Writing and Publishing News from

April 12, 2008

Book Promotion is the Author’s Responsibility–even if…

Filed under: Book Promotion — Patricia @ 6:12 am

What are your publishing assumptions? Until you spend some time within the publishing realm, studying the industry and how it works and listening to those who have gone before you, there are certain things that you will probably assume to be true.

I consider myself a bubble burster. I go around bursting bubbles for hopeful authors who believe the following:

*All I have to do is create a magnificent manuscript and publishers will come knocking at my door.

*Once published, the publisher will promote my book. All I have to do is concentrate on writing my sequel.

*If I decide to go with a fee-based POD “self-publishing” company, I can pay them to promote my book. They have some wonderful programs featuring sending out press releases, etc. And if I give them an additional $800, my book becomes returnable and they will place it in every major bookstore in the nation.

*If I self-publish (establish my own publishing company), all I have to do is a 6 or 8 month blast of promotion and my book will keep selling for evermore.

Here I come with my bubble popping needle. The truth is that no matter which publishing option you choose (and believe me, you do have options), you—the author—are responsible for promoting your book. And you are the best person to promote your book, by the way. No one else really cares as much about your book as you do. Isn’t that right? No one else has that intimate connection with your book.

Here’s another tidbit that many authors don’t want to hear: Your book will sell only for as long as you are willing to promote it. Stop promoting it and sales will likely diminish.

You’ve heard (read) me talk about the enormous competition for authors and publishers. It has come to the point where we must scramble for every sale. Of course, you have options when it comes to promoting your book, too. There are bold promotional activities and some designed for the bashful promoter (you’ll find articles posted at my website for all types of authors). You can hire a publicist—but expect to be kept very busy traveling around and talking about your book. Or you can sit back and complain that no one will buy your book. It’s all up to you.

Authorship is more than coming up with a book idea and then putting pen to paper or fingers to keyboard. It involves a commitment to the business side of publishing and this is true whether you are seeking publication by a traditional royalty publisher, decide to self-publish (establish your own company) or go with a fee-based POD “self-publishing” service.

If you are thinking about writing a book, consider the type of promotional activities you will pursue. If you already have a published book, hat type of promotional activities are you going to pursue this week?

For more on this and many other topics related to writing, publishing and promoting your book, visit my website: http://www.matilijapress.com Read some of the articles I’ve posted there.

Read my book, The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book—no one I have spoken with after reading this book has regretted spending time with it. You won’t, either. And no one wants to loan this book out because they want it at hand at all times to reference http://www.matilijapress.com/rightway.html

April 11, 2008

Amazon and the Airlines

Filed under: Publishing — Patricia @ 5:53 am

In America, we are accustomed to having choices. We can choose our mates, our lifestyles, where we shop, what we buy, where we work and which airline we fly, for example. As independent publishers, we can choose our book content, book printers, where to sell our books, which distributors/wholesalers to use, etc. Lately, however, thousands of travelers are finding themselves stranded in airports because of aborted flights. Those whose connecting flights are canceled feel like prisoners of the airports. What can they do except wait for the next available flight? They have no idea where their luggage is. They are usually strangers to the city. And no one can tell them when the next available flight to their destination might leave.

I had a small taste of this in Atlanta when on my way home (to California) from Nashville last week. I was among the lucky travelers. Even though my flight was cancelled and I found myself on standby (for the first time in my life), I arrived home only two hours off schedule. But my luggage didn’t catch up with me until a day and a half later. No harm done—but I’m concerned about future flights I have planned. The traveling picture, these days, is not a pretty one.

Now Amazon is causing many people to feel much like the traveler who has few options. It seems similar to a hostage situation. “Play our way or don’t play with us at all.” As I understand it, rather than ordering your POD book from you or your POD company, Amazon wants your digital files so they can do the printing with their partner, BookSurge. While some industry professionals are shrieking, “MONOPOLY,” others are saying, “I’m going to allow Amazon to print the books they sell and I’ll continue using my regular printer for the rest of my copies.”

Some people are feeling helpless against the Amazon conglomerate and others are fairly relaxed about the announcement and the possible ramifications. Many authors plan to use Barnes and Noble to a greater extent and will convince their customers to bring their business to this and other online bookstores.

