Generating Sales of Novels without Using the Internet
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| How to Market your Book |
Marketing Your Book in the Real World
Selling books online can lull the author into the closet world of internet marketing without actually meeting or talking to anyone. Getting out there and marketing your book by other means not only covers other sales channels, but hones untried marketing skills, not least the spoken word. I began my journey with my local area. This often means putting your pride aside and developing a thick skin.
Ideas for Book Marketing in Your Local Area
I began by telephoning my local newspaper. They kindly ran an article about my books over a few weeks and it did not cost a penny. Beware that such doors are not always open, as I have found it impossible to find an authorative newspaper/magazine book reviewer to review my books. Remaining polite even when things do not go your way is important, as you never know you may cross that bridge again one day.
Promoting Your Book Locally
Some shops and public places will let you put up a few
flyers for free. This I did in my local library and supermarkets. Shops,
garages and post offices will put your ad up for a small fee. This means
devising an eye-catching flyer and a few posters. A great design will also catch
the eye in the classifieds within the local newspaper. Watch out for
advertising fees which can sting. Putting your ad in the ‘what’s on’ or
entertainment’ section is more costly than on ‘miscellaneous.’ A punchy design
will also stand out if your funds will only cover a small-sized ad. Having a
marketing budget is vital, or you may not garner enough book sales to cover the
marketing costs.
How to Design a Book Poster to Generate Book Sales
I created a simple black and white design that echoes
the look of my book cover. I used a visual graphic, accompanied by as little
text as possible. The nature of the product was made obvious by opening the ad
with ‘Kindle thriller’, so that customers know what is being advertised. You
can also use other terminology such as ‘crime novel’ or ‘bestselling book’ (if
you are lucky enough). This (of course) should be followed by the name of the
book and the author name. By all means entice the reader with extra
information, but be careful not to overdo it, as the design should remain bold
and readable whatever the size format.
Novel Ways to Create Kindle Book Sales
I created posters of various sizes to fit the venue
and the approach. A5 images (2 on an A4 sheet of paper) might suit a notice-board;
A6 or smaller might suit handouts. A long banner exhibiting the name of your
book can be stuck to the inside of your rear window of your car, making your
vehicle a mobile marketing tool.
Getting Reviews for Your Book
I approached my local reading group with copies of my
book. Always be polite and don’t take it personally if not everyone is willing
to indulge in your book. I decided not to attend the feedback session, but
putting my books out there with real readers could create recommendations and Amazon
reviews.
Sales Channels for your Kindle Books
Marketing your book in the real world will mean having
a few spare copies of your book handy. Make each book work hard for you by
donating them to a local library. If you register each title with PLR (Public
Lending Right) each ‘borrow’ could earn you a small fee. Putting your books in
the library also means more people will see them and (you never know) review
them. Make it plain you are a local author. Libraries and local groups are
often open to authors talking about their books or book signings.
But then, why keep it local, if one is given to going
on holidays or trips? Wherever I go, I will have a few flyers, leaflets or
business cards in my bag, should the opportunity arise for some book marketing,
wherever I am. Book fairs offer an ideal opportunity for some self-promoting and hobnobbing.
Great Ideas for Book Marketing the Traditional Way
Exclusive use of the internet when marketing your book
could leave the author missing out. Getting out into the real world with real
people could create further channels for marketing your book. This means using
the local library, public notice-boards, the newspaper, reading groups or even
your car. Every avenue is invaluable. This means putting aside marketing funds,
creating eyecatching flyers, putting on a thick skin and casting off your pride.
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