Do You Think Your Book Will Sell? Two ways to improve your odds

Selling your book is a daunting task - especially if it's your first. 

Where do you begin? What is most important? 

While it's true that it helps, big time, to be a celebrity, or at the very least, well-known in your community, the truth is that most authors don't land big publishing houses and are about as well-known as the girl next door. 

We are just average folks trying to shine our light somewhere, trying to gain some interest, trying our best to sell a few books.

Photo by Diego PH on Unsplash

So what do we do?

Share. 

I have learned from other authors, my local library, writer's groups, trial and error, writer's conferences, and more. Just watching people is a great way to learn about characterization. One thing I am doing soon is being a part of a new Facegroup group: Two Authors, Books, & a Beverage Club. I will be a part of the goings-on in January of the new year [2022]. So take a look at Two Authors and see if you'd like to take part. They are always looking for authors to interview!

Photo by Limepic on Unsplash

Participate.

Although we love to write, to sit back and tap the keys on our computer and dream up the next big scene, we can't always be stuck there, we must get up and be a part of the world. Another thing I like to do is to teach classes on writing, publishing, and marketing. In March of the new year [2022] I will be taking part in Authors in the Round at the Kearns Library. This will be a Saturday event held on March 12, sort of a mini writer's conference. If you'd like to join in and teach a class, please email me at: kathy@ariverofstones.com. I need answers by mid-November. WE NEED YOU! 

Thanks for reading!

Kathryn

Christmas Sales for the New Author: 5 Things You Can Do Today

Thinking about Christmas yet?

I am.

But perhaps that's because I'm at the Simple Treasures show.

 Photo by: cassie_bedfordgolf, courtesy of Flickr 

Selling your books at craft shows is only one way to get your name out at the busiest time of the year. What else can you do?

1. Keep posting on your blog. If you're posting 3-5 times a week, you should begin to see some success, especially at Christmas when folks are looking for new book ideas.

2. Do some sales at the events you've scheduled. I make it a firm rule to have a sale on at least one of my books; this year if you purchase Scrambled, you'll save 50% off the book, making the book only $5; if you purchase The Feast and Conquering Your Goliaths as a set, you'll save $2. Especially at Christmas when folks are trying to save a buck or two, you'll find that nice sales bring in the readers you want.

3. Make sure that readers can easily find your book on your site, at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and wherever else you have it listed, and make doubly sure all of the information is there and correct. You want your readers to have easy access to your book. You want them to be able to learn more about you. You want them to be able to easily order your book.

4. Offer a free gift for every book purchase.

5. Carry postcards of your book wherever you go. Hand them out whenever you can.

Christmas can be a time of joy, but it can be a real pain, so planning ahead is a good idea. Decide what you're going to do now before December hits.

You'll be glad you did.