches, the more chances you have.
Forgive me if I’m teaching you to suck eggs. Best of luck…
June 26, 2023 at 10:25
Hi Arabella,
Thank you so much for your detailed reply and wealth of tips and information. You know what you’re talking about!
I like your idea of in-person events – and while I’m very nervous about them ahead of time, I always enjoy the actual presentations and interactions and feel happy about them afterwards – but this is impossible for me right now.
If I’d be traveling around the US – and potentially Canada – this approach might be more feasible, but still a lot of work to schedule the events and then plan to road trip around them. More like a book tour. It’s not how we live, really. And there’s the logistic part of carrying lots of heavy books with me in a small camper. Plus, we are in South America right now for a few years and my Spanish is definitely NOT good enough for live presentations, let along locals here buying books in the English language. 🙂
Your suggestion about focusing on certain themes and aspects of my book and weave stories around those for the press is fantastic. I will use that approach for future pitches and cover letters. It’s something I can do from everywhere as long as I have internet. I’ll check out Journos as well.
Thank you so much for your time, expertise, and help!!
June 26, 2023 at 09:38
Hi Liesbet, you’ve worked so hard on promoting your book, it must be hard when the results aren’t as forthcoming as you’d like or deserve! I enjoyed reading it (and left a review), I can only imagine the effort in keeping it up there on people’s minds and constantly trying to get it ‘out there’. I have other author friends who have similar issues with their books, but I know that doesn’t help you! I like both covers – although the yellow/red is a bit ‘something’ but then again it does grab your attention. All the best in whatever you decide to do as you move forward. Take care.
June 26, 2023 at 10:31
Hi Debbie,
Thank you for reading my post and leaving a comment. I agree with everything you say! 🙂
I’m sure fellow authors go through exactly the same experiences and dilemmas. But some can just take a step back without the need to keep (over)achieving! I thank you for your continued support and encouragement – and for reading Plunge and leaving a comment, of course!
June 26, 2023 at 11:50
Hi Liesbet! Of course I agree with all the others that you have done an amazing job promoting your book. In fact of all the authors I know I think you’ve done more than any of the others. While your success hasn’t paid off in the ways you hoped for, I hope it has all been worth it in terms of what you’ve learned and experienced along the way. As a fellow author I decided long ago that it is the actual writing that is my “reward” so I have never pushed very hard on the marketing. To me it is a choice, no matter how great my books are (or aren’t), for me they either find their market or they don’t…and I’m on to the next regardless. The goal for me is to keep writing and sharing my words and let the rest take care of itself. I think as time goes by we all find our place and from what I’ve observed–ADVENTURE and exploring new places and sharing them is what is near and dear to your heart. Keep doing that and your fans will find you! ~Kathy
June 29, 2023 at 10:07
Hi Kathy,
Thanks for weighing in.
Yes, I am happy with and proud of having written and published a book. I guess I’m just stubborn in the way that I want to keep “pushing” its success. After investing five years in its creation, I want to do all I can to make it financially worthwhile as well, in addition to the other reasons you mention. But that means that I have to keep working at it and never get any “peace” until I let go.
I think you have a very healthy approach to how you see writing and publishing. A lot of authors I know are in your camp. After some initial marketing efforts, they let it go but keep writing and their main objective is to get their thoughts on paper and “out there,” in the readers’ hands. It’s a very nice goal, and a primary reason to write and publish. 🙂
June 26, 2023 at 16:30
Sounds utterly exhausting, and the whole ordeal is the main reason I dropped my book hopes even after it was fully written, edited, had beta readers, edited again, etc. I simply could/can not do all the sales-y stuff! As for the cover, I like the bigger sailing photo better but not the “action-adventure” font and colors.
June 29, 2023 at 10:18
Hi Lexie,
It’s a pity you gave up on your own book, especially after all the work you already invested. You could do what a lot of authors do: complete the prep, get it out there, and share it with friends, family, and blog readers! Then it’s available for whoever is interested in it and you accomplished a massive goal and project…
June 26, 2023 at 19:48
Hello my friend. That was a great marketing post. You certainly have put the work in, and are learning that the flame only burns so long, before we burn out. It seems the old saying is the name of the game, we have to put out more books to keep the visibility afloat. And we also have to have the time, and sometimes the desire to do so. I hadn’t even realized that before my last book, 4 years had gone by since I’d published. I admit, I just don’t have the head for all the promotions anymore. And I enjoy the blogging, where I find many other authors are admitting to getting the best exposure on blogs, for their books than social media. You are entitled to a book break when you need it. And about the cover, that’s a tough one. Personally, I feel like each of them gives me a different feel for the book. The original denotes to me, it may be a swimming and/or pet story, while the new one tells me these are adventure stories. I hope that may help. Hugs to you. 🙂 xx
June 29, 2023 at 10:27
Hi dear Debby,
Thank you for sharing your input, advice, and experience here. You are a seasoned author and I’m sure you have noticed that the “keep writing books” approach is the best one, in addition to being present on blogs – your own and the ones of all those supportive blogger friends you have. Social media is a funny beast and not for everyone. Especially not for someone who often “gets in trouble” with a certain outlet. 🙂
You are correct about the burning flame. And, about being able to take a promo break whenever. It’s kind of how it works for me. When we are in “travel” and “exploration” mode, not much gets done online except for the truly necessary. Then, for example when Mark leaves for two weeks and I have extra time on my hands, I can focus on many of my pursuits without deadlines to eat or go to bed.
