Book Marketing Strategies FAQ
What happens after I self-publish my book?
What is distribution?
I cancelled my book with distribution, but my book is still listed on Web sites like Amazon. Does this mean it is still available through retailers?
How do I get started marketing my book to increase book sales?
What should be considered when creating a marketing plan?
Are there any tips or guidelines to follow when contacting the media?
How can I market my book so that brick-and-mortar bookstores will shelve the book?
How can I market my book using the Internet?
What are some basic tips for setting up a Web site?
Can I get involved in large marketing events, such as trade shows and conventions?
Author Learning Center FAQs
What is the Author Learning Center?
What are the benefits of the ALC?
As a WestBow Press author, what are the details of the ALC subscription?
How often is the content on the ALC updated?
Who are the ALC experts?
How can I become an ALC expert?
What is the “Author’s Space” on the ALC website?
What is the “Book Launch Tool” on the ALC website?
What is the “Author’s Circle” on the ALC website?
What topics are covered on the ALC?
In what formats are the educational resources delivered?
How do I begin my 12-month free subscription and gain access to the ALC?
Who should I contact if I need assistance logging into my ALC account?
Why do I have to give my credit card number?
Can I get a credit or swap out the ALC 12-month subscription in my publishing package for cash, goods or other services?
Can I opt out of the ALC subscription?
Can I cancel the 12-month subscription?
App Publishing
What does the App Publishing do?What is an iPadTM ? What is an iPod touchTM? What is an iPhoneTM? What is an App?What is the Apple App StoreTM? My WestBow Press book is already live and available for purchase. Can my book become an app?Is there are page limit or word count for Apps?Can I purchase App Publishing for my black and white book?How much will my app cost to consumers?What royalties will I receive from each app sold?Can users who download my book share it with friends, colleagues or online?Can I purchase more animation or pages separately?How long will it take for my book to be turned into an app?
After you have finished the production process through WestBow Press, your book will be available for purchase through our Bookstore on our Web site. You, or anyone else, can purchase copies of your book directly through our Bookstore or through the 25,000 retailers world-wide who use the Ingram Book Network. Additionally, your book will be formatted into an E-book and will be distributed through various retail channels such as the Sony eReader store, Barnes & Noble, BooksOnBoard and more.
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Distribution means that your book will be made available to purchase to retail outlets through the Ingram Book Network. Thousands of retailers world-wide will be able to place an order for your book.
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No. We do not have direct control over other retail Web sites, and it is up to those retailers to update their Web sites. If a customer attempted to purchase the book after the title is expired, the order will not be filled and would be rejected. In rare cases, there will sometimes be one or two physical, printed copies of your book in storage. In this case, a customer could technically order the book after the title is expired. If you are concerned and wish to prevent this, you can order the book after the book's distribution is cancelled to ensure that any printed copies are sold out so that it truly is inaccessible.
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You can start putting your marketing plan together before you even write the first word of your book, but if you've already finished your manuscript, you still have plenty of time. First create your marketing plan, a document that records the actions necessary to achieve your marketing goals by defining your market, identifying your customers or target audience, identifying your competitors and outlining a strategy to attract customers.
There are a few basic decisions that must be clarified and defined regarding your book:
1. First, clearly identify your target audience, or the people who are most likely going to purchase your book. Some aspects to consider about this group include: age, sex, career, income, residence/location and education.
2. Second, identify the competition. The book market is a large and highly competitive market, but you can use this to your advantage. Find out what books are selling the most within your genre, experts in the field, your competitors' strengths and weaknesses, the selling price and market demand.
3. Third, find out how best to reach your targeted audience, whether it is through a particular magazine, Web site or geographic location.
4. Fourth, develop a statement to position your book within your targeted audience. This statement should highlight what separates your book from the crowd in a bustling book market.
5. Fifth, develop a budget for your marketing plan. How much can you realistically spend on marketing over the next year? Over the next two years? Consider the type of media you will use, promotional services and all other costs associated with marketing.
Once you have examined these important questions, the next step is to develop your marketing strategy based on theses fundamental distinctions.
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A marketing strategy is the way in which you will accomplish your marketing goals and address the "Three 'Ps' of Marketing": product, place and promotion.
PRODUCT:
First, when thinking about "product," construct a persuasive and impressive product description to emphasize the special features, selling points and uniqueness of your book. How do you wish to position your book within the targeted market? Try to shape how the customer will view your book. How will the front cover look? Remember, a book's cover is like the packaging of any other product and highly impacts how customers perceive a product. WestBow Press has professional cover designers and illustrators ready to help you will this extremely important decision.
