Beware the Magic Pony
Friday, September 26th, 2008
First, I want to thank everyone who posted comments on my article about the Amazon Rush. When I write articles like these, I’m looking to start some discussion, and the discussion is now happening. I believe that’s a good thing, whether I’m right or wrong in my assessment.
Second, there’s a misunderstanding. I’m not criticizing how past authors have acted. I received one very angry email, asking how I could turn on my own authors this way. If that’s what you thought, let me assure you that’s not the point. The point is this: I believe that this summer saw the last major lift that people will get from this marketing tactic. What has worked in the past will not work as well in the future.
Finally, when I talk to new authors coming through Podiobooks.com, I hear a lot of “I want to do what Sigler, Lafferty, Hutchins, and Selznick have done.” Well…so does everyone. After watching how much work past authors have put into their own marketing campaigns (of which the Rush was only a piece), I need tell them that this is not a magic pony you can ride into Never Never Land. Please, listen to I Should Be Writing #99, and hear about how the “magical success” of today’s biggest podcast novelists was the result of years of work, not a single marketing tactic.
The Amazon Rush is an arrow in the quiver. As Matt Wallace pointed out, NOT to do so just because I say so is a foolish move. As Mur pointed out, I’ve never done it myself. These criticisms have merit. To you new podcast novelists out there: all I ask is that you think of a full marketing strategy for your podcast, then for your published novel when it happens. Don’t try to fly away on a magic pony.
Update: Other blogs have picked up the topic. Check these out:
- Is the Amazon Rush Dead? at Indiana Jim’s Blog
- End of the Amazon Rush? at Jason Penney’s All the Billion Other Moments
- Amazon Rush Days Aren’t Dead (They’re Just Pining for the Fjords) at SocialMediaJunkie.com
- The Amazon Rush: Comes the Apocalypse by Kris Johnson
- What We’ve Learned – Why the World Needs the Amazon Rush
