Thursday, June 23, 2011
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
What Have You Done to Market/Promote Yourself & Your Product! The skinny on Social Media in my Eyes!
What Have You Done to Market/Promote Yourself & Your Product! The skinny on Social Media in my Eyes!
Although I am new to the Literary Industry, I am learning quick. That once you have your book in publication the real work begins!
You can have a Book that is Beautifully written, a catchy cover, edited to perfection, available in hard cover, paperback, and e-book, and a synopsis that pulls the reader in... but if the reader doesn't know you exist, then what?
This where whether you are Published with a company or self published you have to put on your Business hat. Most people enter into the literary industry without a plan. They believe that they write a Fantastic story with all the right elements, Go to a Major Publishing house they fall in love with your words then you are on your way.... WRONG!
Even if you are one of the fortunate few that gets signed and locked with a Major Publishing house right out the gate. You are still an unknown Author and MUST gain a buzz about who you are and what you bring to the Table.
I don't have the Gold Key that will unlock all the answers of Creating a Boom of sales around you and your product. What It can offer is some advise and pointers that have assisted me along the way.
I currently have a FaceBook Fan Page https://www.facebook.com/LiteraryLiz . Not that I have such a big head, that I believe I should have fans. I use this page for constant access to what I have going on in ways of Interviews, Sales, Website Updates, Features, Book Club Promos, Etc... This is where a potential customer or reader can go and see a History of thing I have done and participated in. It's a one stop advertisement shop. I have a regular FaceBook Page as well. I will also make updates there regarding my work. However, not as often. I use that as a platform to Post things that pertain to be a person on the go in the daily scheme of things. A Fan Page (IMO) is a place where you have the liberty to show of your talent. Almost ALL companies/businesses have a FaceBook FanPage. Why shouldn't you as an Author?
On my page I even have Web Link Feature. If you go the left hand side of the page and click on the "My Site" tab. It brings up what I like to call a mini website. There I have provide all links to where my Novel "Love TORN Asunder" can be purchase.
Social media is a huge asset in this economy. You not only have FaceBook. There is also Twitter. Don't under estimate the power of a Tweet or Re-Tweet. That avenue opened me up to two people that inquired about Interviewing me. Use your twitter etiquette. Follow those that follow you. Interact. Don't just go there to solely sell your product. Because at the end of the day. You are NOT only selling your product. You are selling yourself, your Brand. If you plan for longevity,and you plan to have more books that come after your Debut. You want the readers to connect with the person so they become a Fan of the writer. Remember, you FIRST have to get them to pay attention and notice before they spend.
Don't box yourself into JUST FaceBook and Twitter. Research other social media outlets that might suit you and your Business. If you don't fit. Get creative and make it so...
Are you on LinkedIn, BFHS, Tunblr, and the list goes on. For my fellow authors are you on Shelfari, GoodReads. Let the Internet work for YOU!
There are so many sites with potential customers. Some don't even realize there need for your product ( In my case Novel) until you put in a place where they have the opportunity to fully appreciate it.
Please also Visit My Website "Literary Liz Writes" www.LiteraryLiz.com. Dont forget to sing the Gust Book on the last page. I would Love to know you cam by :-)
Lots of Love Liz...
Although I am new to the Literary Industry, I am learning quick. That once you have your book in publication the real work begins!
You can have a Book that is Beautifully written, a catchy cover, edited to perfection, available in hard cover, paperback, and e-book, and a synopsis that pulls the reader in... but if the reader doesn't know you exist, then what?
This where whether you are Published with a company or self published you have to put on your Business hat. Most people enter into the literary industry without a plan. They believe that they write a Fantastic story with all the right elements, Go to a Major Publishing house they fall in love with your words then you are on your way.... WRONG!
Even if you are one of the fortunate few that gets signed and locked with a Major Publishing house right out the gate. You are still an unknown Author and MUST gain a buzz about who you are and what you bring to the Table.
I don't have the Gold Key that will unlock all the answers of Creating a Boom of sales around you and your product. What It can offer is some advise and pointers that have assisted me along the way.
