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Name your most successful marketing technique
David: Welcome to Goodreads Author Forums. I checked out your blog; nice to meet another admirer of John Steinbeck. I recently labeled East of Eden one of the best novels of the 20th century in my Goodreads review. I checked out your blog and would be willing to review your book but didn't see a way to sign up for it, which may explain why no one has done so. P.S.: I'll invite you to join my Goodread friends list.
Doppelganger ExperimentThanks everyone, this has been a great discussion. Advice please.... I've joined several social media sites, etc., but I cannot tell what impact this is having. I've also tried writing, calling, etc. to my local book stores about my book, its based in San Francisco (and so am I), but I'm being pretty much ignored. Any ideas on how I can promote better? I'm also doing a 'featured authors' blog, tweet, post, etc. each week for other authors, but again, no clue if the word is getting out there. Thanks!
Re: Bookstores. Go talk to the buyers (who may or may not be the owners) in person. Learn from them what kinds of books sell in their store. Then if your book doesn't fit their clientele, chaulk it up. If you think it does, explain how.In general social media does not sell books. People sell books. Try to get people who read and like your book to review it on Amazon, B&N and any other website where it is being sold. Also, ask them to recommend it to friends and colleagues.
Linda,Thanks for the info about the Goodreads Lists. I hadn't explored that avenue before but I will now.
Peter, thank you for the heads up. I guess I expected anyone interested to simply email me via my welcome and contacts page on my blog. I think you are right and I must make it easier and simpler.
I'll contact you directly Peter.
Virginia, I found Twitter unbearable and no longer use it. Sorry to be so radical but really there have to be limits to what one can devote time to. I found Twitter utterly useless and got no sales at all. I have thought about giveaways here on Goodreads but I see it's paper only, no eBooks. That seems bizarre given the way the market is going.
Linda. I'm a bit uncomfortable with the idea of swapping votes? Seems a bit like the kind of thing that so alienates readers on forums I've visited.
I'm afraid I've found paid advertising to be the only thing that has really made a significant impact on sales.
Regards to all, davidrory.
My blog: http://bit.ly/lLpWSf
I'll contact you directly Peter.
Virginia, I found Twitter unbearable and no longer use it. Sorry to be so radical but really there have to be limits to what one can devote time to. I found Twitter utterly useless and got no sales at all. I have thought about giveaways here on Goodreads but I see it's paper only, no eBooks. That seems bizarre given the way the market is going.
Linda. I'm a bit uncomfortable with the idea of swapping votes? Seems a bit like the kind of thing that so alienates readers on forums I've visited.
I'm afraid I've found paid advertising to be the only thing that has really made a significant impact on sales.
Regards to all, davidrory.
My blog: http://bit.ly/lLpWSf
I find getting a book table at a craft, Christmas, farm market, art show, etc. to be my best way of selling outside of bookstores and my contact list. Whenever I have a new book, loyal customers usually buy a lot. Bookstores have been slow to accept. So far my ebooks sell slowly.About listopia. What is that and how do i get my books on it?
Eric wrote: "I find getting a book table at a craft, Christmas, farm market, art show, etc. to be my best way of selling outside of bookstores and my contact list. Whenever I have a new book, loyal customers us..."I just tried it today. Go to the Listopia link under the "Explore" tab on top and choose a few lists where you think your book would belong (e.g., exciting fantasy, books to read, etc.). You can add your book to one of these pre-existing lists as well as create your own. Here's a link to one I created today: http://bit.ly/vNXsjV
When approaching bookstores or other places, it's not good enough these days just to read from your book. Read my blog post on what works and how you can get your message across.http://expendableman.wordpress.com/20...
Alesha: Got to Listopia, and picked appropriate lists but how do I add my book to a list?
Eric wrote: "Alesha: Got to Listopia, and picked appropriate lists but how do I add my book to a list?"Click on the tab that says, "Add books to this list". Then you can select from your bookshelves or search.
Thanks Deborah, there are so many levels to this site that I have yet to fathom.
