For book/ebook authors, publishers, & self-publishers

Grab Your wallet and Pick up the Phone! (Marketing)

Book Marketing is so important! As an author, a bookseller and owner of a small publishing company I am challenged continually about marketing books. I find myself watching other ads for other products to get inspired. I noticed the other day that the local airline is changing their approach in marketing: Turkish Airlines (THY) is definitely working hard to expand and attract passengers, becoming very creative in their advertising.

Often I find myself disliking Turkish ads because they do not appeal directly to me. However when I go back the States I enjoy watching ads, sometimes more than the programs; it just goes to show, culture matters in adverts.

I am curious in the US, how effective do you think book ads are on television ? Are ads for books more effective in magazines and newspapers? or on the internet? I'd love to hear what you think.

If you would like to read more on the ads for THY in my column, copy and paste:

http://www.todayszaman.com/tz-web/yazarDetay.do?haberno=121434

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Comment by Bea Vanni on June 27, 2008 at 9:59am: THY is the fastest growing airline in Europe and they're expanding all the time. It wasn't always like that for them, though, and it's nice to see they're finally coming into their own.

Like you, I don't like a lot of Turkish ads; although, some are quite unique and entertaining. Regarding book ads, seldom do you see ads for books unless it is in the Sunday newspaper or on a review. Competitive bookstores all send newsletters or other inducements to buy their books, whether it's a book review, an event or coupons or discounts to bring you into the store.

You must have a subscribe box on your website and your home page must induce the customer to continue reading to see what you offer. Don't try to be all things to all people. Know who your target audience is and write content for them; otherwise, you take the risk of losing both your target and those who just happen to land on your site.

On television, the only book ads you see is when an author has been interviewed or there's an infomercial with someone selling a book. I have never seen any others.