How to Promote YOUR book on Amazon discussion
Kait Neese (Moderator) Posts
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If you could give one tip for authors on Amazon it would be.....
I'd say that reviews, to me as a buyer at least, are the single most important factor in buying something on amazon. To that end I'm still seeking reviews for my own works. A single 5-star gushing review of an otherwise unknown, self-published work will always make me suspicious, however; as such, I'd rather have a couple of honest, balanced reviews from strangers than one great one from a close friend or family, who has an emotional investment in me.
The 'search inside' facility looks helpful, but I'm unable to comment on that as I use an unsupported browser (the curse of being a techno-geek). I can't quite remember if that was something I had to sign up for, but my book page is here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Maranatha-C-W...
Overall, I like the ease with which data can be updated on amazon. I still feel there's scope for expansion, however: the ability for an author to add a hyperlink to their own web page or blog from their author's page in the style of Facebook (with thumbnail and brief preview text), for example.
The 'search inside' facility looks helpful, but I'm unable to comment on that as I use an unsupported browser (the curse of being a techno-geek). I can't quite remember if that was something I had to sign up for, but my book page is here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Maranatha-C-W...
Overall, I like the ease with which data can be updated on amazon. I still feel there's scope for expansion, however: the ability for an author to add a hyperlink to their own web page or blog from their author's page in the style of Facebook (with thumbnail and brief preview text), for example.
Make you are are signed up on the Author Central Program. It now shows how many books you have sold and where they were sold. You cannot get this information anywhere else, only the publishing company has it, and it's brand-new. Here is the link:https://authorcentral.amazon.com/gp/l...
Laurel wrote: "Dr wrote: "LaurelYes he is the same Little Eagle, all of the main characters of the first five books will show up from time to time throughout the next twenty five books. Little Eagle begins wi..."
My 12-year-old daughter Joy loves Dr. McGinnis' books!
"I've noticed some authors don't have author pages. ."
I only found out about the Author pages at the weekend, but I was quick to fire through all my details, including my creaky old rough-cut book trailer. The help and support team were also really quick to respond to my queries, and helpfully amended their listings for me on request.
I only found out about the Author pages at the weekend, but I was quick to fire through all my details, including my creaky old rough-cut book trailer. The help and support team were also really quick to respond to my queries, and helpfully amended their listings for me on request.
In addition to the inside-the-book, make sure you enter your book into the subcategories so you can get best-seller status there where it is easier to achieve.
Gary wrote: "I would also suggest a reasonable sale price. My Kindle novel, "A Touch of Deceit," is just $1.99 and for that price I feel readers are more willing to take a chance on me.[book:A Touch of Dece..."
I agree, Gary. I have just lowered the price of my book Children of Dreams to $2.99, and it seems to be selling better.
Has anyone dealt with IUniverse? My husband just submitted a book to them and they are difficult to deal with. They won't answer direct questions and they can't tell us when the book will come out. They promised it would be in bookstores but now they are saying they might not be. That we would have to do that ourselves. His is trying to work on his second novel but is discouraged because of the way they have treated him and we did not pay for a small amount of money for these two books to be published. We got a premium package so you would think they would respect us more but they are not. Any info would help. Thanks.
I tried several publishers here and in Canada in my early days and most were not east to deal with. I now use Creatspace and have successfully published over ten books with them and their service is immediate, honest and customer oriented. Dr Robert E McGinnisMy son and daughter have books with various publishers, and they are in agreement with me on this.
Lorilyn wrote: "In addition to the inside-the-book, make sure you enter your book into the subcategories so you can get best-seller status there where it is easier to achieve."Lorilyn, what are subcategories and how do you enter your book into them?
Laura wrote: "Lorilyn wrote: "In addition to the inside-the-book, make sure you enter your book into the subcategories so you can get best-seller status there where it is easier to achieve."Lorilyn, what are..."
I will use my book as an example. If you go to my book on Amazon, Children of Dreams, at the very bottom of the page, you will see this:
Look for Similar Items by Category
Books > Biographies & Memoirs > Memoirs
Books > New & Used Textbooks
Books > Parenting & Families > Adoption
Books > Parenting & Families > Family Relationships > Motherhood
Here is the link so you can see what I am talking about: http://www.amazon.com/Children-Dreams...
