Free Amazon Ads Course

Have you ever wanted to run an Amazon ad but weren’t sure how?

Or maybe you ran an ad but you weren’t sure if you did it in such a way that would get you the best result.

I’m happy to share Dave Chesson’s Free Amazon Ad program (Dave Chesson of Kindlepreneur.com – a trusted site for all things marketing, especially related to Amazon). He has developed it with Janet Margot – who worked for nearly 10 years at Amazon, building the Amazon ad program for them.

I am sharing this because Dave gives writers like you and me many free things to help us market our books better – trainings, description templates, youtube instructional videos… So sharing this is a small way to thank Dave.

Will he try and sell you something after you complete this free program?

Probably.

Do you have to buy anything?

No.

So if you want to try doing an Amazon ad, I’d recommend checking out this free Amazon ad program.

Happy Marketing!

CKBooks Publishing
Where publishing dreams become reality

10 Things to Try If Your Book Doesn’t Get a Featured Deal on BookBub

Jun24

I have not tried to get a Bookbub deal, but as they article mentions, it is hard to get picked, even though you’re paying them to put up your book for sale (what a deal for Bookbub!)

Keep in mind, putting a book on sale (they recommend .99) means more eyes and hopefully more reviews. But you can’t count on the reviews. As indie authors, we all know how hard it is to get people to leave a review, even if they liked the book.

The best reason to do sales like this if you have multiple books or you have a book series and you’re putting your first book in the series on sale.

I’ve used The Fussy Librarian for promoting my historical-fiction series (my Rose series) and used the first book for free (they also offer bargain sales promotions). I had over 1000 uploads (for free) of Rosebloom (and a few reviews too!) but then also got 100+ sales at the regular price of the second book and less of the third book in the series.

You can also do ads on Bookbub, which are a different thing. Valerie Biel, of Lost Lake Press and her blog readingwritingandroaming, breaks down the process of Bookbub ads.

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BookBub editors share their top tips for strengthening your BookBub Featured Deal submissions for the best chances of being selected!

Source: 10 Things to Try If Your Book Doesn’t Get a Featured Deal

Getting your book into bookstores: Powerful advice from an indie store manager

May8

Want to get your book into a bookstore?

Getting into a bookstore is a great thought, but there are things that go along with doing that that indie authors needs to know about.

This indie bookstore manager shares what she needs to see when looking at carrying an indie published book, plus info about what happens after it’s placed in a store.

And beware – if books are ordered by a bookstore and not sold after a certain period of time, they will be returned, which you will be charged for, even if you give Ingramsparks the direction to destroy any returned book. Asking Ingramsparks to mail any returned book back to you adds to the charge, and probably is more than the book is even worth. And who knows what kind of condition the book will be in when returned to you. You might not even be able to resell. So think carefully about when and if you want your book returned.

I had 6 of my books with Ingramsparks for over 10 years before I got any returns. Last year I had 2 returns. Before that, zero returns.

So how likely is it you’ll get returns? Very hard to predict, so best to just expect it.

And remember, a bookstore won’t return a book if someone comes in and asks for a special order of your book. They will order it and then sell it to the person who asked for it.

(Note: you have to have your book available through Ingramsparks for most bookstores to carry it, unless you have a deal with your local bookstore to deliver and remove your book in person.)

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Award-winning indie bookstore manager Nicole Brinkley shares everything you need to know about getting your books into bookstores.

Source: Getting your book into bookstores: Powerful advice from an indie store manager – Build Book Buzz

Long-term IP Management – Kristine Kathryn Rusch

Aug6

This is kind of a long post, but if you stick with it (or skip) toward the end, Kristine gives writers something serious to think about – the value of you work in the future – your IP, your intellectual property.

Being 60 something, my husband and I redid our wills recently, and I made sure I willed my books/IP to my kids. It may not be worth much but then again, it might. One never knows.

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In writing about the Las Vegas Licensing Expo, held in May, I spent a lot of time discussing how writers should think about their intellectual property. In short, writers should consider their IP a…

Source: Business Musings: Long-term IP Management – Kristine Kathryn Rusch

CKBooks Publishing
Where Publishing Dreams Become Reality

How to Use BookBub with a Limited Budget

Mar2

Got this post from book guru Derek Doepker and is one every writer should read. BookBub is big in the book world. (Thank you, Derek.)

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Check out these tips for using BookBub’s marketing tools and growing visibility on the platform without breaking the bank!