The jury is still out as far as SPAWN is concerned. SPAWN, as most of my readers know is Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network. http://www.spawn.org We are collecting comments from industry experts and reading what Amazon has to say before we produce our statement.

If you’re interested in learning more about this situation, Publishers Weekly is writing about it. Angela and Richard Hoy at Writers Weekly and Booklocker have been very vocal with regard to this situation and they’ve been collecting comments from other industry professionals. You’ll want to visit their site and subscribe to Angela’s newsletter, Writers Weekly. http://www.writersweekly

If you subscribe to any writing/publishing newsletters, take time to read them this month. They’re bound to include information and perspectives related to this topic. I’m told that 50% of those enewsletters you subscribe to do not get read. Not good. How will you become more informed if you ignore the flow of information coming in?

I suggest that you read the pros and cons until you understand how this will potentially affect you and your projects, clients and/or members and then speak out. Let fairness to all prevail. Let’s rally for freedom of choice. Let’s hope that Amazon backs down in their threat to create a monopoly and that they offer the BookSurge project as an option.

What are your thoughts? PLFry620@yahoo.com.

If you’re an author or plan to become one, you really must shift from creative right brain thinking long enough to understand something about the publishing industry. The main reason I wrote my book, The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book is to help with this education. You really must study the highly competitive, ever-changing publishing industry before getting involved. If you haven’t done so already, please sit down and read my book, The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book. It doesn’t matter if your book is completed, just a sliver of a thought or somewhere in between, stop now and read this book. It could mean the difference between a successful project and blatant failure. Here are the figures—in 2006, around 76% of all books sold fewer than 100 copies. I venture to guess (and I’m sure that I’m correct) that those authors did not study the publishing industry before producing their books. If they had, they would have known whether or not their book was a viable product, they would have had reasonable expectations with regard to their role within the publishing industry, they would have known that a magnificent story or excellent writing isn’t necessarily going to guarantee their success in this highly competitive field and they would have been aware that promotion is their responsibility.

Don’t even think about entering into this industry without an education. You’ll be eaten alive. Read my book and learn the right way to go about writing, producing and selling your particular book. The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book http://www.matilijapress.com/rightway.html

April 10, 2008

5 Things You Can Do Differently to Create Writing Success

Filed under: Writing — Patricia @ 5:56 am

It’s Spring and moving swiftly toward Summer. Have you met any of your writing goals for 2008? I know people who deemed this the year that they would become published. Others hoped to start writing a book. And, I’m sure that many of you planned to be involved in some freelance writing by now. How many of you have started living your writing/publishing dream? Are you on track with your goals? If so, you’re in the minority.

Yup, most people flake out on their own important goals. They just can’t seem to jumpstart a plan of action. Some can’t figure out how to move in a direction that might result in success. Others seem to be stuck in a cycle that doesn’t allow for any sort of creative mobility. But few of these hopeful authors/freelance writers have completely given up their dreams. They say, instead, “I will do some writing—someday.” Or “When I have time, I’m going to write my memoirs.” Or “I wish I could find time to write.”

As many of you know, I’ve been writing for publication for over 30 years. I started writing when my 3 stair-step daughters were pre-teens and I established a writing/publishing career that has been my sole support for over 20 years. I write articles for magazines, work with other writers and authors on their projects and I have 28 books to my credit. People ask me, “How do you find the time to do all of that writing?” Well, it’s all that I do. Writing is my life. And, yes, I’ve had to make some sacrifices and lifestyle changes in order to accommodate my passion for writing.

This morning, I’d like to offer you 5 things that you can do differently in order to create your writing/publishing success.

1: Adopt a “can do” attitude. Often the pure enormity of the industry and the competition is enough to put off a talented writer. Sure, it’s a jungle full of lions, tigers and bears out there. But someone is getting their work published. In fact, millions of “someones” are scoring. Why can’t it be you? Maybe it’s time to stop talking about and thinking about writing and actually start writing.

2: Make some sacrifices. We all have busy lives. And when we want to add a component to our life, something must give. You’ve experienced this many times in your life. You want to go out and party on Friday night so you sacrifice sleep, time spent watching TV, maybe some hours of clarity the next morning. Maybe you want to take a trip or help a friend move, you’ve changed aspects of your lifestyle to do these things. Why are you reluctant to make allowances/sacrifices in order to support your writing passion?

