Archive for October, 2008
It’s not about you
The whole world does not want to know about your book. But, the world does want to know what your book can do for them. Your elevator speech – your 30 second spiel for when someone asks you what your book is about – should be centered on the benefit your book would have for [...]
October 28, 2008
· 
Mary · 
No Comments
Tags: marketing, self publishing, sell solutions · Posted in: self publishing
Online book sales – 30% and rising
The October meeting of the Colorado Independent Publishers Association featured a talk by self-publishing guru Dan Poynter. I’ve heard Dan speak on two occasions now and always feel energized by his can-do attitude about writing and selling books. Aside from hearing some great reasons to self publish instead of trying to get a traditional publisher, [...]
October 23, 2008
· Mary · No Comments
Tags: book store sales, online book sales, self publishing · Posted in: self publishing
When to sell books yourself, and when not to
Here’s a topic that came up recently with a client: when to sell your book yourself and when to have someone order directly from your publisher. If you buy books from your publisher for $10 each and your retail price is $20, that gives you a $10 profit, right? Well, sometimes. If you’re selling the [...]
October 17, 2008
· Mary · 2 Comments
Tags: book sales, distribution · Posted in: self publishing
Why your website needs a press kit
As a published author, you should have information on your website for the press and others to learn about you and your book. Consider these questions: * Do you ever try to get free publicity for your book? The first place the press will check is your website. A website with no information – or [...]
October 13, 2008
· Mary · No Comments
Tags: book promotion, media kit, online promotion, press kit · Posted in: self publishing
To sell books, give them away
Writers always want to know about inexpensive (or even cheap) ways to promote their book. Here’s one of the cheapest: give away copies of your book. Here’s why: 1. Nobody throws away a book. Even if someone isn’t interested in your subject, they will pass your book on to someone else rather than toss it. [...]
October 9, 2008
· Mary · No Comments
Tags: book promotion, self publishing · Posted in: self publishing
Five low-cost or no cost ways to promote your book
1. Always carry a copy of your book along with your business cards, bookmarks, and flyers. You never know who you will meet! 2. Get your friends to host a book reading at their homes and invite all of their friends. 3. Contact local book clubs and offer to discuss your book in person. 4. [...]
October 7, 2008
· Mary · No Comments
Tags: book promotion, self publishing · Posted in: self publishing
Use the back cover to promote your book
You’re wasting valuable real estate if the back cover of your book has only a two-line bio and your picture on it. Use this space to: * *Tell your potential audience what your book can do for them. People buy books to help them solve a problem. * Tell your potential audience what others have [...]
October 3, 2008
· Mary · No Comments
Tags: book cover, book promotion, self publishing · Posted in: self publishing
Make your book the best it can be
A little forethought goes a long way in producing your best work and maximizing your opportunities for book sales. In the excitement of writing and producing your long-awaited book, authors often overlook some of the basics. Poor planning can result in a garage full of unsold books and dashed dreams. Here is the first of [...]
October 1, 2008
· Mary · No Comments
Tags: book marketing, niche marketing, self publishing · Posted in: self publishing
