Rachel Huffmire's Blog, page 5

Getting Your Book into Bookstores

There is something magical about holding a physical copy of your own book. Being able to flip through the pages and see all your hard work makes the whole process finally feel real. A lot of people will want to purchase your book via Amazon so their paperback and eBooks will come directly to their front porch or kindle. But what about people who go to bookstores to browse and see what captures their attention? What about teenagers at the library without much spending cash? How do we get our books into physical locations so they're accessible to everyone?

Bookstores

Barnes and Noble:

One of my mentors and friends who got me through the my debut journey is ,,Dacia M. Arnold. She wrote an amazing, step by step article on ,,how to query Barnes and Noble Bookstores. So, rather than re-vamp everything she said, I am only going to add a few thoughts to it.

Unless you're with a big 5 publisher, the only way to get your book into Barnes and Noble is to do a book signing there. They'll give you a cute table in a high traffic area where you can talk to patrons and sign your books. You can request a specific time to fit your own schedule, but it's much better to ask what they suggest. They know when their highest traffic/sales times are and will try to fit you in one of those slots. Any leftover copies after the signing will go on the shelves with a "Signed by the Author" sticker on front, and given a front facing spot on a shelf.

Having your books in Barnes and Noble can be exciting, but can also cost you big time. If Barnes and Noble doesn't sell your book within a set time period, they will ship it back to the distributor at the cost of your publisher or you (if you're self published). So, make sure you have a solid marketing strategy in place to keep those books moving off the shelves.

Independent Bookstores:

I believe in buying local. Indie bookstores often have a trusted client base who knows the owner and frequently stops by for recommendations. The best way to advertise your product in a small bookstore is to get to know the owner by... drum roll... hosting a book signing. Small bookstore owners are often very personable, so if you can't find scheduling information on their website, call them personally to see how to set up an event.

Have all of your information handy so they can look it up (See Dacia's article for a thorough example of the information they'll need). Ask if the bookstore sells on commission or not. If they do, you will be responsible for supplying the books during the event and they will cut you a check at the end of the night. An indie signing event will often be much more personal with opportunities for readings, Q. & A. sessions, and anything else you think might be entertaining, so have fun with it! Once you have the event scheduled, read this article to know what to do on the day of by ,,Writers Digest.

Small Chain Bookstores:

Most small chain distributors have a "Product Submission" form you can find on their website. Your book will undergo review by their marketing team to see if it's a product they can sell enough of to make it worth their shelf space. These are much harder to get into, so don't be discouraged if you get plenty of rejection letters. (You thought the querying process was over once you got your publishing contract, right? Ha!) If you have a solid sales rate in other stores or on amazon, it will really help the potential of reaching these smaller local markets.

Events

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Often times, large events near you will have temporary bookseller booths. Look in your area for conferences, conventions, and community arts events. Sometimes you will need to purchase your own booth to sell your books (becoming your own, mini bookstore) and other times you will be able to join a larger group who already has a booth. There are pros and cons to each, but try a few events out and see which ones work for you.

Libraries

There are three ways to present your book for consideration at a library: personally, through a submission form, or a friend's request. Pitching a self published book to a library is often a much harder sell than if you were traditionally published (even by a small press), but it is possible. ,,The Writing Cooperative offers some helpful tips for how to make this process easier.

Personally:

​If at all possible, I like to go in to the library to introduce myself and my book. Speaking with librarians face to face starts a relationship. Knowing that you're local and that you present yourself well, they may be more willing to involve you in their library programs: hosting an author night, teen program, or other event where you will be able to sell your books to patrons and not just for the library shelves.

When I go in, I approach the information desk and ask who the acquiring librarian is. I make sure to bring a copy of my book, my business card, and a library fact sheet (see example below). This sheet looks professional and makes it much easier for librarians. Remember that this is a business meeting, so being professional makes all the difference in the world.

Submission:

If you live too far away from a library, but know that you have a client base in that area, visit the libraries website and browse for submission guidelines. This is where your querying skills come in. Each library, store, or event will have different guidelines. So do your research. But don't worry. You've got this.