Right now I am not selling many copies, so I am not listed as a top 100 seller in these categories, but if I was, they would pull it up and show me as a best-seller in one of these categories, because I told Amazon to list my book in these subcategories, and I have been in these categories in the past.
You need to go to Author Central and tell Amazon how you want your book listed on the site, in what subcategories.
Here is the link for Author-Central:
https://authorcentral.amazon.com/gp/home
They will only let you choose two, though mine has four. I am not sure how it happened, but I am not complaining. You can email them or call them. They will do it in a couple of days and email you back. Hope this helps, but that's how you can be a best-seller in the subcategories, which is easier to reach than the big categories .
Lorilyn wrote: "Laura wrote: "Lorilyn wrote: "In addition to the inside-the-book, make sure you enter your book into the subcategories so you can get best-seller status there where it is easier to achieve."Lor..."
Lorilyn, how do you pick the categories? Do you make them the same as you tags?
Actually, I never knew about tagging. When people started buying my book, they gave it the tags they thought my book should be tagged as. Then later, when I learned a little bit more, I tagged, too. I think with the categories, what you have to do is try to narrow it down to a subcategory that you can show up in for the rankings. So you start out with the bigger category and just make sure you get to the narrower one. And yes,it will probably include tags, but not all the tags since you can only list your books in two categories. You have to decide where you think you have the greatest chance to reach top-seller status. I would loved for my book to have been categorized in inspirational, but since I could only choose two categories, I chose the memoirs and adoption categories because they are narrower. If I were famous, I probably would have chosen the inspirational. It's up to you. Amazon will do it however you ask them to.
And that textbook category, I have no idea how that got in there. I actually hoped they would take it out when I had them recategorize my Children of Dreams, but Amazon left it in there. Well, it just gives me another category, I guess, but my book is not a textbook.
If you are willing to spend some money, use the gift card feature for your ebook on Amazon. Send out about 25-50 copies to whoever you can in exchange for reviews. The point is get those Amazon gift certificates for your kindle edition out and get reviews coming in.
Now, once your gift certificate recipient uses that GC it counts as a sale. The more sales you have, the higher you get in the ratings. Get high enough in the ratings and your book becomes a whole lot easier to find. If your book is easier to find, it sells more copies.
Strategically, I'd say it's best to wait to do this until you already have some reviews, so when new buyers see your book it's not a blank slate from an unknown author.
I'm not saying this guarantees sales, though it should help you get more reviews, but compared to the average number of sales generated by spending a similar amount of money on a book ad, it's probably money well spent.
Create a Kindle edition and price it reasonably.My Amazon Kindle edition of my novel "No Roads Lead to Rome" is outselling my print edition about 3:1. As an indie author without, I make roughly the same royalty on a $3.99 e-book as I do for the $12 print edition.
Once you've created the Kindle edition, be sure to enter it in Amazon's categories. Chose niche categories where your book can gain visibility.
Good Luck!
R.S. Gompertz
www.noroadsleadtorome.com
I am experimenting with the books I have in Ebook format. Ten or so are priced as originally suggested, but the next one will be placed on Amazon for less, we will see how that works. If the latest book outsells the others, then I will lower all of my prices. Time will tell.Dr Robert E McGinnis
Latest book Little Eagle Saves a Spy and with one more due out in two weeks, Robin Long Bird.
I am offering this for free for those who follow my blog. It also contains helpful Amazon information.Internet Book Marketing -- Jumpstart Your Campaign!
A PowerPoint Presentation with over 50 links and 35 pages of marketing infomation, including ideas and ways to market your book for free or almost free. Great for new authors!
It's automatic. You can have the file in about a minute.
http://lorilynroberts.blogspot.com/
Kait wrote: "Hey guys! Its been a hectic few weeks but we have put together a few Listmania lists that I would so appreciate it if you could take the time to vote on! Let me know if you do this and I will go in..."I voted on your lists here and was impressed with them. How do you make a list like this?
