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Book Marketing Tips

1)Begin your marketing plan even before you sit down to write. The first thing to do is to identify your audience. Whether fiction or nonfiction, if you have a specific niche of the market in mind before you start, you'll be more successful. Plan how you will reach and interest this audience. What format and features will make your book appeal to this niche? Too many writers get their books back from the printer and then start to think of how they're going to sell it. They've put the cart before the horse. If you have no idea how you'll sell your book, maybe you shouldn't have written it! To eliminate that sense of despair that can grip you as you set out to try to market your book, identify your target before you start and then build in a setting, a style, and other features that will appeal to this audience.

2) Be prepared to prove yourself with your first work. It may be difficult to convince a conventional publisher to take a risk on your manuscript. Show the confidence you have in yourself by taking that risk with your first work. Plan to put a great deal of personal effort into promoting your own book. This will prove yourself to agents and editors with conventional publishers.
3) Book promotion is a long-term project. New fiction often has a shelf life of a few months, unless it becomes a classic. Good, practical, timeless nonfiction can stay on the shelf for years. In either case, you can extend the shelf life of your work with promotion, which will multiply your sales. With works of fiction, your opportunities for promotion are more limited and would include efforts to promote yourself and with that promotion, mention your book. Or you can encourage people who have read the book and liked it to share those positive feelings with friends and by posting them to Amazon.com. With nonfiction, you have a wider range of options. In addition to the above, you can write articles relating to your book and mention your book in the bio note accompanying each article. You can create a web site on the same theme as your book and provide a free newsletter. You can offer seminars related to your book. When your book becomes outdated, create an updated edition or a derivative work based on the first edition.
4) For nonfiction, create a title that gives a clear idea of the subject of the book. In these days of web marketing, it is helpful to have in your title some key words that relate to the subject matter of your book. Is your book about management? Then have the word "management" in your title so that consumers can find you if they use "management" as a search term. Is your book going to be on the shelf? Then have a title that gives the essence of the book to a prospective buyer. People buy nonfiction that fills a need for them, so make your title sell your book by telling people what needs it is going to address. Notice the successful books listed below—can you tell if you're interested by reading the title?
5) Don't count on advertising to sell your books. Book ads will not of themselves bring you sales. They are helpful once a book is selling after publicity and word of mouth have already laid the groundwork. Instead, rely on publicity, good book reviews, good jacket appeal, talk show appearances, and endorsements to get your book moving. Sending out review copies to publications that would have an interest in your subject matter is probably the most cost-effective way to "advertise" your book.
6) When you have some success with talk-show hosts, reporters, or reviewers, be gracious—send a thank-you note. This is a nicety that many authors skip, but, when remembered, will make it more likely that they will invite you back.

Let's share more ideas and tips.

free promotion for your books

site: http://askdavid.com
book promotion details: http://askdavid.com/free-book-promotion

disclosure: I am the publisher of this site

about the site: This site publishes product reviews submitted by the community. In order to ensure high quality, all reviews are manually checked before they are published. Only reviews are accepted which can not be found elsewhere on the web. While users can review (almost) any kind of product, the main focus is books.

Recently I added the possibility for authors to promote their books on the site. All details can be found on http://askdavid.com/free-book-promotion - Give it a try and let me know what you think of it and what should be improved.

the most important facts:
* 100% free promotion for all your books
* you get links to your website; Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Myspace sites
* askDavid.com is a quality site

David

Promotional blog

A new blog to promote your book and allows author posts.
http://authorsandbooks.blogspot.com

How to market a book to a dual audience of artists and scientists.

My book: Parallel Worlds, explores a connection between art and science. My paintings and drawings are based on concepts which have a basis in both areas. I realize that normally this is a very difficult thing to do. But I believe my book has merit, where my paintings and drawings are used as metaphors for ideas in both art and science.

How to Write a Memoir in Twelve Easy Steps

check out my article here:

http://searchwarp.com/swa563374-How-To-Write-A-Memoir-In-Twelve-Easy-Ste...

Cooperative marketing: Let's link our blogs and websites to each other

What?: A way to drive more customers to our books and to improve the rankings of our websites and blogs.

How: By linking each other's sites to our own sites through a cooperative arrangement.

