Senin, 16 Juni 2008

Book Signing: Fun and Profit for Writers and Readers

Have you ever walked into a bookstore when an author is scheduled to do a book signing and found no one in the audience? Do you shy away from autograph tables, perhaps fearing that someone may ask you to buy a book? Consider the other side of the equation. A book signing is an opportunity to learn about the author and what makes a person undertake the challenge of writing a book. If you're a reader, you can delve into background information about the book. If you are an aspiring author, you can learn from another author's experiences. Every book signing is an opportunity to learn-without obligation to buy anything.

Book signings can be held almost anywhere. Is your book about gardening, nutrition, or money? Why not have an event at a large garden supply outlet, a spa, or a banking institution? Are you writing about an exciting period of music or interesting musicians? Then consider one of the big local music stores for the seminar. On the other hand, if you're a speaker or professional seminar leader, why not sign your books in a nearby bookstore in addition to selling them at the back of the room when you give your next presentation?

To help publicize a book signing, coordinate it with a special day, like Grandparents Day, or some topical holiday that has special meaning in context with the subject matter of your book. Several Internet web sites offer hundreds of dates that you can use for a public relations opportunity. Think of different and innovative ways to connect your book and your ideas to something that is already scheduled to happen in the area. For instance, if your book has anything to do with women's health, you may tie into a local Race for the Cure event, which supports research on breast cancer. Or, dream up a day of your choice to publicize your book. "Today is national TAKE CHARGE day!" Couple a book signing with seminars or speeches you have already scheduled, a family reunion, or other special event. Where would your target audience likely gather? Find that place and go there!

Provide a mini-seminar on the topic of your book. Some people in your audience may have already read it and want to pose specific questions. Prepare comments, anecdotes, and insights in advance. Greet your public enthusiastically and welcome their questions.

Book signings can be exciting for writers and readers and profitable for everyone.

By Jo Condrill


Book Signing for Experts

Think of your book on the bookstore shelf trying to attract the attention of potential new owners. Crammed together with hundreds of other books, only the spine visible to the roving eyes of readers, your book needs a little help from its creator. So much effort has gone into publishing it; can you afford to abandon it just as it hits the bookstore shelves? Your book needs your help.

Why not orchestrate a publicity-generating event such as a book signing with a mini-seminar, discussion, or reading where you can autograph your book? You can make a book signing tour worth your effort. If you are a new or emerging author with a small publisher, resources for promoting your book are likely to be very limited. If you are a professional speaker and an author, you can raise your celebrity status by doing a book signing in cities where you speak.

A book signing in a bookstore places your book "center stage" for a while, away from the crowded shelf. The event establishes a "pull" system which means the bookstore and its patrons ask for your books rather than the author and publisher having to persuade the bookstore to stock them. The author arrives as a celebrity.

There are many other venues in addition to bookstores. Jon Hanson, author of Good Debt Bad Debt, spent a lot of time writing in a coffee shop bakery. So many customers stopped by his table to check on the book's progress that the owner of the coffee shop asked Jon to do a signing when the book was published. Bagels and Books?

If your book is nonfiction, conversations with your audience will indicate that you are a source of expert information. You have done a lot of research in this area. You may become a key resource in their future exploration of the subject matter. People generally take pride in having met and discussed a book with its author. There is reflected glory which sets that person apart from other readers and gives them a connection to the source.

If you're not doing book signings, you may be leaving money on the table, overlooking an avenue to increase profits. There are many ways to promote your book, but none is as "up close and personal" as a book signing event.

By Jo Condrill


Comments From A Book Reviewer

For the past several years I have been reviewing books for my own site, Bookpleasures.com, as well as many other sites. I am also a regular contributor to the Canadian Book Review Annual. As editor of Bookpleasures.com, I would like to make a few comments about book reviewing and what to expect, particularly from Bookpleasures.com.

Today, with the advent of the Internet, there has been a proliferation of book reviewers, whom I shall classify as the good, the bad and the ugly.

Those falling into the last category are those that you have to be particularly on the look out for, as their only interest is to receive complimentary books without bothering to review them, or if they do review them, their reviews are very short and without substance. On the other hand, there are many serious and excellent reviewers who devote a great deal of their time and energy in reading and writing a review.

Sometimes, I admit, the reviews are not exactly very complimentary. However, it is to be noted that it is not the objective of a reviewer to be a salesperson or a public relations representative for the author. If the criticism is constructive, a great deal can be learned from the review, particularly if the reviewer is also an author.

From the point of view of a reviewer, what I find most annoying is receiving a book without first asking me if I would accept to review it. Bookpleasures receives on average about 10-15 email requests per week. Generally, I personally accept a few to review, others, I forward onto Bookpleasures' international team of reviewers.

In all probability, there is a 20%-30% chance that a request to review will be accepted by a reviewer.

The reason why a book is not accepted is wide and varied. Many of our reviewers have a backlog that they would like to clear before accepting new assignments, or the subject matter is not one that interests any of them.

What I like to see in a request is not "hype" but rather a brief resumé of the contents of the book, who the author is, if the book is published by a main stream publisher or is it self-published, and if the book is available on Amazon.

Bookpleasures also conducts e-interviews with some authors, and if the author is open to have himself or herself interviewed, please indicate.

If you are a publicist or publisher, don't be afraid to put Bookpleasures as well as other book reviewing sites on your emailing list. You never know when something catches our eyes. Sometimes you may be publicizing a particular book, and our reviewers will look to your site and see something else that interests them.

As for the time frame, this all depends on the reviewer. Anywhere from one week to three months is the norm. You can ask the reviewer to give you some idea as to his or her time frame. You can also inquire as to his or her credentials. Bookpleasures does provide links to the reviewers' site that should give you some idea as to their experience.

I do hope this is of help to some of you.

By Norm Goldman


FAQs about Book Signings

Since I self-published my first book, "101 Ways to Improve Your Communication Skills Instantly," in 1998 and began doing book signings shortly afterward, many people have asked:

1. What do you get paid to do a book signing?

It depends on where the book signing occurs. Most bookstores do not pay authors to do a book signing. Linda Ligon, Interweave Press, says that her authors are paid an honorarium by craft stores. The "pay" is most often an opportunity to interact with readers, increase the sales of your book, and enhance your status as an expert.

2. How much money do you make on a book signing tour?

It depends-and you may never know precisely. It depends to a large extent on how well your events are publicized because more people attend when excitement is created about the event. It depends on your presentation and interaction with the audiences. You may know how many books were sold during the event, but that is not the end of the story. One bookseller says that more than 60% of the sales are made after the author leaves the store.

3. Why would anyone go to a book signing?

To meet the AUTHOR! In many sections of the country, just being an author makes you a celebrity. You are the authority. Having an autographed copy of your book sets the reader apart. In one city a lady purchased several copies of "101 Ways to Improve Your Communication Skills Instantly." With each request, she told me something about the recipient so that I could tailor my comment for that individual.

4. What's in it for authors who do a seminar or talk on their book?

By presenting a mini-seminar or discussion at a book signing, you demonstrate your knowledge on the topic. You can elaborate on the contents and tell stories about things that happened while you were in the writing process. You also have an opportunity to develop a rapport with the readers allowing them to experience you as a "real person." Event sponsors will like you because you have provided a free service for their clientele. They will be most likely to welcome you back with your next book.

