Tag: Book Promotion

Jodee Speaks

Marketing for Self Publishing Procrastinators: Part 1 – Be Newsworthy

It often seems as though the terms writer and procrastinator go hand in hand. Many authors find themselves constantly putting off finishing or promoting their book. Maybe it is because the amount of work that goes into writing and promoting a book seems daunting or because authors aren’t sure where to start. Whatever the reason, I am here to help.

The key to overcoming procrastination is taking small steps towards accomplishing your goals. In this series of posts, I am going to help all of you procrastinators to promote your self published books so you can start increasing your exposure and sales.

This week, we will start with a simple press release. If you want people to buy your book or turn to you as an expert, people need to know  you exist. One of the most classic ways to do this is the press release. If you don’t already know, a press release is basically a news article that you write and submit to news sources. Thanks to the internet, this now easier than ever. Also, some self publishing companies will help you write and/or submit your press release. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when writing a press release.

  • Keep your audience in mind. Every publication caters to a specific market, so your press release should be written to catch the attention of the appropriate audience.
  • Include information about your book and yourself.  If your release only describes your book, you are writing an advertisement. If you share your story or the story behind the book, you are writing a news piece.
  • Make it professional. Most news sources will use a press release as is, so if it isn’t professionally written, they won’t publish it. Hire a ghostwriter or editor to help you if you need assistance. Not everyone can write marketing materials for their own books. It is a special skill.

For the procrastinators reading this post, share your story in the comment section below. What are your biggest obstacles? Your greatest strengths? Why do you procrastinate? Now, get offline and go work on your book.

ABOUT JODEE THAYER: With over 20 years of experience in sales and management, Jodee Thayer works as the Manager 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.
Kelly Speaks, Literacy Programs

Self-Publishing Authors Promoting Literacy by Donating Books

As a self-publishing author, you may be interested in supporting programs that promote literacy, learning, and the love of reading. Literacy Links is a volunteer tutoring organization that does just that. Their program not only helps improve people’s reading skills, but they help create a hunger for great literature.

Literacy Links is currently accepting book donations. These books will be given away at Halloween events in place of candy as a way to promote literacy and healthy living. (I have to admit, I wish someone would give my kids books instead of candy!)

You may be asking, why would I want to donate my book when my goal as a self-publishing author is to make money? Income is not the primary goal of every author. Many simply want to share a story or information or to contribute to the world of literature. Whatever your goal may be, donating books is a good way to increase exposure for your book (which can increase sales by word of mouth advertising). If you give a free book to a reader who loves your story, they are likely to share your book with their friends and family members, and that results in free exposure and positive reviews for your book.

You can also use your donation as a promotional opportunity — donate a large quantity of books and submit a press release that details your efforts to your local newspaper.

To learn how to donate to Literacy Links, visit http://www.literacylinkleamos.org/.

I’d love to know, have you ever donated copies of you book? If so, why did you choose to donate?

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.
Cover Design, Kelly Speaks

Are Book Covers Still Important in the Digital Age?

There was a time when readers would venture to a bookstore or library and browse the shelves for a book that grabbed their attention. Despite the old cliché “never judge a book by its cover,” most people are drawn to books with interesting cover art. While there are still people who purchase print books and who enjoy an afternoon stroll through a bookstore, more and more people are purchasing books online and using e-readers. This shift has authors, and artists, wondering if cover art is still important in the digital age.

While e-book formats require less emphasis on physical appearance (interior formatting is simpler and a full cover design is not necessary), they still need “cover” artwork. Since the reader will be viewing the cover on a screen, it is very important that the design is appealing and captures the essence of the book.

As a self-publishing author, it is important to consider the current trends when making decisions about your book. If you are only publishing an electronic version of your book at first, make sure the cover is appealing on a screen and grabs the attention of a potential reader.  The cover design of your e-book format is just as important as the full cover design of any hardcopy format.

I’d love to know, does the cover design make a difference in the e-books you choose to buy?

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.
Book Marketing, Kelly Speaks

How Far is Too Far? — Extreme Book Marketing Efforts by Joan Rivers

Did you ever think about chaining yourself to a Costco shopping cart to promote your book?  No?  Well, if you had, I’m sorry to tell you Joan Rivers beat you to it.

According to Rivers, Costco refuses to stock her book, “I Hate Everyone … Starting with Me,” which has made the New York Times bestseller list. The store reportedly banned the book because it has “naughty” words on the back cover. Fighting back, Rivers chained herself to a shopping cart in the store and shouted through a bullhorn, protesting the ban and (simultaneously) promoting her book. Police were called to the scene, but no citations were issued.

Many believe the protest was a staged publicity stunt to help promote the book. Rivers had her own film crew present as she protested, and she willingly talked to the media after the event. Whether the intention was to protest or promote, the story is creating a lot of buzz about the author and her new book. Some might say the old cliché “there is no such thing as bad publicity” is true.

Rivers shows the extremes to which some authors are willing to go in order to market their books, but she also teaches self-publishing authors an important lesson: not every retailer will be willing to stock your book, even if you think they should. Retailers do have guidelines they follow when it comes to which books they stock in their stores.  If a celebrity such as Joan Rivers can’t get her book (which, I remind you, is a New York Times bestseller) onto the shelves at Costco, self-publishing authors will most likely experience similar hurdles.

If one of your book marketing goals is to get your book onto the shelves of a major retailer, think about the marketing efforts you are currently making and learn from your experiences (and rejections, if you have had any). I don’t encourage you to chain yourself to a shopping cart in a bookstore parking lot, but if a bookstore tells you no, consider what other avenues you might take in order to accomplish your goal.

I’d love to know, what do you think of the Joan Rivers protest?

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.
Jodee Speaks

You Can’t Sell Your Car in the Garage

If you have a car for sale and you park it in your garage, there is a very small chance you will ever sell that car.  Your family, friends, and maybe a handful of neighbors might know the car is for sale, but that’s it.

If you are really serious about selling it, then you need to advertise. You might place ads on Craigslist, in the classifieds, or on bulletin boards. You will probably even put a for sale sign on the car and drive it around or park it on a corner with lots of traffic so people can see the sign.

The same is true with self-published books.

You can get your book published and distributed through Amazon and Barnes and Noble online, but no one will know to look for it there unless you tell them about it.  As you are planning and saving for your book publishing project, don’t forget about the ongoing need to market and promote your book.  It could be the next best-seller, but not if no one knows about it!

ABOUT JODEE THAYER: With over 20 years of experience in   sales and management, Jodee Thayer works as the Manager 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.