I wish a marketing silver bullet existed. I’ve seen ads, websites and books all touting they can get you big books sales. But I think what Joleene Naylor said in last week’s blog sums it up: “If the product or service guarantees your book will be a success, walk away. No one can guarantee that.”
But I can give you some of my thoughts.
Press Release. If you have a target, then a good thing. I used a press release with a local newspaper that ran a feature of me and an upcoming book signing. Shot gunning news services without a clear goal, not a good thing.
Giving away books. It’s good PR. Trading free books for reviews never worked for me. They take the book and nada.
Discounting books. Yeah, it probably boosts sales but at what price? It takes lots of sales at $0.99 to yield same profit at $2.99. Still give it shot and see what happens.
Social Media. Not sure it will bring in sales, but it’s a great way to brand your name and your books.
Reviews. A good thing, although all five stars makes me wonder. Is the book that good or does the author have lots of friends?
Reviews on book blogs. I find most reviewers are swamped. Go for an interview instead. It takes less work for the reviewer and gets the same exposure. For the most fun, see if you can get a live interview.
Learn how to write. Putting out inferior work will not help futures sales. People will take a chance on a new writer once. But they will not keep buy clunkers.
Do a great cover. Eye candy sells. People judge a book by the cover.
Take your time. No one is an overnight success.
Most important: make writing your passion. This isn’t for the money. It’s for the reader.
"Learn how to write. Putting out inferior work will not help futures sales. People will take a chance on a new writer once. But they will not keep buy clunkers."
ReplyDeleteMost important tip up there. 100% agree. Wish I could say I 100% complied. Some of the early stuff is/was shocking.