5. What if nobody shows up? Even celebrity authors occasionally have a "no show," so don't give up! The most important thing is how you react when nobody shows up. Keep smiling and draw on your positive mental attitude. Often people will be in the aisles between the shelves, not wanting to be the first to step forward. Walk over to the section where your book would be, introduce yourself to people there, and invite them to the presentation. Offer them a free flier or handout. After the event sponsor has read the introduction you provided, wait a few minutes, and then begin your presentation at the appointed time with a welcoming message. If a microphone has been provided, use it. If no one shows up after two or three minutes, bring your talk to a close with an invitation to people milling about to visit the table later. Usually, managers will ask authors to sign some extra copies. Be gracious and uncomplaining. Later, review your actions and see what might be improved upon.

6. How do you find the time to set up a tour?

Conducting a book signing is like presenting a play. There are several roles-the author designs the tour (venues and dates), prepares a mini-seminar, discussion, or speech, and does the signing. The support staff makes the contacts and provides publicity material, orchestrates the travel details, and does the follow-up to be certain that everything is synchronized. A separate person or company may be involved in the publicity effort, depending on the expertise of the support staff.

7. Assuming that you have had "no shows," what's the best book signing event you have ever held?

It is seldom that a "no show" occurs. The best book signing event I have had was at a large Barnes and Noble bookstore in El Paso, TX, where I signed "Take Charge of Your Life." The event was preceded by interviews on three television shows (affiliates of national networks) and a radio interview. The El Paso Times newspaper published an article about the book on the day of the signing. It was on the front page of the "Living" section with a color photo of the book cover. That evening, after the bookstore staff brought all the chairs in the store into the presentation section, people were standing along the sides. Most of the audience stood in line long after the presentation to talk with me and get their books autographed. You, too, can have such events. We can help you.

By Jo Condrill


Why Writers Dont Do a Book Signing

Whenever someone suggests you do a book signing and you do not want to, here are five reasons you can give them:

1) It's not worth the time; there's not enough money in it.

2) Speaking is where the money is.

3) You have more important things to do.

4) When you do a book-signing, maybe nobody will show up and you'll feel foolish sitting there all alone.

5) There are other ways to sell books.

Then,again, there are five good reasons why all authors should do a book signing and a book-signing tour.

By conducting a book-signing you will:

1. Gain recognition. When you do a book signing in a bookstore, you will be interacting with the people who sell your books to the general public. It's an opportunity to develop a rapport with them, tell them about the book, and convince them that you are an expert on the subject. Then when someone asks for a book on your topic, they are likely to recommend yours. Don't settle for bookstores. Look for places where readers of your book are likely to gather and schedule an event there. That place might be a store, craft shop, pro shop, spa, festival, or health care center. Do some brainstorming with your staff and friends.

2. Gather input from readers. When you step into the book-signing arena, you have an opportunity to interact with readers. You are the center of attraction, since you are the author/expert. By providing a mini-seminar or discussion, you give a sneak preview of your book and your expertise. Add a question and answer segment and you will learn what interests the readers most. It may be the beginning of a sequel.

3. Have an event that is newsworthy and gather clippings for your scrapbook and poster board. Book signings provide an event that is newsworthy. This is especially valuable if you are not yet a celebrity. Celebrities do book signings for primarily the same reasons emerging authors do, an opportunity to be noticed and quoted and appear in the media. Gather comments of those who have already read your book and can post them, with permission, until you get print media coverage to add to your display. People are very interested in knowing what other people think of your work. Create a foam board for publicity. Place on it reviews, readers' comments, excerpts from your book, and your photo. Stand the board on the autograph table on an easel so that passersby can see it prior to your signing.

4. Conduct media interviews. The most successful book signings have the most publicity. Since your schedule is generally set up at least six weeks in advance, you have time to approach radio talk show hosts and producers, television stations, and newspapers to let them know that you will be in their city. A well-thought out Media Release is a must. It should contain information about the book, the author, and the event.

5. Expand your contact list. Book signings are a great way to expand your mailing list. Use a sheet of paper on the autograph table with column headings like: Name, Email address, Phone number. Usually, the less information you request, the more names you will collect. You can get more information as you develop a relationship with these individuals. It is a good idea to provide something free, such as a bookmark, with a quote from the book and your contact information on it.

Add the adventure of book signing and book-signing tours to your marketing list to create memorable moments that far exceed routine marketing methods.

By Jo Condrill


Book Events - Make Yours Successful

A book event (a book signing) is a popular way for authors to create awareness for their work. Most large publishing houses require authors to participate in a 10-city book tour, at the minimum. For self-published authors, it's a good idea to arrange as many events as your time and budget allows. But, no matter who's making the arrangements, there are five key ingredients to making the event a success:

1. It is very important to plan your book event carefully. This means knowing exactly what you're going to say and how you will say it. Some authors believe that they can just wing it, relying on the audience to provide questions for discussion. Leaving the content to the audience to define is a poor idea. The author should take the lead. Audiences are there to hear more about the book, usually before they buy it. Have a plan for what you are going to say. You'll feel much more confident, and then if the audience is familiar with you and your writing, you will have that much more to enrich your talk. Remember the purpose of the book event: you are there to convince people to buy your books. Be prepared, and don't leave things to chance!

2. Keep it interesting, build a relationship with the audience, and leave them wanting more. More, is for them to purchase a copy of your book. If you've written a book, then you have a story to tell. Connect with the audience, take them into the palm of your hand, and make them want to hear the end of the story.

3. Practice so you are natural, be consistent with who you are as a person. Even the greatest speakers practice their speeches before they give them. Have you ever watched the Oscars and cringed at some of the acceptance speeches? Have you ever been captivated and want more from the actors? What's the difference in those speeches? The amount of time and care that went into practicing what they were going to say, and to whom.

4. Keep to the time frame. Tell your story, but don't overstay your welcome. Practicing your speech allows you to time your speech. That sense of time makes it possible to shift naturally from building a relationship, telling the story, and moving to the business portion of the book event.

5. Allow time to tell people about the book itself, what it contains, and how it completes the story you just shared with them. And don't forget to tell people how they can own a personal copy! After all, that's the reason you are there in the first place.

By Marilyn J. Schwader


Raise Your Hand If Youd Consider Giving Up The Rights To Your Book Forever

If Random House pulls up to your house with a U-haul filled with millions and wants to buy your book, maybe you'd consider giving up the rights forever. But, let's come back to the real world. In the real world, many authors find that the best way to launch a writing career is to essentially self-publish by using a print-on-demand (POD) publisher.

The problem is that the POD buffet is filled with the equivalent of healthy choices (publishers who charge low or no publishing fees and allow authors to terminate the contracts at anytime) and unhealthy choices (publishers that charge exorbitant upfront fees and lock authors into contracts for years). Often the writer's eyes are bigger than her stomach - she makes a move for the first publisher who tells her that her work is great.

Signing a POD contract impulsively is always a mistake. Unless you are trained as a lawyer, deciphering a POD contract can be tricky since many POD publishers have paid some hefty legal fees to have attorneys sculpt contracts that could easily crush an unsuspecting author.

If you can't afford to hire a lawyer to review your POD contract you need to arm yourself with some knowledge before signing one. In my book, The Fine Print (www.book-publishers-compared.com), I take the legalese commonly found in most POD contracts and explain it in terms that will actually make sense. I also tell you the types of clauses in a POD contract that should cause you to run away from a publisher as quickly as possible.

If you don't want or can't purchase The Fine Print, here are three tips that may help you avoid a bad publishing experience.

1. Never pay more than $500 in up front POD publishing fees.

The most reputable POD publishers charge between $300-$500 for the publishing package which should always include customized cover art, formatting, placement of your book on Amazon, etc.; and ISBN number, bar code, and a sales page on the publisher's website. If you are paying more and not getting at least the services mentioned above, you are getting taken.

