Black Guide
Posted on Wednesday, April 16th, 2008 at 7:46 pm
African American Authors: Promote and Sell Your Self-Published Black Book
Self-publishing is the latest trend in books for He provides creative thinkers become authors with a fast and easy to work on the market. With the additional option of "print on demand" and desktop publishing and design software, the initial cost to get your book out can be very minimal.
Self-publishing is also the most profitable since you get to keep all the profits for yourself. IF you are committed to the work it will take to sell your books that is.
One of the toughest challenges of self-author faces is obtaining published their book in the hands of people who appreciate it enough to pay their hard – won. I remember reading an article on self-publishing industry, which reported the average number of self-published books sold per author is about 100 copies!
With this horrific in mind, you need to roll up your sleeves and prepare to launch a targeted marketing and promotion that you will make at least 3 things a day every day for the next 6 months to promote your book. Remember, no one can dream your dream but you, and ultimately, you are solely responsible for the success or failure of your book.
Start by arming you with as much knowledge on the subject as possible. Check out these books and websites on marketing and promoting self-published authors:
SELF-textbook publishing is Dan Poynter, I think hands down the best book to promote and guide to successful self-publishing for first author times. It is easy to read and understand, and organized in a way that makes it a valuable reference tool as you go through the writing and publishing.
GUERRILLA MARKETING FOR WRITERS by Jay Conrad Levinson is another easy to follow with more than 100 ideas for marketing and promotion your book. Are there like a bunch of Guerilla Marketing books covering a wide range of contracts.
THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO SELF-PUBLISHING by Tom & Marilyn Ross guides authors through the entire self-publishing process to write the first word that wildly creative ways to market the product finished.
1001 ways to market your book by John Kremer is the first order. John Kremer is a legend in the field of marketing book. But there are so many ideas presented this 3 "thick book that I found it to be somewhat overwhelming. His websites are much easier to pass by people who are ADD like me!
Exploiting the power and global reach of the Internet is the next step you must take.
Each author need a web page. Did you create one for your book or books yet? This site will serve as a basis for your marketing campaign and is a step we can not afford to ignore. Your website will be used as a vehicle to promote both you and your work 24 hours a day. It can also display or link to book reviews, providing media and press with a way to contact you for interviews, and of course help you sell your product.
Your website need not be complicated and expensive. In fact, it is better if it is rather non-dynamic. You want the main center to be on your book and you, not your fancy Flash intro.
After that, you need to start your book review. Some critics books general public, and there are many niche market in general too. Check the list of examiners John Kremer BookMarket.Com newspaper.
Authors of books Black has many options available.
When used for, be prepared to send a copy of your book with a photo headshot, author contact information, and information on where your book can be purchased. It's when you want to mention your wonderful new website! Here is a list of auditors book Black and sites:
Review QBR Black Book
QBR is a reliable source for what is current in Black Books. QBR also produces the Book Fair in Harlem, the largest book fair to African-American nationally celebrated every year in New York City.
Felicia's Pride Black Books Blog – More Than Words
Felicia reviews and blogs about books on the black channel of AOL Black Voices.
African American Literature Book Club (AALBC)
The largest site on the Web on the Black Book.
The RawSistaz
This group of ladies provides occasional reviews of high variety of books, all written by African American authors.
Let's talk honestly with George Cook
George provides free talks with black authors that are posted as podcasts each week on this popular site.
Black Issues Book Check
This magazine distributed throughout the only national dedicated exclusively to covering the latest news and reviews on black books.
Now you have a book published and a couple great reviews. It is time to communicate with black bookstores in your area. Go visit them with your book in hand, introduce yourself and ask if they will either carry your book or you can have a book signing in their store.
Book retailers usually receive a sizeable reduction in the price of coverage (up to 60%). Since each retailer has its own independent sales agreement and terms, all I can say is be sure to read each carefully.
Make sure that the arrangements for the return of books, dates payment and delivery of goods are specified clearly and to your satisfaction before signing on the dotted line.
Writing, research and publishing your book is certainly a lot of hard work, but this is only the beginning. All this work is nothing compared with the long hours and effort you put into getting your name out there and noticed your book every day until you reach your sales and your financial goals.
I can not describe in words the deep sense of satisfaction you get when you open a package from your publisher and find the first copy of a real book that has your name on it. And validation of selling thousands of these books are sure that you have to say has value and is important for others.
Get busy making it happen!
About the Author
Deborrah is a relationships expert and self-published author of the hilarious guide to modern dating entitled: “Sucka Free Love – How to Avoid Dating The Dumb, The Deceitful, The Dastardly, The Dysfunctional & The Deranged.” Order your copy today at http://www.suckafreelove.com
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