I agree with your diagnosis of the two covers. The subtle steering wheel of a boat on the first cover doesn’t stand out enough to instill it’s a sailing story. And, yes, the second cover “screams” adventure and to some extent, independence.
June 29, 2023 at 10:42
I’m glad my comment was helpful for you Liesbet. We all have different lifestyles, and our writing life fits in differently with all of us. I commend you for being a nomad and being able to publish while on the road takes some extra guts and patience! You can only go at your pace. One day you might publish another book on your South American travels! <3
June 29, 2023 at 10:46
I think another book will be in the pipeline, Debby. It is bound to happen. The question is when? I’d need another few years of house sitting (with unlimited time, electricity, WiFi, and focus) to accomplish that. There is a good chance that I experience another “travel burnout” after this multiple-year South American adventure (just like after our eight years of sailing), so that might be the perfect time for a book about these experiences. We shall see. 🙂
June 29, 2023 at 14:34
That’s sounds like a plausible plan Liesbet. Stop beating yourself up, live, enjoy, and when the time is right for you, that’s when you will work on another book. <3
June 29, 2023 at 21:08
You are very reasonable about this, Debby! A very mature approach to life – and writing. I can learn from you. 🙂
June 30, 2023 at 08:52
That’s high praise. 🙂 Thanks Liesbet. <3
July 5, 2023 at 16:50
Xxx
June 28, 2023 at 05:50
Both covers are great. I feel the yellow one is more in your face – in a good way. I think it might pop more off a book shelf if that makes sense.
June 29, 2023 at 10:28
Thank you for your input! I agree with the “in your face” value of the second cover. Bookshelf presence isn’t so evident when you self publish. Most readers buy their books online these days. The few bookstores that carry my book, don’t even show its cover, just the spine… 🙁
June 28, 2023 at 18:34
If nothing else its rewarding to see your adventures in print.
June 29, 2023 at 10:37
That it is! Thanks, Susan.
June 29, 2023 at 07:49
I think you have done more than any other author/blogger I know in how you have promoted your book, Liesbet. Well done for all that you have done. It goes to show just how proud you are of Plunge. Don’t allow the negative things like not getting any responses to some of your pitches affect you. Concentrate on all the good things that have happened.
As for which cover, I like the new cover a lot. It really stands out and looks fantastic. I think it’ll make people want to pick the book up if they see it in a bookshop.
June 29, 2023 at 10:41
Hi Hugh,
I’m somebody who has a hard time giving up, especially when setting a goal or having invested a lot of time, energy, and focus on something. 🙂 Hence, my continued promotion efforts. The more people who read my book, the happier it makes me. For several reasons. Plus, I always hope for a chain reaction with new sales – more word of mouth, review, and sales opportunities with each new and happy reader.
Thanks for voting on the cover as well. I think the new cover is more “modern” and a part of the times. What draws readers’ attention changes over the years; just like trends in fashion, there are trends in book covers. I don’t know if I ever change the cover of Plunge, because I feel the first one belongs to this particular book – it’s the original package – but who knows…
July 6, 2023 at 14:52
I can’t believe it has almost been 3 years. And that you have been able to keep up with doing so much promotion. Just reading about all the promotion you’ve done makes me tired.
I think major news outlets like to report about nomadic failures – those people who try it out for 6 months or a couple of weeks and end up missing their major appliances or can’t afford travel because they eat out every meal – rather than people who have made a sucess of their lives living so uncertainly. Just an idea, but perhaps you could sell an article focusing on more than one woman who done similar travel for 20 years or more.
And congrats on 20 years of exploring the world!
July 10, 2023 at 22:12
Hi Duwan,
Time flies. And, book promotion is exhausting and not a good return on time investment.
I’m just doing too many things at once, as you know, between the blogging, diary writing, emailing of friends and family, posting on Facebook every day, answering all the comments and replies, multiple messenger messages each day, sightseeing, walking Maya, living my life, and doing the odd translation job, plus pitching articles and ideas again. And, trying to make a couple of phone calls each week to family/friends and research camping and sights. Phew! I am exhausted. 🙂
I have a hard time coming up with a theme that stands out to magazine/newspaper editors. Objectively, there might be certain angles that readers are interested in. But, looking at it from the other side, my side, I don’t seem to know what they are. The only thing I can think of right now is our capability to see the world on not too much money. I’ll try that angle in the future. When I’m caught up with diaries, emails, blog entries, social media posts, … 🙂
July 21, 2023 at 11:30
Just came upon your story. I prefer the original cover—swimming with the pups—as they were the reason you met your hubby in the first place. Fur babies deserve to be part of the story, front and center, if you ask me…and you did ask 🙂
July 21, 2023 at 11:48
Hi Kristi,
Thank you for your comment and input – and for voting on my book cover! I really appreciate your opinion and – of course – had to smile about your reasoning behind it. As you might find out, dogs have always played a very big role in our (traveling) lives. 🙂