The kind of book one has dictates where one sells that book, and
where one sells that book depends upon how many books can be sold.
I did a lot of experimenting on where my book would sell best. then
I would put more energy in that venue. for example, I found a wonderful
market for my book with nonprofits, as my book is a thriller sprinkled with
social commentary.
I am a tiny publishing company, and my book was the first book published.
I lost money on consignment. The book store owners lost the books,
never paid for the book, didn't send payment, and I had to chase them down.
I DO NOT do consignment. I sell to bookstores at a larger discount for their
business, but not consignment. Nonprofits, on the other hand, became
my bonanza, and still works better and better. I include indi book clubs in
that. They quietly help you out by allowing you to speak and sell.
Back of the room sales can be a real boon. The biggest job with that is
getting hooked into one of their events, where you have a spot on the program.
It a gift that keep on giving from both sides. I keep settting up and giving them
25-40% of my profits, just as if I were at a bookstore. Bookstores, though, never
did any advertisement for me. Nonprofits feed you, send cars for you, and
have a crowd waiting. It's the closest thing to having a branded name. In fact,
you can get a branded name if you're smart about having a philosophy and toot
it every time you go out, the same toot.
Now that I have gathered enough funds, I'm planning to go straight for an Amazon.com bestseller campaign in September. When I see how that one turns out, I'll assess what I should do next.
Martha Tucker, THE MAYOR'S WIFE WORE SAPPHIRES, an urban political thriller
www.premierewriters.com
writelink3@yahoo.com