3: Pick and choose your project. Sure, maybe you have your heart set on writing your memoirs or a novel that keeps playing out in your mind. But if you are stalled because of the enormity of this book, why not start with a confidence-building project? Write a simple how-to book on a topic you know well. (I have an article called, “Write a How-To First.” Let me know if you’d like me to send it to you.) Maybe you’d feel more comfortable submitting some of your short stories to magazines/newsletters. Write an article for publication. Complete a few small projects and your book might not seem so daunting—especially if you view it as a series of chapters instead of a whole overwhelming book.

4: Stop studying. I never thought I’d hear myself say this. I am a strong advocate of studying the publishing industry before getting involved. However, I know writers and hopeful authors who buy every book on their genre, attend 4 writers’ groups every month, consult daily with a writing buddy, hire a mentor and/or continually research their project. Some people carry on like this for years, never writing a word. By the time they get around to hiring me, they’re invested in a habit that is mighty hard to break. It’s important to know when to stop, drop and write.

5: Write what is needed/wanted. I know talented, skilled writers who waste their time writing what they want to write with little concern for what will sell. Budding writers come to me complaining that they can’t sell a column idea to the New Yorker or an essay on spring cleaning or washing a Volvo to Woman’s Day. If this describes you, will you do this for me (and for yourself)? Study the magazines you want to write for (I suggest aiming a little lower than Reader’s Digest and Ladies Home Journal in the beginning). What does this magazine publish? What can you offer that might fit this publication? Read their Submission Guidelines and follow them in making a submission.

If you would like some coaching to help you get your freelance writing career off the ground, sign up for my online article-writing course at: http://www.matilijapress.com/course_magarticles.htm

Sign up for my courses on book promotion, self-publishing or writing a book proposal. http://www.matilijapress.com/courses.htm

Don’t think you can afford to spend the money in this tight economic period? Can you afford not to learn how to use your writing talent and skill to supplement your income or support you?

Contact me with questions: PLFry620@yahoo.com And remember, if you have a book that isn’t doing well in the marketplace—sales are lagging or stalled, maybe you are trying to promote a bulldozer book. Are you addressing the right audience for your book? Are you using all of the appropriate promotional aspects in your book in order to promote it? My new ebook, The Author’s Repair Kit will help you to breathe new life into your book. Order it now at: http://www.matilijapress.com/author_repairkit.html It’s only $5.95 and it could compute into thousands of dollars in your pocket.

April 9, 2008

Patricia Fry’s Book Promotion Activities

Filed under: Book Promotion — Patricia @ 5:05 am

I spent a good part of the day yesterday spreading the word about my new ebook, The Author’s Repair Kit; a book designed to help you heal your publishing mistakes and breathe new life into your faltering or failing book. This book features a system similar to preparing a book proposal only in reverse. If you didn’t write a book proposal before you produced your book, perhaps you are regretting that decision. But it might not be too late. Buy this ebook (it’s only $5.95) and learn how to repair your promotions program or your book itself. http://www.matilijapress.com/author_repairkit.html

This ebook had its first review. Joe Wikert at Joe Wikert’s Publishing 2020 Blog highly recommends this little ebook. He said. “The tips on this (his own) blog are generally aimed at authors who are writing new book proposals or at the early stage of their manuscript development. But how about all those books that are already published and not selling very well? Where can an author find tips on how to fix the book after it’s already out?”

He continues, “I used to think there was no good answer to either of those questions…until I discovered a 27-page ebook called The Author’s Repair Kit by Patricia Fry.” He goes on to say that The Author’s Repair Kit is loaded with the type of tough questions you need to ask yourself to help make the best book possible.” Read the entire review and leave comments at http://jwikert.typepad.com/the_average_joe/2008/04/the-authors-rep.html

And Fran Silverman, in her recent edition of Book Promotion Newsletter, mentioned this new ebook. Look for my bio under my feature article, 8 Ways to Build Your Author Platform. Sign up for this newsletter at http://www.bookpromotionnewsletter.com Contact Fran at franalive@optonline.net.

