Supporting and Promoting Your Book With Giveaways

Consumers want free stuff these days. Authors are responding to this demand with free print books, free electronic books, free electronic newsletters, and other products. My latest book is in production now and I've been thinking of ways to promote it.

Free bookmarks are one of the first ideas that come to mind. Cardboard bookmarks aren't as durable as plastic or laminated ones. Though plastic bookmarks are "top of the line" they are expensive and you may not be able to afford them. I know I can't.

A free plastic wallet card is another idea. It would be the size of a business card and have rounded corners. The front of the card would contain information that extends the book. The back of the card would tell how to order the book and provide author contact information. Many companies advertise plastic business cards on the Internet and the prices vary widely. Two colors are cheaper than full color. Straight corners are cheaper than die cut corners.

Posters are another idea. The big plus with a poster is that it gives you a chance to show your book cover. Mini posters, eight and a half inches by 11 inches, are cheaper than legal size. You could design your own poster and photocopy it yourself. The office supply stores in my city often run photocopy specials and I watch for them. I've gotten photocopies for 20 cents each.

Adding extras to your website is also an idea. Website visitors aren't just looking for author information, they are looking for free stuff and links. My website ha three links to archived radio programs I was on, for example. I just added a blog tab to my website and paid a technician big bucks to do it. Visitors also appreciate free checklists and handouts.

Cost will determine whether or not I have giveaways. I researched plastic business cards on the Internet, asked for an estimate, and it appeared on my screen in seconds. A short while later I received a call from a sales representative. While it was nice to talk to a live person, her job is to sell, and I had to be blunt. "That's too much money," I said. "Thank you."

If you choose the giveaway route, you need to choose your options wisely. I've worked with a local graphic designer for years and his rates are reasonable. You may be able to create your own design and upload it. Does your book cover need to be in full color or could you get by with a black and white image and colored lettering? Is it possible to adapt an idea?

My wallet card idea may be too expensive. Yet I may be able to adapt this idea and, instead of paying for plastic wallet cards, use the design for pocket-size cards. You and your publisher are the only ones who can decide if you want to spend money on giveaways. Some authors have boosted their sales with giveaways and the same may happen to you.

Getting Your Book Noticed - How to Promote a Self-Published Book

Self-publishing a book is not easy. On the contrary, it's rather difficult and overwhelming. You are totally in charge of designing an attractive and professional looking cover design, making sure that your book's interior layout is likewise professional and up to the industry standard's, you must edit and proofread your book extensively to ensure proper grammar and spelling, and most of all, you have to write a great story about your topic! After this lengthy process, most authors will find themselves exhausted and ready for a break.

Well, it doesn't come just yet. Now you will need to put all of your efforts and energies into one thing: promoting your new book. Unless you have the money to hire a publicist or a marketing firm, you're on your own here too. Try not to be discouraged by this news, since the internet is such a breeding ground for opportunity and I'm happy to tell you there are endless ways to generate buzz for your book.

The following list are the top questions that most first time self-published authors have on their minds after reading that:

• "How do I get attention for my book?"
• "How much does it typically cost to get my book noticed?"
• "Who should I approach for promotion opportunities?"

1. The answer the first question is very broad. This can depend a lot on what your particular subject and format actually are. For example, if you're promoting a self-published ebook then you will probably want to devote most of your marketing efforts to online ventures. For print books, in person events and touring may be better options.
2. The answer to this will vary significantly depending on where you are featuring your book. To be honest with you, online buzz and attention from the media should never cost you anything. These things should be free, because the organization or person hosting your book has decided it is noteworthy enough to create an engaging story which will mutually benefit them as well as yourself. The only thing which is really worth paying for to promote your book (in my opinion) is press release distribution. You should definitely start out your marketing plan with a concise news/press release and pay a professional company to distribute news about your book to media outlets. This usually has surprisingly positive results, but only if your story is captivating enough to catch people's attention and your press release was written sharply and to the point. Never pay to have your book reviewed!
3. The answer to this will be specific to the type of book you have written, but there are some general answers that will help all authors. First and foremost, connect with other writers and authors! Network with your contacts and grow your social network to find new opportunities. Think of any organizations, clubs, associations or businesses that might be interested in the subject of your book/writing. That can be a great way to land a public speaking opportunity, or snag an invitation to do a book reading. Book bloggers are a great source of attention for books online also. Always be sure to read their review policy thoroughly before contacting them to pitch your book to them. Make sure they accept your genre and then write them a personalized email with a brief synopsis of your book's plot, and a polite request for a spot on their to-read and review list. Find websites, podcast shows, online radio shows, local newspaper columnists and pitch your book to them also. Just always remember to make sure you are sending your pitch to the correct person.

