Selling Your Book at Christmas

Yes, I realize it isn't even Halloween yet, but you may want to start stocking the shelves for Christmas!

Marketing starts about now--and it comes by a whirlwind just right after Halloween.

What does this mean to the self-published or traditionally published author?

• You may want to purchase extra books to have on-hand in case someone in your area needs a last minute gift.
• You may want to consider setting up speaking engagements at schools if your book is for a younger audience.
• You may want to set up some author signings at retail establishments. A book store or two is fine, but a toy store (for a children's book) or a health food store (for a cook book) is better. Keep in mind that your book doesn't have to relate to the store you choose; what is most important is that you choose a store that is well traveled during the holidays.
• Do some extra advertising online by putting out more guest blogs, interviews, book giveaways and videos. My goal up until Halloween is one promotion online per week. After that I want to at least double that.
• Get involved in Christmas boutiques and other Christmas ventures. You may find that some of these ventures are already filled up--such is probably the case with Simple Treasures Holiday Boutique that I will be November 7-10 in Farmington, but it can never hurt to check. Booths are reasonable as compared to the Dicken's Festival.

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• Get together with some author friends and travel the libraries for speaking engagements and signings. Make it a two-day or longer event in which you focus on promoting your books and helping your writer friends to do the same.
• Have a Christmas book signing at your home. Gather all the books you have published for an all-in-one book signing and Christmas feast! Sample food, play Christmas music, make crafts; whatever you want to make the event great.
• Make sure your book is online for purchase especially the day after Thanksgiving. You may even want to offer a special deal on your books. I'm considering offering mine (your choice) for 50% off.
• If you don't have your book postcards yet, now is the time to order! I get mine from Vista Print online, but a local printer can also help you. These cards are great to pass out at any time and offer information on your book(s).

When it comes to selling your books at Christmas, don't stand in a box, get out and try some new things. Talk your book up and be open to ideas that come to you.

Do you have any ideas that you'd like to share here? Please do. Let's help each other out as writers.

Kathryn