Thinking Outside the Box

I have a friend in my writers group who refers to me as "Mrs. Everywhere."  Contrary to what some may think the name implies (get your minds out of the gutter!), it's a moniker he gave me to represent the multitude of promotional events I participate in every year.  Many times during conversations when an event or venue is mentioned, I say I've either been there or will be there.  Keeping my name and face in front of my readers and potential readers is something I've always deemed important, and over the years, I've found the best way to do that is through using unique sales tactics.

For many writers, "selling books" means setting up space in a local book store for an afternoon and coercing all the patrons to buy your wares.  While book store signings are all well and good, there are numerous other ways to promote your work.  Here's a list of some you may not have considered:

1)  Set up a table at a local craft show.  People are there to buy, and often welcome something different from homemade candles or wood crafts.

2)  Libraries love to promote local authors.  Schedule a brief presentation about your book, and offer to donate a copy or two to the library as your thanks for the opportunity.

3)  Retirement and assisted living communities often welcome authors for a short presentation and reading for their residents.  Offer a discount to anyone who wants to purchase, and donate a copy to the facility's library, if they have one.

4)  Take part in a charitable event by donating a copy of your books for a raffle, or set up a table and give part of the day's profits to the cause.  Any charitable donation you make is tax deductible, so be sure to ask for a receipt.

5)  Do you live close to an airport?  Schedule a meeting with the manager of one of the gift shops and ask them to purchase copies of your books for resale.  What better way to endure a long flight than with a good book.

6)  Similar to the idea of tip #5, hospital gift shops may be interested in what you have to offer.  Both patients and visitors often pass the time by reading, and may welcome the availability of something other than a magazine.

7)  Offer a special on your social media page and watch the orders roll in!  People love getting a good bargain, and will also enjoy the perk of supporting a local artist.  Be sure to list all the details in your post and a link to your personal website, as well as the deadline for orders.

In what other creative ways have you promoted your books?  Please feel free to share in the comments.  Until next time, happy writing!

Pushy or Passionate?

I recently took part in a lively discussion with other authors about the fine art of self-promotion. For most authors, and especially for those of us who are independently published, sharing information about your work with those around you is a must if you have any hope of selling books or securing personal appearances. There is nothing wrong with 'tooting your own horn,' but how do you know when you've crossed the line between passionate and pushy?

Let's take the example of a used car salesman my husband and I dealt with several months ago. "Bill" was a really nice guy and worked for a reputable local dealership. After expressing a slight interest in one of his vehicles, Bill made it a point to call our home at least four times a day--every day--for over two months. Even after expressing that we would call him if we decided to make a purchase, he persisted. Sadly, Bill's attitude pushed us right into the showroom of another dealership and into an entirely different vehicle. Had Bill backed down and let us take the time we needed without making us feel pressured, he may have gotten our sale.

Now, don't get me wrong--I fully understand that Bill was only trying to drum up business, and he needs to make money like anyone else. But allowing your customers--or in our case, readers--to take the lead does wonders for gaining trust and gaining sales and referrals. My rule of thumb is this: If the conversation is going well and the conditions are appropriate to do so (i.e. I'd never try to get business at someone's funeral!),I will casually mention that I am an author. Then, if the other party expresses further interest, I will expound on my work and offer a brochure. I never ask for any information from them unless we have discussed the possibility of a personal appearance--then I would need an email or phone number to follow up. Even in that instance, I am careful to contact them only a few times, and always ask that they follow up with me if they are still interested and at their convenience.

Keep this thought in mind--when you are sharing your work with others, be passionate. Create a burning desire within them to know more, and then, back off. Give them time to respond on their own, and chances are, you'll be more than pleased with the results. Good luck!

Hey, Look At Me!

I had an epiphany this morning. Contrary to any prior beliefs I may have entertained, I'm NOT the only writer in the world. In fact, I determined that there are somewhere close to ten billion others who have made the leap into the literary realm in one way or another.

Okay--so maybe ten billion is stretching it a little. But, I do know there are quite a few.

Ever-changing trends in the publishing industry are making it easier for authors to get their works into print causing those numbers to grow daily. Given this knowledge, how does one stand out in the crowd? What can a new author do to get noticed? Here are just a few tips to help you answer those questions:

1) Produce a quality product. By "quality" I mean everything from polished, carefully edited text to a catchy title and exquisite cover. Don't rely on your own abilities to catch manuscript errors, and stay away from cover templates. If your publisher doesn't offer these services automatically and your budget will allow for it, consider hiring professionals to help you proofread and custom design your book's appearance. If money is a factor, network to find people with some expertise in these areas.

2) Talk it up. Don't be afraid to tell people what you do and what you have to offer. Opportunities for networking are everywhere. I have become very skilled in bringing the words, "I'm an author" into virtually every conversation and situation. You never know when you will make a helpful connection! Remember the "3-foot rule"--everyone within three feet of you at any time should know what you do.

3)Find your niche market. What is your book about? Is there a specific audience that would benefit from its message? I write moral and tasteful fictional romance, and while there are men who have enjoyed my work, my actual target audience is women aged 15 and up. I have found success in speaking to church women's groups, ladies organizations, book clubs, and Christian-based groups. Take your work straight to those who will appreciate it most.

4) Advertise yourself. It's easy to talk about your work, but who are YOU? Believe it or not, there are many times when people are more interested in the author's story than the story the author has written. I can stand all day and tell a prospective reader what my books are about, but I find that when I share HOW the books came about, i.e, my personal story, I sell more of them. If someone likes, trusts, and values you as a person, they will naturally be drawn to what you've written.

5) Don't let them forget you. Seize every opportunity to promote yourself and your work, whether it's a simple book signing event, an appearance with a local group, or being a keynote speaker at a writer's conference. Seek out interviews with local media, volunteer to do readings at schools or assisted living communities (depending on the genre and age group of your book). Host a "Meet the Author" event at your local library. Even if you are far from finishing the next manuscript, keep your name and face out there promoting what you currently have to offer. It will only build anticipation for your future works.

What other tips do you have to offer new authors? What has worked for you? Please share!