PLACE:
"Place" is the second "P" in marketing. Consider where the best locations are to reach your targeted audience. This includes cities and the types of selling channels. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of the locations you choose. For example, choosing New York City might be advantageous if it's your hometown because of your local connection. However, it is disadvantageous because the area is overly saturated with publications and releases, so your efforts could be lost in the crowd. Also remember your targeted audience and where to find them when choosing locations. Consider if you want to reach customers through WestBow Press' Bookstore channel only, online channels only, or brick-and-mortar retail sales. WestBow Press offers an ISBN and Channel Distribution through the Ingram Book Network, which will allow your book to be available through thousands of online and brick-and-mortar retail outlets. We also offer the Booksellers Return Program, which is extremely beneficial if you desire to sell your book through physical bookstores. It enables retailers to return your book if it doesn't sell, so they feel more comfortable taking a chance on a lesser known title or author.
PROMOTION:
"Promotion" is the third "P", and involves specifying the advertising platforms, forms of media, promotional efforts, marketing products and networking that you will use to spread the word about your book. Your promotional efforts should encompass various forms of media utilizing all kinds of avenues and efforts. There are tons of different options to consider. You could run an ad in a local newspaper, magazine or newsletter, or convince the media to print a review of your book or an interview with you. WestBow Press offers various services that can help you get more review and interview requests.You can even hire a personal publicist through WestBow Press for maximum results. Try networking with leaders or other experts in the field or fellow authors in order to gain endorsements for use on promotional items, such as Web sites, posters, flyers and postcards.
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When dealing with media, retailers and anyone else in the market, always remember to be professional, polite and direct. Also, you should always follow-up with your contacts. If you distribute a press release to the media, contact them within a week or two. Do not expect results without a follow-up effort.
When you do follow up with an editor or reporter to whom you've directed your press release, do not ask whether he or she received your news release because the answer will mostly like be "no," followed by the person hanging up. Instead, tell the editor who you are and that you sent him or her a news release related to your book. Explain that you are calling to provide further information in writing a story, review, or scheduling an interview. Also reiterate that you can send him or her a free review copy of your book. Mention any recent scheduled appearances, book signings, or other events that have occurred since you sent the release.
Be considerate of an organization's right to turn you down, and simply move on to the next one. You can consider following up 90 days later, unless told otherwise, with those who initially were not interested in an interview, book signing or review.
If you are scheduled for an interview, there are a few tips to prepare before the date. Some questions to consider are: How did you come up with the idea for the book? What is your background, education, and/or other interests? Is there anything interesting about research you conducted for your book, such as interesting facts, or the mode of research collection? How does your book connect with local interests in the area your interview will be broadcast? What other works or authors have inspired you? Practice answering these and other questions with confidence. If the interview is actually in person (not over the phone), practice speaking in front of a mirror to express confident and relaxed gestures and body language.
You should also have promotional material at your finger tips when networking. Personalized material adds a professional touch to mailings or invitations to book signings and events. You can customize letterhead and envelopes, business cards and postcards through WestBow Press. We also offer a ready-to-go kit for book signings or events, including full-color posters to put up in the store, flyers to raise awareness and postcards to mail out.
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When marketing your book to physical bookstore, first make sure to include necessary book features during the publication of your book, such as a well designed cover and interior, edited content, retail distribution through Ingram, and a WestBow Press ISBN. These features are necessary for your book to be seriously considered by a retailer. You should also consider the Retail Returns Insurance so that retailers will be more likely to purchase copies of your book knowing they can be refunded if the book does not sell.
Once your book is published, start by contacting the manager to set up a book signing, speaking event, reading at a local store and/or library or any other venue to build local interest. This will help book sales once your book is on the shelf. Next, try to organize a book selling event with a smaller, independent book store to gain experience and local interest. By the time you move on to approach the larger chains, you can provide examples of your success and will have more local support. Always be courteous to the managers you encounter, have business cards, a sample copy of the book and a press kit on hand you can leave with the manager. Always follow up if they cannot give you a concrete answer right away.
It's important to understand that some retail bookstores, especially chains, have a policy against ordering books that they cannot return for a refund. By having the Booksellers Return Program, you can side-step this obstacle common to many self-published authors.
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A growing number of authors use the Internet to help market their book. Setting up a Web page is a simple way to stake your claim online. After establishing your own personal Web site, or using the Web page provided on our WestBow Press Bookstore, you can include your domain name on all of our marketing material to spread the word about your site. Adding a Web address to business cards, posters, postcards, flyers, and letterheads is an excellent way to direct more traffic to your Web site.
It is extremely helpful to spread your book to all of the various popular retail sites, such as amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, and more. Many customers are loyal to a particular retail Web sites because they prefer it over others or simply out of habit.
Utilizing the search programs already supplied by popular search engines, such as Google and Amazon, will help increase Internet visibility.