I currently have a FaceBook Fan Page https://www.facebook.com/LiteraryLiz . Not that I have such a big head, that I believe I should have fans. I use this page for constant access to what I have going on in ways of Interviews, Sales, Website Updates, Features, Book Club Promos, Etc... This is where a potential customer or reader can go and see a History of thing I have done and participated in. It's a one stop advertisement shop. I have a regular FaceBook Page as well. I will also make updates there regarding my work. However, not as often. I use that as a platform to Post things that pertain to be a person on the go in the daily scheme of things. A Fan Page (IMO) is a place where you have the liberty to show of your talent. Almost ALL companies/businesses have a FaceBook FanPage. Why shouldn't you as an Author?
On my page I even have Web Link Feature. If you go the left hand side of the page and click on the "My Site" tab. It brings up what I like to call a mini website. There I have provide all links to where my Novel "Love TORN Asunder" can be purchase.
Social media is a huge asset in this economy. You not only have FaceBook. There is also Twitter. Don't under estimate the power of a Tweet or Re-Tweet. That avenue opened me up to two people that inquired about Interviewing me. Use your twitter etiquette. Follow those that follow you. Interact. Don't just go there to solely sell your product. Because at the end of the day. You are NOT only selling your product. You are selling yourself, your Brand. If you plan for longevity,and you plan to have more books that come after your Debut. You want the readers to connect with the person so they become a Fan of the writer. Remember, you FIRST have to get them to pay attention and notice before they spend.
Don't box yourself into JUST FaceBook and Twitter. Research other social media outlets that might suit you and your Business. If you don't fit. Get creative and make it so...
Are you on LinkedIn, BFHS, Tunblr, and the list goes on. For my fellow authors are you on Shelfari, GoodReads. Let the Internet work for YOU!
There are so many sites with potential customers. Some don't even realize there need for your product ( In my case Novel) until you put in a place where they have the opportunity to fully appreciate it.
Please also Visit My Website "Literary Liz Writes" www.LiteraryLiz.com. Dont forget to sing the Gust Book on the last page. I would Love to know you cam by :-)
Lots of Love Liz...
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Insight on Self Publishing, Traditional Publishing & Independent Publishing!
More Insight on Self Publishing, Traditional Publishing & Independent Publishing!
They all can be tricky and really depends on what you plan to put into it and your immediate goal.
Self Publish: Means that you will publish the book through a service that provides an ISBN number. When and if you decide to pull the book and Publish a different route. That ISBN number belongs to the company in which you contracted to put your work into publication. You will need to get another ISBN number identify YOUR book as YOUR OWN. You can buy one for $55.00 or you have the option to buy in Bulk. For more info on ISBN Numbers go to http://www.isbn-us.com. Buying in bulk saves money. Only if you plan to publish future work.
Self pub websites like LuLu have a stigma of sorts. You will ONLY be available on their website. Then there is Smashwords, That system is the same. Being published through these websites is not a bad choice. It will however limit your access to the masses.
NOW if you publish COMPLETELY on your own.. Meaning you get your own ISBN and upload your book for sale on Kindle, Find a printer and sell copies via the Web, Book Stores, and Hand to Hand sales. You get MORE of a profit and you OWN the ISBN. How well you do is up to YOU. You will have to hustle and grind to get people to first notice, then spend.
The price to secure such services can be costly. You will have to hire an editor, your work will need typesetting to be in Book format, You will need to format for E-Readers, You have to produce a book cover, and the list goes on.
Not a BAD choices... but there are Cons.
Traditional Publishing: HARD! Most companies want you to have a body of work already available for sale and published. Then they will consider what you bring to the table. However, NOT impossible to get them to notice you as a first time out. They will also fund the cost of publishing your book. BUT they will make sure they get a return on the investment. So your royalties will not fund shopping trips. It will get you GREAT exposure and in the long run it will pay out. Depending on if you continue to publish books.
Then there are Independent Publishers: With them they are small companies. That had some success in publishing there own books now they assist others. They WILL NOT and CAN NOT fund your project. The fees vary... I would say between 2,000.00 - 7,000.00 Depending on the company. MAKE sure you RESEARCH what they offer for that dollar amount. Some have different packages.