The month is getting away from me. SPAWN will have two booths at the big Los Angeles Times Festival of Books April 26-27. So I’ve been busy preparing our participating members and myself for the event. If you’re in the area or UCLA, be sure to come by and see us. We’re holding down booth number 142. Meet some of our SPAWN members and take a look at their wide array of published books. We’ll also be handing out our SPAWN Catalog of Members’ Books and Services.

April 29, I’m participating in a workshop with Mary Embree in Ventura, CA. The topic is Research and Interviewing Techniques for Authors and Freelance Writers. Let me know if you want more information on this activity. I’ll have copies of my book, The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book on hand for sale.

And in early May, I’m flying out to Baltimore for a Writers’ Conference where I’ll be speaking on writing a book proposal in 8 easy steps. Are there any Baltimore residents out there? Check out this opportunity at http://www.marylandwriters.org/conferences.html

I’m in the negotiation stages of setting up a gig in Panama City, Florida for September. Let me know if you live in that area. Have any of you participated in a writers’ conference in Panama City before? I’d like to hear from you. Mike Lister is the organizer.

I submitted 5 articles to writing/publishing-related newsletters and magazines yesterday and had 3 of them accepted on the spot.

What are you doing to promote your book these days? Have you discovered any unique methods you’d like to share? I’m all ears—well, eyes. PLFry620@yahoo.com.

April 8, 2008

Free Ebook for Authors

Filed under: New Books,Writing — Patricia @ 4:20 am

I have a gift for you, oh faithful blog followers. I’m ready to launch my new ebook, The Author’s Repair Kit—featuring the post-publication book proposal. This 27-page book is designed to help you revive a faltering book and increase sluggish book sales. Just request this book by name—The Author’s Repair Kit—and it’s yours. Offer expires April 20, 2008.

Watch this blog for similar offers in the future.

What do I want in return? Your feedback. I’d like you to comment on the book and offer your suggestions for making it more useful. Also, I’d love to know what topics you’re interested in. I plan to do more ebooks and you can help me decide on the most pertinent topics. I don’t know about you, but I like my ebooks brief. So I’m planning to create ebooks on narrowly targeted topics. They could be considered small books or expanded articles.

The other thing I’d like in return for the free ebook is your recommendation. Tell your friends, colleagues, writers’ group members and other authors you might meet along the way about this ebook and suggest that they order it for only $5.95 at: http://www.matilijapress.com/author_repairkit.html

The only way I can continue to offer you the free blog, access to my enormous array of articles and benefit of my knowledge is to sell books, ebooks and my services, and I appreciate your help with this.

The economy is careening downward again. Those of us with any age under our belts have seen it before, right? Things get bad and then they get better. Once we feel as though we’re getting ahead big time, the economy goes in the toilet again. So how are you handling it? How is this affecting your writing? Are you writing more in an attempt to stay afloat? Or are you writing less because you don’t believe that your writing work can support you?

Yesterday I suggested that you submit articles and stories to magazines and newsletters in order to help build your author’s platform. Did you know that you can also get paid for articles and stories? Yes, many publications pay anywhere from $25 to $3,000 per piece. This could be a good way for you to keep writing even during this economic downturn. Order my book, A Writer’s Guide to Magazine Articles http://www.matilijapress.com/writingpage.html

Read my articles focusing on how to build a freelance writing career and unique ways to make more money writing: http://www.matilijapress.com/articles.htm#writing

Don’t use the economy as an excuse not to write. Sure, you may have to set your book-in-progress aside or work on it fewer hours per day while you pursue paying work. And you probably can’t come up with enough money to support yourself by promoting one or two books, especially if you haven’t been putting in a lot of promotional effort over the last several months. But you can survive this period of poor economy through your writing if you are persistent, diligent, creative, patient and trusting.

If you’d like to start a freelance writing career or enhance the one you have, consider taking my online freelance article-writing course: http://www.matilijapress.com/course_magarticles.htm

Question? Contact me at: PLFry620@yahoo.com

April 7, 2008

Submit Articles/Stories Before Writing a Book

Filed under: Publishing,Writing — Patricia @ 6:17 am

Did you catch my recent articles in Absolute Write, Publishing Basics and Freelance Writer’s Report? Publishing Basics published my piece on how to eliminate roadblocks to your publishing success. Absolute Write used the one I wrote on how to write books that sell. And Freelance Writer’s Report published one of my book promotion tips articles. Every month, I write the SPAWN Market Update and I write the book marketing column in SPAWNews. That’s good exposure, don’t you think?

