Ready for Christmas? What You Can Do to Sell More Books

Have a new book out for Christmas?

I do. And let me tell you, there's a thousand and one things I've been thinking about doing when it comes to getting my name out there for Christmas sales.

Get it at Amazon

Problem is, I  don't have the time or the money to do all of them, so allow me to share with with you what my body can actually handle.

1. I'm going to have an author signing for my new book in November. Why November? My book's a Christmas oriented book, and people are definitely thinking Christmas by then. The author signings I have for new books is always at my house, and this time around everything is going to be suited up for Christmas. What a great excuse to get those decorations put up early!

2. Book signings at craft boutiques. I'm doing two of them this year - one a two day, the other a four day stint. These are always successful.

3. Spreading the word through social media about my new book, and keeping it going until Christmas. You don't need to be a pest, but you do need to let your followers know that your book is out there. Sometimes I've even given away FREE eBooks on Black Friday. This increases my readership. What I hope happens here, is that someone gets my book for free, loves it, and then tells someone else about it who then buys it. Or the person who got the book for free decides to purchase some of my other books.

4. Make sure I'm keeping my blog up to date. I'm trying a new thing this year. For the entire month of December, all of my author and character interviews will be from authors who have published a Christmas oriented book. This can be for adults or children, but it must be a clean read. PLEASE CONTACT ME IF YOU'D LIKE TO PARTICIPATE.

5. As always, I have some postcards handy to give out when I meet people at the bank, at the grocery store, or wherever else I happen to be.

6. I am also looking for reviewers. Get a free e-copy of my book for reviewing it. It's my way of saying, thank you! PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU'D LIKE TO REVIEW MY BOOK.

Kathryn

Successful Book Signings - Part 2

If you missed yesterday's post on book signings, specifically where to have the best book signing possible, you'll also want to read this post. Today I'm going to talk the other ingredient to a successful book signing.



When it comes to selling books, besides having a terrific (perhaps even a 'non-book' place to sell your book), it's good to make sure the venue has great foot traffic. I have had sorrowful signings because there simply hasn't been enough people walking by my booth to sell much of anything.

On any given day you're going to have 'lookers,' 'buyers' and 'not interested' people strolling by for a little 'look see.' If there are only a few stragglers making their way to your signing, expect to sell very few books. When you consider that most folks have to see your book multiple times (some say 7) before they purchase it, it's no wonder that the numbers will really matter when it comes to sales.

If your booth is outside, and the day is stormy, that's another consideration, though one out of your control. I prefer getting a table inside to prevent the stress of last minute storms. A fine storm may still slow down the crowd a bit, but at least you'll not get rained on.

Consider the numbers who attend craft shows and other big events in your city. Think about the holidays and what your city does. Yes, some of the booth spaces are pricey, but there are others less so. Do some checking at least six to eight months ahead of time - many of these spaces will fill up fast.

Don't be afraid to ask questions. If you're unsure about how many folks attended the particular event you're interested in signing at, ask. Another option is to attend the event you're interested in one year, and if you like what you see, set up a booth space the next.

An important thing about doing a signing at any event is that you man the table at all times. Some events allow you to display your items, leave the event, and return later to restock. I have been to shows where the author has left the table, only to return with the same book count. You need to be at your table, not only to sign autographs for interested readers, but to speak about your book and answer questions that may not be able to be answered by simply reading the back cover.

You need to do all you can to get the word out about your book - and this means not being afraid to talk about it.

Good luck!

Kathryn

WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A BESTSELLER

I have no idea.

What I do know is that if you're writing to become the next Tom Clancy, you might just want to step back from the curb and take a real look.

Why do you write?

What do you do to connect?

What frightens you when it comes to writing that you'd like to correct?

I find that these three questions give me the answers I really need to know when it comes to writing and promoting my work.

I am constantly asking myself why I write. If it's for the big bucks (maybe I'm discouraged because a promotion on Amazon didn't go so well), I know that I need to re-focus my energy.

Why do I write? I write because I have something good to share. I write to connect. I write because writing brings me joy.

Why do you write?

What do you do to connect? Do you merely offer a few scattered book signings? Or have you gathered new friends; readers on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn? Are you constantly searching for new (maybe even free) ways to get the word out about who you are and what you do?

Not a bestseller...but I keep on keeping on..

 

Do you have a blog and/or website, and do you update it frequently? Do you attend writing conferences?

Do you speak? If you don't, is it because you feel under-qualified or because the idea of standing up in front of even half a dozen people makes your knees weak?

I'd like to think that most people who speak in front of a group get scared, but that those who do it on a regular basis speak even though their heart is pounding like a jack hammer. Sure, it matters that they're scared, but it matters more that they get up and speak.

When it comes to being a bestseller, you might just hit the jack pot by just getting out there. I often think of Richard Paul Evans and how he started out with The Christmas Box. He got out there himself and sold his book.

And so can you!