Jodee Speaks

How to Get Your Self-Published Book into Large Retail Chains

When most people dream of being an author, they imagine their books displayed on the shelves of their favorite bookstores. While the accessibility and immediacy of ebooks is unbeatable, there is just something so appealing — to authors and their readers — about seeing a book on the shelf at a book store, picking it up and flipping through the bags, and enjoying the smell and feel of a new book.

So how do you get your self-published book one of those highly coveted spots on the large retailer shelves? The short answer: one step at a time. These step-by-step strategies can get you closer to your bookstore goals:

  • Start with online and in-person sales. Sell at book fairs, on your social media sites, at local events and any place you can set up a table and take payment.
  • Market your book. Set up a clear plan for marketing and publicizing your book so you can gather interest and increase sales.
  • Establish that your book is desirable. Track every sale and look for patterns of growth. This information is appealing to book retailers.
  • Use those sales figures. Once you’ve established that you have, or are heading toward, positive sales trends, start talking to local bookstores, seeking a commitment to carry your book.
  • Tailor your product. Armed with your bookstore commitments, work with your self- publishing company to change your trade discount and retail price and add retail returns, so bookstores can carry your book.
  • Expand to larger markets. Put together a proposal to submit to bookstore contacts and approach larger markets about getting your self-published book on their shelves.

Getting into big retail stores can be a difficult process, but if you keep your eye on the big picture and work consistently toward your goal, it’s doable.

ABOUT JODEE THAYER: With over 25 years of experience in sales and management, Jodee Thayer works as the Director of Author Services for Outskirts Press. The Author Services Department is composed of knowledgeable customer service reps and publishing consultants; together, they all focus on educating authors on the self-publishing process in order to help them publish the book of their dreams. Whether you are a professional looking to take your career to the next level with platform-driven non-fiction or a novelist seeking fame, fortune, and/or personal fulfillment, Jodee Thayer can put you on the right path.
Conversations with a Self-Publishing Writer, Royalene Speaks, Uncategorized

Friday Conversations With A Self-Publishing Writer 6/27/14

TYPE FASTER!

Last month I attended an awards banquet for authors.  I was so excited to see such a variety of unconventional writers being recognized.  These were folks who wrote with passion, flamboyance and flare that could only come from their pens.  They inspired me!  Then, a few days later, I recalled a quote from one of my favorite authors, Isaac Asimov.  Remember him?  He’s the American author (and professor of biochemistry) who “saw” the world and universe in such unique ways and reached millions of readers through his science fiction books.  To writers then and now, Asimov spoke clearly these words of encouragement:  “If my doctor told me I had only six minutes to live, I wouldn’t brood. I’d type a little faster.”

Asimov has given me another level of encouragement, too; one that has pushed me (personally) outside of the genre box that first enclosed me.  He wrote in multiple genres: science textbooks; popular science; essays; mystery; scientific science fiction and social science fiction.  And he also wrote literary criticism pieces.  So for those of us who have painted ourselves into a corner—think again.  The gift of writing we’ve been given has many functions!  We need not be “nailed” to one genre!

When trying to encourage a friend (writer) several months ago—sharing the concept of not being “pegged” as only one type of author—I found myself stopping mid-sentence and then changing the subject.  This particular friend was not hearing what was being said.  Her mind was SET.  She was a Romance Writer and that was all there was to it.  And (sad for me), she believed that the only avenue of publication for her work was with the main-street publishers—the Houghton Mifflins and Random Houses.  She had sent her manuscript and was waiting.

So it is, my friends, that as I write today’s blog, I am hoping you can see beyond the “blinders.”  Look to your writings and re-discover them!  What other genres do your topics suggest?  My friend’s romance novel could have easily been enhanced with historical references and possibly action/adventure/mystery.  Plus, her own experiences in the writing craft could be expanded into articles for writers’ magazines and ezines.  Plus…Plus…Plus!

AND, don’t miss the opportunities of partnering with a self-publisher and their professional teams of layout designers, editors, marketing experts, etc.  You will, of course, need to research the one’s labeled as “the best” or “fastest” or “least expensive.”  QUALITY of product is what you’re looking for and having the personal power to make your own decisions is a great PLUS with these companies.  Their self-publishing “business” is a “service” business that has become a true blessing in the lives of authors and readers, today.

So…type faster!  Let those ideas flow!  Get the books published and hold your dreams in your hands.

Royalene ABOUT ROYALENE DOYLE: Royalene Doyle is a Ghostwriter with Outskirts Press, bringing more than 35 years of writing experience to authors who need “just a little assistance” with completing their writing projects. She has worked with both experienced and fledgling writers helping complete projects in multiple genres. When a writer brings the passion they have for their work and combines it with Royalene’s passion to see the finished project in print, books are published and the writer’s legacy is passed forward.
Self-Publishing Book Review of the Week

Weekly Self-Published Book Review: The Last Buffalo

Book reviews are a great way for self-publishing authors to gain exposure. After all, how can someone buy your book if he or she doesn’t know it exists? Paired with other elements of your book promotion strategy, requesting reviews is a great way to get people talking about what you’ve written.