Mod
For the last few weeks I was attending the Taipei International Book Fair in Taiwan and let me tell you the desire to distribute foreign books into the U.S (as well as bring American "English" books into their region) is HUGE! It is all very exciting. One thing I noted which I felt everyone should know is that Amazon is the go to site for Foreign Rights buyers! Yup you heard me. Basically foreign publishing companies are realizing the value of Amazon and how it can essentially be used as a search engine when looking for new titles for rights purchasing. Having an amazon presence is more crucial now than ever as the site will only grow in the proceeding month/years in popularity.
That being said I wanted to let you all know I have created a blog to which I will be making 2 new posts a week all relating to Amazon. This blog will cover marketing tips, facts, and general information about Amazon. My aim is to help educate authors on using Amazon as this site should be treated by an author just as you would Facebook or Twitter. Social Media baby! ITS HERE TO STAY! Below is the link to my new blog! Hope you enjoy it and please feel free to leave comments!
How to Use Amazon to Promote Your Published Book
http://amazonauthors.blogspot.com/
Kait
Does anyone know if there are any tricks to getting your book listed in the "people who enjoyed this" [ie someone else's book] "also enjoyed this" [ie your book] feature on Amazon? Is it just a question of volume of sales or is there something we can do?All tips appreciated!
Nabse B
Laura wrote: "I'd say it's getting your book on SITB (Search Inside The Book). That allows potential buyers to "Look Inside" and see a few pages of your book. I don't know anyone who buys a book in a bookstore w..."I thought all books on Amazon had this?
Vanessa wrote: "Laura wrote: "I'd say it's getting your book on SITB (Search Inside The Book). That allows potential buyers to "Look Inside" and see a few pages of your book. I don't know anyone who buys a book in..."They seem to now but I can tell you mine didn't when it was first listed back in 2009.
I think there are two different things; look inside happens automatically amd shows some of the start of the book and search inside which you have to set up and I think picks out key words to help in searches. It looks a bit complicated but you've reminded me I need to get it done! Anything which helps exposure has to be good, right?
What do think of Kindle Unlimited? Do you think it will really help sell our books?
Can you still use tags on Amazon? If so , how does one go about doing tagging a book? Thank You.-Asher Jones
Author of Problem with Pets
http://www.amazon.com/Problem-Pets-As...
They've done away with tags. I'm not sure why but they've been taken off of books that had them and no way to put them on books that didn't.
One tip. . .Don't expect miracles. Much is made of those vet few ebook writers who turn out blockbusters but they're a tiny minority. This is not meant to be discouraging; just realistic.
Study the books that sell well. Each genre has an accepted format and it is very hard to break out of that format and sell well. For example, I wrote my first cozy mystery, Annie Banner Wedding Planner and it has more of a thriller ending and detailed mystery solution many people didn't like. It still sold about 1,500 units but it could have done much better had I taken the time to study the other authors. Lesson learned. Subsequent cozies are going to be much softer with easier mystery solution. I just put the first three chapters of my new End Of World thriller, Daniel's End at https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog...
Putting Cozy mysteries on the shelf for now
This will be up on Amazon over the next week.
Enjoy the read
Also, if you have several books and you put one of them free, DO NOT expect that customer to buy anything else of yours. I have tried many times and failed and come to the conclusion that people who buy free books ONLY buy free books because they have a TON to choose from every day. Thousands of people have read my books for few but, on days they are running free, nothing else sells.
For me as a reader, the most important elements of books posted on Amazon -- in terms of what draws me in to buy -- are the professional quality of the book cover, the book description, the reviews, and the price. The cover tells me whether this is an author who's taken the time and has the artistic sensibility to see cover art as valuable. The sign of a pro.
The book description lets me know if this is a story/topic I'd be interested in. All-in-all, I'd say this is the feature that has the most impact on my choice to buy or not.
The reviews just give me a sense of how other readers see the book. I check the best and worst and get a sense of it from there.
