book

วันพฤหัสบดีที่ 5 กุมภาพันธ์ พ.ศ. 2552

19 Ways to Secure Non-Returnable Book Sales and Sell More Books

Surprisingly, book stores are not always your greatest source of book sales. Most authors and publishers do want their books to be available in all of the book stores, and rightly so. You want your book to be there, too, but you want to sell more books. You want your book to be a "household name" ? a topic of conversation in coffee rooms and at dinner tables everywhere. Your publicity campaign is designed to create interest in your book, and to drive buyers to the book store market.

Unfortunately, those traditional book store sales aren't always "sold". The books might be returned over and over again. That's the sad reality of the book retail industry.

Your book's fame, however, can help you to acquire nonreturnable sales in the nontraditional market where a sale actually is a sale ? where sales of 25,000 copies and more are not uncommon.

Here are 19 Book Marketing strategies that will help you acquire those sales:

1. Write your book for a very broad market ? nonfiction works best.

2. Write a book that people will be happy to give as a gift.

3. Add as many photos and illustrations as you can afford.

4. Keep the topic light ? avoid heavy social commentaries, controversial topics, scientific theories and other "heavy" subjects.

5. Have your book professionally designed.

6. Have your book professionally edited.

7. Give your book a catchy name ? avoid boring titles such as How to Have a Happy, Fulfilling Life.

8. Make sure that the cover design is appealing, appears three dimensional and can compete with all of the major publishing houses. Hire a professional designer.

9. Sell the benefits of your book on the back cover. That is where you will sell buyers on the reasons why they just can't live without your book.

10. Price the book competitively in your genre.

11. Make your book look like it is good value for the price ? it's all about perceived value in the minds of the buyers.

12. Don't write for yourself ? write for the end buyer. Fulfill a need for them or make them feel better.

13. Think of the corporate market when you are writing. Make a list of corporations that can benefit from your book, and then contact them.

14. Submit your book to the book clubs at least six months before you publish.

15. Find an agent who sells to the gift market.

16. Find an agent who sells foreign rights.

17. Find an agent who sells to the display market.

18. Don't be afraid to offer large discounts on nonreturnable sales.

19. Seek licensing agreements ? they are a great source of income for no work on your part.

A professionally designed book opens many doors while an amateurish appearance closes many doors. It is vitally important that you invest in your book at the beginning to create sales in the long term. Plan for publicity and marketing before you print your books ? printing is not the final expense in your book marketing plan. It is the beginning. You can have the best book in the world, but if no one knows about it, no one will buy it.

Create a book that buyers just can't resist -- and then create a book marketing plan that makes those buyers BUY.

Ink Tree Ltd. helps authors publish, market and sell books. We have all the tools you need to succeed in book publishing. Let us help you make your book a success. <a target="_new" href="http://www.inktreemarketing.com">http://www.inktreemarketing.com</a>

Publishing Your Book?What Way is Best For You? - Part 2

Your print or ebook is nearly finished. You wonder if you should try to get an agent to represent you to the publisher. Maybe you've already sent out your query letter to some agents. You dream how great it would be to be taken under the publisher's wings.

You've already read about what traditional publishers can and can't do for you. Now is a time for self-publishers who want a print book to check out Print On Demand or Print Quantity Needed.

On Print Books--Print on Demand Two Ways

1. Hire the Publisher/Printer yourself to just print your book from your word file. In Print Quantity Needed such as <A target="_new" href="http://www.deharts.com">www.deharts.com</A> (similar to POD) you keep all of your book's rights. This method helps you make much more profit from your effort and you will get your book out to the buyers so much faster, making faster profits.

2. Hire Full-Service Print on Demand Publisher/Printers who each charge you an up front fee to set up. They too take your word files and put into Portable Document Format.

The downside? Check to see if you need these services. You don't need an ISBN # if you sell from your own web site. The biggest down to me is no control over my book. Here, you must buy back each book from the printer/publisher at a wholesale price--almost half of what you will sell it for. So, your profits are limited.

List of POD Publishers to Investigate

1. <A target="_new" href="http://www.trafford.com">www.trafford.com</a> 888-232-4444 2. <A target="_new" href="http://www.IUniverse.com">www.IUniverse.com</A> 877-823-9235 3. <A target="_new" href="http://www.XLibris.com">www.XLibris.com</A> 888-795-4274 4. <A target="_new" href="http://www.infinitypublishing.com">www.infinitypublishing.com</A> 877-289-2665

These companies do not offer a good promotion plan. If you want to sell online, you'll have hundreds of thousands of eager book buyers ready to buy when you apply the number one, free way to promote your book--submitting articles to opt-in ezines and web sites. Contact a reliable book coach for this information.

