Over the years many authors have complained about the time, energy, harassment, and money required to get bookstores to stock their book. They bemoaned the fact that there was not a better way and dealing with bookstores seemed like a necessary evil to be endured, and endured and endured again. Well, now there is a better way and authors who don’t want to invest themselves … [Read more...]
Marketing vs Sales
One of the most misused words in the publishing business is marketing. Some people think selling is marketing, but it is not. Others think publishing is marketing, but it is not. Marketing is a distinct business philosophy that, if understood and applied properly, will help your business become more profitable. There are four competing concepts under which publishing … [Read more...]
Jewish Book Fairs & Festivals Authors Can Attend in 2015
If you are a Jewish author or specialize in writing about Jewish issues, you should consider visiting book fairs in the Jewish community. Book fairs are excellent places for authors to interact with the public as well as network with book industry leaders, publicists and book editors. Book festivals and fairs are held year round all over the United States. As a book … [Read more...]
Baseball and Book Marketing
Many entrepreneurs beat themselves up looking to hit a grand slam home run. I’ve helped many entrepreneurs create their business strategies and overcome personal roadblocks that hold them back. In my keynote speeches at conferences and in my coaching sessions, I give entrepreneurs and small business owners a new, empowering way to look at their businesses and redefine what … [Read more...]
37 Top Book Awards Authors Should Pursue for 2015
“Do book awards matter?” YES!! As a book publicist I am here to inform you that yes, they absolutely do matter! In fact, one of my clients won the prestigious Los Angeles Book Festival award. That then led to a flurry of media interest, which subsequently led to a major New York agent deciding to represent the book and pitch it to all the major publishing houses. This … [Read more...]
Top Book Fairs & Festivals for Authors for 2015
Book festivals and fairs are a great way for authors to meet book buyers and reviewers, interact with fellow authors and publishers, meet your readers and find new ones too. As an author you can network with book industry leaders, locate the help you need, such as a publicist or book editor, and learn what’s new in the marketplace. Book fairs usually want speakers. By … [Read more...]
3 Steps to Identifying Your Key Customer
When I coach my clients, and I ask them who their ideal client is, they usually say, “Everyone.” That’s because they honestly believe that their message can help everyone. And it probably can. The trouble is, the market doesn’t like solutions that appeal to the masses. They want their own customized solution, or at least someone who is an expert in their … [Read more...]
What to Do When Someone Interviews You
You've just stepped out of the shower. Your robe is in the bedroom; the phone rings in the livingroom. You wrap a towel around yourself and run to grab it -- and a voice on the other end of the line asks if this would be a good time for an interview! What do you do? Be Prepared As a writer, you're probably accustomed to interviewing others. However, if you've published a … [Read more...]
Unexpected Marketing Results
Over the years I have done a lot of marketing. Some things got better results than I expected, others…not so much. But many things delivered different results than I expected. This is one of the magical things about marketing. Let’s talk about how this might apply to selling your books. Say that you have set up a book signing event at a local coffee shop. You make posters … [Read more...]
Creative Branding Techniques for Introverted Authors
Introverts are people who live on the quiet side of life, who would rather sit at home and draw or read than go to a party. They’re not the ones who readily schmooze a meeting, shaking hands and nudging shoulders with everyone or squeeze their way into a huddle of strangers at a business conference. Instead, introverts thrive by making the most of their talents, such as … [Read more...]