Promotion - Credibility Extras

For many of us, marketing our titles is one of the most tedious tasks of being an author. Even authors who published with large New York houses are expected to take part in marketing and promotion. Many articles and several books have been written to give us guidelines. One thing all marketing experts stress is the importance of being professional.

Here are several extras that other industries use, and we authors should too, to boost our professional credibility. Remember BUYERS are your clients. Treat them as such.

LOGO -- What kind of logo for an author? Pens, stacked books, computer keyboards? Think more of your product and develop something that reflects the subject of your books. This is not something to use when you query for publication or representation, but AFTER you have a finished, marketable product.

PAPER GOODS

• Invest in professional letterhead. Use your logo and give concise contact information, including e-mail and web sites. It should be 24# paper with matching envelopes. Use this for regular letters, and for any invoices you send out.

• Along with this letterhead, you should have attractive or matching business cards--again using your logo. Do not put your address on the business cards. Telephone, e-mail and web site is enough. Hand out these cards to anyone who glances your way.

• Do you have bookmarks? Use colorful card stock, and on one side put your logo, list your contact information (P O Box is recommended) and perhaps a friendly comment. On the reverse side, list your titles and a short (25 words max.) review by a third party. Use them for handouts, and include them with every book you sell.

It's also important to make certain your books are always in the public eye. An easy way to do this is with flyers. Keep at least two varieties in your car (along with a tin of push pins).

A flyer for your local region that advertises your book, your web site and you as a commodity (speaker, workshop leader, et cetera). It should list the places your books can be purchased.

A flyer for when you're away from home that highlights your titles and where they can be found online.

Design the flyers with an angle to the time of year, the region or some other feature that will make them stand out. On both flyers, be certain all the contact information is in large non-frilly type. Mention any specials you can think up. FREE GIFT could mean an inexpensive bookmark thrown in, and you can encourage buyers to your site by featuring autographed books.

Put these flyers up on bulletin boards in libraries, churches, supermarkets, colleges...and any facilities that relate to your subject matter. Drop them off with local radio and TV stations, especially if you're available for interviews. Send copies to your regional newspapers.

Developing flyers isn't difficult with today's basic computer software. The best size is 5"x7". You can enhance a simple, white-paper printout by mounting it on a larger sheet of colored construction paper.

Fifty of each flyer is a good start, and shouldn't cost more than $5.00 (for black and white)--a bit more if you use commercial facilities.

FOLLOW UP -- If you have negotiated for your titles to be carried in independent bookstores and gift shops, it is a nice touch to send a thank-you note right after the books are placed. Also send thank-you notes to the coordinators of any book festivals or bazaars you attend. And don't forget these helpful people during the holidays. Send a greeting card--and tuck in your business card.

These professional touches will keep your name fresh in the minds your the public and help build a larger clientele--your fan base. The cost for these is slight, and if you're persistent with these easily done "extras," your returns will be considerably higher.

About The Author

Karyn Follis Cheatham has published articles, poetry and several books--nonfiction and fiction. She also designs and manages web sites. Information about the literary services she offers can be found at www.kaios.com/litserv.htm. Be sure to visit her web site www.kaios.com and sign up for the free writing tips newsletter. Contact at karyn@kaios.com

In The News:

---

Interview with Book and Marketing Coach-Judy Cullins - Part 2

To know what to do at the right time in... Read More

Writing a Book?s Marketing Plan for Maximum Profit

Much has been written about book proposals. But less has... Read More

What?s Wrong with the Internet? It Must be Broken!

After months of scouring the internet, I could not put... Read More

Discover 3 Easy Ways to Promote Your Articles

Are you using these methods to promote your articles?If not,... Read More

Book Titles that Make Big Bucks

Do you know how readers decide to buy a book?... Read More

Self Publishing Success Starts With Marketing

Self-publishing is not for the faint of heart. The publication... Read More

How to Grab the No.2 Spot on Amazon for Advance Book Sales

When my first book was published way back ten years... Read More

Writers: The Truth About Advertising, Publicity, and PR

Many of us are trying to do business and don't... Read More

How Many Ways Can You License Your Tips Booklet?

You've been thinking about writing a tips booklet. After all,... Read More

Marketing Your Book on Radio

Have you listened to radio lately? If you have, chances... Read More

10 Reasons Why People Attend Book Signings

This is the survey result of 325 people conducted by... Read More

Colour and Book Covers - What You Should Know if Youre Self-Publishing

Color is tricky at the best of times. If you... Read More

Seven Really Truly Unique Ways to Sell More Books

These marketing tips aren't for the weak at heart. Use... Read More

Ten Ways to Make Your Book Outsell Another

Wouldn't you rather write a book that sells well than... Read More

Distribute Your Self-Published Book - Part 1

Where is your book now? With a distributor? In a... Read More

How to Send Press Releases to Newspapers About Your New Book

There are over ten thousand daily, weekly and monthly newspapers... Read More

Book Club Sales -- Increasing the Odds

What is a book club sale? It is actually a... Read More

Book Talks: What to Say and How to Say It

Great! The Chamber of Commerce, or a similar group, has... Read More

The Booklet Journey Opening a New World

1991 was a pivotal year in my life. My professional... Read More

Sell More Books With Your Sparkling Introduction

Why write an introduction? Nobody reads it anyway. Up until... Read More

Sell More Books With an E-mail Newsletter

NOTE: Because many words in this article are likely to... Read More

Interview with Book and Marketing Coach-Judy Cullins - Part 1

To know what to do at the right time in... Read More

The Perfect Book and Where to Find It!

If I was asked to describe the perfect book, one... Read More

Promotion - Credibility Extras

For many of us, marketing our titles is one of... Read More

Successful Book Marketing The Natural Way - Part 1

Is your mind muddy on book marketing? Do you wake... Read More

Top Ten Non-Techie Steps to Market your Book Online

Are you an author who is looking for new ways... Read More

Navigating the Amazon Sales Ranking

First, the disclaimers: Since the algorithm Amazon uses to generate... Read More

Book Marketing 101 - Setting up Author Events and Book Signings -- Get the Most from Book Publicity

We all have at one time or another had the... Read More

How to Sell Your E-book - (or other information product) - Through Quickie Seminars

I've been selling my own self-published information products (mainly e-books)... Read More

Design Each Part of your Book to Sell More Copies

Whether you are an ebook author/publisher or a print book... Read More

4 Questions to Answer Before Contacting a Book Agent

Obtaining agency representation is your first step toward getting profitably... Read More

How to Get More Readers For Your Book

Marketing your own book can seem like a scary task.... Read More

Book Signing for Experts

Think of your book on the bookstore shelf trying to... Read More