Friend Request:

​Every library has a form for patrons to request books they'd like to see on the shelves. Librarians take these requests seriously. And if they get more than one request, they are even more likely to purchase the title. Don't get pushy with your friends, but if they ever ask if there's a way they can help you, say "Leaving a review online and requesting the book at your library make a huge difference!". I have had some wonderful support that got Shattered Snow into libraries in California, Utah, Oregon, and Idaho without me making any personal requests at all.

I hope this has been helpful, and that you have some new ideas for where your book can go. I love seeing where my book pops up, it feels a bit like traveling when someone posts a selfie with my book in a new location.

Happy writing!

Rachel

How to Create Bookstagram Flatlays

I absolutely love scrolling through Instagram. My feed is full of Bookstagramer's gorgeous flat-lays and bookshelf eye-candy. Some of my favorite reading buddies have come from the connections I've made through talking about books on Social Media.

If you've never created a flat-lay, I double-dog-dare you to try today! You might find that you like it. Personally, I LOVE spending time with books I adore, making them into my own little pieces of art. Besides, it's a good marketing skill to have. Whether you're announcing a new book, hosting a giveaway, geeking out about your latest read, or connecting with other readers, book flat-lays can make a big statement.

Here are a few pointers to help you get started. Don't forget to click on the links to see examples of well done posts from some of my favorite Bookstagram accounts.

Backgrounds

Every flat-lay needs to start out with a gorgeous background. The purpose of a background is to add a little bit of texture, but mainly be a supporting element to highlight your product. You have to look for something modern, clean, and appealing. The biggest mistake I see is when people use outdated or considerably worn materials from around their house. If you have designer wood floors, plush throw blankets, yards of flowing linen, use it! But face it, most of us are moms with jelly stains and tight budgets. So, where can we find backgrounds that aren't lackluster?

Here are a few options:

1. Books: Try lining up some of your favorite covers side by side. Or even ,,open up their pages and layer them in a fun way.

2. Things from around the house: Do you have a cool chunky knit blanket that you cuddle up with when you read? Has your back porch weathered in a cool way that fits your Insta's rustic theme? Get creative. Even if something's not perfect, you can make it into a lovely backdrop.

3. Go on-sight: The ,,outdoors have so much potential. And all the natural light you could want! There are some really fun examples under #outdoorbooks and #readingoutside on insta. Go check them out for inspiration!

4. ,,Paper Backdrops: If you're going to be regular about flat-lays, I recommend investing in a paper backdrop. I have two that look like gorgeous hardwood floors. You can find them online for as low as $10 each. Search around on Etsy or Amazon for the look you want. Having a consistent background color helps each of your pictures stay within a related color palette and will make your feed look really cohesive.

Utilize Props

You can use as many, or as few props as you want when you're setting up a flat-lay. Just remember, using props should support your books, not detract from them. Start by finding items around your house that relate to the book, match the tone of the cover, or even just look nice. Here are some ideas for suggested props:

,,Artificial Flowers: These are one of the easiest props to start with. If you hit up a 50% off sale at Hobby Lobby or Michael's, hunt down flowers at yard sales, or post a "looking for" post on social media, you can piece together a decent amount of prop flowers without breaking the bank. Try to find colors that will compliment the widest variety of books you can. I purchased a lot of white, a few cool colors, and a few warm colors. That way, I'm covered, no matter what color palette I'm working with.

Fandom Items: Funko-pops, socks, crowns, swords, home decor, mugs, bookmarks, maps... If you're a collector, utilize these items in your flatlays! Someone who does a really great job of this is ,,@lulumoonowlbooks.

Food: Snacks and books are a natural pairing. What are some of your favorite snacks to eat while you read? Are you into baking? What is your drink of choice when you sit down to relax? Connect with your audience on more than one level!

More Books: Sometimes the best way to highlight a book is with ,,other books. If I see a book that I haven't read, I'll be more inclined to read it if it's paired with other books that I have read and enjoyed. ​

Simple Items: Sometimes you can get creative and set a mood with simple items from around the house. Are there things you own that might work? Check out ,,moonlight.reader for a TON of good examples. Flatlays can be a lot of fun to play around with. The options are as wide as your imagination.