Each of my published articles puts my name and my books in the limelight. My name and book titles are familiar to some and new to others. And the more that a person sees my name and the title of my books, the more apt he or she is to purchase my books, show up at my workshops, take my courses and consider me as their editor or consultant of choice.

Have you been using your writing talent and skills to promote yourself and your books? If not, maybe it’s time that you start contributing articles on your topic or stories in your genre to appropriate magazines and newsletters. Think of it—if your articles or stories appear in only 5 magazines this year with anywhere from 500 circulation to 100,000 and a dozen newsletters and e-newsletters with a combined circulation of around 200,000, that’s a potential 350,000-500,000 people who will learn about you and your book. People who enjoy reading your short stories, will surely want to purchase your novel. Folks who are interested in your articles on the greening of America, will probably go out and buy your book on this topic. Do you see how that works?

And if your book is in process or is only a dream, this is still an excellent time to contribute stories/articles for publication. Start submitting your stories or articles to appropriate magazines and sites now in order to establish your following—to start attracting readers for your book. This is called building a platform. Doesn’t it make sense to begin the process of creating an audience early on? Wouldn’t you love to have people lined up eager to read your book when you finally launch it?

I’d like to issue a challenge. If you have a book in the works or are just thinking about writing a book, start writing and submitting related articles or stories to appropriate publications and sites now.

If you’re not familiar with the world of freelance writing, order my book, A Writer’s Guide to Magazine Articles. (It’s only $6.50.) http://www.matilijapress.com/writingpage.html And while you’re at it, be sure to order your copy of my signature book—a major, major contribution to your writing/publishing library, The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book http://www.matilijapress.com/rightway.html You’ll reference this book repeatedly throughout the writing, publishing and book marketing process.

I’d love to hear from those of you who are willing to meet this challenge. Let me know when you come up with article/story ideas. I’d love to hear about the research you’re doing in order to locate appropriate magazines—I’m sure I can help with that. Report back to me about your submissions. (We can get excited and nervous together.) And, by all means, tell me when you get accepted. I’d also like to hear from those of you who are already submitting articles or stories for publication. PLFry620@yahoo.com.

And don’t forget, I offer an online freelance article writing course at http://www.matilijapress.com/course_magarticles.htm Other course topics include book marketing, how to write a book proposal and a walk through the self-publishing process. http://www.matilijapress.com/courses.htm

Contact me with your news at: plfry620@yahoo.com

April 6, 2008

The Adventures of the Traveling Author

Filed under: Publishing — Patricia @ 5:50 am

I’m home once again. I discovered that it’s not as convenient as I thought it would be to work while traveling. I packed my computer with an internet hook-up that works anywhere and anytime (except, for some reason, in Ohio). So what’s hard about stopping for a few minutes each day to add to my blog or respond to a client’s question? Well, I can tell you, it isn’t so easy to do when you are living without a schedule and when you are distracted by unexpected flight cancellations, meetings, sights to see and, most specially (as they say in the south), that great southern cooking.

I have to admit that I failed you—those of you who faithfully read my blog. And I apologize for not keeping up with it while traveling. But, while I was ignoring my responsibilities to the blog and in between the tours and eating fests, I was working with authors and budding authors. I was meeting with professionals and leaders in the world of publishing and I was gleaning information to share with you.

There are some major things happening within the ever-changing publishing industry. Much of it seems to be designed to further alienate the independent publisher and unknown author. But there are also organizations that are working very hard to protect us from the monopolies and conglomerate decisions. If you think that having your book accepted by a major publisher will protect you from disappointments and shabby treatment, you may be terribly wrong.

This industry caters to the elite few and, even if you enter into that elite realm, know that your days are probably numbered. Even if you land that contract with a major publisher, for example, your success may be just a flash in the pan—lasting no longer than a month or two.

Within the next few weeks, as my stack of to-dos dwindles and I have time to study the issues at hand (Amazon and BookSurge attempting to create a monopoly that excludes POD books, for example), I will be offering my viewpoint along with links where you can find additional information on this and other major industry topics.

In the meantime, I have dozens of books to ship, SPAWN members to contact with regard to the upcoming Los Angeles Times Book Festival, client work to catch up on, many newsletters to read and so forth.

