Thanks for posting this. I'm so happy you've had such wonderful success so far!

 

I don't really have a science to writing hooks. What I do have, is what I call my Scorpion Move. Remember Scorpion from Mortal Kombat? He's a resurrected ninja who wields a Kunai-tipped rope, which he uses to impale his victims in the chest. This move is followed by him shouting "Get over here!" and then dragging the victim to him so that he can punch her in the face.

Well, writing hooks is kind of like that. Sort of.

Just when your reader is starting to get bored, you need to have your Kunai-tipped rope ready. Impale them with a twist, a revelation, something they weren't expecting or something they've been anticipating. Remember, most readers consider the end of a chapter to be the ideal stopping point, so make sure you have a "Get over here!" moment waiting, so they can't resist letting you drag them into the next chapter.

Best description of hooks that I've ever read

 

Thank you so much for this, Viola! As I hit publish yesterday on my debut work, I have to say I got a little worried, but seeing your success is such an inspiration and these posts are invaluable, so thank you!

 

Hey there Viola,

I enjoyed reading your post! 

~~~

I'm happy with my self-publishing journey so far.  My second book will be out at the end of this month, the third next month, the fourth the month after that . . .

I expect more and more sales as my journey continues.

I'm loving every second of it, and I have zero complaints so far!

~~~

Congratulations on your success!  Your $950,000 away from $1 million, and you'll be there before you know it if you just keep doing what you're doing!

 

Amazing work Viola, thanks so much for sharing

 

Thank you, Viola!

 

Thanks for being open with your methods of success. Congrats on getting so far in so little time.

 

Viola, extremely generous, informative and inspirational as usual.

I'm so proud of you! 

 

Thank you, Viola, for posting this. I appreciate you sharing all this information with us. I'm definitely going to be watching your climb, and taking notes. I think you're right, the hooks really are key with the serials. There just aren't enough books nowadays that really make you want to turn the page. I'm still working on the hooks, myself.

Congrats on book 8, and on publishing so consistently!

 

Thank you so much for this, Viola! As I hit publish yesterday on my debut work, I have to say I got a little worried, but seeing your success is such an inspiration and these posts are invaluable, so thank you!

Thank you for the advice, Viola!

D.D., I bought your book. It looks awesome!

 

Congrats, you're definitely an inspiration with your output. You're very generous with all your info, here's to your next 100K sales 

Also, lol on the hook description, I used to play that game with my son. (bad mom alert?)

 

As I tell inquiring minds all the time, I didn't invest in marketing or promos to get my books out there. To date, I've spent a grand total of $5 on advertising. Nope, that's not missing any zeros. There are a lot of things you can do, besides marketing, to set your books up for success.

I don't know about you, but I'm skeptical of anyone who says "If you do these things, you will make money" usually while holding the information ransom for a nominal fee. I'm not asking for any of your money, and I don't stand to gain anything by telling you this. If you do these things, you will make money in self-publishing. I'm not an isolated case. There are other people who have followed this advice and been successful because of it.

Can you reiterate what you did without paying for advertising?

 

You stated that description is your problem. Unfortunately description comes natural to me, but unless you wish your writing to be boring you need to temper the physical aspects with the environmental aspects that you call 'feel'.

For instance:

Jim looked at the cylindrical silvery metal storage container with two or three indented ribs running around the circumference and a colorful label describing the peaches sealed inside. (BORING)

With 'feel':

The heavy weight of the slick, glittering can of peaches pulled at Jim's arm. (Better)

With Both:

The heavy weight of the large steel can dragged at his arm. The glittering contrast of the silver can emphasized the yellow, peach covered label. Jim smiled, thinking of how the peaches inside would taste, sweet, the thick syrup coating the moist sweet slices. (What do you think?)

I think you are right that a combination of the styles draws a reader into the story with the greatest pull or hook. It can be overused as well.

My problem is description. Sometimes I overuse it. I think in a rigidly logical manner and I have to switch mental gears to speak or think emotionally.


By the way, congratulation on your sales. I hope you do even better in the future.

 

Can you reiterate what you did without paying for advertising?

Viola's first book is permafree.

 

LL Akers once said she wanted to wrap me up in bubble wrap and hide me away, I think in her basement or something. So that's not weird at all.

I did say that... In a different place, which you later saw...THAT wasn't s'posed to happen, lol. However, I stand by those words still today...I'm old enough to be your mom too, and I hope no one ever takes a dig at that sweet soul of yours. You deserve your success and the fact that you still wear it so humble makes me now want to double-bubble-wrap you up

 

Thank you for the advice, Viola!

D.D., I bought your book. It looks awesome!

Aww thanks so much!! I just picked up a copy of All Shook Up! I'm looking forward to reading it tonight

 

Congrats on your success, Viola!  Glad to see your hard work is paying off for you!  Thanks for the advice.

 

Viola's first book is permafree.

Sure, but I'm curious about anything else she's done.

 

Congratulations! So impressed and happy for your success.

 

Holy Cannoli! Way to go! I just picked up your first book, and I can't wait to read it.
Thanks for update and advice!

 

Congrats on your quick success, Viola!

I just love seeing posts like these that help in a meaningful way with clearly laid out advice that anyone can follow. This is part of what makes Kboards such a great place.

 

Wonderful advice. Thank you. 

 

Terrific post--and doubly terrific that you took the time to share your success in such a meaningful way. Thank you! And here's to your continued success.

Every successful self-published writer is a win for all of us.

 

Thanks so much for this post. And thank you also for proving that paranormal romance isn't dead, which is something I think many paranormal-loving authors have heard a lot lately (I know I have).

 

I'm inspired, awed, and also a little envious. We started self-publishing pretty close together (I started at the end of January). I chose a topic that I, personally, thought I would like to read (dragon shifter erotica) and I am happy with my success so far. Happy enough with both the story and my sales to keep writing it and not get sucked into the idea of writing for the masses just for the sake of making more sales.

I think one of the most important things to remember is that you need to love what you write. It'll show if you're just going through the motions. It'll especially show if you don't do the bare minimum, like you said, of getting a decent cover and proofreader.

My biggest milestone lately wasn't 100,000 sales, but merely learning I was in the positive on my publishing expenses vs. royalties earned (those expenses being cover design and editing). For the eight titles I have out now, that added up, but I get compliments on my covers all the time and still earn new mailing list subscribers on a weekly basis. Knowing my writing had actually paid for itself finally was a huge deal for me. And it's only going to go up from here.

I broke 2000 total paid sales this month, which I consider a fantastic success for being just shy of five months into the endeavor. It's enough for me to be hooked on the process and strive for more. It's my personal Skinner Box. I mash the keys and the royalties fall out.

This is not something I'd have expected to happen a year ago, but I love it so far, and I love hearing about other people who are doing what I'm doing, but with even more success. It's very validating.

Thank you for sharing your success