Cover facing up: Having the full cover visible is a great way to highlight a particular book. If you are showcasing more than one book, ,,try not to put them in a straight line. Play around with diagonals, alternating heights, or even varying angles.

Spine facing up: You can get creative about how you,, showcase your book spines. Form different shapes, create rainbow effects with alternating colors, or come up with something completely unique! Arranging your books in a fun way, and taking a close up can be a simple way of creating a flat-lay without a background or props. Play around with different options, browse around for inspiration, and enjoy spending some quality time with your books!

Taking the Picture

I usually use my phone to take flat-lay pics. I use the Photo Shop Express app to make it look it's very best. When you go to post on Instagram, the recommendation is to use the same filter every time, to make your feed really cohesive. So, if you do choose to use a filter, stick to the same one to keep the same tone throughout. Once your picture is cropped and edited, it's ready to go!

I hope you take a few moments today to try it out. I'd love to see what you come up with! Post a link to your flatlay below so I can come celebrate your books with you!

Author Headshots: An interview with a professional photographer, Madi Twede

Having your first professional headshots taken are one of the moments that bridge the gap between being a hobby writer and a professional. You need something sharp and yet expressive to put on your author platforms, website, and of course the back of your book. While it can be exciting, I also know that it can be intimidating as well. That is why I reached out to Madi Twede, a Utah photographer (and my personal photographer), to help you feel more comfortable and prepared for your next shoot. She has years of experience, so without further ado, let's get focused! ​​
Rachel Huffmire: Madi, I'm so grateful you joined me for this interview. I absolutely love my author headshots and can not recommend you enough to my colleagues. Can you give us an introduction to you and your photography?

Madi Twede: I am a natural light photographer specializing in Weddings! I'm located in Salt Lake County, UT. I bought my first camera second-hand from a local Facebook yard sale page for $200. I originally purchased it to document my little family and our adventures. I bought it from an established photographer who told me "always shoot in manual and practice a lot!". So I did! I shot almost every day. I took pictures of my husband, my birthday presents, the gingerbread houses we made for Christmas—anything I could think of! My husband started me out with a "nifty fifty" lens and my excitement for photography has only grown from there! I started shooting weddings in the Summer of 2016 and have captured weddings, family gatherings, and proposals since then, along with various portrait and commercial sessions.

RH: As authors, having our face printed in the back of a book can be exciting/scary. We all want to look our best. What should we look for when we shop around for photographers? How can we know we're picking a good one?

MT: My biggest piece of advice when it comes to choosing a photographer is to ask for examples of their work. A good photographer should have a sample gallery—or a large portfolio on their website—ready to give to any potential client that asks. A good photographer is not cheap, but it is so worth it! You can know you're picking a good photographer if they have sample portfolios, contracts, and come with great recommendations.

RH: Something I often hear authors ask is "My dad has a nice enough camera. Can I just let my family member take my headshots in the backyard?" What would you tell an author who might be thinking of going this route?

MT: As nice and easy as that sounds, I promise it is worth the money to invest in a professional photographer for headshots! You are worth investing in. Help other people see that by investing in yourself first! Professional photographers have expensive training, equipment, and a trained eye to know what will help you look your best. ​

RH: How should I decide what to wear to my photo-shoot?

MT: Remember your audience. With any headshot, it is important to remember who you want to see the headshot and what message you want it to convey. For an author headshot, it is important to remember the audience you are writing for. You should try to match this audience through your headshot. As a general rule, I suggest avoiding patterns that draw attention from your face. Avoid neon colors. Where

RH: Some authors have photographs that are very formal, while others are more casual or even comedic. How do I know which direction to go with my own?

MT: Again, remember your audience! As a natural light photographer, I do a lot of my work outdoors. But! This not what is best for everyone. Outdoor headshots usually appear more casual, relaxed, and natural. Indoor headshots in a studio is often more posed and formal. ​

RH: If I get nervous in front of a camera, what tips do you have for me? I don't want to look stiff or unnatural in my pictures.