The last phase of our 11 day trip was the PMA Publishers’ Affiliate Retreat in Nashville where 15 representatives from PMA affiliate organizations met for a day and a half to discuss you (the author) and your issues and challenges and how we can help you manage them. Stay tuned here, join SPAWN and read the SPAWN Market Update (in the member only section of the SPAWN website.) That’s Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network http://www.spawn.org.

Join your local/regional publishing organization. I will be posting a list of those organizations operating on your behalf in Florida, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, the northwest, the Midwest and, of course, California in an upcoming article in the May 1 edition of the SPAWN Market Update. I’ll also be discussing some of the issues and resources, etc. that were brought up in the retreat right here in my blog, which I hope will go daily again soon.

Today, along with playing a major game of catch-up and trying to convince our kitties (Max and Sophie) that we still love them, we’re concentrating on getting our luggage back. Yes, Delta really did a number on us this trip. They managed to make each and every leg of our flight an adventure. I even got to experience standby for the first time ever when they decided to cancel our flight from Atlanta to Los Angeles yesterday. With this on our minds, yesterday, and because of our need to stay close to the gate in case they called our names for the next available flight, we didn’t dare venture out to replenish our snacks and water supply. We did get on the next flight without our own food and water. And we spent the next 4 hours waiting to be served even a glass of water. They served us the remnants of what was left on the food and beverage tray ½ hour before landing in Los Angeles. Sigh! We’re glad to be home. Just wish our luggage could say the same. They didn’t deliver our wayward luggage last night as promised and so we called this morning to ask about it. It is a little disheartening when you’re asked to describe your luggage and its contents in minute detail and when they want you to read to them your entire itinerary (canceled flights, changed flights and all). Despite the impression we got from the clerk at the Santa Barbara Airport—who said our luggage was on the next flight and would arrive in 45 minutes—these people don’t have a clue as to where our luggage is.

I had lots of book orders waiting for me at home. I’m going to the post office Monday, anyway, so you might as well place your order NOW for The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book. http://www.matilijapress.com/rightway.html If you have written a book, are in the process of writing one or are just thinking about writing one, you must have this all inclusive book!!

April 2, 2008

The Author’s Repair Kit

Filed under: New Books — Patricia @ 5:47 am

I’m still in Nashville experiencing the southern culture, history and food. This was my first introduction to a Cracker Barrel restaurant. Tasty and filling. We walked back in time yesterday as we toured the Ole Opry Museum. Last night, we had a most moving experience sitting on the plush red velvet bench seats in the balcony at the Grand Ole Opry watching some of country’s best stars perform from the famous circle on the stage floor.

This is my last day of play—it’s back to work tomorrow at the PMA Publishers’ Affiliate Retreat at the Marriott Vanderbilt. I’m looking forward to connecting with the other publishing organization affiliates from throughout the U.S. to discuss what we can do to help and support independent publishers. Hopefully, I will report some good news from the retreat.

In the meantime, if your book is faltering or failing in the marketplace, be sure to order your copy of The Author’s Repair Kit NOW. This is a $5.95 ebook. http://www.matilijapress.com/author_repairkit.html

April 1, 2008

My New Ebook is Here

Filed under: New Books — Patricia @ 4:42 am

The Author’s Repair Kit, Heal Your Publishing Mistakes and Breathe New Life Into Your Book is here. Well, it has been here for a few weeks, but it wasn’t available, yet. But my webmaster has added it to my array of books for purchase at my website. Go to http://www.matilijapress.com/author_repairkit.html

The 27-page ebook sells for $5.95. Since my website automatically charges you $2.00 for books ordered, we’ve set the purchase price of the book at $3.95 and when the computer adds the $2.00 shipping price, you’re paying the correct amount of $5.95. Works for me!

Who will be helped by this book? Those authors with books that are stalled, faltering or failing in the marketplace. If your book isn’t selling as well as you would like, try writing a post-publication book proposal. The Author’s Repair Kit shows you how.

I’m still here in Nashville, but I can send your copy of this ebook from here. So go ahead and order your copy today.

Last night, I spoke on publishing at Borders in Nashville and had an amazing reception. Wow! Talk about southern hospitality. About 20 authors and hopeful authors came out to hear me and to buy books. Sales were brisk and I met some great folks. Enjoyable evening.

