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| | The Un-Marketing Network is not currently active and cannot accept new posts | | Soft marketing help needed | Views: 785 | | Mar 29, 2005 3:37 pm | | Soft marketing help needed | # | 
JennaKay Francis | | I am new to this board and have been reading some of the posts with interest. I admit up front that I HATE marketing. Ok, there, now that's over...I NEED to market. I am not good face up to people, and find that I can market other people's things far easier than my own. I am a writer of fantasy books. I publish electronically by choice. I am wading into new waters and I want to see how well things go. So far, my ebooks are doing quite well on Fictionwise. But I want to do better. I am still considering print, but so far, I haven't gone that route with this new publisher. (Been there, done that in the past)
I have a blog, which I try to update regularly - not talking about my books per se, but about things in general. I have my book covers on the page and a blurb of my book, but I write little episodes from my life. I have gotten comments from readers who say they like my style of writing. I am hoping that they will then check out my books as well.
I have a webpage that I try to change about a bit on a regular basis as well. I display the first chapter of each of my books, as well as links to where they can be bought. My publisher goes further and displays the first three chapters of the books.
I belong to dozens of lists and forums where I chat about everything and anything - not just book related. I really don't like belonging to just writers' lists because I feel that I am "preaching to the choir".
Still, I would like to approach computer stores with my books, entice them to perhaps sell CD's of my books. I live near Seattle, which one would think of as a bonus, but it seems to be the opposite. We have a goodly number of well known NY published authors in there here parts, and most of the bookstores are simply not interested in small fry. I have tried, but as I said, I am not good with face to face marketing, so if they say no, I acquiesce far too easily. I don't have a persistence bone in my body, I guess. And I have seen the results of being persistent, I just can't do it.
Any suggestions? Thoughts? Help?
JennaPrivate Reply to JennaKay Francis | | Mar 29, 2005 4:03 pm | | re: Soft marketing help needed | # | 
Seth Mellin | | Jenna,
You may want to try giving the stores you want your ebooks in a free copy of one of your books to read so that they will be impressed and say hey she is good and maybe worth selling.
Seth Mellin
SM Creative Marketing
http://www.SMCreativeMarketing.comPrivate Reply to Seth Mellin | | Apr 01, 2005 2:53 am | | re: Soft marketing help needed | # | 
Douglas Karr | | I used to question my marketing and sales skills. So, on a regular basis I forced myself to speak in public as well as attend others on sales and marketing calls. With time, I recognized the weaknesses and strengths of those who I was with. Now I watch others as they sell to me and I see what triggers my respect and my disillusionment.
After time, I started taking more of an active role in those meetings and presentations. I began to find confidence in MY passion, MY knowledge and MY experience. It showed, and people responded accordingly.
As an artist, I'm sure you have a passion for that which you create. There's no need for you to 'market' or 'sell' your product. If you do that, you will always HATE marketing and sales.
Explain your passion for your art and love for your creativity. People don't buy products. People buy people - they buy a way of life, a luxury, happiness, pride, love, or a fantasy. (They buy stuff to survive, too... but you are in a different industry.)
When you share that with people, they will want what you have and they'll be happy to pay for it. Sure, there will be the harsh business people that want to talk nickels and dimes... move on to those that recognize your products for what they can offer.
Good Luck!
DougPrivate Reply to Douglas Karr | | Apr 20, 2005 11:59 pm | | re: Soft marketing help needed | # |
Cathy Goodwin | | JennaKay,
I'd suggest you do some research on how people buy science fiction books. Do they like ebooks? Or insist on hardcover?
And why do you want to publish electronically? What are your goals for your writing?
The book business is fairly standard and, unfortunately, it's a matter of learning the "rules." If you're new to the field, I recommend attending a writing conference to learn the ropes (and maybe attract a publisher). Also subscribe to some of the PR newsletters floating around. Annie Jennings and Joan Stewart have good ones.
Cathy Goodwin
http://www.makewritingpay.com Private Reply to Cathy Goodwin | | Apr 27, 2005 9:34 pm | | re: Soft marketing help needed | # |
Bronwyn Evans | | From a readers persective my husband and I are both avid readers of fiction and Sci-Fi books, we buy on average 2 or more new books per week, but we would never consider buying a fantasy E-Book because it is much more enjoyable to sit in a comfortable spot with a normal book rather than face the eye strain of reading a book for pleasure in digital format. The only E-books I would be likely to buy would be technical or reference books. Private Reply to Bronwyn Evans | | May 06, 2005 5:48 am | | re: Soft marketing help needed | # |
Bernard Ablola | | JennaKay -
I understand how difficult it can be dealing face to face with people. However it is necessary if you want to be a successful business owner.
I was the same exact way until a friend challenged me to a game. The goal is to have a conversation with one complete stranger everyday for 31 days about your business. It does not have to be very long, but must be initiated by you. This is not only challenging but will build your confidence quickly.