Method and rules:

  1. You have to have at least one PUBLISHED book for sale to participate.
  2. You have to have a blog or website, under your control, that you use to promote and or sell your book.
  3. Find or start a forum thread on this forum (Marketing).
    • Pick a genre (we'll use Science Fiction for an example).
    • Give the thread a name like Science Fiction Crosslink #2 if you're starting a new thread.
    • If you've started a new group, mention it on this thread so others can go right to it.
  4. Post your URL ("http://www.myblog.com") and some information about your book. Perhaps the elivator pitch you used on NothingBinding or something shorter including key phrases (see below) you'd like to see used.
  5. Keep an eye on the thread. When someone new shows up, post a link to their site on your site (perhaps in a sidebar?) with a very short description that includes the genre ("science fiction") and other descriptive phrases that will help your visitors to understand what the link is about. The "key" phrases used will help to increase Google (etc.) rankings for those phrases -- both for you and the other site.
  6. Check the other site to make sure they linked to you.
  7. Limit of 10 sites per group to keep everyone's site from looking like a "link farm". If all the "science fiction" groups are filled up when you arrive, start a new thread.
  8. Make sure your web page does not restrict links (there should not be a "nofollow" instruction that affects the entire page and each link should not be labeled "nofollow"). Make sure the "other guy" doesn't do this before you bother giving him a reciprocol link (View/Source in your browser and check the top part of the code and find the link to your site to make sure it's clean). Blogs (BlogSpot or WordPress) are particularly a problem in the comment area since they automatically insert a "nofollow" for links from people who comment on your post.

Signed Copies of Green Power

Going green and bioterrorism are at odds with each other in the action filled environmental thriller – Green Power. Signed copies can be ordered on amazon.com from GP_AUTHOR for $17.99 compared to the $24.95 amazon price. More info on book at: http://www.freewebs.com/vrooman

Freckeface Strawberry and the Dodgeball Bully

The National, virtual blog tour for actress, Julianne Moore's latest picture book, "Freckleface Strawberry and the Dodgeball Bully," is making a stop in Cynthia's Attic. Children's author, Mary Cunningham (Cynthia's Attic Series) is hosting Ms. Moore today, June 19, with interviews and information about Book Two in the delightful Freckleface series.

Who gets the last laugh? Freckleface or Windypants?

You'll also find a link for additional "Freckleface" tour stops.

http://www.cynthiasattic.blogspot.com

Mary Cunningham

http://www.marycunninghambooks.com

Evironmental Thriller - Green Power

Going green and bioterrorism are at odds with each other in the action filled environmental/medical thriller novel – Green Power.

Cow Power (methane digesters) is the driving force for the plot of this novel.

The antagonist resorts to bioterrorism to discredit the protagonist by making it look like it is the methane digesters that are the cause of a life threatening epidemic.

A detective story twist captivates the reader’s attention as both CDC and the FBI get involved.

This novel employs realistic situations like those found in Robin Cook’s books, while utilizing the opinion driven plot technique of Michael Palmer.

The theme of this novel is:

The negative energy of protest becomes a positive force once the creative use of green power is achieved.

More information at: http://www.freewebs.com/vrooman

Synarchy: Book One - The Awakening

Shocking yet hopeful, "Synarchy" slowly unravels the tightly laced reality we have created for ourselves. Blending the metaphysical with conspiracy, fact with fiction, debut author DCS has opened up a world that will force you to rethink everything you believe about your own. The knowledge within provokes the question: do you really want to know?

Read more from author, DCS!

http://www.booklandheights.blogspot.com

Sunny Frazier & the Christy Bristol Mysteries

Fast-paced and riveting, Fools Rush In is a salute to good cops, an insider's view of astrology, and a grim descent into the dark world of drug dealers.—Carolyn Hart, Agatha Award-winning author

Sunny Frazier is answering some amazing questions, today and tomorrow at Bookland Heights.

Authors - This is the place for promotion!

Readers - This is the place for great book ideas!

http://www.booklandheights.blogspot.com

Mary Cunningham

http://www.marycunninghambooks.com

Free Book Networking Provided by Two Authors

Two authors are going to new heights to promote not only their books, but books of other authors! You can find out more at http://www.booklandheights.blogspot.com
Today, we feature Norm Cowie...and his guy "Guy"

Patricia Harmon author "the blue cotton gown"

Her book gets raves from People Magazine, etc
http://www.booklandheights.blogspot.com

Carl Brookins Today on Bookland Heights

If you don't know Carl Brookins, check his books out today on Bookland Heights!

He writes three series: a sailing adventure series featuring Michael Tanner and Mary Whitney, the Sean Sean private investigator series and has introduced a new protagonist, Jack Marston, a mid-level administrator at an urban college. His short work appears in anthologies Silence of the Loons, Resort to Murder, and Heat of the Moment.

http://www.booklandheights.blogspot.com

*Authors - if you would like to promote your books, please visit the site and e-mail us!