On eBooks

If you sell your book as an eBook on your Web site or link it to other publishing web sites, you will make 100% of the profit.

FACT: In traditional publishing for print books, you must get a distributor, and a wholesaler to get brick and mortar bookstores to carry your book. The bookstore gets a percentage too. Maybe these costs will add up to 85%! What's left for the author, the one who wants to make a difference in people's lives?

Is there a drawback to self-publishing?

If you print it, you must pay for the printing yourself, but remember that could be as low as $300 for 50 plus books. Print on Demand and Print Quantity Needed print short runs from five to 500. Depending on how many that could run from $2-$5 for a book you can sell for $15. You'll only have to make a small investment, you won't have a huge inventory, and you can apply your extra cash to book promotion, the most important part of the book's journey.

If you write an eBook, here are some of the benefits:

Why Write an eBook Fast?

You?Make all the money, can make ongoing, passive profits for life, spend much less time writing and promoting, retain total control, share your unique, important message with 1000's daily, build your client base and credibility, reach your target audience easily and distribute yourself, spend less money and have more cash flow, finish your book within 30 days, make ongoing passive profits for life, can update your book when it needs it, become the expert in your field, gain trust, credibility and friends.

More benefits: you don't have printing or inventory costs, can use word in 8 ? by 11 format and PDF, don't have to travel, don't have to tell or sell, don't have to package and mail books, distribute and sell online from email or a Web site, no packaging, no printing, and no mailing

Promotion is always at least as important, if not more important, than your book. Drawbacks are starting to look like profits and a low cost investment for you. With PQN (you have all control, keep and distribute all the books) or eBooks you won't have hundreds or thousands of unsold books in your garage gathering dust.

Many people feel it's a drawback to have to market and promote their books. Yet, you can learn skills such as the sixty second "tell and sell," the promotional article or power press release, and the sales letter for your Web site from an already successful author-coach. Publicity agents charge a lot of money and tend to overdo the media kit, (media editors and reporters usually throw everything away except the news release).

You need to learn how to talk about your book in a few sentences, a few paragraphs, and a longer sales letter. You need someone who has authored and sold many books, one with long-term copy writing experience. But even if you spend $1000 for coaching, editing and printing, you'll still be able to realize a larger profit than the traditional route.

You the author need to decide what path is best for you. Make sure it's a profitable one.

Judy Cullins, 20-year book and Internet Marketing Coach, Author of 10 eBooks including "Write your eBook Fast," and "How to Market your Business on the Internet," she offers free help through her 2 monthly ezines, The Book Coach Says...and Business Tip of the Month at <A target="_new" href="http://www.bookcoaching.com/opt-in.shtml">http://www.bookcoaching.com/opt-in.shtml</a> and over 140 free articles. Email her at <a target="_new" href="mailto:Judy@bookcoaching.com">mailto:Judy@bookcoaching.com</a>

Five Tips To Consider When Choosing A Publisher

Choosing a publisher probably seems like a complicated task, however, you may find the process somewhat less challenging if you consider the following five suggestions.

<LI>Research the legitimacy of your prospective publishers. Consider factors like: how long they've been in business; how many books they've published; what types of books they seek; how successful their published books are. etc...
<LI>Do not assume that the giant publishing houses, which put out more than 200 books annually, are your best option. The competition is obviously arduous with these organizations.
<LI>Refer to industry bibles like: The Writer's Market.
These respected resources will provide information like: what kinds of books each publisher prefers; contact information for editors; tips on how to submit your proposal and more.
<LI>Find books similar to yours and make a note of each publisher's name, address, website etc... Search for related books online at amazon or barnesandnoble.
<LI>Consult other published authors for their personal advice. You easily do this online by joining a professional association - you can find a list of numerous such organizations on <a href="http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art2583.asp" target="new">this page</a>.
You can also use the web to seek help from other writers by enrolling in a writer's group, participating in discussion forums, or asking for feedback in critique circles. You may find writing groups and professional associations for writers in your local community as well.

Resource Box - ? Danielle Hollister (2005) is the Publisher of <A HREF="http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art157.asp" target="new">Ezine For Writer</a> - A free newsletter for writers featuring news and links to the best resources for writers like - freelancing & jobs, free ebooks & software, markets & publishers, classes & contests, publications seeking submissions, self-publishing information, and much more. All new subscribers get one free ad. Read it - <A HREF="http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art157.asp" target="new">http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art157.asp</A>

Top 10 Ways to Know your Book Concept will Sell--Before you Invest Time and Money

Make your book stand out from the crowd! Test your book's significance, find your market before you write, and treat your book as part of your business.