Eric wrote: "Thanks Deborah, there are so many levels to this site that I have yet to fathom."You're welcome.
Thanks for that information, Deborah. Truly, the more places to get your book the better. I'm always learning something new about GR every day.
Bridget wrote: "Thanks for that information, Deborah. Truly, the more places to get your book the better. I'm always learning something new about GR every day."You're welcome.
Linda and other contributors. Thanks for directions to Listopia. I've done it. I've put my book on some of the most applicable lists. Good grief - If Kermit thought it wasn't easy being green, what about introverted writers having to network, become involved, push themselves forward, and all such unnatural activities...
David Rory wrote: "Peter, thank you for the heads up. I guess I expected anyone interested to simply email me via my welcome and contacts page on my blog. I think you are right and I must make it easier and simpler...."
David: I'm curious as to what paid advertising you have invested in and what the return was re: advertising dollar per sales dollar.
Linda wrote: "I think these marketing techniques are making a difference, because finally I have some decent Amazon standings that I announced on my Facebook page tonight. (If you go to this link, please 'like' ..."'Liked!' he cried.
Virginia wrote: "What kills me is my "family". I have even said, "You don't have to read it. Just buy it." Geez, $2.99 to support a family member? And some of them have huge networks of in-laws, etc. Some of it..."I had to smile with recognition... very few of the people one would expect support from in this mannner actually do. However I discovered help from totally unexpected sources instead...
Congrats Linda! Liked your page as well. I'm finishing edits/revisions on my third book and planning to make a more concerted promo push for them once I have it available in the next month or so. Hopefully I can have similar successes!http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mother-...
Tanja - I would suggest either Lightning Source or CreateSpace for a print version of your book. I work with Lightning Source (they are the POD division of Ingram) but I know CreateSpace (Amazon's printing arm) does a nice job as well. There are some set up costs, but compared to many "vanity publishers" out there, they are minimal.Good luck in your adventure!
M.A, I'm sorry I can't give you figures yet. I will not get sales figures for a few months yet. I saw my Amazon rank jump hugely but I can't yet judge how that translates in sales.
In future I will be publishing all my work myself and that includes all I've all ready put out with a small press. I'm going Indi so I can in future answer questions like this.
My reason for advertising is to build a readership base. I'm not to concerned with the cost v sales equation. The add was on Kindle nation and was for book of the day, four days over two months. I have another coming on another Kindle forum and will be doing some here on Goodreads in the new year.
Total cost for all this is under $450. Goodreads is yet to be decided.
Regards, davidrory.
In future I will be publishing all my work myself and that includes all I've all ready put out with a small press. I'm going Indi so I can in future answer questions like this.
My reason for advertising is to build a readership base. I'm not to concerned with the cost v sales equation. The add was on Kindle nation and was for book of the day, four days over two months. I have another coming on another Kindle forum and will be doing some here on Goodreads in the new year.
Total cost for all this is under $450. Goodreads is yet to be decided.
Regards, davidrory.
Would I be right in thinking the most exasperating aspect of selling your ebook is the number of people who do not follow through in their commitment to buy it? With family and friends, the surprise and interest at what you’ve done is not feigned...well, it doesn’t appear to be. Their determination to buy your book is clear and heartening.And that’s it. Nothing happens.
I think one of the reasons is they baulk at the actual process of buying, then downloading, the file. While generally IT literate, they have not previously bought ebooks. Some express surprise when told they can read the book on their PC or tablet: ‘I thought you needed a proper reader!’
In the light of this, Cath, my wife, who leaves me way behind in these things, set out a simple ‘How to download’ instruction sheet to accompany the advertising flyer that we’ve distributed to anyone who can’t avoid us.
Feel free to use these instructions, although you may wish to replace the name of my novel with your own...
It’s on the FB page for the novel and here is the link:-
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Urgus-t...
Sharon, as a writer, I find bookmarks are better — even in this new age of ereaders. People are more likely to hang on to a bookmark than a business card. Just my two cents : )
Deborah wrote: "Eric wrote: "Alesha: Got to Listopia, and picked appropriate lists but how do I add my book to a list?"Click on the tab that says, "Add books to this list". Then you can select from your bookshel..."