New Author Marketing/Promotion Tool

Two Authors understand the need for marketing...
Developed http://www.booklandheights.blogspot.com
Moving to New Heights in the Land of Books!

Author Promotion blog - Get on board the A-Train - It's Free!

We've started a new blog where authors can promote their book(s) and readers have easy access to web links for great books of all genres.

The launch was this week and stops are going fast at Bookland Heights. Check us out and see how easy promotion can be!

http://www.booklandheights.blogspot.com

Mary Cunningham

http://www.marycunninghambooks.com
http://www.cynthiasattic.blogspot.com
http://www.woofersclub.blogspot.com

What is your experience with Kindle Books pricing

It looks like the Kindle agreement on Amazon.com says that they can price the digital book at any price they want. I see lots of books priced at zero dollars. If I list my books on Kindle, is it likely that they would price my books at zero? It looks like I could not do anything about it if they did.

As a potential Kindle device customer (as well as an author), this makes me hesitate to buy the Kindle because I am thinking there will not be much selection of books. Many authors and publishers would not list their books on Kindle because of the potential that their books would be priced at zero forever.

Has anyone published on Kindle? How can I ask Amazon to let me set a minimum price for my books? What are the pros and cons?

Thanks
Donna Jaske
www.forhonor.com

Where to Find Me on the 'Net This Week

Well, December is turning into quite the busy month for me so far! I am continuing my whirlwind journey through the blogosphere talking about my book, Nora's Soul, writing and life in general.

All this week, I am the Spotlight Theater Guest over at Writers and Readers of Distinctive Fiction:

http://romancewriterandreader.ning.com/

Today, I am being interviewed by Allie Boniface at her blog:

http://allieboniface.blogspot.com/2008/12/writers.html

Tomorrow, I will be doing a guest blog over at Wild On Books:

http://blog.wildonbooks.com/

Stop by and post a comment, if you have a chance. I'd love to see you there!

Margay Leah Justice, author of Nora's Soul, published by Second Wind Publishing, LLC

Available now on Amazon.com

My Pushcart Prize Nomination

It’s every serious writer’s dream to have a story nominated for the coveted Pushcart Prize, one of the highest honors in the writing world.

Publishers who publish stories and poetry can nominate up to six pieces of published writing per year to submit for a Pushcart Prize. While many publishers do this, being chosen out of all the pieces each publishes per year is, in itself, an honor.

I received a message this morning from Silver Boomer Books that they have nominated my flash story, “The Last Thing I Do,” for a Pushcart Prize. They also published my flash piece “Rituals” in this anthology.

“Last Thing” was published earlier this year in their anthology, Freckles to Wrinkles.

An explanation of the Pushcart Prize.

Mary
Write Any Genre

invitation

INVITATION NOT PROMOTION

ALL THINGS THAT MATTER PRESS is up and running! Our first two books, COLLECTED MESSAGES: GUIDES FOR PERSONAL TRANSFORMATION Books I and II are now on Mobipocket as ebooks. Book I is in print and on Amazon.com. 3 more books are in the pipeline and we are about to sign on several new authors with submissions rolling in.

HERE'S THE INVITATION

You all know that in addition to the efforts of the publisher, the author's work just begins when the book becomes available. We will be adding an AUTHOR'S RESOURCE page on our web site, http://allthingstha tmatterpress. com . Many of you, and you know who you are, have services/books that can help an author promote and market their new books. I invite you to us send a description of your services/books and contact information for our site. We will not endorse any of these but we will make them available to our authors.

If you are sending in book titles please include the price-I know that is impossible for services since each situation is unique. We do reserve the right to not include your request for inclusion. I have talked to many of you, but not all of you.

If any of you have written in the spiritual/self- help genre, I would be particularly interested in your book submission. We are, of course interested in other genres.

I hope to hear from you.

Phil

Sell your creations — or share them for free. It’s all up to you!

hey all:

I just heard abot this site. It might be good, or not, but it is anotehr avenuwe to distribute your works. Plus it's free to join and post your works.

YouPublish lets you publish any file, so you can upload books, music, videos, photos,
spreadsheets, CG files, seminar packages, software, lesson plans, corporate documents…
whatever!

And you can sell your creations — or share them for free. It’s all up to you!

http://www.youpublish.com/referredby/michaelrener

Creators of all ages are demonstrating the power of YouPublish to share one's passion. With
the ability to upload any file type in any combination, their shelves are stocked with a
wide variety of e-books, songs, videos, photos, sheet music, games, and more!

http://www.youpublish.com/referredby/michaelrener

Mahalo.