1. Test your book's significance

-fun, humor -easy to read -teach something interesting, new? -original, unique info? -potential to positively affect the reader's life? -create a deeper understanding of life? -give skills and info to help people? How to's sell well -do you already have an audience who wants it?

You only need 2 significances to have a book that will sell.

2. Find your market before you write.

Who out there needs or wants your information? Without knowing a preferred audience as your write, your writing may be too general and not compel your audience to keep turning pages. In my eBook "Write eBook or Other Book Fast" in ch. 3 --"The Essential Hot Selling-Points," I discuss how to gage which audience is best for your book.

3. Know your best audience.

Remember the 100,000's Online too. Write your audience a letter on why you are writing the book and how it will benefit them.

4. Keep your book short.

Most audiences want to learn something fast and easily.

5. Unleash your passion for at least 2 years for one book.

Love your topic and don't quit.

6. Get some help with a book coach.

Try an introductory 1/2 hour book coaching session for only $35.

7. Intend to have your book vision manifest.

Know your book will be published, name your outcomes-- what you will hear, see, and feel now that it's done and people are reading it. 8. Treat your book as part of your business. Make a plan -when to write, how much to write each week, when you will finish, what your next step is--approach a book coach professional. 9. Know you will eventually have to spend some money to make your book a top seller. If you work a full week, then see if you can put 10 hours a week in on your book including its promotion. 10. Solve your audience's challenge and you not only will sell a lot of books, you'll also have a 24/7 sales person for your book.

When you write your book aimed at your best audience, and spend enough time on it, you can produce a successful E or print book.

วันพุธที่ 4 กุมภาพันธ์ พ.ศ. 2552

Promotion - Credibility Extras

For many of us, marketing our titles is one of the most tedious tasks of being an author. Even authors who published with large New York houses are expected to take part in marketing and promotion. Many articles and several books have been written to give us guidelines. One thing all marketing experts stress is the importance of being professional.

Here are several extras that other industries use, and we authors should too, to boost our professional credibility. Remember BUYERS are your clients. Treat them as such.

LOGO -- What kind of logo for an author? Pens, stacked books, computer keyboards? Think more of your product and develop something that reflects the subject of your books. This is not something to use when you query for publication or representation, but AFTER you have a finished, marketable product.

PAPER GOODS

<ul>

<li>Invest in professional letterhead. Use your logo and give concise contact information, including e-mail and web sites. It should be 24# paper with matching envelopes. Use this for regular letters, and for any invoices you send out.

<li>Along with this letterhead, you should have attractive or matching business cards--again using your logo. Do not put your address on the business cards. Telephone, e-mail and web site is enough. Hand out these cards to anyone who glances your way.

<li>Do you have bookmarks? Use colorful card stock, and on one side put your logo, list your contact information (P O Box is recommended) and perhaps a friendly comment. On the reverse side, list your titles and a short (25 words max.) review by a third party. Use them for handouts, and include them with every book you sell.

</ul>

It's also important to make certain your books are always in the public eye. An easy way to do this is with flyers. Keep at least two varieties in your car (along with a tin of push pins).

<li>A flyer for your local region that advertises your book, your web site and you as a commodity (speaker, workshop leader, et cetera). It should list the places your books can be purchased.

<li>A flyer for when you're away from home that highlights your titles and where they can be found online.

Design the flyers with an angle to the time of year, the region or some other feature that will make them stand out. On both flyers, be certain all the contact information is in large non-frilly type. Mention any specials you can think up. FREE GIFT could mean an inexpensive bookmark thrown in, and you can encourage buyers to your site by featuring autographed books.

Put these flyers up on bulletin boards in libraries, churches, supermarkets, colleges...and any facilities that relate to your subject matter. Drop them off with local radio and TV stations, especially if you're available for interviews. Send copies to your regional newspapers.

Developing flyers isn't difficult with today's basic computer software. The best size is 5"x7". You can enhance a simple, white-paper printout by mounting it on a larger sheet of colored construction paper.

Fifty of each flyer is a good start, and shouldn't cost more than $5.00 (for black and white)--a bit more if you use commercial facilities.

FOLLOW UP -- If you have negotiated for your titles to be carried in independent bookstores and gift shops, it is a nice touch to send a thank-you note right after the books are placed. Also send thank-you notes to the coordinators of any book festivals or bazaars you attend. And don't forget these helpful people during the holidays. Send a greeting card--and tuck in your business card.

