December could be the best month for book sales all year. After all, books make great gifts for every reader on your list. If Uncle George or Aunt Flossie are not what you\u2019d consider avid readers, they might still enjoy a book in their area of interest\u2014wood carving, for example, stream fishing, bulldogs, quilting or entertaining large groups. <\/p>\n
Most authors and publishers strive to bring their books out in time for holiday sales. We typically shift our promotional efforts into high gear for the holidays. In case you haven\u2019t noticed, we are a scant 8 weeks from the biggest giving day of the year. So what are you doing to promote your book? <\/p>\n
Yes, it\u2019s time. In order to make the sales, you really must be pounding the pavement. Gosh, I guess that\u2019s an outdated phrase, isn\u2019t it? For those of you who are too young to remember, it refers to getting out into the public\u2014out on the street, making cold calls and promoting your wares. Now, we do a lot of our pavement pounding online.<\/p>\n
Do you have your face-to-face AND Internet marketing plans in place? What are you doing to draw attention to your book as a gift for the holidays? Here are a few ideas:<\/p>\n
\u2022\tOffer a discount or add a value item to your book and announce this in all of the appropriate places\u2014magazines, newsletters (both print and electronic), websites, bulletins, etc, related to your book\u2019s topic\/genre, your blog, your website and so forth. <\/p>\n
\u2022\tCreate an absolutely irresistible package. If you have a series of poetry books, tie them together with a lovely ribbon in complimentary colors. For a cooking gift book, package it in an organza gift bag and tie cookie cutters, a small whisk or your signature measuring spoons to it. For a romance or adventure, wrap the book in theme wrapping paper with a dramatic bow or a pair of skimpy panties. Use your imagination.<\/p>\n
\u2022\t Seek out local flea markets, book fairs and bazaars and rent booth\/table space to promote and sell your books. Remember, people are in a buying mood this time of year.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tApproach booksellers, gift store owners, museum and resort\/hotel gift shop managers or other appropriate retailers about making a consignment agreement with your book over the holidays. If you manage to bring in enough sales, the retailer may agree to make this a permanent agreement.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tGet some press. This is a good time to get some newspaper publicity. If your story\u2014local author pens book\u2014isn\u2019t newsworthy enough, go out and make news and then report it to your local paper. Create a volunteer program, for example. <\/p>\n
\u2022\tTake out a small ad in the newspaper and other relevant publications.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tArrange to speak to at least a couple of groups within the next month. Make contact now\u2014it sometimes takes time to get on the schedule.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tAsk a few friends to invite their neighbors and acquaintances over for a fun night of demonstrations, play-acting or something else related to the theme or genre of your book. <\/p>\n
For example, if your book features how to give your home curb appeal with little expense and effort, choose a nice Saturday morning to demonstrate this at a friend\u2019s home. Few people would turn down the opportunity to have their homes upgraded. And numbers of homeowners would certainly be interested in this unique experience. I would!<\/p>\n
Maybe your book is a flaming romance. Help a friend create the mood in their home with candles and music and then invite guests to take turns reading from your book.<\/p>\n
If it is an adventure, fantasy, science fiction thriller or mystery, for example, bring costumes and ask guests to act out the parts in one particularly action-packed chapter. <\/p>\n
Certainly, you will sell books while also making a lasting impression on everyone involved. And you know how valuable word of mouth is.<\/p>\n
My readers would like to know some of your unique and even some of the practical ideas you have for promoting your particular book this holiday season. Please share by leaving a comment.<\/p>\n
Remember, I am offering a discount on my book (a great gift for you and for another author you know). Order The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book <\/em><\/strong>by check before end of day November 5, 2009 and it\u2019s yours for $15.00 plus $4.85 shipping (US only).<\/p>\n If you want to use your credit card, go ahead and order the book at my website AT FULL PRICE with your credit card and I’ll include a free copy of a book of your choice: “A Writer’s Guide to Magazine Articles,” or “Over 75 Good Ideas for Promoting Your Book.”<\/p>\n Send your check to Patricia Fry, PMB 123, 323 E. Matilija St., Ste. 110, Ojai, CA 93023<\/p>\n