No complaints with VistaPrint - I agree with the comment about waiting for their sales....www.gotprint.com beats their prices hands down for bookmarks, postcards, and business cards - their quality (gotprint.com) is exceptional.

I also had a good experience with Front Street Reviews. I had a good review up within a month of the first contact.

http://www.frontstreetreviews.com/Dear%2...

Now, a thought about bookmarks. . .I was able to get 3 bookmarks from each oversized postcard from Vistaprint. Of course, I had to cut them and punch the holes but the end result (and savings) was worth it. The postcards were free. All I paid was shipping. In that "free" packet, I received 250 business cards, 25 flyers, 50 oversized postcards and 100 small postcards. The entire cost was $15, a pretty good deal.

Where I need help is book signings. . .I'm not quite sure how to go about this. Suggestions?

Thanks!

Sharon (Cupp Pennington)

Gosh, it's been a while since I touched base here. Have any of you tried Front Street Reviews? My novel, Hoodoo Money, was reviewed by Cynthia Murphy. In fact, her review of my novel is up on the FSR website now. Their response to my request was timely, as was the actual review. Response was about 2 weeks getting a reviewer assigned, and 4 on the second - the actual post. This also takes into account the time it took my publisher to get the novel to Ms. Murphy.

I'm not sure if FSR reviews self-published works, but it might be worth a look. Good luck!

Sharon Cupp Pennington

Dianne,

I would like to thank you for your post. I have experienced the same thing with reviews. I sent my book "Skinny Dipping with the Savior" to numerous reviewers. I sent some material before hand asking them if there was interest in reviewing the book. Of course they were "interested" but I never heard from any of them again. I even sent emails to a couple and...nothing. I am thankful in the responses that I have recieved. I did get a couple of great reviews and email. People have contacted me saying that the book changed thier life...so that is cool. I just have not came across something that works for me.

Eric

You can also try getting a spot on your community TV station or search pod cast shows and try to get onto of them.

Matt

I'm just starting out on promoting my self-published book so I don't know what the sales figures will be. So far it's slow but sales are happening. I'm starting to explore avenues for promotion on the internet but don't know what results it will yield. Although many major newspapers won't review self-published books, it doesn't hurt to send a press release and then do a follow up phone call to see if they are interested in it. For magazines and newspapers I have asked them straight out whether they review a self-published books. I did get a review printed in a daily national paper in Northern Ireland by doing this. Also, it's worth contacting well known authors, especially in your own genre, and asking if they will review/comment on the book - then use their comments in your promotional material. I contacted 3 writers in Ireland and got replies from 2 of them. One, a BBC broadcaster and Sunday World columnist, Brian D'Arcy, read my book and then wrote a good, detailed review. I was delighted as I'd only asked if he had time to give a few comments about it. The other one who replied, said she is busy but will read it and send me comments to use as soon as she can.
I like the idea of leaving bookmarks in public places, enclosing them with correspondence etc. I had wondered how to distribute mine, besides the obvious one - at book signings.

Dianne Ascroft,
author, 'Hitler and Mars Bars'

I'm gonna agree with you on many points Malcolm. I am just about put off on the whole "Internet" book promotions thing. It just isn't working for me. The vast majority of my sales are face-to-face sales. Even with all of the radio shows I've done it still hasn't translated into sales. It seems to me the folks who have the money to pay for big time publicity campaigns are the ones who sell the most books. We in the self published world, even if we have a GREAT book that gets good reviews, are simply passed by. I'm not gonna give up my quest to become a best seller though; I'm just not concentrating on Internet publicity as much.

With regard to book reviews, many, if not most, main stream media will not review 'self-published books." I learned this by wasting time and money sending press packages and my book to newspapers. Local media are more interested as you are a news item personally. Book review services are largely suspect in my view - who pays attention to them. I have sent books to such services offering free reviews by volunteers but never heard from them again.
Internet promotion of books is also difficult and overrated. 180,00 people have checked out my writing website to read my stories, poetry, articles. Number of books sold that way - a handful.
I sell books by going to fairs and festivals and talking to people about my book.
The whole area of self-publishing has in many respects, been a real disappointment to me.

Malcolm Watts Ontario Canada

You're full of good ideas, Adelle. I never would've thought to leave postcards or bookmarks or business cards behind. And in return envelopes? That's fabulous! Oh, you've got the wheels in my head turning now. . .

