Guest Expert: Laurel Marshfield
eBook Writer
In the mid-1960s, the Beatles recorded “Paperback Writer,” a song that could be said to mirror the controlled frenzy currently surrounding eBooks. Why so?
With its good-natured satire, the song lends a soundtrack to the hopes that many authors have for this new publishing medium. And if the Beatles had written their hit tune today, surely they would have titled it “eBook Writer.”
While the Fab Four here underscore the uncertainty Read more [...]
Category: Book Marketing Mondays
Book Marketing is Not the Same as Sales
Many authors mistakenly think that selling and marketing are the same. They aren't. You may already know that the book marketing process is broad and includes all of the following:
1. Identifying your target readers
2. Deciding upon a suitable subject, story and style
3. Writing and editing the book
4. Developing a suitable title for the book
5. Creating an attractive book cover
6. Getting reviews and endorsements from mavens and influential publications
7. Setting up distribution for your Read more [...]
Book Marketing Mondays: Building Your Author Platform
Guest Expert: Dana Lynn Smith
As a book author, you've probably seen the term author platform used a lot, but you may be wondering: what is a platform, how do I get one, and when should I begin?
Your author platform determines your reach in the marketplace and it's important to your book promotion success. There are lots of definitions for author platform, but it basically boils down to three things:
• Brand
• Reputation
• Connections
If you're hoping to land a book deal with Read more [...]
Book Marketing Mondays: Authors & Marketers: The 5 Most Asked Questions Answered
Guest Expert: Jo-Anne Vandermeulen
Throughout the year, I have had many opportunities to submit and host interviews. Some have been author focused…others have been market focused…and yet, my favorite is a blend. Perhaps it’s time not to consider both as separate.
Wouldn’t your life be a lot easier if you combined yourself as both an author and marketer?
Here are the top 5 most asked questions:
1.) When should I start marketing?
Building an author platform begins even before Read more [...]
Book Marketing Mondays: Recognize Your Clients/Readers To Show Appreciation
Guest Expert: Tony Eldridge
Marketing, especially book marketing, takes place on two fronts. First, the front that helps us find new readers. Second, the front that helps us keep the readers we already have. Why is it important to keep our current readers? Because they help us spread the word about our book; they buy more copies of our books as gifts for others, and they buy our new books when they come out.
So, as we focus on finding new readers, let’s not forget the ones we already have. Read more [...]
Book Marketing Mondays: Top Ten Ways Authors Can Use Twitter
Guest Expert: Dana Lynn Smith
Twitter is a great tool for building an author platform and promoting books. Here are some of the top ways authors can benefit from Twittering:
1. Help others by sharing information, while you gain a reputation as an expert. Nonfiction authors can post links to helpful articles, recommend resources, and teach mini-lessons. Fiction authors can talk about their genre. Children's authors can promote literacy, share information about the benefits of reading for children Read more [...]
Book Marketing Mondays: EBooks Set Record Sales – Indie Authors Gain Power
Guest Expert: Jo-Anne Vandermeulen
THE EBOOK MARKET IS EXPLODING! Even with less than 3 months left, the first 9 months into 2010 shows eBooks TRIPLING wholesale revenues. EBooks set record sales:
“eBooks reached an all time record in the book industries at 9% of ALL wholesale book revenues, jumping drastically from the 3% in 2009 and 1% in 2008.” - stats from the Association of American Publishers and quoted by Mark Coker- Founder and CEO of Smashwords.
GREATER ECONOMIC ADVANTAGES FOR Read more [...]
Book Marketing Mondays: Important Communication Lessons Learned From The 2010 Midterm Elections
Guest Expert: Tony Eldridge
Tomorrow is the mid-term election in the United States. Regardless who your favorite candidate is, there are some great communication lessons authors you can learn by observing what is happening. Some lessons may be worthy to emulate while others may be best to steer clear from. While politics can be divisive, your marketing business communications, for the most part, should not be.
Communications is important: Whether you are talking debates, commercials, editorials, Read more [...]
Book Marketing Mondays: Pimp Your Cover
Pimp Your Cover: It Has to Survive "The Glance Test.”
Guest Expert: Aggie Villanueva
A book cover is an author’s brand. It’s the only initial point of interest, and the first point of purchase. No one will flip it and read your genius summary on the back, if your cover doesn’t convince them to pick it up (or click on it).
Covers do more than attract buyers’ attention; they should enhance the salability of your book no matter where it’s sold. Will booksellers be proud to display Read more [...]
Book Marketing Mondays: 10 Ways to Promote Your Book in Your Own Backyard
Guest Expert: Dana Lynn Smith
Online marketing is a terrific way to promote your book to a worldwide audience, but sometimes authors overlook book marketing opportunities in their own backyard.
In your local area and region, you have the opportunity to stand out as a bigger fish in a smaller pond. Here are ten tips to promote your book in your own area:
1. Always carry books and literature with you. Keep a case of books and some flyers in the trunk of your car, and business cards in your Read more [...]