Eric wrote: "Thanks Deborah, there are so many levels to this site that I have yet to fathom."
Deborah, when you click on Add to this List, and your book comes up, you have to vote for it, right? It feels weird to vote or your own book. But is that how you add it to the list?
Rebecca wrote: "Deborah, when you click on Add to this List, and your book comes up, you have to vote for it, right? It feels weird to vote or your own book. But is that how you add it to the list?"Yes, we've asked for a way to add books to a list without voting for them, but haven't got a response.
I think it's OK to vote for your own book as long as you also vote for other books too. You can vote for 100 books on each list.
Deborah wrote: "Rebecca wrote: "Deborah, when you click on Add to this List, and your book comes up, you have to vote for it, right? It feels weird to vote or your own book. But is that how you add it to the list?..."Deborah wrote: "Rebecca wrote: "Deborah, when you click on Add to this List, and your book comes up, you have to vote for it, right? It feels weird to vote or your own book. But is that how you add it to the list?..."
OK, thank you. I'm glad to know that's the way it works.
I wish I knew more about the internet. I even have trouble with widgets. I know that sounds stupid, but I've been writing, not promoting. Now I realize I have to promote, otherwise I'll never sell anything.Joyce Shaughnessy
blessedarethemerciful.net
I'm with you on the widget problem. Haven't a clue about them and how to use them. Eric Wright
David Rory wrote: "M.A, I'm sorry I can't give you figures yet. I will not get sales figures for a few months yet. I saw my Amazon rank jump hugely but I can't yet judge how that translates in sales.In future I will..."
David
I would also be very keen to hear how you got on with your Kindle Nation adverts. I've tried paid adverts in an online and a print/online magazine. The ads looked good but precious few sales resulted. I'm also down to $10 left on my $100 Goodreads ad campaign. Result? Probably less than 5 sales - not a wild success. I really didn't expect to cover costs and there is the positive aspect of keeping your name out there...but, if you've found a better way...
Rob
Well I just came across this thread and well I have just started writing again after 10 years. I did many books signings at places like Barnes & Nobles and when asked how I became so successful it was very simple. I did book signings. That was before there was Facebook, Twitter and everything else.
1)I would go for bookstores that were author friendly and would give me a good location and exposure.
2)I would get a professional poster that would display my book and then I would have it placed in the store 30 days before.
3)I would go to the cities local newspaper and have a small announcement and sometimes depending on the journalist, would even get a short story done on it. When I did this I would bring reviews of my boo that I usually received from smaller newspapers that were not the New York Times as well as other Authors or authorities. Authorities meaning if you wrote a piece on history you get a history college professor to review your book etc. This built up quality for your book and the newspaper usually at least looked at it and worse case scenario you just got an announcement for your book signing.
4) After the book signing I got a letter of recommendation form the owner/manager and then repeated.
Now this is a timely process but after doing this several times not only did I get sales and some attention, but then if your book is carried by Ingram or Baker & Taylor or some other distributor, then you create a press kit and start doing signings at places like Barnes & Nobles etc. I ended up doing signings at B. Dalton, B & N, Hastings Entertainment etc.
Like with anything else you build credibility. The fact is, is that people like sales and bringing them each recommendation and creating a photo album of that success with the recommendations, creates a media kit that will get you into any bookstore.
With things like Twitter, Facebook etc. it should be even easier now to generate buzz, but if you stick to this one plan, you will create a great deal of sales and be far more successful especially if you incorporate other benefits with social media and online media that we have today.
Try it out, it takes some time to build but Rome was not built overnight and if you do this correctly, then each time you come out with a book you will be better recognized and each book signing will get easier. I have not written a book in 10 years but still have all of my paperwork and I admittedly did not like my first 2 books because they were POD which I thought was good back then. Even with them being POD I still got into major bookstores and still did signings. So it is a proven practice. With my new novels coming out underneath my own company that is publishing them, I have secure book signing opportunities because I am bringing with me credibility that my books sell and that I can create crowds at the store which equals money for them.
