If
you want to know how to go about getting a lot of book sales, all that you need
to do is write a really good book, that’s better than others in your genre, on a
topic that’s not over done or obscure, that is published properly, distributed
well, and promoted endlessly. Easier said than done!
But
there are many things an author can do to generate book sales. Here are a mere
16 things you can and should do to garner sales of your book.
1.
Write
a book that’s timely, on a subject that’s not overexposed. The writing must be
sharp, with tight editing, and a creative approach should be taken. Rethink how
to make the book’s packaging—format, style, visuals, supplemental resources,
paper quality—top notch.
2.
The
book needs a catchy title and subtitle that accurately reflects what the
book’s about. It shouldn’t be too long nor use slang or terms that readers
won’t understand.
3.
The
cover image draws people in or turns them off. Test yours before going to
press.
4.
Price
it right or no one will buy it but the wealthy or those passionate about your
book topic.
5.
Consider
making the book available in multiple formats at multiple price points—ebook,
trade paper, mass market, hard cover, deluxe gift edition, audio.
6.
Have
strong testimonials on the book’s cover, back-cover, or first few pages.
7.
Make
sure the catalog copy, book cover copy, and online descriptions at Amazon,
bn.com, and other retailers draw you in. Don’t merely tell what’s in the book-
give people an exciting reason to want it or show why it’s needed. Highlight
its uniqueness.
8.
Employ
smart advertising campaigns, especially digital ones where you don’t just pay
for ad space or even clicks, but actual sales. Sign up with affiliate programs
and turn others into your commissioned sales reps.
9.
Get
well-known people or established authors to write a foreword, preface,
introduction, afterword, etc. Or have someone guest-contribute a chapter to the
book.
10.
Arrange
for speaking engagements with organizations, businesses, schools, government
agencies, and nonprofits. Conduct book signings at bookstores and libraries.
Connect with temples, churches, chambers of commerce, government agencies, and
anyone who will give an opportunity to present to a built-in audience.
11.
Execute
a social media campaign, using Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram,
Pinterest, Google +, or the other popular platforms to get your message out.
12.
Create
your own podcast, blog, and YouTube channel and push original content to induce
interest in your book and brand.
13.
Seek
out bulk sales with institutions, groups, schools, etc. Offer a fat discount.
Perhaps combine it with a workshop or some type of give-away..
14.
Execute
a best-seller campaign where you recruit friends, followers, family, and
incentivized strangers to buy your book on a certain date/time frame through a
specific channel, such as Amazon or BN or bookstores that record sales for
best-seller lists. Your best chance will come with pre-orders months in advance of your official launch date.
15.
Initiate
a PR strategy and utilize an experienced book publicity pro to collaboratively
pitch all relevant media -- local and national TV, radio, and print; and digital media
(podcasts, blogs, websites, social media). Be creative, assertive, and
persistent. Reach out, follow through. Change your pitches, try new people, go
to new outlets, and keep at it. A good book --and a good story -- will eventually
be discovered with your full-court press. Little happens accidently or
passively.
16.
Act
out of desperation, but not fear. What I mean by this is act as if you have
nothing to lose and be of the mindset that you must act now and often. Have a
sense of urgency. Act as if people must be persuaded by you, that to convince
them is akin to saving a life or changing the world. Be hungry and desperate—be
willing to do anything legal to get the job done. Trade favors, beg, borrow,
work hard and long, and take a gamble. But never let fear creep in. Don’t think
about failure or loss or being denied. Only visualize opportunity, optimism,
and success. You can make great things happen, one day at a time, by pursuing
and creating situations that can lead to a breakthrough.
Above
all, you must believe in yourself. Don’t be a slave to your ego. Greatness
comes from merit, not mere desire. But if you believe you have something special
and worthy, fight tooth and nail to help others see the light.
If
you think about it, you only have to get 10,000 books sold -- in a certain time
period through certain channels- - to make a best-seller list or be considered
successful. In a world of 7.6 billion or a nation of 321 million, you really
only have to persuade a tiny fraction to part with a few bucks. The numbers are
in your favor.
Ask
yourself what it will take to sell more books. Act on that answer -- daily -- and you
will enhance your chances of success.
DON'T
MISS!
Study this
exclusive author media training video from T J Walker
What does it really take to land on a best-seller list?
Can you sell 10 copies of your book every day?
Great book PR lessons from kids, clergy, women, contractors &
sportscasters
How do authors get on TV?
Here’s the 2017 Author Book PR & Marketing Toolkit
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