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Promotion - Credibility ExtrasKaryn Follis Cheatham For many of us, marketing our titles is one of the most tedious tasks of being an author. Even authors who published with large New York houses are expected to take part in marketing and promotion. Many articles and several books have been written to give us guidelines. One thing all marketing experts stress is the importance of being professional. Here are several extras that other industries use, and we authors should too, to boost our professional credibility. Remember BUYERS are your clients. Treat them as such. LOGO -- What kind of logo for an author Pens, stacked books, computer keyboards Think more of your product and develop something that reflects the subject of your books. This is not something to use when you query for publication or representation, but AFTER you have a finished, marketable product. PAPER GOODS
It’s also important to make certain your books are always in the public eye. An easy way to do this is with flyers. Keep at least two varieties in your car along with a tin of push pins.
Design the flyers with an angle to the time of year, the region or some other feature that will make them stand out. On both flyers, be certain all the contact information is in large non-frilly type. Mention any specials you can think up. FREE GIFT could mean an inexpensive bookmark thrown in, and you can encourage buyers to your site by featuring autographed books. Put these flyers up on bulletin boards in libraries, churches, supermarkets, colleges...and any facilities that relate to your subject matter. Drop them off with local radio and TV stations, especially if youre available for interviews. Send copies to your regional newspapers. Developing flyers isnt difficult with todays basic computer software. The best size is 5"x7". You can enhance a simple, white-paper printout by mounting it on a larger sheet of colored construction paper. Fifty of each flyer is a good start, and shouldnt cost more than $5.00 for black and white--a bit more if you use commercial facilities. FOLLOW UP -- If you have negotiated for your titles to be carried in independent bookstores and gift shops, it is a nice touch to send a thank-you note right after the books are placed. Also send thank-you notes to the coordinators of any book festivals or bazaars you attend. And dont forget these helpful people during the holidays. Send a greeting card--and tuck in your business card. These professional touches will keep your name fresh in the minds your the public and help build a larger clientele--your fan base. The cost for these is slight, and if you’re persistent with these easily done "extras," your returns will be considerably higher.
| | | | RELATED ARTICLES Beginners Blues: How to Collect Samples, Testimonials, and References as a Freelancer Beginners Blues: How to Collect Samples, Testimonials, and References as a Freelancer by Brian S. Konradt of BSK Communications and Associates College Savings Plans – are they the best choice for my child College Savings Plans – are they the best choice for my child You Can Be An Author “You should write a book.” For years, I had been hearing this comment. Writing an entire book seemed completely overwhelming, and so, for a long time, I contented myself with writing short articles. One day, inspiration for an article hit me and, as I started writing, paragraphs began flowing out at an enormous rate. Before I knew it, a rather lengthy piece was developing. It was too long to be an article, so, I decided it would not hurt to try self-publishing a little booklet. Was I ever surprised! The first printing of this 32-page black and white booklet sold out within a week. Are You Ready For The Publishing Revolution Writing has traditionally been considered a solitary craft. You wrote you article or book in seclusion. You submitted it to an editor or publisher and prayed it would be published. Quick Proof Reading Can Lead to a Costly Mistake If you know of anyone writing that likes to hear others experiences from authors, please share this and include the byline. The Top 10 Secrets of Successful Authors If you are not a successful author yet, incorporate the following ten secrets: Reward Those Who Publish Your Articles! It is pretty obvious that content is king online. It is also obvious that writing more content and submitting them to other sites will helpboost your popularity and bring more visitors to your site. Imagine The Imagination Imagine a three hundred page book was in the author’s mind before it was poured out onto the pages of the book. Checklist for Writing Articles That Get Read When writing articles for publication, it is important that you bear certain matters in mind. If you want to write a good article that stands a good chance of publication you need to take the following into consideration before, when you are in the process and after completion: Im Just The Writer Writers are often are greatly surprised or disappointed by how their work is changed when it is adapted for the big screen. When Irwin Shaws World War II novel The Young Lions was shot in Paris in 1958, the Nazi character was played by Marlon Brando. Ever the method actor, Brando provoked an uproar by strutting around town in his SS uniform, even going into restaurants to dine. The thirty three year old star was unsure if the Parisians ripping his clothes were doing it out of adulation or disdain. Like most actors Brando wanted to be loved and he took his concern to Shaw that the Nazi be made sympathetic. "You just dont understand the character", Brando told the amazed writer. "Its my character," replied Shaw. "Not anymore", replied the actor. Where to Find Writing Jobs Online A freelance writer’s best resource of finding jobs online are Job boards or sites.While some boards are geared specifically to the freelancer, many others also list other type of jobs. Writing for Teen Magazines I would look at the magazines my teenage neighbor and her friends stashed away in their cupboards and think, “Heck, I could do that!” So one day, while she was away at school, I broke into her room and “borrowed” the magazines. Can I Build a Profitable Internet Business Undoubtedly, the Internet has become an indispensable part of our lives.Many of us have even started an Internet home based business without experience to accomplish financial freedom. Precisely, just like you, we also asked the same question, “Can I build a profitable internet business”The answer is YES! Why the Editor is NOT the Enemy They can be mean, unethical and downright unprofessional. But not all editors fit that bill. In fact, most editors would rather give you money that take it, make no changes than rewrite whole pieces two hours before deadline, and accept every piece of crap than start their mornings sending out rejection slips. But step into an editor’s shoes, and you’ll know why that’s not only hard, it’s just plain impossible! Realize Your Book Dream In 2004! If you havent realized the success you wanted last year, heres a way to reap the harvest with 86% improvement! Why You Dont Write Your Book In the ten years that Ive taught people how to get on with their books and creative projects, Ive noticed a phenomenon that Ill call "Authors Block." Would-be writers can, indeed, sit down and work when pressed to it. The problem is that theyre not so sure they want the pressure of being an author. But they do want it. But they dont. And so on. The Storyteller New Book Offers Supernatural Tales Involving Everyday People Four Easy Ways to Get a Book Written Especially If You Dont Like to Write Becoming an author is probably a lot easier than you think. It’s time to get that book out of your head and onto the printed page. Ready Boot out your excuses. Here’s how to do it. New York Code Orange Jaisini new art series New York Code Orange Jaisini new art series PublishAmerica - Publishing Parasites I have to admit to being readily impressed by company names.Maybe its an age thing.You see, I was around when we had nationalised industries here in Britain, you know, British Railways, British Gas, British Steel, British Road Services, etc., etc.Those companies may have been over-staffed and under-efficient but you always knew you could trust them, and a product marked "Made in Britain" had class - in those days. Even after they became privatised the word "British" in a company name still, in my subconscious at least, gave that firm a stamp of approval.Those were the heady days when we had some traditional industries and workers could rely upon union protection to prevent their jobs being shipped out to third world countries. |
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