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For many of us, marketing our
titles is one of the most tedious tasks of being an
author. Even authors who published with large New York
houses are expected to take part in marketing and
promotion. Many articles and several books have been
written to give us guidelines. One thing all marketing
experts stress is the importance of being professional.
Here are several extras
that other industries use, and we authors should too, to
boost our professional credibility. Remember BUYERS are
your clients. Treat them as such.
LOGO -- What kind of logo
for an author? Pens, stacked books, computer keyboards?
Think more of your product and develop something that
reflects the subject of your books. This is not something
to use when you query for publication or representation,
but AFTER you have a finished, marketable product.
PAPER GOODS
- Invest in professional
letterhead. Use your logo and give concise contact
information, including e-mail and web sites. It should
be 24# paper with matching envelopes. Use this for
regular letters, and for any invoices you send out.
- Along with this
letterhead, you should have attractive or matching
business cards--again using your logo. Do not put your
address on the business cards. Telephone, e-mail and
web site is enough. Hand out these cards to anyone who
glances your way.
- Do you have bookmarks?
Use colorful card stock, and on one side put your
logo, list your contact information (P O Box is
recommended) and perhaps a friendly comment. On the
reverse side, list your titles and a short (25 words
max.) review by a third party. Use them for handouts,
and include them with every book you sell.
It’s also important to
make certain your books are always in the public eye. An
easy way to do this is with flyers. Keep at least two
varieties in your car (along with a tin of push pins).
- A flyer for your local
region that advertises your book, your web site and
you as a commodity (speaker, workshop leader, et
cetera). It should list the places your books can be
purchased.
- A flyer for when you're
away from home that highlights your titles and where
they can be found online.
Design the flyers with an
angle to the time of year, the region or some other
feature that will make them stand out. On both flyers, be
certain all the contact information is in large non-frilly
type. Mention any specials you can think up. FREE GIFT
could mean an inexpensive bookmark thrown in, and you can
encourage buyers to your site by featuring autographed
books.
Put these flyers up on
bulletin boards in libraries, churches, supermarkets,
colleges...and any facilities that relate to your subject
matter. Drop them off with local radio and TV stations,
especially if you're available for interviews. Send copies
to your regional newspapers.
Developing flyers isn't
difficult with today's basic computer software. The best
size is 5"x7". You can enhance a simple,
white-paper printout by mounting it on a larger sheet of
colored construction paper.
Fifty of each flyer is a
good start, and shouldn't cost more than $5.00 (for black
and white)--a bit more if you use commercial facilities.
FOLLOW UP -- If you have
negotiated for your titles to be carried in independent
bookstores and gift shops, it is a nice touch to send a
thank-you note right after the books are placed. Also send
thank-you notes to the coordinators of any book festivals
or bazaars you attend. And don't forget these helpful
people during the holidays. Send a greeting card--and tuck
in your business card.
These professional touches
will keep your name fresh in the minds your the public and
help build a larger clientele--your fan base. The cost for
these is slight, and if you’re persistent with these
easily done "extras," your returns will be
considerably higher.
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About
The Author
Karyn
Follis Cheatham has published articles,
poetry and several books--nonfiction and
fiction. She also designs and manages web
sites. Information about the literary
services she offers can be found at www.kaios.com/litserv.htm.
Be sure to visit her web site www.kaios.com
and sign up for the free writing tips
newsletter. Contact at karyn@kaios.com |
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