This is number 17 in my new ebooklet, 50 Ways to Promote Your Ebook. It’s FREE at http://www.patriciafry.com
Go out and talk about your ebook. Now here’s the ebook promotion suggestion you didn’t expect to see here—the one you have been avoiding, you say, “for obvious reasons.” Yes, I’m suggesting that you make public appearances with your ebook. Book speaking engagements at venues where your audience congregates.
So how does the author sell ebooks in the back-of-the-room after presenting a workshop or after entertaining an audience with stories from his fiction ebook? More and more people carry their electronic readers with them and may actually be able to purchase and download your ebook from your website or from Amazon on the spot. How cool is that?
For those who are not prepared to make a purchase now, provide professional take-aways. Design bookmarks or postcards with your amazing book cover on one side and a description of the ebook content or story and ordering information on the other. Can you see why it is important to have a professional quality cover designed?
So where would you speak? For fiction, how about at book club meetings, libraries and college campuses? Some civic groups might welcome you to entertain members. Book presentations for club meetings or conferences related to your topic/expertise/genre. There are conferences and clubs formed around the themes of writing, art, ecology, pets, gardening, foods/cooking, auto, fashion, business management and so much more. Locate conferences on your topic or in your genre through these sites:
http://shawguides.com
http://www.allconferences.com
http://www.bvents.com
Or do an Internet search to locate a conference or event near you by using keywords, “conference” and “your home town” for example.
Locate clubs and organizations that hold events and/or meet regularly through the local Chamber of Commerce or the city/county website. Contact their program chairpersons. You’ll find clubs and events listed in the calendar section of your newspaper. Some phone books list clubs and organizations in the front pages.
For additional information and support related to public speaking for authors, read my book, Talk Up Your Book, How to Sell Your Book Through Public Speaking, Interviews, Signings, Festivals, Conferences and More (Allworth Press, scheduled for release fall/winter 2012).
Consider the advantages of doing personal appearances for an ebook.
• You don’t have books to cart around.
• You can concentrate solely on promoting your book—no sales or autographing to distract you. No making change.
• You don’t have to worry about theft. Yes, people will occasionally walk off with a book without paying.
For a greater understanding of the publishing industry and how to navigate it with your wonderful book project, read my book, Publish Your Book, Proven Strategies and Resources for the Enterprising Author. It’s available at Amazon and most other online and downtown bookstores. Also at http://www.matilijapress.com
I’m in between editing jobs. Good time to contact me for a free sample edit and estimate. PLFry620@yahoo.com