2. Only Sign a Contract That You Can Terminate When You Want

The best contracts are those you can terminate at any time (usually by giving 30-90 days notice). Some POD publishers that don't charge or charge very little for their services require a longer commitment on your end (1-2 years) before you can terminate. Because they have money invested in you this is understandable. Never sign a POD contract that you can't get out of easily. Some POD publishers require that you give them the rights to your book for the term of the copyright. When you see this run fast! The term of the copyright is for the life of the author, plus another 70 years - basically forever.

3. If the Publisher offers less than 30% Royalties on the Gross Sale Price Find Another Publisher

The royalties paid should, at a minimum, be 30% of the sales prices of each book. Be wary of contracts that give you some high percentage of the net sales price. This is where fuzzy math can creep in and take away almost all your profits.

The factors you should use to determine whether or not the proposed royalty is acceptable are:

? Whether it is based on the gross or net sales amount (and if based on the net sales amount, the calculation must be on hard numbers (production costs, credit card processing fees, etc.) and not vague items ("administrative costs", etc.);

? The actual production cost of the book (Production costs on POD books should be between $3.50 and $5.50. Anything higher than that and you can bet that the publisher is padding this amount to lower your actual royalty);

? The size of the publisher's distribution network and traffic to the publisher's online store (the more places your books are for sale, the more chance people have to find them); and

? Marketing efforts the publisher engages to inform readers of your book (if a publisher actually spends money to help sell your book, a lower royalty is not out of line).

? Whether the publisher treats itself like a third-party retailer (e.g. Amazon.com) and gives itself a trade discount to sell you book (For example, for a $15 book, Amazon gets $7.50 for each book sold, then the remaining $7.50 is divided between the author and publisher based the royalty agreement. Some publishers give themselves a trade discount so in effect they end up making 80% of each sale for a book that you paid them to publish!)

Again, these are just the basics of the basics, but they provide the building blocks of the foundation of knowledge you will need to have before you sign a POD publishing contract.

By Mark Levine


Do You Long To See Your Books Published And Selling From The Major Chains?

To have your work accepted for hard copy publication is a thrilling achievement but to have it bomb at the bookstores is to see your reputation go down the tubes simultaneously.

And so to avoid this unpleasant scenario, I have developed over the years a series of 160 vital steps; steps that not only get my books published and into the major chains but selling online and offline as bestsellers in their genre.

How's this for convincing evidence of the power of these unique steps?

My latest work 'Your Retirement Masterplan' (How To Books ISBN 1857039874) is not only published but already an online bestseller just three weeks after publication. It ranks at No.3 out of 3142 competitive titles on Amazon.co.uk - proof positive that it is also selling from the shelves of major book chains world wide.

How can I claim that?

Here's how:

Amazon is an amazingly accurate online barometer of what is happening with book sales offline?as is confirmed by the highly encouraging initial sales statement from my publisher.

What I have learned above all in the development of my 160 Vital Steps is that there are no random events on the road to successful publication. Everything is pre-planned; everything progresses in logical pre-ordained sequence; from sketching out an initial outline to acceptance and publication in hard copy format.

Now I am offering these '160 Vital Steps to Getting Published' in the shape of a virtual toolbox which can be downloaded and installed in seconds.

Here is a small sample from a random selection of just 10 out of the 160 vital steps you will be following sequentially in your quest to become a published author in the realms of niche non-fiction:

o How to crash through the barriers that hold you back from getting your work accepted by traditional publishing houses

o How to take a topic of your own choosing and transform it into a self-help or how-to book that will be snatched off the bookstore shelves by eager enthusiasts

o How to cash in on the magic power of introspection and produce work that that leaves competitive titles languishing in the shade

o How to benefit from cultivating your dynamic innate intuition by using quick and easy techniques on a daily basis

o How to grasp great ideas as they occur even when they strike at 3am on a cold winter's morning

o How you will consistently churn out potential bestsellers by taking ten minutes out each day to listen to your inner voice

o How to uncover the little-known mystery ingredient that cannot help but lead to bestseller status and how to employ it in everything you write

o How to impress commissioning editors and have them climbing over one another to sign you up on a contract for publication

o How to milk the system and open the door to a myriad of high-earning incremental opportunities

o How to use personal promotion to have your books displayed and selling from 1000s of highly targeted websites

Does the prospect of incorporating 160 vital steps into your writing sound like too much work?

If that's the case, my kindly advice would be to forget you ever read this article.

This is not for you?

This toolbox is designed for writers consumed by a passion to see their work displayed on and selling from the shelves of major book chains world wide; writers who are prepared to invest some well-spent time to ensure that their writing contains maximum credibility not only for commissioning editors but more importantly, for end users: cash paying readers.

By Jim Green


Top Ten Basics on Internet Article Writing to Promote your Book

Whether you have already written articles and published them or not, you may want to check out the difference between writing for online ezines and web sites and writing for print media. While some writing concepts work for both, online writing needs a shorter, more focused approach.

Follow these ten steps to write an article top Web sites and ezines will clamor for with a link back to where your book is sold.

1. Choose a topic that relates to your book. Make sure this article has useful, needed, and original information. One site, which markets to professional speakers, published an article "What Makes One Book Outsell Another" that relates to the eBook "Write your eBook or Other Short Book Fast."

2. Know your article's thesis. The thesis is your point of view--what your article will prove. It is the major answer for your audience's major challenge your book will solve. In the introduction above, the thesis is stated in the last line, "Follow these ways to write an article top Web sites and ezines will clamor for with a link back to where your book is sold."

Author's Tip: Remember to write on only one topic for each article. Save the other related ideas for another article.

3. Know your preferred audience. Just as your book has a target audience, so should your article. "Sell More Books with a Powerful Back Cover," and "Titles Sell Books" articles are aimed at professionals, authors, and small business people who want to write and sell books fast. You may want to include your audience in the title.

4. Write a sparkling title and opening. Like a headline in a press release, on your Web site, or on your book's back cover, your title and your first sentence should grab your readers by the collar, so they will keep reading. Include a benefit in your title and keep it fairly short.

Your first paragraph opening can use a shocking fact, a question or two of where your audience is now, a benefit, or a compelling story right out of your book. Make the opening a short paragraph, even a single line. Readers want concise, digestible information, especially on the Internet.

Author's Tip: Readers want concise, digestible information, especially on the internet.

5. Illustrate a need or benefits. Whatever your article's topic, show your readers why they need your information. If you have written a book on listening for couples, in your short article, discuss how much is at stake for not listening, such as divorce.

6. Give a brief background of the problem or situation you will solve. One book-coaching client wrote a book, The Cure for Multiple Sclerosis. In it she shares that over 2 million people worldwide with Multiple Sclerosis are diagnosed incurable, that doctors are pressured to use pharmaceuticals, and that the health industry is not about getting people well, but about making money. One of her article's openings included this background.

7. Share the problems that result. In The Cure for Multiple Sclerosis, the problem is that most people rely on western medicine, which does not have the answers. Big money is not spent on alternative or complementary ways to prevent and cure chronic diseases, so people with problems get drugs that deplete the immune system.

8. Give the solutions. Your book offers solutions to problems, just as your article must. Show your readers how to get excellent health, how they can write a book, make more money, or have better relationships. You may write a tips article with numbered short tips.

9. Show them where to get the solution and how. The article, "How to Listen at Work to Raise Career Success," needs to suggest where to go or what to do next to learn the skills. You may name a quality book to read (maybe your book!), mention a seminar or training, or recommend a coach. You may even mention a Web site address or 800- number.