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A basic outline of pages to consider including in your Web site are a home page, book-detail page (one for each title), book reviews or other media appearances, events calendar, blog or diary, and a links page.
Choose your domain name wisely. First, choose a name that is logical, such as the title of your book or your name. It should also be short, so if the title is long, do not use the entire title. Second, use words that are easy and simple to spell. Don't use your last name if you usually have to tell people how to spell it, or if it's an uncommon spelling; just use an initial instead. Third, consider registering more than one domain name with different suffixes (.com or .net) and different spellings if there are multiple for a word you are using (such as grey and gray) or if the word is commonly misspelled (in which case, you may want to reconsider your choice). Lastly, your choice must be available. If someone else already registered your top pick, unfortunately, you're out of luck.
Use keywords to ensure your Web site is found through common searches. Pack the opening homepage and the first paragraph on each page with words that represent you and your book effectively. Try to think from an Internet users' perspective and speak the language of your targeted audience. What keywords would someone search for if they were looking for a book like yours? Advanced users can utilize the metadata, or keywords about your Web site, on each Web page, which search engines use to organize their search results.
Make sure your Web site is easy to navigate, edited, and contains current information. Update your site on a regular basis to avoid outdated material and keep your viewers informed by posting upcoming events, appearances and signings. Get your audience involved by posting an interactive blog. Help them get to know you with an online diary relating to your book, events, or personal stories. Never post anything that you are not comfortable disclosing to the general public.
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Yes, you can get involved in large marketing events such as book trade shows and fairs, conferences and conventions, and book festivals by researching upcoming events and personally contacting their organizers. However, before you sign up, make sure you have plenty of information about the event. Determine if the event is right for you by analyzing the cost/benefit balance. What are your goals? How much exposure or book sales can you gain? What will the total cost be for reserving a selling booth, creating an attractive display, plus the cost of food and travel? Also, find out if you will able to reach your specific targeted audience. Once you've fully researched an event, you'll be able to make an informed decision whether or not to get involved.
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What is the Author Learning Center?
The Author Learning Center (ALC) is an online education resource designed to help authors succeed in writing, publishing and marketing their book projects. One of the publishing industry's largest collections of content, the ALC offers guidance to enhance writing style, help writers set deadlines and goals – and stick with them to the end – guide writers toward book completion, expedite the publishing process and plan effective marketing. Until now, the path from writer to author has been a complicated – and often frustrating – affair. The ALC can help writers reach their publishing goal through education, motivation and inspiration.
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What are the benefits of the ALC?
- Education tools in multiple formats: Our growing library of content means authors choose the type of material that fits their learning style, whether they prefer to read articles, watch videos, attend webinars and workshops or interact with other learners.
- Social community of peers: You gain access to a social community of peers, the Author’s Circle, to provide feedback and support
- Accessible 24/7: Online access means you can learn at your convenience.
- Access to industry experts and professional authors: Can join the conversation and learn directly from the pros during live online webinars or by viewing our unique "Ask the Expert" and "Ask the Author" segments.
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As a WestBow Press author, what are the details of the ALC subscription?
As of March 7, 2011, a 12-month subscription is included in all publishing packages giving you access to all the ALC content.
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How often is the content on the ALC updated?
Fresh content is added weekly.
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Who are the ALC experts?
- Traditional and self-published authors
- Literary Publishers
- Editors
- Literary Planners
- Marketing Brand Managers
- Experienced Literary Marketing Executives
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How can I become an ALC expert?
If you are an expert in writing, publishing, and/or marketing, you may e-mail us at authorlearningcenter@authorsolutions.com to learn more about becoming one of our experts.
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What is the “Author’s Space” on the ALC website?
The Author’s Space is your personal homepage on the ALC website where you can manage the following tasks:
- Keep track of all of your books in progress, including at-a-glance updates of any writing, publishing and marketing learning resources.
- Customize your Author’s Space with a photo and brief biography.
- Organize your personal list of ALC resources. The key section of the Author’s Space is the Author Development area, a portal to a library of educational content. The ALC recommends the type of materials you may find useful, based on where you are in your author journey, as well as previous searches.
- Flag favorites in My Resources
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What is the “Book Launch Tool” on the ALC website?
Because accountability is one of the keys to achieving any goal, you will be asked to set a date for your publishing goal when you first visit the ALC. Every time you visit the ALC, you will have gentle reminders of each upcoming deadline in your book writing journey. This will help you keep track of your progress and make sure you are on track to meet your deadline.
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What is the “Author’s Circle” on the ALC website?
The Author’s Circle is a mentoring resource with the following features:
- Specially invited guests can review and comment on work-in-progress or simply offer encouragement to help you reach publishing goals.
- Each book has its own Author’s Circle.
- Each Circle can have up to seven members.
