So You Think You Can Host a Writing Contest?

The writing contest I was hosting came and went without a bleep on the successful online marketing radar. When I concocted the idea to hold a contest, I envisioned a plethora of entries flocking to my site all for a chance to win a whopping $50. The assignment was to post a title to my next novel. What could be simpler than this, I thought to myself? Afterall, there is no entry fee-- and you know how we, writers, all hate to pay an entry fee just to have someone read our work and turn it down-- and with this economy that bites, anyone could really use a little pocket change. Well, turns out that while the idea may have been brilliant, the task assigned to the entry participants was not.

What I hadn't taken into account was the time it would take for someone to read through my first seven chapters to come up with a possible title to my next novel. After all, who's gonna take the time to read through seven chapters for $50? After licking my tiny deflated ego, I had to re-strategize. People are so busy, caught up with the daily grind of life, that taking the time to read through seven chapters may be last on their priority list.

So, if you are a writer or author who is thinking of doing this type of online promotion, consider making the task easy to accomplish. You'll get higher returns in the long run. I have to admit, however, that I did generate interest and the amount of people travelling to my site tripled, so perhaps I may have done something right that may have some trickling effects in the long run, but who knows. I will keep you posted if that's the case. If you have been successful with such online promotions, feel free to exchange your ideas. I'd love to hear from you, and don't hesitate to do some shameless promotion yourself in the comments. I welcome it!

Love and blessings,
JAX, Author of Heart of the Jaguar