Since I’ve recently been on the topic of book promotion, I think I’ll go one more. It’s a trying ordeal to compose and publish a book, but selling it can be the biggest and most frustrating part of the journey. So I believe this topic to be the most relevant to authors, especially newly published authors.
The key to selling books is exposure; if no one knows about your book, they won’t buy it. So how do we get noticed in this competitive field? Statistically, most books are not sold through traditional brick and mortar book stores. 52 percent of all book sold are sold via mail order, online, book clubs, discount stores, and nontraditional retail outlets. Since 2006, online sales have nearly doubled and are expected to increase steadily year after year.
I suppose then the answer is to get online. Personally, I’ve been working this method of marketing for three years. Just for fun, Google me and see how much exposure I have accumulated—“Carol Denbow.” Now some of my search results are for recent news unrelated to books (I’m a golfer in a small town, always makes the news!). But for the most part, you’ll see a massive number of links to my books and marketing articles, interviews, etc.
I have found the best means to gain online exposure is through author interviews and submitting book related articles to article sites such as Amazines.com and EzineArticles.
Join sites like Author & Book Event Center (get in the Author Spotlight for great front page exposure).
The restaurant business is one of the toughest out there. Even as a competitive business (as we are), there is a saying amongst restaurant owners, that is, “where there’s a restaurant, build another and they will come.” Ever heard the expression, “restaurant row?” This is a tough business and we must work together.
So with that in mind, I’d like to ask that all published authors add a comment to this post and tell us what your most successful marketing tool has been. Let’s share our ideas and get some books sold!
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
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14 comments:
Great post. I'm not trying to sell a book yet, but I'm already online. I'm a fan of ARC tours. Several bloggers, one book; makes sense. I'll check back to see what other tips I can get for later use.
Speaking engagements! I sell more books at speaking engagements than through any other venue. I think if an audience can hear an author speak, they feel closer and know more about that person - which leads to more sales.
Social sites are great, too. But everyone needs to select what works for THEM. My greatest success has been through Deviant Art rather than Facebook or Twitter or My Space. Most of that is due to the fact I've been on that site a really long time and established many great contacts.
I wish I had something in the way of a success story, but I'm still searching for the secret. I've certainly been working on the on-line presence bit, which generates friends and support, but so far not many sales. I'll come back here to see if I can learn what I'm doing wrong.
If you Google me (Patricia Rockwell) you will find lots of my academic articles and my academic book on sarcasm. Still working on the fiction. I haven't done anything myself to promote my academic publications--but know I will have to do so when I get ready to publish my fiction.
All of these are great tips. Being a poet I found that poetry readings are a great place to promote your books as well. Having a blog is a must for any type of marketing and promotion. Great post.
excedllent write I am published twice but am trying hard to find a publisher for the next two already finished. I enjoyed your write very much and am glad to be following you. Take care and thank you. Darrel www.thingsiknowabout.blogspot.com
This blog is great!! Thanks to Joel Friedlander, whose post on MY blog and his profile-- directed me here.
My most successful advertising/marketing has been the use of Google AdWords. By FAR! And I have a dedicated website for evry single book (or series) that I release.
I only write non-fiction-- books on accounting and taxation. I also released a book on self-publishing with a co-author earlier this year. So if there was a better way to market to my narrow audience, I'd love know about it.
But honesly, AdWords has been very successful and really boosted my profits.
I'm still learning the ropes, so I have nothing to contribute at this time.
Enjoyed reading your post and reading everyone else's comments here.
Tasha
great tip
Most successful for me is creating relationships with people in the industry the book is targeting. My book is a self-help/memoir which falls into the market I target. I have coaches and therapists advising their clients/patients to read the book.
Great post and the comments are helpful. Thank you.
I just released last month, but my Internet presence has helped alot. I already had an established market through my blog and an organization I founded almost ten years ago, but I think I'll try the AdWords mentioned above to continue with Internet presence.
Thanks for the tips!
Hello, My name is Sondra D. Kelly. I am a first time author. I recently published my first book, I am now promoting my book. With the support of family, and friends, I am promoting my book as much as I can at this time. My book was published on 10/23/2009. The title is, Triangle of Lies, deceit, and Devastation, a very good suspense/drama. If you are interested, you can purchase this book at createspace.com/3403536, this is my E-store. Thanks for your support.
hI, Rosalie Marsh here (a pen name)As a first time author,I was a little daunted but have some marketing experience.Just Us Two: Ned and Rosie's GoldWing Discovery hs been a challenge. I have been focussed in setting up my website,using Press Releases and e-bulletins. I have received local and Nationalmediainterestand beenpro-activein gettingJust Us Twoon the shelvesof bookstores in Ireland and Spain.My publisher - AuthorHouse handled the on-line distribution. I have had Author signings which encouraged bookstorestoput Just Us Twoon the shelf-whichis notr an easy task.
JustUs Two:Ned and Rosie'sGoldWing Discovery is available on-linefrom Amazon,Author House,Waterstones,Barnes&Noble etc.Go towww.discover-rosalie forasample on BookBuzzrand fordirectlinks to purhase.
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