A new question is coming up with some regularity.
“Why wouldn’t a confident marketing expert promote my book for a portion of the profit instead of charging me up front?”
Here’s why.
… more … “Would You Like Someone to Sell Your Books for You?”
Tag: selling
Brick & Mortar Local Celebrity
Cheryl Campbell
Continuing our conversation with author Cheryl Campbell
On Mon, Aug 5, 2013 at 9:04 AM, Cheryl Campbell <ccampbell.me@gmail.com> wrote:Hi Joel,
Hope you had a great weekend. It’s Monday and I’m armed with more questions, of course!
I got the book up on Amazon this weekend. That happened faster than I thought it would so that was exciting. I’m still working on the CreateSpace piece for printing, but I should have the proof review and all that done by the end of this week.
So my question…rather questions, are around taking the book to local brick and mortar stores. I can’t imagine just walking in with a handful of books and saying “Hi, I wrote this. Will you display and sell it for me?” is the way to go.
What do I need to bring with me when approaching a book store? A printed synopsis, flyers, something else?
I’m guessing I would talk to a manager?
Do I call ahead to speak with said manager before showing up?
Really quite clueless on this part. Figured I’d start asking now before I started this piece of the process.
Thanks!
Cheryl
Why Authors Must Have a Blog
I’ve been a web developer for almost 25 years, so this is not simply from the perspective of an author, though I have published 18 books so far and show no signs of stopping.
An author without a website and blog is like any other business without a website.
The first place people go for information these days is the web. If you’re considering a new mechanic, and this one has a good website and the other has nothing, don’t you lean toward the one you can find out about online?
… more … “Why Authors Must Have a Blog”
But I Just Want to Write
Authors tell me they don’t want to learn marketing, find an editor, arrange a cover design, fuss with technology.
“I just want to write!” they cry.
That’s what a blog is for.
… more … “But I Just Want to Write”
Marketing Your Books in the New Age of Publishing
A longer diatribe about marketing your self-published book. This is a year-long class, which I’d be glad to give if y’all are interested.
Publishing is in the greatest upheaval since Gutenberg. Supporters of traditional publishing will tell you it’s the only choice, or you’re not a real author.
I’ll take the opposing view: the only rational choice, from both the artistic and commercial perspectives, is to pick yourself, own the process, and reap the rewards. Here’s why:
… more … “Marketing Your Books in the New Age of Publishing”
4 More Quick Marketing Tips
Add these 4 to the 6 we already did, and you’ve got a good start.
- When anyone asks “what do you do?” introduce yourself as “the author of [your book’s name.]” When you self-identify as a writer, it changes your own perspective. This is not the same as pestering every person you meet with “hey, I wrote a book, and I’m going to tell you about it whether you like it or not.” Just identify yourself as the author, and if they don’t ask, you don’t pester. But say it.
- Ask your readers to write honest reviews at Amazon
- Carry copies with you everywhere, so when an opportunity arises, you can talk about it and sell it.
- Write your next book. A single-book author doesn’t stand out very much any more. “I’m working on my second book” is a good way to show you’re a career author, not a flash in the pan.