It is worth the time and effort. Also there is a lot of good information in this thread and I than everyone for their contribution. I wish everyone success.
Merry Christmas!
1)I would go for bookstores that were author friendly and would give me a good location and exposure.
2)I would get a professional poster that would display my book and then I would have it placed in the store 30 days before.
3)I would go to the cities local newspaper and have a small announcement and sometimes depending on the journalist, would even get a short story done on it. When I did this I would bring reviews of my boo that I usually received from smaller newspapers that were not the New York Times as well as other Authors or authorities. Authorities meaning if you wrote a piece on history you get a history college professor to review your book etc. This built up quality for your book and the newspaper usually at least looked at it and worse case scenario you just got an announcement for your book signing.
4) After the book signing I got a letter of recommendation form the owner/manager and then repeated.
Now this is a timely process but after doing this several times not only did I get sales and some attention, but then if your book is carried by Ingram or Baker & Taylor or some other distributor, then you create a press kit and start doing signings at places like Barnes & Nobles etc. I ended up doing signings at B. Dalton, B & N, Hastings Entertainment etc.
Like with anything else you build credibility. The fact is, is that people like sales and bringing them each recommendation and creating a photo album of that success with the recommendations, creates a media kit that will get you into any bookstore.
With things like Twitter, Facebook etc. it should be even easier now to generate buzz, but if you stick to this one plan, you will create a great deal of sales and be far more successful especially if you incorporate other benefits with social media and online media that we have today.
Try it out, it takes some time to build but Rome was not built overnight and if you do this correctly, then each time you come out with a book you will be better recognized and each book signing will get easier. I have not written a book in 10 years but still have all of my paperwork and I admittedly did not like my first 2 books because they were POD which I thought was good back then. Even with them being POD I still got into major bookstores and still did signings. So it is a proven practice. With my new novels coming out underneath my own company that is publishing them, I have secure book signing opportunities because I am bringing with me credibility that my books sell and that I can create crowds at the store which equals money for them.
It is worth the time and effort. Also there is a lot of good information in this thread and I than everyone for their contribution. I wish everyone success.
Merry Christmas!
I agree with K.L. Personal contact in bookstores with the offer to do signings, especially before Mother's Day, Father's Day, Christmas, etc. results in positive sales. Also, as she said, one need an attractive poster, promo material, and announc. in local papers.
I also agree. I've been doing book signings since last fall and really enjoyed them. They take some planning, but I like tailoring each one to the specific audience (e.g., libraries, Quaker retirement community, Jewish group). Happy New Year! May the new year bring readers to all of us.
I have not read the entire discussion, but from what I've covered, I did not see a simple tool: Bookmarks!!!I have given away THOUSANDS of them over the years. You can hand one to someone on the bus who is reading a book but has no bookmark.... At a party, your drinking buddy needs not remember your book's title--or your name. She'll find it in her purse and will be able to read a synopsis.
There is some science to well-designed bookmarks.
* Make them 2" x 8 " (That's 5 pieces cut out of an 81/2" X 11" sheet). The size allows you to feature the cover art, write a short, snappy synopsis as well as give your contact info.
* The text on the bookmark: use font size and boldness that make it possible to read at a romantically dark restaurant,
* Text on the bookmark should include all answers to what, how, who, why, and where,. (where to buy, ISBN, your name, your website, even your phone number if you give speaking engagements.
* The cost of abut 2,500 bookmarks, 4 colors both sides is about $150!
* I design my bookmark on my Microsoft Publisher program according to my chosen printer's specifications. (Trim requirement varies.) Those with a Mac can easily create their own, too. Some outfits/printers may help you with design.
* Now that my third novel is out, the front of my bookmark is devoted exclusively to this latest book(but there is room left for my contact info, my website as well as a testemonial. The back side--also in colors and well-thought through, features both my previous novels, each with its own synopsis in bold clean font. And the ISBN, of course.
Good luck!