The Paradox of the Book

The paradox of the book has been on my mind the last few weeks. No one thing seems to inspire people as does writing a book. Yet, no one thing seems so simultaneously disregarded these days. I began these thoughts off and on again several years ago, however, driving home from a sales call the other day I was listening to one of NPR's news talk shows, I noticed that segment after segment begin with the guest being an expert because they had recently written a book. Does this sound familiar: "Our guest today is Mr/Mrs....and the author of a new book on... " It's the same on PBS news shows, and AM radio talk shows, newspaper articles, podcasts, even blogs, the single factor that determines a person as an expert is most likely to be that they wrote a book. I also get to be an "expert" from time to time, both for having written a book, as well as for publishing books. So, it is clear, committing to writing a book does make a person both an expert and for many, becoming an author is a wish come true.

So where's the paradox? The paradox is that although we recognize that becoming an author is worthwhile, we've left behind the book itself. I am constantly surprised that more people don't read, because most people want to write a book.One of the best ways to write a better book is to read. Buying others books will increase you odds of having a book published as well. After all, most people assume that other people will want to read their book, yet the sales numbers are, in this case, truth serum--everyone that wants to write a book, does not read or purchase others books. Book reviews in newspapers are down. The mood in many bookstores is just one notch above burn out and depression. People don't value a book in the spirit it deserves. A life long quest, to be an expert, to publish, and share your book ought to result in more than an electronic file, a nook, an e-book. A book, as a tangible object is symbolic of effort, thought, and desire and deserves a tangible conclusion. A book deserves to be shared on nice paper and savored for the creation that it is. To have aligned all your thoughts just right, to have formed all the sentences in order, to have edited and rethought all the ideas until each has made the journey from inspiration to fully formed thoughts is diminished when a book is only provided in e-form, or worst of all not read.

The paradox is that the process, the hope, and the value we place on the writing of a book is not being fully realized in the final product. Somehow, somewhere along the line the actual purpose of the book seems to have been forgotten.

Should a Book Author Pay for Cover Design?

In my earlier writing days I had a publications lawyer. She guided me through several book contracts and I learned a lot from her. Cover approval was one provision she insisted upon. "Bosomy covers have been put on serious books," she explained, "and you don't want that." The cover provision clause applied to national and international rights.

Since I have a graduate degree in art I was grateful for this provision. As I'm writing a book, I see sample covers in my mind. I experiment with various fonts for chapter titles and headings. All the while, I'm hoping the publisher will put an eye-catching cover on the book, a cover that enhance sits content.

Before I started my latest book I looked for royalty-free cover photos on the Internet. In fact, I looked at more than 2,000 photos. Finding a photo for a grief resources is a challenge because many images -- a candle, a tree, a rainbow, a path -- have been used time and again. After weeks of searching I found a close-up shot of a flower I thought I could use and sent the number of the photo to a graphic designer I've worked with many times.

To my surprise, he sent me related shots, the ones beneath the main photo that you can click on and view. We agreed on a flower photo and instead of centering it, the designer shifted it to the bottom-right corner. The prickly center of the flower is orange, the petals are pink, and the background is green. Pink and orange are a striking combination, one that suits the book, which is about finding happiness after loss.

The spine of the cover is orange the designer continued the pink on the back cover. Though I've taken design courses, I don't have a degree in graphic design, and totally trust his judgment. His bill for the front and back covers was $425, a bargain in today's economy. I emailed my publisher, offered to pay for the cover design, and forwarded it to the executive director. She approved the design.