I have a few days off before attending the PMA Publishers’ Retreat at the Marriott here in Nashville. I’m looking forward to getting acquainted with the city.

March 31, 2008

Travel With Your Book and Travel Because of Your Book

Filed under: Book Promotion — Patricia @ 7:32 am

The Atlanta Spring Book Show is over for another year. I applaud the organizers for a job well done, especially in light of the unexpected tornado that caused a change of venue two weeks before the event. I taught a 3-hour seminar on how to write a book proposal. I think it went well. It seemed to be very well-received. I also spoke Saturday afternoon on the two secrets to publishing success. The turn out was lower than previous years and they say that was due to competing events that weekend for writers and authors. A shame. The rain may have kept others away.

I had occasion this weekend to meet writers and authors I’ve only known via the Internet. Three seminar/speech attendees follow my blog. It was great to meet them. I met two long-time SPAWN members. SPAWN, for those visitors who don’t know, is Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network. http://www.spawn.org I thoroughly enjoyed meeting Bobbie Christmas, author, editor and regular contributor to SPAWNews. She was presenting a seminar at the Spring Book Show on Saturday, as well. Sandra Cropsey, SPAWN member from near Atlanta and the author of Who’s There, a new hysterical novel. (Yes, not historical, hysterical), came up to the Hilton Atlanta after a daylong book signing for her book and we discussed our careers and publishing in general for a few hours. Such a delight.

I’m in Nashville now, preparing for a book signing and workshop at Borders West End tonight. I got involved with an online Meet Up Group in Atlanta and learned that there are 28 writers signed up to attend my gig tonight. I personally know of a few others, so we may have a very good turn out tonight. I’m not counting on it, though. Weather, tornado threats, a bad day at work, writing deadlines, family pressures and all sorts of things can keep people from these events. It will be what it will be. And I’m certainly looking forward to it.

Since I’m in traveling mode this week, I thought I’d use this as a theme for my blog entry today. “Travel With Your Book and Travel Because of Your Book.” What does this mean?

Promoting/marketing your book doesn’t mean staying static. Of course, with the Internet, you can promote far and wide without going anywhere, but there’s some marketing that you just can’t do from afar. If you want to place your book in bookstores, gift shops, specialty shops and so forth, this is best accomplished by making in-person visits.

So I’m suggesting taking your book with you when you travel. Take time to stop in at appropriate outlets. Arrive prepared to show the proprietor a copy of your book, have a blank invoice in your briefcase and an offer in mind. Most bookstore owners adhere to a 60/40 split, for example. If they purchase in quantity, they may ask for and you may be willing to give a deeper discount. But this is only for books sold outright. If it’s a consignment agreement (they pay you only after the books are sold), I would not offer a quantity discount. Some consignment agreements require that the bookseller (or retailer) pay once all of the books have been sold. Or you can ask to be paid each month for those books that have sold that month.

Once you establish a rapport with a retailer and they are selling your books regularly, he will probably pay your invoice within 30 days of your delivery/shipment.

Now, you can also travel in order to sell books. Plan trips to certain areas where your books might sell well. Map out those stores and shops where you’d like to have your books and head out for a weekend or weeklong promotional trip. I find that it’s wise to call or email ahead to make sure the manager or book buyer is there. Otherwise, leave a copy of your book with the clerk and follow up with the manager later.

By the way, when I suggest visiting bookstores with your book, I’m not talking about the mega bookstores, necessarily. There are numerous independent bookstores, specialty shops and other retail stores whose managers/owners will be thrilled to carry your books. But don’t expect your books to sell simply because they are on the shelves in half dozen stores in this region. You must let people know it’s there–that it exists.

While you’re touring with your book, set up book signings, speeches, radio interviews, demonstrations, workshops and other events and activities to get exposure for your book in the area where it will be selling. Once you get home, continue this exposure in those areas by sending press releases to local newspapers, notifying clubs and organizations related to your genre and topic and so forth. Continue writing articles/stories in your genre/topic for publication to develop additional name recognition.

And remember, if you need additional assistance with marketing, promotion, publishing and/or writing your book, order your copy of my book, The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book today. http://www.matilijapress.com/rightway.html

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