These professional touches will keep your name fresh in the minds your the public and help build a larger clientele--your fan base. The cost for these is slight, and if you're persistent with these easily done "extras," your returns will be considerably higher.

About The Author

Karyn Follis Cheatham has published articles, poetry and several books--nonfiction and fiction. She also designs and manages web sites. Information about the literary services she offers can be found at <a href="http://www.kaios.com/litserv.htm" target="_new">www.kaios.com/litserv.htm</a>. Be sure to visit her web site <a href="http://www.kaios.com" target="_new">www.kaios.com</a> and sign up for the free writing tips newsletter. Contact at <a href="mailto:karyn@kaios.com">karyn@kaios.com</a>

FSBO Author believes in Bookswaps

Hi Noel,

I absolutely love your website, As an MS sufferer I intend to buy your book and get "Back onto my feet." My motto this year is, "Again Alive In 2005!"

I have published a book also. It is not specifically about Multiple Sclerosis, although one of the characters in "FSBO" does have this "Dread Disease."

I never have fully embraced the MS diagnosis I received about five years ago. The symptoms have ~ none the less ~ continued to become more severe. Having had more debility effects after following a Neuro' recommendation to shoot myself with Avonex, I removed myself from their "Benevolent" program which was being paid for by our government ~ to the tune of @ $1,200 a month ~for people like me who had exhausted all of our own resources. My neuro', the subsequent, neuro' and the Dr's all think I'm crazy. All of them want me to try another injectable which my SSDI will pay for now. "No thank you, very much!"

I have had experience with attempting to bring a needed medical mechanical device to acceptance by the medical community and after 7 (seven) years (the last time) of frustration, I finally went broke. I've always believed that when I am financial able, I will do it again with the money to throw at the "Researchers" to get past the gatekeepers. That's another story and perhaps we will discuss it later, if you are interested?

Anyway, to my question. Would you be interested in being linked to a new website I am creating which will be broad~based, I hope high traffic, and will meet the needs of a variety of targeted and web surfers. MS is one of a variety of sections, as is alternative medicine.

For your information, I too am a Christian and I do intend to advocate for Jehovah God and His Son, my savior~Jesus. That is not to say that I will bar non~believers and even cult advocates from feeling welcome to visit and receive any blessings offered too. My Jesus is not threatened and He can hold His own. My own understandings and positions will be available and website visitors may consider them, if they wish to. Certainly, I intend to have links to a number of "Christian" sites of likely several denominational persuasions.One of my teachers (from former times~Richard Lang) is nearly finished with his inspired translation of the New Testament, from the original Greek. I am convinced that God is much larger and even more merciful than we can begin to comprehend. He's not a push~over and we will each be held accountable for how we have treated the trusts He has bestowed upon us.

As an author of three books, my old poetry books (1978~79 vintage) and my new novel, For Sale By Owners:FSBO will be for sale, as will be Safespace, a Sci~Fi novel written by my brother, Robert. There may be links to many authors, we will see? As a writer of "Free Post" Articles, for reprint in ezines and anywhere, when I overcome this Evil disease, I should be able to get your book and message some press. Medical conspiracy is another section of my forthcoming website.

Respectfully,

Russ Miles, author

PS: As personal resources are in short supply at the moment, I would rather offer you a book swaps than fork out $29.00. My soft~cover "FSBO" editions are $17.95 of which I make $1.54 in royalty. I have no hard~bounds on hand. Please let me know if you are interested :))

This is a very brief, incomplete preview of what I feel I am led to do. It will be much easier when I am shed of these nesciences of MS.

Russ Miles is author of the novel, For Sale By Owners:FSBO. A "Seasoned" Real Estate NAR? Broker, he is "Disabled" by Multiple Sclerosis, FOR SALE BY OWNERS:FSBO ISBN 0-595-28703-4,in trade paperback, is available by phone or Internet:1-800-Authors to order direct! Adobe e-book & hard cover editions also available at Amazon.com at Barnes and Noble and other fine booksellers. For personal referrals to his publisher or comments, reach Russ at (360)694-6756. Or by e-mail <a href="mailto:MilesRuss@Gmail.com">MilesRuss@Gmail.com</a> Please clearly state your subject so as not bo be mistaken for SPAM and for proper processing.

