Adrian Stephens
Author
Author
© Copyright 2011 www.adrianstephens.com All Rights Reserved
HELP SPREAD THE WORD!!!
Did you know that Amazon has over 1,000,000 books in their inventory? Barnes and
Noble, you ask? I don't have an exact number, but their inventory is somewhere over
700,000. For all I know, they may be over 1,000,000 too.
Just because a publisher puts a book out in the market, doesn't necessarily mean people are going to find it. In fact, many self-published authors never sell a single book. I've been very fortunate to have steady sales since the book was published in December 2010, and I owe my gradual success to each and every one of you. However, there's a long way to go before In My Shoes is going to be found on any bestseller lists. Truthfully, it may never get there, but it won't be for a lack of trying.
With so many books out there, people usually rely on different resources to find their next great book. Some use bestseller lists, some look at new releases, some check reviews at their favorite retailer's website and some count on their friends to point them in the right direction. Just think about it...when you are looking for a book to read, what means do you use to find one? I would venture to guess that you probably didn't just wander aimlessly through 1,000,000 books on Amazon. Whatever means you use, you can trust that there are LOTS of people who find their books just like you.
So, how do we get people to find In My Shoes on a virtual book shelf containing more than a million books? Better yet, how do we get the book in all of the retailers' physical stores?
For my part, I send marketing letters out to the major retailers, expressing my interest in having them carry my book, and offering industry standard discounts to make it worth their while (they need to make a profit too, right?). I submit the book to major reviewers, asking them to review my book for their publications. I submit the book for certain industry relevant awards consideration. I have been marketing the book to specific groups. As my marketing budget increases, my marketing campaign will also increase.
Now...I know that everyone is busy in their own lives. I certainly don't expect anyone to take lots of their valuable time to promote my book. But, if you are so inclined (and I will thank you in advance), here are some things you can do:
1. Post a review on any of the websites that are carrying/displaying In My Shoes. People want to know that others like a book before they spend their hard earned money on it. The more people who review it, the more consideration they will probably give it. You don't have to buy a book from most retailers to post a review. If you buy the book at Amazon, you can post a review there, and you can copy that same review over to BarnesandNoble.com, or any of a number of websites carrying the book.
Don't worry, I won't be offended by what you say. Rate it how you like, and I'll appreciate that you took the time. Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Goodreads, Sony eBookstore, Kobobooks, Smashwords...these are just a few of the websites you could go to post your review.
2. If you belong to a book club, tell them about it! If it is an online book club, review the book on their website.
3. Call your local retailer and ask them if they are carrying the book. Many of them aren't, but if enough people call and ask, they will be more inclined to consider stocking it!
4. Call or stop by your local library. Ask them if they have In My Shoes. Libraries buy books too!
5. Post it on your Facebook status. Tell people you read the book and tell them what you thought of it. If you haven't already, like my author page and In My Shoes page. Then, your friends can see it!
6. Tell your friends, tell your friends, tell your friends! Not everyone likes to read, and not everyone likes the same thing. But, you'd be surprised how just mentioning the book to your friends will make a difference the next time they are looking for a good book.
Truly, I am thankful for your support and help. Thank you!
Adrian
Just because a publisher puts a book out in the market, doesn't necessarily mean people are going to find it. In fact, many self-published authors never sell a single book. I've been very fortunate to have steady sales since the book was published in December 2010, and I owe my gradual success to each and every one of you. However, there's a long way to go before In My Shoes is going to be found on any bestseller lists. Truthfully, it may never get there, but it won't be for a lack of trying.
With so many books out there, people usually rely on different resources to find their next great book. Some use bestseller lists, some look at new releases, some check reviews at their favorite retailer's website and some count on their friends to point them in the right direction. Just think about it...when you are looking for a book to read, what means do you use to find one? I would venture to guess that you probably didn't just wander aimlessly through 1,000,000 books on Amazon. Whatever means you use, you can trust that there are LOTS of people who find their books just like you.
So, how do we get people to find In My Shoes on a virtual book shelf containing more than a million books? Better yet, how do we get the book in all of the retailers' physical stores?
For my part, I send marketing letters out to the major retailers, expressing my interest in having them carry my book, and offering industry standard discounts to make it worth their while (they need to make a profit too, right?). I submit the book to major reviewers, asking them to review my book for their publications. I submit the book for certain industry relevant awards consideration. I have been marketing the book to specific groups. As my marketing budget increases, my marketing campaign will also increase.
Now...I know that everyone is busy in their own lives. I certainly don't expect anyone to take lots of their valuable time to promote my book. But, if you are so inclined (and I will thank you in advance), here are some things you can do:
1. Post a review on any of the websites that are carrying/displaying In My Shoes. People want to know that others like a book before they spend their hard earned money on it. The more people who review it, the more consideration they will probably give it. You don't have to buy a book from most retailers to post a review. If you buy the book at Amazon, you can post a review there, and you can copy that same review over to BarnesandNoble.com, or any of a number of websites carrying the book.
Don't worry, I won't be offended by what you say. Rate it how you like, and I'll appreciate that you took the time. Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Goodreads, Sony eBookstore, Kobobooks, Smashwords...these are just a few of the websites you could go to post your review.
2. If you belong to a book club, tell them about it! If it is an online book club, review the book on their website.
3. Call your local retailer and ask them if they are carrying the book. Many of them aren't, but if enough people call and ask, they will be more inclined to consider stocking it!
4. Call or stop by your local library. Ask them if they have In My Shoes. Libraries buy books too!
5. Post it on your Facebook status. Tell people you read the book and tell them what you thought of it. If you haven't already, like my author page and In My Shoes page. Then, your friends can see it!
6. Tell your friends, tell your friends, tell your friends! Not everyone likes to read, and not everyone likes the same thing. But, you'd be surprised how just mentioning the book to your friends will make a difference the next time they are looking for a good book.
Truly, I am thankful for your support and help. Thank you!
Adrian