Newsletters and giveaways!

​Over recent years, there’s been a shift in the manner in which social media platforms have allowed us to communicate with our followers. The big sites are altering the ways in which we can connect and reach our followers by controlling the narrative with algorithms and in-built restrictions. I recently organised a Facebook ‘live’ session for my 790 followers yet Facebook bombarded me with private adverts for a £42.00 ‘advert boost’ for the five days leading up to the event. I didn’t engage with their advert offer, but realised that the feedback given in their insights data used to tempt me didn’t actually match the reality – all ‘smoke and mirrors’ used to tempt me to pay for their services. Several followers complained they couldn't access the 'live' session or their feed didn't duly notify them.
 
Another issue that has become apparent over social media, is that my giveaways aren't reaching the genuine book readers. I organise giveaways of signed books each time I have a publication and yet half my readers aren’t able to access the details, see my post, restricted in entering or I’m bombarded with private messages from semi-professional competition addicts who convert prizes into cash. I want my signed book giveaways to be won by readers who follow me for genuine reasons. The solution addressing some aspects is to change the way I handle ‘giveaways’.
 
For the foreseeable future, I’ll be using email entry for signed giveaways. This way I can have direct contact with my followers, without a third-parties interfering with our communication. Followers will receive a newsletter sent periodically each quarter outlining details of up-coming releases, giveaway and exciting news events. 
 
To join my emailing list please visit the ‘Newsletter, giveaways and enquiries’ page and complete as necessary. The next signed book giveaway will be taking place in August for my latest book ‘Retreat to the Lakeside Cottage’ published 15th August.

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