MT: First of all, breathe! Express your concerns to your photographer so they can know what to look for during the shoot. I always suggest requesting a consultation for anyone investing in photography services. It is so important to get along with your photographer, and meet them before your shoot. It builds a connection and often times you will feel more relaxed once you've met the photographer in a friendly environment. Trust your photographer and don't be afraid to let them know that you are nervous. Let them help you.

RH: How often should I get my headshots taken?

MT: Updated pictures are always so so important. You want to be recognizable to your audience, your fans, and publishers. I suggest getting new headshots taken at a minimum of once every 3-5 years, or whenever your look has changed drastically (haircut, dyed hair, weight loss/gain, etc). It is also useful to have different headshots to use for different audiences.

RH: Once I receive my images, is it alright to edit them?

MT: Your photographer will have already given you the most technically correct images, your job is to find the picture that you think showcases your best self. Chose a picture that has your full face, shows your personality, and is cut off at the shoulders or lower. ​

RH: In order to have my picture printed in the back of my book and listed on commercial websites, do I need to sign any kind of paperwork with my photographer beforehand?

MT: Every photographer has different policies regarding publishing pictures they take. It is important to remember to discuss your goals with the images before the shoot, and get any agreements from the photographer in writing. You do not need the copyright from the photographer. Many photographers are extremely hesitant to release the copyright without heavy compensation; therefore, I suggest requesting a licensing release. Be sure you read through the release and the contract to make sure your bases are covered and both you and the photographer have an equal understanding with what the images will be used for. ​The copyright, that I mentioned above, includes the ability to edit images. According to the U.S. Copyright office, any manipulation (including editing) that is not done by permission is considered copyright infringement. In general, a photographer retains the copyright on all images that they take, unless they are hired as a contractor by a commercial company. If you need a specific crop for your headshot, let your photographer know! If you need them in black and white or color, specifically, let them know before the shoot. Most photographers will happily work with you and are eager to make sure you are pleased with your pictures. That being said, photographers usually have something in their contract that covers the creative freedom that comes with editing pictures. This means that you as a client trust them to produce the images as they see fit. That is why it is so important to find a trustworthy photographer with a large portfolio and a style you love.*these answers are based on U.S. Copyright and licensing laws and may not be applicable to other countries.

RH: Thank you so much for your time and insight, Madi! And to all of you authors, I hope this information brings you a little peace as you take that big step from hobby writer to professional writer. If you want to look up her photography, or follow her on social media you can find Madi on ,,Facebook and ,,Instagram, or on her ,,website.

Beginning Again

Welcome to my blog! I'm both excited and nervous about this new venture because I know how much work a blog takes to maintain. But I also have a deep rooted belief that hard things open new doors. So, here I am, beginning again.

Blogging has a special place in my heart. Three years ago, my writing group (Writing Through Brambles) decided to start a blog for writers to build our individual platforms before we dove headlong into the query trenches. At that time, only one of us had a book published, so it was our hope that our blog would help us level-up. And it did. In a big way.

Today, between the five of us, we have 9 published novels and 8 published short stories.

We don't maintain that blog anymore, but I feel like we each discovered something about ourselves during that time. It helped us dig deeper than just our dreams about writing. One of our members became an audiobook reader and after narrating some amazing stories, purchased a sound booth for her basement. Another one of our writers decided to rapid release a self-published series, and is seeing amazing things happen with her career. A third member of our blog recently became an acquisitions editor for an indie publisher. And after realizing that all of my articles revolved around marketing, I dove headlong into the world of publishing and became the marketing manager of Immortal Works Publishing.

In short, I think that blog helped us find our footing in the the many niches of the publishing world. By digging deep every month to find content that we found valuable, it gave us the tools we needed to chase our dreams. It wasn't easy keeping the blog running for two straight years. We didn't miss a single week during that time! But I think the writingthroughbrambles.com blog helped us chase our dreams in a way we didn't think we could.

So, here I am... Starting a blog of my own. I have a lot of goals for my own career, but more importantly, I'm learning a lot that I think I can share with you. Marketing, writing, reading, publishing, editing, advertising, researching... I'm constantly learning. Hopefully over the weeks, I can share content that's both valuable and entertaining for those of you on this crazy publication road with me. Let me know in the comments if there are any topics specifically you'd like a post about!

Happy writing!

Rachel