Hey!
I've been wracking my brains trying to figure out how to change my newsletter (the regular one--not the one that's for new book releases only) so that it offers more value to you. Because that's where I want the focus of my newsletter to be.
I'm going to be doing some experimenting here and there, but no worries. I don't plan on sending out the newsletter any more often than I do now. (Currently, this is generally 0-1 times a month.)
What I'm going to be doing is changing up content and that sort of thing. Looking at what seems to be working (I'll be judging this by the number of clicks and/or other stats. Or, if you're so inclined, you can let me know through email. :)) and what isn't, and modify from there.
My first official experiment is offering subscribers (to the regular newsletter, not the one for new releases) weekly sneak peaks at what I'm working on. A.K.A. The Next Release.
How This Works Part 1
When I send out the newsletter, I'll include a password that will allow only my subscribers to access the content. I'll also include the link. This is what it will look like: (click here). All you have to do is copy and paste the password into the box. The only time I'll change the password is when I change books, so you won't have to worry about keeping track of whatever fiendish combinations I come up with. >:)
I'll post a new chapter weekly, replacing the old one with a new one. I'll do this until I'm ready to send the files to my editor. At that point, I'll remove the last chapter I posted. This will not necessarily be the last chapter in the novel. In fact, there's a good chance it won't be. *knock on wood*
Once I've sent the file to my editor, I'll then compile e-ARCs that will only be available to my subscribers, and only available to those subscribers who request one. By this point, you should have a good idea of whether or not you'd like to read more. Also, you'll need to know how to side load the files to whichever e-reader you have if you want to read it. I don't know how to side load most e-readers, so I won't be able to be any help to you there.
And then rinse and repeat. :)
How This Works Part 2: A Word About ARCs
The nature of an ARC is to act as a pre-promotional tool. I will be looking at providing the e-ARCs to those who are interested and who would also be willing to post a review when the book officially launches.
The review doesn't have to be long, written a certain way, or positive. All I ask is that it's honest and posted within that time frame. (You'll have a 1-2 month window.) (Also, I realize life happens sometimes. So if it does, don't stress about the review.) (Also, also, I've made a habit of *not* reading my reviews, because the reviews really aren't for me. They're for other readers to use when determining whether or not they're likely to enjoy the book. So no worries there. :))
Why This Particular Experiment?
Mostly because this will dovetail perfectly with another experiment I'll be announcing in a special newsletter I'll be sending out tomorrow. O:) Any and all experiments of this nature will only be mentioned in my newsletters and nowhere else. Not even this blog. I may come up with blog related experiments later on, but for now I'm going to focus on Subscriber Experiments.
So.
I'm officially announcing the First Official Experiment now*. The chapters that will be available (on a chapter-by-chapter basis) will be the sequel to The Trouble With Toads. I don't have a cover for it yet, but this is what the first one looks like:
So if this is something you might be interested in, the subscribe button is down below this. The reason why I'm bringing this up now is because I'll be posting the first chapter tomorrow and only sending out the one newsletter on Saturday. This way, those who are interested won't miss the first couple of chapters as they would if they sign up after tomorrow. :) (I'll post new chapter alerts on my FB author page, through twitter, and on this blog, but I won't clog your inbox by sending alerts via email.)
* The First Official Experiment Part 2 will likely involve your help coming up with the title for the sequel. There will likely be a papery sort of reward if I choose your title. O:)