MSI Press Blog

  Every few months, an author will tell me—often with great confidence—that “marketers say a free Kindle promotion sells more books than a Kindle Countdown Deal.” It’s a claim that sounds bold, counterintuitive, and exciting. It’s also a claim that refuses to die, even though Amazon’s ecosystem has changed dramatically. So, let’s talk about it plainly. The short answer: Free promotions generate more downloads . Countdown Deals generate more sales . Downloads and sales are not the same thing, and Amazon does not treat them as the same thing. Where the myth came from: There was a moment in Amazon’s early KDP Select era (2011–2014) when free days could catapult a book into the Top 100 Free list, and that visibility sometimes spilled over into paid sales afterward. Marketers who built their playbooks during that period still speak as if nothing has changed. But the platform has changed. The algorithms have changed. Reader behavior has changed. And the relationship between fre...

  Books don’t expire—but they can fade from view if we let them. In a world of fast-moving headlines and ever-shifting cultural conversations, even the most timeless titles need a little help staying visible. The good news? Relevance is renewable. Here’s how to keep your book fresh, resonant, and ready for rediscovery. 🔄 Reframe with Current Events The pace of change is relentless, and what feels dated one day can suddenly seem timely the next. A breaking story, cultural shift, or seasonal event can breathe new relevance into a book that’s been on the shelf for years. By staying alert to current conversations and aligning your book’s themes with what people are talking about, you can seize the moment to reintroduce your work and show readers why it speaks to today. 🧭 Update Your Metadata and Messaging Your book’s description, keywords, and author bio aren’t carved in stone. Revisit them with fresh eyes: Can you highlight themes that resonate with today’s readers? Is there a new ...

In publishing, timing and context matter. One of the most overlooked distinctions is between a precerpt and an excerpt. Both involve sharing a portion of a book, but they serve different purposes and carry different risks and rewards. 📝 What’s a Precerpt? A precerpt is a draft excerpt shared before publication—often before the manuscript is finalized. It’s a sneak peek into the work-in-progress, used to spark interest among agents, editors, or early readers. Think of it as a “rough cut” trailer. Advantages: • Book Acquisition: Shows potential and voice early, even if the manuscript isn’t polished. Can help secure representation or a publishing deal. • Book Promotion: Builds anticipation among insiders (beta readers, influencers, reviewers) who like being “in on the secret.” • Book Marketing: Creates buzz in niche communities, but usually limited in scope since the book isn’t yet available for purchase. Disadvantages: • Risk of misrepresenting the final book if the draft change...