10. Place your article on as many high traffic Internet sites and opt-in ezines as you can. People are looking for free information. That's the major reason they visit Web sites and subscribe to online ezines.

So, now that you know major points on how to write a short article, put it to work for you to promote your book.

By Judy Cullins


Top Ten Ways of Why and How to Write your Books Sales Letter - Part 1

Authors/publishers are great at getting their books written. But after the initial one-year honeymoon, sales slow down. To counter this make sure your print or ebook will keep on selling from the first day, the first year, even for life. Count on this being a two to three- year project to become well known.

Write a short sales letter for each book.

Whether you have a web site or not, you can write a first class, must-buy-now sales letter. Since you are making your book a business write a sales letter for each teleclass and service as well. I even write one for my bookcoaching services.

What Every Sales Letter Needs to Pull Orders and Profits

You can write each sales letter in less than four hours the first time. As you practice, you can an excellent one in two hours.

1. Start the Letter with a Benefit-Driven Headline.

Include similar headlines throughout your sales letter. Make them bold and in another font to stand out. Then, add the copy below that supports your claim. Here's one. What do your think? "Want a Quick and Easy way to Quadruple your Online Income in Four Months?"

If you answered, "yes" to yourself, the headline succeeds, because you will keep reading. If you said "No, I don't believe this, " but I'm curious where this is going," the headline still succeeds. You win when your headline seduces your potential customer to read on in your sales letter to discover your book's benefits and features, some fine testimonials, to finally click "buy now" that takes them to the order page.

2. Make a list of all the problems and challenges your reader has.

To know your audience's problems is half of the solution. Before you can write your book's benefits, you need to know the problems. Do they want to lose weight? Do they want a lasting relationship? Note where they are now with their particular challenge. Hook your reader to go on with engaging questions such as "Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired?" "Are you ready to give up on attracting your ideal mate?"

After you list all the concerns and problems your audience wants solved, your answer for these will formulate your list of benefits. (See #4) Follow each specific problem posed as a question with your answer. Those are your benefits. Benefits sell.

3. Address your Potential Buyer's Resistances.

Remember to tell a background story of where they are NOW (see #3.) so they will emotionally connect with your book solutions. This is part of your introduction and is the hook to keep your readers going. Let's say they want to write an eBook or print book to make themselves the "expert," make life-long passive income, or share their unique message.

Many people don't write a book because they doubt it will sell well enough for all the effort, it may not be significant enough, it will take too long, cost too much money, and they really aren't writers. One, by one, your sales letter needs to address your audiences' concerns and show these potential buyers how they can become an excellent author and make their books more saleable, while building their profits.

Author's Tip: Make a list of these resistances before you write your sales letter.

4. List the Top Five-Ten Benefits of your Product or Service in Bullet Form.

From these lists, create and keep in a computer file called, "book benefits" a list of 5-10 benefits. Include the number one benefit at the top of the list. You need to know these before you can talk about your book to others.

If you are not rock sure of who your audience is, your sales copy dribbles away and doesn't meet its target. Keep redefining your audience and know as much about them as you can.

Remember that one benefit is the top undeniable benefit-usually more money easier, more clients faster, more profits from web sales, better relationships, and optimum health.

You will place the top five or so bulleted benefits after your sales letter Introduction. The rest you can sprinkle throughout your copy.

Without a book sales letter to guide your potential buyers on your web site, you leave them bored, uninspired, without enough information to make that decision to buy. Your web site and ezine must entertain, inform, and give enough benefits to convince your readers to order your book.

For all email promotion campaigns, without a sales letter for each product, your unique, useful and inspiring information will not get read, people won't know you as the expert, and you won't make the sales you want.

For part two of this article email article-165@bookcoaching.com.

By Judy Cullins


Top Ten Ways of Why and How to Write your Books Sales Letter - Part 2

Authors/publishers are great at getting their books written. But after the initial one-year honeymoon, sales slow down. To counter this make sure your print or ebook will keep on selling from the first day, the first year, even for life. Count on this being a two to three- year project to become well known.

Write a short sales letter for each book.

Whether you have a web site or not, you can write a first class, must-buy-now sales letter. Since you are making your book a business write a sales letter for each teleclass and service as well. I even write one for my bookcoaching services.

What Every Sales Letter Needs to Pull Orders and Profits

You can write each sales letter in less than four hours the first time. As you practice, you can an excellent one in two hours.

For part one of this article email article-164@bookcoaching.com.

5. Sprinkle Testimonials Throughout your Sales Letter.

Potential buyers who visit your site are pulled to buy when they think other people have already bought and liked your book. If other people are happy with your product or service, they will be too.

Include testimonials from experts in your field, celebrities, man/woman on the street, and other people who have profited from your book's advice. Learn how to approach influential contacts through email friendly notes and requests. To save these busy people time.(they want to help, but consider it's time consuming to create testimonials) ask them look at your list of 5-10 benefit phrases, and a page of your table of contents to give you're a testimonial within a few weeks. Remember, they don't have to read the whole book to give you a testimonial. Don't be shy on this one. It's part of the publishing-promotion process.

Give as you receive. Give that person something of value. Study their web site or read their ezine, and send them a short helpful tip, report or joke.

6. Offer your potential buyers three or four chances to buy.

Are you a skimmer? Many visitors are too. They may have already decided to buy before coming to your sales letter, or after your sparkling headline, book cover, and introduction don't want to read more. After the cover, offer a "Click Here" or "Buy Now" near the top of the letter. Offer more buying opportunities along the way after a list of benefits, what's in this book (features), and testimonials. You may offer by a download eBook by credit card or with a toll-free telephone number-maybe three or four times.

7. Make your Sales Letter Credible.

To boost sales, authors often add free bonus reports related to their book. Visitors often want the bonus special report more than the product itself. The bonus "How to Get Testimonials From the Rich and Famous" I offered with the "How to Write your eBook or Other Book Fast!" on my web site's "Discounts of the Month." Link increased that book's sales double in one month.

Make sure your free bonus reports do not cost more than the price of your product. Would you believe this offer "Order this for $49 now and receive 4 special bonus reports worth $395?"

8. Share the downside of your book to create empathy.

For example, "this ebook won't write the book for you, or even get it published, but it will show you the steps and resources to write compelling copy, finish fully and sell well."

9. Include your expert credentials

"I spent 6 months researching this book and 3 months writing it. My background includes 23 years bookcoaching, presenting 70 writing and marketing seminars a year, and 48 published clients since 1999."

10. End your Sales Letter with your 100% Money-Back Guarantee.

When you offer an ironclad guarantee, people see your book as so valuable that you put yourself on the line for it. They will be more likely to buy and be satisfied with their purchase.

"This product comes with a 100% Money Back Guarantee. Read the book cover to cover, and if the strategies don't work for you within 60 days, we'll cheerfully refund your money, and you can keep the product too!"

Without a book sales letter to guide your potential buyers on your web site, you leave them bored, uninspired, without enough information to make that decision to buy. Your web site and ezine must entertain, inform, and give enough benefits to convince your readers to order your book.

For all email promotion campaigns, without a sales letter for each product, your unique, useful and inspiring information will not get read, people won't know you as the expert, and you won't make the sales you want.

By Judy Cullins


Dont Clone your Book or Business Marketing

Remember that the miracle of cloning sheep has its drawbacks. The main one--dying young.

Don't let your business die young by following the herd. Instead, think of the natural ways you like to market.

Here are some Marketing Ideas that Make Big Promises. And, when followed by investing a large amount of money and time, only a few will get the results they hope for.

1. Make your book a #1 best seller on Amazon. This idea teaches authors that if they offer $1000's of bonus books, reports and the like, and tell all their email lists to buy the book on a particular day at Amazon, they will make extreme sales.

