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!
Showing posts with label promotion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label promotion. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Monday, March 2, 2009
Be Social!
Lately there have been a surge of new Ning site invitations flowing steadily in to our email Inboxes. I know many of you have experienced this. I’m sure you wonder if this social networking explosion is worth the time and effort it takes to pursue and build a page on each of these new sites—well, maybe.
Personally, I have found social networking through Ning sites very beneficial in making the connections needed to create a stir about my books. However, I am particular when it comes to choosing the sites I join. Why? Because I need to know I’ve invested my time well and not wasted my limited energy on a project which will not reflect useful results. I join only sites which are the most relevant to my books.
There are numerous great Ning sites on the Web. To explore which ones may benefit you most, visit http://www.ning.com and enter relevant keywords in the search box. I have also listed some of my favorites below. Just click on to join and build an informative page—it’s free. Remember, the more information you provide, the more likely a visitor will find interest in your work or desire to network with you. Ning sites are a great way to connect with like writers and authors, get critiqued, promote your work, and make new life-long friends!
If you know of a Ning site which you would recommend or would like visitors to know about, please add the link through the comment box.
Great Ning Sites for Writers (scroll down for sites for authors and book marketing):
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