Source: How to Use BookBub with a Limited Budget

Amazon Verified Purchase Reviews: Fact versus fiction

Feb19

Sandra Beckwith checks out the question of Amazon reviews and gives us the latest information:

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If you’re like most authors, you have questions about Amazon Verified Purchase reviews and what they mean for your books. Here’s the scoop.

Source/link: Amazon Verified Purchase reviews: Fact versus fiction – Build Book Buzz

CKBooks Publishing
Where Publishing Dreams Become Reality

#Audiblegate – Audible Audiobook Return Policy

Nov23

When I was working in my other job (before I started publishing), I had extra funds, so I hired a wonderful narrator (Adam Seeger) and used a local production company run by the incomparable Jake Johnson (Paradyme Productions) to create an audio book for my first book “Rosebloom.” (A few of the Links: Apple, Nook, scribd, Kobo)

That was about 10 years ago and the only option was to publish it on Audible, which I did. I didn’t choose the “exclusive” option because I don’t like anything that restricts my freedom. I sold very few audio books on audible over those 10 years, and I wonder because I didn’t choose their exclusive policy if I got less exposure (but that’s just a guess).

About six weeks ago I moved my audio book from Audible to Findaway Voices and I don’t regret it one bit. I have already sold 3 books without any advertising. And they have 45 different distributors (including Audible and some library distributors. Note: your audiobook may not be eligible for all 45). So I’m not sure why someone would not choose Findaway Voices. I’m still waiting to find a downside but haven’t seen it yet. (Anyone out there know any downside?).

Meanwhile, audible seems to have given indie authors another reason to choose someone else. Read David’s post below.

By David Kudler – Perhaps you have seen grumbling on social media and across the internet about #Audiblegate and Audible’s return policy. In case you haven’t been following the controversy, let me

Source: #Audiblegate and the Audiobook Return Fiasco – The Book Designer

Copyright – To Do or Not to Do, Is That Still the Question?

Nov2

I think most authors know that they don’t have to register their work through the government copyright office, it’s still a question, perhaps, why they should still do it.

Liani Kotcher came to Jane Friedmann’s website to answer that question.

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Though registration with the Copyright Office is no longer required for protection, there are still many reasons why it’s important.

Source: Why Waiting Too Long to Register Your Copyright Is a Big Mistake | Jane Friedman

How To Get Libraries To Buy Your Book

Sep8

Rebecca Langley lays out a specific list of to-do tasks to try and get your book into libraries. It’s not for the marketing faint of heart, but if you can get in, libraries are all over this country.

Getting into your local library is probably easier than what she describes. Knowing your librarians and finding out what they might be looking for for their patrons is helpful. Just ask. Rebecca is right, it’s all about getting patrons in the door.

She doesn’t mention audio books. Having your book as an audio book is also another plus. Findaway voices is a new service that puts your audio book on multiple formats (including audible).

And look at that list of reviewers (Library Journal, Kirkus, PW, Booklist…) early in your writing process. Many free reviews require the book 3 months before publication. You can send them an ARC (advanced reader copy), so that is helpful. But you’ll have to plan ahead. I know once your book is done, you really want to get it out, but getting your book reviewed by a few of these companies can go a long way in selling more books. I know I wish I had done this for a couple of my books.

And speaking of reviews, you’ll want a decent number (10-20+?) of reviews on Amazon before you do any marketing. Librarians look at Amazon too.

Best of luck!

Stay safe!
Christine

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Library books have a longer shelf life than in bookstores, and they get more action, because there’s no financial risk for the inquisitive reader.

Source: How To Get Libraries To Buy Your Book

CKBooks Publishing
Where Publishing Dreams Become Reality

What Amazon’s Slowing of Book Deliveries Means For Authors

Mar22

The current, though admittedly, very abnormal situation illustrates how having your book as an ebook, as well as print, is a good idea.

Let’s be honest. No one ever HAD to have that book they ordered next day delivered. Frankly, even before this pandemic, I thought Amazon should give the Prime buyer the option of not shipping something next day. It would help all those overworked delivery services. And those who have the ability (car, health, money), once this thing is over, shouldn’t we be going to stores and buying our books if we can? You know, support your local bookstore, maybe even a local author!

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Amazon has announced via Seller Central that they will be slowing book delivery to prioritize medical and food delivery in the US and EU. What does that mean for authors and book sales during the COVID-19 crisis?

Source: What Amazon’s Slowing of Book Deliveries Means For Authors | Self-Publishing Review