Example: Editing (there is different types of edits) Research that! , Proofreading, Book covers (look at the other covers, decide if they are capable to make your concept a reality) they have the final say on Covers!, Printing ( how much will it cost YOU to print books) promotions ( if any, See if they offer book marks, a YouTube trailer for your book, fliers, events.) YOU WILL BE MAINLY RESPONSIBLE TO PROMOTE YOU & YOUR PROJECT! , Typesetting, E-Books, Distribution.
Because they have been through this... they know certain things. Like how to get you available on the websites of MAJOR book stores.
MOST IMPORTANT... Research a few compare what they offer and WHO will work best for you. If you go this route.
There is so much to consider after your Manuscript is done. The publishing process is only the half way marker on your Journey. Now you must think MARKETING/PROMOTING.
For more information on (ME) Author, Writer, & Blogger Elizabeth Funderbirk
Please visit my website "Literary Liz Writes" http://LiteraryLiz.com OR Join my FaceBook page https://www.facebook.com/LiteraryLiz
This article along with many others is available on BFHS http://bfhsnetwork.com/profile/LizFunderbirk
Lots of Love LiteraryLiz....
They all can be tricky and really depends on what you plan to put into it and your immediate goal.
Self Publish: Means that you will publish the book through a service that provides an ISBN number. When and if you decide to pull the book and Publish a different route. That ISBN number belongs to the company in which you contracted to put your work into publication. You will need to get another ISBN number identify YOUR book as YOUR OWN. You can buy one for $55.00 or you have the option to buy in Bulk. For more info on ISBN Numbers go to http://www.isbn-us.com. Buying in bulk saves money. Only if you plan to publish future work.
Self pub websites like LuLu have a stigma of sorts. You will ONLY be available on their website. Then there is Smashwords, That system is the same. Being published through these websites is not a bad choice. It will however limit your access to the masses.
NOW if you publish COMPLETELY on your own.. Meaning you get your own ISBN and upload your book for sale on Kindle, Find a printer and sell copies via the Web, Book Stores, and Hand to Hand sales. You get MORE of a profit and you OWN the ISBN. How well you do is up to YOU. You will have to hustle and grind to get people to first notice, then spend.
The price to secure such services can be costly. You will have to hire an editor, your work will need typesetting to be in Book format, You will need to format for E-Readers, You have to produce a book cover, and the list goes on.
Not a BAD choices... but there are Cons.
Traditional Publishing: HARD! Most companies want you to have a body of work already available for sale and published. Then they will consider what you bring to the table. However, NOT impossible to get them to notice you as a first time out. They will also fund the cost of publishing your book. BUT they will make sure they get a return on the investment. So your royalties will not fund shopping trips. It will get you GREAT exposure and in the long run it will pay out. Depending on if you continue to publish books.
Then there are Independent Publishers: With them they are small companies. That had some success in publishing there own books now they assist others. They WILL NOT and CAN NOT fund your project. The fees vary... I would say between 2,000.00 - 7,000.00 Depending on the company. MAKE sure you RESEARCH what they offer for that dollar amount. Some have different packages.
Example: Editing (there is different types of edits) Research that! , Proofreading, Book covers (look at the other covers, decide if they are capable to make your concept a reality) they have the final say on Covers!, Printing ( how much will it cost YOU to print books) promotions ( if any, See if they offer book marks, a YouTube trailer for your book, fliers, events.) YOU WILL BE MAINLY RESPONSIBLE TO PROMOTE YOU & YOUR PROJECT! , Typesetting, E-Books, Distribution.
Because they have been through this... they know certain things. Like how to get you available on the websites of MAJOR book stores.
MOST IMPORTANT... Research a few compare what they offer and WHO will work best for you. If you go this route.
There is so much to consider after your Manuscript is done. The publishing process is only the half way marker on your Journey. Now you must think MARKETING/PROMOTING.
For more information on (ME) Author, Writer, & Blogger Elizabeth Funderbirk
Please visit my website "Literary Liz Writes" http://LiteraryLiz.com OR Join my FaceBook page https://www.facebook.com/LiteraryLiz
This article along with many others is available on BFHS http://bfhsnetwork.com/profile/LizFunderbirk
Lots of Love LiteraryLiz....
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