@Linda. Thank your for this. It is the first one I have read that makes it look appealing. I think part of it is that, if they are in the Select Program, they are serious readers. I have many free downloads where all that person does is download freebies. They have no purchases in their stats.
There are some good discussions here. This Sunday on January 1st, 2012, I am going to start a new group that will focus on resources and marketing techniques. I see there is a huge need for this for authors, so look for this new group and feel free to contribute as I will be adding in articles from a free resource I run online and adding in feedback and answers to questions to my posts. This is great authors helping authors and what makes this world so great, people helping people. I know I gain a lot from these threads and so I appreciate everyone's feedback and contributions as well as for this thread being started.
The bookmarks idea is great Talia and congratulations to Linda for her great success with her books. That is really great news. I am proud that you are doing so well with your series and wish you much more success in the New Year!
The bookmarks idea is great Talia and congratulations to Linda for her great success with her books. That is really great news. I am proud that you are doing so well with your series and wish you much more success in the New Year!
Talia, good point. Yes, I've also used bookmarks extensively but not as vigorously as you!
Hi Talia,Bookmarks are a great idea! One of the things I do is donate a copy of my book to local libraries and along with the book I leave about 50 bookmarks. I follow up on a regular basis to see how my book is doing and to inquire if they need any more bookmarks--they always do. I also make them available in local restaurants, bookstores, and my local liquor store. Your bookmarks are more detailed than mine. I think I'll contact my printer and implement some of your ideas. Thanks for the tip.
Jim Gilliam
David Rory wrote: "Virginia, I found Twitter unbearable and no longer use it. Sorry to be so radical but really there have to be limits to what one can devote time to. I found Twitter utterly useless and got no sales at all. I have thought about giveaways here on Goodreads but I see it's paper only, no eBooks. That seems bizarre given the way the market is going."
I was reading through some older posts and am surprised to hear that you did not like Twitter. It is really a good tool and I am sorry you found so much difficulty with it. There are ways to give handouts for books but they would require developing books and cost money but I will share with you some suggestions that I have helped authors with.
There are short run publishers that can print as few as 24 books for around $250 and sometimes less. So what you do is print these books and use them as giveaways. You may have to add a ISBN number to them, which may cost some more.
I would agree that e-books are large on the market, but they will never replace traditional books like MP3's and other music downloads have not replaced CD's.
Unless you hire a marketing team or company, you MUST invest large amounts of time to marketing. I have worked in marketing for years and having gone through POD publishers before they came out with e-books, I spent hours (like 20-30) marketing my books. The payoff came eventually, but it days take monetary and sweat equity investment. The only way around that is by hiring someone to do it which takes even more money.
Some people feel that e-books are great because it is so cheap, but there are disadvantages to it, like anything in life.
Hope that helps and for effective marketing on Twitter you need a firm or company that specializes in social media who are experts in the social media and networking arenas.
I hope that helps. If you want I can look at your website and give you some free pointers if you would like. If so just message me on here.
Well I just started my group today, Author Marketing and Promotion so feel free to view my first post everyone and I have a poll on there. I really like this thread so I will be making comments off and on here as well.
Hope everyone had a good New Years! Great wishes in 2012.
I was reading through some older posts and am surprised to hear that you did not like Twitter. It is really a good tool and I am sorry you found so much difficulty with it. There are ways to give handouts for books but they would require developing books and cost money but I will share with you some suggestions that I have helped authors with.
There are short run publishers that can print as few as 24 books for around $250 and sometimes less. So what you do is print these books and use them as giveaways. You may have to add a ISBN number to them, which may cost some more.
I would agree that e-books are large on the market, but they will never replace traditional books like MP3's and other music downloads have not replaced CD's.
Unless you hire a marketing team or company, you MUST invest large amounts of time to marketing. I have worked in marketing for years and having gone through POD publishers before they came out with e-books, I spent hours (like 20-30) marketing my books. The payoff came eventually, but it days take monetary and sweat equity investment. The only way around that is by hiring someone to do it which takes even more money.
