I got an email informing me of the “Real Fast IndieMarketing” service by Amy Collins (emailed by New Shelves Books).
Amy offers classes and webinars, and there is a 2-hour video
of some of the classes.
Amy stresses several important points. Independent and chain bookstores often do
well with physical books, even though the popular myth is that Amazon kindle
and BN Nook are destroying books. Her
course material (there are packages that range up to about $700) cover how to
design a marketing campaign, which should start before the self-publication of
a book, either by a print run or by POD.
She stresses the importance of finding a wholesaler. Ingram may not be willing to wholesale
self-published books and POD unless through its affiliated Ingram Sparks; but I know that other POD companies (Authors’
Solution) do offer packages that include wholesaling and independent bookstore
campaigns.
She says that there are reputable companies that do provide
third-party reviews.
She emphasizes that authors need to learn people skills and
awareness of the business needs of stores.
She suggests that authors spend 20-30 minutes on marketing
every weekday starting before publication.
Well written cover letters and marketing plans are essential.
She spends sometime on niche books, which can sometimes be
placed in specialty stores like gift shops. Hospitals, airports, supermarkets,
convenience stores, pet or sporting goods (depending on content).
She talks about cover design. If you have a science fiction novel set on
another planet, show what a community on this other planet would look
like.
She talks about categories of readers, including "avid" readers who usually will go to book stores, or to the public library, where, according to Reid Ewing in his little 2012 film, "It's Free".
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