7 Selling Points For Authors

In the land of marketing and sales, never underestimate the obvious. This holds true for authors promoting themselves and their books. Please follow these book marketing truisms:  

1. Repetition sells. Repetition sells.

“Kills Roaches Dead” was a popular slogan for Raid more than four decades ago. Why do I still remember it? Only three words explain what it is, and only two are needed. Emphasis through redundancy pays off. Repeat after me: repetition works. Don’t believe me? I will say it again: repetition works.  

2. Point out features that many of your competitors also possess.

That’s right, you heard me. Sure, you want to point out what is unique, better, different, and interesting about you. You must show distinction and get separation from the pack. But, don’t forget to mention the obvious and to take ownership of it. It does not matter that your competitor can say the same thing. By you saying it, it becomes a piece of you. 

3. Make even the generic and ordinary sound great and customized to fit the reader’s needs or desires.

Let’s say you are selling a book about losing weight. You can focus on describing the mechanics of losing weight or you can sell its benefits. I would choose the latter. Describe how one will feel and look, how they now can act with confidence, get dates, look good, feel better, look younger. This shifts the focus away from the how-to-lose-weight conversation to the why. Highlight the rewards, not the work needed to achieve them.

4. State your passion — that you love what you do.

Hopefully one loves what they do, but it can never be overstated. Express your intoxication fervor for what you do and smile. If you love writing about something, hopefully we will love reading it.  

5. Claim you love your readers. Form a bond with them.

Be careful not to sound fake, but express pure appreciation for your readers and those you seek to befriend. Let them feel there is a true connection taking place. We all want to feel cared about.  

6. Craft — and often state — your origination story. Make it emotional, entertaining, and/or inspirational.

How did you come to write your book? Why this book, at this time? How did you come onto the scene? People love a good backstory. Some are made-up or glamorized. A little hype never hurt anyone. Was this your calling? Are you compelled to reveal a truth? Is this your destiny? Are you on a mission? Is this your comeback story?  Spin a good story to sell your book. 

7. Point to testimonials, reviews, or awards as third-party validation for your book — even if it is based on friends giving testimonials, bought-for reviews, and low-competition awards.

Most consumers buy into this stuff. You need to sound good on paper.

Please Contact Me For Help

Brian Feinblum, the founder of this award-winning blog, can be reached at brianfeinblum@gmail.com He is available to help authors promote their story, sell their book, and grow their brand. He has 30 years of experience in successfully helping thousands of authors in all genres.

 

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About Brian Feinblum

Brian Feinblum should be followed on Twitter @theprexpert. This is copyrighted by BookMarketingBuzzBlog ©2022. Born and raised in Brooklyn, he now resides in Westchester with his wife, two kids, and Ferris, a black lab rescue dog. His writings are often featured in The Writer and IBPA’s The Independent.  This was named one of the best book marketing blogs by BookBaby  http://blog.bookbaby.com/2013/09/the-best-book-marketing-blogs and recognized by Feedspot in 2021 and 2018 as one of the top book marketing blogs. It was also named by WinningWriters.com as a "best resource.” He recently hosted a panel on book publicity for Book Expo America, and had spoken at ASJA, IBPA, Sarah Lawrence College, Nonfiction Writers Association, Cape Cod Writers Association, Willamette (Portland) Writers Association, and Connecticut Authors and Publishers Association. His letters-to-the-editor have been published in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, New York Post, NY Daily News, Newsday,The Journal News (Westchester) and The Washington Post.  . He has been featured in The Sun Sentinel and Miami Herald. For more information, please consult: linkedin.com/in/brianfeinblum.