In many sales letters that give away $1000's more than the price of their book, it looks a little suspicious or gimmicky. "Killer copy" and other web sizzle language doesn't bring confidence to most business people. The programs sold are over $2000. An old saying came from Robert Allen something like: "You make much more money teaching people how to make money than they ever will implementing the skills."

2. Optimize your web site standings in the search engines with ads placed in Google.com and through ------.

After putting a lot of time into writing ad copy, paying an upfront consultant fee, and paying monthly costs of the key words, I'd say the results for my top four business books were near 0.

Yes, I heard of one author that didn't invest more than $400 a month to reap $4000 book sales, but her book was highly specialized. When another web master I know followed this tact, she invested thousands a month to yield here only 50% in sales. For $2500 investment for the first month, she made $1250. Once the competition caught on, her sales dropped and no longer gave her a desired income.

Natural Marketing

Like myself, if you are a writer or author, it will be easy and natural for you to write short articles and tips for opt-in (no spam) ezines you subscribe to. This one thing has kept me at #1 for the phrase "bookcoaching." for four years and has placed my writings on over 21000 sites, the number increasing 1000 each month.

If you don't like to write much, maybe you'll love BLOGs. They bring similar results as the articles and your own ezine do. It's a mini web site, and an interactive process your visitors will like it because they see you more casually and personally. My blog's format will be question and answer, also letting my humor and opinions out to show I'm human.

If you like to share yourself and your solutions with others publically, you may enjoy presenting to groups and have your product available at the back of the room. A similar venue would be joining a networking group. Bring your business card that features either your blog site URL or your ezine subscription information. When you collect these email addresses, you grow your lists of target to-be-buyers.

Cloning isn't always healthy or profitable. Stay true to your own style of sharing yourself, your business, or book.

By Judy Cullins


10 Reasons Why People Attend Book Signings

This is the survey result of 325 people conducted by myself so I can improve at my own book signings. After completing the survey, I saw the wealth of insight it had given me. I felt it was important to share it with a wider audience. I also interspersed some personal experiences.

The survey was conducted by Catherine in-person with people who attended book signings at area bookstores in Northern Virginia metro area between January 2004 and September 2004. A total of 325 people completed the survey.

Here is their response to one of the questions: Why do you go to book signings?

If you are wondering how this can help you in marketing your book. These 10 items are extremely important. They tell what authors need to give to their audience in order to increase their books sales and to connect with the audience. When you know what you audience wants, what they expect, the guessing fades and transforms into a great book signing event.

Here are the top ten responses in answer to the first question:

1. People desire to be acknowledged for taking their time to come -- by you, the store, and others that came. Participants who have either already read the book, come to meet other like-minded people. They have a social intention and you need to give it to them. Most book signings don't have any social aspect to them so create one. When you include ways, you will definitely increase sales. People want connection, they don't want to be ignored. Get them to talk to the people around them. Introduce one person you just met to the next person to them. There are many techniques or create some of your own. A seasoned author learned to do this over time. Learn to do it sooner.

2. Curiosity. People are normally curious about authors and how they write, or how they got their book published. Tell them about your journey with all this. For the wanta- be or gonna-be writers there because their vision includes what you are doing, give them that feedback. It creates immediate connection. Even if they didn't come not to buy your book, usually they will change their mind, just because you settled their curiosity.

3. Entertainment. Yes, you need to be entertaining. People do want that and they stick around (meaning they don't get up and walk out) if they get it. Show energy, use hand gestures, and please stop reading from the page (number one pet peeve). Over and over again, I saw people leave when the author continued to read his presentation from the page. People don't expect perfection. They had a heavy week, or day, and they want some way to lighten it up. Even if your book is a heavy topic, lighten it up. Comical anecdotes about yourself are great!

4. Oh, the old, "what's in it for me" discussion. What are the benefits for them to read the book? Is there some information that will help shift their thinking on anything? Use testimonials, ones that have some meat on their bones. Yes, you may need to make some assumptions on where the audience is at. Go ahead and do that. Create a few that cover a wider perspective and it will deliver to a wider audience.

5. There is nothing wrong with encouraging more sales. Who else might be interested in the book. Their boss, friends, sister, who? Go ahead, give gift ideas. What holidays or events can you tie the book to? Is Christmas, Mother's Day coming up? Tie your topic and the holiday together if you can. Mention the type of people who like to read this sort of book. No, don't say everyone and anybody. This is sometimes hard for authors because they attach it to "selling." Drum roll...heaven forbid...selling. When an audience is so enthralled in a book and its story, their mind isn't on buying two books. They walk out with one and then when turning page three or five, a flash appears, "Ooops, I should have bought one for my boss." I guarantee you that it is very unlikely they will return to the bookstore to buy another copy at that point.

6. Do some things where you make extra connections with the audience. Just don't sit behind the table. Stand up, shake hands -- no limp ones either, and look them directly in the eyes when you ask them, "Who would you like me make this out to?" Ask if they would like another book made out to someone else?

Here's a SECRET tip. It makes a BIG connection. The Japanese do this all the time. Put down the pen. When you hand over the book, hold it cover up facing them with both hands, present it to them slowly, purposely, as if it's worth a million dollars and a very special gift. Look deep into their eyes at the same time (okay this part is different than the Japanese), and say silently in your heart and in your voice, "Thank you." Watch them light up. Of course, smile.

7. As mentioned earlier, audiences come with a hidden agenda -- to have a good time. To enjoy themselves. Create that space of joy and lightness for them. Don't think you don't have any control. The store wants you to succeed. Share with them what type of experience you want the audience to have. Ask for recommendations, ask for things that haven't been done before too. Give inspiration in language, in thoughts, and in stories. Stories that pulls the heart strings. If there isn't one in the book, find one.

8. There is nothing wrong with giving away a trinket, toy, item, that comes from one of the characters. Or even it isn't directly and just somewhat related. You don't need to spend lots of money on promotional items. Think. This might require approval by the host store. You will usually find that as long as it usually doesn't cost them anything and it increases book sales, they will encourage it. Give a gift if they buy two or three copies. Find a unique magnet, or something funny, something that doesn't cost much but it just ads to the incentive to buy more than one. Sometimes the book store is returning something and can give you a remainder sale price. Ask.

9. You can't say thank you too many times. Remember to smile, say thank you, and be there with a loving and open heart. This creates an attractive energy and pulls people towards you.

10. Share tidbits about how the idea of the book came to you. Did you write 15 minutes a day, a certain word count? Did you get help from others, who? Did you struggle with some part or something? Was there someone there for you that inspired your journey? Please not the spouse comment all the time. To singles this is boring and people said a turnoff. Share tidbits about your childhood. There is a child in all of us. Share your childhood with your audience. Especially funny screw-ups.

Well, I hope you enjoyed learning what audiences want at book signings. This process was definitely an eye-opener for me. It gave me a real taste of people and their expectations. Maybe another future survey would be to get people to tell me why are they leaving early.

By Catherine Franz


Extend Your Books Life With a Sales Letter

Authors, publishers and business owners are great at getting their books written and launched. But after the initial one-year honeymoon, sales slow down. To counter this, make sure to let your audience know about your book's benefits and how it can help them in their lives. Keep your book alive and selling well for years when you write a sales letter.

You can write your first sales letter in less than two hours. As you practice, you will be able to write a short one in only one hour.

What Every Sales Letter Needs to Pull Orders and Profits

1. Start the letter with a benefit-driven headline and include headlines throughout.

Example: "Want a Quick and Easy way to Quadruple your Online Income in Four Months?