- You are in control of who gets invited to join your Circle(s), and in turn may be invited to help mentor other authors by joining their Circles.
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What topics are covered on the ALC?
The topics covered on the ALC are writing, publishing and marketing.
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In what formats are the educational resources delivered?
- Videos featuring industry experts, which fall into two categories:
- Ask the Expert: An up close and personal seat with publishing industry experts as they share industry secrets and advice.
- Ask the Author: Lets writers peer into the minds of established authors looking to share their expertise.
- Podcasts available for download
- Webinars, both live and on demand
- Interviews
- Articles
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How do I begin my 12-month free subscription and gain access to the ALC?
Your Check-In Coordinator will provide you with your log-in details.
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Who should I contact if I need assistance logging into my ALC account?
You can contact an ALC representative in the following ways:
E-mail: authorsupport@authorlearningcenter.com
Phone: 866-697-5312
Postal Address:
Author Learning Center
1663 Liberty Drive
Bloomington, IN 47403
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Why do I have to give my credit card number?
Entry of your credit card number is required in order to complete the registration on ALC. However, your card will not be charged for 12 months. If you do not cancel your ALC account before the 12 months free subscription expires, your card on file will automatically be charged to renew the annual subscription.
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Can I get a credit or swap out the ALC 12-month subscription in my publishing package for cash, goods or other services?
No, the subscription cannot be redeemed for cash, credit or other services or books.
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Can I opt out of the ALC subscription?
Yes, you can opt out of the ALC subscription by simply not registering for the ALC account.
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Can I cancel the 12-month subscription?
Yes, you can cancel. There is absolutely no obligation to continue the ALC subscription beyond the period of your choice. Any time during your 12-month subscription, you can simply delete the account in your ALC profile or by contacting an ALC representative. Please note: Once you cancel your subscription, you must pay for a subscription if you decide to sign up for the ALC again in the future.
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App Publishing
What does the App Publishing do?
Your book will be converted into an app and will be available on the App Store where users can download your book on their iPad, iPhone or iPod touch. We now have the Revolution App add-on service to any of our Color Publishing Packages. Plus, you can create some buzz about your app with the App Launch Campaign.
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What is an iPadTM?
An iPad is the first tablet computer from Apple. A revolutionary device for reading e-books, browsing the web, reading and sending e-mail, enjoying photos, watching videos, listening to music, playing games and much more. Apple began selling iPads in July 2010 and worldwide sales are projected to hit 15 million by 2011.
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What is an iPod touchTM?
First, there was an Apple iPod, a portable device for storing and playing audio files. iPods can hold anywhere from a few hundred to ten thousand songs. Launched on Oct. 23, 2001, more than 275 million iPods have been sold since.
Now with enhanced resolution, graphics and text look incredibly crisp and sharp on the display screen making it an ideal time to introduce your book as an app. Launched in September 2007, more than 32 million iPod touch units have sold as of the end of 2009.
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What is an iPhoneTM?
The iPhone is Apple's first Internet-enabled Smartphone. It combines the features of a mobile phone, wireless Internet device, and iPod into one package.
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What is an App?
An app is an abbreviation for application. An app is a piece of software. It can run on the Internet, on your computer, or on your phone or other electronic device. You’ll find more than 250,000 apps in Apple’s App Store.
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What is the Apple App StoreTM?
The App Store is a service for the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad offered by Apple Inc., which allows users to browse and download applications. As of September 2010, there are more than 250,000 applications officially available on the App Store, with more than 6.5 billion total downloads.
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My WestBow Press book is already live and available for purchase. Can my book become an app?
Yes, if your book is already live with WestBow Press, and you published using one of our color Children's Publishing Packages (Color Essential, Color Pro, Color Premier), you can still utilize the two App Publishing services: (1) Revolution App and (2) App Launch Campaign.
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Is there are page limit or word count for Apps?
Yes, there is a word count limit of 1,000 words for the Revolution App. If your children's color book is more than 1,000 words, talk to your Publishing Consultant for a custom quote.
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Can I purchase App Publishing for my black and white book?
No, App Publishing is currently only available for books that utilize one of the following Color Publishing packages: Color Essential, Color Pro, Color Premier. Books published through other packages are not eligible.
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How much will my app cost to consumers?
Your app will be available in the Apple App Store for $1.99 for an iPhone, iPod touch or iPad download.
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What royalties will I receive from each app sold?
You will receive 50% of each app sold.
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Can users who download my book share it with friends, colleagues or online?
No, your work is protected, and app users aren’t able to share your book.
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Can I purchase more animation or pages separately?
We have custom animations available, so call your Publishing Consultant at 866.928.1240 for a quote.
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How long will it take for my book to be turned into an app?
The process takes up to 60 days.
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