Now there\u2019s a question few authors think to ask. And it\u2019s a good thing, because there is no definitive answer. All we do know is that it takes exposure to make sales. People have to know about your book before they will purchase it. And just having it sitting on a shelf in a bookstore, doesn\u2019t necessarily mean that people will be inclined to purchase it.<\/p>\n
They need to hear about it, read about it, hear others talk about it, see it reviewed in their favorite related publication, see it a few (or many) times, have it recommended and learn more about it. Not only do they need to know about it, they must be convinced that this is something they want to read\u2014that they will enjoy it or benefit from it or that someone they know will. Handpicked books make great gifts. <\/p>\n
I\u2019ve spent a good portion of my life attempting to get exposure for my writing\/publishing books. I go out and speak, I have a website, I teach courses related to these books, I have my books at Amazon and other venues, I have them in Books in Print, I talk about them wherever I go, I belong to organizations that will widen my exposure as well as offer learning experiences and I attend conferences related to my topic. It\u2019s continuous.<\/p>\n
Currently, I am testing new waters while getting exposure for my latest book, Catscapades, True Cat Tales<\/em>. Initially, I am sending books out to reviewers of cat books\u2014those with cat websites, blog sites, newsletters\/magazines, columns, radio shows and so forth. I am placing books in a few local stores and I am planning book signings locally. I\u2019ve already made arrangements to speak and sell books at the large Cat Writer\u2019s Association Conference in New York in November. And I\u2019ve signed up for a few book festivals where I will offer Catcapades<\/em><\/strong> and my other books for sale.<\/p>\n Additionally, I\u2019ve announced my new book in all appropriate publications where I can do so for free (as a member, for example). And I\u2019ve kicked my Catscapades blog up a notch\u2014posting every few days instead of every few weeks.<\/p>\n How much time is it taking? LOTS of it. Getting exposure in all the right places is my full time job at the moment. I\u2019m researching cat writers, cat columnists, cat sites, cat publications, cat blog sites, etc. for hours each day. When I take a break, I head downtown to make personal contact with key people who can help me get exposure for this book. <\/p>\n I\u2019m telling you this not to complain, but to demonstrate what it takes in order to launch a new book. Yes, I\u2019ve been busy, diligent, persistent and creative in my pursuit for exposure and, frankly, not much is happening, yet. But it\u2019s early\u2014the reviewers are barely receiving their review copies as we speak.<\/p>\n How long does it take to get the results you want through exposure? Do you want me to be candid? This is an ongoing activity for as long as you want your book to sell. <\/p>\n Until you have major name recognition as the author of mysteries, true crime books, children\u2019s or young adult books, fantasies, science fiction or books on finance, for example, you will need to practically hand sell each and every book you produce. <\/p>\n Sure, you\u2019ll get a flurry of sales after a positive review is published by a reviewer of some credibility and with a large following. You may sell a box or two of books at a book festival or a large conference where you speak. And you will surely sell a dozen or so books at a well-publicized book signing. And some of those customers will tell others about your book and you\u2019ll get some residual sales. But then, you\u2019re back to the drawing board reminding potential customers about your book on a regular basis while attempting to find new ways to get exposure.<\/p>\n Soon, I\u2019ll be submitting articles to appropriate sites and publications, for example. And I\u2019ll continually be on the lookout for new reviewers of cat books, new speaking opportunities and so forth. It doesn\u2019t end until you no longer want to play the book promotion game. <\/p>\n Does it sound like a dismal reward for writing a marvelous book\u2014to have to promote for evermore? It depends on how you look at it. I suggest shifting a measure of your creativity over from your writing efforts to the process of promotion and look at it as a creative challenge. <\/p>\n Here\u2019s another tip. Don\u2019t ever allow yourself to be discouraged when your sales during a particular event or after a great review fall below your expectations. Exposure doesn\u2019t always lead to immediate gratification (sales). In fact, I like to tell the story of a SPAWN member who shared in our SPAWN booth at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books one year. He didn\u2019t sell very many books that year, but he made some amazing contacts that led to him being involved in a documentary featuring the topic of his book. It airs frequently on the Military channel.<\/p>\n I hope this rant today has helped you to put things in perspective regarding your promotional efforts. It\u2019s darn hard work. If you\u2019d like to complain or brag to us here\u2014use the comments feature. We\u2019d like to hear from you. We can all use encouragement and ideas. And maybe we can offer you some specifics that will assist in your promotional efforts.<\/p>\n For additional support, information, resources and gobs of stuff you need to know about the publishing industry and how to get involved without getting harmed, your publishing options and, of course, book promotion, read The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book<\/em>. Sign up for my online Book Promotion course and let me help you chart your course. http:\/\/www.matilijapress.com\/course_bookpromotion.htm<\/a> <\/p>\n For a delightful, fun read, order your copy of Catscapades, True Cat Tales <\/em><\/strong>here: http:\/\/www.matilijapress.com\/catscapades.html<\/a> <\/p>\n
\n http:\/\/www.matilijapress.com\/rightway.html<\/a> <\/p>\n