I paid for the design and decided to make the most of it. How could I promote and support my book? A wallet card was one way. I wrote the copy, sent it to the executive director, and she loved it. With her approval, I asked my friend to proceed with the design. My original copy is on the front and the cover of the book is on the back. His bill for the wallet card design was $25.

So far, I've spent $275 on design and I think it's worth the money. I know my book will have an attractive cover. I know the design supports the theme of the book. I know I have a helpful wallet card to give away. But my spirits really soared when I talked with the executive director on the phone. "This book is ready to go!" she exclaimed.

Book Marketing Crash Course for Coaches

Why is it important for authors to learn about book marketing? Because you can't afford to just write a novel and put it up on your web page and expect it to sell just because it's the best thing written on your subject. As a matter of fact if you do not work diligently every day to network and reach your target market than you're going to be woefully disappointed with your income and quickly at that.

So, what's involved with book marketing?

Well here's a crash course that will pay off immediately after you finish reading this article. To start with is everything you are going to need to master, you do not need to master how do every single step yourself, however you need to understand the process in detail so you can manage your success.

Start here;

• Niche - you are going to need to learn as much as possible about your niche. Their age, where they hang out, what they read, what they but, who the thought leader is within your niche. The top books on the subject, etc. You can do some free research which will only cost you some time. Or you can hire a company who specializes in this type of research like, mintel.com.
• Conversion - you are going to need to understand what this means. The definitions as we use it is; the process of going from a browser to a buyer. This will include list building, email prospecting, tele-calls, webinars, speaking etc. Any activity that helps your prospective buyer learn more about you and your book and why they need to buy it Today!
• Networking - you are also going to need to Master the process of networking. Where to go to find where your buyers hang out. How to approach them, how to connect with the perceived experts within your niches network. Even more importantly you are going to need to be able to crate and craft persuasive joint venture deals that you can leverage into highly profitable business deals.
• Differentiation - this and this alone can mean the difference between success and failure. No one needs another book on your subject, but if you can make it interesting, different and unique even if it's on an old subject can help you standout form the crowd and become a leader in an otherwise crowded and tired field. Remember if you're in this business for the long haul you are going to need to build a sustainable book marketing model that can succeed over the long haul.

Book Marketing Tips - 4 Must Have Points for Authors

To start with there are many ways to fail at marketing your book. However believe it or not you only need to do a few things well to succeed. It really is that simple, moreover if your success relies on only needing to do a few things well why wouldn't you want to use them.

So let's get started;

• Repurpose - You will want to be able to reach your readers with audio, video, articles, etc. Getting the word out about your newest novel will require you to market via channels such as YouTube, with podcasting and with article marketing to name a few. A simple way to repurpose your material is to take a part of your book and create an article to post online, then record it and post it in a podcast directory and then create a short video reading the same content. This will help you reuse the same material with no need to create new material other then what's in your book already. Yet you will be able to reach deep into several channels where your target readers can find you in the medium they prefer.

• Budget - yes you need to create a financial and time budget to invest in your book marketing efforts. DO NOT trust your gut and work on selling your cutting edge sci-fi only when you feel like it. Instead get a calendar and plan out your time and efforts if you want to be profitably successful. Nothing comes easy or free you are going to need some time and money expects this right from the start.

• Keywords - yes you need to understand keywords, for your websites metatags, search engine optimization efforts as well as for research in your niche and industry. You will sell your books online largely based on consumers being able to find you and your product. This is an important component to your online success so generate a list of at least a dozen words and phrases that are keywords in your niche.

• Testing & Tracking - if you plan on being able to test, track and adjust your efforts to optimize your income than you are going to need to learn about Google analytics, click-through rates, tracking code, conversions rates and more. Now again you do not need to master these to the degree that you can perform each step yourself, but you do need to know that when hiring professionals you are going to need to know what to look for when hiring them.

How to Sell Books to Independent Bookstores

Numerous experts in the book publishing business, including John Kremer, Dan Poynter, and countless others, subscribe to the belief that bookstores are the worst place to sell your book. They have some legitimate reasons for making that statement, including:

• The shelf life of a traditionally published book is about three months in a bookstore.
• Your audience may not include people who go to bookstores.
• Your book will not stand out among countless other books on the bookstore shelves.
• You can make more money selling your book yourself at author events.