วันอังคารที่ 3 กุมภาพันธ์ พ.ศ. 2552

Book Marketing 101- Book Publicity for Authors -- Creating a Book Publicity Campaign

Publicity is that elusive thing that can make or break your book - in all sorts of ways! Learning to promote you and your book is something that can take a bit of "re-training" for most new authors (and many old-timers too). Publicity is really all about selling your idea (and you), but all too often the word "selling" brings up images of polyester clad used-car salesmen, telemarketers, and strong-arm sales strategies that do nothing but alienate your intended customer.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

True "salesmanship" is all about creating a deep connection with your intended reader or reviewer by providing unique, useful and rewarding information about your book. It's all about creating a relationship that you will both benefit from and to which you can return time and again. It's about creating the awareness that you are an EXPERT about the topic of your book.

Good publicity is also regular and consistent publicity - there really is no such thing as an overnight success. Remember that you never know who is reading or listening -- it just might have been someone who could lead you to bigger and better things.

Here's some ways to create a great relationship with the editors and reporters that can provide your book the long term exposure it needs to succeed:

1) It's ALL about your intended audience - and very little about you. You might be brilliant, but the editor only cares about their audience. As a matter of fact, more often than not if you come across as thinking you are too wonderful, you'll most likely turn out to be a turn off to the editor or reporter. This is where "blanket" press releases that go to thousands of outlets fail - they typically focus on you the author, and unless you are already a household name, guess what? No one cares.

You MUST tailor your release to the intended audience - and it must be unique. Focus on the benefits you will provide their audience. Think about the publication or program you are trying to approach - what do they provide to their audience and does your book contribute to their goals? Don't under any circumstances make your pitch sound like an ad for your book - if you have a good fit, and have good information inside your book, then it will generate interest in the book. The goal here is to make the editors, reporters, and audience understand that you are an expert on your topic, and that your book contains lots of good information - by PRESENTING some of the information... not by TELLING them you are an expert.

2) Target your pitch. Be confident knowing that reporters and editors have lots of need for information. But also understand the one of the quickest ways to get rejected is to pitch the wrong person - you'll waste both of your time (and probably annoy the editor or reporter) - do you homework and find out who is the correct contact for your book. Once you've found the right person - ask them what they want. Only pitch your idea if it's a fit. Be sure to respect his or her time - everyone in the media industry works on unbelievably tight deadlines. Ask if they are under a deadline and if so, could you call back at a better time.

Be short, sweet, and to the point - which means get to the point quickly. The audience will eventually want more detail than the reporter or editor - but for your reviewer, be able to sum up your book in 30 seconds or less. "Talk less, listen more" - let the editor or reporter drive the conversation after you have them interested. They will have specific needs and questions - so stop talking and answer them explicitly.

3) Approach ALL types and sizes of publications and media. Don't be afraid to contact the "big guys" and don't neglect the smaller ones. Any one in the media has to aggressively pursue getting new and fresh content for their shows, magazines, and newspapers. This is especially true of anyone who needs to fill space on a daily basis. They are almost always on the search for people who can present information on exciting and interesting topics and trends. The biggest outlets are always on the search for an unknown that they can highlight.

The smaller journals and outlets often have a very focused and influential audience - and you never know who might be reading them or listening to their show . The smaller publications can also be "gateways" into the larger ones . Almost every single size of publication has value in your publicity campaign. Your chances of getting into smaller publications is probably higher than the larger ones, so set your time and effort accordingly.

4) Treat your contacts with unfailing respect and politeness. Yes, you are very busy - you might even be far busier than the publicist or producer that you are trying to approach. But you need them to help you out - and being constantly aware that they are very busy themselves will keep you focused on getting your materials to them in a timely manner. Never ever be late in submitting materials for a review or interview.

5) Understand that publicity isn't a "one shot success" effort. It is all about sustained and consistent awareness of your product. Marketing research indicates that a consumer will need to see your name about 7 times before they will remember it. Try to keep your interviews and reviews spaced out a little bit - frequency and consistency are critical. Don't ever let up on your publicity campaigns - even the most successful product lines in the world (think Nike and McDonalds) continue to consistently spend millions on awareness campaigns for their products. Very rarely is anyone an "overnight success" - even the best-selling authors spent years building their reputations.

Follow these 5 steps while conducting your publicity campaigns, and your level of success will be far greater than those who have either ignored or never learned these basic steps.

If you like this information (and found it helpful) please feel free to post it on your site, put it in a blog, toss it in your newsletter, or in general spread it around. Please just give us credit here at <a target="_new" href="http://www.dogearpublishing.net">www.dogearpublishing.net</a>

May you have success in your creative efforts!

Ray Robinson is a partner in Dog Ear Publishing <a target="_new" href="http://www.dogearpublishing.net">http://www.dogearpublishing.net</a> a self publishing services company specializing in delivering "high touch" services to the author community. His company provides a full range of services to authors, from editorial to page layout to marketing and fulfillment.