Comments on: Sell more books with these 2 steps

By: Sandra Beckwith

Sandra Beckwith — Sun, 09 Apr 2017 21:50:05 +0000

In reply to Mili.

I’m with you, Mili. Your last point is golden. Send out content that’s relevant to the audience you want to attract.

Sandy

By: Mili

Mili — Sun, 09 Apr 2017 14:09:13 +0000

Excellent post, Sandra.

I’ve realised this with my own work. When I began my career in publishing I was focusing on children’s books and stories. However, after a while, my heart was not in them anymore. It took a while to figure out that I like ya fantasy books, and am also better positioned to connect with fantasy fans.

Ideally, I should have an agent or someone who can reach out to different audiences, allowing me to switch when working for one group of people becomes monotonous. Though I love both genres, I find that if I keep working on something exclusively, I get bored. I need to take a break, or switch genres, to keep my work fresh. However, selling one series at a time is good advice.

I also find it helps to focus all that you are posting on the audience you wish to attract. For example, if you wish to sell ya fantasy books, read ya fantasy books and post reviews about them.

By: Abigail Neilson

Abigail Neilson — Thu, 06 Apr 2017 09:28:17 +0000

In reply to Sandra Beckwith. Awesome, thank you Sandra for the encouragement! We will eat this "elephant" one bite at a time! By the time book number two, in the same genre goes live, the platform will be well established:-)

By: Sandra Beckwith

Sandra Beckwith — Thu, 06 Apr 2017 00:26:35 +0000

In reply to Jane. Thanks, Jane! I realize that many people who self-publish today can't afford to pay for services, but, unfortunately, that can have an impact on their sales. Sandy

By: Jane

Jane — Wed, 05 Apr 2017 20:54:48 +0000

Solid advice Sandra. Had to laugh at your statement “f you’re still designing your own covers and not hiring an editor and a proofreader, I’ve got no sympathy for ya.”

Yup. totally agree.

Being a pro means making the investment in time, resources and money. It pays off over time!

Jane

By: Sandra Beckwith

Sandra Beckwith — Wed, 05 Apr 2017 17:28:08 +0000

In reply to Abigail Neilson.

You’re welcome, Abigail! In an ideal world, you’ll have your platform in place well before book comes out, but because so many authors don’t do this full time, it can be hard to do things at the “right” time. And yet, the world keeps spinning, right? You do what you can, when you can, and that will be enough!

Sandy

By: Abigail Neilson

Abigail Neilson — Wed, 05 Apr 2017 17:24:49 +0000

Thank you Sandra, I agree because it makes sense. The writing life is all new to me and I've learnt so much since my book was first self-published almost a year ago. I released my book first, and then started marketing and building my online platforms. The online global book publishing course I did, recommended building the platforms and doing the marketing while the book was being processionally edited, but I was caught up in my day job and raising my son and grandchildren as a single person. Trusting that the book will recover and do well?? Thank you for your valuable articles?

By: Sandra Beckwith

Sandra Beckwith — Wed, 05 Apr 2017 15:53:20 +0000

In reply to Kathy Steinemann.

Thanks, Kathy. Authors have many different motives for writing a book. If one motive is to sell books (we can’t really do much to make sure they’re read once they’re purchased), you sometimes have to do things differently. Does this approach make it less fun? It might for some, but for others, this might be just what they want to hear. We’re all different (thank heavens).

Sandy

By: Kathy Steinemann

Kathy Steinemann — Wed, 05 Apr 2017 15:41:34 +0000

Your advice makes sense, but it takes the fun out of experimenting and diversifying. I guess it distills to motive. Does a writer want to make money or enjoy the myriad directions of the creative process?