If you answered, "Yes" to yourself, the headline succeeds, because you will keep reading. If you said, "No, I don't believe this, but I'm curious about where this is going," the headline still succeeds. You win when your headline seduces your potential customer to read on in your sales letter and finally to decide to buy.

2. List the top five benefits of your book with bullets.

To define your top benefits start with a list of challenges your client or customer wants solutions for. If you are not rock sure of who your audience is and what they need, your sales copy won't work.

Essentially, you need to say how your book will make someone's life easier or richer in time or money; how it will entertain or inspire; how it will make readers be more successful, more attractive, healthier; how it will help them feel better and avoid catastrophe, sickness, or surgery.

Remember to highlight your book's ultimate benefit above the others. This could be the opening headline. If you list more than five benefits use the strongest three to five as your bullet points. Sprinkle the rest throughout your copy.

3. Address your potential buyer's resistance.

Tell a background story about where your audience is NOW so they will connect emotionally with your solutions. If your book is designed for people who want to write, the sales letter should focus on the fact that many people don't write books because they doubt that their books will sell well enough to justify all the effort; they worry that a book may not be significant enough, that writing it will take too long and publishing it will cost too much; and besides, they really aren't writers." One, by one, a good sales letter will address a potential buyer's major concerns.

4. Provide a quick overview of the book's features.

One client wrote a book on ways to live a successful life. Her top features included *a do-it-yourself" approach, *real-life coaching examples *mastering the art of 'moseying' and *practical tips and strategies that can immediately be implemented into your everyday life.

Example: In this treasure chest you will....

Impact your letter more when you combine your best benefit with a feature such as "Balance work and home by mastering the joy of moseying." While benefits sell and features explain, your web or shorter email sales letter needs to mention features so your potential buyer will know what's inside your book.

5. Sprinkle testimonials throughout your sales letter.

Since people who learn about your book are more likely to buy it when they think other people already have, it's important to offer testimonials from experts in your field, relevant celebrities, and satisfied users who have profited from your advice. Don't send the whole book to people when you ask for testimonials. Just send them a list of the benefits and phrases to make it easy to respond as well as the title and introduction.

6. Offer your potential buyers three or four chances to buy.

They may have already decided to buy before encountering your sales letter, so put "Buy Now" information near the top and present more buying opportunities along the way after your list of benefits, your summary of the book's features, and your testimonials.

7. End your sales letter with a 100% money-back guarantee.

When you offer an ironclad guarantee--"This product comes with a 100% Money Back Guarantee. Read the book cover to cover, and if the strategies don't work for you within 60 days, we'll cheerfully refund your money, and you can keep the product too!-- people see your book as valuable enough for you to put yourself on the line for it. They will be more likely to buy and be satisfied with their purchase.

8. Share the downside of your book.

Being up front about your book's limitations can increase your credibility and create empathy.

Example: "This e-book won't write the book for you, or even get it published, but it will show you the steps and resources you need to write compelling copy, finish fully and sell well."

9. Include your credentials.

Obviously, expertise is important. One author wrote a book on stress and how it affects relationships. Her sales letter included "I interviewed 30 couples and included their answers to my "what do you do daily to keep your relationship alive and joyful? My 20 years background as a marriage and family therapist includes 10 years coaching, consulting and presenting 25 seminars a year.

Keep your book alive and selling well for years with a sales letter emailed out and on your Web site.

By Judy Cullins


Online Book Promotion Beats Traditional Seven to One

While traditional marketing can work for the book author or publisher, the return is dim for the huge effort it takes. You must promote 90% of the time to even get a milligram of attention. While you may have a success or two, most of your efforts will bring poor book sales.

With online marketing, the author's message will reach hundreds of thousands in just a day because people love the free information you can give them with an enticement to come to your site to buy. And, you'll spend 9% instead of 90% time on it. Ask yourself right now, what promotion is working for me? What is not?

Traditional Book Marketing Method One: The Press Release

Sure, press releases can bring you attention.

But it takes a lot of time to gather specific media or radio/TV producers' names. Writing "The San Diego Media Resource Directory" took 50 hours to research, and a lot more time to update each year.

But you waste your efforts if your release doesn't go the right person. Many authors make the mistake of sending the release to the book editor. He gets hundreds each month, and will pay no attention if you are self-published. Like agents and traditional publishers, only 1-2% are chosen.

But if you only send a few releases, they may get ignored. It's usual for any business to send out 150 news releases a year. That does take some time and effort.

Don't relax after you send one or two releases. Think in terms of at least five a month.

But, 95% of releases are ignored and tossed into the round file. Why? For many reasons, but check to see if you include a compelling heading, a human-interest story, a short tip list or article of how-tos, or a present news analogy.

But you send a lengthy news release that takes 2 pages. Usually, editors want one under one page, double-spaced.

But you go on and on about your book's features rather than its benefits. What's in it for the media's audience? They want solutions just like your book should offer. It turns out editors accept how to tips and articles with your byline that refers to your book than the features within your book. Most new authors omit this most important information.

But most people don't realize the purpose of the press release is to grab the editor by the collar, so they will want to do a feature story on you. Make your headlines sizzle. "Seven Ways to Sell More Books Than You Ever Dreamed Of" got a feature story, which attracted 90 people to a seminar by the same name. The coach sold $550 worth of books, gained four new book- coaching clients worth $2000, enrolled 15 in her weekly seminars, yielding 24 clients published within a 2-year period.

Your book coach's first published press release responded to an article on the editorial page about the "Three R's." The headline was "Schools Need to Teach the Fourth "R" "Rapid Reading. After discussing the background problems of first grade reading circles, she included the benefits of rapid reading, and gave nine how-to solutions. The publisher not only loved the article, but also came personally to take a picture.

Most people don't realize the purpose of the press release is to grab the editor by the collar, so he or she will want to do a feature story on you. Make your headlines sizzle. "Seven Ways to Sell More Books Than You Ever Dreamed Of" got a feature story which attracted 90 people to a seminar by the same name. The coach sold $550 worth of books, gained four new book-coaching clients worth $2000, enrolled 15 in her weekly seminars, yielding 24 clients published within a two-year period.

Traditional Book Marketing Method Two: Giving Talks, Seminars and Presenting at Expos

Creating a talk takes a lot of time. You must practice it at least two times before you deliver it. You must discover resources to find organizations to present to. Many of them don't pay their speakers. You may say that's OK because I will sell books. Yes, you'll sell a dozen or maybe more, but think of the huge effort it takes to get there. Consider travel time, traffic, clothing upkeep, and schlepping all those heavy books around.

Like myself, you may present a talk or seminar to a corporation with big hopes of selling your products. When they pay you, though, they may set boundaries on book sales. One positive is that because you have a book, you can negotiate and leverage with meeting planners and top executives for higher paid presentations.

The biggest disadvantage? You must wait for decision makers to accept and schedule you--that could be six months or more. Think of the time invested in marketing materials such as the One-Page, videos, and meetings. Your book coach left this venue because she knew there was a better way! But was it expos?

Speaking at Expos or maintaining a booth takes many hours of work. Consider preparing and submitting press releases, creating brochures, hand outs, decorating the booth, presenting a drawing, and bringing in products to sell.

Speaking can bring you a few book sales, but people passing by your booth are usually just looking. Giving out hundreds of flyers with free seminar offers brings few results too.

Yes, I did get on a talk-radio show and eleven people showed up at my Supermemory seminar. No, they didn't buy books or book a coaching session. Yes, I collected names and email addresses from a free drawing. I was able to use them for my free ezine, The Book Coach Says...," but clients did not bang down my door to use my talents.

