Book Promotion

As a self-published author, I have struggled to find ways of promoting my book.  I’ve had some good reviews from my readers, but I think that most book sales are likely to come from word of mouth.  Many people are reluctant to read a book from an unknown author unless their book has lots of positive reviews.

In an effort to try something different and introduce my book to a wider audience, I had some bookmarks printed earlier this summer and I’ve been distributing them through various locations, including a local hotel, bakery, restaurant and even the yarn shop where I attend a knitting group.

I’m not sure if this has resulted in many sales, but I did have two lovely ladies ask to buy copies when I was at the knitting group a couple of weeks ago, so I like to think that at least it is getting the word out there.  Who knows? Maybe the tourist who picks up a bookmark during a visit to PEI might be my next new reader.  Hopefully, they will also respond to the message on the reverse and leave me a review on Goodreads.

US Book Review

I discovered this lovely review of my book on Amazon.com.  It is a pleasure to hear that someone with roots in PEI enjoyed reading it.  As an independently published author, reviews are so important to me and I do appreciate those readers who take the time to write one.  Thank you for sharing this.

4.0 out ostarsA charming little day to day perspective of life in central PEI

June 21, 2019 - Published on Amazon.com

I would have given this book 5+ stars if there were photos and recipes! I have a 
summer cottage in Eastern PEI near the ferry (my Grampa built it) and have been 
visiting the Island since I was a baby. I have only experienced times there from June 
to October.

My perspective is quite different so I enjoyed reading this. I have only visited that 
part of the Island occasionally and especially enjoyed the lighthouses and trails. 
There is a 5 mile loop in the National park that is gorgeous in July.
I enjoyed reading the bit about Bedeque and it's history. My Grandmother's family 
on the Murray side developed many acres there in the 1700s. My brother, mom and I found a cemetery with our ancestors buried in it just down the road from the black and white Presbyterian church where my mom's cousin, Hugh Arthur Murray, was a pastor. Like most people with roots in the Island, my Grandmother's relatives on her mother's 
side are also PEI natives near Belle river, which is how my Grandfather happened to purchase the beautiful beachside property I have today.
I think the author and Mr. Candytuft should open a little tea garden and serve tea and 
the goodies mentioned in this book! She could have local crafts, her own knitted pieces, framed photos and a cute little shaded garden and seating area! I would definitely visit!

On a personal note, I’ve been absent from my blog for several weeks following some health issues, but I will try to post more frequently now.

First Canadian Review

I am happy to share my first Amazon Canada book review.  It is lovely to hear that someone who has actually visited PEI found my book interesting and recommends it.

Self-publishing means that I don’t actually have a physical book shop, so it was fun to find this sweet little place recently and it now resides on my desk.  Hopefully, it will inspire some more writing.

5.0 out of 5 starsThoroughly enjoyed Mae's account of her," Year of living on the Island."

March 20, 2019

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

Having visited P.E.I. as a tourist, only in the summer time , I can relive my own memories (of Charlottetown, Anne of Green Gables etc.) through Mae's stories of all the places she has visited. Also living in Ontario, we have experienced many Canadian winters and can relate to her winter time expeditions. Most of all, I picked up a lot of historical facts
that I found extremely interesting. Seems like Mae & Mr. Candytuft enjoyed sharing this new chapter in their lives as much as I enjoyed reading about it.

Guest Author on The Story Reading Ape

Meet Guest Author, Mae Leveson… by The Story Reading Ape

Hi, my name is Mae Leveson, and I’m an author. This still sounds strange to my ears, as I’ve never actually introduced myself to anyone as a writer but, now that I’m a published author, I can no longer pretend that I’m writing just for myself – that I don’t care if anyone reads my […]

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New post on Chris The Story Reading Ape's Blog

Amazon Review

I was delighted to receive my first Amazon review for Cradle on the Waves and it is such a lovely review that I thought that I would share it here:

5.0 out of 5 starsA place called home...

February 6, 2019 - Published on Amazon.com

Verified Purchase

This is delightful reading! Mae takes us on a journey of the heart as she seeks a place called home on Canada's Prince Edward Island. The journal format and Mae's writing style is endering. With each month she takes us along with her, offering us rich observations and experinces with nature and wildlife of the island. She sketches a great sense of place, as well as presenting details of local history. Her days out and about discovering her new home and surroundings are so enjoyable to read. And being an island, surrounded by water and weather, we learn how living with the weather, and being prepared for it, is essential to daily life. Mae takes us through all seasons--from her former fractured, busy city dwelling, to finding renewed purpose and pleasure in life amidst the beautiful nature and slower pace of life on PEI, all along side each month of the year, each month new challenge and discovery. We hope Mae has found her way home! As readers we find ourselves appreciating a place that may be far away from us, but also we find our eyes opened anew to observing and noticing our own place called home.

I hope that it will encourage more readers and look forward to receiving further reviews.

Green Gables In Winter

I walk up the snow-covered drive between the trees...I pass a couple of barns and see through a gap between them.

I round the corner of the house and find the front door, from which the land slopes gently downhill to a stream at the bottom.  I descend cautiously.

At the bottom of the slope, there is a bridge leading to the Haunted Wood Trail.

 

 

I walk onto the snow-covered footbridge with its rustic post and beam fence topped with an icing of snow, and I glance down at the frozen stream below. 

 Red berries stand out in striking contrast against bare winter shrubs.  There is absolute silence in this winter landscape.

I head back up the hill and take some photos before investigating another trail.  The Balsam Hollow Trail heads past the back of the house and through the trees to Lovers' Lane.

 

I pass trees dusted with powdered snow and a picnic area where the benches are frosted in white.  

I pause to take a photo looking back towards the house. 

   

I capture a snowy scene of long shadows cast by the trees with the sun low in the sky at this time of year.  The wind shakes the tree branches and large flakes of snow come down.  I pull my hood up to protect my face from the wind and decide it is time to head back to the car. 

Extract from Cradle on the Waves

Copyright: Mae Leveson 2019.  All rights reserved.

Yes, it’s here!

This is the proof copy of Cradle on the Waves in my hands.  I can still hardly believe that my book is finally in print.  It is a proud moment and the achievement of one of my life goals - to be an author.

My book launched in Canada and the US early last week and went live on Amazon UK at the end of the week.  

I’m still waiting for my first reviews so, if you read it, please take a moment to rate it on Amazon or Goodreads and if you add a written review, it will be much appreciated.