Saturday, November 28, 2009

Sell Your Book

After months, or possibly years, writing your book, it’s finally published. You’re all gung-ho in the beginning to promote it, then suddenly sales ebb. Why? A few answers may be:

* because you didn’t budget correctly

* because you didn’t sit down to write your marketing goal plan

* you didn’t research where to find your target audience

* didn’t realize it takes more than one book signing to get your name out there

* didn’t consider sending out releases to promote your newly released book, a signing, workshop, interview, appearance

* didn’t consider getting reviews or testimonials from readers

Every single item above helps to keep a book in the limelight. But it needs a promotional consistency and that’s where many writers fall short. They believe once the book is up in the publisher’s website, Amazon, Barnes * Noble, or anywhere else, that’s enough to direct readers to them. No. The writer must direct readers and educate them of the value to purchase the book.

Marketing must begin once you begin writing. This may sound silly but building a buzz is a necessary step. To build this buzz a writer needs a website. Within this website they can post a short blurb about the book. Once the cover is done, promote it on the website, linking it to the publisher’s COMING SOON page.

Don’t be shy. Try to get interviews on various sites, newsletters, blogs…it’s your book. Let others know about it. Remember, that if you ain’t gonna promote don’t expect the neighbour to do it for you.

When emailing make sure to add the link to your site in your signature. I can’t believe how many writers omit this FREE thing. Wonder if they had to pay for it if they’d use it.

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7 comments:

  1. WOW! LOTS of great info here Donna. Thanks so much.

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  2. Hi Lea:

    I'm finally digging out from under after taking a few days off for the Thanksgiving holiday and was pleasantly surprised to have you posting at my blog.

    You have offered up wonderful tips and direction for people in Marketing. I truly appreciate it.

    Warmly,
    Donna

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  3. My thank you for helping me promote the conference, sweetie. More to come. I check first to make sure you haven't posted by late afternoon, however.

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  4. My thank you for helping me promote the conference, sweetie. More to come. I check first to make sure you haven't posted by late afternoon, however.

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  5. Donna, you tell it like it is! Thank you.

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  6. Marketting's just so scary (I almost said un-English). Great information though.

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