And thanks, Cythia. I'll look into TrimsPlus for both ribbon and tassels.

And finally, Nell, another fine idea. I'm going to be busy.

Thanks all!

Sharon

I find Vistaprint very good. I order the free business cards - get them printed up with my booktitle, web addy and buying details then I punch a hole in one side and add a sparkly ribbon tail - Voila cheap bookmark that makes a fab free giveaway.

Sharon, Google "TrimsPlus" for tassels. I ordered gold elastic ribbon from them, but I remember seeing tassels on many of the sites that turned up from my Google search.
Cindy

Vistaprint oversize postcards: what a FABULOUS idea! As soon as I get my daily "best sale ever" email from them, I'll head over and try it. Thank you, Adelle!

I give them away mostly. Even when I have a book signing, I'll tuck a few bookmarks from my other books in the cover lol I've even been known to accidentally leae a few behind at a restaurant by the cashier lol I'll stoop to any level. Some people even tuck one in the reply envelope when mailing in a payment. Why not? We get enough junk mail! LOL

That IS a good idea Adelle, thanks. I think book marks are like the ultimate give away, cause even when someone is reading another book they always see yours. That's why I prefer book cover images: they get burned into the customer's psyche.

That's an excellent idea, Adelle. I've been looking for bookmarks, too. Right now that means I can get 100 bookmarks at VistaPrint for around $16. Does anyone know of a good place to order the small tassels? Thanks!

BTW, how do you guys use the bookmarks in your marketing? I'm thinking as a "give away" at book-signings?

Sharon

I have a couple templates for bookmarks I use on the over sized postcards at Vista Print. I get two bookmarks out of each postcard. I have to cut them myself, but they are really nice and the price is right. Once you've paid to download the template you can use it over and over again, just a thought.

I'm looking for bookmarks too. Lulu used to do them but I don't see that offered anymore. My publicist uses Kinko's.

I use printplace for my bookmarks. They have templates you can download and use for design and send you a pdf proof before going to print.

Tip: if you use a personal logo, instead of book covers, you can extend the life of your bookmarks. My daughter designed my Perils of Pauline logo for me and I use it on all my stuff, including my website.

re: vista print. always go for slow shipping. Like someone said, they come faster than they say (unless you really, really need something fast, fast.)

I've had great luck with Vistaprint products. What you see is what you get, so make sure you proofread your items carefully before ordering.

I was looking at Vista's website today and it looked interesting. Does anyone know of a site that prints bookmarks too? I think they are more useful for me than postcards (I write contact details etc on the back of them). I find I get the most use our of bookmarks and posters.

Dianne Ascroft, 'Hitler and Mars Bars'
www.geocities.com/dianne_ascroft

Brooklyn,
I've ordered business cards three times from Vistaprint (for only the cost of shipping...about 5.68....and was very happy all three times. Got them much quicker than they said I would (a week or less) and they were really nice. Will keep going to them. Kate (Kathryn Meyer Griffith)

I'll add my praise to the others. . .I've found the products from VistaPrint to be of fine quality. So far I've ordered both regular and oversized postcards and they're beautiful. But I did the design work myself using their guides, and I also got in during their sale, got one set of 50 oversized postcards free, with only uploaded images and shipping paid. Very good deal, 50 postcards for around $16. You also need to utilize the 25% off coupon they include in shipped orders. I've found the shipping fast. My only complaint would be that they could package the cards better, but I'm anal about stuff like that.

It's a good deal, and I'll continue to do business with them.

Sharon

I have used Vista Print for years and have never had a complaint about their quality or service. I highly recommend them.

If you learn how to game their system, Vista Print can be a great and inexpensive way to get promo material. Look for their free upload days to get your art work in there, then use their freebie offers.

Make sure you follow their guidelines for each item before you upload anything. You get a better result if your artwork conforms to their guidelines.

I use Paint Shop to work on my stuff, but Intraview is a free program recommended by a friend.

http://printingforless.com/
is very reasonable and does great work. I have had them make up postcards & business-card sized magnets with my book cover on them. I have some 25.00 off coupons for the first order-- if anybody is interested in using them (I have 2), e-mail me beth@bethfehlbaum.com, for the code.

