Tag Archive | book marketing

Mastering Amazon ads one tweak at a time: One author’s success story

I have to apologize right off the bat because I know I shouldn’t be saying this, but I’d be lying if I said anything else. I dislike most marketing, mostly online stuff, mostly amazon or bookbub or… ads. I much prefer marketing in person, at book events, art and craft events, farmer’s markets (if they allow it, and many do).

I work at a computer most of the day, so making myself sit at the computer and learn how to post just right ad is not something I’m willing to do. I’m one of those people who is “of a certain age” so I no longer want to force myself to try and care for something I don’t care for. Life’s too short.

Now, the caveat to this is, I have another job. Book selling is not my sole income, so I don’t HAVE to sell book. I want to, of course, but the desire to sell books and my dislike for setting up ads don’t even out. I did try amazon ads once and it was an even prospect – I sold as many books as I needed to pay for the ad. If it had been a better outcome, maybe I’d have continued trying ads. Maybe.

But if you are someone who doesn’t mind ad marketing, or you do HAVE to sell to supplement your income (or at minimal pay off the fees you incurred publishing your book(s)), then this post by Wendy Raebeck might give you some tips and tricks.

Another great recourse for this is Valerie Biel’s website. Just search for amazon or bookbub ads. Val has tips and tricks for both. (She also has book marketing services!!)

——————-

Want to sell more books? Mastering Amazon ads is the secret to success says guest blogger Wendy Raebeck, who shares how she does it.

Source Link: Mastering Amazon ads one tweak at a time: One author’s success story – Build Book Buzz

CKBooks Publishing

Where Publishing Dreams Become Reality

7 Surprising Perks of Recommending Books on BookBub

Apr22

Full disclosure here. I am not on BookBub. I probably should be, and this article may push me closer in that direction (like many authors, marketing is not something I particularly enjoy doing – other than in person). But for those of you who are, this is a good post about ways to boost your exposure and help your fellow authors at the same time. A win win! When we support each other, we support ourselves too 🙂

——————————-

Check out all the ways you can increase visibility for your author brand (and boost other authors!) on BookBub.com by recommending books.

Source: 7 Surprising Perks of Recommending Books on BookBub

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.)

——————————

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

How to Write An Author Bio

Sep1

I don’t remember ever reading anything about writing your author bio, so I clicked on this when I saw it. Sandra Beckwith give us some dos and don’ts.

There is also a link to another post about avoiding 4 bio mistakes.

———————-

“You know that you need an author bio for your book cover and online retail sales pages, but did you realize that you need one in your author press kit, too?…”

Source: How to write an author bio – Build Book Buzz

5 Easy Steps to a Successful Media Appearance

Mar23

The opportunity to talk on the radio, on a podcast or even on TV may not come up very often, but you want to be ready when that opportunity does arrive. A.G. Billig gives us 5 good items to consider.

———————————–

Getting ready for a podcast, radio, TV, or summit appearance? Here’s how to make sure you have a successful media appearance.

Source: 5 easy steps to a successful media appearance – Build Book Buzz

6 (7) Ways You Are Destroying Your Chances of Finding Readers

Feb3

Laurence O’Bryan of BooksGoSocial makes some very good points about how to find readers.

And as he says, it’s a long haul game. It takes time and effort to do these things, but they are all doable. Make a “to do” list and slowly work your way through it, making sure you acknowledge your accomplishments along the way. It’s a learning experience, so don’t expect perfection. Miss-steps are part of the process (especially if writing and publishing is a new “game” for you), but you can decrease some of that by checking out Laurence’s list.

And I’d add one more way:
-7) Not connecting with other writers.
So much can be learned and eased on this journey by connecting with other writers. There are lots of online writer’s groups out there (SCBWI, ALLI are just two examples) which can give you loads of help, information, and connection. And when writer’s conferences are again a thing – and they will be! – they are a great place to connect locally, in addition to a fun way to learn ways to up your writing game.

(Note: I can not give a thumbs up or down for the services mentioned in the post, but I have used their Netgalley services with good results.)

——————–

Source: 6 Ways You Are Destroying Your Chances of Finding Readers |

CKBooks Publishing
Where Publishing Dreams Become Reality

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

—————————————–

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

Smashwords Two New Marketing Tools

Dec4

Smashwords today unveiled Smashwords Presales, a new book launch tool that will thrill your readers.

Smashwords Presales leverages patent-pending technology to enable the creation, management and merchandising of ebook presales. An ebook presale allows readers to purchase and read a new book before the public release date.

Presales are different than preorders.

Click on the link below to find out the details. Mark also talks about a new Smashwords feature: Global Coupons. Basically, it allows you to create a coupon on multiple titles at once, if I’m understanding it correctly. Not exactly sure how that is a significant help, but I’ll have to think on it a bit more.

Source: Smashwords