You will be surprised in how many computer stores and shops are looking to Joint Venture with someone. It adds extra revenue in their pocket at no additional cost. If you give them lions share of the profit it is very difficult to say no. Make sure you have a backend and a follow up system in place. That way you will earn profits and build your customers. It will also get you in the door for future book releases.
In the books you sell point them to your website for an "Alternate Ending, Free Chapters of Your Next Book, or Free Download." Make sure you collect emails through a automated system and frequently send them updates.
Good luck on your efforts. To your success!
Bernard
www.psychology-of-body-language.com
Private Reply to Bernard Ablola | | May 06, 2005 3:36 pm | | re: re: Soft marketing help needed | # | 
Jamie Walters | | Greetings, JennaKay.
There are marketing approaches to match each person's strengths and preferences, as well as to "push the envelope". Some choose not to do the "platform speaking" thing because they find that it isn't the best or most enjoyable way for them to spread the word about their areas of passion and the products/services that can benefit others.
You're off to a good start with your web site, blog, and participation in online forums. You probably can get a sense of what the right ratios for those activities are.
You've probably seen the surveys that most people would rather get a root canal from their dentist than speak before a group? You're no alone!
If you dislike the thought of speaking, how do you feel about the thought of conversational gatherings with a smaller group, setting a friendly, low-key atmosphere? You can look for or convene salons or small-group dialogues for practicing in-person speaking, and you may find that you really enjoy it! Also, Speaking Circles might be of interest to you, as it looks at speaking in a completely different way from what we usually bring to mind.
There are no doubt other things to add to your marketing list that will give you a good mix, be enjoyable, and allow you to find some strengths and enjoyment in areas that surprise you.
Wishing you well!
Sincerely,
Jamie Walters
Founder, Ivy Sea
http://www.ivysea.comPrivate Reply to Jamie Walters | | May 07, 2005 12:25 am | | Soft marketing help needed | # | 
Gregory Allan | | >I HATE marketing.
Then you are doing the wrong kind of marketing! Marketing
can be fun and there are as many choices as there are
diversities in people.
>I have gotten comments from readers who say they like
>my style of writing. I am hoping that they will then
>check out my books as well.
Excellent. You are off to a good start then.
The real question
I have for you is 'how are you replying to those people?'
What are you saying to them? Are you simply saying 'thanks'
and moving on to something else?
Here's my point. When someone takes the time to provide you
feedback that is a GOLDEN opportunity that 95% of so called
marketers completely waste.
In fact, go one step further and come up with creative
ways to inspire even more feedback. Then make a serious
effort to connect with those people and get some dialogues
going.
Marketing can simply be the act of creating relationships.
And no you do not have to meet them face to face to do it
either.
Don't get me wrong. Can going out and meeting people help
your business? Absolutely. Of course.
But is it your only option? Not even close.
Sounds to me you are expecting things of yourself that do
not fit your personality.
Having said that though. You do have the power to accomplish
anything you want and you CAN do things you currently
consider uncomfortable.
>I don't have a persistence bone in my body, I guess.
>And I have seen the results of being persistent,
>I just can't do it.
>Any suggestions? Thoughts? Help?
Yes. Get rid of that defeating attitude! Stop selling your
Self short. As long as you tell yourself such hogwash
then it will always remain true.
Instead of 'I just can't do it'
turn it into 'I KNOW I can do it with the right attitude'
Sorry if I am oversimplying things here. I know it is a bit
of a cliche but really, let's get serious for a minute.
Most people who ever accomplished great things were NOT
anything special.
Attitude is what makes the difference.
And I won't even get into my ideas for how many other ways
you could be using your skills. I could go on and on.
You want to get physical distribution. Great, nothing
wrong with that goal.
But if you are worried about others standing in your way
(like store owners saying 'no') then consider
removing them from the picture altogether.
Am I saying you should just become another ebook author?
Not exactly. But consider the more unorthodox ways of
promoting and selling yourself.
You are a writer. Excellent. You could create an email
course series for one of your stories.
You could create a membership site that charges a modest
monthly fee.
You can create ebooks and go the extra mile by offering
resale rights to a few key people.
(tip: Giving your ebook or course, article, etc.. away
to the 'right' people for FREE can spread your name
recognition around in a matter of weeks. Then the next
product you have people will BEG to buy off of you.)
There are a million and one ways you can exploit your
abilities so please do not sell yourself short.
I would be happy to help you in any way I can.
Greg
Private Reply to Gregory Allan | | May 07, 2005 2:28 am | | re: Soft marketing help needed | # |
JennaKay Francis | | have been reading through all of the suggestions and wanted to thank everyone who responded. It got me to thinking. I have no problems with initiating a conversation - heck, I can talk to just about anyone about almost anything. Even my books. It's the selling the books part that I start waffling on. I love being in the position of teaching - have done panels and workshops before, no problem. I try to interact with everyone who sends me a message about my writing. Have found out that sometimes all they really want is a free edit, or an open door to a publisher - the first I don't have time for, the second I can't do even if I wanted to.
But all of these have given me some things to think on, so I do appreciate it!
jennaPrivate Reply to JennaKay Francis | | |
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