With figuring my prep and floor time at 44 hours for just one expo and sales under $350, I'd say that was slave labor.

By Judy Cullins


Online Book Promotion Beats Traditional Seven to One - Part 2

Think of Your Promotion Time and Budget

Most one or two-book authors don't have a large marketing budget. Marketing their speaking leaves them little time to write and promote their books. Marketing experts say do five things a day, six days a week, which sounds pretty doable. When I followed this advice and not much happened, I turned to the net. Always ask yourself "Is this time, money and effort bringing me the sales I want?"

Aren't sales what we should count? Before the sales roll in however, you need to create a foundation--"a marketing plan"--of what you want to promote, what money you want to make from it monthly, how much time you are willing to give it, and how you will get the word out to your target audience. This takes a little time, but is worth it. Just remember the plan brings you no sales. It's the action you take that does.

If other marketing and promotion campaigns have brought few book sales, have left your wallet thinner, wasted your valuable time, or left you with a garage full of unsold masterpieces, you may now be ready to set up your book's virtual marketing machine--the Internet.

Online Marketing Method #1 Writing and Submitting Articles to Top Web Sites and Spam-Free Ezines

Online marketing can produce 7 times your book profits in just 5 months

Now that you see the limitations of traditional book marketing, you may be ready to increase your book sales 7 fold by submitting how-to articles to online ezines where thousands of subscribers who want your specific topic of information a day will see your message and visit your book-selling site.

Rather than a shot gun approach, I suggest this favorite and highly successful Online marketing technique. This approach increased my own second Web site sales more than 7 times in 5 months, from $75 in August to $2265 in December. In 2002, the sales soared to $3000 a month. Today my sales are over $4500 a month, are consistent and Google has made my site #1 for 4 years with "bookcoaching." That number also lists my URL on 21,000 other sites that increase by 1000 each week with a link to mine for services and eBooks.

Whether you have a Web site or not, you can apply your writing ability to produce short information-packed articles to submit to hundreds of Online ezines, whose readership of thousands, even hundreds of thousands, will read some of your articles you submit. These online small business people want to know more about your subject, whether it be how to raise parrots, or how to write a book, or how to write a Web site with marketing pizzazz.

Since you will include your signature box at the end of each article with your book title, your email address, free offer, and benefit statement, people can get in touch with you and possibly become buyers. After reading seven or so articles readers will know you as the savvy expert and will be more likely to buy.

From my own first week's experience after subscribing to several opt-in ezines such as:

aabusiness-subscribe@yahoogroups.com, aageneral-subscribe@yahoogroups.com, aainet-subscribe@yahoogroups.com, article_announce-subscribe@egroups.com

I got 10 or so responses from other publishers and Web site owners asking to post my ezines in their format. Talk about exciting. My ezine subscribers to "The Book Coach Says..." increased ten to fifteen after each article submission.

You can also submit your how-to articles and tips to top Web sites who want your material. In the first year I sent articles to 12 Web sites. Now we send to 70 each two weeks.

These articles help promote your business services too. If you are a coach, consultant, professional, or other small businessperson this method helps attract more clients than you ever dreamed of. From my own experience, my clients tripled to 21 in just 2 months.

When you have written a well-constructed article, giving real information and how-tos, you will attract these potential buyers and clients who will eventually end up on the Web sites where you sell your books.

Getting Started--Writing your Article

First, create 5 to 10 articles from 200-800 words, possibly excerpted from your book, or how-to's on your subject. Write several articles and submit one or so a week. I started submitting to only five ePublishers of the opt-in ezines. Even in the first week, several publishers used my article "Sell More Books with a Powerful Back Cover." At the end of the article, I put a link to a product "How to Get Testimonials from the Rich and Famous" in my signature box, bringing increased sales.

After writing 2 books on this topic, I included over 100 opt-in ezines and other publisher emails to directly send articles to.

Join the Online Revolution by subscribing to several opt-in ezines. As soon as you subscribe, you'll receive one or more articles a day. Take time to read some of these articles to educate yourself about all topics that will boost your business success. See what format and content they use.

This Online business marketing research is gold, because you will now be able to model your articles after successfully published ones. Now just start submitting so thousands can learn from you too.

Invest in Some Promotion Time

While we need promotion, how much time do we actually put into it? At first I had a learning curve that took me 12 hours a week. I learned from a techie assistant I hired from a local high school. Now my assistant does most of this work and I spend only 5-7 hours a week creating the articles she submits.

The usual promotion investment for big results is 90% of your time. With Online, it's only 9%, far less, and you'll even have time for a long-needed vacation to some Caribbean island.

For Online promotion you will want to check resources on how to write a publishable article and other tips to make publishers accept them. Check out a book coach, read writing ezines, and take a teleclass such as "Promote your Business and Books with Free Articles."

Online Promoting is Easy, Convenient, and Profitable

Better than press releases, book reviews or book signings, you can create and promote articles conveniently right from your office or home. Give this a method a chance. You'll only be sorry you didn't do it sooner!

By Judy Cullins


Dont Sell your Book, Share It

Most authors who aren't used to speaking before a group think, "I'd rather get a root canal than have to 'sell' my book." If you think about how great your book is, how you wrote it because you wanted to help or entertain your audience, you can change this fear to the idea of sharing your book.

Sharing your book works great in person before other people, one-on-one, or Online.

Five Steps to Sharing your Book

1. Know your preferred audience first.

For instance, the book, "Passion at Any Age" is the "Artist's Way" for seniors. Who will your book help the most? Get yourself in front of these people because they will already have open arms and hearts to your boo.

2. Write an audience profile--those who will want to buy your book because you solve their particular challenge.

Include their income, buying habits, values, online savvy, magazines they read, sex, and age among other traits. FACT: Online people buy most kinds of books. Books are still the number one seller on the Internet.

3. Write a "Dear Audience" letter.

Take time and handwrite a short one-half page on why you wrote your book and what your audience will get from it. This puts the human side of your effort forth and also restates benefits your readers will get.

Dear_______, I wrote or am writing this book because you have this particular challenge, or are in this particular place where you'd like some answers on the topic of ____. Its number one message (benefit-thesis) is __________. And, it will also help you do, be, or have ______, _____, and _____. (specific benefits).

4. Share the written message orally in your own words, next time someone asks you about your book, or when you are in front of an audience. Take the information from your "Dear Audience" letter and reduce it a bit to fit your one to two minute allowed time to share.

5. Share your message Online.

If you don't want to communicate to others in person, think Online. All kinds of audiences go Online to look for information. Free information. You can share other tips, excerpts, and stories from your book through submitting them to online spam-free ezines. Thousands of people subscribe to them. Start with visiting www.yahoo.groups.com. Subscribe to one of their groups such as: aageneral-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.

Watch the word of mouth grow to epic proportions when one subscriber shares your article with others. It's sometimes called viral marketing, but I prefer the idea of putting the "law of attraction" into motion. Best of all, you don't have to sell anything.

By Judy Cullins


Spend a Little Time, Get Free Books Online

There's just something so gratifying about owning your own books and creating an in-home library. Not only does book ownership provide you with hours, and hours of escape and enrichment, a well-stocked library is a great heirloom for future generations.

What's not gratifying about the pursuit, however, is the ever-rising cost of books both paperback and hardcover. With prices for some novels topping $30 USD, it's hard for an avid reader to keep up a respectable collection.

Did you know you can build your own library without breaking the bank?

There are lots of places where you can turn a little bit of time into viable merchandise. You can get all kinds of freebies on the Internet by completing offers, answering questions and even playing games. The rewards are many and even include ways for you to get free books online!

