What bookstores want….and why indie authors should learn to give it to them. Part II. |

from nonavarnado.com

This post by Randall Wood explains a lot when it comes to where to publish and why. And if he is correct ( haven’t read this any place else so I’m a wee-bit skeptical), he also explains why their additional distribution channels do little to actually sell more of your books. I don’t know where he got his figures from, but they are very interesting.

The only thing I would add is, I would print in one additional place – from a brick and mortar printer of your choice. Most do POD nowadays.

The reason?

Many Indie books stores do take self-published books (usually at a 40% discount) but since Createspace takes 50-55% anyway (I heard it was 50% if you published through createspace and 55% if you printed it yourself and you sell it on Amazon yourself), you’re way ahead in the profit category if the indie bookstore takes a book you had printed yourself.

What bookstores want….and why indie authors should learn to give it to them. Part II. |.

40+ Smart Strategies To Grow Your Blog With Pinterest

Mar19

I saw this post and was intrigued. I’ve heard about using Pinterest for your business but hadn’t gone any further than that. Pauline Cabrera of Twelveskip lays it all out, so if you want to give it a try, now’s the time to do it!

40+ Smart Strategies To Grow Your Blog With Pinterest.

What NOT to Post When Marketing Your Book – 8 Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mar6

Some good ideas from Shelley Hitz from the Future of ink about what not to do when promoting a book, and a few suggestions about good things to do. I like the link to the site that helps you create a URL link that works for different countries. Who knew!

What NOT to Post When Marketing Your Book – 8 Common Mistakes to Avoid.

Promote your book(s) on Smashwords “Read an Ebook Week”

Mar1

I wanted to make sure everyone knows about Smashwords’ ebook promotion called “Read an Ebook Week.”

The event is happening from March 2 – 8th and allows you to offer your ebook from 25 – 75% off or FREE! It’s a great way to work with Smashwords and other indie authors to promote each other. Go to: http://www.smashwords.com/dashboard/sitewidePromo to sign yourself up. If you’re not selling on Smashwords, it’s not hard to set yourself up on the site. Once you’ve signed up, Mark Coker, the owner of Smashwords, will send you an email with lots of helpful links for the event.

Set yourself up then put notices on facebook, twitter, your website…
See you there!

Hit the Ebook Bestseller Lists with Preorders – A Guide to Preorder Strategy

Mar1

Mark Coker of Smashwords posted this very helpful information on setting up preorders for you next new book release. I have never done this but plan on doing it now.

Thanks Mark for this very good information. Another tool for your next book launch.

Smashwords: Hit the Ebook Bestseller Lists with Preorders – A Guide to Preorder Strategy.

Online Conference Around Self-publishing – IndieReCon

Feb18

It is the second (and I would guess, annual) IndieReCon Feb 25 – 27, starting at 10 a.m. EST. If you are an self-published author or you’re looking to go that route, I would recommend tuning in – besides, it’s Free! Here is a description from their website:

What is it? IndieReCon is a FREE, ONLINE conference designed to help any writer or author who is curious about the ins and outs of Indie publishing. Are you curious about Indie publishing, but don’t know where to start? Or are you already a published Indie author looking to boost your sales or expand your reach?

They have lots of good speakers (Berry Eisler, JA Konrath, Rachel Aaron, Chelsea Fine and Chelsea Cameron…) and giveaways including a Grandprize giveaway for your ebook submission. Here is the schedule if you want to check it out. And the link for the home page: http://www.indierecon.org/

Who knows, you might learn a thing or two!

Author Alert: Resolving the Amazon Keyword Issue | Author Marketing Experts, Inc.

Dec3

A very important message for those of you who have books on Amazon from Penny at amarketingexpert.com.

Author Alert: Resolving the Amazon Keyword Issue | Author Marketing Experts, Inc..

Children’s Book Award Contests: The Importance of Entering | Writers and Authors

Nov12

This is a post by Jo Linsdell and Donna McDine for those children authors out there. Personally, I think awards are just an ok marketing tool, but not the be all and end all by any means. I received an IPPY award in the historical fiction category for my first book: Rosebloom. Did it help someone decide to purchase my book? Maybe. But I’m not sure it has done a lot for me, but then