These points are all valid. But that doesn't mean an author shouldn't devote time to building strong relationships with bookstores regardless, and good relationships, especially with your local and independent bookstores, can result in significant sales and publicity.

Most people who love books and read lots of books still visit bookstores. I've seen Jack Canfield state that only one in seven people visit bookstores. But if you do the math, one in seven Americans is a heck of a lot-about 45 million people. That's one big potential audience. Yes, people might see your book in other places, including gift shops, craft shows, and the Internet, but if 45 million people are visiting bookstores, I think there's a good chance you'll sell some books there

Authors should try to work with chain/big box and independent bookstores, but most authors, whether traditionally or independently published, will find independent bookstores more receptive to working with them. Big box stores tend to have a lot of red tape and corporate policies that make them unfriendly to self-published and local authors. Even if the local branch of a big chain store wants to work with an author, it is often helpless to do so because of corporate guidelines that govern return policies or refuse to carry self-published books. In addition, chain stores tend to have larger staff and greater turnover that make it more difficult for authors to build relationships with store employees. And yes, your books stand a good chance of being buried on the shelves in a big box chain store.

Independent bookstores, by comparison, can be a delight to work with. People who work in independent bookstores love books. They are big readers, and if you develop a relationship with those people, they are going to remember you and your book and recommend it to people. If you build a relationship with an independent bookstore's employees, they will reciprocate by acting as intermediary in building a relationship between you and your reader.

Here are just a few of the benefits authors I know have received from working with independent bookstores:

1. Independent bookstores advertise in local newspapers, on local television, and in other outlets to get customers into their stores. When was the last time you saw an advertisement on TV or in the newspaper for Amazon or Barnes & Noble? While many people go online to buy books, there remains a huge population of seniors who are avid readers and have a lot of time on their hands to read, but they have resisted being online. They are more likely to find out about your book through TV and newspapers, so bookstores that advertise your book signings and books will reach this audience as well as local readers in general. Seniors are also more likely to shop in brick-and-mortar local bookstores.
2. Local independent bookstore employees know you so they are more likely to host a book signing for you. And because you live nearby, if they have a cancellation by another author for an event, they might even call you up to come and participate.
3. When customers ask for suggestions, employees at the bookstore you have a relationship with are more likely to have read your book and recommend it to customers.
4. The money from sales at independent bookstores stays within the community-you're not sending that money off to another state. It provides jobs within your community and supports the bookstore's local staff. It generates money into the community and to the people who are likely to buy your books.
5. Independent bookstores may work on consignment or may buy directly from the author. Either way, once the books are sold, it's rare for an author to have to wait 90 days for payment, which is the typical wait when dealing with big box stores, book distributors, or traditional publishers.
6. Libraries love to deal with independent bookstores because they are more flexible than big chains at giving libraries special rates. If your books are at independent bookstores, libraries will be more likely to buy them.
7. Independent bookstores will often sponsor events with the local library, as well as participate in local festivals. Big box stores are much less likely to participate in community events. As a result, authors associated with independent bookstores can build their connections to key organizers of community events. An author associated with a local independent bookstore can create greater community awareness of his books and build up a community perception that he is "one of them," thus becoming a local celebrity.
8. Because of their close association with libraries, independent bookstore owners and managers have been known to sit on library boards and participate in greater statewide book events, such as deciding on a "community read" or even which books the state library will promote as notable. A relationship with the bookstore can help your book to get noticed for these reading programs.
9. Authors who have relationships with independent bookstores are more likely to have their books receive better product placement in those stores, including in the front window, on the first table in the store, and on the front counter-in other words, it's not true your book will be lost among the thousands of other books.
10. Independent bookstores often work with one another. Because they care about the community and keeping money in the local area, I have known bookstore managers who, if they don't have a title in the store a customer wants right away, will call up another store in the same or neighboring town to find a copy for the customer so the customer won't go to Amazon. If authors build relationships with all the bookstores within a hundred mile radius or so, they will likely never have to worry about losing sales because a local store ran out of their books.