I'm very wary of cheap books. I realize it's the trend to price books at 99¢ or $1.99 or $2.99, even nothing, but for me that creates a sense that it's a less-meritorious book trying too hard to sell. I'd rather pay $11.99 for an excellent book than a dollar for a forgettable toss-off. As a writer I find bargain-basement pricing a perplexing issue of "perceived value." How it strikes me as a reader is similar to how it strikes me as a writer.
Author's page? Search Inside? Never check either, but I can see why others would.
One more thing regarding Free Book Offerings. I have gotten some of the worst reviews from those who got the book for free. Be careful. Life isn't fair sometimes. I disagree with Lorraine about $.99 books on Amazon. They are the future and they continue to steal share from higher price points. But free books on Amazon dominate all each day and most people downloading free books NEVER buy anything on Amazon
Well, I'm trying out listmania. Will see how it goes, but for now, here's mine (still in progress)Young Adult Fantasy and Sci Fi Novels Link: http://amzn.com/lm/RQ7HKU61RJ4V4
My books are starting to get borrowed through the kindle lending program more than selling outright. That means, as a $.99 seller, instead of netting $.33 per sale, I get around $2.05 (which is what the kindle lending program has averaged over the past year). Amazon's new $10 all you can eat plan is driving this clearly. In the past few days, my borrowing customers have tripled. All the more reason to price at $.99 where $2.05 when someone borrows my books. $.99 priced books benefit from volume and higher kindle lending prices. Remember, if the customer reads just 10% of your book through the sample, you get paid. This is according to the new Amazon all you eat plan for $10/mth
My tip is to focus on writing the next book. For me, it's been the best form of advertising and has had the most positive impact on my sales. A close second is to start a mail list. This is one of those things you should probably do from day one, but it's never too late.
T.G. wrote: "One more thing regarding Free Book Offerings. I have gotten some of the worst reviews from those who got the book for free. Be careful. Life isn't fair sometimes. I disagree with Lorraine about $.9..."Does 99¢ dominate? I don't know; I don't think I've ever bought one! But it's clear a big chunk of the reading audience is enamored of them, for better or for worse. :)
I have heard that free books can drag in troll readers who leave negative reviews, which is another reason to stay away from that pricing category. If you're interested, a piece I've got up on Huff Post currently takes a look at this topic and some of the people interviewed and linked had some interesting thoughts, both on what it's doing to the "perceived valued" of writing and how it's impacting what readers now expect to pay.
Frankly, I never look at price until I determine if it's a book I'm interested in... and it seems those are rarely free or 99¢ books. But it will be interesting to see how the Kindle subscription program plays out...
Free Books: Marketing Genius or Devaluation of Writers?
Lorraine wrote: "For me as a reader, the most important elements of books posted on Amazon -- in terms of what draws me in to buy -- are the professional quality of the book cover, the book description, the reviews..."This is an issue I had wondered about as well. My novel has only been available for a month now and it hasn't sold as much as I had imagined it would, but I understand that there is a multitude of books on amazon and to flip through the countless pages would take quite a bit of time for readers to find my book. So I feel, that getting your book known or more visible, is the biggest key on our success on amazon. I've done review swaps and the facebook author page likes and requested likes.
I guess patience is necessary, but how do you find that one right person to read your book. The person who has a large following, who's recommendation of a deserving book would result in more sales?
I hope I've made sense here. I welcome anyone's thoughts.
Could you please tell me how I can be a member of all you eat programme on Amazon?
Go on Amazon and search for a book. Amazon will then show how to enroll in a free trial
My tip is for authors to turn their writing skills in to a business. Doing so presents an author with the opportunity to lower their taxes... Which is something just about everyone enjoys! The book "Outsmarting the System" illustrates how a person can pay less in taxes by starting a business.My partner and I wrote this book to help fellow entrepreneurs. We welcome any questions and wish you all much success with your books!
Outsmarting the System: Lower Your Taxes, Control Your Future, and Reach Financial Freedom
Dr wrote: "Thanks, that still doesn't explain why this book has it and the others don't. I have never sent Amazon directly a copy. I can only suppose that since most of my books are published through Amazon s..."Did you upload a pdf of your book at Bowker when you registered your ISBN or Ingram/Lightning Source? (I'm assuming you did not use Createspace).
