Tag: Promote

Book Promotion, Choosing a Publisher

Traditional Retailers and Self-Published Books

On Monday I mentioned how to find a Barnes and Noble near you to promote your self-published book. Whether you’ve already self-published or you are considering self-publishing, it is important to keep in mind that traditional book retailers often look for four things when deciding whether or not to stock a book on their shelves:

1) Availability with a distributor
2) A very attractive trade discount
3) A returns policy (Keep this in mind if you are searching for an on-demand company for your book since not all POD publishers offer a returnable option.)
4) And demand. As a self-published author, creating demand, or “buzz,” is up to your promotional efforts, but make sure the POD publisher you choose provides the necessary means to fulfill the other criteria.

Good luck and have fun!
Kelly Schuknecht
selfpublishingadvice.wordpress.com

Book Promotion

Promoting your Self-Published Book to Barnes & Noble

Sometimes the hardest part about promoting your self-published book is knowing where to go. The good news is, the Internet can help you find the locations of all the Barnes & Noble (and B. Dalton) bookstores in the nation.

It’s easy! There just might be one right around the corner from you.

Just go to:
barnesandnobleinc.com/stores/find_a_store.do

Good luck and have fun!
Kelly Schuknecht
selfpublishingadvice.wordpress.com

Book Promotion

Radio Market Tip for the Self-Published Author

Lately I’ve been discussing radio interviews for the self-published author. I hope you’ve found these tips helpful. On-air interviews are one of the staples of a good self-published book publicity campaign. Here’s one more tip to help you get started.

It probably comes as no surprise to you that New York is the largest radio market in the United States. But who is number 2? Or number 22? By understanding market size, you can better prioritize your on-air marketing efforts.

The link below will take you to lists of US Radio market size organized by size and also organized alphabetically by market name.

www.radio-media.com/markets

Good luck and have fun!

Kelly Schuknecht
selfpublishingadvice.wordpress.com

Book Promotion

Radio Interviews for the Self Published Author

On-air interviews are one of the staples of a good self-published book publicity campaign. Here are some tips that may help you secure some on-air interviews with radio stations:

TIP # 1 – Press releases are not just for the publication date. If your book has been out for awhile now, you may want to consider another press release with a different angle. The media likes topics that are fresh and new (that’s why they call it news), so come up with a different approach or “hook” for your book and draft another release. Then send it to your local media and follow-up in a few days with a phone call.

TIP # 2 – During the call, try to refrain from heavily pitching yourself or your book. The producers are only interested in one thing — whether or not YOU will be entertaining to their viewers or listeners. The way you can be entertaining is by establishing yourself as an expert on a subject people care about (and hopefully, in some way, is connected with your book).

TIP # 3 – Follow the news voraciously. The media likes nothing better than a savvy author who knows the hot topics of the moment and can be both entertaining AND topical. News stations are always looking for a tie-in between segments, something that is connected with the stories or news items they are reporting that day. When they report on a subject and then have an interview with an expert (you) connected to that very topic, they look good. (And you look good).

TIP # 4 – Producers keep hot-files. Even if you are NOT the current topic of the month, you may very well be the hot topic NEXT month. Be sure local media know about you and have your contact information so that when a story comes along that relates to your expertise, they know who to call. The easier you make their job, they more they will like you.

TIP # 5 – Try these website to find radio stations around the world: www.radiolocator.com and www.newslink.org

Good luck and have fun!
Kelly Schuknecht
selfpublishingadvice.wordpress.com

Book Promotion

Top 7 Radio Interview Tips for the Self Published Author

Have you done any radio interviews to promote your self-published book yet? If this is something you’re considering, here are the top 7 radio interview tips to keep in mind when you step in front of a microphone for a radio interview:

1. Your goal is to entertain the audience. Be lively and upbeat.

2. Your second goal is to get invited back by the host. S/he may do that if you are a good, lively, entertaining guest.

3. Your third goal is to have the host recommend you to other hosts. S/he may do that if you are a good, lively, entertaining guest.

4. Radio is not television. Normal communication is 80% non-verbal and you don’t have that advantage. Your voice inflection and energy has to pick up the slack.

5. Ask for a recording (mp3 or similar) in a follow-up communication to the host, which also expresses your thanks for being invited on the show.

6. Use the recording to secure future interviews and in your promotions.

7. Be clear about a “call to action” up front with the host. Will s/he be mentioning your book, or will you? Is the “call to action” to call into the show or is it getting the listeners to go to your webpage and order, or is it to go to Amazon and order? That’s up to the host. Asking them up front allows them to set the rules and that way you know what’s going to happen in advance. Word it like this: “I want to be sure I don’t over-step my bounds because I want to be entertaining for your listeners. Will you be mentioning my book at the beginning of the segment or the end? What’s best for you?”

Good luck and have fun!

Kelly Schuknecht
selfpublishingadvice.wordpress.com