Beth Fehlbaum, author
Courage in Patience, a story of hope for those who have endured abuse
http://courageinpatience.blogspot.com
http://www.kunati.com/courage-in-patienc...
Chapter 1 is online!

Agree with Adelle. The quality is actually very good especially if you are using your own images and stick within the guidlines for image quality. This is usually the area where a lot of disappointment can occur and is completely avoidable if used correctly.

I don't have any complaints about Vista Print. I use them for most of my promotional items. My only suggestion is to join and wait for their sales. Most of my items were bought for shipping costs only, Good luck.

How did you find the quality of the Vista Print products? I've wanted to try them but I've heard some complaints.

Morning, Diane. Interesting title. . .Hitler and Mars Bars. I'll have to give it a look. There's also a good site for designing and ordering oversized postcards to advertise your book. It's called VistaPrint. I did a lot of checking around, and they seem to have the best prices. Also for flyers and such. I created my own sell sheets and press releases, but ordered the regular and oversized postcards for Hoodoo Money. The regular cards went to anyone interested in the book; the oversized cards are going out to the small indie bookstores. I also included a couple in each press release packet.

And you're right, there's a lot of work that goes into the marketing.

Good luck!

Sharon

I've just read this thread for the first time and found some really interesting ideas in it. I just released my first book, 'Hitler and Mars Bars' in March and am also in the throws of marketing. It really is time consuming and you don't see the results for a while. I hadn't heard of the independentauthorsguild.com website before but I'm off to check them out now.

Dianne Ascroft, 'Hitler and Mars Bars'
www.geocities.com/dianne_ascroft

Marva,

They won't review ebooks, but as soon as I know we are going to print, I'll be putting a copy in the mail to them. :)

Marci

Wildchildeditor knows what's she's talking about. And I totally agree that the IAG site and yahoo group are loaded with great info.

Thanks for the ALA hint, WCE. Did you send them a copy of Weirdly 2?

Also, see about setting up speaking engagements with your local groups and at your local library (if allowed). Often local groups are looking for interesting speakers. Most don't pay, but they often provide lunch. Some will give you a stipend of $25. You may not talk directly about your book, but you could discuss what the whole publishing venture has been like. Or you could discuss why you wrote your book.

Try to get on panels with other authors or create a panel that you can take places. We are beginning to do this. It's helping.

Marci

You're welcome. Don't overlook the newsletters either. They're well done and contain interesting articles (though only a couple on marketing, etc.).

By the way, Fred, I went to independentauthorsguild.com; lots of good info there. I spent a while.

Thanks again!

Sharon

Thanks, Marci. Not something I knew. It's, of course, too late for Hoodoo Money. But I'm presently working on a sequel and will keep that marketing suggestion in mind.

Anyone else?

Thanks again!

Sharon

One of the most important things you can do for marketing your book are book reviews from the ALA and so on. Why? Because, if you want your local library to pick up your book, which could potentially mean people purchasing after reading it or a friend reading it, they will want reviews from the big review sites. However, you must send in a copy of your book before it is "published". While they request three months in advance, they realize small press can't manage that and will still consider the book as long as it's not officially out yet.

No, it doesn't help the current books, but it's something to consider for the next one.

Marci

Thanks, Fred. I'll have a look at the site. I'm in total agreement that marketing your novel is much harder than writing it. . .Sharon

Here's an idea: take a look at independentauthorsguild.com. Their website (our website) has all kinds of marketing help, and the members have been talking about it for months (see the message board). One or two of us even have books about marketing. If you think writing is hard, marketing is far harder!
Al/Distant Cousin

There seems to be a consensus that marketing our novels makes a good topic of discussion. I'll start, since I'm presently eyeball deep in marketing my first novel, Hoodoo Money.

It's hard to know how successful I've been because I won't get that "progress report" and first royalty check until August. Meanwhile, I'm trying to cover all my bases: press releases, postcards, flyers. I've even listed my novel on Craig's List. Man, they're all over.

I've sent complimentary copies of my novel to to a few locales used in the book, and will send a few more in the hopes of arranging a unique book signing.

I'd like to cover book clubs, but have no idea how to go about it. Right now, I'm marketing to local mom-and-pop/swap-n-shop bookstores. You know, the little shops around the corner.


Ideas, anyone?