P.S.

While you're there stop by my area and check out my offerings.

http://www.youpublish.com/michaelrener

P.P.S.

Don't forget for resources, tips etc stop by renspubhouse.com

http://www.renspubhouse.com

Little shop window

Hi all,

I have just updated my website http://www.beauxreflets.com and now offer the opportunity for other writers to increase their level of Internet exposure.

The idea behind the Collectable's page is two fold. Firstly I hope it will become a place to inspire writers (new and experienced); and secondly a place where author's and writers may advertise by displaying their talent (with or without a link to where visitors to the page can find more of a particular writers work)

You will find more details on the web site and I hope you enjoy your visit

Regards

Andy

A Welcome and a Few Ideas

I am new to Nothing Binding and learning how the forums work. I'd like to say hello to you all, and to thank you for sharing your information.

In other forums, I've found that a lot of emphasis is placed on bookmarks that feature your website, name, book title, and/or contact information. These bookmarks are a great addition to tables during signings and readings, and can also be "left behind" or displayed in libraries and shops. Because a bookmark is functional, it seems to be picked up with more regularity than a business card.

Because my latest title is a non-fiction Pagan spiritual work, it doesn't lend itself to readings. So, I get my exposure in other ways. I read Tarot and tea in my community and use that as a way to get my name out and direct individuals toward my website. I also offer to lead guided meditations and round-table discussions. Harnessing your other abilities can lead to a lot of visibility, as well as credibility. (I read Tarot at an event two weeks ago and several people bought my book as a result.)

When I cannot attend an event that draws my audience, I often donate a free t-shirt or hat to be used as a raffle item. I have these made on demand so that I don't have to invest a large amount of money all at once. They feature a witty or funny slogan on the front and my website on the back. Because the shirt is funny, it's appropriate to be worn anytime without the wearer feeling like a billboard. At the same time, the website on the back gently urges like-minded people to check out my work.

I really recommend using all of the online tools that you can. I have a website, a blog, a MySpace page, a Listall page, an Author's Den page, a Writing.com page, and more. The trick is to remember each one and visit it as often as you can to maintain it. I make sure to set up an auto-alert on each profile so that I can respond to messages and reviews quickly. I apply myself to each profile, not only using it to post a blurb about the book, but also to express who I am and where I'm coming from. No one wants to communicate with an advertisement, but meeting a person who is also an author is cool.

I guess my personal marketing style is to be real, let my personality and talents make the first impression, and follow up with advertising materials. In my opinion, that's the best way to get your audience's attention without seeming to be all about the money. ;)

Thanks again for all of your helpful tips!

Anda
www.andapowers.com

...er...hello?

This forum looks kinda dusty. Is everyone hanging out somewhere else?

Unexpected Promotional Reward

As a writer, I've always believed that. in some way, we need to reward those who help us. (Actually I believe that about all of life.) When I had my photo taken for my latest novel, I told the photographer and shop owner that I would acknowledge the Faces Studio in my book. I did. But I was so grateful to find someone who could produce a likeable photo that I also sent her a copy of the book. She was, after all, excited to know her work would appear on a book cover.

This is what she wrote in her recent email:

Aloha Mary,

How have you been? Thank you for the signed copy of your book and we also appreciate how you have quoted us inside the book. Our plan is to leave this book on our store counter to share with our customers and introduce your book and our work within it. I’m glad to hear that you really like the picture and if you ever stop by Oahu again please come and visit us. Can’t wait to see your other book go into production! Thank you.

Jennie Hwang
Faces Studio and Salon

What a great way to promote both my book and her talents. You can bet I will have the photo for my next book taken at Faces Studio and Salon. They are superior people.

How to market yourself as a publicist

Hi All
I am a virtual assistant and I have just finished a short term course on publicist.Please I want to ask this forum how do I market myself and which typyes of places can I do it.Anybody have any ideas or other resources I can use.

Thank you
xpert virtual assistant serivces.

YouTube

Hi all,

Maximising exposure on the Internet seems a constant for us all.

Having published a short video http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=Qa-XJlhd7R4 for my own work, I found myself choosing a few videos by others to incorporate into my web site in an effort to forge appropiate links towards the sharing and being shared ideal.

If you feel you would like additional exposure, a link to your work and it is of 'beaux reflets' then please e mail me details.

http://www.beauxreflets.com/collectables.html

New marketing ideas gratefully received.

Regards

Andy