Some people feel that e-books are great because it is so cheap, but there are disadvantages to it, like anything in life.
Hope that helps and for effective marketing on Twitter you need a firm or company that specializes in social media who are experts in the social media and networking arenas.
I hope that helps. If you want I can look at your website and give you some free pointers if you would like. If so just message me on here.
Well I just started my group today, Author Marketing and Promotion so feel free to view my first post everyone and I have a poll on there. I really like this thread so I will be making comments off and on here as well.
Hope everyone had a good New Years! Great wishes in 2012.
To answer your quesitons regarding the printer I use for the bookmarks: Since equipment and costs keep changing, I sometime price a new printer. The most recent one I used is www.PrintSafari.com Good luck!
BTW, when possible, I have bookmarks inserted into my previous novels before they are shipped to Amazon and other outlets.
I guess this is for Patrick. My webmaster just put the Add to My Books widget on my website. I didn't look at it carefully enough and didn't realize it would have the people who added it. I thought it was just a link that said "Add..." I don't want it the way it is. Is there another way to show on my website that my book is in GR? Is that the purpose of the logos/badges? I like the "Add to Goodreads" badge. If so, how would I get them onto my site? Thanks,
Rebecca
Rebecca wrote: "I guess this is for Patrick. My webmaster just put the Add to My Books widget on my website. I didn't look at it carefully enough and didn't realize it would have the people who added it. I thought..."At the bottom of the API page, there are a number of static badges, including just the plain Goodreads "g" which could be used similar to the Twitter T and Facebook F, as well as a static "add to my shelves on Goodreads" badge.
http://www.goodreads.com/api
To add any of these, just right click on the image and save it to your computer. Then paste it into your website and use html to link it to your book page.
Patrick wrote: "Rebecca wrote: "I guess this is for Patrick. My webmaster just put the Add to My Books widget on my website. I didn't look at it carefully enough and didn't realize it would have the people who add..."Thank you -- that's great! And I appreciate the prompt response.
So now I have the "Add to Goodreads" badge on my book page, and it's just what I wanted. Check it out if you want to see how it looks (www.rebeccamcbride.net). Now I just need to get my book more widely known (not so easy as it sounds) and hope there are people who visit my site and are part of Goodreads and want to add the book.
K.L. wrote: "David Rory wrote: "Virginia, I found Twitter unbearable and no longer use it. Sorry to be so radical but really there have to be limits to what one can devote time to. I found Twitter utterly usele..."Hi David what's your website's address I'd like to check it out and perhaps you could take a look at mine. You have some great ideas
That is very useful information. My problem seems to be that no one knows about my book. So if you help me and will help you. Thanks again.
My single best promotional day was when I snagged an interview on a Columbus, Ohio morning news show. I sold close to 70 books that morning alone. You can see my interview on my profile page if you'd like. I'm sure your question is how did I get on the program. Well, it was a little by accident and a little by cunning. I friended the anchor on FB a few years ago when she still didn't have 5000 friends. I did that in hopes that one day I could use that contact with my writing. Then as I was writing my current novel, I needed a name for a news reporter so I used her name. Last year I sent her a message just telling her I used her name in a book and that was it. Two days later she invited me on the morning program. Afterwards, she invited me back for my next book.
My best success comes from having articles on writing posted on writing blogs.Bill
In compiling my tax info last week, I realized that I sell more books in the shortest time and least cost by doing authors talks and/or having a sales table at places where there will be big crowds and possible readers for my thriller novels..hmmm! And, at age 87, I get to sit down the whole time :-)
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Reviews? I've not pursued that strongly but did over free copies to the first three readers of my blog to offer a review. No takers so far.
I should say my work has been well reviewed on Amazon. It's edited, proofed and well presented so I'm not ashamed of it. This selling of one's self is, without doubt, the most difficult aspect of the creative process.
Thank you all for your shared wisdom and advice here.
Might I ask if anyone has experience of advertising here on Goodreads? And do reviews on book-blogs actually sell books?
My blog: http://bit.ly/lLpWSf
Regards, David Rory O'Neill