Rewards programs know how to help you expand that library without emptying your wallet. All it takes is a little investment of your time and you could begin receiving product freebies, including free books online today.

It's true! You can cut the costs of building a personal library by completing offers and receiving free books online. Great book offers are out there, you just need to know where to look to get free books online. In addition, there are literally hundreds of sites that offer other freebies in return for filling out simple forms. Save your cash, build your library and get free books online by letting incentive programs help you locate the best places to find free stuff!

You can earn free books online, reduced-price books and a wide assortment of other free stuff by:

Completing offers, shopping online, filling out surveys.

It doesn't take a lot of work or time to begin getting freebies online. There are plenty of advertisers and manufacturing companies that want your opinions and your business. To obtain both, they're willing to give you freebies. Companies are ready to reward you for your efforts today. Are you ready to begin racking up freebies accepting great book offers?

By Gerardas Norkus


Oh No! A Bad Book Review! Have No Fear...Advice For Dealing With The Blues Of A Bad Book Review

You've just been notified a review of your book has been posted. You're all excited and can't wait to see what has been written. You're clicking onto your book's page when...Oh no! They hated your book! This bad review is going to turn away customers from buying your book. Wait! This isn't the end of the world. Here's 3 tips to deal when you get a bad review.

1. You can't please everyone!

Example: One of my favorite authors is a bestseller but the author didn't receive such hot customer reviews.

Another example: I was reading some book reviews and one of the books had one of the worst ratings ever. I clicked the link with curiosity to find over 20 customers had reviewed the book and loved it. In life, you can't please everyone. Will a bad review discourage future customers? On to my next tip.

2. A bad review doesn't have to mean bad profit.

Not all customers look at a bad review as their only guide to buying. In fact, if your review is so awful, they may even buy the book to see if it's really as bad as the reviewer rated it. There's the saying that curiosity killed the cat, curiosity in this case could help you. Customers also realize that everyone has different tastes. Maybe the reviewer didn't like your book, but who's to say someone different won't? It may be bad publicity, but none the less it may help you. In fact, sometimes a customer may have read the bad review but only remembers your name and or the book's title.

3. If you're getting more than one bad review.

It's understandable if you're disappointed. It's expected, but do not allow yourself to become discouraged. If you've published an e-book and can easily edit your work, bad reviews can actually help your writing. Now don't go crazy and change everything! But if reviews are constantly pin pointing on one certain area, review your work and see if and how you could improve it. I know reviewing repeatedly can be hurtful but if it can help your e-book, isn't it worth considering? Also, don't start picking apart reviews right away, give yourself time to go over them. Picking apart your reviews the moment you receive them could prove fatal to your self esteem.

By Laura Hickey


Jumat, 06 Juni 2008

Sell More Books With an E-mail Newsletter

NOTE: Because many words in this article are likely to trigger sp^m filters, we've disguised them with symbols (e.g. sp^m). This will ensure a higher delivery rate if you use this article in your e-zine.
If you're selling your book online, you're practically guaranteed to increase sales by publishing an e-mail newsletter, or "e-zine."
Why? Well, for a start, it's a super way to give readers a taste of your expertise and style along with samples of your content. This ensures they'll come to be familiar with you, trust you, and hopefully buy your book when they're ready for more information.
Also, it's a great way to *capture prospects* who aren't ready to buy your book when they visit your site, but are still interested in the info you have to share.
Based on my own experiences in marketing my manual, 'Boost Business With Your Own E-zine,' here are 7 ways to help increase book sales using an e-mail newsletter.
First thing: Encourage e-zine SIGNUPS on your Web site where you promote your book.
Before you even begin publishing, start collecting e-mail addresses. Place a signup form in many places on your site to invite visitors to subscribe to your free e-zine. This way, if a visitor isn't interested in buying your book today, she can sign up for your free e-zine. Now you haven't lost her, and she'll learn even *more* about your book from being a subscriber.
E-zine publishers also report GREAT signup results using pop-up and pop-under boxes at their Web sites.
Examples: On my main site, http://www.ezinequeen.com, I feature a signup form on EVERY page, as well as a pop-up box. On my book sales site, http://www.ezinequeen.com/tutorial, I have a pop-under box that appears once you close the main window.
Remember: NEVER sign anyone up without her permission!

Feature EXCERPTS and/or TIPS from your book in your e-zine.
These can be either direct excerpts or short tips that summarize some of your content. Go through your book and highlight individual tips or small sections that could stand well on their own. Just don't give away the whole store! For example, giving your readers a whole chapter of your book in each issue is going overboard.
Besides lifting material directly from your book, try some other spins on your topic such as a list of top 10 tips, a how-to article, a list of resources, or a review of a trend in the industry.
Example: One of my clients, a life coach, has a hard-cover book out right now that features 101 tips on how to attract what you want in life. Each issue of her weekly e-zine features one of those tips, along with a brief explanation of how to implement it.

Directly after your article, give a quick PROMO BLURB that shamelessly plugs your book.
Why right after the article and before anything else? If someone reads your article/tip and says to themselves, "Gee, that was great information," they'll be ready to hear what else you have to share on that subject. Really pump it up and have a good time with it.
Example: "Did you like today's article? If you did, you'll LOVE my new book, 'Double Your Business in Six Months.' It's jammed with more than 257 great ideas to help you grow your business FAST. Learn more and order now at [Web address here]. You can begin using my best tips within minutes!"

In each issue, offer a TESTIMONIAL from one of your book purchasers.
Let your readers know that many other people just like them ARE buying your book and LOVE it. Idea: Create a small section in your e-zine for this purpose. In each issue, feature a short testimonial from one of your readers here.
Example: "What 'Beauty Blastoff' Readers Are Saying: 'I can't tell you how much your book has helped me improve my appearance. Thanks to your tips, I've lost 20 pounds, cleared up my skin, and rid of all my unwanted hair. Now my rich ex-husband even wants me back. You're a saint!'" - Suzy Smitten, Los Angeles, Calif.

Offer your readers a SPECIAL DISCOUNT for a l1mited time.
Make your readers feel special by offering them a special discount on your book when you can. For best response rates, make it a limited time offer to lend a sense of urgency. I did this with my manual when it first came out and got great results.
Example: "For Subscribers Only: Buy my book before midnight this Friday and receive a 20% discount!"
If you can't give your subscribers a discount, offer something else to make them feel special, such as a bonus report or free phone consultation with their purchase.

Mention your book in as many other places as possible in your e-zine.
Bottom line: The more you mention your book, the higher your chances they'll buy. While your opportunities are endless, here are a few ideas to start with:
in your masthead (This is where you give the reader info about your publication - usually at the very top.)
in your editor's or publisher's note (This is where you give a personal note to your readers.)
in your article (If you mention a certain point that you cover wonderfully in your book, say so!)


To attract even more prospects, advertise your e-zine in your everyday e-mail SIGNATURE FILE.
You know what a signature (or "sig") file is, right? It's that little blurb with contact info that you can automatically insert at the end of every e-mail you send. Besides your obvious contact information, give a quick plug for your book AND e-zine.
Why? Well, if you just advertise your book, some people will read your sig file and think, "That's cool, but I don't want to buy anything right now." BUT if you advertise your FREE e-zine, they'll likely take advantage of your offer. THEN you've got them on your list.
Example: Here's what I have at the END of my sig file, after my contact information: "BOOST BUSINESS by publishing your own e-mail newsletter! Learn how now - sign up for fr*ee how-to tips at http://www.ezinequeen.com."
(c) 2000-2003 Alexandria K. Brown. All rights reserved.

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