When we read good reviews, we definitely like to share them. It gives the author a few (permanent) moments of fame and allows us to let the community know about a great book. Here’s this week’s book review by Midwest Book Review:

 

The Last Buffalo

Ed Kienzle

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 9781478709442

“The Last Buffalo” by Ed Kienzle is a book about 12-year-old Wyman and his uncle Little Kettle on their adventure to save the buffalo. It all started when Wyman was born and Little Kettle proclaimed him keeper of the buffalo. He made sure that from the start Wyman loved the buffalo. When Wyman started getting dreams about a mysterious buffalo that he could not see, Little Kettle and Wyman set off to Yellowstone Park, a ten hour drive from where they live, to see if they can save the buffalo that have been getting shot when they cross the border. They also want to find the meaning of his dreams. Along the way he finds allies in the most unlikely of places. Will he be able to save the buffalo or will the ranchers get the best of him and kill the buffalo that cross the border of Yellowstone? Read and find out.
The characters were easy to relate to and enjoy. There were not too many or too few and each one had a distinct personality that was easy to like. My favorite character was Wyman who had trouble at school since everyone was bullying him because he was the keeper of the buffalo. He was adventurous and enjoyed nature. He also was nice and easy to be around.
I would recommend “The Last Buffalo” by Ed Kienzle to people who like adventure and action. I think all people young and old would like this book. I could not put this book down until I finished it. It was smoothly written and easy to follow, making it an easy read.

Kelly Speaks, Uncategorized, Writing

Summer Writing Goals

Summer is the perfect time to set and accomplish writing goals. Many people have time off work. The extra daylight makes you feel like you have more time in the day. The season is filled with inspiration. Whether you haven’t started your book or your book is already published, here are three ways you can make your writing dreams come true this summer.

1. The new project.

You’ve been dreaming of publishing a book, but you haven’t found the time or motivation. Well, now is the perfect time to start. Commit to the goal of finishing your manuscript by the end of August. Use small daily goals, such as writing for a certain amount of time, to help you achieve your dream.

2. The published book.

Perhaps you have a manuscript that is ready to be published. Now is the perfect time to start the publishing process. Your goals should include:

  • Research and choose a publisher.
  • Edit your manuscript.
  • Start thinking about cover design.

3. The successful book.

If you’ve already published your book, now is the time to focus on marketing. A great marketing plan is the key to a successful book. No one can buy your book if they don’t know it exists. Set marketing goals such as:

  • Research summer events where you can display (and sell) your book.
  • Set up and maintain social media pages.
  • Contact local news sources.

I’d love to know, what are your summer writing goals?

ABOUT KELLY SCHUKNECHT: Kelly Schuknecht is the Vice President of Outskirts Press. In addition to her contributions to the Outskirts Press blog at blog.outskirtspress.com, Kelly and a group of talented marketing experts offer book marketing services, support, and products to not only published Outskirts Press authors, but to all authors and professionals who are interested in marketing their books and/or careers. Learn more about Kelly on her blog at http://kellyschuknecht.com.
Kelly Speaks, Self-Publishing Week in Review

Self-Publishing Week in Review: 6/24/14

As a self-publishing author, you may find it helpful to stay up-to-date on the trends and news related to the self-publishing industry. This will help you make informed decisions before, during and after the self-publishing process, which will lead to a greater self-publishing experience. To help you stay current on self-publishing topics, simply visit our blog every Tuesday to find out the hottest news.

Self-publishing industry empowers local authors, service providers

This article shares self-publishing statistics and tips for marketing your book. It is an interesting read for all writers.

Self-Publishing Offers Hope for Diverse Authors Shut Out by Traditional Publishers

This article points out the lack of diversity in the publishing industry and how self-publishing can help close the gap. Self-publishing gives readers access to stories, characters, and settings outside the “mainstream.”

DIY: Book Jacket and Cover Design

This article shares why it may be a good investment to hire a professional to design your book cover. It shares how to choose a designer and how to maximize the design. This is a great read for anyone deciding whether to design their own cover or hire a professional.

If you have other big news to share, please comment below.

ABOUT KELLY SCHUKNECHT: Kelly Schuknecht is the Vice President of Outskirts Press. In addition to her contributions to the Outskirts Press blog at blog.outskirtspress.com, Kelly and a group of talented marketing experts offer book marketing services, support, and products to not only published Outskirts Press authors, but to all authors and professionals who are interested in marketing their books and/or careers. Learn more about Kelly on her blog at http://kellyschuknecht.com.