Ed_Moy

I've published my first ebook last year and can't find the audience that I know is out there. How did you get the word out to your readers so they could find your work? Did you advertise on key sites?

Did you contract out to a content editor? I didn't have the estimated $3,000 to have serious oversight on my material, so I DIY'ed mine as much as possible.

do you any suggestions for web sites or online social media that writers should hit harder than others?

I spent weeks "banging the drum" on GoodReads, Twitter, Facebook, but got very little feedback. Are there other places you would suggest?

Also, I understand that free copies "in return for reviews" can be seen as a slightly shady tactic, but is it good to try it anyway?

I quit my job and was unemployed for a year so I could dedicate all my time to my book and building social media, but when I burned up my savings and liquidated all my investments, I had to go back into the daily grind and have no time for my book anymore.

I'm looking for more focus on key sights or advertising in/on specific reader's sites. I have one more clear shot for this (taking out a two year loan from the bank) to advertise, get a copy editor and web admin.

The more I look into the void of self-publishing, the more I realize that I need a team of people that can help. I have the dream and vision, I have the material, but the actual "doing" of every other aspect of publishing and advertising is totally over my head.

And how do I get tapped by a journalist to even be ASKED to do an interview?

thank you so much for the responses, I appreciate it, along with the insight and giving us a chance to peer behind the barbed curtain of self publishing more than most web sites can provide.