If so, that's how they got it.
Did you know no one in this group cares about you or your book? Did you know you're just wasting your time and that at most you might get one sale from here, and that out of pity?Why do that?
Sell Your Book: 75 eBook Promotion Sites That Increase Amazon Saleshttp://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FKR8G6S
From the point of view of impact - get your cover right first. • Try looking at it without the author name or any title on it. Does it give the reader a clue as to content?
• Is the author name prominent? You don't want to sell your book title - you want to sell yourself so that the reader buys the next book.
• If you write fiction, got a short catchy title which attracts interest? If you are writing non-fiction you'll need a longer descriptive title and possibly a subtitle.
• What does your cover look like at Amazon's thumbnail size?
My advise is do not forget about the paperback edition. It is so simple to publish on createspace and you may well be surprised at the results. Mt book, An Ordinary Joe is a romantic comedy and sells almost exclusively on kindle (I read that 90 percent of all romance is now sold on ebook format)but I also write minecraft guides under a nom de plume and I sell thousands as paperbacks. Can't quite work out why children playing a computer game want a hard copy of a book, not an ebook version, but it works for me.http://myBook.to/AnOrdinaryJoe
T.G. wrote: "Also, if you have several books and you put one of them free, DO NOT expect that customer to buy anything else of yours. I have tried many times and failed and come to the conclusion that people wh..."Free works if it's the first book in a series. People will buy the second book if they like the first and you leave them with a hook for the second book. You will, however, get more than your share of one star reviews. The trolls seem to love them, although they say they hate them.
Laura wrote: "They've done away with tags. I'm not sure why but they've been taken off of books that had them and no way to put them on books that didn't."Tags were a good idea but they had a big downside. Trolls could misuse them. I had one tag of 'Spammer'. I complained to Amazon about this challenging them to ask the person who added this tag to show a single instance of me spamming. I got the usual brushoff. Had this tagging system still existed I would be now challenging Amazon under the new EEC search engine laws.
Visibility is the most important thing. Do free promos to get more downloads and increase visibility early on.
Starting tomorrow my book is - Free - Free - Free - The Devil Inside the BookI am asking anyone and everyone who loves a good mystery, suspense and love story to check out my book on amazon, look inside. If and only if you like my book I would ask that you share it with a friend or anyone who loves to read. For now would you like my Facebook cover photo here - https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-De...
"The Broken Wings Of Forgiveness"Michael, a humble, devoted, kind husband and a caring father was struck by a tragedy that weakens his faith in good. He abandons everything to seek and to serve cold justice to those behind it as he joins forces with a powerful and mysterious deity on the condition that he has to save mankind and most importantly, track down his real enemies. The battle he faces makes him embrace his sole purpose in life but what he later discovers will either make or break him
E-Book: http://www.ebookmall.com/ebook/the-br...
Order paper back copy on amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1482802864.
Pick a niche that you know well and write 10 books on the subject, all under 100 pages. If you write good books, in a popular niche, it will sell like hot cakes.
How to Promote YOUR book on Amazon
Books mentioned in this topic
The Devil Inside the Book (other topics)Sell Your Book: 75 eBook Promotion Sites That Increase Amazon Sales (other topics)
Outsmarting the System: Lower Your Taxes, Control Your Future, and Reach Financial Freedom (other topics)
After the Sucker Punch (other topics)
A Touch of Deceit (other topics)
More...
I have an author page, but I don't think it is the most important aspect of service by Amazon. Number one, when I choose a book, I never rely on the author's name to pick out a book for me. The detail and description information are more important and what I look at. Granted, this is written by the author who would like to sell a lot of books. But, that too is not what I consider the most important aspect of Amazon's service. I know, you want me to come to the point, OK, here it is. Amazon lists my books in many countries and many outlets. I like that.
Dr Robert E McGinnis published author for over thirty years. Unpublished author for over seventy years, Yep, my mom kept a lot of my stories.