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
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).
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.
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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Chicago Tribune - When Georgette Finnie e-mailed What's Your Problem? on Aug. 25, she was 9 months' pregnant with her first child. The expectant mom had done some research about the baby bottles she had received as gifts through her baby registry at Babies "R" Us. Hot Docs: Defending Georgia, Girls Married by 15, the Chemical BPA ... That Plastic Baby Bottle Publ.Date : Sun, 07 Sep 2008 12:18:53 GMT "Stand Up to Cancer" tops Friday ratings - Reuters
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Bloomberg - By Aaron Sheldrick and Demian McLean Sept. 8 (Bloomberg) -- Hurricane Ike is crossing Cuba after smashing into the northeast of the country with winds of 205 kilometers (125 miles) per hour, according to the US National Hurricane Center. Video: Raw Video: Ike's Harsh Impact on Turks and Caico Hurricane Ike set to batter Cuba Publ.Date : Mon, 08 Sep 2008 06:56:09 GMT McCain Leads Obama 50% to 46%, New Poll Finds, USA Today Reports - Bloomberg Bloomberg - By James Kraus Sept. 8 (Bloomberg) -- Republican presidential candidate John McCain leads Democratic contender Barack Obama by 50 percent to 46 percent among registered voters, according to a weekend USA Today/Gallup Poll, USA Today reported. Convention rejuvenates GOP US campaign sharpens as McCain takes poll lead Publ.Date : Mon, 08 Sep 2008 07:38:07 GMT New Zealand compromises on India nuclear deal - Xinhua
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