Do Shorter Novels Make a Bigger Impact?
By: Ginger | Posted on November 29, 2024
Many authors believe there to be an unspoken pressure to produce hefty novels, as if the length of a book is directly tied to its worth. But is there any validity to that assumption? Do readers always want longer novels, or could shorter ones offer equal—or even greater—value to both readers and writers? As Ginger highlights in today’s blog, modern readers juggle countless demands on their attention and time. Shorter books not only fit seamlessly into their busy lives but also create exciting opportunities for authors, from reaching a broader audience to increasing output while reducing costs. Maybe it’s time to rethink whether bigger truly means better in the world of storytelling. When it comes to credit card debt, suppositories, and the spiders you find in your bathroom, one thing is clear: Bigger isn’t always better. But does the same rule apply for novels? Some of my favorite novels are… Read More >
Does Running More Facebook Ads Produce Better Results?
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on November 22, 2024
Last week, we explored a question that many self-published authors grapple with: does increasing your ad budget directly lead to better sales metrics? While this strategy can yield results, it’s not without its risks. It also raises a less-discussed—yet equally important—question: regardless of your budget, could you increase sales simply by running multiple Facebook ads for the same book? As Ginger explores in this week’s blog, this isn’t about blindly multiplying your efforts and hoping something sticks. Instead, it’s about understanding the psychology of effective advertising and why diversifying your ad approach can have a significant impact. From the timeless “seven touches” rule to features built right into Facebook’s Ads Manager, Ginger breaks down why running more ads can deliver better results—and how you can easily implement this strategy without needing to redesign your creative from scratch. Last week, I wrote about how increasing your advertising budget could have a… Read More >
Heartwarming Romance Novels to Read on Cold Autumn Nights
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on November 19, 2024
Are you looking for some heartwarming romance novels to add a little warmth to your heart this autumn? Today we’ve rounded up a collection that includes five romance novels that have been popular and well-liked by Hidden Gems ARC readers. Three Sins and a Scoundrel by Tracy Sumner With over 450 reviews, the final book in the Duchess Society series is a hit. Long-buried passion reignites in this second chance romance full of secrets and betrayals to overcome. “Do I stay up into the night devouring this new release I’ve anxiously anticipated? Or do I read each page one well-crafted moment at a time so I can be fully immersed in the feelings Tracy Sumner can evoke with her unparalleled wordsmithing?” Mimi F. wrote in their 5-star review. “I did both . . . Allowed myself some escape the night it came out, then gave myself several reading interludes the… Read More >
Does a higher Facebook Ads Budget lead to better metrics?
By: Ginger | Posted on November 15, 2024
Many authors wonder if upping their Facebook ads budget is the secret to unlocking better book sales. It’s a great question, but one without a straightforward answer. The truth is, while more money can amplify your ad performance, it’s not as simple as throwing cash at the problem. There are a variety of factors at play that could make – or break – your advertising success. That’s why today, Ginger is here to once again guide us through the world of Facebook Ads, with a special focus on the effects of scaling up your budget. He’ll break down why a bigger budget can improve metrics, how it influences ad reach, and the risks to be mindful of along the way. But before you reach for that credit card, remember: while a larger budget might get you closer to bestseller status, it could just as easily drain your wallet quickly if… Read More >
Fantasy Novels to Pick Up this Holiday Season
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on November 12, 2024
If you’re looking for the perfect holiday gift for the fantasy reader in your life, here is a list of novels loved by Hidden Gems ARC readers that are sure to keep the pages turning. Pick one (or more) up this holiday season, you won’t be disappointed! Battle Mage by Mark Stanley With a 4.4 star average on Amazon, Battle Mage is book two of the three book The Vellhor Saga series. This installment builds upon the ongoing struggle (and romance) of Gunnar and Anwyn to protect their realm from encroaching darkness from the first installment in this series. Marco M. describes in his five star Amazon review, “The pacing is intense, with battles, betrayals, and moments of hope woven throughout. Fans of epic fantasy will appreciate the rich world-building and the well-crafted magic system. The novel explores themes of sacrifice, loyalty, and the price of power, making it an… Read More >
Learning Tough Lessons from Direct Sales: Part 2
By: Ginger | Posted on November 8, 2024
Last week, Ginger gave us an update on his direct sales journey, where he’s been selling his novels directly to readers instead of relying solely on the big online eBook retailers. In that post, he shared how a couple of minor hiccups slowed his momentum but were manageable enough for him to recover quickly. His final challenge, however, proved to be more substantial, ultimately warranting a post of its own. Today, Ginger goes into the details on how his overconfidence and impatience led him down a costly path, consuming more time and money than his first two missteps combined. Yet, his experiment provided valuable lessons, which he’s now sharing to help the rest of us avoid similar pitfalls when we consider building our own direct sales machine. Last week, I started an update about my adventures in direct sales. I started selling my eBooks directly to readers back in May… Read More >
Self-Improvement books for your Holiday Reading List
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on November 5, 2024
While it may be too early to be working on your 2025 Resolutions, it’s never too early (or late) to develop new skills to continue on a self-improvement journey. With that in mind, we are certain that there’s a self-help book out there for you within this broad category. Today we’ve rounded up the self-improvement books our Hidden Gems ARC readers loved the most recently. Healthy Communication With Your Partner by Amanda Thomas With 140+ ratings and a 4.8 star average on Amazon, Healthy Communication With Your Partner by Amanda Thomas helps you build the necessary communication skills to change any conflict into an opportunity to build your connection with your partner. Chey writes in their five star Amazon review, “We can all use reminders about how to communicate better, especially with partners, and this book is a great tool. It has practical and relatable strategies to improve your relationship…. Read More >
Learning Tough Lessons from Direct Sales: Part 1
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on November 1, 2024
It’s been almost six months since Ginger began his direct sales journey, and while it has been profitable for him, the road to success has been far from smooth. Selling directly to customers, rather than relying solely on online eBook storefronts, is full of untapped potential but also comes with some surprising challenges. As he’s learned, running a direct sales funnel is like building a complex machine—one with countless moving parts that must work in perfect harmony. Small hiccups can lead to significant losses, while each success feels like a hard-won victory. Yet every roadblock is a learning experience, and navigating around them has allowed him to refine his process further. Today, he’s sharing two of the biggest mistakes he’s made and how he was able to fix them. Then, next week, he’ll return with another challenge he faced and go through all of the lessons he’s learned, so you… Read More >
