01 June 2015 by Published in: Uncategorized 8 comments

Well, the first three days of the big launch were eye-opening, with thousands of copies of Ramsey’s moved across all platforms, and thus far, delighted reviews, including one by Lawrence Block, which made my Saturday pretty damned special (as far as I remember – Saturday nights are usually a bit foggy).

I’m putting the finishing touches on the Ramsey’s sequel, Emerald Buddha, and like Ramsey’s, it too will finish out at over 100K words, although after editing, one never knows. For my money, it’s as good or better than Ramsey’s, so I’m excited. Which is a good way to be when you finish writing a book – too often I approach second draft with the dread of a condemned man on his way to the gallows.

I’m also hard at work outlining BLACK 5, and think it’ll be a fun romp. Only one way to find out, and that’s to write it, I suppose. Working title is either Black and Blue, or Black and Tan. I know. Not particularly groundbreaking, but 50 Shades of Black seems a bit derivative – not that it’s ever stopped me before.

For my author friends, I believe this launch was considerably more successful due to employing the techniques of a buddy of mine, Nick Stephenson, whose course proved invaluable in growing my mailing list by a factor of three in sixty days, as well as promotional ideas that worked miracles. More on his course can be found at http://www.yourfirst10kreaders.com – I was extremely skeptical at first, but now I’m a believer. You all know how often I tout anything on my blog (read, never), so this first should tell you something. I’ll just leave it at that.

To all who got Ramsey’s, I appreciate the support and hope you enjoy it. Kindly leave reviews, as they all matter. And tell a friend or two. That’s how this business works – one person tells another. I know when I find a book or author I like, I tell everyone I know, but maybe I’m just odd that way. Wouldn’t be the only thing that’s odd about me…

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Comments

  1. Mon 01st Jun 2015 at 2:51 pm

    Russell: You are and continue to be a huge example to me of making our thing work well. Haven’t had a chance yet to read Ramsey’s, but will.

    As to our friend Nick–totally agree. My mailing list has grown from 300 (I’m still pretty new at this) to 1500 in about six weeks. Now when I release a book it commonly is sub-1000 in rank. Witness I, Lawyer, my latest, presently at 900-something.

    Thanks Nick, thanks Russell. Keep showing the way, brother. It’s all good.

    Reply
    • Russell Blake  –  Mon 01st Jun 2015 at 3:56 pm

      I’ve been struggling with the mailing list thing for over a year. Nick’s approach resulted in a lightbulb going on in my head, and since I began implementing it, I’m delighted with the result, and can see where I’ll have 20K or more by year end. That’s powerful, especially on launches, when the first week determines how much visibility Amazon will give the book. It’s also key on communicating with readers, sharing books you’ve discovered that you’re impressed with, etc. I view it as a big win.

      Reply
      • John Ellsworth  –  Mon 01st Jun 2015 at 4:02 pm

        20K – that’s amazing. I’m advertising three free books on FB in return for an email signup. Kind of a hybrid between what Mark Dawson is doing with FB ads and Nick’s idea on the Reader Magnets. Whatever, it seems to be working really well.

        Reply
        • Russell Blake  –  Mon 01st Jun 2015 at 5:46 pm

          I’ll say! Congrats. You rock.

          Reply
  2. Mon 01st Jun 2015 at 5:24 pm

    Nearly spit out my coffee when I read “50 Shades of Black.” Congratulations on the success! May it continue to follow you. 🙂

    Reply
  3. J. Francis
    Tue 02nd Jun 2015 at 1:15 am

    Hi Russel
    I picked up Ramsey” Gold just before midnight at which time out internet decided to shut down long enough that I was not able to get the two other books in the offer. The link would take me back to Amazon but there was nothing to download. Any idea on how I can get them?

    Thanks in advance;
    J. Francis

    Reply
    • Russell Blake  –  Tue 02nd Jun 2015 at 10:10 am

      Sure.

      To receive the two free books, follow the instructions below:

      (2) Visit this download link and enter the first word from Chapter 15 in the password box to get access to the freebies:

      Bonuses: http://yourfirst10kreaders.com/ramseys-bonuses

      3) Follow the instructions (make sure you scroll down) and download your free books!

      Reply
      • J. Francis  –  Tue 02nd Jun 2015 at 1:30 pm

        Thanks Russel. this time they were there, I’m sure I will enjoy them.

        Thanks Again;

        J. Francis

        Reply
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